Thursday, 29th July 2010.

The Director's Viewpoint

Updates, insights, and observations from our Executive Director, Chris Wignall


Posted on Sunday, 30th August 2009 by chris wignall

When I work with young leaders we often spend some time discussing the difficulty of figuring out and finding a good context in which to lead. We spend some time exploring their personal history, a variety of profiling tools, and some sincere discussion to help identify the kinds of settings in which they can be [...]

Posted in Leadership | Comments (1)

Posted on Tuesday, 25th August 2009 by chris wignall

I try to readd at least one book each year that takes me into a field where I really know very little so I can stretch my brain. Sometimes it works well (reading the Quantum Zoo a couple years ago introduced me to advanced physics in a fascinating way), sometimes not so much.
This summer I [...]

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Posted on Friday, 21st August 2009 by chris wignall

Another couple conversations with another couple young leaders from another couple organizations that are trying to do meaningful work for the benefit of serious and significant issues. And once again, we found ourselves about the challenge of dealing with a board of directors.
My observation: people who start things, especially when they are young adults, are [...]

Posted in Leadership, Vision | Comments (1)

Posted on Friday, 21st August 2009 by chris wignall

The global humanitarian crises are desperate and sadly appear all too permanent. Statistics and stories from boooks like Billion Bootstraps, Out of Poverty, and Dead Aid reveal the lasting ineffectiveness of the billions we’ve poured into the developing world for decades. There has to be a better way.
At the recent Willow Creek Leadership Summit Andrew [...]

Posted in Catalyst, Philanthropy, Resources, Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Posted on Tuesday, 18th August 2009 by chris wignall

I’m always intrigued by innovative ideas about doing good in the world; particularly when they shed light on cultural assumptions that have little basis in fact. Dan Pallotta, writing at Free The Non Profits is doing just that this week.
He argues that (in the USA) current tax laws could and should be changed to allow [...]

Posted in Philanthropy | Comments (1)

Posted on Monday, 17th August 2009 by chris wignall

Catalyst is now requesting submissions for our fall granting cycle. Details are available at: http://www.catalystfoundation.ca/applications
If you or anyone you know is involved with a Canadian charity that is facing a specific leadership hurdle and needs $2000-7000 to reach a higher level as an organization please consider an application.
Past Encouragement Grants have supported staff training, event [...]

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