While AI dominates the media, human connection and authenticity remains crucial. 

Authenticity in donor and client relationships is highly valued, but it's not always easy. Stress can trigger the "fight, flight, or freeze" response making it tempting to avoid picking up the phone or visiting in person. You're not alone in facing these difficulties.

Join us to discover how to harness both emotion and logic to help you feel confident during visits and in phone calls to build trust and transformative relationships. The positive news is that emotional agility is a skill that can be developed through learning and practice.   

Join our supportive community of practice where we'll provide guidance and structure to help you apply your learning about the science of emotion, and how our fears and values guide decisions. Hear tips and best practices from gift planners, financial planners, and lawyers with years of experience. Together, we'll create actionable steps to enhance your sense of control and conquer fears that may sap your energy. By deepening our understanding of each other on an emotional level, we can find joy in our work, reduce burnout, and combat donor fatigue.

2 sessions allowing you time in between to apply your learning in your own practice. 
Join us Oct 26 8:00am in person, for the keynote address with Dr. Shahana, followed by a panel discussion with experienced gift planners, lawyers, and financial planners.
Reconnect on Nov 30 9am-10am via zoom. Hear from others on what worked well and ask questions in a safe and supported environment, take away more tips to refine your approach in preparation for donor / client visits. 

Keynote speaker

Dr. Shahana, Family Physician, professional speaker, and mental health expert

Dr. Shahana Alibhai is a professional speaker, Family Physician and mental health expert who helps audiences build emotional resiliency. Her insights are highly sought after and she’s been featured in multiple major media including CTV and Global. She is best known for her “Emotional Literacy for Better Mental Health” TEDx talk and as a panelist at International Women’s Day. Dr. Shahana is a master at blending her personal story of postpartum anxiety and the resulting shame, denial and mental health challenges with her professional background in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation. Her refreshing honesty will shine light on a topic that is too often stigmatized and inspire authentic dialogue to keep the conversation moving forward.

Click here for Dr. Shahana’s Biography

Panel leader

Ms. Cary Gaymond, CFRE, Director, Philanthropy Alumni Relations, Capilano University

Panelists

Nicole Garton, TEP is the President of Heritage Trust Company Inc. and the principal lawyer of Heritage Law.  Nicole is recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada for trusts and estates and is the Past Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Wills and Trusts Subsection (Vancouver).

Grant Monck LL.B., Senior Counsel with PGgrowth, has over 25 years of experience as a board member, consultant and senior fundraiser. Grant has worked with community and hospital foundations, education, environmental, health, indigenous, religious and social service organizations across Canada. 

Ian Robertson is a Portfolio Manager, Director, and Vice President of Odlum Brown Limited, and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He is a regular speaker and writer on responsible investment. Ian holds undergraduate degrees from UBC and graduate degrees from Dalhousie and Carleton universities, and a post-graduate diploma from the University of Oxford. Ian is a longstanding community volunteer.

Cary Gaymond, a Certified Fundraising Executive with CFRE International, has 4 decades of international fundraising experience in post-secondary education, social services, and healthcare charities with a specialization in major and legacy giving.  Cary leads Capilano University's philanthropy and alumni relations team and is deeply committed to volunteerism and lifelong learning through memberships with CASE, CAGP, AFP, and Estate Planning Council Vancouver.