The Shared Brain Podcast
The Shared Brain Podcast is produced by Global Philanthropic Canada, a group of Canadian consultants delivering professional and accessible fundraising counsel. We’re forward-thinking experts working alongside hundreds of Canada’s most impactful organizations making a difference in our communities. We want to move the conversation forward about philanthropy in Canada, sharing best practices, client success stories and more. Join in the fun! Let's Elevate Mission Together.
Le balado Shared Brain est produit par Global Philanthropic Canada. Nous sommes des experts avant-gardistes canadiens qui travaillent conjointement avec des centaines d’organisations canadiennes les plus influentes qui font une différence au sein de nos communautés. On célèbre la philanthropie en mettant en lumière divers organismes et personnes inspirantes à travers le Canada, on partage des conseils et des exemples de réussite pour inspirer votre organisation et on s’amuse en apprenant ! Nous travaillons ensemble au service de votre mission.
The Shared Brain Podcast
The Hidden Cost of Passion: Preventing Burnout in the Nonprofit Sector
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Passion is one of the nonprofit sector’s greatest strengths. It fuels missions, inspires change, and drives people to make a difference every day. But what happens when that same passion becomes the very thing putting people at risk?
In this episode of The Shared Brain Podcast, Theresa Bolton, Founder of Customized Recruitment, and Derek Rolstone, CEO & Founder of Stone HR Strategies, take an honest look at burnout in the nonprofit sector and why it has become one of the most pressing challenges facing organizations today.
Together, they explore the realities behind the statistics, the warning signs leaders often miss, and why burnout is frequently mistaken for performance issues, disengagement, or lack of commitment. From emotional exhaustion and decision fatigue to quiet quitting, absenteeism, and presenteeism, this conversation uncovers how burnout affects both individuals and organizations.
Theresa and Derek also share practical strategies nonprofit leaders can implement to create healthier workplaces, support employee well-being, encourage healthy boundaries, and build sustainable organizational cultures where people can thrive without sacrificing themselves for the mission.
Whether you're a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, HR professional, board member, manager, or frontline team member, this episode offers valuable insights to help you recognize burnout early and protect the people behind the cause.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why burnout is so prevalent in the nonprofit sector
• The difference between passion and overwork
• Key emotional, physical, and workplace signs of burnout
• How leaders can identify burnout in themselves and their teams
• Why vacations, boundaries, and recovery matter more than ever
• Practical ways to create a healthier workplace culture
• How Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and external support can help
One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation:
"Healthy organizations are built by healthy people."
Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with practical advice, real-world experience, and actionable takeaways for anyone committed to creating a sustainable future for nonprofit work.
Watch our story unfold here!
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