Show notes
In this episode, we speak with Eric Peterson, co-founder and co-director of the Tula Foundation and founder of the Hakai Institute. Eric reflects on selling his medical imaging company, Mitra, and choosing to mobilize nearly all of the proceeds into science-driven initiatives focused on coastal research in British Columbia and public health programs in Guatemala.He shares why he sees himself as an operator rather than a philanthropist, why he believes wealth should be put to work rather than preserved, and how long-term relationships with local communities and First Nations have shaped his approach.A thoughtful conversation on wealth mobilization, leadership, and building public impact in an unpredictable world.This episode also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the podcast, with Jonathan Harline, Titilayo Adedeji, Mandy Pui, and Mekayla Dionne joining as new hosts for the season.TAKEAWAYS-Eric Peterson transitioned from a tech entrepreneur to philanthropy-He emphasizes the importance of personal involvement-Building relationships with communities is crucial for lasting results-Collaboration with Indigenous Nations strengthens project success-Wealth mobilization can create more impact than wealth preservation-Philanthropy is about putting resources to work efficiently-Collaboration plays a central role in addressing global challenges-Planning for the future is complex in an unpredictable world-People are central to successful initiatives-Work should be meaningful and enjoyableCHAPTERS00:00 Journey from Tech to Philanthropy02:44 Transitioning from Donor to Operator05:29 The Importance of People in Philanthropy08:10 Building Relationships with First Nations10:50 Collaborative Science and Community Engagement19:28 Empowering Organizations Through Modern Techniques20:27 The Philosophy of Spending Down23:28 Investment vs Philanthropy: Understanding the Ecosystem26:01 Rejecting Labels: The True Nature of Philanthropy29:33 Reflections on Life Choices and Future GenerationsVISIT OUR WEBSITEMPNL Website: https://www.carleton.ca/mpnl/FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIATwitter: https://x.com/mpnlcarletonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carletonmpnl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpnlcarletonCREDITSGuest: Eric PetersonCo-founder and Co-director of the Tula Foundation and Founder of the Hakai InstituteTula Website: https://tula.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-peterson-a0672826bFoundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tula-foundationHOSTSJonathan HarlineLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankharline/Mandy PuiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-pui-2259617b/Titilayo AdedejiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/titilayoadedeji/Mekayla DionneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekayla-dionne-57b091234/PRODUCTIONKeenliiWebsite: www.keenlii.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/SUBSCRIBE AND ENGAGEIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and leave a review. Let us know what topics you would like us to explore next.SUPPORT OUR PODCASTHelp us bring you more insightful stories by sharing this episode with fellow nonprofit leaders and changemakers.ABOUT PHILANTHROTHINKPhilanthroThink complements Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program. In each episode, we sit down with wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers to explore the real challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the sector at home and abroad.