Author Archives: Alison Pidskalny

No Regrets: Fulfilling Unfulfilled Ambitions

Hands up if you wanted to be a vet when you grew up. Seems that vet ambitions are pretty common for young girls. I’ve long since let go of that dream (I pass out at the sight of blood), but still hang onto another dream I’ve had since I was 8. Like many other 70sContinue reading “No Regrets: Fulfilling Unfulfilled Ambitions”

How can bad grants happen: a theory

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The fall funding binge, be it grants or loans being cut, is an exciting time of promise…whether a biofuel scale-up, youth mental health charity or, as was the case this week, an affordable First Nations housing project.  It’s also a time when some ask, “Why that project?”Continue reading “How can bad grants happen: a theory”

Is our mental health the after-shock?

I was talking with a friend today and her tone was markedly different. The upbeat person I know was replaced by someone who was brimming with anger.  For her, the anger was targeted at the closure of the national parks. It was the final straw, on top of so much rapid change to life, work,Continue reading “Is our mental health the after-shock?”

Found your short-shortlist yet?

I have a confession. OK, here goes… My professional and personal life was smoke-and-mirrors. What I project likely gives the impression of an orderly life, a career full of intention, surrounded by loads of family fun.  It’s a lot of smoke-and-mirrors. It was easy to keep the trickery going, with a busy, busy, busy workContinue reading “Found your short-shortlist yet?”

Non-Profits in Times of Crisis

In times of dramatic change or crisis, the stakes are particularly high for non-profits.  There is much that separates the work of non-profits from business, and these distinctions need to inform how we respond in times of dramatic change or crisis. According to ViTreo, a Calgary-based fundraising consultancy, non-profit organizations are uniquely vulnerable. Most operate withContinue reading “Non-Profits in Times of Crisis”

Weinstein verdict = work + power

Harvey Weinstein is guilty. We can now add his guilt to what seems to be an ever-growing pile of bad behaviour coming from the shadows across our country. At a YW Calgary lunch on Wednesday with @JodiKantor and @MeganTwohey, authors of the Weinstein expose titled She Said, Jodi reminded us, “This is not about sex,Continue reading “Weinstein verdict = work + power”

I Have Covid. Why the Shame?

My entire household tested positive for Covid this week. The diagnoses came like a slow-moving take-down of a house of cards. One by one, the POSITIVE texts arrived from Alberta Health Services (AHS). And since then I’ve been baffled by my embarrassment. It was the first feeling I expressed to my husband. I didn’t sayContinue reading “I Have Covid. Why the Shame?“