I swore I would get through at least two pieces of thanks for Gander Gratitude Week per day, so despite it being 8pm, I’m doing it. Let’s talk about Peter Dinsdale for a moment.
About six weeks ago, we started the hunt for people who could help us navigate community impact in Canada.
There are incredible folks across the country doing difficult and important work in communities every day… but what we were looking for was someone who could help us reach those people.
Nevertheless, I floated our search out to a few people. And like all things Gander, a great Canadian stepped up with an answer.
Within a few days, my longtime friend and colleague Jarrett Laughlin from Sprig Learning responded to my text with: “Oh, you mean Peter Dinsdale.”
When I saw his profile, it was obvious why.
Peter is not only the CEO of YMCA Canada (where he works with communities across the country) and the former CEO of the Assembly of First Nations, but he’s spent his career improving the lives of youth, supporting equity in First Nations housing, and bridging connections in Canada’s innovation space.
From our first meeting, Peter was all in. Both as an advisor and an investor. And given his experience, I’m overwhelmingly grateful.
But more than that, he’s just easy to talk to. Speaking with Peter feels almost like talking to that great high school teacher you had who was always ready to listen, ask thoughtful questions, challenge your thinking, and then help set you on the right path.
Between that and his enthusiasm for Gander, I can’t express just how grateful we are for his support.
Thanks, Peter. Looking forward to much more.
