NEXT CHPTR CHATS was born of the need a community where women come together to explore ideas for their next best chapter. Every other week we sit down to talk with amazing women about their journey to fulfillment and direction as they explore their next chapter.
This week we sat down with Penelope Mathieson, a Canadian who climbed the corporate ladder to the top and then decided to switch directions and give back. After years as General Manager for MTM Recognition and Jostens Inc, the industry leader in employee recognition platforms and web applications, Penelope started to question what she really wanted as her legacy in life.
“I loved my job, I loved the industry, but I felt there was more to give,” says Penelope. “I had always been involved in charity work and volunteerism. The sheer joy I received by knowing I was helping others, made the decision to transfer professionally to the not-for-profit sector made sense.”
“I also knew that it wouldn’t be a straight and easy transition,” continued Penelope. “When I had made the decision to move to the not-for-profit sector, I knew I would need new skills. I enrolled in the in the Professional Fundraising Program with the Association of Fundraising Professionals and received my Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) certification in my fifties. I guess, in essence, I went back to school.”
“I knew when I transitioned into the not-for-profit world that I would be stepping back. I would be taking on mid-level roles at a much lower pay level than what I’d been used to,” says Penelope. “I thought I was ready. I had been warned by my Mentor, Rick Tobias who was the CEO of Yonge Street Mission. I had volunteered for the foundation and served on the Executive Committee for years. So, when I decided I would follow my heart and enter the world of fundraising full time, I sought out Rick’s counsel. He really tested my desire for a new direction, asking if I really knew what I was getting into, but when I convinced him, I really was willing to make the sacrifices to move in this direction, he provided the guidance and council I needed to succeed.”
“I had already sat on a variety of Board Appointments before I made this move. I sat on the Board of Directors for the Art Gallery of Mississauga and chaired the board from 2018 to 2024. I was Vice President of the Board for the Trillium Health Centre, and I currently sit on the Board of Directors for the Red Door Family Shelter and the Vice President, Board of Volunteers for the Trillium Health Centre.”
“I’ve now worked in the not-for-profit world for 11 years. My first role was with the Family Transition Place (the largest family shelter in Ontario). Followed by working with the Alzheimer’s Foundation.”
“I’ve served in a number of positions over the years including:
Regional Manager of Fundraising for Canadian Blood Services, Major Gifts and Events
Senior Community Engagement Officer for the Alzheimer Foundation Hamilton and Halton
Executive Director for Oakville Meals on Wheels
Interim Fundraising Professional for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.
Interim Executive Director of the Art Gallery of Mississauga
I’m currently the Managing Director of Love Peace Harmony Foundation
I also love being a mentor and have helped several people transition into the not-for-profit world.”
A quick summary of the full interview follows:
Midlife Pivots and Navigating the Next Chapter
Penelope Mathieson discusses midlife pivots sharing her journey of transitioning from a corporate career to the non-profit sector, highlighting the importance of finding purpose, passion, and human connection as we navigate the changes that come with midlife and aging. She also discusses her plans to launch a new initiative called 'Sticks and Stones' to help bridge the generational divide and provide mentorship opportunities for younger generations struggling with the challenges of the digital age.
Penelope's Background
Penelope started her career in the advertising industry, where she excelled and moved up the ranks. She then worked for Revlon and spent 10 years as a general manager at MTM. During this time, she became involved in volunteering with organizations like the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and HIV movement, which sparked her interest in the non-profit sector. After reaching a point in her corporate career where she felt she wanted to do more, Penelope decided to transition to the non-profit world. She obtained her accreditation as a professional fundraiser and rebranded herself to work in the non-profit space, driven by a desire to be of service.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Penelope faced some challenges in her transition, as non-profit organizations can be wary of corporate types. However, she persevered and found great fulfillment in her work, particularly in the sense of purpose and the ability to directly help those in need. Penelope emphasizes the importance of having a sense of purpose, continual learning, and curiosity as keys to successful aging. She also discusses the need for more representation and visibility of older, vibrant women in society.
Penelope's Next Chapter
At 70 years old, Penelope is still energetic and ambitious. She plans to continue her work in the non-profit sector, including launching a new initiative called Sticks and Stones to help address mental health issues and lack of human connectivity among younger generations. Penelope also envisions herself traveling extensively, particularly in Italy, in the coming years, while maintaining a sense of purpose and contribution.
Conclusion
The conversation highlights the importance of finding purpose, maintaining physical and mental health, and fostering intergenerational connections as key elements of successful aging. Penelope's story serves as an inspiring example of how women can reinvent themselves and make meaningful contributions at any stage of life.
For the full interview https://sites.libsyn.com/477528/giving-back-feeds-the-soul
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