The world can be a difficult place, and at the end of the day we can all use a little more kindness in our lives.

As Mr. Rogers said it best in times of trouble, “look for the helpers.”

Well, we’ve found one.

For our final episode of Season 2, we were fortunate to welcome Rafi Yablonsky, the executive director of the Canadian Shaare Zedek Hospital Foundation.

Although based in Toronto, Rafi raises money for Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, a pioneering medical facility which exports its research and discoveries to hospitals around the world.

If you’ve encountered Rafi at all or are familiar with his work within the Canadian Jewish community, you would know that his current role is completely on brand. Aside from his professional life working with nonprofits, Rafi has spent years building a personal brand centred around kindness.

With a vast network, he’s usually the first to come to the aid of anyone in trouble. He’s constantly offering to facilitate introductions, make recommendations, or offer strategic advice for others’ benefit.

We had Rafi on the show at a time of serious struggle for Toronto’s Jewish community, where Rafi is an established leader. Antisemitism has been on a steady rise for months, with threats and incidents taking place right in his own backyard. Yet to his credit, Rafi has never stopped leading with kindness.

Alicia and Shaun took the time to ask Rafi about

• His journey into the world of fundraising

• What keeps him motivated to help others

• How he manages to keep a positive disposition in a difficult world

• Whose philanthropy he looks up to

• What advice he has for someone looking to lead with kindness

We also looked at some of our favourite kind celebrities, including a couple of names that may surprise you!

On a personal note, we want to thank you all so much for listening to and watching our podcast. We’ve decided to cut Season 2 a little short, but we’re excited to return to the air for Season 3 with new guests, and maybe even a new format! Stay tuned!

In the meantime, if you get a craving in the off season and want to check out our old episodes, you can do that at:

https://www.brandingandthebeast.com

Or on our Youtube channel

OR wherever you get your podcasts!

Want to follow our professional journeys? You can find us here

Alicia Disantis - 38th and Kip Design and Branding

https://38andkip.com/

IG: @38andkip

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/38th-kip-design-marketing/

Shaun Bernstein - The Write Stuff Agency

https://www.thewritestuff.agency/

IG: @thewritestuffagency

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-bernstein/