Digging Deep

di GFD

Stagione 1

Strength in Unity: Why a National Association Matters More Than Ever

Why our National voice in Funeral Service can not be ignored. In this episode, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley digs into the power of national collaboration in the deathcare sector with two inspiring leaders: Shari Yearwood, Managing Director at New Haven Funeral Centre, and Kollin Weatherbee, Owner of Sydney Memorial Chapel. As Members of the Funeral Service Association of Canada Board (FSAC), Shari and Kollin discuss why now, more than ever, is the time for our profession to come together under one national voice. From advocacy and standards to shared community goals, this episode is a call to unity and action. Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. GFD of Canada | LinkedIn

S1 · E14

24 lug 2025

20:22

Changing Attitudes Towards Death: How Millennials Will Shape the Deathcare Sector

The way we think about planning for death is changing. In episode #12 of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD, Heather Kiteley, talks with Meghan Henning, Board Director at GFD and Manager at Lakefield Cemetery, to discuss how millennials are rewriting the rules of the deathcare sector. Meghan and Heather explore what is shaping the future and what it means for professionals working in the deathcare space.

S1 · E13

26 giu 2025

16:41

Digital Evolution: How Technology is Transforming Funeral Prearranging With Bradley Jones

How are digital tools shaping the future of funeral preplanning? Digital transformation is making funeral pre-arrangements more accessible. In this episode, President and CEO Heather Kiteley has a discussion with Bradley Jones from Ridley Funeral Home on “Digital Evolution-How Technology is Transforming Pre-Arranging.” They discuss the growing interest of families pre-planning digitally and ways funeral professionals can keep up with the evolving needs of the families they serve. Follow us on LinkedIn for exclusive podcast content! https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada

S1 · E12

12 giu 2025

19:04

Finding Common Ground: Managing Family Conflicts in the Cemetery Setting With Rebecca Kit

Ever wonder how cemeterians handle conflict with families? Bereavement professionals frequently navigate emotionally charged situations involving grieving families. In this episode of Digging Deep, Rebecca Kitt from Woodlawn Memorial shares her strategies with host Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, for resolving conflicts with empathy, professionalism, and fairness. They discuss what it means to “Find Common Ground: Managing Family Conflicts in Cemeteries.” Follow us on LinkedIn for exclusive podcast content! https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada

S1 · E11

29 mag 2025

21:16

Transitioning and Thriving in the Deathcare Sector With Bill Denning

Wondering how funeral professionals are evolving to serve the changing needs of families? Navigating a career in the deathcare sector presents unique challenges. In this episode, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, speaks with Bill Denning, owner of Denning Funeral Homes, about “Transitioning and Thriving in the Deathcare Sector.” They break down how funeral directors can thrive by embracing change, adapting to family needs, and fostering an open-minded approach to service. Follow us on LinkedIn for exclusive podcast content! https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada

S1 · E10

15 mag 2025

19:17

Upholding Trust: Financial Compliance in the Bereavement Sector With Hamza Majid

How can trust be built through financial compliance? Financial compliance is not just about regulations - it is about trust. In this episode of “Digging Deep”, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, sits down with Hamza Majid from the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) to discuss financial best practices, financial compliance, and how funeral and cemetery professionals can maintain transparency. Follow us on LinkedIn for exclusive podcast content! https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada

S1 · E9

1 mag 2025

21:33

Cultural Shifts and the Rise of Celebratory Funerals With Wes Elmes

Is the way we say goodbye changing? The way we honour life is changing. Families are looking for more personalized, celebratory services- but what does that mean for the bereavement profession? In this episode of “Digging Deep,” host Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, explores the cultural shifts and the rise of celebratory funerals with Wes Elmes from Haskett Funeral Homes LTD. Together, they explore how cultural shifts impact the increase in celebratory funerals and what it means for the sector.

S1 · E8

17 apr 2025

18:46

Navigating the Future of Cemeteries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Ontario Part #2

Ever wonder what the future of Ontario’s cemeteries looks like? This week’s podcast is part 2 of a thought-provoking two-part series showcasing an engaging panel discussion from our GFD-hosted Care & Maintenance event. Cemetery sector leaders, along with cemetery operators and managers, came together to address the evolving landscape of Ontario's cemeteries. Moderated by GFD Board Director Bill Solomon, this insightful panel includes: Heather Kiteley GFD’s President and CEO, Paul A. Taylor GFD Business Development Officer, and Meghan Henning, General Manager at Lakefield Cemetery. Together, they explore key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Cemeteries in Ontario.

S1 · E7

3 apr 2025

21:24

Navigating the Future of Cemeteries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Ontario Part #1

Ever wonder what the future of Ontario’s cemeteries looks like? This week’s episode is part 1 of a thought-provoking two-part series showcasing an engaging panel discussion from our GFD-hosted Care & Maintenance event. Cemetery sector leaders, along with cemetery operators and managers, came together to address the evolving landscape of Ontario's cemeteries. Moderated by GFD Board Director Bill Solomon, this insightful panel includes: Heather Kiteley GFD’s President and CEO, Paul A. Taylor, GFD Business Development Officer, and Meghan Henning, General Manager at Lakefield Cemetery. Together, they explore key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Cemeteries in Ontario.

S1 · E6

20 mar 2025

20:44

Empowering Voices: Women Leading With Compassion in the Bereavement Sector With Rebecca Steckly

Episode #4 of “Digging Deep” is here! In this episode, our guest is, Rebecca Steckly, Owner and Managing Director of Dreisinger Funeral Home and President of the Ontario Funeral Service Association (OFSA). In this insightful conversation, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, and Rebecca discuss women's experiences in the bereavement sector. They explore the journey, challenges, and progress being made towards breaking down the barriers for women in the sector. Follow GFD on LinkedIn for exclusive podcast content! ⁠ca.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada

S1 · E5

6 mar 2025

19:14

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