Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Exec Hotseat Podcast [Executive]
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 - Curiosity Gets Loud: Nicole Dubé on Reinvention, Storyosity, and Communicating What Matters | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:55:26 | |
Featuring: Nicole Dubé, owner of Dubé Media Consulting and Storytelling, former host of CTV Morning Live Winnipeg, and founder of Winnipeg StorySlam.
Nicole Dubé spent two decades in broadcast news living the "viewer first" mindset, chasing clarity, and learning how to hold attention in a world that moves fast. Then the questions started. During the pandemic, with burnout creeping in and the industry shifting under everyone's feet, Nicole found herself asking what life could look like outside the newsroom, even though media had been her dream since she was a teenager.
In this episode, Nicole shares what it took to grieve that identity, trust her curiosity anyway, and build a business around communication training, media coaching, and storytelling. She unpacks the "curiosity gap," why discovery is only half the work if you cannot communicate the meaning of it, and how leaders can stop pitching products and start telling human stories that actually land. She also gives a simple framework for finding your story, and invites listeners into the community she has built through Winnipeg StorySlam.
Key Highlights: 🗝️ Why media coverage starts with a human story, not a product pitch
Tune in and hear how Nicole turned curiosity into a career reset, and why the story you tell yourself might be the first thing you need to rewrite. Top of Form
__________
👉 Connect with Nicole!
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicoledubemedia 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/nicoledubemedia 🌐 www.nicoledubemedia.com __________
✨ Founder and Host: 📷 instagram.com/lisathompsonbrd | 🔗 linkedin.com/in/lisabrd 📷 instagram.com/brdagency.ca __________
✨ Co-host: 📷 instagram.com/abuhse | 🔗 linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse 📷 instagram.com/coalandcanary
__________
Big shout out and thank you to The Exec Hotseat Podcast team.
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! 🔥 Bottom of Form
| |||
| 22 - Flipping the Script: Zak Biggs on Human-First Marketing, Legal Brand Building, and Turning Lawyers Into Influencers | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:46:32 | |
Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 22 This isn't your average legal story. From pounding lawns in high school with his future co-founder to leading the marketing charge for one of Canada's boldest legal tech startups, Zak Biggs is helping Goodlawyer rewrite the rulebook - by being unapologetically human. In this episode, Zak shares how a small team of friends turned a stiff, suit-heavy industry into a platform for community, storytelling, and straight-up joy. From cinchilla fleece vests to yacht parties, Zak walks us through how they built a brand people actually want to be part of—and why leaning into authenticity, not automation, is their greatest advantage. We dig into why lawyers are more human than their headshots suggest, how to turn a LinkedIn post into a brand magnet, and what happens when you make real fun part of your marketing funnel.
Key Highlights:
__________ 👉 Connect with Zak: 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zakbiggs __________ 👉 Connect with Goodlawyer 🔗 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gtssDHW2 📷 Instagram: https://lnkd.in/gNwDJSmN 🌐 goodlawyer.ca __________ ✨ Founder and Host: 📷 https://lnkd.in/gzx7GFaJ | 🔗 linkedin.com/in/lisabrd 📷 instagram.com/brdagency.ca __________ ✨ Co-host: 📷 instagram.com/abuhse | 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gVM2zF3v
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! 🔥 | |||
| 13 – From Marketing Maven to Mission-Driven Founder: How Justine McDonald is Helping Women Reclaim Their Time, Confidence, and Dreams | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:52:17 | |
The Exec Hot Seat Podcast | Episode 13 Featuring: Justine McDonald, Founder of Goal Chasers & Stay at Home Legends In this 2nd episode of our RRC Polytech Alumni Series, Amanda Buhse and Lisa Thompson sit down with Justine McDonald - an RRC Polytech alum, former marketing manager, and the magnetic force behind Goal Chasers and Stay at Home Legends. What began with a viral planner and a chaotic post-conference breakdown has since evolved into a movement: helping women simplify their businesses, build success on their terms, and reclaim time, autonomy, and ambitio without burning out. Justine opens up about the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship: the "accidental" launch of her planner business, bootstrapping her way into Jillian Harris's Jilly Box, and the quiet strength of building with intimacy, intention, and deep community ties. From basement beginnings to supporting 70+ female founders in Manitoba, Justine's story is packed with unfiltered wisdom and practical clarity for anyone building a life beyond default settings. 🔑 Key Takeaways:
🎧 Tune in now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with Justine McDonald:
Brought to you by our Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! _____ 🔥 Follow & Subscribe:
Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram to connect with us! Interested in sponsoring or partnering? DM or email us exechotseat@brdagency.ca _____ Your Hosts: 👉 Lisa Thompson 🔗 BRD LinkedIn: @brandrevivaldesign _____ 👉 Amanda Buhse 🔗 C&C LinkedIn: @coal-and-canary | |||
| 12 - From Small-Town Roots to Inland Port Leadership: How Carly Edmundson Is Moving Manitoba | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:50:26 | |
The Exec Hotseat Podcast | Episode 12 From Classroom to CentrePort: Reframing Leadership, Collaboration, and Economic Growth Featuring: Carly Edmundson, President & CEO, CentrePort Canada In this first episode of, not only Season 2 of The Exec Hotseat Podcast, but also of our RRC Polytech Alumni Series, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with Carly Edmundson - a proud RRC Polytech alumni and the president & CEO of CentrePort Canada, the country's trimodal inland port. Carly unpacks her path from a class of seven in tiny Pearson, Manitoba to the helm of a 20,000-acre logistics ecosystem (about the size of Manhattan), sharing how curiosity, community, and disciplined growth shaped her leadership. Recorded in person at RRC Polytech, the conversation ranges from reframing imposter syndrome as normal leadership doubt to building cultures where collaboration is safe, feedback flows, and discomfort is part of skill-building. Carly also lifts the curtain on CentrePort's value proposition - where rail, air, and road converge to reduce supply-chain costs and help companies scale smarter - plus the personal routines, mentors, and mindset shifts that helped her step confidently into the CEO seat. 🔑 Key Takeaways:
👉 Tune in now on Amazon, Apple, Spotify, and iHeart to hear the full episode! _____ Connect with Carly: 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edmundsoncarly CentrePort Canada 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/centreport-canada _____ Brought to you by our Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech!
🔥 Follow & Subscribe:
Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram to connect with us!
_____ Your Hosts: 👉 Lisa Thompson 🔗 BRD LinkedIn: @brandrevivaldesign _____ 👉 Amanda Buhse 🔗 C&C LinkedIn: @coal-and-canary
| |||
| 11 - From Classroom to Clubhouse: How Karli Colpitts is Remixing Entrepreneurship & Community | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:53:14 | |
The Exec Hotseat Podcast | Episode 11 From Classroom to Clubhouse: How Karli Colpitts is Remixing Entrepreneurship & Community Featuring: Karli Colpitts, Founder: Tempo Collective In this high-energy episode of The Executive Hotseat, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with Karli Colpitts, also known as DJ K Chedda, the powerhouse behind Tempo Collective, a dynamic music entertainment company rooted in community, creativity, and joy. Karli's journey is anything but conventional. From her early days as a choir singer and elementary school teacher to spinning funk, RnB, and soul at major festivals like Winnipeg Folk Fest, Festival du Voyageur, and Harvest Moon, she shares how she carved out a vibrant career in music, entertainment, and entrepreneurship - all while raising a family. You'll hear how DJ K Chedda and her partner Tim created the unforgettable Wackydoodle Dance Party, how she leveraged her training at Mama Cutsworth's DJ Academy, and why making space for joy and inclusion is central to her business. This conversation explores the powerful intersection of parenting, artistic expression, and entrepreneurship - and how Karli's unique blend of ADHD-fueled creativity, optimism, and hustle is reshaping what it means to build a business from the heart.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
_____ 👉 Connect with Karli! 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karli-colpitts-86bb6122 👉 The Tempo Collective 👉 Wacky Doodle Dance Party _____ Brought to you by our Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! _____ 🔥 Follow & Subscribe:
Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram to connect with us!
_____ Connect with your hosts! 👉 Lisa Thompson 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisabrd 👉 Brand Revival & Design Agency 🔗 BRD LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/brandrevivaldesign 🌐 www.brdagency.ca _____ 👉 Amanda Buhse 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse 👉 Coal and Canary 🔗 C&C LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/coal-and-canary 🌐 www.coalandcanary.com
| |||
| 10 - Building Community with Intention: Leilah Perchaluk on Curated Connections and Conscious Growth | 21 May 2025 | 00:34:28 | |
The Exec Hotseat Podcast | Episode 10 Building Community with Intention: Leilah Perchaluk on Curated Connections and Conscious Growth Featuring: Leilah Perchaluk, Founder, Knew House In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with Leilah Perchaluk, founder of Knew House - a private membership community for high-achieving women. Leilah shares her journey from archaeologist and insurance professional to entrepreneur, emphasizing how diverse life experiences led her to build Knew House with purpose and intention. From launching in Winnipeg to expanding into Toronto and Vancouver, this conversation explores the power of meaningful networks, conscious scaling, and how showing up consistently fuels both personal and professional transformation.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
_____ 👉 Connect with Leilah: 🔗 Knew House LinkedIn: @knew-house 🌐 www.knew.house _____ >>> Brought to you by our Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech!
🔥 Follow & Subscribe:
Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram to connect with us!
_____
Your Hosts: 👉 Lisa Thompson 🔗 BRD LinkedIn: @brandrevivaldesign _____ 👉 Amanda Buhse 🔗 C&C LinkedIn: @coal-and-canary
| |||
| 09 - Kevin Selch on Operating in Winnipeg's Unique Craft Beer Market | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:45:35 | |
Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 09: Kevin Selch on operating in Winnipeg's unique craft beer market In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with Kevin Selch, Founder of Little Brown Jug Brewing Company. Kevin talks about the transition from being a senior economist in the federal government to founding a local brewery in Winnipeg. Key Points: - Kevin says he was driven by a desire to create something meaningful in Winnipeg and solve the interesting business challenge of operating in the historic Exchange District. - Starting with just one beer (1919) to build brand recognition, Keving emphasized the importance of sticking to a detailed business plan and not getting distracted by multiple product ideas. - He says the most significant challenge in business is building and maintaining team culture as the organization grows. - Kevin sees Winnipeg as a city with tremendous potential where entrepreneurs can make a real difference, with a supportive community that's willing to try and support new local businesses. - Despite the overall decline of the mainstream beer market, Kevin says craft beer is growing. Consumers are becoming more selective, preferring quality over quantity, creating opportunities for local breweries. - He believes entrepreneurship is fundamentally about problem-solving, being a generalist who can do many things adequately, and being comfortable with the possibility of failure as part of the growth process.
OUR SPONSOR
Guest's Links: Check out Little Brown Jug - https://www.littlebrownjug.ca > Follow Little Brown Jug on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast: > Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. > The Exec[utive] Hotseat's Instagram – Follow Us! > Interested in sponsoring or partnering with the podcast? Connect with us on our website or social media to learn more about 2025 opportunities!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared on The Exec Hotseat Podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are for informational purposes only. Nothing shared on this podcast should be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and seek qualified guidance. We are not liable for any decisions made based on this content.
Also - Lisa Thompson does not think Canada should become the 51st state :) | |||
| 08 - Speak Up & Rise: Jessica Dumas on Mastering Public Speaking & Leadership | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:50:35 | |
In this inspiring episode, hosts Lisa Thompson (BRD | Brand Revival & Design Inc.) and Amanda Buhse (Coal & Canary) welcome Jessica Dumas - a trailblazer in public speaking, speaker coaching, and leadership development. Jessica shares her powerful journey from overcoming personal doubts and imposter syndrome to becoming the first Indigenous woman to chair a chamber of commerce. With an impressive career that spans award-winning speaking engagements, a robust coaching practice, and hosting two dynamic podcasts, Jessica delivers actionable advice that both emerging and seasoned leaders can use to elevate their communication and confidence. About Jessica Dumas: Jessica is a professional speaker, speaker coach, and the host of both Speaking Up with Jessica Dumas on NCI FM and The Confidence and Communication Podcast. Among her accolades, she is a recipient of the Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer Nellie McLung Foundation Award, has been recognized as one of Manitoba's top 40 under 40, and has led transformative initiatives as chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Her story, from growing up in a challenging neighborhood to taking the stage and inspiring others is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of showing up even when fear looms. In This Episode, Jessica Dumas Discusses: Her Journey & Leadership: Public Speaking Mastery: Money Manifestation & Mindset: Networking & Connection: Mentorship and Growth: Jessica's Top Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders & Entrepreneurs:
Guest's Links & Podcasts: > Listen to The Confidence and Communication Podcast where Jessica dives deeper into her journey and shares actionable insights for speakers and leaders. > Check out Speaking Up with Jessica Dumas on NCI FM for more leadership and public speaking wisdom. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:
Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast: > Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. > The Exec[utive] Hotseat's Instagram – Follow Us! > Interested in sponsoring or partnering with the podcast? Connect with us on our website or social media to learn more about 2025 opportunities! | |||
| 07 - Derek Earl on Turning Business into Climate Action | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:39:55 | |
Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 08: Derek Earl on Turning Business into Climate Action In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with Derek Earl, the President of Biz for Climate, to discuss how businesses can take meaningful action against climate change. With nearly 20 years of experience in ESG, corporate strategy, and economic development, Derek shares his journey from corporate leadership at KPMG Canada and the World Trade Center Winnipeg to launching a nonprofit that's empowering businesses to be part of the climate solution. Derek highlights how Biz for Climate has grown into a movement of over 200 businesses signing a Climate Action Pledge, advocating for sustainable policies, and helping companies reduce their environmental footprint. He also dives into the challenges businesses face when adopting sustainability practices and how they can start making an impact—without feeling overwhelmed. From navigating government policies to building a network of climate-conscious companies, this episode is packed with insights for business leaders looking to align profitability with sustainability. #Key Points:
Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast:
| |||
| 06 - Insights from Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham | 06 Feb 2025 | 00:35:41 | |
The Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 07: Insights from Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with Winnipeg's 44th Mayor, Scott Gillingham, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, innovation, and community. Elected in October 2022, Mayor Gillingham shares his journey from growing up on a Manitoba farm to serving as a pastor for over 20 years and, ultimately, stepping into politics to serve his community. With a deep commitment to improving Winnipeg, Mayor Gillingham discusses his vision for the city, highlighting key initiatives such as the Center Plan 2050, affordable housing development, and infrastructure improvements. The mayor also offers insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasizing service, long-term decision-making, and the importance of community engagement. From sharing personal anecdotes to tackling pressing issues like homelessness and economic growth, this episode provides a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead a growing, vibrant city. Don't miss this inspiring and insightful conversation with a leader who is shaping Winnipeg's future. Key Points:
Rapid-Fire Questions with Mayor Gillingham:
Guest's Links:
Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast:
| |||
| 05 - Ace Burpee on Building a Brand, Giving Back, and Staying Grounded. | 21 Jan 2025 | 00:45:54 | |
Ace Burpee on Building a Brand, Giving Back, and Staying Grounded The Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 06: Ace Burpee with Virgin 103.1
In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with the legendary Ace Burpee, celebrated radio personality and host of Winnipeg's premiere morning show on Virgin 103.1. Ace shares his fascinating journey from small-town beginnings in Cooks Creek to becoming one of Winnipeg's most iconic figures. Known for his deep love for the community and unwavering commitment to local causes, Ace brings valuable insights into leadership, philanthropy, and staying true to oneself.
From his creative start in journalism to his candid thoughts on fame and introversion, Ace opens up about the lessons learned along the way. He also shares his passion for the outdoors, his unique perspective on Winnipeg's underdog spirit, and why giving back is essential for personal and professional growth. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of Manitoba's most beloved voices.
Key Points:
Guest's Links:
Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast:
| |||
| 04 - Human-Centric Leadership: Empowering Community through Innovation, Collaboration & Heart - Insights from Loren Remillard, CEO, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:50:49 | |
The Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 5 Human-Centric Leadership: Empowering Community through Innovation, Collaboration & Heart - Insights from Loren Remillard, CEO, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse engage in a compelling conversation with Loren Remillard, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Loren shares his inspiring journey, from his roots in a family-run business to leading an organization dedicated to inclusivity, advocacy, and empowering the local community. Under Loren's visionary leadership, the Winnipeg Chamber has evolved to prioritize human-centric approaches, champion innovation, and foster connections that strengthen businesses and the city as a whole. Join us as Loren shares invaluable insights on resilience, authentic leadership, and his aspirations for Winnipeg's future.
Key Points:
Guest's Links:
Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast:
We can't wait to connect with you and share more stories and talk shop! Lisa + Amanda
| |||
| 21 - Redefining the Salon Model: April Brown on Scalable Business, Franchise Strategy, and Joyful Leadership | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:36:20 | |
Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 21 | Calgary Series
From playing with Barbies to founding one of the most innovative salon concepts in Canada, April Brown has always had a vision and she's making it real. In this episode, April shares how Rootbar was born during COVID as a response to time-starved clients and outdated models. But this isn't just about beauty - it's about building a business where stylists lead, grow, and co-own their future. With a rotating leadership structure, a franchise-ready system, and a deep respect for joy and boundaries, April is shaping a new standard in the service industry. We explore how she balances it all: scaling across Canada, mentoring new franchisees, and stepping into motherhood - all while staying clear on what matters most.
Key Highlights: 🗝️ How Rootbar's rotating leadership model helps stylists build real-world business skills
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Exec Hotseat Website: exechotseatpodcast.libsyn.com
👉 Connect with April:
✨ Founder and Host: 📷 instagram.com/lisathompsonbrd | 🔗 linkedin.com/in/lisabrd
✨ Co-host: 📷 instagram.com/abuhse | 🔗 linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse
Big shout out and thank you to The Exec Hotseat Podcast team:
instagram.com/kylecottrellmedia
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! 🔥 | |||
| 03 - From ER to Entrepreneur: Founders Dr. Norman Silver & Dave Berkowits on Innovating Canada's Healthcare System | 09 Nov 2024 | 00:42:28 | |
The Exec Hotseat Podcast | Episode 4: Dr. Norman Silver / Dave Berkowits of QDoc In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse dive into an inspiring conversation with Dr. Norman Silver and Dave Berkowits, CEO + CTO, of QDoc Virtual Healthcare. Dr. Silver, a seasoned healthcare leader and innovator, shares his journey from pediatric emergency physician to entrepreneur, along side his brother in law, Dave Berkowits. Listen as they detail their journey and how they identified critical gaps in healthcare - creating QDoc to bridge them. QDoc is a groundbreaking platform that connects Canadians to medical care through a user-friendly, virtual model, ensuring healthcare access regardless of location or socioeconomic status. Tune-in to hear about Dr. Silver's approach to innovation, family-driven entrepreneurship, and the importance of validating ideas and pivoting when necessary. Key Points:
Guest's Links: Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast:
| |||
| 02 - From Health Scare, to pouring candles, to the Emmys: Amanda Buhse's Journey to Business Success! | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:38:20 | |
We're excited to welcome the queen of candles herself, Amanda Buhse, founder and CEO of Coal and Canary (and our very own co-host )! Join me as Amanda shares her incredible story of how she went from health scare, as a graphic designer to founder/entrepreneur - crafting delightful candles with her BFF, to growing a massive product based retail business, ending up in a seat at the Emmys and the Grammy's —yes, you heard that right! In this episode, Amanda reveals more about her booming candle business and provides invaluable business advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
🔥HOTSEAT QUESTION🔥 Are you in Manufacturing or do you have a product based business? Discover Amanda's top tips light up your own entrepreneurial journey! Don't miss this engaging, real conversation with a true community leader! Tune in now on Amazon, Apple, Spotify, and iHeart to hear the full episode! 🎧✨ 👉 Website: https://exechotseatpodcast.libsyn.com/
Connect with Amanda Buhse + Coal and Canary: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabuhse/ ____ Your Host: Lisa Thompson 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabrd/
| |||
| 01 - Paving the Way: Todd Burns on Cleantech, Global Impact, and Green Innovation | Cypher Environmental | 16 Aug 2024 | 00:33:17 | |
We were thrilled to sit down and welcome Todd Burns, the founder and CEO of Cypher Environmental Ltd. Todd is a trailblazer in cleantech, leading the charge with innovative road management solutions that are transforming industries and improving communities worldwide. 🌍💡 With Cypher's products used in over 50 countries, Todd's impact is global—and growing! 🌱🌟 Join us as Todd shares more about his journey, inspiration, and great insights! 🔥HOTSEAT QUESTION 🔥Learn how you can incorporate sustainability into your business and make the 3 "Ps" a priority [People, Planet, Profit]. 🌎💼 💚 Don't miss this powerful conversation with a leader who's making the world a cleaner, greener place. Tune in now and find us on Amazon, Apple, Spotify, iHeart. 🎧✨ 👉 Website: https://exechotseatpodcast.libsyn.com/
Connect with Todd Burns + Cypher Environmental: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddburns81/ 🌐 https://cypherenvironmental.com ⛳️CYPHER ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT⛳️ >>> Join @cypher and @wildlifehaven: September 17th, 2024 for their Charity Golf Tournament: https://cypherenvironmental.com/charity-golf-tournament/ ___ Bio | Todd Burns Todd Burns is the founder and CEO of Cypher Environmental Ltd., a Winnipeg-based manufacturer of cleantech road management solutions for dust control and road construction. Used primarily in mining and by municipalities and now expanding into new industries, Cypher's environmental products have been used in over 50 countries around the world. 🌎 Todd is an outspoken advocate for the advancement of cleantech solutions and for the organizations that operate in this space. In 2021, Todd was a member of the Global Clean Technology Advisory Group, spearheaded by Hon. Mary Ng. In this capacity, Todd assessed and advised the government on growth opportunities that would promote Canadian cleantech companies on the world stage. That same year, Todd launched the Cypher Green Roads program that partners Cypher with like-minded clients to improve infrastructure for communities around the world. The program has since been recognized by Canada's Clean50 as a Top Project award winner. 🛣️🏆 #ExecHotseat #Podcast #ToddBurns #Cleantech #Sustainability #GreenInnovation #CypherEnvironmental
| |||
| The Exec Hotseat Trailer | 08 Dec 2023 | 00:01:18 | |
Welcome to The Exec Hotseat Podcast, your go-to guide for business leadership. Join us for short interviews with industry leaders and CEOs as we explore the world of business and entrepreneurship, covering topics from starting a business to running a global brand. From finances to mindset, and building community, we'll dive deep into principles and practices, to help you navigate the ever-changing business landscape. With our signature Hotseat Segments, our mission is to provide actionable advice to elevate you and your business. I'm your host, Lisa Thompson, from BRD (Brand Revival & Design), a Canadian marketing agency, joined by my amazing co-host, Amanda Buhse, a Winnipeg Entrepreneur and founder of the Coal and Canary Candle Company. Together, we're excited to bring you first-class business advice from guests and entrepreneurs, here locally, in Winnipeg Manitoba, and worldwide.
| |||
| 20 - From Burnout to Botanicals: Harman Dhaliwal & Gabby Zoppa on Partnership, Perseverance, and Ayurvedic Wisdom | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:53:22 | |
Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 20 What happens when two near-strangers launch a wellness spa with no money, no safety net, and no backup plan? You get Spa Botanica - one of Winnipeg's most beloved spas, built on Ayurvedic principles, natural skincare, and unshakable trust. Harman and Gabby didn't just grow a business. They weathered a pandemic, rebuilt after a fire, and raised kids from the spa floor - literally. Through years of reinvention, they've stayed grounded in their shared vision: to bring ancient healing practices into modern lives, one homemade facial at a time. This episode is packed with insight, laughter, and lessons learned the hard way. Key Highlights:
👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or iHeart.
Or catch it here: _____ 👉 Connect with Harman & Gabby: 👤Facebook: facebook.com/SpaBotanicaWinnipeg
1459 Corydon Avenue
______
✨ Founder and Host:
✨ Co-host:
🎥 Video: Kyle Cottrell Media
Big shout out and thank you to The Exec Hotseat Podcast team:
Tineke Buiskool-Leeuwma
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! 🔥
| |||
| 19 - Christine Thiessen on Building Canada's Largest Women's Conference | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:40:47 | |
Episode 19 | Christine Thiessen, Founder of the Winnipeg Women's Conference & Community What started as an idea during lockdown is now Canada's largest women's conference. In this episode, Christine Thiessen shares how trusting her gut (while pregnant, no less), ignoring the naysayers, and leaning on her love for Excel turned a vision into a movement. As the driving force behind both the Winnipeg Women's Conference and its thriving year-round Community, Christine opens up about the power of authentic connection, the challenge of being the one others look up to, and the magic that happens when women gather with purpose. ✨ In this episode, we explore: 🗝️ How Christine launched a sold-out conference when the world was still on pause
Or catch it here: 🌐 Exec Hotseat Website: exechotseatpodcast.libsyn.com Or here: _____ 👉 Connect with Christine! 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christineturczyn 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/mrschristinethiessen 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shoulders-back 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/shouldersbackwpg 🌐 shouldersback.org _______________ 👉 Follow Winnipeg Women's Conference! 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/winnipeg-women-s-conference 📷 Instagram: 🌐 winnipegwomensconference.com 🌐 winnipegwomenscommunity.com
✨ Founder and Host: 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisabrd 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandrevivaldesign 🌐 brdagency.ca ✨ Co-host: 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/abuhse 👏 Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, @rrcpolytech! 👏 | |||
| 18 - Your Idea Is Enough: Jane Helbrecht & Margaux Miller on TEDx Talks, Storytelling, and Building a Speaking Career | 26 Nov 2025 | 01:00:20 | |
Episode 18 | Your Idea Is Enough: Jane Helbrecht & Margaux Miller on TEDx Talks, Storytelling, and Building a Speaking Career In this episode of Executive Hotseat, we sit down with two globally recognized speakers - Jane Helbrecht, leadership expert and founder of Uplift Engagement, and Margaux Miller, TED-featured MC and connection strategist - to unpack how they each built and delivered standout TEDx talks that captured global attention. Their journeys are woven with grit, stagecraft, and community. Jane speaks about disrupting leadership norms and helping teams thrive, while Margaux dives into the art of online connection in a hyper-digital world. Together, they reveal the real behind-the-scenes work - from chaos-run rehearsals to choosing the exact talk title that lands you on TED.com. You'll hear how each speaker turned childhood stage dreams into global visibility, and how building the business of speaking requires as much strategy as crafting a killer talk. Whether you're chasing your first keynote or scaling as a solopreneur, this episode delivers a powerful roadmap. Key Highlights: 👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or iHeart and take notes - because this one's full of practical wisdom you won't want to forget. Or catch it here: 🎧 Spotify / Exec Hotseat Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/7jYiAX2y8MH2JgQmiarmMM _____
👉 Connect with Margaux!
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/margauxmiller 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/margauxamiller 🌐 speakwithmargaux.com
👉 Connect with Jane!
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in//janehelbrecht 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/janehelbrecht _____ ✨ Founder and Host: 👉 Lisa Thompson 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandrevivaldesign 🌐 brdagency.ca _____ Co-host: 👉 Amanda Buhse
👏 Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! 👏 | |||
| 17 - Partnerships with Purpose: Todd Burns & Terry Sulphur on Clean Tech, Collaboration & Stewardship | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:02:29 | |
Episode 17 | RRC Polytech Alumni Series episode 6 Todd Burns of Cypher Environmental and Terry Sulpher of Mountainside Earthworks share how a single project sparked a two-decade partnership that's now transforming how Canada thinks about sustainability. From Red River Polytech beginnings to global clean-tech impact, this conversation dives into education, innovation, and the relationships that make real change possible. Lisa Thompson guides a conversation filled with insight, gratitude, and vision — exploring why aligning values matters more than any contract, how education drives environmental progress, and what it looks like when business becomes a vehicle for stewardship. Key Highlights:
_____ 👉 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and iHeart to hear the full episode!
Spotify / Exec Hotseat Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/7jYiAX2y8MH2JgQmiarmMM
Connect with Terry! 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terry-sulphur-501b6179 MS Environmental Solutions 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mountainside-environmental-solutions 🌐 Website: ms-enviro.com Connect with Todd! 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/toddburns81 Cypher Environmental 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cypher-environmental-ltd 🌐 cypherenvironmental.com _____ Your Hosts 👉 Lisa Thompson _____ 👉 Amanda Buhse 👉 Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! | |||
| 16 - From Band Stages to Story Stages: Doug Darling on Strategic Storytelling, Niching with Purpose, and Process that Frees Creativity | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:58:01 | |
Executive Hotseat Podcast - Episode 16 | RRC Polytech Alumni Series - Episode 5
Doug's friends tease him for talking about story all the time. He wears it as a badge. In this conversation, Doug traces a very Winnipeg arc: meeting his future wife at RRC Polytech, launching a small video outfit in the Exchange during the DSLR wave, and steadily evolving into a Strategic Storytelling agency that trains leaders to communicate with clarity and heart. The throughline is purpose, backed by the art and science of story.
The journey is textured and real. Early wins gave way to tough months before COVID, a whiplash boom during lockdowns, and fresh headwinds once in-person returned. That volatility forced a reset: niche with intention, teach story structure, and install process so creativity has room to breathe. Today, Tripwire is known for helping teams ask better questions, codify workflow, and craft stories that people actually remember.
What you'll hear inside: why authenticity beats perfection, how "reading the label from inside the bottle" trips up even smart teams, and a simple framework to choose between polished productions and phone-shot clips. Doug breaks down hero's-journey basics, the power of conflict and resolution, and why culture rituals and core values aren't corporate fluff when you live them.
Key Highlights:
👉 Listen now and learn how to build story, structure, and culture into work that sticks.
____
👉 Connect with Doug!
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dougdarling 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/dougdarling
Tripwire Media Group
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/tripwire-media-group 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/tripwiremedia
🌐 Website: tripwiremedia.com
_____
Your Hosts:
👉 Lisa Thompson 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisabrd 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/lt_wpg
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandrevivaldesign 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/brdagency.ca
🌐 brdagency.ca
_____
👉 Amanda Buhse 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/abuhse
🌐 coalandcanary.com
👏 Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! 👏
| |||
| 15 - Speaking Truth, Leading Boldly: Natalie Bell on Presence, Power, and People-First Leadership | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:48:59 | |
The Exec Hotseat Podcast | Episode 15 Featuring: Natalie Bell, Founder of Natalie Bell Consulting
Amanda Buhse and Lisa Thompson sit down with Natalie Bell, Founder of Natalie Bell Consulting, for a powerful conversation about leadership, authenticity, and the power of using your voice with purpose. With over 25 years of experience in People & Culture, Natalie shares how speaking from lived experience — especially as a Black woman in HR and leadership spaces — has shaped her approach to coaching, consulting, and building workplaces that actually work for people. From facilitating leadership sessions and guiding executive teams through change, to moderating panels and showing up authentically online, Natalie's message is clear: human connection is at the heart of great leadership.
This isn't your typical business podcast — it's thoughtful, real, and full of wisdom you can apply right now. Key Highlights: 🎙️ How Natalie uses her voice as a superpower to lead, coach, and influence change 👉 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and iHeart to hear the full episode!
Exec Hotseat Website: https://loom.ly/xuUTXXs _____
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nataliebell 🌐 Website: nataliebell.ca & pegcitylovely.com _____ Your Hosts: 👉 Lisa Thompson _____ 👉 Amanda Buhse
👉 Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech!
Interested in sponsoring or partnering? DM or email us at exechotseat@brdagency.ca | |||
| 14 - From Brow Queen to Resilient Mentor: How Giovanna Minenna Rose Beyond Cancel Culture to Build with Strategy, Spirituality, and Soul | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:51:26 | |
Show Notes The Exec Hotseat Podcast | Episode 14 Featuring: Giovanna Minenna, Founder of Brows by G
In Episode 3 of our RRC Polytech Alumni Series, Amanda Buhse and Lisa Thompson sit down with Giovanna Minenna — the original Brows by G. Brow queen. Beauty mogul. And now, for the first time ever, unfiltered truth-teller. CANCEL CULTURE. DRAGONS' DEN. ANONYMOUS ACCOUNTS. You've heard the whispers. You've seen the headlines. Now, you'll hear her side. From building a seven-figure beauty brand and landing on Dragon's Den, to becoming the target of the viral NotMyBrowsByG account — Giovanna opens up about what really happened, how it broke her down, and how she rose again with a new mission rooted in strategy, spirituality, and soul. This isn't business as usual. It's raw. Honest. Messy. Powerful. And it's a conversation you won't want to miss.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
👉 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and iHeart to hear the full episode! ____ Connect with Giovanna! 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/giovannaminenna 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/giovannaminenna 🌐 Website: giovannaminenna.com
👉 Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech!
🔥 Follow & Subscribe: Follow The Exec Hotseat Podcast on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Follow on LinkedIn and Instagram to connect with us!
Interested in sponsoring or partnering? DM or email us exechotseat@brdagency.ca _____ Your Hosts: 👉 Lisa Thompson 🔗 BRD LinkedIn: @brandrevivaldesign _____ 👉 Amanda Buhse 🔗 C&C LinkedIn: @coal-and-canary
| |||