Today’s guest is someone who embodies the true essence of courage in leadership—Janelle Aaker, founder of Janelle Aaker Consulting. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate world ranging from Nike, lululemon and more recently at Vancity, Janelle has worked across all aspects of HR. She has spent the last five years specializing in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

In this episode, we’ll dive into how courage has shaped Janelle’s career and life, explore the role it plays in leadership, and uncover the ways in which courageous, inclusive leadership can foster authenticity and growth in teams. From challenging the status quo to leading with empathy, Janelle’s insights will inspire leaders to tap into their own bravery to make lasting impacts.

Get ready to learn how courage and leadership truly go hand-in-hand!

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Naz Kullar, an expert in Human Resources who brings decades of experience and deep insights into leadership and organizational culture. Naz joined the Insurance Council in 2023 as Director of People and Culture and has been a member of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) since 1988. Naz currently participates as member of the Board of Directors for CPHR BC & Yukon and currently serves as Board Chair.

Naz will share her career journey and provide practical advice on fostering connection within teams—especially in the new hybrid work model. As remote and hybrid work environments become more common, leaders face the challenge of maintaining a sense of connection, culture, and inclusivity across geographically dispersed teams. Naz will offer strategies for leaders and HR professionals to navigate these challenges, with a focus on helping new managers lead effectively in this changing landscape.

Tune in to hear from a true HR leader who’s here to help you build stronger, more connected teams in today’s hybrid world!

In this episode of For Leaders By Leaders, I sit down with Liane Davey, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and organizational psychologist, to explore a leadership skill that many shy away from—conflict. Liane is the author of The Good Fight: Use Productive Conflict to Get Your Team and Organization Back on Track among other books. With over 25 years of experience advising Global Fortune 500 companies and teams across industries, Liane has a unique perspective on how to turn conflict into a productive force that drives teams forward.

Liane explains what healthy conflict looks like in high-performing teams and shares actionable strategies to prevent dysfunction and build a culture where teams can engage in the "good fight"—the kind of conflict that leads to better collaboration and outcomes. We also explore the concept of "conflict debt" and the high cost leaders pay when they avoid dealing with conflict.

If you’ve ever wondered how to address the inevitable challenges that come with leading teams, this conversation will equip you with tools to embrace conflict and use it to create stronger, more effective teams.

In this episode of the For Leaders By Leaders podcast, I sit down with Steve Vanagas, Vice-President of Customer Communications and Public Affairs at TransLink, to explore the vital role of leadership during times of crisis. With a proven track record in leading through challenging situations, Steve shares his insights on maintaining calm, navigating unexpected events, and supporting teams under pressure.

We wrap up with a quick lightning round where Steve offers concise advice on what leaders should think, do, and say when faced with a crisis.

Join us as we uncover practical tools and lessons on leading through crises with resilience and clarity.

You’re a good leader. You might even be a great one. Whether you’re leading a team of one, two, or three thousand, how you lead determines whether you survive or thrive in the workplace. I’m Kathy Andrews, and this is the For Leaders, By Leaders podcast. We’re here for insightful conversations with real leaders, sharing inspiration and practical advice to help you unlock the best in yourself and those around you.

When you face those moments where you ask yourself, “What do I do?” or “How can I do better?”, this podcast is here to guide you. With interviews from influential leaders across industries—CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders—we'll dive into their personal stories, pivotal moments, and the strategies that led to their success. Each episode explores real-world scenarios, leadership challenges, and offers practical, actionable tools that you can apply immediately.

Think of this as a leadership coach in your pocket.

Join us on your favorite platform, and take your leadership to the next level.

I’m excited to have Pamela Hampel join us for this episode. With 18 years of experience in Human Resources, Pamela currently serves as the VP of People and Culture at Bits in Glass. In her role, she’s redefined how workplace culture can drive personal and team success. Pamela has championed innovative practices in employee relations, strategic growth, and cultivating an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute and thrive. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes to share the tangible strategies and cultural principles that have shaped Bits in Glass into a standout workplace.

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Hamilton, a nationally recognized DEI leader, founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, and head of All Hands Group, a workplace culture consultancy. Denise has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, and her thought leadership has been featured in outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, and MIT Sloan Management Review. She is also the author of INDIVISIBLE, a powerful exploration of unity and equity in the workplace.

Denise’s passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the core of her work. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey, including the challenges she’s faced and the lessons learned along the way. Through powerful stories and real-life examples, Denise offers strategies to foster more inclusive workplace cultures, showing how leaders can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s dive in!

I’m thrilled to share this episode of For Leaders By Leaders!

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael J. Goldrich, the brilliant mind behind Too Many Hats, Too Little Time. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can actually help us work smarter (not just faster), Michael is the person to listen to.

In this episode, he takes us beyond the buzzwords and into the real, practical ways leaders can use AI to make work not just efficient but meaningful. He’s all about creating more joy and less toil—empowering teams to thrive by weaving AI into everyday tasks thoughtfully and intentionally.

Michael’s insights are fresh, grounded, and incredibly actionable—perfect for anyone curious about where AI fits in your workday or your team’s future.

Check it out, and let me know what resonated most with you. 🚀 Let’s navigate this AI journey together!

In this episode,  we deep dive  into the world of performance culture with Dr. Oliver Finlay. With over 23 years of experience as a performance director, coach, and physiotherapist, Dr. Finlay has collaborated with some of the most elite sports organizations in the world—including the English Premier League, National Hockey League (NHL), Formula 1, and Team GB Athletics. His career spans a wide variety of sports, from soccer and basketball to motorsport and rugby, showcasing his unparalleled expertise in high-performance environments.

Dr. Finlay is also the founder of Beautiful Game Group, a modern sports investment company focused on driving growth and long-term success in professional sports organizations.

But this isn’t just about sports. Drawing from his impressive career and PhD research at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Finlay unpacks lessons that apply to any organization aiming for sustained success. From understanding the markers of high performance to managing change, creating a culture of excellence, and overcoming plateaus, his insights are invaluable for leaders across all fields.

Tune in to learn how to apply the principles of high-performance sports to your organization, unlock potential, and build a winning culture that thrives in any arena.

Welcome to another episode of For Leaders By Leaders, I’m thrilled to be joined by David Barrett, a visionary in internal communications and multimedia, who has spent nearly two decades at the World Health Organization, currently serving as the Internal Communications and Multimedia Manager at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

David’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a career that started in television production and evolved into crafting engaging internal communications, he’s a master at connecting people with purpose. He draws from a unique blend of experiences, including his lifelong passion for theatre as an actor, director, and producer. For David, leadership is not about a solo performance; it’s about rallying a team, fostering collaboration, and ensuring everyone plays their part in creating something extraordinary.

In this episode, David shares insights on how he inspired others through the challenging times of COVID-19, how his theatrical background shapes his leadership philosophy, and his passion for making information accessible and engaging within an organization as impactful as the WHO. His story will resonate with leaders looking to motivate teams, navigate crises, and build a shared vision that truly sings.

Being a leader isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about making the right decisions when it matters most. Whether you’re leading a team of one, ten, or thousands, the way you lead determines whether you and your team thrive.

Today, we’re tackling challenges every leader might face at some point: Toxic Scenarios. My guest, Megan Smith, is the Head of Human Resources for SAP North America, where she helps guide a workforce of over 20,000 employees. She knows  how toxic behaviours—whether it’s poor communication, distrust, or ineffective leadership—can derail teams and organizations.

In this episode, Megan breaks down three common toxic leadership scenarios, why they happen, and most importantly, how to fix them. If you’ve ever asked yourself, how can I do better? this conversation is for you.

Let’s dive in.

In this episode of For Leaders by Leaders, we’re diving into the power of human connection and the role it plays in building thriving communities. My guest, Mark Koch, is a leader who truly embodies this mission.

With over two decades of experience in community development, urban planning, and local government, Mark is the Managing Director of Community and Environmental Services at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. He oversees everything from regional parks and sustainable energy to transit services, shaping the future of communities across a vast 10,400 km² area.

Beyond his impressive leadership in local government, Mark has also worked in the private sector and internationally, advising on economic development in Trinidad and Tobago and Belize. He’s an educator, a speaker, and an innovator, recognized for his fresh, forward-thinking approaches to governance and community engagement.

But what truly sets Mark apart is his deep passion for people. He believes that strong, connected communities are the key to a better future, and he’s dedicated his career to making that vision a reality.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation about leadership,  Let’s dive in!

Shelley Frost, CEO of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), joins the show to talk about leading one of BC’s most iconic and complex organizations. From early roles in a psychiatric hospital and juvenile jail to leading in tech and the arts, Shelley’s path has shaped a unique approach to leadership. She shares how managing unpredictability and diverse stakeholders prepared her to run the PNE – home to major events, an amusement park, and key youth employment programs. They discuss balancing legacy with innovation, leading through ambiguity, and building operational excellence.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(03:15) From consulting to finding local purpose

(09:04) Aligning vision in complex teams

(11:48) Leading with adaptability

(15:41) Making decisions with clarity

(17:52) A collaborative planning approach

(21:29) Communicating with seasonal staff

(25:46) Unearthing hidden war relics

(27:29) Behind Vancouver’s FIFA fan fest

(30:23) Inside the concert and show lineup

Connect with Shelley Frost here:

LinkedIn

Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)

PNE Instagram

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

George Grombacher is a seasoned podcaster, former Fortune 500 advisor, President of Financial Consulting Professionals, and the Founder and Chief Community Officer of Money Alignment Academy. He sits down with Kathy Andrews to unpack the hidden impact of financial well-being, both personally and professionally.

George opens up about growing up with financial uncertainty and how those early experiences shaped his beliefs around money. He uncovers the deep emotional layers behind our financial behaviors – and why ignoring money stress at work could be costing businesses more than you think.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(04:10) Confronting financial avoidance and scarcity

(09:54) Prioritizing financial literacy

(11:22) Simplifying financial planning basics

(14:54) Embracing financial wellness at work

(18:55) An immigrant's journey to financial literacy

(21:43) Tailored financial wellness training

(24:32) How money and beliefs shape life

Connect with George Grombacher here:

LinkedIn

Money Alignment Academy

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

What if the key to unlocking your team’s potential isn’t giving answers, but asking the right questions?

In this episode of For Leaders By Leaders, Principal of Wessels HR and Leadership Coach Tammie Wessels reveals how a coaching culture transforms teams. From her psychology roots to working with top Canadian brands, she shares hard-won leadership insights.

Hosted by Kathy Andrews, this conversation breaks down coaching vs. mentoring, the psychology of high-performing teams, and why psychological safety is essential. 

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(06:05) Shifting to a coaching culture

(08:07) Cultivating leadership through empowerment

(12:01) Shift to a long-term coaching mindset

(14:09) Quick coaching through conversation

(18:04) Implementing coaching culture training

(21:31) Empowering recruitment through coaching

Connect with Tammie Wessels here:

LinkedIn

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

In this episode of For Leaders By Leaders, I sit down with Chris Obst, a leadership and team development expert with over 20 years of experience coaching top performers and consulting for leading organizations. Chris is known for his powerful keynotes and ability to translate leadership insights into real-world strategies that drive impact.

We dive into personal power—what it is, why it matters, and how we can harness it to elevate our energy and performance at work. Chris shares practical ways to avoid common leadership pitfalls, maximize our energy throughout the day, and bring our best selves home to the people who matter most.

If you're looking for actionable strategies to boost your leadership presence and sustain your energy, this episode is for you! 

Connect with Chris Obst here

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills?

Connect with Cinga today here.

Ever wondered how servant leadership can transform your organization? In today’s episode of For Leaders By Leaders, Kathy Andrews is joined by Adam Weiss, CEO of OPISystems, to dive deep into the power of servant leadership. Adam opens up about his journey from engineer to CEO, leading a company that’s tackling the global issue of grain spoilage with cutting-edge technology. He shares how embracing a leadership style rooted in empathy, authenticity, and integrity has been key to building a team that’s not only committed but thriving – and how it’s helped him double revenue along the way.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(02:06) Adam Weiss’ career journey

(04:51) The role of empathy in leadership misunderstandings

(06:50) Overcoming the challenges of servant leadership

(12:08) Building true connections through authenticity

(12:57) A deep dive into authentic leadership

(17:51) Leading with integrity: staying true to yourself

(21:52) Finding the balance between autonomy and guidance

(25:44) Key takeaways on servant leadership

Connect with Adam Weiss here:

LinkedIn

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

What makes certain conversations so difficult? It's the internal conflict. We often avoid (flight), fight, or face them without skill. It's a challenge, but one that leaders can overcome. 

Kathy Andrews is joined by renowned business coach John Nieuwenburg to find out what leaders can do. With over two decades of experience as a coach and a background as a senior leader in the industry, John shares invaluable insights into the art of leadership, specifically focusing on the pivotal role of crucial conversations in building successful cultures within organizations.

Tune in to this episode as we explore: (01:24) Becoming a business coach in Vancouver (06:06) Why great leaders master crucial conversations (09:27) What happens when you master self-awareness and saboteurs (12:41) Mastering confidence in sales situations (15:02) Build your positive intelligence with PQ Reps (18:50) Delegate low-value tasks (20:49) When strategic time management scales businesses (23:51) Exercising agency in work priorities (25:13) Crucial conversations: what leaders need to think about

Connect with John Nieuwenburg here:

LinkedIn W5 Coaching Website

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Andrea Seale, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, joins the show to discuss the power of influence in leadership. Andrea shares her journey from communications and fundraising to the heart of nonprofit leadership, offering practical insights on how to rally teams, build effective partnerships, and drive change, whether you’re working with donors, advocacy groups, or policymakers.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:58) Cialdini's persuasion principles

(08:32) Leveraging consistency for influence

(12:45) Effective listening in consulting partnerships

(14:31) Collaborative glioblastoma research summit

(18:12) Misinformation in cancer search results

(21:44) Importance of communication in storytelling

(24:02) Empowering cancer advocates for change

(28:23) Influencing change through systems strategy

(33:47) Leading through crises: challenges and triumphs

(34:56) Leading change at Canadian Cancer Society

Connect with Andrea Seale here:

Andrea Seale on LinkedIn

Canadian Cancer Society

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Rachael Radford doesn’t fit the usual tech founder mold. From working on concrete formwork high above the Vancouver skyline to spearheading complex technology transformations, her journey is anything but conventional. In this episode, she sits down to unpack one of the most overlooked – and misunderstood – aspects of business: strategic execution. You’ll hear Rachael’s take on assessing organisational readiness, creating genuine accountability, and making strategy stick

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:41) How to set maturity goals that actually drive progress

(09:21) What success really looks like across departments

(13:15) Aligning your role with the bigger strategy

(15:40) Using forward thinking to influence outcomes

(21:10) How to adapt when the market shifts

(22:30) Focusing your strategy for real growth

(27:27) Why peer support matters in scaling strategy

(29:25) Planning to stand out, not just keep up

Connect with Andrea Seale here:

Rachael Radford on LinkedIn

MEIRA Consulting

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Dr. Ben Sporer is one of Canada’s foremost experts in human performance. With a career spanning 25 years in the Olympics, professional sports, and as a performance strategist for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Ben has mastered the art of building high-performing teams that deliver over the long haul. Kathy and Ben dig into the critical shift leaders need to make: from chasing outputs to driving meaningful outcomes. They explore how clear objectives, role clarity, and disciplined preparation create the foundation for sustainable success

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:30) Rebuilding sports team strategy

(07:51) Defining leadership performance objectives

(13:39) Identifying outputs for success

(15:41) Developing talent in small markets

(19:09) Clear objectives and roles for team success

(26:11) Metric-driven success over time

(28:37) Effective metrics: lead vs lag indicators

Connect with Dan Eisner here:

Dr. Ben Sporer on LinkedIn

Resync Consulting

Output – Book

Output – Instagram

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Why do so many employee wellness programs fail, and what can leaders do to fix them? Employee benefit and wellness expert Dan Eisner unpacks what leaders can do. With a background in both accounting and HR, Dan shares insights on shifting employee expectations, personalised benefits, and generational divides. From health spending accounts to weight loss drugs and fitness trends, find out what actually drives engagement.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(01:44) Dan Eisner’s career journey and background

(02:26) What is changing in the world of wellness?

(05:37) Why employees aren't using wellness programs

(07:39) Having a health spending account

(10:44) How to encourage fitness at work

(13:07) Tips to keep your workforce as healthy as possible

(15:42) Modelling behaviour as leaders

(17:30) For Leaders By Leaders Lightning Round

Connect with Dan Eisner here:

Dan Eisner on LinkedIn

ZLC Employee Benefits Solutions

Better Benefits Podcast

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Innovation expert Stephen Shapiro talks about standing out by focusing on what makes you truly irreplaceable. Drawing from his book Pivotal, Stephen shares why innovation is a capability, not a trend. Learn how to avoid shiny-object syndrome, embrace stability, and uncover your team’s real differentiator… plus a look at his teamwork tool, Personality Poker.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(03:40) Building stability before change

(07:38) Individual differentiation drives organisational success

(12:15) Radio flyer's purpose: lasting smiles

(13:45) Creating distinctive customer experiences

(18:42) Focus on present differentiators

(22:52) Real-time feedback in leadership

(26:08) Focus on identifying opportunities

(29:35) Engage lost and potential customers

(30:33) Combatting confirmation bias in innovation

(34:18) Refocus on core strengths

Connect with Andrea Seale here:

Connect with Stephen Shapiro on LinkedIn

Stephen Shapiro’s Website

Pivotal – Book

Personality Poker

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

As a political refugee who crossed three countries before finding home in Canada, Anne-Marie Pham turned her lived experience into a career dedicated to creating workplaces where everyone belongs. She is now the Vice President of Engagement at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. In this episode, Anne-Marie unpacks why leadership demands courage and a willingness to get uncomfortable. She shares practical frameworks leaders can use today, along with mindset shifts that transform diversity from a checkbox into a superpower.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:00) Building inclusion across Canada

(04:23) Embracing industry collaboration challenges

(07:44) Building inclusive, equitable workplaces

(11:32) Six traits of inclusive leadership

(15:08) Courage, accountability and collaboration

(17:41) Embracing cultures with open minds

(23:35) Flexible holidays for inclusion

(27:51) Understanding cultural influences in leadership

(31:12) Shared responsibility in leadership feedback

(33:01) Future of work and immigration

(36:13) Diversity resources and programs offered

Connect with Andrea Seale here:

Anne-Marie Pham on LinkedIn

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Today, we’re exploring how neuroscience and technology are reshaping leadership with Jaime Lama from the NeuroLeadership Institute. As a psychologist with 30 years in HR and consulting, Jaime brings deep expertise in guiding organisations through change.

Jaime breaks down how the brain drives behaviour, from survival instincts to the role of emotions in decision-making. We discuss emotional regulation, unconscious bias and how leaders can better understand the unconscious drivers behind daily choices. Whether you lead a small team or thousands, you’ll gain practical insights on psychological safety, growth mindset, and the human skills technology can’t replace.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(05:58) Origins of the brain’s organisational principles

(07:55) Brain’s threat detection network

(12:47) Experience bias and brain function

(16:15) Bias in AI and how to navigate it

(19:42) How our brains evolved for survival

(21:40) Amplified intelligence through AI collaboration

(25:26) Dynamics of AI and human growth

(28:58) Evolving brains for collaborative leadership

(30:31) Clarity and mental health during COVID

(33:49) Psychological safety boosts performance

(39:24) Leadership accountability in changing times

(40:31) Leadership and trust dynamics

Connect with Jaime Lama here:

Connect with Jaime Lama on LinkedIn

NeuroLeadership Institute on LinkedIn

NeuroLeadership Institute Website

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.

Leadership expert Tracy Hutton shares how focusing on strengths, not weaknesses, can transform your team’s performance and well-being. Drawing from her experience at Deloitte and lululemon, Tracy reveals why strengths based leadership isn’t just a feel-good idea – it’s grounded in neuroscience and proven to drive results. Learn how to overcome negativity bias, build better teams, and rethink feedback and development for lasting impact.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(04:24) An unexpected opportunity 

(06:27) Personal and professional growth at lululemon

(09:48) Understanding a strengths based approach

(13:22) True strengths are energising activities

(18:53) Clarifying job role verbs

(25:58) Exploring unrealised strengths

(28:25) Reframing perceived weaknesses

(30:14) Following curiosity to support wellbeing

(34:19) Rethinking leadership competency models

(42:58) Maximising strengths without misapplying them

(46:51) Ask employees what went well

(48:32) Embracing positivity and gratitude

Connect with Andrea Seale here:

Connect with Tracy Hutton on LinkedIn

First, Break All the Rules – Book

Rise Above – Book

Work by Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener

Nine Lies About Work – Book

Strengths Finder 2.0 – Book

Buddha's Brain – Book

Hardwiring Happiness – Book

Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here.