The Powerhouse Project – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, host Lisa Laronde interviews Julie Cafley, a leader in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). They discuss the importance of inclusive leadership in advancing gender equity, emphasizing the need for both men and women to be involved in the conversation to effect meaningful change. They highlight the value of allies in the fight for gender equality and share their personal experiences on advocating for gender equity and inclusivity in leadership roles. Julie emphasizes the need for organizations to create inclusive systems and policies, support women as their careers grow, and promote empathic leadership. She also reflects on Catalyst Canada's research on women on the front line and the barriers they face. Julie believes that ongoing discussions and pragmatic DEI efforts are crucial for creating positive change. More about Dr. Julie Cafley: Dr. Julie Cafley is the Executive Director of Catalyst Canada, an organization that drives inclusive workplaces. She is a creative, strategic leader and an accomplished academic with expertise in equity and inclusion, public policy and higher-education leadership. In 2023, she was chosen as a member of the Canadian delegation to the United Nations for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67). She is a frequent writer and speaker on higher education, leadership and gender equity. Julie holds a PhD in education leadership from the University of Ottawa with sought-after expertise in university presidential mandates. Her thesis focused on higher education leadership and governance through the lens of unfinished terms of Canadian university presidents. Julie is an active community builder and a collaborative change maker. Whether it is serving coffee and muffins to the region’s unhoused people, serving on the board of Parkinson Canada, mentoring young policy wonks, or supporting her alma mater on its Campaign Cabinet and Dean’s advisory council, giving back is integral to who she is and a part of her every day. Julie is a committed advocate for women and leadership, a constant ally for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples and an indefatigable champion for diversity initiatives. Connect with Julie: X: @Jcafley Instagram: @Jcafley and @Catalystinc Linked In: Julie Cafley, PhD | LinkedIn, Catalyst Inc.: My Company | LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Lisa Laronde interviews Shelley Gray, the CEO of SkilledTradesBC about her journey in leadership as a woman in the trades. They dive into the significance of representation, the unique challenges women face in male-dominated fields, and effective strategies to attract and retain women in skilled trades. Shelley and Lisa discuss the crucial need for supportive policies and environments that foster inclusivity, emphasizing the roles of allyship and mentorship. They highlight how authenticity and empowerment in leadership can transform industries, stressing the importance of visibility and celebration of women's achievements.  The discussion touches on the value of diversity and the importance of challenging one another to grow. Shelley shares her experiences and insights on mentorship and the need for more women in boardrooms. She offers practical advice for young leaders, inspiring them to pursue careers in trades. The episode wraps up with a powerful commitment to continue advocating for women and promoting careers in the skilled trades, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Background (01:49) Breaking Barriers: Women in the Trades (04:11) Redefining Work-Life Balance (07:57) Creating a Supportive Environment (09:49) Changing the Narrative (12:09) The Impact of Skilled Trades (15:16) The Power of Allyship and Mentorship (21:44) Creating Space for Leadership to Look Different (23:33) The Value of Diversity and Challenging One Another (26:29) Increasing Women's Representation on Boards (27:00) Embracing the Messiness and Having It All Find out more about Shelley Gray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-gray-a7033231/ Shelley Gray is the Chief Executive Officer of SkilledTradesBC (formerly the Industry Training Authority), a Crown Corporation responsible for managing, supporting, and promoting British Columbia’s trades training and apprenticeship system. As the first woman to hold the position of CEO at SkilledTradesBC, Shelley is highly motivated to work towards creating a more inclusive skilled trades and apprenticeship system that reflects our diverse population. Shelley’s strategic leadership style is backed by 20+ years of experience driving business results through the implementation of customer-focused strategies for some of Canada’s top public and private sector organizations. Recently, her leadership was recognized by YWCA as a Women of Distinction nominee (2021) and by Business in Vancouver as an influential leader on their inaugural top 500 leaders list (2021). Shelley sits on industry Boards and Committees, including the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeships, Vancouver College, and the Vancouver Board of Trade Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council. In addition, she is a volunteer mentor with Minerva BC, an organization that is dedicated to advancing the leadership of women and girls. She has a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from the University of Alberta, a Leadership Development Certificate from UBC Sauder School of Business, and INSEAD Executive Leadership Certificate in Driving Value through Business Acumen, and recently received her ICD.D. Shelley is very inspired by the early intervention work of LDS, which allows each student the ability to see and realize their full potential from early on in their life. She knows first hand how important it is for young learners to know their options won’t be limited by their learning strengths and stretches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Jamie McMillan, a seasoned ironworker and champion for women in the skilled trades, delves into the myriad challenges and promising prospects within the industry. Host Lisa Laronde and Jamie discuss the critical significance of both recruiting and retaining women in the trades, advocating for the eradication of toxic work environments and the promotion of inclusivity at all levels. Jamie fearlessly shares her own harrowing experiences of harassment and discrimination, shedding light on the urgent need for accountability and systemic change. Moreover, she candidly recounts her personal evolution into a public speaker and advocate, reflecting on the profound impact of her school presentations in igniting the passions of the next generation. Jamie calls for a sweeping cultural transformation within the industry, underscoring the invaluable contribution of skilled trades in an ever-evolving world. Topics: Journey into the Skilled Trades Recruiting and Retaining Women in the Skilled Trades Challenges of Speaking Up Against Harassment and Discrimination Promoting an Inclusive Work Culture The Importance of Holding People Accountable The Impact of Reporting Harassment and Discrimination Changing Workplace Culture through Conversation and Education Understanding Bias and Setting Healthy Boundaries Navigating Boundaries and Behavior on the Job Site The Need for Emotional Stability and Cultural Shift in the Trades The Reality of Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace The Importance of Representation and Changing the Conversation Transition into Public Speaking and Advocacy Inspiring the Next Generation through School Presentations Impactful Stories from School Visits Personal Journey into the Skilled Trades Being the Only Woman on the Job Site The Need for Supportive Leadership and Positive Work Culture Improving Retention in the Skilled Trades The Role of Government and Industry Training Celebrating Women in Construction and Building a Supportive Community The Value of Skilled Trades and the Future of the Industry Advice to Younger Self and Future Goals Connect with Jamie: https://madeinthetrade.com/ Join the movement at https://thepowerhouse-project.com/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this captivating episode, Lisa Laronde engages in an insightful dialogue with Robyn Ptak, Vice President, Sales at Procter & Gamble Canada, to delve into her remarkable journey and passionate commitment to empowering women in leadership. Their conversation spans the significance of diversity and inclusion, the transformative influence of women's networks, and advancements made within the grocery retail sector. Robyn opens up about her personal experiences of empowerment and the challenges she encountered while navigating the complexities of being a working mother, underscoring the critical need for enhanced representation in leadership positions. The pair offer sage advice to young women embarking on their careers. The discussion underscores the crucial balance between work and family life commitments and the pivotal role leaders play in fostering inclusive and supportive work environments. Robyn is a sales executive with a successful track record of leading and delivering business results and team performance. During her 24-year career at P&G and 8 years on the Canadian Executive Lead Team, she has led teams to deliver successful results in a variety of Business Development roles including Market Strategy and Planning, Analysis and Category Development, and Customer Selling.  Robyn has demonstrated leadership and mastery at developing joint business plans with retail partners to deliver outstanding results, navigating through challenging retail environments across various categories. In her current role as VP Sales, Robyn leads a team of multifunctional professionals including Sales, Product Supply, Finance, and Marketing. Robyn is a passionate advocate for both the needs of the business and the needs of the team and individual – She focuses on driving business growth, team development and supporting individual learning & career paths. Robyn plays a critical role at P&G Canada in building Sales capability, helping guide and enable the Canadian Sales Organization to build skills and operate at peak performance. Robyn is also the Executive Sponsor of P&G Women’s Network – the largest network within P&G Canada. Through this work, P&G has grown its mentorship program, and she has helped build on the network’s focused efforts in the areas of Connect, Support, and Empower. Robyn sits on the Board of Forward Together whose mission is to share best practices, and resources, and enable best-in-class learning for professional women across industries. Robyn was recognized as a Star Women in Grocery in 2023.  Topics: Empowering Women in Leadership The World of Grocery Retail Being Empowered Along the Journey Struggles and Advocacy for Women Balancing Work and Family Career Path and Unexpected Choices Childcare and Work-Life Balance Getting More Women into the C-Suite Advice to Younger Self   Join the movement at https://thepowerhouse-project.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Powerhouse Project, Lisa Laronde is joined by her colleague and public relations manager, Morganne Campbell. Together, the duo explores the facets of Lisa's groundbreaking journey as the first woman president of RSG International, shedding light on her experiences in a predominantly male-dominated sector. Lisa candidly explores the hurdles she has encountered professionally, emphasizing the value of authenticity and the pivotal distinction between sponsorship and mentorship in propelling women's careers forward. Additionally, Lisa underscores her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the construction industry through her involvement with organizations such as the Canadian Association for Women in Construction (CAWIC). Lisa and Morganne delve into the purpose behind the Powerhouse Project, highlighting its mission to offer a platform for women to narrate their journeys and ignite inspiration for others embarking on their own paths. They further explore the hurdles faced by women in the skilled trades, the ongoing transformation of the construction industry's culture, the evolving values of younger generations, and the important values and skillset that base brings to the table while touching on the importance of bolstering representation and support within executive teams.  To cap things off, Lisa conveys her profound admiration for her mother and daughter as they commemorate Women's History Month, while offering invaluable advice she would give to her younger self and other women entering or in business and industry. Topics: Introduction to The Powerhouse Project Lisa's Journey to Becoming the First Woman President at RSG International Challenges of Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry Lisa's Unapologetic Authenticity Building a Diversified Senior Leadership Team Advocacy Work with the Canadian Association for Women in Construction (CAWIC) The Importance of Sharing Experiences and Creating a Sense of Community Sponsorship vs Mentorship Constructive Criticism in Mentorship Challenges for Women in Skilled Trades Changing the Culture in the Construction Industry The Changing Values of the Younger Generation Advice for Younger Self Admiration for Mother and Daughter Join the movement at https://thepowerhouse-project.com/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Powerhouse Project, a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Lisa Laronde, the first woman president of RSG International and the President of the Canadian Association for Women in Construction. As a leader in road safety infrastructure, Lisa operates with a no-filter policy and no-nonsense approach that surprises some but inspires many in a predominantly male industry. Lisa is known for her unwavering advocacy for women; she is committed to fostering connections, facilitating learning, and championing the advancement of women in leadership roles. Lisa will cover leadership from a variety of angles, inviting distinguished guests to speak about their experiences in tech, politics, construction, and more. The Powerhouse Project will leave women from any generation and any background feeling empowered and motivated to lead with courage. Sound Design by Reem Elmaghraby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Miranda Steele, a strategic communications executive and president of the Ellevate Network Toronto. Lisa and Miranda discuss the role of strategic communications in shaping business culture and supporting women's leadership development to create authentic connections for women to support each other. Miranda shares her career journey working with global brands like McDonalds and discusses the challenges women face in leadership roles. Steele also mentions the benefits of external women's networks like Ellevate in providing a safe space for women to connect and share their stories outside of their company roles. They emphasize the importance of speaking up, setting boundaries, and normalizing conversations about gender equality in the workplace. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Career in Strategic Communications (02:23) Working with McDonald's and Global Brands (05:26) Cultural Differences in Business (10:27) Challenges and Support for Women in Leadership (20:23) Building Authentic Connections and Communities (21:06) Challenges in Skilled Trades and Leadership Roles (22:12) Inclusive Networks and Safe Spaces (24:33) Speaking Up and Setting Boundaries (29:59) Finding Your Tribe and Building a Supportive Network More about Miranda Steele: As Founder and Chief Strategist at Words of Steele Strategic Consulting, Miranda brings extensive expertise and strategic counsel to organizations worldwide, helping them strengthen their business and solve communication challenges. Her background includes leadership roles with some of the world's largest brands, where she enhanced and safeguarded brand reputation globally. Before establishing Words of Steele, Miranda led Corporate Relations for McDonald’s Restaurants in Canada and then became Senior Director of International Corporate Relations. In this role, she managed McDonald’s brand reputation across over 80 countries in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Her prior experience in telecommunications at TELUS and Bell Mobility focused on Channel Communications and Event Marketing & Sponsorship. As a consultant, Miranda works directly with clients and through global agency partners to offer corporate communications, business transformation, and global engagement services. Clients and colleagues, both near and far, recognize Miranda’s ability to create community, connect people and ideas, and drive positive change that leaves a lasting legacy. When she’s not supporting clients, Miranda contributes to online and print publications, including Medium, the Toronto Star, and Chatelaine Magazine. She is a passionate advocate for women’s career development and serves as President of the Toronto Chapter of Ellevate Network. Miranda always makes time for an energizing networking chat! www.wordsofsteele.com www.linkedin.com/in/steelemiranda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Melissa Alexander, a floor-covering apprentice, peer worker, mentor, and activist. They explore what inspired her to enter the skilled trades, her experiences and challenges as a floor layer, and her role as a certified peer worker. Melissa also shares her advocacy efforts with organizations like 'Walls to Bridges.' A significant part of Melissa's story is her commitment to second chances. Having served time herself, Melissa brings a unique perspective to her advocacy for inmates. She passionately believes in the power of rehabilitation and the importance of providing opportunities for former inmates to rebuild their lives. Through her work, she fights against the stigma associated with having a criminal record and highlights the need for systemic changes to support reintegration. Melissa offers valuable advice for women entering the trades, discusses the urgent need for mental health resources, and underscores the importance of second chances and education while touching on how she balances work and her personal life, advocacy, and mentoring. Melissa Alexander is a fourth-year apprentice with Local 27, specializing as a floor-covering installer. In addition to her apprenticeship, she is a certified peer worker involved in the Community Healing Project for Stella's Place and St. Stephen's Community House, where she supports youth. Melissa also works at Progress Place, a mental health rehabilitation center for adults. She has participated in the TCBN Peer Mentor Program, where she successfully completed the program and mentored six mentees. Her role involved not only helping them choose their trade but also supporting them through their struggles and guiding them toward success. Melissa's goal is to continue growing and understanding herself while helping others persevere, no matter what life throws at them. As an activist for women, Melissa completed her advanced course for floor covering installation on February 18, 2022. This achievement places her in the fifth term of her apprenticeship, with a year and a half remaining to complete her hours and qualify to write her Red Seal exam. Melissa is also a recipient of the 2023 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction award for her work with “Walls to Bridges," an educational program that brings incarcerated non-incarcerated students together to study post-secondary courses in jails and prisons across Canada. Connect with Melissa on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-alexander-2962a8251/ Join the movement at https://thepowerhouse-project.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Meg Mathes, a Red Seal refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic and a Senior Manager of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). In this role, she nationally supports the people, clients, and Industry with DEI efforts. Meg shares her incredible journey in the skilled trades industry as a transgender woman. Meg opens up about her experiences in foster care and leaving home at fourteen years old. Meg discovered her innate mechanical skills at Burger King which eventually led her to pursue opportunities in the skilled trades. Meg discusses the challenges she faces as a transgender individual in the workplace and the importance of being open about her identity. Meg also shares highlights some of her advocacy work and the changes she's witnessed in workplace dynamics. She advocates for gender-affirming policies, gender-neutral facilities, and inclusive workplace language to create a more welcoming environment. Meg offers heartfelt advice to her younger self and the next generation of skilled trades professionals through embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity in every aspect of our lives. Topics Discovering Mechanical Skills Importance of Supportive Environments Meg Mathes' Journey as a Transgender Advocate Challenges in the Workplace Support from Employers Support Associations for Transgender Individuals Balancing Advocacy and Privacy Challenges in a Predominantly Male Environment Success in Alberta's Skilled Trades Influence on Gender Roles and Stereotypes Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment Supporting Transgender Individuals in Society Promoting Safety in the Workplace Advice to Younger Self About Meg Mathes: Meg has been in the Skilled Trades for over 27 years and holds credentials as an Alberta Red Seal Journeyperson - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Alberta Journeyperson - Gasfitter (A), Alberta Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal), and a Certificate of Professional Management specializing in Strategic Management from the University of Calgary. Meg has volunteered extensively and given back to her industry in many ways. In 2021 she was inducted into the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame for her 18-year service with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. She sits on many boards and committees advancing DEI in the Skilled Trades in Canada. Connect with Meg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-mathes-9b470a72/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Lisa Laronde interviews Adam Gaiser, the Associate Vice President of Sales for Mark’s Commercial. Adam boasts 30 years of dedicated expertise at Marks, where he serves as the Assistant Vice President of Sales for Marks Commercial, spearheading a nationwide sales force comprising 60 adept professionals and champions pivotal strategic alliances.  Adam's enthusiasm resonates in fostering employee well-being, promoting skilled trades in Canada, and advocating for universal access to adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regardless of gender. His unwavering commitment centers on the overarching goal of ensuring every employee's safe return home daily. His advocacy for gender equality extends beyond mere rhetoric; it's ingrained in his actions and initiatives. Recognizing the disparities that women often face in the workplace, Adam tirelessly champions for their rights and empowerment.  Adam is being recognized as an ally to women for his commitment to gender equality which isn't just a professional obligation; it's a personal conviction. He understands that true progress requires proactive measures and unwavering dedication, and he's determined to be a catalyst for change in creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Mark's Commercial is the B2B division of Marks and a member of the Canadian Tire family of companies. Mark's Commercial is home to the most advanced and innovative workwear, CSA-approved industrial footwear, and PPE brands available, suitable for any industry. Learn More About Mark's Commercial: https://www.markscommercial.com/ Connect with Adam Gaiser on Linked In Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices