Voices of Leadership | Leadership Stories | Women Leadership | Female Founders – Details, episodes & analysis

Join us for leadership stories from female founders, trailblazers in women leadership and entrepreneurs sharing their success stories. 

Leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about making a lasting impact.



Money isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s the story we tell ourselves about what’s possible. In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Wendy Brookhouse, founder of Black Star Wealth and host of The Real Bottom Line podcast, to uncover the emotional and subconscious influences money has on our lives. Wendy shares her unique approach to financial clarity, wealth-building, and living life on your terms.

From her early lessons in the blueberry fields of Nova Scotia to her insights on financial empowerment, Wendy’s perspective on money will challenge you to rethink how you view, manage, and maximize your wealth. She reveals why the stories we tell ourselves about money aren’t set in stone—and how rewriting them can change your life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The surprising ways money influences our decisions without us realizing it.
• Wendy’s journey from earning 10 cents in a Nova Scotia blueberry field to helping others achieve financial freedom.
• Why Wendy believes retirement is really “life after work” and how to determine the finances you need to live that life to the fullest.
• The story behind her podcast The Real Bottom Line 
• An introduction to Wendy’s eight pivotal drivers of business success

Resources:

Black Star Wealth

Wendy's Podcast: The Real Bottom Line

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Join us for leadership stories from female founders, trailblazers in women leadership and entrepreneurs sharing their success stories. 

Leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about making a lasting impact.

Dinah Davis is no stranger to firsts. She’s built her career—and her life—on a series of them. As a mathematician and cryptographer, she stood out as one of the few women in a field dominated by men. She was the first to code Bluetooth technology. She holds a variety of patents, which means she was the first to create something and she’s even experienced her first retirement.

These are the stories of trailblazers in women's leadership and of women who are redefining success and thriving on the edge of change. 

Leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about making a lasting impact.

Highlights from this episode:

• Dinah discusses her early experiences in a male-heavy tech environment
• Dinah reflects on the fleeting years we have with our teenagers before they head off into the world. She’ll take the garbage time—the car rides, the mundane errands—because those moments often hold the most meaning. 
• Insights into the patent process  
• Reflections on burnout and the concept of “first retirement”  
• Code Like a Girl’s evolution and its impact on women in STEM  
• The role of AI in cybersecurity and its ethical implications  
• Emphasizing the importance of mentorship and women supporting each other

ResourcesCode Like A Girl WebsiteCode Like A Girl InstagramDinah’s InstagramDinah on LinkedIn

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Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share. Connect with us:Voices of Leadership WebsiteInstagramBespoke Productions Hub

On today’s episode, we welcome Trish Barbato, the President and CEO of the Arthritis Society and the Co-Founder and Director of the Menopause Foundation of Canada. Trish is passionate about giving a voice to these often overlooked and underfunded causes and the people they impact.

Trish shares her deeply personal journey, detailing the severe symptoms and inadequate medical responses that ignited her passion for menopause advocacy, especially in the workplace.

 Discover how billions of dollars are lost because of the substantial economic and personal toll menopause can have on women in the workplace. We discuss the critical need for supportive workplace policies and the practical steps companies can take to foster an inclusive environment for women navigating menopause.

But that’s not all—Trish also dispels some common myths about arthritis, emphasizing that it’s not just an "old person’s disease." We learn how arthritis can affect anyone, from children to elite athletes, underscoring the importance of awareness and research for all age groups.

Trish’s unwavering dedication to shedding light on these misunderstood causes is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in to hear her insights and discover how you can be part of the movement to support those affected by menopause and arthritis.

Get Involved:
Arthritis Society of Canada
Menopause Foundation of Canada

Connect with Trish:
LinkedIn
Instagram - Arthritis Society
Instagram - Menopause Foundation

Resources:
Report: Menopause and Work in Canada

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

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Ever wondered how navigating gender bias at sea could transform your leadership journey?

On today's episode, we are joined by Toni Chaltas, CEO of Achēv. Tonie shares many inspiring stories and valuable insights, including her adventures aboard the Blue Nose II tall ship, where she confronted gender bias and learned the vital lesson of choosing her battles wisely. Setting the stage for her impactful work in fostering equity and inclusion.

Throughout our conversation, Toni delves into the nuances of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and provides her expert advice on initiating DEIB efforts in companies of all sizes.

Toni also offers invaluable advice for women aspiring to enter the C-suite, stressing continuous learning and adapting communication styles to different organizational contexts. We explore Achēv's mission to create faster paths to prosperity for newcomers and disadvantaged Canadians through innovative strategies and specialized women's programs. From training and job placement to year-long follow-ups, discover how Achēv is making a tangible impact on fostering DEIB.

Connect with Tonie:
LinkedIn

Resources:
Achēv
Bluenose II

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
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On today's episode, we talk with Julie Ellis. Julie is an entrepreneur, speaker, coach, author and podcast host. Julie shares her remarkable journey, from her experience as a co-founder of Mabel's Labels to her authorship of Big Gorgeous Goals and to her new adventure as the host of the Figure 8 podcast. Join us as we explore how Julie's background in dance has uniquely shaped her entrepreneurial philosophy and what it means to get 'the seat cushion off your butt.'

Additionally, Julie shares practical advice on scaling a business and discusses the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs at different stages. Learn how Julie is working to help women get connected, solve problems, grow bigger businesses and reach their own big, gorgeous goals.

Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn
Website
Instagram
Facebook

During our conversation, we talk about some past episodes. Please find the links here:
Ginny Dybenko

Resources:
Big Gorgeous Goals: How Bold Women Achieve Great Things
Figure 8 Podcast

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
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Bespoke Productions Hub

On today’s episode, we talk with Vivian Manasc, an architect and pioneer in the green building movement. She is the Founding Principal at Reimagine, an architectural firm dedicated to collaboration, joy, creativity, and sustainability.

We explore Vivian's passion for sustainable design, her philosophy of optimism, and her unwavering dedication to fostering environments where community and creativity flourish. We also talk about how our Grandmothers were right.

Connect with Vivian:
LinkedIn
Website
Instagram

Key Takeaways:

• Repurposing existing buildings is crucial for sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
• The green building movement requires a paradigm shift to prioritize sustainability and reduce the demolition of buildings.
• Optimism and the belief in the world of possibilities are essential for overcoming obstacles and finding creative solutions.
• Women in leadership roles in architecture still face challenges, but tenacity and envisioning the future can lead to success.

Books by Vivian Manasc

Old Stories, New Ways: Conversations About an Architecture Inspired by Indigenous Ways of Knowing

Agora Borealis: Engaging in Sustainable Architecture

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
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In today's episode, we talk with Camelia Nunez, a self-proclaimed "profpreneur" who blends her entrepreneurial spirit with a deep passion for education.

We talk about why she believes building a culture of curiosity and continuous learning around education is important and how it will affect how we live, learn and work. 

Camelia shares her experiences growing up in Romania, witnessing life before and after the revolution, and moving to Canada as a teenager to complete her education.

Starting her career as a Spanish professor, Camelia's entrepreneurial drive led her to co-found an EdTech startup. With over 17 years in higher education, she has held roles in teaching, administrative leadership, research partnerships, innovation, entrepreneurship, and operations at Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo and now Conestoga College.

Camelia emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to a rapidly evolving workforce. We discuss innovative solutions like yearly membership fees for education to maintain relevant skills and challenge the outdated concept of a fixed career path.

We talk about all kinds of entrepreneurs, but Camelia highlights the resilience and persistence of non-tech entrepreneurs and how those traits are significant in achieving long-term success.

Camelia shares insights on inspiring youth to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, offering real-life examples of creativity sparked by personal pain points.

Connect with Camelia
LinkedIn

Resources
Conestoga College
Play-a-Latte
Youth Creativity Fund

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
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On today's episode, we talk with Mardi Witzel, CEO and co-founder of PolyML, an advanced AI and machine learning company. Mardi is also a leader in AI governance, serving on the Digital Governance Council’s AI Ethics Advisory Panel and contributing her expertise to the Province of Ontario’s AI Expert Working Group.

Mardi explains PolyML's innovative intersection of data analytics and AI to improve manufacturing. Learn how this horizontal technology is revolutionizing the auto parts sector, enhancing efficiency, quality, and safety.

The evolution of AI brings both excitement and concerns, including issues of fairness, privacy, security, job loss, and the potential for mass disinformation. We talk about the evolving landscape of AI governance, the importance of explainability, and Mardi's role as a leader in AI governance.

Mardi's curiosity has been instrumental in navigating her unique career path. Her journey reminds us that curiosity can lead us anywhere.

Connect with Mardi:
LinkedIn

Resources:
PolyML
NuEnergy.ai
White paper: AI-Related Risk: The Merits of an ESG-Based Approach to Oversight
The Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Women Get On Board
The Institute of Corporate Directors

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
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On today's episode, we talk with Jane Halford, founder of Halford Consulting. Jane is passionate about the power of storytelling and how it shapes leadership. She candidly shares her personal experience of overcoming workplace bullying as a CEO, and how she transformed her challenges into a powerful message. Jane also delves into her extensive expertise in leadership and transition, emphasizing the crucial role of preparedness in navigating change and driving success for businesses of all sizes.

Her insights on preparedness, strategic planning, and governance also provide valuable lessons in the boardroom. Jane shares stories about how she helps boards with leadership transition and some personal experiences at the board table. Jane's stories cover a wide range of topics, from discussing the 'dating before marrying' approach to board commitments to being the Chair of the board of a Crown Corporation to her involvement with the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Connect with Jane
LinkedIn
Instagram

Resources
Halford Consulting
Farm Credit Canada
Rick Hansen Foundation
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
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In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Melissa Durrell, the CEO and Chief Strategist of Durrell Communications, and a partner with Roseview Global Incubator. Melissa's diverse background includes successful careers in politics, award-winning Canadian broadcast journalism, and her current work with international entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their companies in Canada.

Join us as Melissa shares invaluable insights on the value of listening and the power of storytelling, whether it's within the confines of a Canadian boardroom or on a global stage in China. Together, we delve into the unique challenges that women leaders encounter, especially during their thirties and forties, which are pivotal stages in their professional journeys.

Our conversation spans a wide range of compelling topics, including Melissa's experiences in the communications field, her endeavours with international entrepreneurs, reflections on democracy, perspectives on the current state of housing, and even her role as a pitching coach for Team Canada. This episode offers something for everyone, so be sure to tune in for an enriching and thought-provoking discussion.

Connect with Melissa
LinkedIn
Website

During our conversation, we talk about some past episodes. Please find the links here:
Rose Greensides
Sherry Shannon-Vanstone

Resources
Profound Impact
Women’s Municipal Campaign School
Communitech
Roseview Global Incubator

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub