Welcome to another empowering episode of the Empower Hour for Change Makers Podcast! In this episode, we focus on "Knocking Down Barriers for Women in Technology" with our special guest, Debra Christmas, Senior Executive Partner with Gartner and co-author of the influential book, "Please Join -There's No Place Like Tech," written with Kelley Irwin.

Debra shares her inspiring journey through the tech industry, discussing the challenges she has faced, the barriers she has overcome, and the powerful networks she has built along the way. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the importance of community and mentorship in achieving success.

Tune in as Debra provides valuable tips and techniques for girls, their parents, and teachers to foster a supportive environment for young women in tech. She delves into the importance of building a strong community, the transformative power of mentorship, and the potential for girls to make a significant impact in the tech world.

Whether you're a young girl dreaming of a career in tech, a parent looking to support your child's interests, or an educator aiming to encourage the next wave of female tech leaders, this episode is for you. We particularly aim to inspire women who aspire to enter the tech field and to boost their confidence in pursuing rewarding careers in this dynamic industry.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Debra's personal journey and achievements in the tech industry.
• The challenges and barriers women face in tech and how to overcome them.
• Practical tips and techniques for girls, parents, and teachers to support young women in tech.
• The importance of community and mentorship in building a successful career in technology.
• Insights from Debra's book, "Please Join - There's No Place Like Tech," and how it can inspire and empower women in tech.

Join us for an engaging conversation as we open the door to dialogue, exchange ideas, and celebrate the incredible opportunities available in the tech profession. There's no place like tech, and we’re excited to have you with us on this journey. Let’s dive in and start knocking down barriers together!

Listen now on your favourite podcast platform!

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In this episode, discover the strategies and insights that have helped him thrive in a new cultural landscape, and learn how to position yourself for success in a competitive job market.

• Understand key strategies for rebuilding and establishing your professional brand in a new country.
• Learn effective techniques for leveraging digital marketing experience in a competitive job market.
• Gain insights into building strong professional relationships and networks in a new cultural context.
• Discover how to position yourself for career opportunities in a new region strategically\

About Our Changemaker:

Ramiz Essani is an accomplished, passionate, and high-energy marketing professional with over 7 years of experience in the North American and Middle East regions. His expertise spans advertising, digital marketing, strategic positioning, performance marketing, relationship building, and enhancing brand loyalty across multiple industries.

Having moved to Canada 14 months ago as a student, Ramiz is about to complete his studies and has already had the opportunity to work with prestigious organizations such as the Aga Khan Museum and Humber College. As he transitions from student life, Ramiz is excited to pursue full-time marketing roles and leverage his extensive digital marketing experience.

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Join us as we embark on this supportive journey with Vinita, centering ourselves on our leadership paths. At the core of her approach are your values, habits, and routines, which serve as your inner compass. Together, we will explore the “CALM” resilience framework to manage stressors with support and create growth goals, both personal and professional.

If you're ready to be inspired and lead with well-being, Vinita is here to help you every step of the way.

• Take on this supportive journey, to centre yourself on your leadership path
• At the core…your VALUES, HABITS AND ROUTINES to guide your inner compass
• Explore the “CALM” resilience framework to manage the stressors, with support
• Create growth goals, personal and professional

What to Expect:

Live Q&A Sessions with Experts: Have your pressing questions answered in real-time by our panel of seasoned professionals with 3-5 action items to work on each week.

 

About Our Changemaker Expert Vinita Mongia 

Vinita Mongia is a Principal, with 30 years experience in public education, recently retired and now leading Principals to prioritize well-being

Vinita inspires dedicated Principals on how to regain “CALMfident” leadership through her workshop series, and mentorship sessions.

If you are feeling ready to be inspired to manage stress, build resilience and lead with well-being at the forefront, Vinita is here to help you.

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Discover the five big bravery killers holding you back and learn the strategies you need to play bigger and unleash your potential. Join us as we delve into the obstacles preventing you from reaching your goals and provide practical, actionable advice to help you overcome them.

About Our Changemaker Expert: Carol Schulte

Carol Schulte is a passionate corporate trainer and keynote speaker with a focus on leadership and personal development. With extensive experience in learning design, delivery, and program management, Carol is an authority on brave leadership and founded The BRAVE Institute. For almost a decade, she has been educating, empowering, and entertaining audiences internationally. Carol is committed to getting you out of your comfort zone and into your B.R.A.V.E. Zone, where you show up more powerfully and take action long before you feel ready.

 

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Join us on the Empower Hour for Change Makers Podcast as we welcome this week's expert guest, Natalie Haynes. Natalie is a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in Emotional and Mental Wellness and DEIB Training, certified by the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP) and serving as the President of the Board of the Gestalt Institute of Toronto.

In this episode, Natalie shares invaluable strategies for practicing positive mental health techniques at work. Discover methods to cope with stress, burnout, anxiety, and other professional challenges, with actionable tips to help you stay balanced and resilient.

We also delve into the stories we tell ourselves about professional situations. How do we interpret and internalize events like not receiving a callback or missing out on a sale? Natalie helps us understand the personal meanings we attach to these experiences and how to embody more empowering narratives.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on maintaining mental wellness and fostering a positive mindset in your professional life.

We will be discussing the following:

1. Strategies to practice positive mental health techniques at work to cope with stress, burnout, anxiety and whatever else might be challenging us professionally.

2. The meaning we give to stories we tell ourselves when situations occur professionally and how do we embody them? For example, if someone doesn’t call you back or you don’t land that sale what do you internalize about it on a personalized level? How do you embody that meaning?

Natalie Haynes, Registered Psychotherapist and Speaker 

Natalie Haynes is an educator, Registered Psychotherapist and Speaker. Natalie’s experience combines 13 years in logistics and supply chain, which include various management roles at Canadian Tire Corporation. To support her mental health challenges, Natalie sought out therapy and became a client, which changed how she related to everything. Natalie decided to change careers and has been a Psychotherapist in private practice for over 15 years.

Natalie uses her varied experience to facilitate experiential workshops, and online courses on mental health, equity, inclusion and belonging. Natalie engages others through her vulnerability, personal stories and experiences, creating psychologically safe spaces necessary for learning and growth to occur.

Her current program entitled “The Comfortable Race Conversation Process” leads individuals through an experiential process to learn how to have uncomfortable conversations about race with other races. This program has been included in the Government of Canada’s, 50-30 Challenge, as a tool to support organizations to have more honest conversations about race.

Join us for “Empower Her Hour: Live Support & Tools” every Thursday at 2 pm EST, exclusively on LinkedIn Live!

This series is dedicated to fostering a supportive community where women empower women. Each week, we dive into the wealth of resources and tools designed to promote equity, diversity, and career advancement for women in business and beyond.

What to Expect:

• Live Q&A Sessions with Experts: Have your pressing questions answered in real-time by our panel of seasoned professionals
• Tool Showcases: Discover curated tools tailored for HR, business, and career development that drive equity and inclusion.
• Career and Mentorship Opportunities: Learn about our Hire Her Job Board and mentorship programs designed to propel your professional journey.
• Exclusive Consultations: Drop in your questions during the LinkedIn Livestream or email us at INFO@WOMENBIZ.CA to book a complimentary consult. #EmpowerwithanHour

Whether you’re seeking a job, support for your business, looking to hire talented female professionals, or need specialized DEIB and HR services, “Empower Her Hour” is your go-to resource. Let’s grow, learn, and succeed together in creating more inclusive workplaces.

Tune in. Speak up. Stand out. Let’s empower each other.

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On this episode of Empower Hour for Changemakers, Hilda will share invaluable insights and practical strategies aimed at helping listeners recognize and leverage their unique talents. Drawing from her extensive experience in coaching and mentorship, Hilda will delve into the importance of embracing one’s strengths and abilities, while also addressing common challenges that hinder self-confidence.

Hilda Gan, Culture Expert

Wouldn’t you like to have a place where people feel motivated and engaged to come to work? Well, Hilda knows how to make that happen.

Hilda Gan (RN, MHSc, CHRL) is the President and Chief People Officer of People Bright Consulting Inc., an award-winning HR management consulting firm based in the Greater Toronto Area. She has helped leaders of companies and organizations build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture and engaged staff. An International Best-Selling Author featured in the ‘Women Who BossUp’ series, Hilda is a Fascinate Certified Advisor, using Sally Hogshead’s Fascinate® Test to help Leaders and Staff gain confidence in understanding their unique advantages. Managers and Teams are transformed into high-performing teams through the REVUP approach and the Fascination Test.

Join us for “Empower Her Hour: Live Support & Tools” every Thursday at 2 pm EST, exclusively on LinkedIn Live!

This series is dedicated to fostering a supportive community where women empower women. Each week, we dive into the wealth of resources and tools designed to promote equity, diversity, and career advancement for women in business and beyond.

What to Expect:

• Live Q&A Sessions with Experts: Have your pressing questions answered in real-time by our panel of seasoned professionals
• Tool Showcases: Discover curated tools tailored for HR, business, and career development that drive equity and inclusion.
• Career and Mentorship Opportunities: Learn about our Hire Her Job Board and mentorship programs designed to propel your professional journey.
• Exclusive Consultations: Drop in your questions during the LinkedIn Livestream or email us at INFO@WOMENBIZ.CA to book a complimentary consult. #EmpowerwithanHour

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/empowerhourforchangemakers/exclusive-content

Join us on this transformative episode of the Empower Hour for Changemakers with fun guest expert Career & Life Coach Kadine Cooper, as we delve into the essential journey of self-recovery and empowerment after leaving a job that no longer serves you. Whether you’ve been laid off or have decided to step away from a toxic work environment, this episode is your guide to bouncing back stronger and more aligned with your core values.

Key Takeaways:

1. Healing Takes Time: Discover the importance of giving yourself space and time to heal after job loss. We'll explore strategies to manage this transitional period with grace and resilience.
2. Core Values at the Forefront: Learn why keeping your core values in focus is crucial during times of change. Remember, your needs matter and acknowledging them is the first step to true empowerment.
3. Goal Setting with Care: Kadine introduces five attainable goals that will challenge you without pushing you to the brink. Setting the right goals can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
4. Community and Connections: The importance of not isolating yourself during tough times cannot be overstated. We discuss how reaching out to your community and engaging with networks can provide support and open new doors.
5. Special Birthday Offer: In celebration of Kadine’s birthday on May 13th, we have a special gift for our listeners! DM the word "May" to Kadine to receive an exclusive discount.

Tune in for an hour of heartfelt advice, practical tips, and empowering stories that will help you navigate your professional and personal life with confidence. Don’t miss this episode packed with insights and a special birthday treat from Kadine.

About Kadine:

Kadine Cooper, CPCC   (She/Her)

Holistic Executive Career & Life Transformation Coach I Facilitator I Experiential Speaker I 2024 RBC Women of Influence+ Nominee I 2023 & 2024 Influence Digest Top 15 Coach in Toronto I WBE Certified

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Hilda Gan and Leigh discuss the secrets to being the best version of yourself professionally and personally.

Special Offer for Podcast Listeners:

Hilda is passionate about helping people REVUP their potential and want to help you to discover your uniqueness, the “U” in REVUP. We are all unique, but how do you find your special gifts that will let you shine in your brilliance? ✨

Hilda tried many assessments and the one that resonates with her is the Fascinate Test. Developed by Sally Hogshead, it is a science-based assessment tool that will help you discover how you can differentiate yourself from others.

In just 5 minutes, you will discover your hidden talents, highest worth, and unrealized potential! The test gives you insight into how the world sees you, helping you discover your uniqueness and the distinct advantages that will give you confidence when you communicate with others. When you are confident, you build better relationships with clients, colleagues, family and friends.

***Hilda has a Black Friday special early with special discounting pricing 🎁 Find your light and shine it brightly! ✨

Learn more at: https://buff.ly/3SJyAQQ

Hilda Gan is the Founder and Chief People Officer of People Bright Consulting, an international best-selling author, motivational speaker, leadership and team trainer, the creator of REVUP Your Potential™, the co-creator of the Business Leadership Breakthrough Intensive™ and a Fascination Certified Advisor. Her company provides HR Consulting Services and People Leadership Skills, Team Building and Diversity training. A serial entrepreneur, she created a business recognized as a Best Workplaces in Canada® – top ten twice. She is passionate about helping small and medium-sized business owners and executives succeed by building their confidence as people-centric leaders

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In this episode, we discuss why both Leigh Mitchell and Julie Middleton have mindfulness routines and why and how you can too.

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On this episode of the Wisdom Walks Podcast, I walk and talk with Carol Schulte in High Park during Cherry Blossom season and have a frank discussion on mental breakdowns to breakthroughs.

Carol explains many important elements in recovery, mental health challenges and how to find yourself again.

About Carol Schulte

Founder of The Brave Initiative, and mental health advocate, Carol has been educating and empowering audiences internationally - including Fortune 500 companies, International Associations, and individual leaders - to get their brave on - for almost a decade. She is passionate about empowering workplaces to engage in braver conversations, create braver cultures, and take braver steps of action.

Being diagnosed with a serious mental health illness later in life, she has learned the hard way the importance of prioritizing wellness, and what it really means to be brave. She is the creator of Brave Beyond Diagnosis - a community dedicated to women living with a mental illness, and The Brave Healing Journal - A guided journey to find your brave and empower your life - one day at a time, to be released on June 4.

She believes wholeheartedly the bravest thing you can do, is to be brave enough to be you.

Having lived in 16 countries, including Ashrams in India and vans in New Zealand, shaved her head for breast cancer, and bungee jumped in her birthday suit, Carol walks her talk and brings a global perspective to all she does. Multi-passionate, she’s also a volunteer counsellor, a beginner guitar player, and serious carpool karaoke-er!

Brave Healing Journal

Introducing 'The Brave Healing Journal'... inspired being by Mental Health Awareness Month, it's finally time to launch!

In this journal I not only share my story (from flying high in fancy jets to sporting scrubs in the psych unit), but also the tools that literally saved my life. Inside these pages you'll find powerful ideas, practical tools, daily prompts, affirmations and inspirations, as well as small action challenges designed to help you find your brave and empower your journey. It creates a safe space to explore your own thoughts and feelings, cultivate self-awareness, self-compassion, and the confidence to see what's possible, from wherever you are.

We are all healing from something.

You are exactly where you are supposed to be.

And you’re not alone.

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Welcome to our latest episode of the Wisdom Walks Podcast Advancing your business by tackling barriers with mentorship and smart planning

Natasha Mitchell of Inspire and Drive joins Leigh Mitchell to speak about the importance of enhancing your skillset to meet the needs of the market, the significance of mentorship, maintaining relationships, and knowing when to take a break (yes we all need them). 

Natasha is the owner of Inspire and Drive, a consulting and coaching company for the creative industry. With more than 25 years of experience, she has joined the Women in Biz Network to mentor, sharing her knowledge and expertise. 

We chat about discovering how to get the fundamental components of a business or campaign launch down. Natasha explains that it doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, just well thought out. 

Leigh and Natasha also discuss mentorship, and how having a safe space with 1-on-1 mentoring can be so beneficial not just to get feedback on your ideas, but so you are 100% honest with yourself and know you’ll always have a safe landing.

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In this episode of the Podcast Jill Valentine, founder of UGO Impact and Leigh Mitchell, Founder of Women in Biz Network discuss the power of living your values and finding your purpose in your profession. Most importantly we discuss how you can level up with mentorship and accountability in your life to create more impact and joy in your business life. 

Jill Valentine discusses the hidden secrets to success through finding mentorship and levelling up your impact and accountability as a business owner so you can reach your goals with a sense of purpose and direction.

Jill is the co-founder of UGO Impact and founder of Dare to be a Dandelion. She is a leading Transformative Travel & Impact Coach who harnesses the innate power of travel and volunteerism to create and inspire Changemakers around the globe. Leveraging her skills as a transformation coach and extensive background in the local and global charity/non-profit arena, she’s the creator of ‘The UGO Method for Change Model’ helping current and aspiring changemakers create profound personal and global change.  A passionate humanitarian, volunteerism specialist, disability sport consultant, and world traveller, she lives by the words “Make it happen!”

 

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On this episode of the Podcast Social entrepreneur and former Tiger-Cats player Orlando Bowen shares his powerful story on his wrongful conviction, how he got started in public speaking and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. What is so striking about Orlando is his capacity for forgiveness and using his gifts for the greater good.

Orlando is a keynote speaker focused on equipping people to get off the sidelines and become difference-makers on their teams and in the lives of those around them. He is a highly sought after speaker and trainer who works with corporations, small businesses and non-profits. When it comes to building teams, creating momentum and employing winning strategies, Orlando is the real deal. He is also passionate about youth leadership. As a result of that passion, he founded One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization to inspire and to teach resilience, leadership and teamwork to youth.

Empowering people to overcome adversity, find their passion and to use their gifts to serve is the reason Orlando breathes. This gift has placed Orlando on hundreds of stages, boardrooms and in presentations across North and South America and has garnered him numerous awards.

From our interview you will learn about:

• His wrongful incarceration story 
• How he was drafted to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
• How he started his not for profit organization
• Why a greater purpose can lead us to overcome our fears
• What a positive mindset can accomplish in life and business
• Advice to get started in public speaking
• Adapting to working online

 

 

 

 

 

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On this episode, Leigh and Ronan Mitchell spoke with rapper, speaker and socially driven entrepreneur Duane "D.O" Gibson.

D.O discusses his journey in business as a musician, author and a speaker in schools. We dive into the process of getting signed to a record label and getting music published to streaming services and CDs. D.O gave advice, insight and tips for fellow entrepreneurs and anyone looking to enter a field similar to his. You can find D.O on Instagram and twitter @iamdogibsonand at websites www.iamdogibson.com  www.staydriven.com www.onthisgrind.com

More on D.O Gibson: 

D.O. Gibson has defied the odds as a rapper from Canada, becoming a certified international artist, a successful record label executive and a socially active community ambassador.  He set a Guinness World Record when he freestyled for nearly nine hours in 2003, sold tens of thousands of CDs, hit #1 on U.S. College Hip Hop Radio charts and travelled the world performing for sold out crowds; D.O.’s success is defined in his own terms.

In addition to extensive Canadian tour schedule, Gibson has lived up to the nickname “MrInternational” as he has toured the US, Europe and Asia.  In the summer of 2016 he headlined shows in France, the Netherlands and performed at Fresh Island Fest in Croatia alongside Wiz Khalifa, Chris Brown and DJ

In between recording, Gibson founded the Stay Driven program that launched in 2001.  Stay Driven is based on D.O.’s own life experiences where he addresses relevant topics such as anti-bullying, peer pressure, and literacy. Gibson has spoke and performed at over one thousand schools reaching hundreds of thousands of students.  In 2012, he released the book Stay Driven. 

Somewhere between Tupac (in terms of social consciousness), Fresh Prince (in terms of appeal with youth) and Jay-Z (in terms of business sense), stands D.O., a man who is bounded only by the hours in a day.

 

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Founder of Women in Biz Network Leigh Mitchell chatted with actor, writer and comedian Jessica Holmes on how depression can affect life, work and business.

Leigh's reflections: As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety throughout my adult life I was drawn to Jessica's book: Depression: The Comedy because it was the first book that I personally read that discussed what it is like to deal with depression while being self-employed. I was acquainted with Jessica as she was a speaker for Women in Biz Network, but her latest book really goes deep into her story and ultimate recovery. Her honesty about her marriage, life as a parent and being a performer while in the throes of depression really touched me. I am so glad that Jessica has gone on to become an incredible advocate for people who are experiencing depression. Her work around reducing depression stigma can be found in her social media and her keynotes. We hope that employers and loved ones will learn from this interview what is helpful and most importantly what is harmful.

Learn about Jessica Holmes:

Jessica Holmes has brought the house down with her unique brand of comedy, opening for giants such as Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld, and Oprah Winfrey. Combining stand up, music and improvisation, she honed her skills at Just For Laughs and the world-famous Second City before moving on to television. Her Carol Burnett-style series The Holmes Show and her knack for skewering celebrities like Nikki Minaj, Britney Spears, and Celine Dion have made her a favourite with audiences across the country. Also a wellness advocate, Jessica is known for speaking candidly about her experience with depression. She mixes comedy with a validating message about life’s challenges, and has become a celebrated voice in fighting the stigma surrounding mental health issues in her keynotes. In 2018 she became an ambassador for the Bell Let’s Talk campaign and wrote the hilarious and touching memoir Depression The Comedy. A mother of 2 (and wife of 1), Jessica’s passion is finding the humour in life's imperfections, and turning embarrassments into punchlines.

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After decades of advising and inspiring some of the most eminent chief executives in the world, Lolly Daskal has uncovered a startling pattern: within each leader are powerful abilities that are also hidden impediments to greatness. She’s witnessed many highly driven, overachieving leaders rise to prominence fueled by well-honed skill sets, only to falter when the shadow sides of the same skills emerge.

Now Daskal reveals her proven system, which leaders at any level can apply to dramatically improve their results. It begins with identifying your distinctive leadership archetype and recognizing its shadow:

■ The Rebel, driven by confidence, becomes the Imposter, plagued by self-doubt.

■ The Explorer, fueled by intuition, becomes the Exploiter, master of manipulation.

■ The Truth Teller, who embraces candor, becomes the Deceiver, who creates suspicion.

■ The Hero, embodying courage, becomes the Bystander, an outright coward.

■ The Inventor, brimming with integrity, becomes the Destroyer, who is morally corrupt.

■ The Navigator, trusts and is trusted, becomes the Fixer, endlessly arrogant.

■ The Knight, for whom loyalty is everything, becomes the Mercenary, who is perpetually self-serving.

Using psychology, philosophy, and her own experience, Daskal offers a breakthrough perspective on leadership. She’ll take you inside some of the most cloistered boardrooms, let you in on deeply personal conversations with industry leaders, and introduce you to luminaries who’ve changed the world. Her insights will help you rethink everything you know to become the leader you truly want to be.

Tell us about your business

Lead From Within is a global leadership consultancy firm.

What is your best advice to have a life and business based on the Thrive philosophy?

1. Find out what matters to you.

2. Don't compromise what is important to you.

3. Choose greatness in every decision.

Links referenced in the podcast:

http://www.lollydaskal.com

Connect on Twitter @lollydaskal and at http://www.lollydaskal.com and at http://www.facebook.com/lolly.daskal

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