Bold(h)er

As the COVID-19 pandemic and its related professional, social, and economic effects continue, it's of paramount importance to check in, and give yourself the tools to emotionally weather the storm. Lisa does just that with BMO's Chief Inclusion Officer Paulette Jagers and Senior Manager Joyce Lum, sharing their tips for building and maintaining personal resilience in this instalment of a special Bold(h)er series on leadership during the coronavirus.

Together, they practice breathing techniques, share the psychological benefits of meditation, exercise, sleep, and moderation, and work on fear-mitigation strategies that are critical for every leader's toolkit, now and in the brighter future.

About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

When COVID-19 measures hit in the middle of March 2020, businesses had to make decisions in days, or even hours, that they would normally make in months or years. Continuing in a special Bold(h)er series on women innovating in the wake of the pandemic, Lisa is joined by Group Head of BMO Wealth Management Joanna Rotenberg to discuss what true leadership looks like when the world's turned upside down.

In their discussion, they share what it means to serve others in a crisis, unique struggles (and silver linings) of working from home, and the paramount importance of leadership emphasizing health: the health of clients, employees, and yourself.

About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

How is the Canadian government supporting its small businesses in the wake of changes mandated by COVID-19? Continuing on in a special Bold(h)er series on women and innovation in the face of the pandemic, our host Lisa brings pressing questions from fellow small business owners to Canada's Minster of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng.

From highlighting stories of trailblazing innovation and collaboration among all sectors to how essential it is to keep trade moving and businesses running, they acknowledge that there are hard times still ahead for Canadian small business, but that we can face them – and come out stronger on the other side – together.

About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

A note on this episode: Minister Ng states in the interview that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy is taxable for the employer/company. As a clarification: The usual treatment of tax credits and other benefits provided by the government applies. As a consequence, the wage subsidy received by an employer is considered government assistance and is included in the employer's taxable income.

The rapid spread and severity of COVID-19 has meant sweeping changes in all aspects of human life; not least our lives at work. In the first of a special Bold(h)er series on women who are leading innovation in the face of the pandemic, HR lawyer and consultant Laura Williams joins Lisa for a candid discussion on how to hire, lead, and lay off in the face of COVID-19.

From leading with fairness to finding support networks to alternatives to termination, their discussion is what every business owner needs to hear in these uncertain times: that you're definitely not alone.

About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

Sometimes the nontraditional path can get you where you need to go in life. That was the case for Shav Hasfal-McIntosh. Early on, Shav challenged family expectations and dropped out of university and college only to go back later in life to complete her HR certificate.

Now, as Shopify's Diversity & Belonging Team Lead, she's challenging conventions at work and striving to make colleagues feel included, valued, and heard. Shav's story shows how she maneuvered through life's ups and downs and ended up better for it.

About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

Women often feel compelled to avoid making waves in their line of work. Not so for Amanda Brugel, award-winning actor. She pushed against stereotypical roles for women of colour and forged a successful career as a character actor, starring in The Handmaid's Tale and hundreds of other Canadian and international productions.

Amanda reinvented what it means to be a Black woman in film and television through asserting her individuality first. From daring to be the "wild card" in auditions to turning intention into life achievements, Amanda's story shows that reinvention is possible: you just have to dare to do it.

It's one thing to take a risk when you're in trouble, but a different one entirely when everything's going great. Such was the case with Lisa Elder, the family breadwinner who left an executive position at a prestigious agency to start her company, heads up – with two small children at home.

With a ton of hard work, Lisa turned her solopreneur venture into a highly-successful, incorporated research firm. The story unfolds among naysaying accountants, bringing her husband aboard, and life events that put it all in perspective, showing that the biggest risk of all is risking that you'll regret not taking the leap.

Our research has revealed that historically women have not been engaged in investing.  The anticipated transfer to wealth to women via inheritance from their parents and their spouses, along with the growth of women-owned businesses, means it is crucial that women take control of their financial future. Lesley Marks, Chief Investment Strategist for BMO Private Wealth in Canada, provides insight into investment strategies and how a holistic approach to your financial health is an important part of investing

A business partnership is an exciting undertaking, but it is very important to ensure that everything about that partnership is taken into consideration in the legal documentation. Casey Thomson, Owner of The Cheese Gallery in Thornbury, Ontario discusses her experience with starting a business with a business partner, and the benefits and the necessary due diligence of partnership agreements.

Debt. Is it good or bad? Either way it is a fact of life. Every generation has had an impact on the next generations thoughts and beliefs around debt. Julie Sehl, Vice President of Financial Planning shares how you can use debt to advance your future and what you must be conscious of when accumulating it.