ChangeMaker Leader Podcast

Welcome to “Get the AI Advantage in Your Marketing,” an empowering session featuring Susan Diaz. Unveil the secrets of AI and transform your marketing strategy with cutting-edge techniques tailored for ambitious, modern entrepreneurs. This exclusive program, “The AI Advantage,” will introduce you to:

• Strategic Marketing Prompt Library: The first of its kind, offering a treasure trove of prompts to spark creativity and precision in your marketing campaigns.
• Step-by-Step Tutorials: Learn to leverage AI to streamline your marketing efforts, save time, and dramatically increase revenue.

Dive into a world where technology meets creativity, and transform your marketing approach into a powerhouse of productivity and profitability. Join us today and elevate your in-house marketing to new heights!

About Susan Diaz

Susan Diaz is the founder and CEO of Peaceful AI Marketing, where she helps small business founders scale their businesses by 100x in the age of artificial intelligence. She is the author of “UNboring: Take Your Content Marketing from Blah to Brilliant,” a guide to making your marketing more engaging and effective.

Susan co-hosts two popular podcasts:

• The 4 am Report: An AI literacy podcast answering the AI marketing questions that keep founders up at night.
• ABCDEI: Conversations on unlearning bias, one alphabet at a time.

When she’s not revolutionizing the marketing world, Susan is a dedicated mom to a hermit tween and a high-energy Beagle who keep her on her toes.

Join us for an insightful session and get ready to elevate your marketing game with AI!

The period of planning, launching and growing a business is a wonderful time in your life.

You get to put into motion the ideas in your head. You get to see it all come together. You get to make it all happen – on your time, using your energy and using your wits.

It will be a time full of excitement, fear and uncertainty all mixed together. Breathe it all in and just keep going, because you’ve made a monumental decision that will forever alter your life – for the better!

This reason kind of speaks for itself. The freedom and independent you will now enjoy as a self-employed person is unlike anything you’ve experienced before as an employee. No set office hours. No one will set appointments in your Outlook schedule. No one will force you to follow company policy or work toward company objectives you don’t support. You control all of those things.

And here’s a perk: you can choose the people you work with – from suppliers, to partners to employees to customers.

A nice job with a nice cubicle and a nice salary is, well, nice. But it can’t satisfy the individual who wants more financial reward than an employer can provide.

The good news is there’s no income limit as an entrepreneur. You can earn as much money as you want. Very few jobs pay you what you are truly worth. And most millionaires in North America are self-employed.

While you may not be motivated entirely by money or personal wealth, you should take comfort knowing that you are now in the best position to realize new riches – however you define that.

You’ve likely started your business to pursue a passion. It’s a chance to do what you love to do, every day and all day, for the rest of your life. Being able to apply your talents (whatever they may be) is a gift that most employed people will never get to experience in their lives.

It’s also a chance to fulfil your purpose, or calling. You know what I mean: that “pull” to a certain mission or goal or objective that you just can’t ignore. You recognized a need to do something and decided to pursue it – to become the person you’ve always wanted to be. Some might call it destiny. How exciting is that! Now is your chance to realize your personal and professional dreams by working at something you love to do and become the very best person you can be.

Entrepreneurship will give you the opportunity to self-actualize. It’s a platform to become the ultimate you.

Congratulations on your decision to join almost 3 million Canadians who are also self-employed. It’s truly this country’s hottest career choice – for all of the obvious reasons.

As host of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, Roger Pierce just loves to talk about entrepreneurship as a career choice and what’s involved in starting and running a small business.

One of Canada’s top small business experts, Roger is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur trainer who has founded 14 small businesses over the past 25 years.

Brands hire his marketing agency to produce small business content for their websites including Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank, FedEx, Rogers, Mastercard, Staples, and Sage accounting software.

Roger lives in downtown Toronto with his wife, two children, and one dog. He can be reached through his website at RogerPierce.ca.

Connect with Roger at: 

https://rogerpierce.com/

https://www.unsureentrepreneur.com/

Join Anita Heidema, a seasoned Rich Life & Business Strategist, as she guides heart-centred female entrepreneurs and executives through the transformative process of redefining their personal and professional lives for scale, simplicity, and success. With over two decades of experience, Anita has crafted the RichLifeBiz system, aiding thousands globally to hone their unique visions and establish effective strategies for success at any life stage. As a best-selling author and a voice in media outlets like ABC, FOX, and CP24, Anita brings a wealth of knowledge and inspirational insights to this session. Whether you're tuning into her "Ah Ha Moments for Success" podcast or seeking a direct transformative impact, Anita is a game-changer for your personal and professional development.

Learn How To:

🐝 Embrace Your Unique Vision

🐝 How to quiet your mind in order to find the focus you need to fulfil your vision

🐝 Mastering Time Management

Content Referenced in Episode 

🦋 BOOK & Journal with proceeds going to LewyBody Dementia Awareness.

( Limited time free journal ) https://lnkd.in/gwggtQCf

🦋 Ah Ha Moments for Success Podcast (Vitality Knocks Book Series) https://lnkd.in/gv4YCZ5n

🦋 Free Masterclass Redefine Your Unique Vision Masterclass https://lnkd.in/gKMJsA_p

• Your unique vision is the key to success. 
• Life lessons are all around us if we listen. Vitality Knocks, use my process where you read one chapter a night before bed to gain insights into your life lesson of the past and knock on the door.
• We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Time blocking has saved me and given me time and financial freedom. I travelled for 2 years and kept the quality with my client to help serve and grow myself.

Anita Heidema is a Rich Life & Business Strategist for heart-centred female entrepreneurs & executives who are finally redefining their personal and professional lives for scale, simplicity and success. Creator of the RichLifeBiz proven system 20 years ago that has helped thousands around the globe with their unique vision, focus and established strategies for success in their stage of life.

Bestselling Author to Vitality Knocks a fictional self-help book and study program and has been seen on various media outlets and podcasts over the last 20 years like ABC, FOX, Rogers, CP24, and many more.

Follow Anita on her podcast Ah Ha Moments for Success or contact her at [email protected] as she is a game changer for your personal and professional life.

Connect at https://anitaheidema.com

This week, we sit down with Rachel Kelly to explore the concept of pivoting in life and business. From her unique approach to floral design to her adventurous spirit on the road, Rachel demonstrates the power of embracing new paths and opportunities. Rachel’s journey from running the Make Lemonade CoWorking Studio to becoming an event florist is a testament to resilience, creativity, and optimism. Her story includes taking stock of what talents and assets she already had including her established professional brand and transforming her pandemic problems into a new career path after attending Toronto Flower School. Rachel’s dedication to her craft, from hauling greenery for celebrations to scaling her glass ceiling is truly inspiring. We break down her power moves and how she overcame self-doubt to become a kick-ass florist who is leading the way with her advice to help others become change makers of their own professional lives. 

Understand the Value of Resilience and Adaptability

• Learn how Rachel navigated the challenges of closing her coworking office and pivoting to a new career.
• Gain insights into the importance of staying optimistic and flexible in the face of adversity.

Explore Creative Career Transitions

• Discover how Rachel transitioned from managing a coworking studio to becoming a successful event florist.
• Understand the steps and mindset required to make a significant career change.

Harnessing the Power of Passion

• Learn how identifying and following one's passion can lead to fulfilling career opportunities.
• Hear about Rachel’s journey from curiosity to a committed career in floral design.

Developing Practical Skills and Mastery

• Gain insights into the practical skills Rachel acquired at Toronto Flower School and their application in her new career.
• Understand the role of continuous learning and skill development in professional growth.

Effective Use of Digital Marketing

• Learn about Rachel’s approach to mastering email marketing and its impact on her business.
• Explore the significance of digital marketing strategies in growing a small business.

Creativity in Business

• Discover how Rachel integrates her fine arts background into her floral designs.
• Understand the importance of creativity in differentiating oneself in a competitive market.

Inspiration and Motivation

• Be inspired by Rachel’s dedication and passion for her craft.
• Gain motivation to pursue your own dreams and consider new possibilities in your career path.

Rachel Kelly is a motorcycle ridin’, community-buildin’, florist in Toronto.

Like a lot of small business owners, her journey isn’t linear, but what makes her stand out is her eternal optimism and passion for colour. From the opening (and closing) of her coworking office, crafting email magic, to whipping up unique floral creations, good design is at the heart of everything she does.

She had an epiphany in the midst of the pandemic: her dreams were bigger than the work she was doing on her laptop, so she went after ‘em.

With a degree in fine arts, a sharp set of snips, and an eye for design, she jumped at the opportunity to go to Toronto Flower School to scratch an itch. The itch became a full-on career switch and she’s so glad she made it.

From hauling tonnes of greens for milestone celebrations, and scaling 15ft ladders to craft hanging installs for brand launches, she loves every moment of making flower magic.

Livestreams are then carefully crafted into podcast episodes for our Empower Hour for Changemakers Podcast 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

• 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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] to book a complimentary consult. #EmpowerwithanHour