Feel Good Work, Transforming how we do work

In this conversation we explore what approaches can leaders take to support a conflict resolution which allows for people to work better with each other. Penny Tremblay talks about her method which she calls Playing Nice in the Sandbox. Have a listen

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PENNY's BIO https://pennytremblay.com/

Penny is a genuine entrepreneur. Founding the Tremblay Leadership Center, with relationship strategies training and keynotes internationally for 20+ years, thousands have benefitted with skills and confidence to be productive, play nice in the sandbox, and climb the ladder of success. Her Advanced Mediation certificate from Harvard combined with years of conflict resolution facilitation in workplaces bring stories, experiences and guidance for productive, peaceful and profitable business.

Link to Transcript - https://circlepointwellness.com/penny_tremblay

Ever wonder what makes a leader that is inspiring, impactful, creative, and able to create a work place where people thrive? In this conversation with renowned Opera Singer and Executive Coach Lucia Cesaroni, we talk about how the artist mindset is a way a leader can create their own masterpiece.

Leadership, much like art is a practice. In this session we explore tools, techniques and ideas that leaders can implement adapting the creative artist mindset. Pulling from her Opera experiences, Lucia draws parallels between a piece of Opera and a workplace.

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Lucia's Bio

Lucia brings art and business together...in concert. A renowned Italo-Canadese soprano and accomplished entrepreneur, she joyfully and intentionally divides her time between Toronto, New York and the serene Abruzzo mountains.

Lucia’s career has graced the prestigious stages of the Metropolitan Opera, Italy's RAI Orchestra Nazionale in Torino as well as concerts with Andrea Bocelli. As Founder of Cesaroni Consulting, she seamlessly merges her artistic experience and passion with executive coaching, transformative workshops, hosting, inspirational speaking and angel investing. Her clients include Sunlife Financial, Bell Canada, Salesforce, Masters Insurance, Google and MBA candidates at the Sprott (Carleton), Haskanye (Calgary) and Rotman (Toronto) Schools of Business and Management. Lucia also sits on the committee for Women in Musical Leadership, a national program building infrastructure and opportunities for the next generation of female conductors. Hercolumn, Essential Perspectives, for Opera Canada invites diversity of thought into the sector from experiencedleaders outside of the arts. Each project aligns with her values of Community, Commerce, Culture...and Cool.

Check out her services at www.cesaroniconsulting.com

Link to Transcript - https://circlepointwellness.com/lucia_Cesaroni

In this conversation we explore what is organizational resiliency, communication and ways of relating in environments that are high stress and high pressure.

We are joined by Dr. Rob Goldman, Attorney and Psychologist.

Read full bio below

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Dr. Goldman is a licensed psychologist and attorney with over 18 years of experience in combining law and psychology. Upon beginning his law practice, Dr. Goldman was appointed to the Law Guardian Panel which inspired him to receive his Doctorate in School & Community Psychology from Hofstra University in order to help children. 

Dr. Goldman worked as the Supervising Psychologist for the Suffolk County Probation Department and Suffolk County Mental Hygiene Services where he conducted court evaluations, and provided treatment. Dr. Goldman has also lectured nationally on topics ranging from Restorative Justice, Educational Law, Forensic Evaluations and the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression among teens and adults. Dr. Goldman is also an author and has been published in the Albany Law Review and the New York Law Journal. 

Dr. Goldman is a member of the American Psychological Association, Suffolk County Criminal Bar Association and the Suffolk County Bar Association. He is also the co-chair of the Neuroscience and Law Committee, and an adjunct professor at Hofstra University, Touro University and St. Joseph’s College teaching Restorative Justice and various Community Correction topics. 

In the midst of COVID-19, Dr. Goldman created a virtual lawyers lounge that provided virtual support to help lawyers cope with their own challenges. This first virtual lawyers lounge led to the very beginning of TLC Virtual Resiliency.

In this conversation we explore the importance of relationships and community building in creating new ways of learning and leading. We look at some powerful processes that helps us move into this direction, even within most siloed work places.

ABOUT VICKI

Vicki Saunders is an entrepreneur, award-winning mentor, advisor to the next generation of change-makers and leading advocate for entrepreneurship as a way of creating positive transformation in the world.

Vicki is Founder of #radical generosity and Coralus (formerly SheEO), a global community of radically generous women supporting women-led Ventures working on the World’s To-Do List.

Vicki has co-founded and run ventures in Europe, Toronto and Silicon Valley and taken a company public on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Vicki was received numerous awards for her work at Coralus including; UBS Global Visionary in 2020, YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 2020, Business Leader of the Year 2019 by the Toronto Regional Board of Trade, 2018 Startup Canada Entrepreneurship Promotion Award and was selected as a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum in 2001.

Link to Transcript - https://circlepointwellness.com/vicki_saunders

In this conversation we talk about what inclusive leadership means in practice, what is the experience of being a Black women in STEM. Kishawana shares her personal experience of leaving a discriminatory corporate workplace for social impact entrepreneurship, and shares some words of advice for others wanting to do the same.

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https://www.womxndsto.com/

BIO

Kishawna Peck is an emerging voice in artificial intelligence. Driven by a mission to empower a million women to become data-literate and reshape the AI landscape with inclusive products and services, Kishawna's influence resonates through a community she founded, Womxn in Data Science. With deep roots in Canada and an expanding presence in the United States, the community currently boasts over 4000 members. Notably, Kishawna brought the first Women in Data Science Conference to Canada, further emphasizing her dedication to promoting inclusivity in the field.

With a foundational academic background in Economics, Kishawna took a deliberate leap into data science. Throughout her illustrious career, Kishawna's roles have often been groundbreaking. She frequently stepped in as the first data hire, shaping nascent data teams and sculpting pivotal data strategies from scratch. This unique perspective, coupled with her leadership in guiding teams through uncharted territories, showcases her agility and vision in the world of data. Her dedication to continuous learning led her to pursue a Master's of Management in Artificial Intelligence from the esteemed Queen's University Smith School of Business, further solidifying her credentials in the domain.

Today, Kishawna continues to build the Womxn in Data Science Community and consults organizations, empowering them to tap into the power of data and AI while ensuring ethical, inclusive practices. Specializing in data and AI literacy programs, she equips teams with essential skills, embedding a data-driven culture. Beyond literacy, she steers companies through the intricate AI product development process, championing inclusive design practices to foster products that serve more than default populations.

Her voice, enriched with experience and insights, echoes in her keynotes as she illuminates the future of work, the societal dynamics of emerging tech, and the vital shift from mere consumers to informed creators in AI.

Collaborations with industry giants like CIFAR, RBC, the Ontario Government, and renowned Canadian AI Institutes testify to her unwavering commitment. Her work, perspectives, and mission have garnered media attention, with features in platforms like The Globe and Mail, Breakfast Television, and CP24.

In this engaging conversation I interview Co-Managing Directors of Evening and Weekend Consulting, on topics of what it means to co-lead together, what role play has in their leadership and what is the impact of leading within the structures of White Supremacy.

A conversation not to be missed.

BIOS BELOW

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Laëtitia Eyssartel (she/her)

Laëtitia Eyssartel is a co-founder of Evenings & Weekends Consulting, and comes from a mixed professional background in science, engineering and project management.

She has over 10 years of experience working in the non-profit sector and has focused her career on leading projects and initiatives to increase organizational impacts and financial sustainability, while supporting individuals and teams navigating organizational change.

From 2017 to 2023, Laëtitia was a Senior Director at FoodShare Toronto, Canada’s largest food justice organization. In her role, she provided strategic leadership and support in areas of food distribution, social enterprises, risk management, human resources, organizational structure, health & safety, facility management and IT. When not at work, Laëtitia can be found outdoors with her son and partner, or enjoying some delicious food with her family and friends.

Paul Taylor (he/him)

Paul Taylor is a long-time activist, non-profit leader, educator, media commentator, and a co-founder of Evenings & Weekends Consulting.

For the last several years, he has also taught in the areas of organizational leadership, people resources and fundraising at Simon Fraser University. From 2017 to 2023, Paul served as the Executive Director of FoodShare Toronto, Canada’s largest food justice organization. At FoodShare his leadership was consistently recognized for inspiring adoption of equity-focused people policies and practices in organizations well beyond FoodShare. Paul’s experience includes Executive Director roles at Gordon Neighbourhood House and the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House.

Paul has also chaired the British Columbia Poverty Reduction Coalition, served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and as Vice-Chair of Food Secure Canada.

 He has written several op-eds on leadership, the non-profit sector and various social issues. In 2020, Paul was named one of Canada’sTop 40 under 40, one of Toronto Life’s 50 Most Influential Torontonians and voted as Best Activist by Now Magazine readers.

When not at work, Paul is almost always found in the kitchen, on his bike, in a good book or at a local protest.

Link to Transcript - https://circlepointwellness.com/laetitia_Eyssartel_and_Paul_Taylor

In this conversation we explore what it means for a leader to honor your passions, while at the same time inspiring others to show up as the best version of themselves. An inspiring conversation not to be missed

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ABOUT PATRICK

Patrick Bizindavyi is a visionary entrepreneur and social impact leader dedicated to catalyzing positive change in Africa and beyond. With a passion for inspiring dreams, empowering youth, and promoting economic empowerment, Patrick has founded and spearheaded three impactful initiatives: Unleashed Possibilities, Africa Basketball Ejo, and FORTnBIZ Inc.

Unleashed Possibilities is a platform for inspiring, motivating, and empowering individuals to Think BIG, Be BOLD, and ACT NOW on pursuing and achieving their dreams and goals. This project serves as a global catalyst, training and mobilizing individuals to discover their greater purpose, happiness, and satisfaction in life, thereby realizing their full potential and positively impacting their family, friends, community, and the world.

Africa Basketball Ejo stands as a testament to Patrick's commitment to transforming Africa through the power of basketball. The vision is to create a brighter future for the continent by using basketball as a force for good. The project is characterized by three major goals:

● Basketball Camps and Academies: Establishing basketball camps and academies in every African country, providing accessible opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and excel in the sport.

● Young Athlete Development: Developing young boys and girls across Africa into professional basketball players, fostering their growth as athletes and leaders.

● Leadership Development: Utilizing basketball as a powerful tool to nurture the next generation of African leaders, instilling valuable life skills and values in our youth.

Africa Basketball Ejo's mission is to harness the power of basketball as a force for good, starting from the grassroots level and expanding across the entire African continent. Its objectives include promoting basketball at the grassroots level, empowering youth to become elite global representatives of their communities, offering essential resources, and providing scholarships for talented players.

FORTnBIZ Inc. is Patrick's vehicle for promoting community and economic empowerment by providing access to premium products and services that respond to the needs of communities. This project offers unique access to opportunities, capital, talent, expertise, leadership, and insight to a variety of businesses, visibility to companies and products through alignment with powerful influencers, and storytelling services.

Patrick Bizindavyi's work is a testament to his unwavering commitment to fostering positive change, inspiring the youth, and promoting economic empowerment. His three projects, Unleashed Possibilities, Africa Basketball Ejo, and FORTnBIZ Inc., serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, illuminating the path toward a brighter future for Africa and beyond. Patrick is a true visionary and leader whose endeavours are changing lives and communities for the better.

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www.fortnbiz.com

www.africabasketballejo.com 

www.unleashedpossibilities.net

Link to Transcript - https://circlepointwellness.com/Patrick_Bizindavyi

In today's episode we explore what introspection really means for a leader and how we can build better companies by doing the inner work of "bringing the unconscious to the conscious." From doing the inner personal work and looking at one's own traumas, trauma responses and patterns, leaders can learn to identify professional patterns, how they make decisions, how they build cultures and businesses.

Bruce shares personal antidotes and insights that every leaders needs to hear.

About Today's guest Bruce Croxon

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Bruce made his mark as a digital pioneer by co-founding Lavalife and revolutionizing how people connect. Under his direction, he grew this early tech start-up into the marquee brand in online dating with over two million users. Partner, chairman and CEO, Croxon helped lead the company’s growth from four to 600 employees, while achieving revenue of just under $100 million.  Since the sale of Lavalife, Bruce has been active as both an investor and advisor in growth stage companies in the technology sector. Croxon currently helms Round13, a company dedicated to investment in growth stage Canadian tech companies. He is a weekly contributor to BNN, talking all things tech and has recently opened a charity for at risk youth called 13thround.life centered around the sport of boxing . 

Link to Transcript - https://circlepointwellness.com/Bruce_Croxon

How do we have conscious leadership which builds trust amongst a team and build your team's "trust bucket"? Find out more in this highly engaging conversation with Paulina Cameron, CEO of The Forum

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ABOUT PAULINA

As CEO of the Forum, Paulina leads a national organization that educates, mentors and connects women entrepreneurs to be wildly successful. Previously she was the Regional Director for Western Canada at Futurpreneur Canada, where she supported hundreds of young entrepreneurs in launching their businesses. A champion of gender equality, Paulina is the author of bestselling Canada 150 Women: conversations with champions, leaders and luminaries; and was the co-founder and president of Young Women in Business. Believing in empowerment for the next generation, Paulina was a Visiting Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Simon Fraser University, and has advised the Government of Canada on Canada’s $800M Youth Employment strategy.

Paulina is the Past Chair of the Board of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC, and serves on the Board of Directors for YWCA Metro Vancouver and the Government of British Columbia’s Small Business Roundtable.

She has been recognized in the community by being awarded as a Globe & Mail Changemaker 2022, Business in Vancouver’s Top Forty under 40 2020, BCBusiness 2019 Most Influential Women in Finance Award, the Vancouver Board of Trade’s inaugural Wendy McDonald Award, The International Alliance for Women Top 100 Award in Washington DC, the KPMG National Leadership Award, and the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards.

Paulina gained her business expertise working at KPMG obtaining the CPA, CA designation.

Link to Transcript - https://circlepointwellness.com/Paulina_Cameron

In this conversation we chat about the necessary role of discomfort when doing anti-Black racism work, while cultivating grace. David highlights differences between grace and accountability and chats about how as leaders we can create transformative change.

More about David Bosveld

David is a Founder of the Black Education Fund (BEF www.blackeducationfund.com),

a fundraising organization dedicated to providing Black students with scholarship

money for post-secondary studies.

He is a Field Services support worker at Bell Canada who has previously worked as a

trainer during a career that spans 25 years. David was the first elected President and

served in a variety of roles within CEP Local 6006 now known as UNIFOR. He also spent

3 years as Organizing Director at Communications Workers of America (CWA-SCA Canada)

advocating for workers in the media and communications sector.

Most important to David are his children Tristan and Gabriella. David is a community and

worker advocate fighting against anti Black racism, particularly in education, policing and

municipal government.

As a Coach and Board member of Peel Region Football (PRF www.peelregionfootball.ca).

David connects directly with young people and supports their growth in the community and

athletics.

He also works directly with families and individuals who have been impacted by police violence.

David is an active volunteer in his community and serves as President of his Condo Board

Association,

Chair of the Board of Directors of Parents of Black Children (POBC

www.parentsofblackchildren.org)

and is a member of the Anti Racism Advisory Committee (ARAC) a project which includes

Peel Regional Police, Peel Regional Police Services Board and the Ontario Human Rights

Commission.

Twitter: @dbanner16

Insta: @dbkix

Email: [email protected]

Link to Transcript - https://circlepointwellness.com/David_Bosveld