Lead like a girl

Episode Description: In this deeply resonant episode, we explore the intersection of gender, capitalism, and values-based leadership. Through candid stories and critical reflections, our guest unpacks the difference between sex and gender, discusses feminism as a liberatory movement for all, and offers real talk about what it means to build a business aligned with the feminine economy. We ground this conversation in Jennifer Armbrust’s “Proposals for the Feminine Economy,” and reflect on how embracing embodiment, intuition, and equity can reshape our lives, our work, and our world.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Sex ≠ Gender: Gender is socially constructed, not biologically fixed.
• Feminism is for everyone: It's about ending exploitation, not opposing men.
• The care economy is undervalued: If paid, domestic labor would earn $60,000 USD/year.
• You can’t bulldoze into alignment: Feminine leadership listens, flows, and surrenders.
• Feminine businesses aren’t built in patriarchy’s image. They evolve slowly, cyclically, and with care.
• Values > Speed: Business success doesn’t require burnout or hierarchy.
• Embodiment is intelligence: Your body can guide aligned decision-making.

In this soul-nourishing episode, Kira—a happiness trainer, economist, IT manager, and energy healer—shares her vibrant journey from Kyrgyzstan to Canada and how she’s built a life rooted in values, nature, joy, and empowerment. She and Tammy explore topics from feminine leadership and emotional intelligence to rethinking success, economics, and the power of words. Kira’s love-centered approach to business, community, and self-care invites us to live with more joy, purpose, and authenticity.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Feminine Leadership & Love as Power: Kira advocates for leading with love and compassion, disrupting rigid, fear-based corporate systems.
• Multidimensional Identity: Women are not “too much”—being multi-passionate is a strength, not a flaw.
• Economics Rethought: Kira calls for shifting from profit-driven models to happiness-based economies, referencing “Doughnut Economics.”
• The Power of Words: Language is energy. Choosing words mindfully—especially when speaking to yourself—transforms your life.
• Structure Enables Freedom: Balancing intuition and flow with boundaries and time-awareness can unlock creativity and fulfillment.
• Values-Driven Living: Kira’s commitment to sustainability, wellness, and joy guides everything from her career to her 17-year commitment to car-free commuting.
• Healing & Happiness Are Political Acts: Joy, self-care, and valuing motherhood are essential acts of resistance in a world that often ignores women’s needs.

⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00:26 – Meet Kira: happiness trainer, immigrant, economist, and energy healer.
• 00:05:30 – Rebuilding identity after immigration; multi-passionate living.
• 00:14:10 – Why love makes people uncomfortable—and why that’s powerful.
• 00:19:00 – Feminine leadership in masculine systems.
• 00:25:10 – The corporate world and fear of truth-tellers.
• 00:30:45 – Structure creates freedom: time, routines, and Einstein time.
• 00:37:30 – Power of words: speak beauty, truth, and abundance.
• 00:45:20 – Car-free living for 17 years in Saskatoon: joy, values, and practicality.
• 00:50:45 – Rethinking economics: from GDP to happiness.
• 00:58:10 – Leadership requires self-awareness.
• 01:01:00 – Regret, healing, and using mistakes as data—not shame.
• 01:05:00 – Final wisdom: speak kindly to your body. That’s where revolution begins.

In this powerful episode, Macie Parenteau, a second-year university student and suicide survivor, shares her deeply personal mental health journey—from her diagnosis at age 9 to surviving a suicide attempt at 15. Macie talks openly about anxiety, depression, and the stigma around mental illness, and how fitness, sports, and community became the tools that helped her heal. She honors her mother’s unwavering support and discusses how vulnerability, purpose, and physical strength have reshaped her life. An inspiring story of courage, transformation, and hope.

Key Takeaways

• Early Diagnosis & Struggles: Macie was diagnosed with anxiety and depression at age 9. Her journey included panic attacks, insomnia, and debilitating fear throughout childhood.
• Suicide Survivor: At 15, she attempted suicide. Recovery began with community support, family—especially her mother—and therapy.
• Power of Movement: Athletics and weight training became Macie’s way of expressing strength and gaining mental clarity. She's now a certified personal trainer and strongwoman competition winner.
• Breaking Stigma: Macie’s openness on social media and public speaking (e.g., as a valedictorian) helps normalize mental health conversations.
• Mother’s Role: Her mother is her biggest supporter and the person who helped her rise when she couldn’t do it alone.
• Ongoing Growth: Healing isn’t linear. Macie continues to experience ups and downs and emphasizes giving yourself grace in low moments.

Timestamps

• 00:00:26 – Macie introduces herself and her mental health journey.
• 00:03:00 – Diagnosed at age 9, early symptoms and family response.
• 00:07:45 – Her suicide attempt at 15 and its aftermath.
• 00:11:00 – The role of athletics and the gym in recovery.
• 00:18:10 – Becoming a certified personal trainer and winning a strongwoman competition.
• 00:22:40 – The importance of doing things outside your comfort zone.
• 00:25:15 – The unconditional support of her mother and its impact.
• 00:32:30 – Sharing her story publicly for the first time at graduation.
• 00:36:50 – A reminder that healing isn’t linear and there’s more growth ahead.

“More Than One Thing: A Feminine Leadership Journey with Treena Wynes”

Ties to her love of doing many things and embracing a non-linear path.

Here’s a podcast summary, key takeaways, timestamps, and standout quotes from the April 16, 2025 episode featuring Treena Wynes, with a lens on feminine leadership, self-care, social impact, and community wisdom.

https://treenawynes.ca/

🎙️ Podcast Summary:

In this rich and heart-centered conversation, Treena Wynes — Registered Social Worker, award-winning author, and community leader — explores the intersections of feminine leadership, burnout, creativity, and the critical role of self-care. Treena shares her journey through decades in child and family services, her reflections on leading with empathy, and the healing she found living on a remote First Nations island. Together with the host, she unpacks what it means to be a woman in leadership, how cycles of rest and engagement are essential, and why reconnection — to land, to spirit, to community — is the key to both personal and collective transformation.

In this episode, Jacqueline Almeida, a leadership coach and entrepreneur, discusses the power of authentic leadership and emotional intelligence in business and personal growth. She shares her journey from corporate burnout to building a purpose-driven career, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and fostering strong relationships. Jacqueline dives into the challenges of leading with vulnerability, balancing ambition with well-being, and the impact of mentorship. This episode is packed with actionable insights for professionals, leaders, and anyone looking to create meaningful change in their careers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authentic Leadership Matters – Jacqueline emphasizes that leading with authenticity builds trust and drives long-term success. Pretending to be someone you’re not leads to burnout and disconnection.
2. Emotional Intelligence is a Superpower – Understanding and managing emotions (both yours and others’) is key to effective leadership. Developing self-awareness and empathy can transform workplace dynamics.
3. Overcoming Burnout – Jacqueline shares her personal experience with corporate burnout, how she ignored the warning signs, and the steps she took to recover and redefine success.
4. The Power of Mentorship – Seeking guidance from mentors and surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates growth and helps navigate challenges more effectively.
5. Balancing Ambition and Well-Being – High achievers often struggle with balance. Jacqueline discusses how to stay ambitious without sacrificing health, happiness, and relationships.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Introduction and Jacqueline’s background in corporate leadership.
• [06:15] – What inspired her to leave the corporate world and start her own journey.
• [12:30] – The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and why it’s often overlooked.
• [18:50] – How to recognize the signs of burnout and take action before it’s too late.
• [24:20] – Mentorship and surrounding yourself with people who uplift and challenge you.
• [31:45] – Balancing ambition and well-being—how to set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
• [40:00] – Final thoughts and Jacqueline’s advice for aspiring leaders.

Hi, I’m Kate (she/her). Part business strategist, part marketing mentor, part work counsellor. I’m here to help you grow on your own terms and figure out sustainable ways of working.

Together, we’ll define what growth and success mean for you. We’ll identify authentic ways to market and grow your business that don’t require you to become a different version of yourself. We’ll figure out ways of working that honour your energy, your values, and the rich life you deserve to live outside of work.

I understand the complexities of balancing multiple priorities in business while endeavouring to treat ourselves and others well, do good work, and make a living.

I promise to care about you and your business, respect your time and attention, and help you do your best work.

In this deeply personal episode, we explore the impact of trauma, perfectionism, and self-worth on our lives and businesses. Our guest opens up about surviving sexual assault, childhood neglect, and navigating family dynamics, while also discussing how these experiences shaped her drive for success. We also touch on healing, therapy, the power of photography in relationships, and the journey of self-acceptance. Plus, we reflect on love, motherhood, and breaking generational cycles.

Key Topics:

• Surviving Trauma & Healing – Sexual assault, childhood neglect, and the long-term effects of unresolved trauma.
• Perfectionism & Self-Worth – Tying achievement to validation and the emotional toll of seeking approval.
• Mental Health & ADHD – Anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and the connection between trauma and neurodivergence.
• Therapy & Healing Practices – Myofascial therapy, somatic healing, and reconnecting with the body.
• Love & Relationships – How relationships shape self-worth and the power of feeling truly seen.
• Motherhood & Breaking Cycles – Reflections on parenting, protecting children, and building a loving family.

Geena Davis, alongside director Maria Giese and others, produced the documentary "This Changes Everything," which explores how women in Hollywood are pushing for more representation in front of and behind the camera, addressing discrimination and the #MeToo movement.

What does it really take to build confidence and success—both on and off the field? In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges women face in sports, from fluctuating hormones to societal pressures, and how these factors shape performance and mindset. We explore the power of self-reflection, why B+ effort beats A+ perfection, and how defining success on your own terms leads to long-term growth.

Join us as we discuss the importance of intuition, resilience, and self-efficacy, along with practical strategies for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving to feel more confident in their journey. Whether you're an athlete, a leader, or someone looking to show up as your best self, this episode will give you tools to step into your power and trust the process.

🔹 Key topics:

✔ The impact of menstrual cycles on athletic performance

✔ The confidence-building power of small, consistent wins

✔ How to use self-reflection to grow instead of self-criticize

✔ Redefining success & listening to your intuition

✔ The role of coaches and mentors in creating a thriving environment

Karissa was born and raised in North East Saskatchewan. As a multi-sport athlete, she experienced her fair share of highs and lows in sport. Upon high school graduation, Karissa came across the idea of sport psychology and mental performance and realized, "that's what was missing." So, she took it upon herself to become the support person she needed when she was an athlete. Now, Karissa is a PhD Candidate in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on self-compassion, and how it can be a valuable internal resource for young women athletes.

Naturally, self-compassion also informs much of Karissa's consulting approach, where she specializes in working with young women athletes. As a consultant, Karissa has worked with women from a variety of ages (e.g., 9-40 years old) and sport backgrounds (e.g., ringette, figure skating, volleyball, bob sleigh, cheerleading). But please know, mental performance is not just for people who play sports. Mental performance is for everyone. It is a safe space to discuss challenges related to your body and movement, and an opportunity to learn tangible skills that improve the relationship you have with yourself. When you have a supportive relationship with yourself, it is easier to genuinely enjoy movement, and stay motivated towards your goals (even when it feels like life gets in the way).

Episode Title: Finding Peace and Presence with Sonal Kavya 🎙 Hosted by Tammy Zdunich

In this episode, we sit down with Sonal Kavia, founder of Centered in Peace Consulting, to explore the power of presence, mindfulness, and feminine leadership. Sonal shares insights on identity, slowing down, and how embodying peace can transform individuals and systems. Whether you're a leader, educator, or entrepreneur, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and grounded.

🔗 Connect with Sonal Kavya: https://www.centeredinpeace.ca/

📌 Key Moments & Timestamps:

⏳ 00:00:00 – Welcome to The Well Collab Feminine Leadership Podcast with host Tammy Zdunich. Introduction to Sonal Kavia and her work.

⏳ 00:02:21 – Tammy introduces Sonal, highlighting her impact on businesses, nonprofits, and education through mindfulness and inner peace.

⏳ 00:03:23 – Sonal’s journey: identity, change, and the evolution of self-awareness. Discussion on how identity is fluid rather than fixed.

⏳ 00:10:45 – The power of slowing down: how presence-based leadership fosters well-being and disrupts traditional systems.

⏳ 00:22:15 – Centered in Peace: How Sonal transitioned from teaching to consulting and working with organizations to create mindful spaces.

⏳ 00:30:30 – The importance of embodiment practices: Sonal’s personal and professional experiences with mindfulness, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed approaches.

⏳ 00:40:10 – Disrupting systems: Why well-being should be at the core of leadership, education, and corporate culture.

⏳ 00:50:20 – Final reflections: Sonal’s word of the season, awe-inspiring, and how to cultivate joy, presence, and peace in daily life.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired to slow down, connect with yourself, and lead with authenticity.

In the "Lead Like a Girl" podcast episode titled "Let's talk about sex, religion, and the female O with Taylor Chetty," the hosts engage in a candid conversation with Taylor Chetty, a Registered Master Social Worker and founder of Returning Home Counseling and Contracting. The episode delves into topics such as sexual education, the impact of religion on sexual health, and the importance of open discussions about intimacy.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Taylor Chetty: Taylor shares her background in supporting survivors of sexualized violence and her research on the significance of sexual education in preventing such violence.
• Sexual Education and Prevention: The discussion emphasizes the need for comprehensive sexual education in schools to empower individuals and reduce instances of sexual violence.
• Religion and Sexual Health: The conversation explores how religious beliefs can influence one's perception of sexuality and the challenges that arise in reconciling faith with sexual well-being.
• Addressing Shame and Stigma: Taylor highlights the importance of dismantling shame associated with sexual topics, advocating for open dialogues to promote healthier relationships and self-acceptance.
• Personal Well-being: Beyond her professional work, Taylor discusses her passion for fitness and self-care, underscoring the holistic approach to maintaining mental and physical health.

This episode offers valuable insights into the intersections of sexuality, religion, and mental health, encouraging listeners to embrace open conversations and challenge societal stigmas.

⏱ [00:00 - 03:00] Introduction & Guest Background

• Hosts introduce Taylor Chetty and her work in sexual education and violence prevention.
• Discussion on why this conversation is important for feminine leadership.

⏱ [03:00 - 10:00] The Role of Sexual Education in Preventing Violence

• Taylor explains how a lack of proper sexual education contributes to issues like consent misunderstandings and sexual violence.
• Why schools need to teach more than just biology—empowerment, boundaries, and consent matter too.

⏱ [10:00 - 20:00] Religion’s Influence on Sexuality & Shame

• How different religious teachings shape beliefs about sex, pleasure, and relationships.
• The impact of purity culture and how it affects both men and women in their adult relationships.
• Why open conversations can help break unhealthy cycles of shame.

⏱ [20:00 - 30:00] Dismantling Shame & Embracing Healthy Sexuality

• How society often silences women’s voices around pleasure and intimacy.
• Practical ways to reclaim confidence and autonomy over your body.

⏱ [30:00 - 40:00] Balancing Feminine Leadership & Sexual Health

• Why leaders (especially women) need to model healthy, shame-free discussions around sexuality.
• The connection between self-awareness, leadership confidence, and embracing one’s full identity.

thank you ChatGPT for this summary!