REVUP Your Leadership with Hilda Gan

Hard skills might get you into a leadership role – but it’s compassion that inspires trust, loyalty, and real collaboration.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jill McPherson, an educator and facilitator who helps people communicate with more courage, compassion, and clarity. Trained in Nonviolent Communication, Jill works with leaders and teams to build trust, navigate conflict, and shift away from “power over” dynamics that quietly erode connection.

Part 1 of our 2-part series focuses on leading your team. Jill shares how conscious, compassionate communication can strengthen emotional intelligence and transform leadership from a role of control to one of genuine connection. We explore how to stay grounded, build trust, and respond instead of react – especially in challenging situations.

You’ll learn three practical strategies to lead with empathy:

1. Lead with curiosity, not control – Ask before assuming; listen before directing.
2. Name what’s alive – Normalize emotions at work without turning it into therapy.
3. Create a repair culture – See conflict not as the enemy, but as an opportunity for growth.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or stepping into your first management role, this conversation will help you approach leadership with more humanity – and see your team thrive because of it.

0:00 - Intro

01:57 - Power With, Not Power Over

05:23 - Strategy 1: Lead with curiosity, not control

11:58 - Building trusts among managers and team members

13:59 - Strategy 2: Name what's alive (normalizing emotions)

19:24 - Navigating feedback

21:24 - Leaders and lack of leadership training
23:29 - Strategy 3: Create repair culture and reframe conflict

33:06 - What’s next for Jill
34:12 - Where to find Jill

Visit Jill’s website - https://jillmcpherson.com/ 

Connect with Jill  - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jill-mcpherson-keynote-speaker-facilitator-63480033

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#Leadership #CompassionateLeadership #WorkCulture

Sustainable growth doesn’t come from chasing every new lead – it comes from putting people at the centre of your business.

In this episode, we are joined by Nicole Troster – the go-to business coach for women entrepreneurs scaling their service-based businesses beyond $500K. She helps clients gain clarity on their ideal customer and systematically align every functional area around those needs to create authentic, sustainable, and profitable growth. Drawing from her experience as founder of an award-winning accelerator that has supported over 450 women-led ventures, Nicole now applies those proven frameworks to help individual clients build businesses that put people at the centre of profitable growth.

We explore:

• How to deeply understand and design for your ideal customer
• Why engaging employees in service design boosts quality and ownership
• Building culture with intention, not by default
• Leadership tips and trends for growth
• The role of community in workplace success

Whether you’re a founder, leader, or service provider, this conversation will help you shift from transactional to relational growth – and see why people really are your greatest business asset.

0:00 - Intro

03:25 - Clients at the core, understanding their needs

07:22 - Listening to your clients

10:32 - Putting your team at the core

16:35 - Talent and people-powered growth

18:02 - Leadership tips and trends to grow your business

22:25 - Culture by intention and not by default

28:40 - Importance of community within the workplace

32:06 - What’s next for Nicole

33:46 - Where to find Nicole

Visit Nicole’s website - http://coeuragelabs.com/ 

Connect with Nicole - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/nicoletroster

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#BusinessGrowth #Leadership #PeopleFirst #WorkCulture

In today’s fast-moving business landscape, technology isn’t just a tool – it’s a competitive advantage. Strategic leaders who embrace the right tools can streamline operations, make smarter decisions, and stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Brodie – founder of CodeFusion Communications Inc., Amazon best-selling co-author of The Tech Multiplier, and trusted technology advisor for over 30 years. 

We discuss how leaders can turn technology from a risk into a growth engine, including the hidden costs of outdated or disconnected systems, how to strategically plan for and integrate new technology, why AI is reshaping the business landscape, overcoming fear of change and managing technology risk, how leadership and communication style influence implementation success, and more.

Whether you’re a business owner, executive, or team leader, this episode will help you see technology as a strategic asset – one that can give you a clear edge in today’s competitive market.

0:00 - Intro

03:35 - Why forward thinking leaders need to invest in technology

05:56 - Hidden costs of not integrating software and technology systems

08:40 - A planning and strategic approach to streamlining technology

13:04 - How Jeff helps consult businesses

16:26 - A conversation on AI

18:58 - Getting comfortable with change

21:57 - Managing risk

25:07 - Importance of your leadership and communication style (Fascinate System)

36:19 - How to ensure implementation goes smoothly

37:47 - The cost gap

39:23 - What’s next for Jeff

41:19 - Where to find Jeff

Visit Jeff’s website - https://codefusion.com/cybersecurity-for-small-businesses/ 

Connect with Jeff - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jeffsbrodie

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#Leadership #BusinessStrategy #Technology #AI #DigitalTransformation

Even the most capable leaders can unintentionally derail their own success. From procrastination and perfectionism to self-doubt and avoiding tough conversations, self-sabotage can impact us all.

In this episode, John Wang – author of Big Asian Energy (Penguin Random House, 2025), TEDx speaker, coach, and host of the Big Asian Energy podcast – returns to the podcast unpack how self-sabotage shows up in leadership, and uniquely for Asians and in Asian culture. With clients including Google, Apple, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs, John blends cultural insight with science-backed strategies to help Asian professionals build confidence, visibility, and impact.

We explore the links between self-sabotage and imposter syndrome, patterns like self-diminishment and self-censorship, and practical steps to reclaim your leadership potential. Whether you’ve battled self-doubt or want to lead with more confidence, this conversation is packed with insights to help you break through the ‘bamboo ceiling’ and thrive.

0:00 Intro

03:15 - Self sabotage and its impact on leadership

04:38 - The ‘Bamboo Ceiling’

11:58 - Imposter syndrome

22:05 - Self diminishment, self sacrifice, self criticizing, self censoring, self rejection, self isolating, and self abandonment

30:00 - Obligation

31:33 - Strategies for overcoming self sabotage

35:49 - Debunking the imposter syndrome

41:11 - What’s next for John

42:11 - Where to find John

Visit John’s website - https://www.bigasianenergy.com

Connect with John - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wang-b79ba396/?originalSubdomain=ca

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#LeadershipDevelopment #ImposterSyndrome #SelfConfidence

Hiring the right talent is critical — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Using a recruiter can help you find top-tier talent faster, save valuable time, and make smarter hiring decisions.

In this episode, we’re joined once again by seasoned headhunter Pari Nejatie, who brings over 20 years of experience recruiting C-suite leaders across industries. Together, we unpack how using a recruiter can streamline your hiring process, save valuable time, and ultimately lead to better, smarter hires.

Pari shares her proactive approach to finding top candidates, why relying solely on databases doesn’t cut it, and how recruiters provide flexibility, honest feedback, and faster turnaround times. Tune in for practical insights into how partnering with a recruiter can elevate your hiring game.

Chapters

0:00 - Intro
01:49 - Benefits of having a recruiter
02:59 - Pari’s proactive approach
04:08 - How Pari’s finds candidates
05:27 - Why candidate databases aren’t always effective
08:47 - Flexibility with using a recruiter / headhunter (cont)
10:12 - Benefits of employers getting feedback
12:39 - The costs and lost time with not hiring a recruiter
15:05 - Turnaround time
16:25 - Timelines and benefits of timeliness
19:04 - What the hiring process reflects on you as an employer
20:32 - Differences between an HR department and recruiters
22:42 - Other benefits
26:59 - Pari’s greatest joy as a recruiter
31:15 - Final thoughts
32:10 - Where to find Pari

Connect with Pari  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/parinejatie/

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#Hiring #RecruiterInsights

What does it take to lead with confidence, authenticity, and impact?

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Au, Founder and Executive Coach of Innovate You, to explore what it means to step into your power as a leader. An ICF Certified Coach and Fascinate Certified Advisor, Amy works with women leaders to help them align their careers with their values, communicate with clarity, and unlock their full potential.

Together, we unpack practical strategies for building confidence, developing essential people leadership skills, and the powerful role of mentorship. Plus, we discuss the Fascinate Assessment Tool, a unique framework for discovering how the world sees you — and how to lead with that insight.

Whether you’re new to leadership or ready to level up, this episode offers actionable tips and deep inspiration to help you own your voice and lead with purpose.

Plus, don’t miss Amy and Hilda’s upcoming workshop at Toronto Tech Week on June 24th! https://lu.ma/losnlzoh

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

01:49 - What does leadership mean
04:19 - Why do people lack confidence in being a leader
07:23 - The role of mentorship
08:48 - People leadership skills for all leaders
12:01 - Why Amy and Hilda are passionate about helping women become better leaders

19:21 - The Fascinate Assessment Tool
26:07 - Why Amy does what she does 
27:16 - Tips and strategies for leadership abilities
28:33 - Upcoming Toronto Tech Week Workshop
30:43 - Where to find Amy

Connect with Amy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-au-wm/?originalSubdomain=ca

Visit Amy’s website - https://www.innovateyou.ca/ 

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Confidence

Brand. Marketing. Sales. When these three align, emerging businesses don’t just grow — they scale with purpose, attract the right customers, and build lasting momentum.

In this episode we are joined by Jennifer He, founder of VOYO Business Design & Management and a strategic growth advisor to emerging businesses with global ambition. Equal parts fractional CMO, design thinker, and brand storyteller, she works across sectors — from retail and financial services to emerging tech and professional services — turning complexity into clarity and growth into momentum. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and the language of innovation, Jennifer brings heart, strategy, and edge to every transformation. She doesn’t just help businesses grow. She helps them become who they were meant to be.

Tune in as Jennifer shares her approach to business design, the power of storytelling, tuning out the noise, and why deep listening is a competitive advantage, and more.

0:00 - Intro
01:46 - About Jennifer
03:49 - Three truths - the importance of clarity around brand, marketing, and sales

08:05  - Branding (Who you are)
09:04 - Marketing (How you attract)
10:05 - Why you need to have a story
11:32 - Sales (How you close / convert)
12:35 - Sales strategies
14:53 - Tuning out the noise: the 5 voices
18:49 - What sets Jennifer apart
22:48 - Importance of listening to your team
25:05 - Delivering what people want
29:30 - VOYO space
35:13 - What’s next for Jennifer
36:50 - Where to find Jennifer

Connect with Jennifer  - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jenhe
Visit Jennifer’s website - https://www.voyoconsulting.com/  

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#BusinessDesign #BrandStrategy #Marketing #Sales

What does it take to actually get noticed by executive recruiters on LinkedIn?

In this episode, we’re joined by seasoned headhunter Pari Nejatie, who brings over 20 years of experience recruiting C-suite leaders across industries. Pari shares insider tips on how to craft a LinkedIn profile that captures attention and builds executive presence—without being salesy or generic.

We cover everything from profile photos and headlines to content strategy, career gaps, and how to position yourself for top leadership roles. Whether you’re actively job hunting or simply leveling up your professional brand, this episode is packed with tactical advice to help you stand out and attract the right opportunities.

Chapters

0:00 – Intro
02:00 – How to stand out on LinkedIn to headhunters/recruiters
05:26 – How to optimize your LinkedIn headshot
07:49 – Selecting your LinkedIn banner
09:09 – Writing your headline
13:01 – Tips for sharing content on LinkedIn
17:39 – About section
19:20 – Fascinate
23:43 – About section (cont)
24:49 – Experience section
29:06 – Tips for recruiters assessing LinkedIn profiles, career gaps
31:28 – Challenges with today’s job market
33:06 – Advantages of using a recruiter
36:45 – Role of recruiters for negotiating offers, feedback for employers
39:07 – Closing thoughts
40:38 – Where to find Pari

Connect with Pari  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/parinejatie/

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#LinkedInTips #Hiring #RecruiterInsights

When leaders stay calm under pressure, prioritize what truly matters, and manage their energy intentionally, it signals to others that stress can be handled constructively. This encourages clarity, reduces anxiety, and builds a culture of trust. By focusing your energy on high-impact actions rather than reacting to every urgency, you not only protect your own well-being but empower your team to do the same.

In this episode, we sit down with energy expert and professional speaker Jennifer Lyall, who shares how leaders can lead by example—not just with their actions, but with their presence. Jennifer breaks down how focusing your energy, staying grounded under pressure, and “checking your Inner Battery” can transform workplace culture, reduce overwhelm, and elevate performance.

With over 60,000 people reached through her talks and interviews, and her mission to empower 1 million to manage their energy like they manage their phone battery, Jennifer offers simple, actionable insights to help leaders and teams thrive. Tune in to learn about how to focus and manage your energy, the ‘2-Minute Shift’, strategies for managing stress, and more.

0:00 - Intro
02:40 - What is energy management
04:49 - How to focus your energy
08:42 - Where are people’s energy levels
13:21 - Going with your instinct on hiring
14:49 - Fluency
18:38 - The 2-Minute Shift
25:05 - Overcoming emotional challenges
31:07 - Breath exercises
34:46 - Additional strategies for managing stress
37:24 - What’s next for Jennifer

38:14 - Where to find Jennifer

Connect with Jennifer  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlyall/?kuid=9a02c9c4-e0d8-4e60-9ad2-642629e67c81-1745946622&kref=https%3A%2F%2Fjlyall.com%2F

Visit Jennifer’s website  - https://jlyall.com/

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#Leadership #WorkplaceWellness #TeamCulture #StressRelief

Purpose-driven leadership not only drives performance but also sparks deeper connections, fuels collaboration, and leaves a lasting impact on both people and communities. When leaders lead with intention and authenticity, they earn trust, inspire stronger teams, and cultivate a culture where giving back becomes second nature. 

With over two decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations, Sharon Lee shares how purpose-driven leadership can transform teams, deepen trust, and create lasting community impact. As Executive Director of the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and a trailblazer in Rotary leadership, Sharon brings bold vision, compassion, and a deep understanding of people-centered leadership to the table. She opens up about her journey, the power of the How to Fascinate system, and how she uses innovation and influence to lead with confidence.

Join us as we dive into aligning values in hiring, building diverse teams, connecting with donors authentically, and why embedding philanthropy into workplace culture is a must. 

Chapters

0:00 - Intro

02:14 - How Sharon empowers herself to work with her board and team
04:17 - Sharon’s experience with the Fascinate System

08:45 - How to ensure values align with new employees
13:03 - The importance of having team members with diverse talents
17:23 - Building trust with donors
24:40 - How Fascinate helps you and others understand yourself
27:10 - Philanthropy in company culture
32:44 - What’s next for Sharon
34:50 - Where to find Sharon 

Connect with Sharon  - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sharon-lee-ma-cfre

Visit CPFF Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation - https://cpff.ca/

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#LeadershipWithPurpose #WomenInLeadership #TeamCulture #HowToFascinate