Dedrie Lane and Candance Walz of OptimaHR, chat with host Carlee Snow about all things: 

• The mission, vision, values and impact of OptimaHR 
• Their working relationship turned friendship and the culture they’re building for the business
• The aspects of the business they each specialize and collaborate on 
• The innovative offerings, like employee experience mapping and wellness training, that sets them apart
• How they stay up to date with innovations and changes within the HR industry 
• Changing the current perception of Human Resources (and making performance reviews FUN!)

Deidre Lane and Candace Walz of OptimaHR discuss their career journeys, the values driving their work, and the innovative ways they are transforming human resources.

Deidre Lane, CEO of OptimaHR, and Candace Walz, Employee Experience Expert, share how their professional collaboration evolved into a strong partnership and how that synergy informs the culture they are building within their business. They delve into OptimaHR’s mission to provide human-centered, forward-thinking HR solutions—rooted in integrity, progressive thinking, and sustainable growth.

Throughout the conversation, they highlight the aspects of the business they specialize in and where they collaborate, offering insights into key offerings like employee experience mapping and wellness training that set OptimaHR apart. Deidre and Candace also discuss how they stay ahead of industry changes and innovations, and how they’re reshaping the perception of HR—transforming performance reviews into engaging, impactful processes that drive both employee and organizational success.

Show Notes:
Connect with Deidre and learn more about her work:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deidre-lane 

Connect with Candace and learn more about her work:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/candace-walz
Twello LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trytwello/ 

Follow and Learn more about OptimaHR:
OptimaHR:  https://optimahr.ca/
OptimaHR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimahr/
OptimaHR Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/optima_hr/ 

Connect with The After Business School Special
Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast
Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/
Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Candace Walz is an Employee Experience Expert at OptimaHR, where she leads transformative workplace culture through innovative HR strategies, employee wellness programs, and mindfulness practices. Candace’s career journey reflects her ability to evolve and thrive, transitioning from marketing and sales into human resources and people-focused roles.

Candace’s professional path is deeply informed by her own mental health journey. Having navigated the challenges of anxiety, she brings empathy and authenticity to her work, using her experiences to inspire meaningful change within corporate environments. 

Through her work at OptimaHR, Candace is helping organizations see the measurable benefits of investing in their employees' well-being. By blending mindfulness with cutting-edge HR practices, she has become a trusted resource for companies looking to enhance workplace satisfaction and achieve sustainable growth.

A certified Organizational Mindfulness Instructor with Twello, Candace facilitates workshops and training programs that introduce mindfulness as a core element of workplace culture. These initiatives emphasize the importance of presence, resilience, and emotional well-being, demonstrating how mindfulness can lead to improved decision-making, stronger teams, and a more connected workforce. Her training sessions empower employees to manage stress, enhance focus, and build a sense of purpose, transforming how businesses approach corporate wellness.

Candace Walz is an Edwards School of Business alumni (B.Comm. 2015)
 

Show Notes:

Connect with Candace and learn more about her work:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/candace-walz 

OptimaHR:  https://optimahr.ca/ 

OptimaHR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimahr/ 

OptimaHR Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/optima_hr/ 

Twello LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trytwello/ 

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Deidre Lane is an entrepreneur, HR strategist, and business leader helping organizations align people with purpose. As the Founder and Owner of OptimaHR, she empowers small and medium-sized businesses with tailored, innovative HR solutions that transform people management into a strategic driver of success.

Deidre’s entrepreneurial story began during her time at the Edwards School of Business. While still a student, she gained hands-on business experience by supporting her husband in launching and growing his construction company. This early exposure to entrepreneurship taught her the value of resourcefulness, adaptability, and the power of combining people-focused leadership with operational efficiency.

Her career took a pivotal turn when she joined zu, a leading digital design and development agency, where she spent over a decade. As Director of People Strategies, Deidre revolutionized the company’s approach to HR, transforming it into a core business function that supported recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and operational excellence. She developed innovative processes, coached leaders through complex change initiatives, and created structures that prioritized employee well-being while driving organizational results. Her ability to position HR as a strategic partner earned her a reputation as a trailblazer in the field.

Deidre reflects on key turning points in her career, including the courage it took to leave a role she loved to pursue a new challenge. She discusses how she recognized her growing desire to step out on her own, ultimately founding OptimaHR, where she now helps other entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of managing people in a way that aligns with their unique business goals.

Deidre’s leadership style has evolved over the years, shaped by experiences that span managing restaurant teams in her early career to guiding business owners as an HR consultant. She is deeply passionate about building environments where employees thrive and businesses succeed. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that strategic HR isn’t just about policies and procedures—it’s about unlocking the full potential of people to create lasting impact.

Show Notes:

Connect with Deidre and learn more about her work:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deidre-lane 

OptimaHR:  https://optimahr.ca/ 

OptimaHR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimahr/ 

OptimaHR Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/optima_hr/ 

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Michelle Fergusson is the Head of Marketing at SalonScale Technology Inc., a role she has grown into after joining the company at an early stage. A passionate and strategic marketing leader, Michelle has played a pivotal role in helping salons streamline operations, improve profitability, and scale their businesses through the power of SalonScale’s innovative technology.

Michelle dives deep into her professional journey, starting with the origins of SalonScale and how her career trajectory mirrored the company’s growth. Joining SalonScale when the company was still in its infancy, she quickly proved herself as a crucial member of the team, developing and executing marketing strategies that have driven impressive customer acquisition and brand visibility. Today, she leads the marketing department with a focus on customer-centric growth, brand development, and innovative go-to-market strategies.

Michelle’s role at SalonScale has also allowed her to explore succession planning and strategic leadership as the company continues to scale. She shares insights on navigating the fast-paced nature of the tech industry while building systems for sustainable growth. Her expertise in ensuring salons can streamline their operations—from weighing color products to tracking costs—has had a significant impact on business owners looking to become more data-driven and profitable.

As a young leader in the tech space, Michelle is candid about the pressures and challenges she’s faced. She discusses how she found her “why” in the midst of a high-paced environment, achieving substantial career milestones in a short span. Her leadership continues to be a driving force behind SalonScale’s mission to empower salons globally. 

Michelle Fergusson is an Edwards School of Business alumni (B.Comm. 2019)
 

Show Notes:

Connect with Michelle and learn more about her work: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-fergusson/

SalonScale: https://www.salonscale.com/? 

SalonScale Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonscale/ 

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast 

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A 

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Chris Kostyk is a Portfolio Manager at MKTS Wealth Partners – iA Private Wealth, where he integrates his comprehensive expertise in public and private accounting with wealth management. 

His early career experience in the public accounting/ tax with Deloitte as well as private sector accounting and corporate finance with BHP built a strong foundation in financial analysis, strategic decision-making, and work ethic, preparing him for the dynamic world of portfolio management. These diverse roles have sharpened his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, providing a broad perspective that benefits his clients today.

Now as an independent advisor at MKTS Wealth Partners, Chris embraces the increased leadership responsibilities that come with managing his own portfolio of clients and staff. His role goes beyond investment management—he helps guide his clients through critical decisions related to retirement, estate planning, and tax optimization. Chris places immense value on building trusted relationships, ensuring his clients are not only financially secure but also confident in their financial plans.

Chris’s journey from public accounting to portfolio management exemplifies his adaptability, leadership, and passion for helping others succeed financially. His insights on wealth management, honed from years of experience and continuous learning, make him a valuable resource for anyone looking to secure their financial future.

Show Notes:

Connect with Chris and learn more about his work: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskostyk/

MKTS Wealth Partners – iA Private Wealth: https://mktswealthpartners.com/ 

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast 

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A 

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Amy Kaban, CEO and Co-Founder of Parkerview discusses her journey from brewing kombucha as a hobby to building a successful business in the competitive food and beverage industry. Amy shares her experience as an accidental entrepreneur, reflecting on major milestones like expanding province-wide, completing a successful bottle redesign, and being named Best Overall Local Supply Partner by Sobey’s. She also talks about how Parkerview Brews has thrived in the crowded kombucha and health-focused beverage market by offering great-tasting drinks made with unique, locally-sourced ingredients, and how supporting local suppliers has been a core value in her brand’s growth.

What started as a home-brewing hobby in her kitchen has grown into one of Saskatchewan's most beloved kombucha brands. Alongside her husband, Tyler, Amy launched Parkerview Brews in 2017, quickly capturing attention at the Saskatoon Farmers' Market before opening their first storefront just a year later. Today, the brand is carried province-wide in local cafes, grocery stores, and major retailers, including Sobey’s, where they were named Best Overall Local Supply Partner.

A graduate of the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan (B.Comm. 2006), Amy’s background in marketing and international trade helped shape her approach to growing Parkerview Brews into a leading name in the increasingly competitive health and wellness beverage space. She reflects on key milestones like their bold bottle redesign, which helped them stand out on the shelf, and the organic growth fueled by strong word-of-mouth support from local businesses.

Amy’s philosophy is simple but impactful: focus on offering a great-tasting product made with unique, locally sourced ingredients. With flavors like Saskatoon berry, peach mango, and more —often incorporating fruits from nearby orchards—Parkerview Brews Kombucha embraces its local roots. 

In this episode, Amy shares insights on turning a hobby into a full-fledged business, the challenges and rewards of operating in a niche market, and how she and her team remain committed to sustainability, community, and authenticity.

Show Notes:

Connect with Amy and learn more about her work: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykaban/ 

Parkerview Brews: https://www.parkerviewbrews.com/

Parkerview Brews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkerviewbrewskombucha/

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast 

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A 

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Bill Lomax, President & CEO of First Nations Bank of Canada speaks about Indigenous Financial Nation Building and the Future of Indigenous Business. 

Bill shares present and future factors influencing the financing of Nation-building in Indigenous communities from the perspective of the only Indigenous-owned bank in Canada. From new settlements made between Indigenous Nations and the federal Crown to new business partnerships and ventures between Nations, a series of financial and social pressure points and how they could be tackled will be highlighted.

Bill grew up in Terrace, B.C. and studied in Vancouver before heading south to spend 22 years working on Wall Street and in Private equity in the United States. As a graduate of UBC’s law school and after obtaining his MBA at Columbia University, Mr. Lomax began his career as a lawyer facilitating land claim negotiations for the British Columbia Treaty Commission. He later worked for the Canadian Federal Department of Justice before entering the investment sector in the United States, working for firms such as Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs.

Lomax believes the First Nations Bank of Canada will be a catalyst to create economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable in Indigenous Nations and communities. His deep experience in the US will serve him well. He worked with Native American Tribes across the US and was entrusted with over $5B in Indigenous investment and banking assets over the course of his career. 

The First Nations Bank of Canada is a federally chartered bank, with decades of experience serving Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples throughout Canada. The FNBC has 22 branches or services centres in 6 provinces and three territories and more than $1B in holdings.

This special episode shares the exclusive talk from the 2024 Dean’s Speaker Series. The Dean’s Speaker Series is Edwards School of Business’ most prestigious event, showcases inspiring business professionals from around the world who continue to make a stellar impact on our communities.

Show Notes:

Connect with Bill and learn more about his work: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billlomax/ 

First Nations Bank of Canada: https://www.fnbc.ca/Personal/ 

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast 

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A 

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Zach Sim is a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Meckelborg Financial Group Ltd. (MFG), a leading firm specializing in unique investment strategies. MFG has established itself as a key figure in the financial sector, particularly through its innovative approach to managing investments in “real” assets such as student housing, car washes, and self-storage facilities. With a career spanning nearly a decade, Zach’s work has been significant in offering clients diverse and robust investment opportunities that go beyond traditional asset classes, helping contribute to the firm’s growth and success.

Zach’s approach to leadership and investment is influenced by his belief in the power of diverse experiences. Having started his career in sales and business development, he understands the value of incorporating varied professional and educational backgrounds into a team. This perspective on the value of diverse experiences and backgrounds in shaping success has informed his hiring at MFG.

His transition from team member to Partner at MFG  has providing him with deep insights into effective leadership, strategic decision-making, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships within the firm and with clients.

His commitment to community and his passion for finance continue to drive his professional journey and influence his approach to investment management.

Zach holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Management from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan.

Show Notes:

Connect with Zach and learn more about his work: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-sim-a47a5853/

Meckelborg Financial Group Ltd.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meckelborg-financial-group-ltd-/ 

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast 

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A 

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Tammy Forrester, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, joins host Carlee Snow to discuss her leadership journey and the exciting capital campaign the organization is currently embarking on.  

Joining RMHC-SK in 2012, Tammy quickly set out to expand the charity’s reach and services, transforming the Saskatoon house from 13 to 34 rooms. Under her leadership, RMHC-SK has evolved into a vital support system for families with sick children, providing a home-away-from-home during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Currently, Tammy and her team are launching an ambitious capital campaign aimed at building two additional Ronald McDonald Houses in Saskatchewan, located in Prince Albert and Regina. This initiative is set to further extend RMHC-SK's support to even more families across the province, fulfilling a critical need for comfortable, welcoming accommodations near hospitals.

A graduate of the Edwards School of Business (B.Comm. 1998), Tammy’s career spans both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, giving her a unique perspective on leadership and organizational growth. Prior to joining RMHC-SK, she successfully ran her own business, honing her skills in strategic planning, team building, and community engagement. These experiences have shaped her approach to leading RMHC-SK, where she blends the agility of for-profit leadership with the compassion-driven focus of non-profit work.

Her leadership is not just about immediate needs but also about ensuring RMHC-SK’s long-term sustainability. Tammy’s focus on strategic fundraising and community partnerships has helped secure vital support for the organization, ensuring it can continue to serve families for years to come. Tammy is helping make a lasting impact on Saskatchewan families and the broader community.

Tammy holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan.

Show Notes:

Connect with Tammy and learn more about her work: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyforrester/

RMHC-SK: https://www.rmhcsk.ca/for-families/saskatoon-home/ 

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast 

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A 

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Stephane O’Reilly, Director of Entrepreneurship at the SK Startup Institute under SREDA, chats with host Carlee Snow about various topics related to entrepreneurship. Their conversation delves into a how-to guide for aspiring or new entrepreneurs, offering valuable insights on adapting strategies to the evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Stephane highlights the unique advantages of Saskatchewan's entrepreneurial ecosystem and provides a comprehensive guide to successful networking. Additionally, they discuss the importance of supporting economic growth within the province and the necessity of acknowledging and accepting failures as signs of redirection.

Stephane is a seasoned expert in growing entrepreneurial talent and fostering economic growth. With a diverse background spanning the music industry, event management, and marketing, Stephane brings a unique and creative perspective to the entrepreneurial landscape.

Since joining SREDA in December 2018, Stephane has held several roles, progressively advancing from Entrepreneurship Specialist to Bilingual Advisor, Manager of Programs and Partnerships, and now Director of Entrepreneurship at the SK Startup Institute. His journey at SREDA has been marked by a relentless commitment to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses.

In his current role, Stephane assists in making the SK Startup Institute a go-to center of entrepreneurial support across Saskatchewan and Canada. His expertise encompasses business startups, market research, funding options, business setup guidance, business planning, and marketing strategies. Stephane’s skills in creative thinking, idea development, and exceptional customer service are instrumental in helping entrepreneurs turn their visions into reality.

Stephane is particularly passionate about adapting strategies to the evolving entrepreneurial landscape, leveraging the unique advantages of Saskatchewan's entrepreneurial ecosystem, and guiding individuals through successful networking and accepting failures as opportunities for growth and redirection.

Beyond his professional achievements, Stephane is an avid music lover. If given the chance to deliver a TED Talk, it would be titled “The Power of Music,” exploring how music influences culture and lives. Outside of work, he enjoys playing, making, and listening to music, participating in sports, and engaging in any activity that allows him to flex his creative muscles.

Through his dedication and expertise, Stephane helps make an impact on Saskatchewan's economic development, empowering entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses and contribute to the province's growth.

Stephane holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan.

Show Notes:

Connect with Stephane and learn more about his work: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaneoreilly/ 

SK Startup Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sk-startup-institute/

SREDA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sreda-sk/

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast 

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A 

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.