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From City Hall to being in the Hotseat: What Leadership Really Looks Like with Sherri Rollins!
What does it actually take to lead a city?
In this episode of The Exec Hotseat Podcast, Amanda Buhse sits down with Winnipeg City Councillor Sherri Rollins, who represents Fort RougeβEast Fort Garry, for a candid conversation about leadership, politics, public service, influence, and the realities of making decisions that impact an entire city.
Sherri brings a refreshingly honest perspective to what happens behind the scenes at City Hall β from potholes and public safety to housing, infrastructure, permitting, taxation, major capital projects, and the complicated realities of municipal government.
She also opens up about the personal side of leadership: the sacrifices, the scrutiny, the pressure, the importance of knowing when to ask for help, and what public service can cost you personally.
And, true to Sherri's personality, there are plenty of laughs along the way β including gardening, hockey-mom life, painting portraits of her husband, luxury candles, her love of policy, and her dog, Truth Bader Ginsburg. π
In this episode, Sherri and Amanda talk about:One of our favourite takeaways:
"It shouldn't be what you want to be. It should be what you want to do."
For Sherri, leadership isn't about having the title. It's about having a clear sense of purpose, understanding the community you're serving, and knowing what you want to accomplish with the opportunity you've been given.
This is a candid, funny and surprisingly personal conversation about what leadership really looks like when the cameras aren't on.
Connect with Sherri Rollinsπ City Hall: 204-986-5878
π§ Email: [email protected]
π https://www.sherrirollins.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherri_rollins_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherri-lynn-rollins-462bb312/
Connect with The Exec Hotseat Hosts
Founder + Host: (Away for this episode)
π Lisa Thompson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabrd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisathompsonbrd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandrevivaldesign/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brdagency.ca/
π https://brdagency.ca/
Co-Host:
π Amanda Buhse
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abuhse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coalandcanary/
π https://www.coalandcanary.com/
Featuring: Joelle Foster, President & CEO of North Forge
In our latest episode of @exechotseatpodcast, Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with Joelle Foster, President and CEO of North Forge, entrepreneur, mentor, advocate, and one of the driving forces behind Manitoba's startup ecosystem.
With a career spanning television, entrepreneurship, Futurepreneur, the University of Calgary, and the creation of North Forge, Joelle has spent decades helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into real businesses. She shares the lessons she's learned from working with more than 800 founders, including one quality she believes every successful entrepreneur needs: coachability.
From taking on leadership roles before she felt ready, to moving her family to Calgary, returning home to Winnipeg, and helping build North Forge into one of Canada's most unique innovation hubs, Joelle's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes you have to take the leap before you feel completely prepared.
The conversation also gets personal, as Joelle opens up about becoming a mother through adoption, how motherhood shaped her leadership style, and how the nickname "Startup Mom" came from the fiercely protective way she advocates for the entrepreneurs she believes in.
Lisa, Amanda, and Joelle explore everything from entrepreneurship and funding to AI, women in tech, mentorship, financial literacy, and the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world.
At its core, this episode is about having the courage to begin, staying open to feedback, and doing the hard, unglamorous work required to build something real.
Key Highlights:ποΈ Why coachability, emotional intelligence, and being willing to check your ego are critical traits for entrepreneurs
ποΈ What Joelle learned from stepping into major leadership roles before she felt completely ready β and why sometimes you just have to take the leap
ποΈ The personal story behind Joelle's "Startup Mom" nickname and how her experience as a mother has shaped the way she supports entrepreneurs
ποΈ Why understanding your customers and listening to the market can be more important than being in love with your original idea
ποΈ How Manitoba's startup ecosystem works together to support founders through mentorship, funding, networking, and specialized programming
ποΈ Why AI is creating both more opportunity and more competition β and why soft skills, empathy, communication, and critical thinking still matter
ποΈ Joelle's advice for anyone who feels like they aren't ready yet: the worst that can happen is someone can say no
ποΈ What "Dare to Do" really means - and why building a business requires doing the hard, unglamorous, customer-facing work
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an established business owner, a young professional, or simply someone who needs a reminder to take the leap, Joelle brings an honest, energetic, and deeply human perspective on what it takes to move an idea forward.
π Connect with Joelle:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellefoster/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/northforgemb/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northforgemb/
Website: https://www.northforge.ca/
Email: [email protected]
Sign up for the North Forge newsletter to stay connected to Manitoba's tech-enabled innovation ecosystem and upcoming opportunities.
Founder + Host:
π Lisa Thompson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabrd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandrevivaldesign/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brdagency.ca/
π https://brdagency.ca/
Co-Host:
π Amanda Buhse
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coalandcanary/
π https://www.coalandcanary.com/
IT'S LIVE!
In our latest episode of @exechotseatpodcast, Amanda Buhse and Lisa Thompson sit down with Sandra Hodzic-Falk, founder of Sorella Strategies, government relations expert, strategist and advocate for meaningful social and economic change.
Drawing on experience spanning government, social services, international consulting, and strategic advisory work, Sandra offers a behind-the-scenes look at how policy is shaped, how decisions are made, and why relationship-building remains one of the most powerful tools available to leaders and entrepreneurs wanting to create an impact.
This conversation explores everything from affordable housing and workforce development to Indigenous economic participation, global trade, and the evolving relationship between business and government. Sandra also shares insights from her work supporting major initiatives across Manitoba and beyond, including the transformation of Winnipeg's historic Hudson's Bay building into a community-focused hub of housing and services,under the leadership of SCO.
At its core, this episode is a conversation about influence, leadership, and the importance of understanding the systems that shape our communities.
Key Highlights:
ποΈ Why effective advocacy is about relationships, not just meetings, emails, and policy documents,
ποΈ What entrepreneurs and business leaders need to understand about government decision-making, funding, and creating meaningful influence,
ποΈ How empathy, citizen-centred design, and genuine engagement can lead to better outcomes for communities, businesses, and governments alike.
Whether you're a business owner, community leader, policymaker, or someone interested in creating change, Sandra offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on how to navigate complex systems, build trust, and move important ideas forward.
__________
π Connect with Sandra:
π LinkedIn
π· Instagram
π Website
π· Instagram: Sorella Strategies
_____
Founder + Host:
π Lisa Thompson
π LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisabrd
π· Instagram: https://lnkd.in/gzx7GFaJ
π LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g4QSHcbN
π· Instagram: instagram.com/brdagency.ca
π brdagency.ca
_____
Co-Host:
π Amanda Buhse
π LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gVM2zF3v
π· Instagram: instagram.com/abuhse
π· Instagram: https://lnkd.in/g7_QX3eM
π coalandcanary.com
___
π Thank you to @RRCPolytech for sponsoring this episode - and to the @exechotseatpodcast and @brdagency.ca team!
Featuring: Glory St. Germain, Founder & CEO of Ultimate Music Theory
In this episode of The Exec Hotseat Podcast, host Lisa Thompson sits down with visionary entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, educator, and business coach Glory St. Germain.
What started as teaching piano lessons at just 16 years old has grown into an internationally recognized company serving music educators in more than 38 countries. Today, Glory is one of the world's leading authorities in music education, founder of Ultimate Music Theory, creator of the UMT Certification Elite Educator Program, author of more than 60 books, and host of the Ultimate Music Teachers Podcast.
Together, Lisa and Glory explore the entrepreneurial journey behind building a global education company from Winnipeg, the lessons learned through decades of business ownership, and why coaching, mentorship, and lifelong learning have remained at the heart of her success.
The conversation also explores Glory's recent TEDx Talk, her time in Las Vegas avoiding Winnipeg Winters, the lasting legacy of her late husband Ray St. Germain, and how embracing change, taking calculated risks, and staying purpose-driven have shaped both her business and her life.
They also discuss Glory's newest book, Teach Music. Change Lives., which encourages educators to embrace their role as teachers, entrepreneurs, and leaders while building meaningful, sustainable businesses.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, creative professional, or someone simply looking for encouragement to take the next step, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and timeless business advice.
π― Episode HighlightsποΈ How a rejected book proposal became the catalyst for building a global publishing and education company
ποΈ Building a business that now serves music educators in over 38 countries
ποΈ Why coaching, mentorship, and lifelong learning continue to fuel success
ποΈ Lessons from writing 60+ books and becoming one of the world's leading music education experts
ποΈ The story behind Glory's TEDx Talk and the legacy she hopes to leave
ποΈ Why setting goals that challenge youβand staying coachableβcan transform your business and your life
π₯ The Exec "Hotseat" SegmentEvery episode ends with our signature Hotseat segmentβwhere we cut through the fluff and ask our guests to share the top advice, strategies, and lessons they've learned throughout their careers.
In this episode, Glory shares her most valuable advice on:
These are practical takeaways you can apply immediately to level up your business, leadership, and life.
π Connect with Glory St. Germainπ Ultimate Music Teachers https://www.ultimatemusicteachers.com
π Ultimate Music Theory https://www.ultimatemusictheory.com
π Ultimate Music Theory Books https://www.amazon.com/UltimateMusicTheory
π₯ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/UltimateMusicTheory
π· Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GloryStGermain
π· Ultimate Music Theory https://www.facebook.com/UltimateMusicTheory
ποΈ About The Exec Hotseat PodcastHosted by Lisa Thompson, Founder of BRD | Brand Revival & Design, The Exec Hotseat Podcast features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, changemakers, and community leaders who are building bold businesses and making a meaningful impact.
Each episode explores the stories behind successβthe wins, setbacks, lessons learned, and practical advice that listeners can apply to their own careers and businesses.
π§ Listen & Followπ§ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-exec-hotseat-podcast-executive/id1721967665 π§ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7jYiAX2y8MH2JgQmiarmMM?si=dd4b328f556c40f2 π· Instagram:instagram.com/exechotseatpodcast/ π LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-exec-utive-hotseat-podcast/
β If you enjoy the episode, please follow, leave a review, and share it with someone who would find value in today's conversation.
π Special Thanks
A sincere thank you to RRC Polytech, our presenting sponsor, for helping make The Exec Hotseat Podcast possible. As proud alumni, we're grateful for their continued support of entrepreneurship, innovation, and lifelong learning.
And thank you to our incredible Exec Hotseat production team for everything that happens behind the scenes to bring these conversations to life.
Thanks for listening. We'll see you next time... in the Hotseat.
Featuring: Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech
In this episode of The Exec Hotseat Podcast, Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse connect with Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, public service, innovation, and the future of education in Manitoba.
Fred shares his journey from growing up in Winnipeg as the child of immigrants to spending more than two decades in Manitoba's public service before stepping into leadership at RRC Polytech in 2020 β right at the start of the pandemic. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors and lessons that shaped his leadership style, the importance of listening before problem-solving, and why relationships remain one of the most valuable investments leaders can make.
The conversation also explores how RRC Polytech is evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly changing workforce. From applied research and entrepreneurship to AI, healthcare simulation, and advanced manufacturing, Fred offers an inside look at how the institution is helping students and businesses stay "in front of what's ahead."
Key Highlights: ποΈ Why listening is one of the most important leadership skills β and how it changed Fred's approach to problem-solving ποΈ How RRC Polytech is supporting entrepreneurs, applied research, and innovation across Manitoba ποΈ What the shift from Red River College to RRC Polytech represents for the future of education and workforce development
If you're an entrepreneur, leader, educator, student, or someone curious about the future of work and innovation in Manitoba, this episode offers an insightful and inspiring conversation about leadership, adaptability, and community impact.
__________
π Connect with Fred and the RRC Polytech team! π LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/rrc-polytech π· Instagram: instagram.com/rrcpolytech π Website: rrc.ca __________
Founder + Host: π Lisa Thompsonπ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisabrdπ· Instagram: @lisathompsonbrd π LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandrevivaldesignπ· Instagram: @brdagency.ca π brdagency.ca
__________
β¨ Co-host:
π Amanda Buhseπ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhseπ· Instagram: @abuhse π coalandcanary.com __________
Big shout out and thank you to The Exec Hotseat Podcast team.
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! π₯
Featuring: Rachael Hatala, Founder and Designer of The Laughing Sparrow
In this episode of The Exec Hotseat Podcast, Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with Calgary entrepreneur Rachael Hatala, the creative force behind The Laughing Sparrow. Known for her minimalist, handcrafted jewelry and bold personality, Rachael has built a brand that blends artistry with entrepreneurship while staying fiercely true to her values.
Rachael's journey started early. At just twelve years old, she sold her first handmade jewelry piece in her grandmother's store. Years later, after becoming a mother, she made the decision to turn her passion for creating into a full-time business. What began as a side hobby evolved into a thriving brand built through artisan markets, trade shows, and a commitment to craftsmanship.
In this conversation, Rachael shares the realities of running a handmade business. From traveling across Canada for markets to personally crafting every piece she sells, she offers a candid look at what it takes to grow while staying authentic. She also reflects on the pressures of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and why creativity should never be forced just to follow trends.
Key Highlights: ποΈ Why Rachael believes creatives should "jump off the cliff" and figure it out along the way ποΈ The truth about artisan markets and why persistence matters more than instant success ποΈ How staying true to craftsmanship and quality helped The Laughing Sparrow stand out
If you're an entrepreneur, creative maker, or anyone curious about building a business from passion, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look behind the scenes.
__________
π Connect with Rachael!
Instagram: instagram.com/laughingsparrow
Facebook: facebook.com/LaughingSparrow
Website: laughingsparrow.ca
__________
β¨ Founder and Host:
π· instagram.com/lisathompsonbrd | π linkedin.com/in/lisabrd
π· instagram.com/brdagency.ca
__________
β¨ Co-host:
π· instagram.com/abuhse | π linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse
π· instagram.com/coalandcanary
__________
Big shout out and thank you to The Exec Hotseat Podcast team.
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! π₯
Featuring: Lisa Windsor, lead singer of Mach 10, the official band of the Winnipeg Jets.
In this episode of the Exec Hotseat Podcast, Lisa Windsor shares the story behind the voice that now energizes thousands of Jets fans every game night. Known for her powerhouse vocals and high-energy performances, Lisa has built a career performing across Manitoba with her band Flatland Famous and, more recently, with Mach 10 at Winnipeg Jets games.
But her journey didn't start under arena lights. As a kid who often felt like an outsider, Lisa found refuge in music, singing along to cassette tapes in her basement. After being told at a young age that she "couldn't sing," it took years, supportive mentors, and a leap of courage to step onto a stage and discover her voice.
Today, Lisa performs in front of packed arenas, working alongside a tight-knit group of bandmates who share her passion for music and live performance. In this conversation, she reflects on the nerves that still come before every show, the moments that make performing unforgettable, and the mindset shifts that helped her pursue opportunities instead of holding herself back.
Key Highlights: ποΈ How a high school choir teacher changed the trajectory of her life ποΈ The journey from early self-doubt to performing in front of 15,000 fans ποΈ Why taking the chance is often more important than fearing failure
Listen to the full episode to hear Lisa Windsor's inspiring story and the lessons she's learned along the way.
__________
π Connect with Lisa!
π LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-windsor-9b00a021a
π· Instagram: instagram.com/lisamwindsor
Mach 10 Instagram: instagram.com/mach10wpg
Flatland Famous Instagram: instagram.com/flatlandfamous
__________
β¨ Founder and Host:
π· instagram.com/lisathompsonbrd | π linkedin.com/in/lisabrd
π· instagram.com/brdagency.ca
__________
β¨ Co-host:
π· instagram.com/abuhse | π linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse
π· instagram.com/coalandcanary
__________
Big shout out and thank you to The Exec Hotseat Podcast team.
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! π₯
Featuring: Nicole DubΓ©, owner of DubΓ© Media Consulting and Storytelling, former host of CTV Morning Live Winnipeg, and founder of Winnipeg StorySlam.
Nicole DubΓ© spent two decades in broadcast news living the "viewer first" mindset, chasing clarity, and learning how to hold attention in a world that moves fast. Then the questions started. During the pandemic, with burnout creeping in and the industry shifting under everyone's feet, Nicole found herself asking what life could look like outside the newsroom, even though media had been her dream since she was a teenager.
In this episode, Nicole shares what it took to grieve that identity, trust her curiosity anyway, and build a business around communication training, media coaching, and storytelling. She unpacks the "curiosity gap," why discovery is only half the work if you cannot communicate the meaning of it, and how leaders can stop pitching products and start telling human stories that actually land. She also gives a simple framework for finding your story, and invites listeners into the community she has built through Winnipeg StorySlam.
Key Highlights:
ποΈ Why media coverage starts with a human story, not a product pitch ποΈ The "BAM" framework: backstory, action story, momentum story ποΈ How mentorship and community can accelerate your next chapter
Tune in and hear how Nicole turned curiosity into a career reset, and why the story you tell yourself might be the first thing you need to rewrite.
Top of Form
__________
π Connect with Nicole!
π LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicoledubemedia
π· Instagram: instagram.com/nicoledubemedia
π www.nicoledubemedia.com
__________
β¨ Founder and Host:
π· instagram.com/lisathompsonbrd | π linkedin.com/in/lisabrd
π· instagram.com/brdagency.ca
__________
β¨ Co-host:
π· instagram.com/abuhse | π linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse
π· instagram.com/coalandcanary
__________
Big shout out and thank you to The Exec Hotseat Podcast team.
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! π₯
Bottom of Form
Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 22 Featuring: Zak Biggs, Director of Marketing, Goodlawyer
This isn't your average legal story. From pounding lawns in high school with his future co-founder to leading the marketing charge for one of Canada's boldest legal tech startups, Zak Biggs is helping Goodlawyer rewrite the rulebook - by being unapologetically human.
In this episode, Zak shares how a small team of friends turned a stiff, suit-heavy industry into a platform for community, storytelling, and straight-up joy. From cinchilla fleece vests to yacht parties, Zak walks us through how they built a brand people actually want to be part ofβand why leaning into authenticity, not automation, is their greatest advantage.
We dig into why lawyers are more human than their headshots suggest, how to turn a LinkedIn post into a brand magnet, and what happens when you make real fun part of your marketing funnel.
Key Highlights:
ποΈ Building a B2B brand through real people, not just polished logosποΈ Why creating FOMO with yacht parties beats three average events every timeποΈ Using storytelling and authenticity to break down the intimidation factor in law
__________
π Connect with Zak:
π LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zakbiggs
__________
π Connect with Goodlawyer
π LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gtssDHW2
π· Instagram: https://lnkd.in/gNwDJSmN
π goodlawyer.ca
__________
β¨ Founder and Host:
π· https://lnkd.in/gzx7GFaJ | π linkedin.com/in/lisabrd
π· instagram.com/brdagency.ca
__________
β¨ Co-host:
π· instagram.com/abuhse | π https://lnkd.in/gVM2zF3v
π· https://lnkd.in/g7_QX3eM
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! π₯
Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 21 | Calgary Series Featuring: April Brown, Founder & Visionary behind Rootbar
From playing with Barbies to founding one of the most innovative salon concepts in Canada, April Brown has always had a vision and she's making it real. In this episode, April shares how Rootbar was born during COVID as a response to time-starved clients and outdated models. But this isn't just about beauty - it's about building a business where stylists lead, grow, and co-own their future.
With a rotating leadership structure, a franchise-ready system, and a deep respect for joy and boundaries, April is shaping a new standard in the service industry.
We explore how she balances it all: scaling across Canada, mentoring new franchisees, and stepping into motherhood - all while staying clear on what matters most.
Key Highlights:
ποΈ How Rootbar's rotating leadership model helps stylists build real-world business skills ποΈ What it takes to franchise successfully - without losing your brand soul ποΈ Why slowing down, setting boundaries, and choosing joy fuels smarter growth
π§ Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts.
π Exec Hotseat Website: exechotseatpodcast.libsyn.com π§ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7jYiAX2y8MH2JgQmiarmMM
π Connect with April:
π LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rootbar-inc π· Instagram: instagram.com/rootbarsalon π rootbar.ca
β¨ Founder and Host:
π· instagram.com/lisathompsonbrd | π linkedin.com/in/lisabrd
π· instagram.com/brdagency.ca
β¨ Co-host:
π· instagram.com/abuhse | π linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse
π· instagram.com/coalandcanary
Big shout out and thank you to The Exec Hotseat Podcast team:
instagram.com/thisistineke
instagram.com/rrcpolytech
instagram.com/brdagency.ca
instagram.com/kylecottrellmedia
Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! π₯
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