Today is going to be different here on The Honest Talk. Usually, you’re accustomed to hearing a guest on the podcast, but today, Jen and Catherine decided that they would end 2024 with a little conversation about the year that was – because it has been quite a year.

They also wanted to make sure that you – our audience and our listeners – know just how grateful we are that you are a part of this journey with us every step of the way as we’ve continued to build and evolve The Honest Talk.

As we wind down for the holiday season, we hope you enjoy this specialty episode of the podcast!

Kris Depencier has been immersed in the financial world for almost her entire career, working her way through the ranks at RBC to become Executive Vice President, Regional Banking, Personal. But Kris’ dedication to helping clients achieve financial stability and success is matched by her deep investment in making positive change for all.

She has consistently worked to create safe, inclusive workplaces within RBC and initiated tough internal conversations about women’s health that help generate progressive change.

Jenn has had quite a journey from starting the company as a side hustle in her basement to seeing her products sold in Sephora stores across Canada and JCPenney stores in the United States. She’s been on Dragon’s Den and has big plans for the future. She joined us for this exciting episode of The Honest Talk to tell us all about it.

It may come as a surprise that, in 2024, we are still having conversations about gender equality. But, the truth is that equality remains an illusion for many women.

In this latest episode of The Honest Talk podcast, best-selling author and award-winning journalist Elizabeth Renzetti joins Jen and Catherine to better understand why. For years, Liz worked for the Globe and Mail, where she was a reporter, an editor, and a columnist. Her latest book, What She Said: Conversations About Equality, has just been released, and we are really thrilled to have her on the podcast to tell us all about it.

On this episode of The Honest Talk podcast, Jennifer and Catherine sit down with Chinyere Eni. Not only is she Head of RBC Origins, but she’s also had a really interesting career path, which has seen her embrace her own heritage while creating an inclusive professional space for others along the way.

She also has an incredible personal story. She’s overcome cancer and an amputation, and we all have a lot to learn from her courage and leadership.

Since she was a little girl, Mitzie Hunter has used her voice to make a big difference. Whether around the kitchen table with her three brothers, working with community organizations, or later at Ontario’s provincial cabinet table, Mitzie has always focused on solutions.

Recently, Mitzie was appointed president and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality, an organization we’re proud to call a partner here at The Honest Talk.

Mitzie spoke with Jen and Catherine about her new professional mission and how she’s helping other women lift their voices to make change.

In this episode, Jen and Catherine chat with Vinita Savani, who has moved her way up the ranks at RBC since starting with Canada’s largest bank in 1997.

Not only has Vinita stayed with RBC ever since, but she’s now their Senior Vice President of Personal Lending and Auto Finance. Along the way, she’s learned how to use her voice, mentor others, and be mentored. She’s established boundaries that have allowed her to become a truly successful professional and a dedicated mom and spouse.

Penny Wise has had a truly distinguished career. From taking on the role of President of 3M Canada to returning to the U.S. to lead the organization’s global public policy and communications effort—and tirelessly advocating for women every step of the way—she is a force in the business community.

She joined us at The Honest Talk to discuss women in leadership, how empathy can create a better workforce and the importance of inspiring more women and girls to join STEM.

Our special guest for this episode is Natasha Holiday, Co-Head & Managing Director of Infrastructure (East) at RBC Capital Markets. Throughout our conversation, she offers invaluable insights on everything from navigating male-dominated industries to becoming a mom while maintaining a fast-paced, demanding career. 

Tune in to this latest episode of The Honest Talk to hear Natasha’s candid reflections on her near-win in a fiercely contested political race in New York State and the pivotal moment that led her to choose a career in finance.