The Honest Talk

It’s a new year check-in with Jen and Catherine! They look back on a big year for The Honest Talk, talk honestly about what’s ahead, and share what they’re choosing to bring – and leave behind – in 2026.

Today we’re joined by Emma May, a founder who didn’t set out to build a company – but ended up creating one out of necessity. As CEO of SophieGrace, she’s grown a brand born from a deeply personal experience into a trusted name for women who want workwear that’s both stylish and incredibly comfortable.

Her journey shows what entrepreneurship really looks like: uncertainty, conviction, and the courage to build something before you feel fully ready. But the story goes far beyond products and profits. Emma shares the realities of scaling a business, raising capital, and stepping into leadership – all while staying grounded in her “why.”

Tune in as we dive into the honest parts of building SophieGrace – the decisions behind the scenes, the lessons learned the hard way, and what it truly takes to grow a company without losing yourself along the way.

We’re thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse in leadership and community impact to the podcast – Devinder Gill. As RBC’s Regional President for Ontario North and East, Devinder brings both heart and strategy to everything she does. She’s a passionate advocate for diversity, empowerment, and breaking down the barriers that keep voices out of the room.

We’ve had the chance to experience her leadership firsthand here in Ottawa, and today we’re diving into her story – exploring the professional and personal insights that have shaped how she leads and how she makes space at the table for others.

In this episode, we sit down with someone who redefines what it means to be bold, brilliant, and unapologetically driven. You may know Manjit Minhas as the powerhouse investor on Dragons’ Den, but long before the cameras, she was disrupting an entire industry at just 19 years old – co-founding Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries and growing it into one of North America’s largest independent producers.

But Manjit isn’t just a business titan. She’s a champion for women in leadership, a devoted mom, and a fierce advocate for building a life on your own terms. She’s navigated billion-dollar deals and bedtime stories, board meetings and barrier-breaking moments – and today, she’s telling us what the “messy middle” really looks like.

Today we’re talking to Jill Heinerth – a world-renowned underwater explorer, filmmaker, author, and an accomplished cave diver. As an Explorer-in-Residence with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Jill has ventured into places no human has ever seen: iceberg caves in Antarctica, volcanic lava tubes beneath the ocean, and some of the planet’s deepest, most dangerous underwater caverns.

She’s not only an explorer, but also a storyteller, a scientist, and a passionate environmental advocate. She’s a trailblazer for women in extreme, traditionally male-dominated fields.

In this episode, we dive into Jill’s courage, what it takes to defy expectations, and the challenges women continue to face in exploration and STEM. And, of course, we explore the power of curiosity, resilience, and following the pull toward the unknown.

What does survival really mean – in the wilderness, in motherhood, and in life? In this episode, Claire Cameron, author of books like How to Survive a Bear Attack and The Last Neanderthal, shares the experiences that shaped her: from a bear attack in Algonquin Park to a cancer diagnosis and the life-changing intensity of childbirth. She talks about facing fear, finding strength in unexpected places, and learning the power of resilience, letting go, and community.

We’re thrilled to welcome Sinead King, president of Vancouver Rise FC, to the show! From leading one of the first clubs in the Northern Super League to advocating for inclusive spaces in sports, Sinead is driving real change in women’s soccer. Tune in as she shares her journey, what excites her about the future of the game, and how she’s helping shape a lasting legacy for women in sports.