Ambitious. Bold. Hopeful. These words encapsulate the mindset of Western University’s President. In this special episode hosted by Ivey’s Dean Sharon Hodgson, Alan Shepard discusses how the university community rallied through the pandemic and pivoted to a blend of online and in-person learning. The conversation touches on the future of teaching, research, lifelong learning, and partnership.

This year has created an emergency mindset for charities. Just ask Melanie Thomas, Senior Director, Emerging Opportunities, Community Foundations of Canada about the rapid response required to meet the needs of those hit hardest by COVID-19. In this episode, Melanie talks about implementing a nationwide emergency assistance program in only 9 business days. Anyone who wants to learn more about the relentless pace of the rewarding work in the charitable space should tune in. Resources and links: To find out more information, resources, or connect with your local community foundation to find out the pressing needs in your community, please visit: www.communityfoundations.ca To learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting the charitable and nonprofit sector in Canada, please visit: www.imaginecanada.ca To learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting the nonprofit sector in Ontario, please visit: www.theonn.ca

Don’t underestimate the will of an entrepreneur starting a brand new venture during a recession. Forced to be creative, and inspired to hustle, Heather Payne, HBA ’09, found a market need aimed at women learning to code. Payne shares her quest to disrupt the skills development industry and build the educational institution of the future as her team continues to grow the Juno College of Technology. Our conversation explores topics such as being personally vulnerable as a leader, brand evolution and the importance of sleep.

There is nothing like the roar of the crowd at the ballpark as the home team scores the game winning run. However, what if fans weren’t allowed in the stands, what does that look like? Just after the World Series wrapped up we spoke with Corinne Peters, MSc ’19, data analyst for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. While the Rays didn’t come out on top this year, Peters explains how the team had to quickly shift towards thinking about a virtual fan experience. In a lively conversation, she talks about her role in creating fan engagement, understanding your customer and small market innovation.

Establishing a personal mission is mission critical, according to Trudy Fahie, HBA ’81, President & CEO of Duo Bank. Leaning on decades of business and leadership experience, Fahie talks about the need to be nimble during the pandemic, giving back and the importance of personal authenticity.

Breaking down barriers of toxic masculinity, emphasizing self-expression and self-care have driven the development of Faculty, a new men’s grooming company. Through this inspiring conversation, founder Fenton Jagdeo, HBA ’16, talks about changing stigmas, giving back to his community and not being afraid to disrupt the status quo. Resources referenced during the episode: Bipocmentor.com https://www.bipocmentor.com/ Ivey EDI Advisory Council https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/about/leadership/edi-advisory-council/ City of Toronto Public Appointments portal https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/public-appointments/ Faculty https://www.faculty.world/

Learn how “eating together” became a cultural cornerstone of Canada’s largest food and drug retailer. Richard Dufresne, MBA ’92, President and CFO George Weston Limited, talks about over-communication, why people are a company’s most important asset and the stress of managing during a pandemic.

Next generation technology start-ups and entrepreneurs are finding out Canada is a great place to establish roots. Salim Teja, HBA ’96, of Radical Ventures explains why world-class tech talent is fueling a network of up-and-coming innovative firms in Canada.

In the wake of a global pandemic what the future of work could look like is increasingly coming into focus. Charged with heading Ivey’s Career Management team, Catherine Chandler-Crichlow is on the leading edge of the latest trends and skills necessary to equip yourself for the jobs of the future.

“Great people can solve hard problems” is the phrase that leaps to Ian Rosen’s mind as his team sprinted to upgrade their online shopping experience in the middle of a pandemic. Rosen, HBA ’11, VP Digital & Strategy at the venerable clothing retailer Harry Rosen speaks about team culture and engagement, making the “big bet” on digital and his journey towards joining an iconic family business.