Today’s episode features host Alexandra McCann wrapping up a powerful season of conversations with women entrepreneurs who are changing what innovation and leadership look like in Canada. From AI and digital adoption to beauty, med tech, and leadership development, Alex reflects on how each guest is using technology as an amplifier, not a hero, and building businesses grounded in purpose, values, and community impact.

She revisits standout stories from the season, including democratizing AI skills for small, women-led businesses, building an Indigenous-led beauty brand rooted in culture and strong operations, developing a heart health app that helped save a life, and using AI-powered tools to elevate leadership while keeping humans firmly in the driver’s seat. Across these journeys, themes of systems and processes as scaffolding for small teams, intentional use of AI, and the power of continuous learning and experimentation emerge.

Alex also speaks directly to diverse and first-time women entrepreneurs, emphasizing that you are not behind and can start your innovation journey at any time. Drawing on the “vibes and feelings” from this season’s guests, she highlights the audacity, ambition, and resilience of Canadian women founders who are building leading-edge, globally relevant companies—despite ongoing barriers in funding and representation—and reshaping what entrepreneurship and innovation look like today.

For more information:
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/

Today’s episode features host Alex McCann in conversation with Laurissa Manning and Lauren Sears, co-founders of DLM; a dynamic firm dedicated to helping organizations build purposeful plans and strong, connected teams. Laurissa and Lauren share their journeys as women leaders and entrepreneurs, describing how their backgrounds in logistics, health, psychology, and organizational behavior have shaped their unique approach to fostering culture and collaboration within businesses.

They dive into the importance of clarifying purpose, vision, and values, not just for leadership, but across every team member in an organization. Laurissa and Lauren discuss the challenges of creating high-performing, inclusive teams, the evolving landscape of work since COVID-19, and practical strategies for leaders who want to nurture healthy, resilient, and mission-driven workplaces.
 
Tune in as they reveal the story behind DLM’s values—Dream, Learn, Manifest—and their hands-on experience supporting startups and established organizations alike. Laurissa and Lauren also open up about their collaborative partnership, how they navigate co-leadership, and why true impact comes from building capacity and empowering others.

For more information:
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/

Today’s episode features host Alex McCann in conversation with Nadia Ivanova, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Sparrow Bioacoustics. Nadia shares her remarkable journey from immigrating to Canada to pioneering the Stethophone, a groundbreaking medical device that transforms any smartphone into a clinical-grade heart health tool. Nadia discusses how her personal experiences and background in acoustics inspired her to innovate in the healthcare space, making heart monitoring more accessible for people everywhere. She highlights the challenges and triumphs of building a health tech company, the importance of resilience and persistence, and the unique support she found in Atlantic Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

 Tune in to hear about Sparrow Bioacoustics’ mission to democratize heart health, the real-world impact of the Stethophone for both patients and doctors, and Nadia’s vision for expanding the technology’s reach to lung health and maternity care. Nadia also offers candid advice for women and immigrants pursuing entrepreneurship, emphasizing the power of belief, mission, and turning obstacles into opportunities.
Listen to discover how Nadia and her team are revolutionizing cardiac care and what’s next for Sparrow Bioacoustics as they work to put the Stethophone in every pocket around the world!

For more information:
https://stethophone.com/ca/en
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/

Today's episode is a sit-down with our host, Alex McCann, alongside the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, Jen Harper. Jen discusses her journey of reconnecting with her indigenous roots and founding Cheekbone Beauty, a sustainability-focused, indigenous-owned cosmetic brand. The company, which has gained national attention and is sold at Sephora and JCPenney, has reinvested over $250,000 in indigenous communities. Jen emphasizes the importance of authenticity, innovation, and financial stability in business. She also highlights upcoming products like a new lip oil and plans for a For Future Generations event in Toronto.

Use the promo code: ONSIDE30 and be part of the sustainable beauty revolution!
https://www.cheekbonebeauty.com/

For more information:
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/

In this episode of the Onside Podcast, host Alex McCann sits down with Lisa Hayden, CEO and founder of Pivotal Growth, a leadership intelligence firm revolutionizing how organizations grow and scale through innovative approaches. We get into Lisa's journey from corporate career to entrepreneurship, and the importance of network building vs. traditional networking. Lisa provides incredible insights into intergenerational leadership challenges and how AI is transforming leadership diagnostics and development.

For more information:
https://www.pivotalgrowthinc.com/
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/

Your host, Alex McCann is back for the Onside Podcast's fourth season! Guest Avery Swartz, CEO of Camp Tech, discusses her journey from arts administration to founding Camp Tech, a tech training company. Avery emphasizes the importance of accessible, practical tech education, particularly for small businesses and nonprofits. She highlights the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and "vibe coding" for productivity and business strategy. Avery also shares her experiences as a woman in tech media and the importance of democratizing AI to empower entrepreneurs, especially women. The podcast promotes an upcoming AI Skills Lab in Halifax.

For more information:
https://www.camptech.ca/
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/

Your host, Alex McCann talks about Season 3 of The Onside Podcast. She recaps the discussions explored including the range of topics with inspiring guests, including beauty industry insights from Amy Gordinier Founder of SkinFix, social enterprise strategies from Constanza Safatle, Founder of Newbornlander, and cultural taboo discussions with Rashmi Prakash, Founder of Aruna Revolution. This season was also a delve into innovative financing methods with Vicky Saunders, Founder of Coralus, and the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs. The season emphasized sustainability, cultural respect, and innovation, attracting 80% of new listeners. Having live discussions added engagement, and highlighted the growing visibility and support for women entrepreneurs. Alex encourages all women with business ideas to start small and persistently pursue their goals.

For more information:
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/

Joella Hogan, founder of Yukon Soaps Company, discusses her journey as an entrepreneur in the Yukon, emphasizing the importance of community, culture, and sustainability. Her business, which has been operating for over 20 years, creates handcrafted soaps and shampoo bars using local ingredients and Indigenous art. Joella highlights the challenges of shipping in remote areas and the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and traditions into her products. She also stresses the significance of economic empowerment and community support, particularly for Indigenous women. Her advice to entrepreneurs includes staying true to one's vision and understanding financial metrics.

For more information:
https://www.yukonsoaps.com
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/

Alex McCann hosts Jah'Mila, a Juno-nominated reggae artist, for this episode of The Onside Podcast.

Jah'Mila discusses her journey from Kingston, Jamaica, to Nova Scotia, where she blends traditional Roots Reggae with Jazz and Soul. She highlights her collaboration with prestigious orchestras and her Juno-nominated album "Roots Girl." Jah'Mila emphasizes the importance of community, self-value, and authenticity in her music. She also mentions her educational program for Canadian students and the challenges of being an independent artist. Jah'Mila advises emerging artists to track their live shows, join local arts advocacy groups, and build solid relationships. She concludes by sharing her upcoming performances and the significance of her album "Woman of the Sun."

Follow Jah’Mila Music on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content:
LinkTree
Website
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Facebook
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Reggae Roots Educational Program

For more information:
https://www.jahmilamusic.com/
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/

Chantal Brine, CEO and founder of EnPoint, discusses her journey from Bermuda to Nova Scotia, where she studied at St. Mary's University and discovered her passion for mentorship!

Chantal's pivotal moment came during her tenure at a tech company, where a mentor helped her realize the importance of career fulfillment. Chantal emphasizes the transformative power of mentorship, particularly for women entrepreneurs, highlighting its role in building confidence, skills, and networks. She shares insights on creating a mentorship program, the benefits of both formal and informal mentorship, and the importance of finding objective mentors. Chantal also touches on the challenges of starting her business and the rewarding stories of those she's helped through mentorship.

For more information:
https://www.getenpoint.com/
https://onsidenow.ca/
http://www.startnowincubator.ca/