By Lisa Laronde
The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.
This week, host Lisa Laronde interviews Julie Cafley, a leader in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). They discuss the importance of inclusive leadership in advancing gender equity, emphasizing the need for both men and women to be involved in the conversation to effect meaningful change. They highlight the value of allies in the fight for gender equality and share their personal experiences on advocating for gender equity and inclusivity in leadership roles. Julie emphasizes the need for organizations to create inclusive systems and policies, support women as their careers grow, and promote empathic leadership. She also reflects on Catalyst Canada's research on women on the front line and the barriers they face. Julie believes that ongoing discussions and pragmatic DEI efforts are crucial for creating positive change.
More about Dr. Julie Cafley:
Dr. Julie Cafley is the Executive Director of Catalyst Canada, an organization that drives inclusive workplaces. She is a creative, strategic leader and an accomplished academic with expertise in equity and inclusion, public policy and higher-education leadership.
In 2023, she was chosen as a member of the Canadian delegation to the United Nations for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67). She is a frequent writer and speaker on higher education, leadership and gender equity.
Julie holds a PhD in education leadership from the University of Ottawa with sought-after expertise in university presidential mandates. Her thesis focused on higher education leadership and governance through the lens of unfinished terms of Canadian university presidents.
Julie is an active community builder and a collaborative change maker. Whether it is serving coffee and muffins to the region’s unhoused people, serving on the board of Parkinson Canada, mentoring young policy wonks, or supporting her alma mater on its Campaign Cabinet and Dean’s advisory council, giving back is integral to who she is and a part of her every day.
Julie is a committed advocate for women and leadership, a constant ally for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples and an indefatigable champion for diversity initiatives.
Connect with Julie:
X: @Jcafley
Instagram: @Jcafley and @Catalystinc
Linked In: Julie Cafley, PhD | LinkedIn, Catalyst Inc.: My Company | LinkedIn
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Host Lisa Laronde interviews Shelley Gray, the CEO of SkilledTradesBC about her journey in leadership as a woman in the trades. They dive into the significance of representation, the unique challenges women face in male-dominated fields, and effective strategies to attract and retain women in skilled trades.
Shelley and Lisa discuss the crucial need for supportive policies and environments that foster inclusivity, emphasizing the roles of allyship and mentorship. They highlight how authenticity and empowerment in leadership can transform industries, stressing the importance of visibility and celebration of women's achievements.
The discussion touches on the value of diversity and the importance of challenging one another to grow. Shelley shares her experiences and insights on mentorship and the need for more women in boardrooms. She offers practical advice for young leaders, inspiring them to pursue careers in trades.
The episode wraps up with a powerful commitment to continue advocating for women and promoting careers in the skilled trades, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(01:49) Breaking Barriers: Women in the Trades
(04:11) Redefining Work-Life Balance
(07:57) Creating a Supportive Environment
(09:49) Changing the Narrative
(12:09) The Impact of Skilled Trades
(15:16) The Power of Allyship and Mentorship
(21:44) Creating Space for Leadership to Look Different
(23:33) The Value of Diversity and Challenging One Another
(26:29) Increasing Women's Representation on Boards
(27:00) Embracing the Messiness and Having It All
Find out more about Shelley Gray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-gray-a7033231/
Shelley Gray is the Chief Executive Officer of SkilledTradesBC (formerly the Industry Training Authority), a Crown Corporation responsible for managing, supporting, and promoting British Columbia’s trades training and apprenticeship system. As the first woman to hold the position of CEO at SkilledTradesBC, Shelley is highly motivated to work towards creating a more inclusive skilled trades and apprenticeship system that reflects our diverse population.
Shelley’s strategic leadership style is backed by 20+ years of experience driving business results through the implementation of customer-focused strategies for some of Canada’s top public and private sector organizations. Recently, her leadership was recognized by YWCA as a Women of Distinction nominee (2021) and by Business in Vancouver as an influential leader on their inaugural top 500 leaders list (2021).
Shelley sits on industry Boards and Committees, including the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeships, Vancouver College, and the Vancouver Board of Trade Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council. In addition, she is a volunteer mentor with Minerva BC, an organization that is dedicated to advancing the leadership of women and girls.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from the University of Alberta, a Leadership Development Certificate from UBC Sauder School of Business, and INSEAD Executive Leadership Certificate in Driving Value through Business Acumen, and recently received her ICD.D.
Shelley is very inspired by the early intervention work of LDS, which allows each student the ability to see and realize their full potential from early on in their life. She knows first hand how important it is for young learners to know their options won’t be limited by their learning strengths and stretches.
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Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Miranda Steele, a strategic communications executive and president of the Ellevate Network Toronto.
Lisa and Miranda discuss the role of strategic communications in shaping business culture and supporting women's leadership development to create authentic connections for women to support each other.
Miranda shares her career journey working with global brands like McDonalds and discusses the challenges women face in leadership roles.
Steele also mentions the benefits of external women's networks like Ellevate in providing a safe space for women to connect and share their stories outside of their company roles. They emphasize the importance of speaking up, setting boundaries, and normalizing conversations about gender equality in the workplace.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Career in Strategic Communications
(02:23) Working with McDonald's and Global Brands
(05:26) Cultural Differences in Business
(10:27) Challenges and Support for Women in Leadership
(20:23) Building Authentic Connections and Communities
(21:06) Challenges in Skilled Trades and Leadership Roles
(22:12) Inclusive Networks and Safe Spaces
(24:33) Speaking Up and Setting Boundaries
(29:59) Finding Your Tribe and Building a Supportive Network
More about Miranda Steele:
As Founder and Chief Strategist at Words of Steele Strategic Consulting, Miranda brings extensive expertise and strategic counsel to organizations worldwide, helping them strengthen their business and solve communication challenges. Her background includes leadership roles with some of the world's largest brands, where she enhanced and safeguarded brand reputation globally.
Before establishing Words of Steele, Miranda led Corporate Relations for McDonald’s Restaurants in Canada and then became Senior Director of International Corporate Relations. In this role, she managed McDonald’s brand reputation across over 80 countries in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Her prior experience in telecommunications at TELUS and Bell Mobility focused on Channel Communications and Event Marketing & Sponsorship.
As a consultant, Miranda works directly with clients and through global agency partners to offer corporate communications, business transformation, and global engagement services. Clients and colleagues, both near and far, recognize Miranda’s ability to create community, connect people and ideas, and drive positive change that leaves a lasting legacy.
When she’s not supporting clients, Miranda contributes to online and print publications, including Medium, the Toronto Star, and Chatelaine Magazine. She is a passionate advocate for women’s career development and serves as President of the Toronto Chapter of Ellevate Network. Miranda always makes time for an energizing networking chat!
www.wordsofsteele.com
www.linkedin.com/in/steelemiranda
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Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Melissa Alexander, a floor-covering apprentice, peer worker, mentor, and activist. They explore what inspired her to enter the skilled trades, her experiences and challenges as a floor layer, and her role as a certified peer worker. Melissa also shares her advocacy efforts with organizations like 'Walls to Bridges.'
A significant part of Melissa's story is her commitment to second chances. Having served time herself, Melissa brings a unique perspective to her advocacy for inmates. She passionately believes in the power of rehabilitation and the importance of providing opportunities for former inmates to rebuild their lives. Through her work, she fights against the stigma associated with having a criminal record and highlights the need for systemic changes to support reintegration.
Melissa offers valuable advice for women entering the trades, discusses the urgent need for mental health resources, and underscores the importance of second chances and education while touching on how she balances work and her personal life, advocacy, and mentoring.
Melissa Alexander is a fourth-year apprentice with Local 27, specializing as a floor-covering installer. In addition to her apprenticeship, she is a certified peer worker involved in the Community Healing Project for Stella's Place and St. Stephen's Community House, where she supports youth. Melissa also works at Progress Place, a mental health rehabilitation center for adults.
She has participated in the TCBN Peer Mentor Program, where she successfully completed the program and mentored six mentees. Her role involved not only helping them choose their trade but also supporting them through their struggles and guiding them toward success. Melissa's goal is to continue growing and understanding herself while helping others persevere, no matter what life throws at them.
As an activist for women, Melissa completed her advanced course for floor covering installation on February 18, 2022. This achievement places her in the fifth term of her apprenticeship, with a year and a half remaining to complete her hours and qualify to write her Red Seal exam.
Melissa is also a recipient of the 2023 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction award for her work with “Walls to Bridges," an educational program that brings incarcerated non-incarcerated students together to study post-secondary courses in jails and prisons across Canada.
Connect with Melissa on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-alexander-2962a8251/
Join the movement at https://thepowerhouse-project.com/
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Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Meg Mathes, a Red Seal refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic and a Senior Manager of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). In this role, she nationally supports the people, clients, and Industry with DEI efforts.
Meg shares her incredible journey in the skilled trades industry as a transgender woman. Meg opens up about her experiences in foster care and leaving home at fourteen years old. Meg discovered her innate mechanical skills at Burger King which eventually led her to pursue opportunities in the skilled trades.
Meg discusses the challenges she faces as a transgender individual in the workplace and the importance of being open about her identity. Meg also shares highlights some of her advocacy work and the changes she's witnessed in workplace dynamics. She advocates for gender-affirming policies, gender-neutral facilities, and inclusive workplace language to create a more welcoming environment.
Meg offers heartfelt advice to her younger self and the next generation of skilled trades professionals through embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity in every aspect of our lives.
Topics
About Meg Mathes:
Meg has been in the Skilled Trades for over 27 years and holds credentials as an Alberta Red Seal Journeyperson - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Alberta Journeyperson - Gasfitter (A), Alberta Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal), and a Certificate of Professional Management specializing in Strategic Management from the University of Calgary.
Meg has volunteered extensively and given back to her industry in many ways. In 2021 she was inducted into the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame for her 18-year service with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. She sits on many boards and committees advancing DEI in the Skilled Trades in Canada.
Connect with Meg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-mathes-9b470a72/
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Host Lisa Laronde interviews Adam Gaiser, the Associate Vice President of Sales for Mark’s Commercial. Adam boasts 30 years of dedicated expertise at Marks, where he serves as the Assistant Vice President of Sales for Marks Commercial, spearheading a nationwide sales force comprising 60 adept professionals and champions pivotal strategic alliances.
Adam's enthusiasm resonates in fostering employee well-being, promoting skilled trades in Canada, and advocating for universal access to adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regardless of gender. His unwavering commitment centers on the overarching goal of ensuring every employee's safe return home daily. His advocacy for gender equality extends beyond mere rhetoric; it's ingrained in his actions and initiatives. Recognizing the disparities that women often face in the workplace, Adam tirelessly champions for their rights and empowerment.
Adam is being recognized as an ally to women for his commitment to gender equality which isn't just a professional obligation; it's a personal conviction. He understands that true progress requires proactive measures and unwavering dedication, and he's determined to be a catalyst for change in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
Mark's Commercial is the B2B division of Marks and a member of the Canadian Tire family of companies. Mark's Commercial is home to the most advanced and innovative workwear, CSA-approved industrial footwear, and PPE brands available, suitable for any industry.
Learn More About Mark's Commercial: https://www.markscommercial.com/
Connect with Adam Gaiser on Linked In
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Join host Lisa Laronde and guest Brandi Ferenc for a conversation about retaining women in the trades. Brandi is a seasoned red seal refrigeration and air conditioning system mechanic and shares her remarkable journey within the skilled trades industry. With candor and insight, Brandi uncovers the hurdles encountered by women navigating male-dominated fields, shedding light on the pressing need for a profound cultural shift.
Through her own experiences, Brandi underscores the importance of education and awareness in fostering a work environment that is not only inclusive but also respectful of diverse voices. She passionately advocates for change, urging listeners to recognize the pivotal role of allyship in dismantling barriers and fostering a more equitable landscape.
Brandi stresses the vital contribution of employers in nurturing and retaining women in the trades. Drawing from her expertise, she offers practical insights into how organizations can create supportive frameworks that empower women to thrive.
Tune in as Brandi shares her initiatives through Fairtrades Toolbox, a platform dedicated to promoting diversity and catalyzing change within the industry. From personal anecdotes to actionable strategies, this conversation promises to inspire and empower listeners to champion inclusivity and drive positive transformation in their respective spheres.
Takeaways
Find out more about Brandi's work: www.fairtradestoolbox.com
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During this episode of The Powerhouse Project, we highlight Magdalena (Maggie) Casey, an up and coming civil litigator with a focus on employment, human rights, and labour law, shares insights into her background and professional journey. Drawing from her experiences living in diverse regions, Maggie recounts how these experiences shaped her commitment to human rights advocacy. She delves into the complexities surrounding the reporting of human rights violations and stresses the significance of unified efforts to address these issues.
Maggie also explores the hurdles individuals face when seeking access to justice and emphasizes the necessity of speaking out against injustices. Furthermore, she examines the intersection between labour laws and anti-discrimination regulations, shedding light on the specific challenges women confront within the legal field.
Throughout the conversation, the pair discuss the various obstacles women encounter in professional settings, including feelings of imposter syndrome and doubts about their capabilities. They also touch upon the balancing act between career and family responsibilities, underscoring the importance of mentorship and support networks.
Notably, Maggie highlights the invaluable perspectives and strengths that women bring to the legal profession, as well as the crucial role allies play in advancing human rights causes.
The conversation culminates with advice for the younger generation, stressing the importance of remaining authentic and resilient in the face of systemic pressures.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(01:23) The Influence of Living in Different Countries
(07:27) Challenges in Reporting Human Rights Violations
(09:26) The Need for Collective Action
(10:47) The Barriers to Accessing Justice
(13:15) The Importance of Speaking Out
(15:21) The Intersection of Labour Law and Anti-Discrimination Laws
(23:31) Imposter Syndrome and Doubt
(25:19) Proving Yourself and Overcoming Barriers
(27:34) The Challenges of Balancing Work and Family
(29:06) The Importance of Mentorship and Support
(32:52) The Strengths and Perspectives of Women in the Profession
(37:35) Being an Ally and Advocating for Human Rights
(39:03) Advice for Younger Self
Find out more about Maggie Casey:
https://www.mannlawyers.com/our-people/magdalena-casey/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-casey-94b544199/
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Victoria LaBillois, is a visionary Mi’gmaq entrepreneur from Listugui, Quebec who shares her inspiring journey and unwavering commitment to reshaping the narrative of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada.
As the owner and president of Wejipeg Excavation and co-owner and president of Wejuseg Construction Inc., she's carving her path in the construction industry while championing economic reconciliation for Indigenous communities.
Victoria's entrepreneurial journey began humbly, selling t-shirts, and swiftly evolved into ventures generating passive income, eventually leading to the acquisition of her first apartment building. After recognizing the potential in the wind energy sector, she founded Wejipeg Excavation, and then Wejuseg Construction. Both businesses emerged from her determination to overcome obstacles, emphasizing the crucial need for economic reconciliation and equitable access to opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
Victoria's dedication shines through in the success story of training Indigenous tradespeople for wind park construction, underscoring the power of support and community in overcoming adversity.
With a strong commitment to inclusivity, Victoria actively encourages women to consider careers in the construction industry, serving as a beacon of change and empowerment.
Takeaways
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(00:30) Getting Involved in the Construction Industry
(01:09) Opportunities in the Wind Energy Industry
(03:00) Overcoming Barriers and Forming Wejuseg Construction
(04:20) Starting the Business with Limited Resources
(05:24) Challenges and Learning in the Early Years
(06:15) Building a Crew and Growing the Business
(06:40) Diversifying Employment Opportunities
(07:37) The Importance of Economic Reconciliation
(08:15) Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
(08:52) The Need for Economic Reconciliation
(19:00) Engaging Indigenous Workers in the Construction Industry
(21:25) Training Indigenous Tradespeople for Wind Park Construction
(24:36) The Significance of Winning an Indspire Award
(28:00) Becoming a Change Maker
(29:06) Advice to Younger Self
(30:47) Conclusion and Call to Action
Find out more about Victoria and her work:
https://www.wejuseg.com/
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Mandy Bujold, an 11-time national champion and two-time Canadian Olympic boxer, shares her journey in both the construction industry and the world of boxing with host Lisa Laronde. Reflecting on her experiences, she candidly discusses the hurdles encountered as a female boxer and the strides made in advancing women's boxing, recounting her road to the Olympics, which included a legal battle against the world's largest sports organization, the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It was single-handedly the most important fight of her career, in which she waged to compete post-motherhood, underscoring the imperative for gender equality in sports and beyond. Not content with personal achievements alone, Mandy initiated the 'Champions for Charity' program, dedicated to raising funds for McMaster Children's Hospital. Mandy exemplifies resilience and advocacy in both her professional and athletic pursuits, leading to a change in the landscape of women's sports for years to come.
Mandy Bujold is one of the most decorated Canadian Olympic boxers in history. Included amongst her many achievements are 11 Canadian National Championships, 3 Continental Championships, a Gold medal at the first Pan American Games and a Bronze medal at the first Commonwealth Games that included women’s boxing. Mandy is also the first Canadian female boxer to represent Canada at two Olympic Games. In the lead-up to Tokyo Mandy’s won a precedent-setting case against the IOC, in a fight for gender equity, that will help change the landscape of women’s sports for years to come. She recently joined the Grand Valley Construction Association as their Industry and Community Partnerships Manager. She will spend her time fostering community, championing health and safety, and advancing women in construction and trades.
Topics
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(00:31) Entry into the Construction Industry
(04:05) Challenges Faced as a Female Boxer
(06:42) Progression of Women's Boxing
(07:52) Qualifying for the Olympics
(08:08) Olympic Journey and Challenges
(12:21) Postponement of the Olympics and Legal Battle
(16:03) Impact on Women in Sport and Other Industries
(23:45) Champions for Charity
(26:23) Continuing Boxing Career
(29:26) Analogies from Boxing to Other Industries
(30:28) Conclusion and Inspiration
Find out more about Mandy Bujold: https://mandybujold.com/
Check out Mandy’s Charity Boxing Event www.champsforcharity.ca
Join the movement at https://thepowerhouse-project.com/
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The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.