By Bespoke Productions
Leadership isn't just about titles – it's about making a lasting impact.
Welcome to 'Voices of Leadership', the podcast that shines a spotlight on the remarkable women of the International W
The podcast currently has 28 episodes available.
Today, we are joined by Sadiqa Reynolds, a remarkable civil rights leader, attorney, and former judge who has dedicated her career to championing mental health and advocating for access for all.
As a pioneer in various leadership roles, she has consistently broken barriers, becoming the first woman to hold significant positions throughout her career. Our conversation explores her experiences of being first and how those moments have influenced her approach to leadership and advocacy.
Her tenure at the Louisville Urban League is a testament to her dedication, having expanded the organization's reach and impact through strategic leadership. Transforming a contaminated site into a $53 million sports and learning center, she demonstrates a commitment to community transformation.
Highlighting the work of the Perception Institute, Sadiqa emphasizes changing narratives around race and inclusion, aspiring to a world where everyone belongs. Through candid reflections on the solidarity among women leaders and drawing inspiration from figures like Maya Angelou, Sadiqa urges future generations to pursue work that fuels their passion and commitment to justice.
Resources:
Louisville Urban League
Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center
Perception Institute
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
On today's episode, you'll hear a story of resilience, transformation, and groundbreaking change in women's health. Our guest, Ellyn Winters-Robinson, is a breast cancer survivor, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and an advocate for women's health.
Before the book and advocacy, she was a woman diagnosed with breast cancer. Who felt alone and angry. Ellyn took her anger and turned it into advocacy. Then, she took her advocacy and turned it into action.
Ellyn's book, Flat Please, Hold The Shame, is a girlfriend's companion guide for those on the breast cancer journey. It offers candid stories, comfort, humour, and hard-earned wisdom.
Ellyn's advocacy continues beyond the written word. She also co-created AskEllyn.ai, the world's first conversational AI tool designed specifically to support people on their breast cancer journey. This groundbreaking digital companion brings empathy and support to patients and their families, revolutionizing the way support is offered during a challenging time.
Join us for an inspiring conversation as Ellyn shares her story, her work, and her vision for a world where no one faces breast cancer alone.
Resources
Ellyn's Website
Visit AskEllyn
Read Flat Please, Hold the Shame
Connect with Ellyn on Instagram
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
On today’s episode, we talk with Cynthia Mickens Ross, a spiritual leader, author, executive coach, and keynote speaker whose mission is to help people unlock their potential and live with purpose.
From facing the loss of loved ones to navigating major life transitions, Cynthia takes us through the highs and lows of her personal journey with a blend of humour and wisdom, revealing how she discovered her purpose. We talk about the inspiration behind her book and program, Pathway to Purpose, and explore her commitment to addressing issues like housing and food insecurity, as well as supporting at-risk children.
Cynthia’s insights on mentorship are a must-listen! She explains how mentorship isn’t just about your position or age—it’s about the wisdom and support you can offer others. Plus, don’t miss the unforgettable story she shares about elephants, which perfectly illustrates how we can all lift each other up, no matter where we are in life. It’s a heartwarming and powerful analogy you won’t want to miss!
Resources and Links
Pathway to Purpose Website
Cynthia's Book
LinkedIn
Instagram
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
Can your skin heal itself naturally?
Join us as we talk with Dr. Erin Yuet Tjam, an entrepreneur, scientist, and co-author of Skin Sobering, who is on a mission to disseminate the truth about skin health and beauty.
In this episode, Erin deconstructs the myths perpetuated by the beauty industry, explaining how reliance on chemical-laden skincare products may be contributing to a hidden skin epidemic. She introduces us to the concept of skin sobering, a revolutionary method that empowers people to stop unnecessary skincare routines and let their skin heal naturally.
We explore:
Whether you're tired of chasing the latest beauty products or curious about a more natural way to care for your skin, Erin’s insights will change the way you think about skincare—and may even inspire you to make a change.
Connect with Erin:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Website
Read Skin Sobering
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
On today's episode, we welcome Karen Coviello, a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience across multiple sectors. Karen is currently the Vice President of Affiliate Success at Habitat for Humanity Canada and also serves as the President & Chair of the Board at the YW Kitchener-Waterloo, advocating for women's issues and championing equity.
We discuss the pivotal role of partnerships with families at Habitat for Humanity, addressing common misconceptions about their unique homeownership model and the powerful impact of working together toward a shared goal. Karen also shines a light on the transformative work happening at the YW in Waterloo Region, showcasing how the organization is reimagining shelter systems and creating dignified living spaces for women with complex needs.
Throughout her varied career, Karen has dedicated herself to building more equitable communities, especially in the Waterloo Region. Now, with her role at Habitat Canada, she's expanding that impact nationwide. We explore the many ways she's driving change and inspiring others along the way.
Connect With Karen:
LinkedIn
Resources:
Habitat for Humanity
YW Kitchener-Waterloo
Waterloo Public Library
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
On today’s episode, we welcome Trish Barbato, the President and CEO of the Arthritis Society and the Co-Founder and Director of the Menopause Foundation of Canada. Trish is passionate about giving a voice to these often overlooked and underfunded causes and the people they impact.
Trish shares her deeply personal journey, detailing the severe symptoms and inadequate medical responses that ignited her passion for menopause advocacy, especially in the workplace.
Discover how billions of dollars are lost because of the substantial economic and personal toll menopause can have on women in the workplace. We discuss the critical need for supportive workplace policies and the practical steps companies can take to foster an inclusive environment for women navigating menopause.
But that’s not all—Trish also dispels some common myths about arthritis, emphasizing that it’s not just an "old person’s disease." We learn how arthritis can affect anyone, from children to elite athletes, underscoring the importance of awareness and research for all age groups.
Trish’s unwavering dedication to shedding light on these misunderstood causes is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in to hear her insights and discover how you can be part of the movement to support those affected by menopause and arthritis.
Get Involved:
Arthritis Society of Canada
Menopause Foundation of Canada
Connect with Trish:
LinkedIn
Instagram - Arthritis Society
Instagram - Menopause Foundation
Resources:
Report: Menopause and Work in Canada
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
Ever wondered how navigating gender bias at sea could transform your leadership journey?
On today's episode, we are joined by Toni Chaltas, CEO of Achēv. Tonie shares many inspiring stories and valuable insights, including her adventures aboard the Blue Nose II tall ship, where she confronted gender bias and learned the vital lesson of choosing her battles wisely. Setting the stage for her impactful work in fostering equity and inclusion.
Throughout our conversation, Toni delves into the nuances of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and provides her expert advice on initiating DEIB efforts in companies of all sizes.
Toni also offers invaluable advice for women aspiring to enter the C-suite, stressing continuous learning and adapting communication styles to different organizational contexts. We explore Achēv's mission to create faster paths to prosperity for newcomers and disadvantaged Canadians through innovative strategies and specialized women's programs. From training and job placement to year-long follow-ups, discover how Achēv is making a tangible impact on fostering DEIB.
Connect with Tonie:
LinkedIn
Resources:
Achēv
Bluenose II
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
On today's episode, we talk with Julie Ellis. Julie is an entrepreneur, speaker, coach, author and podcast host. Julie shares her remarkable journey, from her experience as a co-founder of Mabel's Labels to her authorship of Big Gorgeous Goals and to her new adventure as the host of the Figure 8 podcast. Join us as we explore how Julie's background in dance has uniquely shaped her entrepreneurial philosophy and what it means to get 'the seat cushion off your butt.'
Additionally, Julie shares practical advice on scaling a business and discusses the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs at different stages. Learn how Julie is working to help women get connected, solve problems, grow bigger businesses and reach their own big, gorgeous goals.
Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn
Website
Instagram
Facebook
During our conversation, we talk about some past episodes. Please find the links here:
Ginny Dybenko
Resources:
Big Gorgeous Goals: How Bold Women Achieve Great Things
Figure 8 Podcast
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
On today’s episode, we talk with Vivian Manasc, an architect and pioneer in the green building movement. She is the Founding Principal at Reimagine, an architectural firm dedicated to collaboration, joy, creativity, and sustainability.
We explore Vivian's passion for sustainable design, her philosophy of optimism, and her unwavering dedication to fostering environments where community and creativity flourish. We also talk about how our Grandmothers were right.
Connect with Vivian:
LinkedIn
Website
Instagram
Key Takeaways:
Books by Vivian Manasc
Old Stories, New Ways: Conversations About an Architecture Inspired by Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Agora Borealis: Engaging in Sustainable Architecture
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
In today's episode, we talk with Camelia Nunez, a self-proclaimed "profpreneur" who blends her entrepreneurial spirit with a deep passion for education.
We talk about why she believes building a culture of curiosity and continuous learning around education is important and how it will affect how we live, learn and work.
Camelia shares her experiences growing up in Romania, witnessing life before and after the revolution, and moving to Canada as a teenager to complete her education.
Starting her career as a Spanish professor, Camelia's entrepreneurial drive led her to co-found an EdTech startup. With over 17 years in higher education, she has held roles in teaching, administrative leadership, research partnerships, innovation, entrepreneurship, and operations at Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo and now Conestoga College.
Camelia emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to a rapidly evolving workforce. We discuss innovative solutions like yearly membership fees for education to maintain relevant skills and challenge the outdated concept of a fixed career path.
We talk about all kinds of entrepreneurs, but Camelia highlights the resilience and persistence of non-tech entrepreneurs and how those traits are significant in achieving long-term success.
Camelia shares insights on inspiring youth to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, offering real-life examples of creativity sparked by personal pain points.
Connect with Camelia
LinkedIn
Resources
Conestoga College
Play-a-Latte
Youth Creativity Fund
What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!
Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.
Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram
Bespoke Productions Hub
The podcast currently has 28 episodes available.