Women Don't Do That (WDDT)

Stephanie Mitton welcomes Nour Hachem, President and Founder of Build a Dream, for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and transforming the workforce. From overcoming the challenges of immigration and single motherhood to securing over $30 million in government funding, Nour shares how she became a national force advocating for women in male-dominated industries.

With over 20 years of experience, Nour takes us behind the scenes of how Build a Dream grew from a local initiative into a nationwide movement reaching over 50,000 homes. Through skilled trades, STEM, emergency response, entrepreneurship, and leadership, her organization is opening doors for the next generation of women.

Nour speaks candidly about the systemic barriers women face and how Build a Dream tackles them through education, community building, and corporate partnerships. Inspired by Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic leadership, she reflects on the power of staying grounded in your values—and why choice is the ultimate empowerment.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to breaking cycles, creating opportunity, and championing diversity in the workplace.

Nour Hachem:
Canada's leading voice for leveraging the power of a diverse workforce. Nour Hachem is the President and Founder
of Build A Dream and one of Canada's top speakers on attracting, retaining and harnessing the power of a diverse workforce.
With over 20 years of experience in workplace service, Nour Hachem has led Build A Dream to significant growth. As the President and Founder of the not-for-profit, she has championed the empowerment of women in male-dominated and STEM fields, inspiring industry and government to adopt innovative diversity-driven recruitment and retention strategies. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded to over 20 members and secured over $15M in government funding. Throughout her career, she has secured a total of $30M in government funding to support programs that help the most vulnerable demographic reach their fullest potential in the workforce.
Her insights and achievements have been featured on National News outlets like CBC, Global News, CTV, and many others.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/dancing-through-time-what-a-castle-wedding-in-scotland-taught-me

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide and intrusive or negative thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a mental health professional or call a local crisis line. You are not alone.

In this powerful episode, Pari Johnston, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), returns to the podcast to share a deeply personal and professional journey. As the national voice for publicly supported colleges, institutes, cégeps, and polytechnics, Pari brings decades of experience as a strategist, mentor, and coalition-builder in Canadian public life. She previously held senior leadership roles at Universities Canada and Genome Canada, where she advanced national priorities in research, talent, and innovation.

This is Pari’s second time on the podcast—her first, Episode 101: Lessons in Leadership, explored her career path and the barriers women face in senior public affairs roles.

Today, we go deeper. Pari opens up about stepping into her first CEO role and how she continues to lead with strength and vulnerability while navigating profound personal grief following the loss of her eldest son to suicide. She shares how she’s stayed resilient, the importance of openness and support in leadership, and why building networks and leaning on community matter more than ever.

Pari Johnston is the President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the national association representing publicly supported colleges, institutes, cégeps, and polytechnics across the country. She previously served as Vice President at Universities Canada and Genome Canada, where she led national advocacy, public policy, and member relations.
Pari is widely respected as a strategist, mentor, and coalition-builder in Canadian public life. Her work has advanced national priorities in research, talent development, and innovation.
This is her second time joining the podcast. In her first appearance — Episode 101: Lessons in Leadership — we explored her career path and the challenges women face in senior public affairs roles.
Today, we’re going deeper. We’ll talk about what it’s like to take on a CEO role for the first time, and how she has continued to show up for her team and her life while facing unimaginable personal grief.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/dancing-through-time-what-a-castle-wedding-in-scotland-taught-me

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special vault episode of WOMENdontDOthat, Stephanie is joined by two of her closest friends, Sarah Luehof and Laura Hall, for a candid roundtable conversation on the messy, meaningful, and sometimes mysterious world of adult friendships. From making new friends in your 30s to keeping old ones close, they unpack the highs and lows of navigating connection as women, moms, and professionals. Expect laughs, honesty, and practical tips on how to show up for your people—even when life feels full.

Whether you're craving deeper friendships or trying to keep them afloat, this episode will remind you that you're not alone.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/my-advice-to-moms-on-mother-s-day

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this deeply personal solo episode, Stephanie opens up about her ongoing journey with ADHD—how a late diagnosis changed her perspective, the challenges of being a high performer with executive dysfunction, and her recent return to medication after a scary first experience. She shares the difference the right support, doctor, and dosage have made in her life, including improved focus, reduced procrastination, and greater self-compassion. Stephanie also reflects on the emotional clarity that came with treatment—and the hard truths it uncovered. Whether you're navigating ADHD or simply trying to overcome personal challenges, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and real talk on the power of understanding your brain and advocating for your needs.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/my-advice-to-moms-on-mother-s-day

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and deeply relatable episode of WOMENdontDOthat, Stephanie Mitton sits down with political strategist, media commentator, and working mom Jordan Leichnitz, to explore the messy, meaningful intersections of career ambition, motherhood, and leadership. From her early days in activism to the adrenaline of Parliament Hill, Jordan shares how she carved out a purpose-driven career without losing sight of her values—or her kids. They discuss the myth of balance, the reality of raising children while building a career, and how letting go of perfectionism can be the key to keeping it all going. Whether you're navigating politics, parenting, or both, this candid conversation is filled with real talk, hard-won advice, and inspiration to help you redefine success on your own terms.

Jordan Leichnitz is an Ottawa-based political consultant with two decades of experience in progressive political strategy and campaigns at the federal, provincial and municipal level. She spent ten years on Parliament Hill working in senior strategy positions for four Leaders of the New Democratic Party of Canada, including serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, overseeing platform and policy development, and handling issues management for the parliamentary caucus. Since 2020, Jordan has served as the Canada Program Manager for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, an international German political foundation affiliated with the social democratic party. She is a frequent media commentator on federal and provincial politics and a panelist on The Curse of Politics. Jordan holds a Master's degree in Political Science from the University of Ottawa, and lives in Ottawa with her partner and two young children.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/my-advice-to-moms-on-mother-s-day

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jordan Leichnitz is an Ottawa-based political consultant with two decades of experience in progressive political strategy and campaigns at the federal, provincial and municipal level. She spent ten years on Parliament Hill working in senior strategy positions for four Leaders of the New Democratic Party of Canada, including serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, overseeing platform and policy development, and handling issues management for the parliamentary caucus. Since 2020, Jordan has served as the Canada Program Manager for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, an international German political foundation affiliated with the social democratic party. She is a frequent media commentator on federal and provincial politics and a panelist on The Curse of Politics. Jordan holds a Master's degree in Political Science from the University of Ottawa, and lives in Ottawa with her partner and two young children.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/my-advice-to-moms-on-mother-s-day

In this heartfelt solo episode, Stephanie Mitton shares a personal story about periods, parenting, and breaking the silence around becoming a woman.
She reflects on her own struggles with endometriosis and painful periods—and how she created a simple, joyful ritual for her daughter’s first period to replace shame with celebration.
This episode is a powerful reminder that even small moments can reshape the narrative for the next generation.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/my-advice-to-moms-on-mother-s-day

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, Stephanie Mitton sits down with Suzanne Grant, Executive Director of the Capital Angel Network and a trailblazer in Canada's startup ecosystem. Suzanne shares her extraordinary career journey—from military leadership to entrepreneurship across 17 countries, including launching a women’s empowerment movement in Qatar and raising over $30 million in deals. She opens up about being underestimated, navigating bias, and the mantra that drives her: “The future is human.” If you’re seeking inspiration to take bold steps, lead with purpose, and redefine what’s possible—this episode is for you.

Bio:
Suzanne Grant, CD
Executive Director
Capital Angel Network (CAN)
National Capital Region

Leading Capital Angel Network was a natural fit for Suzanne following 15 years as a CEO in a tech non-profit, medical - technology startup and a bootstrapped strategic comms agency.
She’s supported more than $34M in Canadian startups since 2021.
The role supports Suzanne's mission to open and equitable access to capital and network, and in 2023 she designed CANLABs - a program for startup accelerator grads and boot strapped founders to sharpen their early stage investment strategy. Over 100 founders and mentors have collaborated - founders closing rounds and getting accepted into Y Combinator - the top global accelerator.
Suzanne is a dealmaker. She grew her Qatar strategic communications agency to $3M annual revenue and raised $5M in funding for iBIONICs, a Canadian / Australian med tech company developing a brian machine interface. She has coached hundreds of founders supporting their path to market and investment.

Suzanne also serves on the Foresight Strategic Investment Committee and the Membership Committee at Venture Labs.
Suzanne’s early career began as an engineering officer in the Canadian Airforce and Army. She strongly advocates for peace, opportunity and equity.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/my-advice-to-moms-on-mother-s-day

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We often tell women they need more confidence. But what if confidence starts with borrowing someone else’s belief in you—until you can find your own?
In this solo episode, Stephanie shares a personal story from the provincial basketball championships with her 14-year-old daughter. A moment of nerves turns into a turning point, and the lessons go far beyond the court.
You’ll hear about how girls—and women—hold themselves back, and how we can push past imposter syndrome, doubt, and fear to take the shot. This one’s short, powerful, and perfect to share with a young woman in your life. (Yes, even 11-year-olds will benefit—Stephanie brought hers into the conversation too.)
💡 You’ll Learn:

• How to reframe self-doubt by leaning into others' belief in you
• Why girls start doubting themselves early and how we can intervene
• Surprising stats about men vs. women applying for jobs
• Wise advice from a 14-year-old athlete with a message for all of us
• Why “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” isn’t just a sports quote—it’s a life mantra

🗓️ Weekly Call to Action:
Say yes to something before you feel ready. Borrow belief from a mentor, a coach, a boss—or even this podcast—and step forward with power.

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Our Latest Blog: https://www.womendontdothat.com/post/my-advice-to-moms-on-mother-s-day

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leslie is Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Canada, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland. Leslie and host Stephanie dive into a conversation about careers and motherhood in this one of a kind episode from a woman at the top of the halls of power in Canada. We discuss Leslie’s path to success in politics, how she handles stress, work life “balance”, the challenges of motherhood (daycare, returning from maternity leave, emotional load), women in politics, and her thoughts on big issues and how to solve them.

I love how Leslie shares the challenges and struggles in her job and her daily life, allowing you to see that you can overcome challenges and thrive too. I can’t wait for you to hear her advice so jump in and take a listen!

More about Leslie:

Leslie is Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Canada, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland. Approaching seven years inside the Trudeau government, Leslie has served as Chief of Staff in four ministries, helped lead the development of two federal budgets and the government’s procurement response in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and served as the Director of Policy for the 2021 National Liberal Campaign heading up the development of the Liberal platform.

Before joining the government in 2015, Leslie was the head of Communications and Public Affairs for Google Canadawhere she worked to promote Canada’s digital economy and the success of Canadian innovators online. She also served as Vice-Chair of Ontario’s Open Government Engagement Team, which provided recommendations to the Government of Ontario on open data, access to information and civic engagement.

Leslie has worked extensively in politics and public policy for over 15 years, serving on public boards, advising on public policy reviews, and working previously in Parliament as director of communications to the Leader of the Official Opposition, the Honourable Michael Ignatieff. She practiced law at Torys LLP in Toronto and is a graduate of the University of Alberta (BA (Hon.) Political Science), the London School of Economics (MSc. Politics of the World Economy), and the University of Toronto Faculty of Law (JD).

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Recommend guests: https://www.womendontdothat.com/

How to find WOMENdontDOthat:

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/womendontdothat/
TikTok- http://www.tiktok.com/@womendontdothat
Blog- https://www.womendontdothat.com/blog
Podcast- https://www.womendontdothat.com/podcast
Newsletter- https://www.beaconnorthstrategies.com/contact
www.womendontdothat.com
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@WOMENdontDOthat
How to find Stephanie Mitton:
Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/StephanieMitton
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemitton/
beaconnorthstrategies.com
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@stephmitton
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemitton/
Interested in sponsorship? Contact us at [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.