<![CDATA[Why to the Way]]>06fa99a7-b631-5477-9b1e-f2b0149f8ad5Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:26 +0000Captivate.fmSarah Jeanneaulthttps://artwork.captivate.fm/932855b5-c1c7-4d13-8e1d-2de19f5fde73/Why-to-the-Way-Podcast-Art.pngWhy to the WaySarah JeanneaultSarah JeanneaultWhy to the Way is hosted by Sarah Jeanneault and Heather McPherson. Each episode explores a crossroads or pivotal moment when someone made a defining choice. Together, they unpack what happened, what the guest ultimately chose, and the deeper reasons behind that decision. This is a podcast about perspective, decision-making, and the moments that shape who we become. Every episode invites listeners into the tension with one central question: What would you have done? Connect with Us! Website: www.whytotheway.com Email: whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. www.twistedspurmedia.comhttps://www.whytotheway.com/falseepisodic7e49d630-4332-11f1-8c95-63d15d312f30nopodcastBrand Builder, Risk Taker: Jennifer Blackburn on Knowing When to LeapBrand Builder, Risk Taker: Jennifer Blackburn on Knowing When to LeapJennifer Blackburn has held roles at Unilever, Nando's, Canadian Tire, Skip, and is now CMO of Clearly Canadian — and not one of those moves was a straight line. The pivot that surprised her most wasn't a bold leap toward opportunity; it was a quiet moment doing virtual homework with her three-year-old daughter at 3am from a different time zone, realizing the right role at the wrong time in your life is still the wrong role.

This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered whether ambition and a good life can actually coexist.

In This Episode

  • Why Jennifer left a successful six-year run at Canadian Tire to join a hyper-competitive tech company — and how walking into an interim CEO, a new CEO, and two different bosses in her first six months taught her more than any stable role could
  • The Nando's lesson: how a global brand with deep purpose and a dream job on paper became the clearest signal that career decisions can't be made without factoring in where you are in your personal life
  • Why Jennifer puts almost no weight on how long someone stayed at a company when she's hiring — and what she looks for instead (hint: it's not the polished pitch)
  • How Jennifer thinks about the career ladder versus the career zigzag — and why she believes knowing your north star matters more than following a prescribed path upward
  • What it actually takes to revive a nostalgic legacy brand like Clearly Canadian for a generation that never grew up with it — and why that challenge is the one she's most excited to unlock
  • The interview process at Nando's that included a five-hour psychology assessment in London with jet lag — and what Jennifer says she learned about herself from it

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Reviving a Legacy Brand

00:25 - Podcast Premise and Intro

00:50 - Meet Jennifer Blackburn – Clearly Canadian CMO

01:42 - Nostalgia Stories and Brand Magic

04:56 - From Doctor Dreams to Marketing

06:19 - Unilever Training Ground

08:36 - Marketing Then vs Now

10:26 - Pivot to Tech at Skip

12:23 - Risk Support and Overwhelm

13:35 - Choosing Growth Together

16:02 - From Skip to Clearly Canadian

16:51 - Wrong Turns in Life

21:52 - Hiring Mindset on Short Tenures

23:26 - Interviewing for Authenticity

25:41 - Most Intense Interview Experience

27:00 - Working Parenthood and Energy

27:57 - Work Life Balance Lessons

29:18 - Career Pivots And North Star

30:47 - Transition Season At Home

32:31 - Favorite Clearly Canadian Flavor

33:09 - Gut Check On C Suite Paths

35:16 - Switching Industries And Growth

39:10 - Travel For Work Reality Check

42:25 - Remote Work And Productivity Debate

44:04 - Sleep Time Zones And Car Rules

46:58 - What We Missed And Wrap Up

48:09 - Podcast Wrap Up

Resources Mentioned:

  • Clearly Canadian — the brand Jennifer currently leads as CMO; https://clearlycanadian.com/
  • SkipTheDishes — Canadian food delivery tech company
  • Canadian Tire — Canadian retail company
  • Nando’s — global restaurant brand
  • Unilever — global consumer goods company
  • PepsiCo — multinational food and beverage corporation, referenced as a training ground for CPG marketers alongside Unilever
  • Kroger — US grocery retailer

Quotes:

“And I think there’s tends to be scrutiny on that versus why stay longer if it's not working for you?” - Jennifer Blackburn

“ Doing virtual homework with my daughter at three in the morning buy time. And she's like, mommy, why is it dark where you are? And it's bright where I am.” - Jennifer Blackburn

“ I think sometimes you think the trajectory must go straight up at all times or else I'm not achieving.” - Sarah Jeanneault

“ It is really kind of looking internally first to say like, what do you want, like what's your north star in what your career, and this might be a stepping stone to your end. It may not be, you know, the, the, the whole way there.” - Jennifer Blackburn

“ It's not just about the job, it's not just about the company. It's also about how does this fit into your, your lifestyle and what tradeoffs are you able or willing to make or not.” - Jennifer Blackburn

“ People being honest and genuine versus trying to be pitchy and selling of their experience. I really try and look for that humbleness, that authenticity.” - Jennifer Blackburn

Jennifer Blackburn is the CMO of Clearly Canadian, where she leads the work of evolving a beloved legacy brand for the next generation of consumers. Her career spans CPG, retail, foodservice, and tech — including brand leadership roles at Unilever, PepsiCo, Nandos, Canadian Tire, and SkipTheDishes. Known for building high-performance teams and revitalizing iconic brands, she brings an entrepreneurial mindset to every organization she joins, whether it's a multinational or a private equity-backed startup.

Connect with Jennifer Blackburn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-blackburn-9b5958a/

Connect with Us!

http://www.whytotheway.com

whytotheway@gmail.com

Instagram

YouTube

Linked In

Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault

Linked In - Heather McPherson

This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd.

Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

]]>Jennifer Blackburn has held roles at Unilever, Nando's, Canadian Tire, Skip, and is now CMO of Clearly Canadian — and not one of those moves was a straight line. The pivot that surprised her most wasn't a bold leap toward opportunity; it was a quiet moment doing virtual homework with her three-year-old daughter at 3am from a different time zone, realizing the right role at the wrong time in your life is still the wrong role.

This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered whether ambition and a good life can actually coexist.

In This Episode

  • Why Jennifer left a successful six-year run at Canadian Tire to join a hyper-competitive tech company — and how walking into an interim CEO, a new CEO, and two different bosses in her first six months taught her more than any stable role could
  • The Nando's lesson: how a global brand with deep purpose and a dream job on paper became the clearest signal that career decisions can't be made without factoring in where you are in your personal life
  • Why Jennifer puts almost no weight on how long someone stayed at a company when she's hiring — and what she looks for instead (hint: it's not the polished pitch)
  • How Jennifer thinks about the career ladder versus the career zigzag — and why she believes knowing your north star matters more than following a prescribed path upward
  • What it actually takes to revive a nostalgic legacy brand like Clearly Canadian for a generation that never grew up with it — and why that challenge is the one she's most excited to unlock
  • The interview process at Nando's that included a five-hour psychology assessment in London with jet lag — and what Jennifer says she learned about herself from it

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Reviving a Legacy Brand

00:25 - Podcast Premise and Intro

00:50 - Meet Jennifer Blackburn – Clearly Canadian CMO

01:42 - Nostalgia Stories and Brand Magic

04:56 - From Doctor Dreams to Marketing

06:19 - Unilever Training Ground

08:36 - Marketing Then vs Now

10:26 - Pivot to Tech at Skip

12:23 - Risk Support and Overwhelm

13:35 - Choosing Growth Together

16:02 - From Skip to Clearly Canadian

16:51 - Wrong Turns in Life

21:52 - Hiring Mindset on Short Tenures

23:26 - Interviewing for Authenticity

25:41 - Most Intense Interview Experience

27:00 - Working Parenthood and Energy

27:57 - Work Life Balance Lessons

29:18 - Career Pivots And North Star

30:47 - Transition Season At Home

32:31 - Favorite Clearly Canadian Flavor

33:09 - Gut Check On C Suite Paths

35:16 - Switching Industries And Growth

39:10 - Travel For Work Reality Check

42:25 - Remote Work And Productivity Debate

44:04 - Sleep Time Zones And Car Rules

46:58 - What We Missed And Wrap Up

48:09 - Podcast Wrap Up

Resources Mentioned:

  • Clearly Canadian — the brand Jennifer currently leads as CMO; https://clearlycanadian.com/
  • SkipTheDishes — Canadian food delivery tech company
  • Canadian Tire — Canadian retail company
  • Nando’s — global restaurant brand
  • Unilever — global consumer goods company
  • PepsiCo — multinational food and beverage corporation, referenced as a training ground for CPG marketers alongside Unilever
  • Kroger — US grocery retailer

Quotes:

“And I think there’s tends to be scrutiny on that versus why stay longer if it's not working for you?” - Jennifer Blackburn

“ Doing virtual homework with my daughter at three in the morning buy time. And she's like, mommy, why is it dark where you are? And it's bright where I am.” - Jennifer Blackburn

“ I think sometimes you think the trajectory must go straight up at all times or else I'm not achieving.” - Sarah Jeanneault

“ It is really kind of looking internally first to say like, what do you want, like what's your north star in what your career, and this might be a stepping stone to your end. It may not be, you know, the, the, the whole way there.” - Jennifer Blackburn

“ It's not just about the job, it's not just about the company. It's also about how does this fit into your, your lifestyle and what tradeoffs are you able or willing to make or not.” - Jennifer Blackburn

“ People being honest and genuine versus trying to be pitchy and selling of their experience. I really try and look for that humbleness, that authenticity.” - Jennifer Blackburn

Jennifer Blackburn is the CMO of Clearly Canadian, where she leads the work of evolving a beloved legacy brand for the next generation of consumers. Her career spans CPG, retail, foodservice, and tech — including brand leadership roles at Unilever, PepsiCo, Nandos, Canadian Tire, and SkipTheDishes. Known for building high-performance teams and revitalizing iconic brands, she brings an entrepreneurial mindset to every organization she joins, whether it's a multinational or a private equity-backed startup.

Connect with Jennifer Blackburn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-blackburn-9b5958a/

Connect with Us!

http://www.whytotheway.com

whytotheway@gmail.com

Instagram

YouTube

Linked In

Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault

Linked In - Heather McPherson

This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd.

Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

]]>7c93a903-5085-43ab-882e-c85d501de513Wed, 13 May 2026 06:00:00 -040048:38falsefull1221Leaping Over Obstacles: Carolyn Lawrence on Leading ChangeLeaping Over Obstacles: Carolyn Lawrence on Leading ChangeCarolyn Lawrence walked away from her dream job — Global DEI Leader at Deloitte — not because it wasn't working, but because she could no longer see what was next. What followed was a masterclass in exactly what she'd spent her career teaching others: how to read a system, resist the urge to fight it head-on, and move through obstacles with strategy instead of force. If you've ever felt the fire to change something but watched it fizzle the moment you walked back to your desk, this episode is the one you've been waiting for.

In This Episode:

  • Why pushing hard for change inside an organization can backfire — and what to do instead (the "what we resist persists" principle Carolyn learned the hard way at Deloitte)
  • The exact tactic she used to get a skeptical senior leader to voluntarily open up their hiring process — and how that single conversation unlocked 19 of 20 DEI KPIs moving in the right direction over four years
  • How Carolyn embedded inclusion scores into annual performance reviews tied to variable compensation — and why the COO sitting in on those reviews changed everything
  • The four maturity levels of organizational inclusion, from "checking a box" to "this is just how we do business" — and what it looks like when a company truly doesn't need a DEI strategy anymore
  • What it actually felt like to leave a dream job at Deloitte Global: the fear, the six months of community conversations, the third-of-asking-price first client, and the pivot to "impact strategist" that changed how she talks about her work
  • Why equity at home directly creates equity at work — and the Deloitte study that proved men carry hidden burdens too

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Change That Backfires

00:30 - Podcast Premise Intro

00:56 - Meet Carolyn Lawrence

02:51 - Purpose And Career Path

03:58 - Early Equity Awakening

05:26 - Role Model Eureka Moment

07:53 - From Inspiration To Systems

09:25 - Curiosity Over Confrontation

12:46 - Deloitte Strategy Story

17:47 - Accountability That Works

22:10 - Coaching Passionate Teams

23:58 - Finding Your Voice

27:41 - Leaving Deloitte To Leap

31:20 - First Pitch To New Positioning

34:00 - DEI Maturity Levels

35:26 - DEI Maturity Integrated

36:36 - Equity Starts At Home

38:18 - Flexible Work Inclusion

39:41 - Hybrid Work Preference

40:31 - Sport For Wellbeing

42:19 - Meditation For Clarity

43:55 - No Regrets Lessons

45:06 - Leaping Over Obstacles

46:12 - Where To Find Carolyn

46:39 - Gut Check Debrief

48:24 - Building Teams Mentorship

53:28 - Podcasting Career Path

59:28 - Purpose And Impact

01:01:53 - Question We Missed

01:03:43 - Final Sign Off

Resources Mentioned:

  • Heather Reisman — CEO of Indigo Books & Music (referenced as Carolyn's early inspiration)
  • Deloitte — the global consulting firm where Carolyn led DEI strategy and global people leadership
  • Women of Influence — the social enterprise Carolyn previously led
  • A Clear Path — Carolyn's own company - https://clearpathtoimpact.com/

Quotes:

"If I want to inspire change, resisting or fighting it is actually going to strengthen it. Like what we resist persists." - Carolyn Lawrence

“So I tracked the numbers at Deloitte. I was in that role for four years. Our numbers on literally 19 out of 20 KPIs that we measured. In the right direction. So that method works and I can prove it.” - Carolyn Lawrence

“I was very afraid and thought multiple times that I perhaps had lost my mind because here I was global diversity, equity and inclusion leader for Deloitte. Where do you go from there?” - Carolyn Lawrence

“You can't go from a great inspiring talk and then go and stand in a boardroom and yell off the top of your lungs. Hey everybody, I am completely inspired. I'm gonna change everything. Everybody come and listen.” - Sarah Jeanneault

“This year I’ve been looking at obstacles a little differently and trying to think about them as stepping stones and that I'm leaping over them, not with effort and strength, but with this internal lightness and power within.” - Carolyn Lawrence

Carolyn Lawrence is an Impact Strategist who helps leadership teams eliminate the invisible barriers blocking results. With a decade at Deloitte — where she built Canada's inclusion consulting practice and served as its first Global DEI Leader — plus firsthand experience as a purpose-driven business owner, she's a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating growth and change.

Connect with Carolyn Lawrence: https://clearpathtoimpact.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-lawrence-619bb16/

Connect with Us!

http://www.whytotheway.com

Email: whytotheway@gmail.com

Instagram - Why To The Way

YouTube - Why To The Way

LinkedIn - Why To The Way

LinkedIn - Sarah Jeanneault

LinkedIn - Twisted Spur Media

This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd.

Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

]]>Carolyn Lawrence walked away from her dream job — Global DEI Leader at Deloitte — not because it wasn't working, but because she could no longer see what was next. What followed was a masterclass in exactly what she'd spent her career teaching others: how to read a system, resist the urge to fight it head-on, and move through obstacles with strategy instead of force. If you've ever felt the fire to change something but watched it fizzle the moment you walked back to your desk, this episode is the one you've been waiting for.

In This Episode:

  • Why pushing hard for change inside an organization can backfire — and what to do instead (the "what we resist persists" principle Carolyn learned the hard way at Deloitte)
  • The exact tactic she used to get a skeptical senior leader to voluntarily open up their hiring process — and how that single conversation unlocked 19 of 20 DEI KPIs moving in the right direction over four years
  • How Carolyn embedded inclusion scores into annual performance reviews tied to variable compensation — and why the COO sitting in on those reviews changed everything
  • The four maturity levels of organizational inclusion, from "checking a box" to "this is just how we do business" — and what it looks like when a company truly doesn't need a DEI strategy anymore
  • What it actually felt like to leave a dream job at Deloitte Global: the fear, the six months of community conversations, the third-of-asking-price first client, and the pivot to "impact strategist" that changed how she talks about her work
  • Why equity at home directly creates equity at work — and the Deloitte study that proved men carry hidden burdens too

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Change That Backfires

00:30 - Podcast Premise Intro

00:56 - Meet Carolyn Lawrence

02:51 - Purpose And Career Path

03:58 - Early Equity Awakening

05:26 - Role Model Eureka Moment

07:53 - From Inspiration To Systems

09:25 - Curiosity Over Confrontation

12:46 - Deloitte Strategy Story

17:47 - Accountability That Works

22:10 - Coaching Passionate Teams

23:58 - Finding Your Voice

27:41 - Leaving Deloitte To Leap

31:20 - First Pitch To New Positioning

34:00 - DEI Maturity Levels

35:26 - DEI Maturity Integrated

36:36 - Equity Starts At Home

38:18 - Flexible Work Inclusion

39:41 - Hybrid Work Preference

40:31 - Sport For Wellbeing

42:19 - Meditation For Clarity

43:55 - No Regrets Lessons

45:06 - Leaping Over Obstacles

46:12 - Where To Find Carolyn

46:39 - Gut Check Debrief

48:24 - Building Teams Mentorship

53:28 - Podcasting Career Path

59:28 - Purpose And Impact

01:01:53 - Question We Missed

01:03:43 - Final Sign Off

Resources Mentioned:

  • Heather Reisman — CEO of Indigo Books & Music (referenced as Carolyn's early inspiration)
  • Deloitte — the global consulting firm where Carolyn led DEI strategy and global people leadership
  • Women of Influence — the social enterprise Carolyn previously led
  • A Clear Path — Carolyn's own company - https://clearpathtoimpact.com/

Quotes:

"If I want to inspire change, resisting or fighting it is actually going to strengthen it. Like what we resist persists." - Carolyn Lawrence

“So I tracked the numbers at Deloitte. I was in that role for four years. Our numbers on literally 19 out of 20 KPIs that we measured. In the right direction. So that method works and I can prove it.” - Carolyn Lawrence

“I was very afraid and thought multiple times that I perhaps had lost my mind because here I was global diversity, equity and inclusion leader for Deloitte. Where do you go from there?” - Carolyn Lawrence

“You can't go from a great inspiring talk and then go and stand in a boardroom and yell off the top of your lungs. Hey everybody, I am completely inspired. I'm gonna change everything. Everybody come and listen.” - Sarah Jeanneault

“This year I’ve been looking at obstacles a little differently and trying to think about them as stepping stones and that I'm leaping over them, not with effort and strength, but with this internal lightness and power within.” - Carolyn Lawrence

Carolyn Lawrence is an Impact Strategist who helps leadership teams eliminate the invisible barriers blocking results. With a decade at Deloitte — where she built Canada's inclusion consulting practice and served as its first Global DEI Leader — plus firsthand experience as a purpose-driven business owner, she's a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating growth and change.

Connect with Carolyn Lawrence: https://clearpathtoimpact.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-lawrence-619bb16/

Connect with Us!

http://www.whytotheway.com

Email: whytotheway@gmail.com

Instagram - Why To The Way

YouTube - Why To The Way

LinkedIn - Why To The Way

LinkedIn - Sarah Jeanneault

LinkedIn - Twisted Spur Media

This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd.

Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

]]>6bf94e4c-11f6-471d-82b0-ad6567ca78ccWed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -040001:04:11falsefull1111Why to the WayWhy to the WayWhy to the Way is hosted by Sarah Jeanneault. Each episode explores a real dilemma, crossroads moment, or personal crisis that forced someone to make a defining choice. Together, they unpack what happened, what the guest ultimately chose, and the deeper reasons behind that decision. Then Sarah and Heather weigh in themselves, debating what they would have done if faced with the very same situation. This is a podcast about perspective, decision-making, and the moments that shape who we become. Every episode invites listeners into the tension with one central question: What would you have done?

Connect with Us!

www.whytotheway.com

whytotheway@gmail.com

Instagram

YouTube

Linked In

Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault

Linked In - Heather McPherson

This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd.

]]>Why to the Way is hosted by Sarah Jeanneault. Each episode explores a real dilemma, crossroads moment, or personal crisis that forced someone to make a defining choice. Together, they unpack what happened, what the guest ultimately chose, and the deeper reasons behind that decision. Then Sarah and Heather weigh in themselves, debating what they would have done if faced with the very same situation. This is a podcast about perspective, decision-making, and the moments that shape who we become. Every episode invites listeners into the tension with one central question: What would you have done?

Connect with Us!

www.whytotheway.com

whytotheway@gmail.com

Instagram

YouTube

Linked In

Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault

Linked In - Heather McPherson

This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd.

]]>56207d94-6034-47c6-bac5-d256f27b9ee0Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:25:00 -040000:38falsefull11