Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Navigating growth and leadership in mental healthcare

Wed, 13 May 2026 08:45:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In this episode, Heather welcomes Kim Long, a registered psychologist and former educator who grew Dóchas Psychological Services from a solo practice into a multidisciplinary clinic with 10–12 permanent practitioners. Kim explains Dóchas focus on complex trauma and “elite client care,” its sanctuary-like approach, and plans for the Dóchas Resilience Foundation to expand access to mental healthcare. She reflects on scaling during COVID, navigating imposter syndrome, and learning through unplanned growth. Heather connects these themes to legal and business decision-making under pressure. Kim shares how she now balances leadership and client work, builds shared leadership capacity, and views imposter syndrome as a useful warning signal rather than a barrier. To find out more about Dóchas Psychological visit their website.

Episode 99: Embracing life's possibilities with intentionality and connection

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In this episode, Heather welcomes Rebecca Saunders, a family physician practicing in Alberta, to discuss her book project, Eight Saturdays, inspired by her friend Leslie’s terminal cancer diagnosis and her question: with limited time, what do you do with “eight Saturdays”? Rebecca reflects on 30+ years in longitudinal family medicine in Canada and the U.S., noting the rewards of long-term patient relationships, the burden of paperwork (eased by AI scribes), and differences between public and private healthcare access. She shares how Leslie chose candid, joyful connection over focusing on illness, and how the “eight Saturdays” lens can help people prioritize what matters, including addressing “unfun” essentials like wills and insurance so they can spend time with fewer regrets. Rebecca plans to launch the book in May, with worksheets and workshops.

Navigating entrepreneurship and technology to redefine capital markets

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In this episode, Heather welcomes Rebecca Kacaba, co-founder and CEO of DealMaker, who shares her path from practicing securities law to building a digital capital-raising platform. Kacaba explains how Dealmaker streamlines disclosure and diligence through templated, SEC-approved documents, supports raises from under $5M up to $75M, and sees repeat investments from engaged retail supporters. She discusses industries and founder traits that perform well, barriers to similar models in Canada, and the impact DealMaker has had ($2B transacted for 900+ businesses). Kacaba also offers entrepreneurial advice on solving real problems, shipping MVPs, and building resilience and adaptability, emphasizing the founder’s role in creating momentum, learning quickly from paying customers, and evolving through both the highs and low points of entrepreneurship. To learn more about DealMaker, visit https://www.dealmaker.tech/.

Episode 97: Embracing the power of transformative leadership in uncertain times

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In this episode, Heather is joined by Dr. Jodi Abbott, President and CEO of the University Hospital Foundation. Dr. Abbott discusses developing bold strategies, aligning them with organizational values, and creating a governance structure to support the plan. She shares her experiences in complex environments in health and education, emphasizing the importance of vision, flexibility, and adaptability amid constant change. Dr. Abbott reflects on her career, from her role at NorQuest College, where she led a significant transformation, to her current position at the University Hospital Foundation. She explains that leadership in both sectors requires navigating complexity, managing ambiguity, and continuously adjusting to new circumstances. They also delve into crafting strategic plans, the evolving concept of change management, and the role of values and behaviors in driving organizational success. To learn more about the University Hospital Foundation’s work, visit their website at https://givetouhf.ca.

Navigating the intersection of leadership, marketing, and authentic client relationships

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 95, Heather welcomes Deborah Farone, CEO of Farone Advisors and former chief marketing officer at Debevoise & Plimpton and Cravath, to discuss building marketing and business development functions in law firms and the shift from traditional media to platforms like LinkedIn. Deborah shares why networking and relationship-building should start early, emphasizing expertise, authenticity, and empathy as foundations of trust and referrals. She explains how lessons from other industries can strengthen professional services marketing, and how firms can adopt AI by training teams to experiment beyond innovation hubs. Deborah also highlights insights from her book Breaking Ground on how successful women lawyers develop business in ways that feel authentic. To learn more about the Deborah Farone and Farone Advisors, visit https://deborahfarone.com/.

Redefining accounting through feminist leadership

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:45:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 95, Heather welcomes Alicia Fowler, founder of MOD Accounting and Rayo Teams. Alicia shares insights from her journey building a values‑aligned, women‑led accounting practice grounded in feminist leadership. She reflects on launching a business during the pandemic, creating flexible and empowering work environments for women, and redefining traditional professional models through authenticity, trust, and modern technology. Alicia also highlights the importance of financial literacy, self‑trust, and embracing personal growth as essential drivers of entrepreneurial success. She discusses how MOD Accounting grew rapidly through a commitment to accessibility and values‑based client relationships, how feminist leadership shaped a supportive culture for her team, and how her second venture, Rayo Teams, leverages cross‑functional expertise to help organizations navigate leadership and operational challenges. To learn more about Mod Accounting, visit the website at Mod Accounting.

Demonstrating leadership in motion through embracing organizational change

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:15:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 94, Heather is joined by Roseanne Carey, Chief Financial Officer of the University Hospital Foundation. They discuss raising capital, managing large organizations, and Roseanne's career evolution from a CPA in public accounting to leading transformative change across industries. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, understanding the 'why' behind changes, and aligning organizational goals for effective transformation and sustainability. Additionally, they delve into the concept of venture philanthropy and how the University Hospital Foundation is driving systemic improvements in healthcare through innovative funding and partnerships. Roseanne also shares personal insights on juggling professional and personal responsibilities, as well as the vital role of community and support systems in achieving success. To learn more about the University Hospital Foundation’s work, visit their website at https://givetouhf.ca.

Bridging gaps and building trust in HR Leadership

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:45:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 93, Heather is by Brenda Lynes, founder of Elevating-HR. Brenda shares her journey from accidental entry into HR to founding her consultancy. She discusses the importance of aligning company values, dealing with culture killers, and developing effective leadership skills in organizations without internal HR departments. She emphasizes the need for companies to put people first and the crucial role of communication and understanding in achieving organizational success. Brenda also delves into her experiences with strategic HR interventions and the significance of embodying core values to promote a positive work culture. To learn more about Brenda Lynes and her work, visit her website at https://elevating-hr.ca/.

Episode 92: Unleashing the power of curiosity in leadership

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In this episode, Heather is thrilled to be joined by Dr. Debra Clary, a Leadership Strategist and Curiosity Scientist. Dr. Clary shares her career journey and insights on the role of curiosity in leadership. The discussion covers how curiosity can transform disengagement into passion, improve employee engagement, and facilitate faster decision-making. Drawing on her experience at Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Jack Daniels, and Humana, Dr. Clary explains why curiosity is a critical leadership competency and how it drives innovation, retention, and organizational performance. She offers practical strategies for cultivating curiosity, creating a culture of trust, and balancing transformational and transactional leadership styles to succeed at the C-suite level. Tune in for actionable insights to elevate leadership impact and foster a more engaged, collaborative workplace. To learn more about Dr. Debra Clary and her work, visit her website at https://www.debraclary.com.

Escaping burnout by aligning identity with true fulfillment

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 91, Heather is joined by Elisha Meek, Author, Entrepreneur and Corporate Professional, to discuss how identity, purpose, and intentional time management can help women recognize and escape burnout. Together, Heather and Elisha explore the pressures high-performing women face, the importance of aligning fulfillment with achievement, and practical ways to create space for passion outside the corporate world.

Elisha shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to rediscovering joy through entrepreneurship, reflecting on how a single defining moment pushed her to rethink her identity and pursue meaningful work beyond her corporate role. Heather and Elisha also discuss the societal and self-imposed expectations that often prevent women from prioritizing themselves, and how Elisha’s three-pillar framework—brains, body and soul—helps women build healthier habits, set boundaries, and reconnect with what truly matters. The conversation highlights the value of self-awareness, accountability, and viewing your career as a foundation rather than your entire identity, encouraging listeners to pursue purpose-driven activities that foster long-term fulfillment. To learn more about Elisha’s coaching work and her upcoming book on helping women escape burnout, visit elishameek.com.

The power of education, values, and connection in leadership

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 90, Heather is joined by Jennifer Pascoe, Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). Jennifer discusses how the value of education was instilled in her from a young age and how it continues to influence both her family’s trajectory and her professional passion for post-secondary education. Jennifer delves into NAIT’s unique model that connects students directly with industry through hands-on learning, emphasizing the institution’s agile approach to evolving workforce needs. Jennifer highlights NAIT’s commitment to reducing barriers to education and its focus on lifelong learning through diplomas, degrees, apprenticeships, and continuing education programs. She also shares insights on the importance of aligning personal and organizational values, the positive impact of strong internal and external communications, and how living authentically as a leader fosters both respect and empowerment. Jennifer encourages listeners to build meaningful community connections, overcome fears of networking, and continually seek growth through learning and connection. To learn more about NAIT, visit https://www.nait.ca.

Empowering women through financial literacy and community

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 89, Heather is joined by Laura Furtado, Head of Business Development at Cadence Financial Group with Raymond James, and Founder and President of Her Wealth Society. Laura shares her journey from building one of Toronto’s largest women’s entrepreneurial communities to founding Her Wealth Society, a non-profit dedicated to improving women’s financial literacy and confidence. She discusses the importance of early financial education, mentorship, and creating safe spaces where women can openly talk about money. Laura also highlights the success of Her Wealth’s first summit and shares how Her Wealth Society brings together nonprofits, industry leaders, and women of all generations to bridge gaps in financial understanding and empower women to lead with confidence in every stage of life. To learn more about Her Wealth Society, visit https://www.herwealthsummit.com/hws/5896846

Leading change through empathy and mindfulness in corporate culture

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:58:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 88, Heather is joined by Toluwanimi Ajayi, Change Management Specialist at ATB Financial. Tolu shares her journey of driving organizational transformation through empathy and people-focused leadership. She discusses how her work bridges the gap between business objectives and the human experience of change, and how understanding people’s motivations can make or break successful implementation. Together, Heather and Tolu delves into how meditation has shaped Tolu’s approach to leadership, helping her build confidence, resilience and clarity in high-pressure environments. Tolu offers practical insights on using mindfulness to navigate uncertainty, foster authentic self-awareness and lead with purpose. To learn about ATB Financial, visit https://www.atb.com/wealth. To explore Tolu’s meditation community, visit https://www.hourofmeditation.com/.

Harnessing systems thinking to transform health care and beyond

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:35:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 87, Heather is joined by Gail Stepanik-Keber, Chief Catalyst, Strategic Marketing and Alliances at the University Hospital Foundation. Gail shares her journey from two decades in financial services to governance, entrepreneurship, and now healthcare philanthropy. She explains why systems thinking is a hidden superpower for women leaders, and how the Foundation, whose purpose is to continuously seek, inspire and lead bold solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges and ignite new discoveries in health is using its IGNITE 2030 strategy to tackle “wicked problems” like dementia and cardiac care. Gail also highlights the power of partnerships and storytelling to drive real-world health outcomes and inspire the next generation of leaders. To learn more about the University Hospital Foundation, visit https://www.givetouhf.ca

Empowering women through financial inclusion and technology for good

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 86, Heather is joined by Sheetal Mehta, an experienced Board Member, Founder, Entrepreneur, and two-time TEDx speaker. Sheetal shares her journey from arriving in Canada as a refugee, to leading global venture capital initiatives at Microsoft, to founding Shanti Life, a microfinance non-profit focused on empowering vulnerable women through financial literacy, safe sanitation and small business creation.

Sheetal discusses her belief in “technology for good,” the importance of smart capital, and her work in supporting women-led businesses through mentorship and investment. Heather and Sheetal also reflect on resilience, the value of strong partnerships and why financial inclusion remains essential in 2025. To learn more about Sheetal Mehta and her work, connect with her on LinkedIn. To explore Shanti Life and its mission, visit https://shantilife.org/

Breaking barriers in online learning and entrepreneurship

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:47:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 85, Heather is joined by Jennifer Griffin Schaeffer, Co-founder and Board Chair of Onlea, a Canadian company dedicated to removing barriers to knowledge through innovative online learning experiences. Jennifer shares her journey from launching one of the first digital media startups in New York in the 1990s, to leading Onlea’s growth as a hub for interactive, learner-focused education.

Demystifying AI for businesses of all sizes

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 84, Heather is joined by Idunnu Okuola, the Principal Consultant of IWEZ Consulting, who is a data scientist, AI and ML engineer. Idunnu shares her journey from statistics and biostatistics into artificial intelligence, and her passion for making AI accessible to small and mid-sized businesses. She explains the fundamentals of AI, common myths, including the belief that AI is only for large companies and how businesses can identify good candidates for automation. Heather and Idunnu both discuss practical applications such as customer service, employee training and onboarding, as well as the importance of ethical oversight in AI use. Idunnu also shares her excitement about the rapid evolution of AI and the new jobs and opportunities it will create. To learn more about IWEZ Consulting or to book a free consultation, please visit: https://iwezconsulting.ca.

Building a fashion-inspired chocolate business and the entrepreneur behind it

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:11:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 83, Heather is joined by Jacqueline Jacek, Founder and Coconista of JACEK Chocolate Couture. Jacqueline shares her journey from working a corporate job to launching a fashion-inspired chocolate company that started in her basement. She reflects on the early challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of team and branding, and how she balances creativity with business growth. Together, Heather and Jacqueline dive into the science and artistry of chocolate-making, managing seasonality and the impact of global supply chain disruptions. Jacqueline also previews two big upcoming projects: the co-launch of a new product line called MYCAO—made from mushrooms and cacao, and the opening of a new retail location. To learn more about JACEK Chocolate Couture, visit https://www.jacekchocolate.com.

Leading a multigenerational family business in the RV industry

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 82, Heather is joined by Sarah Baptiste, CEO of ArrKann Trailer & RV, a third-generation, family-owned business with five locations across Alberta. Sarah shares how she unexpectedly found her path in the family business and how she now leads with a focus on building a strong, communicative culture. Together, Heather and Sarah discuss the complexities of working with family, the value of structure in decision-making and how Sarah balances business growth with the lifestyle that defines the RV community. To learn more about ArrKann Trailer & RV, visit https://www.arrkannrv.com.

How venture capital is driving innovation in health care

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:45:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 81, Heather is joined by Judyanna Yu, Managing Partner of One Six 8 Ventures, a global venture capital (VC) fund with partners in the United States, Singapore and Shanghai. Judyanna discusses how the fund was built in response to a gap in Canada's VC landscape, particularly in health care, and how the team is working to fund and scale early-stage medical device companies. She also speaks to their commitment to investor education, including demystifying VC terms, timelines and industry challenges, while helping others identify high-potential opportunities in the health care space. To learn more about One Six 8 Ventures, visit https://onesix8ventures.com/.

Mentorship and data-driven insights transforming the path for women leaders

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 80, Heather speaks with Julie Savard-Shaw, Executive Director of The Prosperity Project—a national charity that works to advance economic empowerment for women in Canada by promoting gender equity, inclusive workplaces and opportunities for underrepresented groups across industries. Julie shares how her own career transition shaped her commitment to removing systemic barriers for women. She also highlights the organization’s mentorship program and data-driven approach to driving inclusive economic growth. To learn more—or to get involved as a mentor—visit https://canadianprosperityproject.ca/.

From employee to entrepreneur: Building with intention

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:17:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 79, Jana Boyko, Author and CEO of Bedside Business Plan, shares her journey from corporate life to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and how she now helps women embrace the path to business ownership with confidence and clarity. Jana discusses how she transformed a traditional business plan into a guided journal, making entrepreneurship feel less intimidating and more accessible, especially for those just starting out. Heather and Jana discuss the importance of mental health in navigating an entrepreneurial journey. To learn more about Bedside Business Plan, visit https://www.bedsidebusinessplan.com/employee-to-entrepreneur.

Building diverse leadership through equity and inclusion

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:45:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 78, Heather is joined by Erin Davis, Founder and Lead Inclusion Strategist of Erin Davis Co., a consulting practice that supports organizations in advancing their equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) efforts. Erin shares her personal mission to increase representation in leadership and help build workplaces that better reflect the diversity of our communities. Together, Heather and Erin discuss how early-stage companies can embed inclusion into their foundations, how Canadian policy shapes EDI efforts and why inclusive leadership is key to driving innovation and long-term impact. To learn more about Erin Davis Co. visit https://www.erindavisco.ca/.

Business optimization insights every small and medium business should know

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 77, Heather speaks with Michelle Brick, Founder and CEO of Eleve Business Solutions Inc. Drawing on 15 years of experience at a growing oil and gas company, Michelle shares how she now helps entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes by implementing tailored business systems and processes. As the business landscape continues to evolve rapidly, Michelle highlights the importance of adaptable strategies and bringing big-company thinking to smaller operations. To learn more about Eleve Business Solutions Inc., visit https://elevesolutions.ca.

Scaling impact through entrepreneurship in food and hospitality

Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 76, Heather is joined by Jennifer Keith, Co-Founder of EPIC Market. Jennifer delves into her transition from a career in human resources to co-founding a community-focused food hall that equips local chefs to open restaurants with less risk and greater impact. Jennifer discusses how entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for innovation and operational creativity, especially in the food and hospitality space. She reflects on lessons learned, the importance of entrepreneurial networks and how she and her co-founder are designing spaces that blend food and entertainment to foster connection. To learn more about EPIC Market, visit https://www.epicmarket.ca.

From idea to impact: The power of storytelling in startup growth

Wed, 07 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 75, Lauren Epstein, Venture Partner at Storytime Capital and Senior Advisor and Vice President at Epstein Enterprises, shares her journey from law to venture capital and her passion for working with early-stage startups. Lauren dives into what to look for in founders, why storytelling is a critical skill for scaling companies and how venture capital fuels innovation. She shares insights into her investment philosophy and how founders can turn bold ideas into thriving companies. To learn more about Storytime Capital, please visit https://www.storytime.capital/.

What's driving Kitchener's rise as a tech hub in Canada?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 74, Jennifer Gruber, Interim CEO of Communitech, shares her leadership journey and the role startups play in reshaping Canada's economy. Based in Kitchener—one of the country’s top tech hubs—Jennifer explains how Communitech helps entrepreneurs grow by fostering a supportive environment, connecting founders with essential resources and promoting Canadian IP and talent. Jennifer also shares her vision for building a more connected, thriving tech community for the future. To learn more about Communitech, please visit http://www.communitech.ca/.

Disclaimer: Since the recording of this episode in January 2025, Jennifer Gruber has resumed her role as CFO of Communitech as of April 2025.

Unlocking access to capital and connection for women entrepreneurs

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 73, Heather speaks with Kirsten Koppang Telford, CEO of The Forum—a national charity that has supported over 18,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada since 2002. Together, they discuss how The Forum is removing barriers to economic well-being for women in business, the power of peer networks in overcoming isolation, and its mission to support women entrepreneurs. To learn more about The Forum, please visit www.theforum.ca.

Shaping your own path to success and building stronger businesses through mentorship

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:50:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 72, Heather sits down with Whitney Shaw, Chair of TEC Canada, an organization that helps executives and entrepreneurs grow through mentorship and coaching. Whitney reflects on her unconventional journey, illustrating how curiosity guided her toward a career in business operations and change management.

In this episode, Heather and Whitney discuss the impact of coaching, the value of self-awareness in leadership, and the benefits of strong peer networks for entrepreneurs. Additionally, Whitney shares insights on fostering environments where people can thrive and how leaders can empower teams to overcome challenges. To learn more about TEC Canada, please visit https://tec-canada.com/.

Creating impact through innovation and shaping the future of the superfood industry

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 71, Heather is joined by Kiren Singh, Co-Founder of Haskalife, a Canadian company specializing in products crafted from the haskap berry, a superfood native to northern boreal regions. Kiren shares her inspiring journey from a successful corporate career in the energy sector to founding a thriving entrepreneurial venture.

Together, Heather and Kiren discuss the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly the journey of educating consumers about the lesser-known haskap berry. With a strong support network and a growing ecosystem of programs for entrepreneurs, Kiren emphasizes how collaboration is key to success in any industry. Looking ahead, Kiren shares exciting plans for the future, including clinical studies and expanding Haskalife's product offerings. To learn more about Haskalife and to connect with Kiren, please visit https://haskalife.ca/.

Empowering women with financial clarity and fueling leadership in the next generation

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 70, Tanya Grace, a Certified Financial Planner at IG Wealth Management, shares her insights on the power of financial clarity, the importance of expert guidance in navigating complex decisions and how building a strong financial foundation enables individuals and organizations to grow with confidence.

In this episode, Heather and Tanya discuss what makes a great leader, including showing up with compassion, fostering innovation, and creating space for meaningful conversations that drive success. Tanya also shares her vision for greater accessibility for women in finance and leadership, advocating for open doors and new opportunities for the next generation to thrive. To learn more about IG Wealth Management and to connect with Tanya, please visit https://www.ig.ca/en/advisor/tanya_grace.

Driving leadership success with resilience and personal mastery

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:45:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 69, Heather speaks with Lagan Gill, Chief of Strategy and People at CNC Industries Ltd., a leading manufacturer in the mining and oil and gas sector. Lagan shares her unconventional journey back to the family business, reflecting on the lessons she learned along the way and the strategies she developed to navigate leadership, growth and change.

Together, Heather and Lagan discuss the power of resilience and personal mastery in driving leadership and entrepreneurial success. Their conversation highlights the mindset shifts, strategic thinking and intentional actions that empower business leaders and entrepreneurs to thrive in dynamic industries. To learn more about CNC Industries, and to connect with Lagan, please visit https://cncindustries.com/ and https://www.livewithlagan.com/.

Empowering food businesses through strategic mentorship

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:45:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 68, Heather is joined by Katy Chang, Founder and Executive Chef at EatsPlace, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Washington, DC, that supports farm and food businesses.

Together, Heather and Katy discuss the challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly in accessing the resources and support needed to thrive. Katy shares her inspiring journey to becoming a leader in the food industry, emphasizes the transformative role of strategic mentorship in empowering emerging business owners, and announces her plans to expand EatsPlace to Alberta. To learn more about EatsPlace, and to connect with Katy, please visit https://eatsplace.com/.

Leading with purpose and transforming the future of agriculture

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 67, Heather sits down with Corlena Patterson, Executive Director at Canadian Sheep Federation and CEO of PrüvIT Technologies Inc., to discuss her efforts to enhance animal health and welfare through forward-thinking policies, programs and technology.

In this episode, Corlena emphasizes the importance of early disease detection and outbreak tracing, and shares her lifelong passion for agriculture, shaped by her farm upbringing. She also offers a glimpse into her book, which details a comprehensive study on RCMP horses. To learn more, and to connect with Corlena, please visit https://www.cansheep.ca/ and https://www.pruvit.io/.

Key insights for women pursuing financial literacy

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 10:47:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 66, Heather speaks with Amy Tsang, Senior Portfolio Manager at TD Wealth Private Investment Counsel. Together, they discuss various challenges that women face in financial planning and some of the key elements of a comprehensive investment management plan.

In addition, Amy emphasizes the importance of updating and reviewing your financial goals throughout the year, ensuring that they remain aligned with evolving aspirations and life changes. To learn more about financial planning, and to connect with Amy, please visit https://portfolio-managers.td.com/amy.x.tsang/.

The information contained herein has been provided by Amy Tsang, Senior Portfolio Manager, TD Wealth Private Investment Counsel and is for information purposes only. The information has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Particular investment, tax, or trading strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual's objectives and risk tolerance. TD Wealth Private Investment Counsel represents the products and services offered by TD Waterhouse Private Investment Counsel Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ®The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.

The art of business partnerships and thriving in a competitive market

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 65, Heather is joined by Leanne Mohagen and Heather Jespersen, Co-Owners of Simone & Ivy. Together, they uncover the secret sauce to a successful business partnership, and recount the unique challenges that they have faced as a company specializing in furnishings and décor.

In this insightful discussion, Leanne and Heather detail the unconventional inception of their business partnership, dive into stories that reflect the beauty of resilience and demonstrate how they stand out in a competitive market. To learn more about Simone & Ivy, and to connect with Leanne and Heather, please visit https://simoneandivy.ca/.

Identifying and addressing the root causes of burnout syndrome

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 64, Maria Farrell, Owner of Mission Hill Psychology, examines the origins of burnout syndrome, and the importance of recognizing it as a serious issue that can lead to challenges such as decreased professional and personal performance.

Further, Heather and Maria uncover how specific personality traits and high achievement orientation can contribute to burnout syndrome. They discuss why creating healthier workplaces is crucial for well-being on a personal and societal level. In addition, Maria details where the research in this area is headed, and shares strategies for stress prevention and recovery. To learn more about burn out syndrome, and to connect with Maria, please visit https://missionhillpsych.com/.

Navigating as a new entrepreneur and exploring specialized mental health care

Mon, 27 May 2024 17:36:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 63, Heather speaks with Samantha Dover, Registered Psychologist and Owner of Dover Psychology and Consulting. Together, they discuss the whirlwind of entrepreneurial demands, as well as the necessity of specialized care in the mental health industry.

In this episode, Samantha shares her personal journey as a new entrepreneur looking to strike a healthy balance in her endeavors. Additionally, she sheds a light on her psychotherapy practice, specializing in grief recovery and perinatal care. For more information about Dover Psychology and Consulting, and to connect with Samantha, please visit https://doverpsych.com/.

Embracing openness and mastering resilience in entrepreneurship

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:20:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 62, Heather is joined by Sylvia Cheverie, Founder and Owner of Chartier Restaurant and Mother Bakery. Together, they discuss the evolution of Chartier, as well as the unprecedented challenges encountered along the way.

In this episode, Heather and Sylvia explore the importance of openness, a willingness to be receptive to new experiences, as an essential trait for surviving turbulent times. Through her story, Sylvia demonstrates the power of resilience, leadership and community in the face of adversity. To learn more about Chartier and Mother Bakery, and to connect with Sylvia, please visit https://www.dinechartier.com/.

Restoring the path to family enterprise success and bridging the generational gap

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:46:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 61, Parinder Gandhu, Founder of Soka Family Enterprise Services Inc., dives into the intricacies of navigating family dynamics in business, illustrating the delicate dance between communication, planning, and building trust.

In this episode, Heather and Parinder discuss the importance of understanding each family's unique history, culture, values, and experiences, and how these elements play a crucial role in shaping the success and longevity of their business. Further, they discuss how to develop effective communication strategies, set clear expectations, and align roles and responsibilities to work toward harmony and shared purpose. To learn more about navigating family enterprises, and to connect with Parinder, please visit https://sokafes.com/.

Using the power of networking to overcome loneliness in entrepreneurship

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:28:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 60, Heather speaks with Alexis Dean, Founder of Dovetail Community, about the challenges of navigating entrepreneurship alone. Together, they dive into the power of networking and what it can provide for women in business.

In this inspiring discussion, Alexis takes us on her own entrepreneurial journey; from the beginning stages of community building, to what is now a vibrant network of women reaping the benefits of mentorship, education, and real connection. To learn more about Dovetail Community, and to connect with Alexis, please visit https://dovetail.community/.

A conscious approach to leadership development and building a company culture with meaning

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:07:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 59, Julianna Bootsman, Founder and CEO of White Box Leadership, shares insights into her conscious approach to leadership development and the importance of using connection and belonging to build a company culture with meaning.

In this discussion, Heather and Julianna stress the notion that cultivating improved company culture is a long-term endeavor, requiring daily practice and commitment to shared values. Julianna strives to help executives by integrating tailored human development training programs into the fabric of their company. For more information about White Box Leadership, and to connect with Julianna, please visit https://whiteboxleadership.com/.

What you need to know about effective leadership transitions

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:47:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 58, Heather is joined by Jane Halford, Founder and Principal of Halford Consulting. Together, they delve into the critical and overlooked aspects of leadership transitions in organizations.

In this insightful discussion, Heather and Jane highlight the importance of normalizing leadership transitions as a routine process that requires clarity and plays an integral role in organizational growth. Jane stresses the importance of meaningful engagement beyond the training manual that, in turn, fosters seamless leadership transitions. To learn more about overcoming leadership challenges in your organization, please visit www.halford.co.

Taking a closer look at restorative justice in practice

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 09:47:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 57, Heather is joined by China Sieger, Program Director for Peace Regional Restorative Justice, and Ray Yellowknee, Manager of Justice and Public Safety for Bigstone Cree Nation. In part two of our series on restorative justice, our guests demonstrate how this community-based approach encourages personal responsibility and agency.

In this episode, China and Ray shine a light on the philosophy of restorative justice and clarify how it is implemented at the local level. Further, they discuss the future of this approach in Canada and identify obstacles that those working in the field hope to overcome. To learn more about their programs, please visit https://www.prrestorativejustice.ca/about-us and https://www.bigstone.ca/restorativejustice.

Exploring the core principles of restorative justice in Canada

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:32:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 56, Heather is joined by Deputy Chief Justice Joanne Durant, Justice Michelle Christopher and Justice Anna Loparco from the Alberta Courts. In part one of our series on restorative justice, they illustrate the pivotal role that this approach plays in our Canadian legal system.

Joanne, Michelle and Anna provide a deeper understanding of restorative justice at the local level, as well as its impact and practice around the globe. Additionally, they highlight valuable contributions of restorative justice in community reconciliation. To learn more about restorative justice and find helpful resources, please visit www.rjalbertacourts.ca.

Modernizing the health care industry and embracing progressive ideas in business

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 13:37:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 55, Heather speaks with Loreen Wales, Founder and CEO of My Viva Inc., about the transformative power of digital technology in the health care industry and the importance of being open to progressive ideas in business.

In this discussion, Heather and Loreen highlight how the integration of innovative technology and a focus on client-centricity improves the way patients interact with health care providers, improves accessibility, and enhances overall care. To find more information about Loreen and My Viva Inc., please visit https://discover.myvivaplan.com/.

Empowering women in financial planning and wealth management

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:40:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 54, Heather speaks with Crystal Kelly of Amani Financial on the challenges and opportunities facing women as they build wealth, as well as the unique needs of women looking for financial planning advice and those working in the sector.

In this informative dialogue, Heather and Crystal delve into the nuanced realm of supporting women in wealth management, uncovering its complexities and charting pathways for progress. To learn more about financial planning for women and the supports available when navigating life’s significant milestones, please visit www.amanifinancial.ca.

Strategies for cultivating leadership development and nurturing collective growth

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:28:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 53, Heather speaks with Ally Stone, Founder of The Inspired Leader and Partner at Original Joe's. Together, they dive into the complex responsibilities that leaders have in the collective growth of their organization.

In this episode, Ally applies her vast experience in the hospitality industry, offering strategies to help leaders strengthen their skills, empower employees and rebuild workplace culture. Additionally, she highlights the positive impact that a secure value system can have on the trajectory of your business. To find more information about Ally and The Inspired Leader, please visit https://theinspiredleader.com/.

Positive impacts that diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging can have on the legacy of your business

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 12:11:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 52, Erin Leonty, the Founder of Leonty Consulting and the Vice President of Social Purpose at Clio, Cloud-Based Legal Technology, shares her insights into how we can collectively work toward more equitable and inclusive workplaces.

Erin strives to help executives create a legacy that they can be proud of through supporting their companies’ journey toward improved diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion. In this inspiring discussion, Erin demonstrates how, too often, these four pillars are overlooked as metrics of success. For more information about Leonty Consulting, and to connect with Erin, please visit www.erinleonty.com.

Appealing for a new approach to leadership and workspace designs

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:40:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 51, Heather speaks with Jennifer Kluthe, Founder & Chief Designer of OpenWork and an innovative leader in workspace design, on challenging the commonly held beliefs and approaches to the world of work.

In this episode, Heather and Jennifer discuss the archaic approaches to workspace designs that may be holding modern companies back from realizing their full potential. Jennifer shares her unique thinking on workspace design, leadership styles and how multiple factors support healthy workspaces. More information about Jennifer Kluthe and OpenWork can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkluthe/

Exposing the secrets of investing and how Canadian women entrepreneurs are connecting with Silicon Valley’s capital, customers and ecosystem.

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 16:39:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In our milestone 50th episode, Heather is joined by Joanne Fedeyko who is the Founder and Managing Director of Canadian Women’s Network, Co-Founder and General Partner of Women’s Equity Lab – Silicon Valley, and CEO of Connection Silicon Valley. Together, they discuss the landscape of investing such as how to start, capital structure options and the benefits of early stage investment. More information about Joanne Fedeyko, Canadian Women’s Network, Women’s Equity Land, and Connections Silicon Valley can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannefedeyko/.

Uncovering the keys to maximizing the female executive experience and unlocking the secrets of successful boards.

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:10:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 49 Heather Barnhouse is joined by Heather Culbert, Co-Founder and Chair of Board Ready Women, a not-for-profit organization that is aiming to improve female representation on boards of various types.

Power women entrepreneurs transforming the power system as we know it

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:51:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 48 Heather is joined by Connie Stacey, President & CEO of Growing Greener Innovations, an award-winning Canadian clean-energy technology company whose mission is to end global energy poverty by providing world-class battery energy storage solutions for community, commercial, and residential use. More information about Growing Greener Innovations can be found at www.grengine.com.

How new innovation is transforming leading medical research for success

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:58:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 47 Heather is joined by Jessica Wicks, Director of Marketing at Proprio, medical technology company based in Seattle, Washington that is creating a new way of seeing™ in surgery through a proprietary platform of artificial intelligence, computer vision, augmented/virtual reality, and robotics. More information about Proprio can be found at www.propriovision.com.

How having an open mind-set and being flexible to opportunities, while being disciplined about execution leads to success

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 10:21:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 46 Heather is joined by Michele Young-Crook, an innovator, change maker and serial entrepreneur with multiple eCommerce businesses, a consulting firm and recent author of a series of children’s books. More information about Michele can be found at https://myoungcrook.com/.

How insurance plays an integral role in entrepreneurial succession planning

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 14:59:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 45 Heather is joined by Nicole Bacsalmasi, Associate Principal at The Targeted Strategies Group (TTSG), an organization that helps successful entrepreneurs and families protect, preserve, and optimize net worth by using proprietary life insurance solutions. More information about TTSG can be found at www.targetedstrategies.com.

How having a clear purpose and passion leads to entrepreneurial success

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 10:58:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 44 Heather is joined by Nadia Ladak, co-founder of Marlow, a retail health and personal care products company on a mission to transform the way individuals experience menstrual and sexual health. In this episode, Heather chats with Nadia about her entrepreneurial journey from university student to co-founder of a fast growing and expanding startup. More information about Marlow can be found at www.wearemarlow.com.

Why entrepreneurs should pro-actively plan for their financial future

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 12:31:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 43 Heather is joined by Tanya Michel, founder and CEO of TM Financial & Business Advisory, an advisory firm specializing in providing quality protection and insurance coverage in Grand Prairie, Alberta. In this episode, Heather chats with Tanya about her entrepreneurial journey from soccer mom to building her own insurance brokerage. More information about TM Financial & Business Advisory can be found at www.tmfinancial.org.

How crowdfunding is helping women entrepreneurs win the capital raising game

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 02:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 42, Heather is joined by Anita Kemp and Dr. Amanda Williams, members of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) Alberta Team working out of Mount Royal University. WEKH is an organization that shares research and resources on women entrepreneurs in Canada. WEKH is made up of 10 regional hubs including a network of over 250 organizations, reaching more than 100,000 women entrepreneurs. In this episode, Anita Kemp and Dr. Amanda Williams discuss a recent report they co-authored about the state of women entrepreneurship and a focus on how women entrepreneurs are utilizing crowd funding to raise capital. More information about the report can be found by clicking this link and more information about WEKH can be found at www.wekh.ca.

How entrepreneurs can seek professional expertise in a manageable way

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 12:40:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode41, Heather is joined by Vicki Neilsen, founder of Wayfinder Financial Solutions, a company on a mission to help businesses do well while becoming a force for positive change. Vicki chats with Heather about how she helps her clients design businesses that last, taking care of details and tasks that are not their core expertise so they can focus on what they do best. More information can be found at www.wayfinderfinancial.ca

Why businesses should leverage digital storytelling to engage their customers

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 14:41:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 40, Heather is joined by Kristy Wolfe, owner of Kristy Wolfe Photography and one of the leaders at Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation, a foundation representing the philanthropic efforts of Wolfe Automotive Group, a company founded in Alberta in 1921. Kristy talks about the importance of digital storytelling and how organizations can leverage the medium to grow engagement with their audiences. More information can be found at www.wolfepackwarriors.com and www.kristywolfephotography.com.

How entrepreneurs can stand out in a crowded marketplace

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:17:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 39, Heather is joined by Jovana Prica, owner and president of UNI+KONCEPT Inc., a boutique fashion retailer for women with the goal to design a space that feels welcoming & aesthetically pleasing but with a unique 1:1 shopping approach. Jovana is also founder of Silkzees, a design and manufacturing company of fitted sheets for baby bassinets and nurseries. Jovana talks about her entrepreneurial journey that has led her to the world of fashion and design. More information can be found at https://www.silkzees.com and https://www.uni-koncept.com

Driving your entrepreneurial journey through purpose and passion

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 12:50:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 38, Heather is joined by Andrea Reindl, founder of Legacy Creative, an agency set up to help visionaries take their ideas and turn them into reality. Andrea talks about her entrepreneurial journey that has led her to the world of marketing and business strategy. More information can be found at https://www.legacycreative.com

Giving voice through education and storytelling

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 11:37:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 37, Heather is joined by Johnna Lowther, director with the Dementia Association for Awareness and Support (DAAS), an organization that uses technology to support caregivers of people living with dementia. Johnna is also the host of The Life with Dementia podcast, which is part of DAAS and shares stories, research, and tips for life surrounding dementia. More information can be found at https://dementiaassociation.ca

How business owners can feel confident and in control of their numbers

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:10:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 36, Heather is joined by Carolyn Scissons, founder of Finance Learning Lab, a company on mission to empower all business owners to feel confident and in control of their numbers. Passionate about all things financial literacy and helping female founders make sense of their numbers. In this episode, Heather and Carolyn chat about her passion about all things financial literacy and how her company is helping female founders make sense of their numbers. More information about Finance Learning Lab can be found at https://financelearninglab.com/

Why emerging leaders should focus on developing high emotional intelligence

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 15:12:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 35, Heather is joined by Dr. Johanna Pagonis, founder and CEO of Sinogap Solutions, a consulting firm with a vision to transform managers and employees into confident and capable leaders that achieve excellence and are a source of strategic value in the organization. In this episode, Heather and Johanna chat about the importance of emerging leaders to focus on developing their emotional intelligence to better lead their organizations. More information about Sinogap Solutions can be found at https://learn.sinogapsolutions.com/

Why companies should put employees and customers first

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:32:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 34, Heather is joined by Sylvia Cheverie, co-founder and owner of Chartier, a restaurant offering a French–Canadian fare & cocktails served in a rustic–chic interior with a relaxed ambiance. In this episode, Heather and Sylvia chat about how her focus on employees and customer experience has led to the success of Chartier and how it enabled her to successfully adapt to the challenges brought on by the pandemic. More information about Chartier can be found at www.dinechartier.com

How to prepare and plan for business and personal transitions

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:15:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 33, Heather is joined again by Lindsay Sparrow, Vice President, Senior Wealth Advisor at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth. In this episode, Heather and Lindsay chat about transitions from both a personal and entrepreneurial perspective and the financial planning related to managing those transitions. More information about Wellington-Altus Private Wealth can be found at www.wellington-altus.ca and more information about Lindsay can be found on her LinkedIn profile at www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaysparrow/

Why addressing mental health and well-being is important for entrepreneurs

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 11:41:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 32, Heather chats with Susie Sykes, Co-founder and Director of Marketing and Partner Relationships at Timber Benefits, as well as Principal at Catapult Marketing. Susie talks about her journey through entrepreneurship and how she overcame many challenges throughout her journey, and is now on a mission to help other entrepreneurs address mental well-being and health within their organizations. More information about Timber Benefits can be found at www.timberbenefits.com and more information about Catapult Marketing can be found at www.catapultmarketing.ca

How can women make the most out of their financial planning?

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 15:27:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 31, Heather chats with Lindsay Sparrow, Vice President, Senior Wealth Advisor at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, about her journey as a wealth advisory and the trends she is experiencing in the financial planning industry. More information about Wellington-Altus Private Wealth can be found at www.wellington-altus.ca and more information about Lindsay can be found on her LinkedIn profile at www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaysparrow/

Entrepreneurship in the financial planning industry

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 10:19:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 30, Heather chats with Julia Chung, co-founder and CEO of Admin Slayer and Spring Planning, about her journey through entrepreneurship and how she overcame the challenges in her ventures.. More information about Admin Slayer can be found at https://www.adminslayer.com/ and more information about Spring Planning can be found at https://springplans.ca/

Organizational culture in challenging environments

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 16:29:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 29, Heather chats with Elizabeth Osler, CEO and Executive Director of the Law Society of Alberta, about leading in workplaces and creating culture in challenging environments. More information about the Law Society of Alberta can be found at https://www.lawsociety.ab.ca/

Overcoming adversities in entrepreneurship

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:49:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 28, Heather chats with Miral Mehta, founder and CEO of Geodesic Innovations, about overcoming adversities in the entrepreneurial journey. Miral is also an ophthalmologist and co-founder and CEO of Atom Health. More information about Atom Health can be found at www.atomhealth.ca and more information about Miral can be found on her LinkedIn profile.

Best practices for entrepreneurs raising capital

Fri, 07 May 2021 11:19:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them.

Leading and growing a biotechnology company

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 17:20:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 26, Heather chats with Catalina Vasquez, COO of Nanostics Inc. about her views on recent developments in the pharmaceuticals industry and oncology research. Nanostics is a medical device and biotechnology company that focuses on the development of novel and non-invasive diagnostic tests to eliminate invasive testing and provide clarity to healthcare decisions. More information about Nanostics can be found at: http://nanosticsdx.com/

Building a cannabis business

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:43:00 -0400

The importance and need of allyship

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:15:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 24, Heather chats with Radha Khosla, Partner in our Dentons Toronto office, about the importance and need for allyship, and the practical ways for leaders to embrace conversations about this subject and how to move it forward. Read more about Dentons' commitment to anti-racism and allyship.

Intersection of entrepreneurship and professional service providers

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:02:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 23, Heather chats with Shawna Vogel, Managing Director and General Counsel at a leading private real estate developer and operator in Canada, on how professional service providers can best support their entrepreneurial clients and how professionals need to focus on adding value in every aspect of their service offering.

Designing and developing high-performance boards

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 17:09:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 22, Heather chats with Mary Cameron, Principal and founder of Ozone Advisory group about all things related to good governance and the importance of high-performance board governance for private companies to achieve their goals and reach their potential. Mary Cameron is a former CEO and executive with experience in real estate, insurance, IT, and utilities. She was also a former Deputy Minister in two provinces. Mary is a full-time Director and Chair and has made a long-term commitment to Habitat for Humanity currently serving as Vice-Chair of Habitat for Humanity International. More information about Ozone advisory can be found at: https://www.ozoneadvisory.com/team

Working with the Indigenous economy in Canada

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 16:28:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 21, Heather chats with Alicia Dubois, CEO of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation about her professional journey and the opportunities that lie with being part of the Indigenous economy. Alicia joined the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation from CIBC’s executive team where she developed and implemented CIBC’s Indigenous Markets strategy and framework. In this role, she established and proudly led an expert national Indigenous Markets team. At AIOC, Alicia continues her dedication to Indigenous economic prosperity and wellness by bolstering Indigenous access to capital and the economy and supporting meaningful Indigenous ownership in mid to large scale resource and related infrastructure projects. You can find more information about AIOC at https://www.theaioc.com/

Dentons WomenLEAD

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 13:47:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them.

In episode 20, Heather chats with Courtney Burton, Partner in Dentons’ Calgary office, where she practices in the corporate/commercial group and is the co-lead of the Energy department. Courtney talks about WomenLEAD and how the network plays a critical role in supporting and building the success of women in our Firm. More information about Dentons WomenLEAD can be found here: https://www.dentons.com/en/whats-different-about-dentons/as-diverse-as-you-are/womens-leadership-and-growth-network

Learning and growing as an entrepreneur

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 08:23:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 19, Heather chats Deidra Helmig, owner and consultant of Boreal Services Group Inc., about her journey as an entrepreneur and finding what is truly meaningful to her as an entrepreneur. Boreal Services Group Inc. helps businesses develop and implement custom health, safety and environment management programs. You can find more information about Boreal at www.borealservicesgroup.com

Leadership through sustainability

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 14:12:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 18, Heather chats with Michelle Cotton, Founder of Solstice Canada Corporation, an environmental management consulting company that helps their clients understand, manage and reduce their environmental impact, while supporting industry and communities to develop and operate in a sustainable way. Michelle Cotton discusses her entrepreneurial journey and the various ways she’s steering her company through the current challenges brought on by the global pandemic. More information about Solstice Canada can be found at www.solsticecanada.com

Focusing capital investment on women entrepreneurs

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 10:02:00 -0400

Boosting economic activity amidst the pandemic

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 16:18:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 16, Heather chats with Janet Riopel, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, about how the chamber is supporting, advocating, educating and connecting businesses in and around Edmonton as they navigate through the challenges of the global pandemic. Janet Riopel also discusses the results of a recent survey the chamber commissioned to assess the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in and around the Edmonton Metro Region. More information about the chamber and the survey can be found at www.edmontonchamber.com

Balancing life and entrepreneurship

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:11:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 14, Heather chats with Alexandria Favret, founder of Powerhouse Print, a print brokerage that helps clients find the highest quality and best pricing in printing services. Heather and Alexandria discuss her entrepreneurship journey and her passion project, The Shoe Boxes of Love, an initiative launched every Christmas season that adopts a school within a low income area of Edmonton and provides children with food and gift packages filled with essential items and toys.

Disruption in the Capital Markets Through Diversity

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:20:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 14, Heather chats with Shannon Pestun, founder and CEO of Pestun Consulting Inc., about the importance of disruption in the capital markets for the benefit of women entrepreneurs. Prior to starting her own consulting company, Shannon was Director of the Women’s Entrepreneurship program at ATB Financial, where she led the program in creating more opportunities for women entrepreneurs by addressing the core financial capital challenges they faced as entrepreneurs. Shannon currently sits on numerous boards including Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WED) in Canada, a grassroots mission to alleviate poverty by empowering, celebrating and supporting women in business worldwide.. WED is hosting their Women’s Entrepreneurship Day virtual summit on November 19, 2020 between 2pm – 4pm EST. You can find out more information at https://www.womenseday.org/

Helping people help themselves

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 14:48:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 13, Heather chats with Lazina Mckenzie, current manager of ThresholdImpact Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), a mentorship program for coachable entrepreneurs hosted through the University of Alberta. Prior to joining VMS, Lazina’s entrepreneurial journey included running a personal training business to working as a change management consultant, and establishing L Squared Style, a consulting company devoted to helping people look their best in both their personal and professional lives. You can find more information about VMS at https://www.ualberta.ca/alumni/career-support/venture-mentoring-service/index.html

Your organization’s health and wellness

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 16:41:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 12, Heather chats Amanda Wyatt, owner of Just Bee Yoga, about her unique perspective on organizational health and wellness. Amanda’s background encompasses social work, entrepreneur, yoga and meditation instructor, giving her a unique perspective on how health and wellness can affect an organizations ability to operate efficiently and successfully. You can find more information about Amanda at www.justbeeyoga.ca

Solopreneur and market disruption.

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 14:13:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 11, Heather chats Terri Davis, Founder and CEO of Profound Talent, about her journey as a solopreneur and building a company set out to disrupt the recruitment industry. You can find more information about Profound Talent at www.profoundtalent.com

A Force in Canadian Fashion

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 11:08:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 10, Heather chats with sisters Justine and Kendall Barber about their entrepreneurial journey in building Poppy Barley, a Canadian luxury brand that’s rethinking every step of the fashion industry. Poppy Barley has grown from a purely eCommerce company to one that now includes two retail locations in Edmonton and Calgary.

Leadership through empowerment

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:52:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 9, Heather chats with Michèle Hecken about how she is using her 25 years of global entrepreneurship experience to help female CEOs who want to lead change in their companies. In addition to being a seasoned entrepreneur, Michèle is also an angel investor, author, speaker, and executive coach. Michèle’s company, Michele Hecken Executive Coaching (www.michelehecken.com/4questions), provides a one-stop service provider that supports entrepreneurs in all aspects of doing business on a global scale.

From Passion to Business

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:19:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 8, Heather chats with Jodi McDonald, founder and president of Keystone Labs Inc. and her journey through entrepreneurship and her passion for science that has propelled her to success. Keystone Labs is a privately held, independent contract-testing laboratory specializing in quality testing for regulated industries. You can find out more information at www.keystonelabs.ca

Diversity in leadership

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 16:11:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 7, Heather chats with Tracey Scarlett, independent director and strategic business advisor, about leadership and the perspectives she has gained throughout her entrepreneurship journey. Tracey is passionate about creating strong communities through initiatives focused on diversity/inclusion and economic empowerment of underrepresented groups.

Mentorship and its effect on Leadership

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 11:52:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 6, Heather chats with Kristina Milke, President of K-GAR Consuling Inc., a company that specializes in CFO and business advisory services. Kristina is also a co-founder of Valhalla Private Capital in Edmonton and Managing Partner of the Sprout Fund.

Communicating Your Message

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 5, Heather chats with Lisa Grotkowski, Principal Consultant of Write to Communicate Inc., a company that specializes in planning and implementing outcomes-focused communication and change management.

Fostering a thriving venture capital industry

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:23:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 4, Heather chats with Kristina Williams, CEO of Alberta Enterprise Corporation (AEC), an entity created by the Government of Alberta in 2008, to connect Alberta inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs to money, markets and mentors. AEC also manages a fund which, via their venture capital partners, invests into technology and innovation companies.

Supporting career-minded parents

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 14:33:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 3, Heather chats with Kinia Romanowska, Founder and executive director of Pros&Babes, a company created to facilitate programs that include both career and parenting topics. Pros&Babes is also home to the MoMBA, one of the only programs in Canada that helps women align their goals as a parent and career professional throughout motherhood. More information can be found at www.prosandbabes.com.

Supporting children and families with complex needs

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 15:31:00 -0400

Join Heather Barnhouse, Partner in our Edmonton office, as she explores women in leadership and entrepreneurship, and the ecosystem that supports them. In episode 1, Heather discusses the Alberta women entrepreneur landscape with Marcela Mandeville, CEO of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, a group that provides tools and resources to help women across the province succeed in starting or growing a business.

Supporting Alberta women entrepreneurs

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 02:19:00 -0400