Bet On Me with Annette Verschuren

In this episode, I am joined by a group of up-and-coming women here on Cape Breton Island who are leaders in their fields and passionate advocates for the future of Cape Breton. These guests include Danielle Patterson and Danielle Johnston, co-owners of Anchored Ideas; Kathleen Yurchesyn, CEO of the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Kelsea MacNeil, Director of Marketing, Communications & Stakeholder Relations at Membertou. This round-table brings this series together – with a spirited conversation about why Cape Breton and why now. Join us in discovering the beauty and potential of this little place we all call home.

In this episode, I speak with one of the most dynamic leaders in North America. Ikdeep Singh is an accomplished business leader with over two decades of global experience in the consumer goods industry. He is known as a purpose-driven leader with a track record of consistently delivering sustained and superior financial results. In 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ikdeep made the decision to accept the position as the Regional President for Mars Petcare North America. He moved his family from the high rises of New York City to a new life in Franklin, Tennessee, and there's been no looking back ever since. In this new role, Ikdeep is responsible for the complete portfolio of brands, including iconic brands like PEDIGREE®, IAMS™, CESAR®, NUTRO™, SHEBA®, GREENIES® and TEMPTATIONS®, that serve the 85 million pet-owning households throughout the region. Core to his role is driving the company's purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™ through its talented associates, brands and operations. Prior to joining Mars, Ikdeep served as President with the L'Oréal Group, where, over a period of six years, he led large and complex brand portfolios in North America. What I love most about this thought leader is how he is quickly adapting his team and organization to what is relevant and needed today. In a world becoming ever more complicated, it is critical that we all reconnect with the simple things that remind us how good life is – and pets do precisely that.

In this episode, I speak with an inspirational woman who has transformed our way of thinking about culture and the economy. Zita Cobb is the Founder and CEO of the charity Shorefast, and the visionary and Innkeeper behind the beautiful, world-renowned, remote Fogo Island Inn, off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in East Coast Canada. She has challenged us all to look deeper into the connection between arts, culture, and the local economy through her work and continues to serve as an inspiration and proof that you can truly be successful and thrive from any corner of this world if you are dedicated and believe in yourself and your vision. I just know this conversation will allow us all to see the world from a different perspective and learn to appreciate the importance of community and culture.

In this episode, I speak with one of the most innovative and successful business leaders in our country, Ben Cowan-Dewar. Ben is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cabot, a company with two world-class and top-rated golf courses nestled on the western coast of Cape Breton Island. In 2004, at just 25 years old, Ben and his friend/mentor and business partner, Mike Keiser, set out to turn a mining site into a world-class golf destination. With three sites on the Island, Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links and Cabot Nest, Cabot Cape Breton features exhilarating golf, over 70 rooms of award-winning accommodations, 19 upscale Golf Villas, with more under construction, and an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Ben has served as the Chair of Destination Canada since 2017 and was recently named to the Industry Strategy Council to aid Canada's economic recovery from COVID-19. He is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and has served on the Golf Canada Foundation and Cape Breton University boards. Governor-General David Johnston also awarded him the Meritorious Service Medal in 2017. Now a father of 3, Ben is hardworking, driven, and above all, passionate about the game of golf and the profound impact that it can have on remote islands such as Cape Breton and Saint Lucia. Ben and his team have helped show the world just how unique Cape Breton Island truly is and the magic that happens on this island. Ben is a dear friend and someone I am inspired by. I know this talk will interest listeners from all over the world and will have you wanting to book your next vacation to Cabot Cape Breton.

In this episode, I speak with the President and CEO of CAMH Foundation and champion of social justice, Deborah Gillis. As a recognized thought leader on gender equality, diversity and inclusion, Deborah Gillis has dedicated her career to driving social change. Her unique blend of passion, strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit is helping her lead change as the President and CEO of CAMH Foundation in transforming how Canadians understand and address mental illness in the workplace and society. Deborah has received national and international accolades for her advocacy efforts and business achievements. In 2016, she was named one of Canadian Business magazine's 10 Most Powerful Business People and was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal. Born in Glencoe Station, her humbled roots have helped her create and trail blaze an important, dynamic and inspiring career that has helped thousands of people throughout our country. She is fierce, brazen, and someone I cherish as a dear friend. I know this conversation will educate us and will light a fire in us all to push ourselves to reach our goals and to become more actively inclusive in all areas of our lives. Deborah and her work is a true example of what we can achieve when we all work together.

In this episode, I speak with a truly inspiring and innovative woman, Erika Shae. She is one of Cape Breton's leading ladies. She is currently the CEO and President of New Dawn Enterprises, a private and volunteer-directed business dedicated to community building. With multiple streams, including homecare, Meals on Wheels, an immigration centre, a centre for the arts, and more, Erika is dedicated to making Cape Breton a flourishing and growing community. Originally from Ontario, Erika now resides in Mira Gut with her partner, two children, and a flock of chickens. She has lived in big cities all over the country but finds comfort in calling the Island home and being surrounded by the ocean. I am looking forward to sharing Erika's story from big city to small town. She is leading so many exciting projects in the community to help bring new life to Cape Breton Island. I hope you enjoy the interview and finish feeling inspired!

In this episode, I speak with arguably one of the most successful songwriters in today's music industry, Gordie Sampson. With many number one and chart-topping hits and awards (even a Grammy!) under his belt, Gordie came from humbled beginnings on Cape Breton Island and worked his way to the top of the music industry in Nashville, Tennessee. A musician, songwriter, producer, performer, and so much more, Gordie is truly a force to be reckoned with and is in very high demand for his talents! One of Gordie's most notable accomplishments as a songwriter is the multi-award-winning song, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” performed by Carrie Underwood, which awarded him and their team a Grammy Award in 2006. Gordie has written songs with and for some of the biggest stars in the music industry, including Keith Urban, Willie Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill, Jake Owen, Blake Shelton and many others. On top of all of this, in 2010, Gordie launched The Gordie Sampson Songcamp, where he and other prominent musicians and members of the music industry from across the globe give young Nova Scotian songwriters mentorship, tools and insider tracks to take their careers to new heights, and knowledge to take their skills to new heights. When the pandemic hit, much like all of us, he needed to adapt his career to a more virtual workflow. He packed himself and his family up and came back to his hometown here in Cape Breton to continue working virtually, right here from his home. Its conversations like these that I know will be good for your soul and will remind us all about the importance of hard work, believing in yourself, and reaching for those big dreams that you have been thinking about.

In this episode, I speak with who I believe to be one of the most incredible leaders in our country. Terry Paul is the Chief of Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton Island/ Unama'ki, a position he has held since 1984. During this time, Chief Paul has guided his community and administration into one of the most open and efficient First Nation communities in the country. Chief Paul has served on numerous boards and task forces and is one of the original founders of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA), which started out as seven Aboriginal corporations and has grown to over 50 Aboriginal financial institutions across the country. He has achieved many inspiring accomplishments in his current role, including doubling the land base for the community of Membertou and increasing the employment rate within Membertou to nearly 80% in the community. To change their community, the Chief and Council started restructuring the band's administration, adopting the principles of efficiency and openness from the corporate world. Membertou became transparent with its finances and aggressively pro-business, seeking opportunities wherever they appeared. On March 7, 2019, Chief Terry Paul announced that Membertou Development Corporation was awarded the designation of one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, and this past year in 2021, the remarkable four-decade-long transformation of the community reached a new milestone with Membertou's co-ownership of the largest shellfish producer in North America, Clearwater Seafoods. Chief Paul led the $1-billion deal to buy the Halifax-based company on behalf of seven Mi'kmaq First Nations along with Premium Brands Holdings Corp., a specialty food company based in B.C. Throughout all of this growth and change, Community has always been at the heart of everything they do in Membertou. Community drives decision-making, thought, and most importantly, action. Chief Paul is a hardworking and gutsy leader. His determination, vision and bold leadership have helped create one of the most prosperous and forward-thinking First Nation communities in our Country. I know this conversation will leave all of you feeling touched, encouraged and inspired to make a difference in your own community or organization. 

In this episode, I speak with one of our country's leaders in the arts sector, Wesley Colford. They have an impressive resume that brought them to Toronto, but they returned home to Cape Breton to bring their talents to a local stage. A playwright, actor, singer, dancer, and more. Wesley is the artistic director at the Highland Arts Theatre, also known as the HAT. Wesley transformed the nine-teen hundred St. Andrews United Church into a breathtaking theatre in the downtown of Sydney, Cape Breton, that showcases the talents of many emerging and seasoned performers. They host their own shows and invite performers from all around the world to grace the stage. When the world started to shut down, the theatre world was very much affected. Wesley and his team did the unimaginable. They launched a Radical Access campaign during the pandemic to become the first community-funded theatre in Canada, and they achieved it. Audience members get to watch any main stage show for free because of the community's support. Wesley has brought so much life into Cape Breton during such a hard time for many. I am looking forward to sharing their story and shining some light on the arts industry!

In this episode, I speak with the owners of what I believe is one of the most inspiring and innovative restaurants in our country. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, two brothers combined their talents and passions to open a culinary dining restaurant called Woodroad. Woodroad Restaurant is a 25-seat restaurant offering fine dining experiences. Located along the stunning coast of Western Cape Breton Island, just 15-minutes north of Inverness's world-famous Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs Golf courses, this incredible 7-course meal restaurant is one to put on your bucket list. Positioned on the edge of the water, with some of the most breathtaking views on Cape Breton Island, paired with some of the most delicious high-end dishes, this is a restaurant that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for all. What I love most about this story is that Woodroad Restaurant is a collaboration between two brothers who each had a dream. Peter MacDonnell has worked in the forestry industry for the past 30 years and spent the last four years researching, sourcing trees, and milling wood to construct the stunning timber frame of the restaurant. Daryl MacDonnell has spent the last 30 years honing his craft as a passionate, well-respected chef in the food and beverage industry. Together, they have created a culinary dining experience in a breathtaking setting that is unmatched and aims to engage all senses. Their modern approach to their business and unique local partnerships is one to be inspired by. This is an episode that will have you engaged, intrigued and inspired to dream big and innovate. 

In this episode, I speak with one of the most innovative women that I have had the pleasure of working with, Dr. Beth Mason. Beth has an impressive career and education path that started in Edinburgh, Scotland, with her BSc in agriculture, via Alberta (MSc, Ph.D. U of Alberta), BC and ultimately leading her to her current position as the CEO of the Verschuren Centre. Beth is originally from the UK but calls Cape Breton her home now. Her passion for sustainable solutions for global problems and creating novel ways to support and grow innovative companies has taken her through a mix of (crazy) careers. Today her mission is to accelerate the uptake of clean technologies to rapidly transform traditional manufacturing. New technologies are utilizing our primary resources and replacing petro based products in all aspects of our lives, linking traditional industry with global demand for naturally derived alternatives. Creating profit through clean technology commercialization is what puts her on the map. Dr. Mason is smart, brave, full of promise, and continues to make moves forward in supporting innovative clean technology commercialization.

In this episode, I speak with one of the most inspiring women I have had the pleasure of working with, Amanda McDougall. Amanda was elected Mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality in October 2020, making history by becoming the first female Mayor of CBRM. Mayor McDougall is a Cape Breton University graduate in Political Science and hails from Main-a-Dieu, a small fishing village of just about 200 people, on the beautiful island of Cape Breton, NS. Shortly after taking office as Mayor, Amanda, her partner Kevin, and son Ronan welcomed a new addition to their family – a beautiful little boy named Emmett. Emmett now joins his mother in the office on a regular basis and serves as a constant reminder of how decisions at the Council table can impact the future. Amanda is brazen, bold, progressive, and one of the most dynamic leaders in our country. Not only is she shattering glass ceilings, but she is doing it with progressive leadership, grace and collaboration.

Listen in on a conversation between Annette Verschuren and her sister Dorothy Tennant. This episode gives us a look into Annette's success story, from a farm girl raised by Dutch immigrants to a global changemaker and inspiring leader. Born and raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Annette has built a career taking risks and being unapologetically brazen. She is currently the Chair and CEO of NRStor Inc., an industry leader in the commercialization of energy storage technologies. She has worked with the Canada Development Investment Corporation and Imasco, Ltd., co-founded Michaels in Canada and is well known as the past president of Home Depot in Canada and Asia. She was named to the Order of Canada for her contributions to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility. She is also a national best-selling author. Her book, Bet On Me: Leading and Succeeding in Business and in Life, encourages readers to trust in, listen to, and fully be themselves to achieve their potential.