Closed Door Conversations with Jena and Sue

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We understand the value of a good mentor. Our hope is to provide bite-sized content that resonates with anyone wanting to learn more about business, make a shift in their career, start their own business, or just tune in for a few laughs. Our purpose is t

Jenna McCulloch and Susan Oland


    • Apr 3, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 46 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Closed Door Conversations with Jena and Sue

    Thoughts of resumes and defining your own success

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 26:25


    Are resumes dead? Join us to hear our thoughts on the resume, if they're dying and why you should use it as a tool to tell a story about yourself (for now). We dive into how we define success and why its important to know what success means to you.

    Social media basics & showing up purposefully

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 24:12


    We're diving into the basics of social media and dicuss why you should use it as a tool to grow your personal brand and business and a few key things you should keep in mind. 

    Brand Marketing: the importance of creating an emotional connection with customers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 21:29


    On today's episode we were inspired by an Wall Street Journal article about airbnb's new marketing strategy involving more brand marketing and as a result it enabled them to lower their marketing spend, continue achieving a good ROI and better connect with customers. We're diving into the importance of building an emotional connection with customers to build brand loyalty vs. selling a product or simply generating leads. 

    Quiet Promotions & Business Etiquette

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 28:12


    On today's episode we're talking about our take on quiet promotions and business ettiquette. 

    Marketing Thoughts: Tiffany x Nike Partnership and smart Superbowl ads

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 28:22


    On today's episode we're discussing our thoughts on the Tiffany x Nike partnership, the strategic partnership between them and the unexpected backlash on social media. We're also reviewing the hype of Superbowl ads, how brands have learned to maximize their reach, and what we think of some of the best ads.   

    The importance of a disciplined approach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 15:03


    A renewed outlook, the importance of a budget and what we're doing to stay organized in 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 32:05


    On today's episode we're back with a little update on what we're doing to stay organized, motivated and more importantly consistent, in 2023. 

    Positive Social Media, Pinterest Learnings and New Book Recommendations

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2022 23:19


    A morning with Jena and Sue to chat about Sue's experience at Social East, insight on the new Pinterest platform and creating a positive space, book recommendations and more. 

    Life updates, good reads, and the importance of a thoughtful customer experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 18:57


    Tune in for a short coffee chat about new books we recommend, brands we love, the importance of a good customer experience and more. 

    Katie Zeppieri and Kelly Chase: Why you need a personal brand, how to reinvent yourself, the beauty of failing, and owning your success

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2022 50:43


    Special guests Katie Zeppieri and Kelly Chase join us to talk about the importance of building a personal brand, how to reinvent yourself, building a business from the ground up, why its important to own your success and why it all starts with confidence. 

    Quiet quitting or boundaries?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2022 27:57


    This week we're talking about quite quitting, our thoughts on the term and what it really means, some local businesses we love, what we've been up to and more. 

    Good resume or good experience?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2022 23:09


    A topic of conversation that has come up often over the past few weeks when thinking of hiring. Tune in for some thoughts around resumes, job titles, and the power of being the loudest (or quietest) in the room. 

    Life update and business learnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2022 32:23


    Tune in to hear our update on Bumble BFF, why we're obsessed with Canadian brand, Salty Face, and hear about some of the key things we've learned through our business ventures this year. 

    Marketing innovation and why it should be a priority for your business

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2022 21:25


    On today's episode we're talking about marketing innovation, how you can be more innovative, why it should be part of your business strategy and why staying 'on trend' isn't always the right fit. 

    Helpful Resources: How to keep yourself motivated and learning

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2022 27:17


    On today's episode we're sharing some of our favourite tips to stay motivated, challenged and always learning. 

    Strategic partnerships to help grow your brand

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2022 27:06


    On today's episode, we're talking about the power of strategic partnerships and how they can help you grow your brand, reach a new audience, interrupt brand loyalty with competitors, and more. If you're wondering how your brand can utilize strategic partnerships, this episode is for you. 

    Networking for building your business and finding new friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 22:25


    On today's episode, we're talking about the power of networking. Whether you're looking to expore a new career, on a job hunt, in a new city looking to meet friends, or just looking for new prespective, this episode is for you. 

    Are you busy or productive?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 34:01


    On today's episode we're sharing some of our tips to rock your week. Since leaving the 9 to 5, its been a challenge to make sure we're staying on track, are effient with our time, and of course still working towards our bigger goals. As you know, we're learning as we go too, but this is a good place to start. So, ask yourself, are you busy, or are you productive? 

    Sylvia Beirnes: Taking risks, finding your passion, and building a business

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2022 53:41


    Sylvia Beirnes, a maritime made entrepreneur and co-creator of @CanadianContentStudios, joins us to talk about her career journey and how she knew she was born for the entertainment industry, her out-of-the-box ideas that stuck success, and what she's up to now.  Check out: www.canadiancontentstudios.com 

    The Great Resignation: New paths and a new love for working remote

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 17:51


    On today's episode, Jena and Sue sit down to discuss the great resignation and how its triggered inspiration for switching career paths, taking risks, and finding new ways to work. 

    Life Update: Jena and Sue

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 7:22


    Join Jena and Sue on today's episode for a quick life update. 

    Mentorship and The Art of Coaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 17:55


    On today's episode, Jena and Sue sit down to chat about the importance of having a mentor, and why the art of coaching has been lost.  Learn more about Sue's passion for coaching: https://www.goodpeopleconsultants.com

    Rowe Women in Business Association: Q&A

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2021 51:30


    On today's episode we're answering real questions from students at Dalhousie University through the Rowe Women in business association. Tiffany and Sarah join us in the hot seat to ask questions from their peers.

    Thinking differently in the workplace

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 19:55


    On today's episode, we're talking about how to think differently in the workplace. We talk about the importance of age diversity, why its important to show your smarts, how we can always learn from each other and that age is really just a number. 

    All things recruitment and tips for your next interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2021 33:27


    On today's episode Scott McGaw joins us from Meridia Recruitment. Scott is a partner at Meridia with over 10 years of experience in the recruitment world. He's a natural problem solver, and focuses on building strong client and candidate relationships and has a track record of results that exceed expectations. Today he's talking about his experience in the industry, changes he's seen through a global pandemic, and tips for anyone who may be looking for a change in their career. https://www.kbrs.ca/people/scott-mcgaw

    Risk Taking with Jena and Sue

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 25:26


    On today's solo episode, we're talking about the importance of taking risks through your career. Whether it's starting a new job, launching a business, or perhaps leaving a job that wasn't quite right for you, we know that with every risk comes opportunity. Tune in to learn why its important to set your own definition of success, why its okay to shift priorities along the way, and why failing fast is key. 

    Brand Building with Sarah Krafman from Endy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2021 52:54


    On today's episode, Sarah Krafman joins us to talk about building a successful brand. Sarah is the Senior Director of Brand Strategy and Communication at Endy. We'll be talking about how she started with the company, importance of brand, the power of influencer marketing, innovative thinking, and some exciting new products Endy has brought to homes across Canada.  Sarah Krafman: https://il.linkedin.com/in/sarah-j-krafman Endy: https://ca.endy.com/

    01 - Risk taking with Nancy Dibblee and Sarah Schlender

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2021 54:47


    On today's episode Nancy Dibblee and Sarah Schlender join us to talk about their experience building both of their successful businesses in the real estate and home design space. They share their experience on taking risks, building a personal brand, working through the challenges of a global pandemic and balancing a career and motherhood.  Fine Interiors by Nancy: http://www.fineinteriors.ca  Sarah at Parachute Realty: http://parachuterealty.ca/index.php/realtor/sarah-schlender  Follow Nancy: https://www.instagram.com/fineinteriorsandco/  Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveof_homes/   

    Farewell To Season 1: Q&A and Everything We Learned About Starting A Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 27:20


    Wow. Season one has come to an end! What a great ride. Thank you to everyone who kept up with us every Monday, we appreciate you all. On today's episode, we wanted to answer your questions regarding tips for starting a business, how to stay inspired, and how COVID has made us all think a little differently. We also chat about some of the learnings we've had through this experience – the good, the bad, and the funny (really, you don't want to miss these). We'll be back in no time with season 2 where we have some exciting guests joining us for some closed door conversations. Buckle up! If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Annual Planning: Benefits Of Having A Plan and Tips On How To Start One

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 27:14


    It sounds simple - a plan for your business? Annually? Yes. Through our experience, having a strategic plan has helped us outline the long term strategy for the brands that we've worked with. On this episode, we're diving into the importance of having an annual plan and strategic plan for your business, the benefits you'll reap, how to measure and optimize as you go and why you'll have less stress in your life. Whether you own your own business, are working in an organization, or are just looking to add a little more organization to your life, there is a takeaway for everyone. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram  

    Goal Setting, Hard Conversations, Working Smarter and Managing People with Phill Waisman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 49:35


    Phill is back for another episode, but this time he's in the guest spot. He talks to us about the importance of setting the right goals, leadership tips anyone can use, tips on how to set expectations and have hard conversations, how to work smarter, and why he'll never work a 9-5. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Career Lessons Pt 2 with guest host Phill Waisman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 49:37


    On another episode of Closed Door Conversations (que the jingle), Phil Waisman is joining us as our guest host to talk about part two of the lessons we've learned through our career. We're talking about the importance of knowing what you're good at and working with people with different strengths, things to keep in mind when you're transitioning to a new role, importance of being passionate about your work, how maturity has helped grow in our career, and more tips on leadership skills! If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Local Love - Businesses We Love To Support

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2021 16:21


    On Closed Door Conversations we talk a lot about the importance of creating an experience for your customer, and being thoughtful in your process. On today's bonus episode we're talking about some of the local businesses that we love and why. Not only do they have great products, but they create a simple process of their customers that creates a memorable (and sweet) experience.

    Career Lessons: Having Confidence, Staying Grounded In Facts, and Understanding That Not Everyone Will Appreciate Your Work

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 34:26


    Closed Door Conversations is all about the really reals. On this episode, we're bringing the unfiltered lessons we've learned through our career as we talk about why it's important to have confidence in yourself, stay grounded in facts, stay in your lane and understand that not everyone will appreciate your work. We often talk about the lessons we learned and how we've experienced them first-hand in the past, so tune in for story time. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    The Gathering: Building A Cult Brand, A Strong Community and Creating Memorable Moments For Your Customers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 32:25


    Sue attended The Gathering, a virtual event to learn more about brand, marketing and business. We're diving into the learnings from some of the strongest brands like Peleton, Netflix and Traeger Grills and discussing the importance of being transparent and authentic, creating impactful moments, being thoughtful through your media strategies and the power of building a community. Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Mother's Day Special: Lessons and Values That We Learned From Our Moms

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2021 28:21


    Mother's Day – a little reminder to give thanks to the women who built us. Jena and Sue talk about lessons from their Moms through the years. They laugh, cry and most importantly provide lessons they learned, which sounds like a typical Monday episode. Tune in to hear some funny stories, values they've learned, why they love their moms so much and why you should never skip school. Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Everything You Need To Know About Building A Brand with Dave Culligan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 37:13


    Dave Culligan is an entrepreneur, content creator, creative thinker, and inspiring leader. As the founder of Threesixfive media, Dave tells us the story of starting his business and discovering a niche market, the importance of building a strong personal brand and how that can impact your business and why its important to be authentic and stay focused on your purpose. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Pop Culture Brands: Demonstrating The Importance Of Knowing Your Purpose and Staying True To Who Your Are

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 29:02


    Everyone's heard of the Kardashian's, but how did they become an international brand? And, Ryan Reynold's is mostly known as an award-winning actor, but also happens to be one of the funniest, smartest and most strategic marketers today. On today's episode, Jena and Sue are diving into the value of knowing your purpose, staying true to who you are, being relatable and authentic and connecting that to pop culture and other recent events. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram  

    Leadership Tips: Being Thoughtful, Caring, and Empowering Your People

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 40:11


    At the end of the day, leadership and managing people are learning experiences. Jena and Sue dive into tips that every aspiring leader and manager should know as they talk about their personal experiences and what has helped shaped them today. They discuss lessons (good and bad), people who have played a role in their careers, why it is important to be thoughtful and have purpose, and the importance of empowering people. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    What You Need to Know When You're Starting a Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 45:35


    Starting a business is never easy, but it is always worth it. Sue and Jena dive into the really reals of their experiences. They talk about their biggest challenges, lessons learned, and tips they wish they had known. At two completely different stages of their lives, and quite opposite industries, they bring you unique perspectives that will help you take the next step. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    You Asked, We Answered: Leadership, Business, Branding, and Career

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 43:38


    Closed Door Conversations are all about the really reals. This week, Jena and Sue put listeners in the drivers seat and answered their questions about career, marketing, branding, and any situations they were in that warranted some advice. They go through real questions from their listeners and provide advice from their experience. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    The Power of Influencer Marketing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 26:25


    Have you ever purchased something because someone else recommended it? Then you have been influenced! Jena and Sue dive into their take on influencer marketing and why they feel it is one of the most powerful tools for brands to use in their strategies. They talk about the importance of authenticity, tying it back to your brand strategy, and how to measure the results of influencer campaigns. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Marketing and the Importance of a Brand Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 24:21


    Sue and Jena have a broad background in marketing. But, they do not stop there. They are digging deeper into what marketing actually means and why there could be a better word to describe the industry. They talk about their experiences in the industry, what led them to have a deeper understanding of the field, how brand strategy can accelerate your business, and why your business strategy should be top of mind, every day.  If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Career Tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 27:20


    Jena and Sue talk about their work experiences and provide valuable tips to take with you through your career. They talk about the importance of having a plan, how to know if you are at the right organization, and what advice you need if you are contemplating a change. Whether you love what you do, are wanting to take it to the next level, are starting your career, or are looking to make a career change, this episode is for you! If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Meet Jena and Sue

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 22:28


    Meet your hosts: Jena and Sue. These two have redefined what it means to be a mentor. As two marketing and branding professionals, they are in completely different places in their careers. Tune in to hear how they met, what brought them together, and why they started "Closed Door Conversations." They explain the importance of learning from others, the beauty of working with a mentor, and what they have learned along the way. If you're enjoying the podcast - share this episode with friends and tag @closeddoorconversations or consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts! Follow Closed Door Conversations: Facebook Instagram

    Welcome to Closed Door Conversations with Jena and Sue

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 0:53


    Welcome to Closed Door Conversations.  We understand the value of a good mentor. Our hope is to provide bite-sized content that resonates with anyone wanting to learn more about business, make a shift in their career, start their own business, or just tune in for a few laughs. Our purpose is to educate and inspire you through personal experiences, as well as other industry experts and their stories.

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