Fasten Your Seatbelts

2020 has been difficult, there’s no question about it, but we’re here to celebrate the good that came of it - because there was also plenty of that.

This episode we are talking with Janelle Benjamin, Founder and CEO of All Things Equitable, a firm that addresses inequities in the workplace for all historically marginalized groups. This is an interview you don’t want to miss, beginning with Janelle’s own story of discrimination, what inspired her to create her company, and the importance of addressing these pivotal issues in a time of societal unrest.You can also check out Janelle's YouTube series, White & Woke at Work: https://bit.ly/31xWSSCMore Show Stuff...Join the conversation on Instagram & Facebook 

This week we had a fabulous interview with Jessica van Thiel (left) and Shivani Singh (right) of Pathfinder. Their mission is a 3-pronged approach, working with social entrepreneurs, academia and policy makers to protect and enable the world’s most vulnerable. They are truly inspirational folks, so tune in!More Show Stuff...Join the conversation on Instagram & Facebook 

This week Crystal & Steven chatted with Dale McDermott Chief Operating Officer for the CGLCC, an organization focused on bringing LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs together from across Canada with the aim of supporting them to become even more successful.CGLCC has a number of cool events coming up, including its 2020 Black & White Gala. It's a free event and this year being hosted online.More Show Stuff...Join the conversation on Instagram & Facebook 

Chris Marquis is a Professor at Cornell University teaching Sustainable Global Enterprise. He is a prolific writer, having just published his latest book, "Better Business: How the B Corp Movement is Remaking Capitalism". Join Crystal & Steven as they delve into what it means to adopt sustainable practices in business and getting to the bottom of what doing "better business" really means.More Show Stuff...Join the conversation on Instagram & Facebook 

Joining Steven and Crystal in the cockpit this week is one of Canada's OG sustainability proponents, Bob Willard. With 6 books and over 1300 public speaking engagements to his credit, not to mention a PhD in sustainability, this is the guy to help lead us all out of the mess we've created for ourselves. Drawing from his recently published white paper, “7 Bold Strokes To Save Our World”, Bob provides no-nonsense guidance for today's business leaders regarding their role in helping the global community crawl out of our current circumstance. Take a listen!Check Out “7 Bold Strokes To Save Our World”Access Bob's substantial resource library here!More Show Stuff...Join the conversation on Instagram & Facebook 

Our interview this week with Political Theorist & Author, David Moscrop, covered a lot of terrain, including some of his writing on the WE charity scandal, as well as the Federal Government’s response to supporting small businesses during and post pandemic. This is one you don’t want to miss!

 This episode is one that you don’t want to miss!

 A fascinating conversation this week with Michael Smith, co-founder of the newly formed Save Small Business which is currently tackling the government’s Rent Relief Programme. Are landlords being stubborn in refusing to sign on? What needs to be resolved in the short-term to support our small businesses, and what are our long-term plans to foster this pivotal sector? ☕️

 This week we connected with Darcy Higgins, a food, community, and sustainability advocate and consultant in Toronto. He’s also a Partner at Building Roots which exists to enable people to create socially cohesive communities, while envisioning vibrant, resilient neighbourhoods. And they do this through some pretty cool initiatives.

 Do you have a green thumb? Has self-isolation inspired you to get outside and start digging? This episode we caught up with horticulturist extraordinaire, Lisa Giroday, Co-Founder of Victory Gardens in Vancouver, who's been quite a busy bee as of late.

 Long before the Covid-19 pandemic, Organic India USA was unwaveringly committed to elevating environmental stewardship beyond “sustainable” and "community focused" – incorporating biodynamic, regenerative farming practices and prioritizing the employment of women.The result of that vision has been the economic and cultural revitalization of rural farm communities with 3,000 farm partnerships as well as community health care, education, and inclusive social change for women. Steven and Crystal had the pleasure of speaking with Miguel Gil, CEO of Organic India USA and learned about an amazing initiative they have undertaken to help citizens proactively boost their immune systems. Give this one a listen for some inspiration!

 Steven and Crystal take a slight detour from their usual business focus to check in on the kids. Dr. Kelly Blanchette, Ph.D. C.Psych. - Clinical Psychologist who works out of The Possibilities Clinic and FLEX Psychology, joins the Co-Pilots to talk about the impacts she's seeing on children and teens, and how the adults in their lives can help build resilience in them through this time of social isolation. Parents who have lost their jobs, or who are now working from home, and really anyone who has a relationship with a child at this time can benefit from Dr. Kelly's wisdom.

 In the midst of a global pandemic that has brought us all to a standstill, travel is probably one of 2 things -- all you think about, or the furthest thing from your mind. This week, Steven and Crystal pull up a virtual seat with Mikey Sadowski, Marketing Director for Intrepid Travel, a B Corp certified international travel company. They have been leaders in the travel industry for decades in terms of environmental advocacy, community-based travel, and delivering respect and value to the regions they bring tours through, and they are uniquely positioned to lead us collectively into a wonderfully revised version of normal in terms of travel and mindset post pandemic.

 On this episode of FYS, Steven chats with Shea Sinnott, Senior Programs Manager at Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), Climate Ventures & Earth Tech. Steven & Crystal also expose some personal truths about the perils of Zoom calls in the age of self-isolation.

 Join us this week with Dr. Dave from Grassroots Aid Partnership! Steven and Crystal were thrilled to chat with him and hear about the great work his organization is doing in Asheville, North Carolina and in 14 other locations around the USA bringing food to families and those people hit hardest by the pandemic. The number of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity is skyrocketing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and GPA is keeping them fed, with hearty healthy food that serves their bodies well. The organization is based in love and a desire to serve, and Dr. Dave is an absolute hoot!

 Jeff Golfman is considered to be a pioneer in the Sustainable Development movement. In 1990 he started the Blue Box curbside recycling program in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1998, Golfman and actor Woody Harrelson co-founded Prairie Paper, whose goal was to manufacture paper from wheat straw waste. Now Jeff is Founder & President of The Raw Office, a drop-ship reseller of environmentally friendly office supplies. During this pandemic, Jeff has found himself to be an essential business service, providing front-line workers and other businesses with masks, gloves, and protective gear. This fast-paced transition has been rapid, and not without its pitfalls, especially when it comes to the current state of supply chains around the world. Tune in as Jeff chats with Steven and Crystal about his business and personal perspectives.Co-Pilots: Steven Hobé & Crystal WilsonWe are now on Patreon! If you like our podcast and want to support our production efforts please check out: https://www.patreon.com/Fastenyourseatbelts.Also you can catch us on Instagram & Facebook 

Steven and Crystal here! As global citizens and small business owners, we are experiencing a lot of...well...stuff right now, and we know you are too. We wanted to create a special episode (maybe a few of them) to discuss the current COVID-19 pandemic, our observations as total non-experts, and how social good may show up in this time of flux and uncertainty. Join us for the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We want to know what you are experiencing as well.For helpful resources (depending on your region) and info about the Pandemic head to: Ontario.caCanada.caWorld Health Organization (WHO) 

 Meet Dr Katie Thomson-Aitken! As a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in anxiety and mental health, she holds a wealth of knowledge about the plague of anxiety facing North American culture, and how we can overcome it. Join us as we dive into common sources of anxiety in business, how this struggle can manifest physically, and why you should consider a Naturopathic Doctor as a key member of your health care team. She's the first guest to render our hosts speechless AND the first to come bearing gifts! Head over to https://www.tranquilmindnaturopath.com/ and take the "What's Your Anxiety Type" Quiz - you'll get awesome follow up details to learn how you tick and how you can get the upper hand against your own anxiety.Co-Pilots: Steven Hobé & Crystal WilsonWe are now on Patreon! If you like our podcast and want to support our production efforts please check out: https://www.patreon.com/Fastenyourseatbelts.Also you can catch us on Instagram & Facebook 

 We've got Dave Borins, from Bullfrog Power, chatting with Crystal about the constants he's had in his eclectic work life, and how a broken nose helped him make a significant career jump!  This twisty turny episode also touches on raising the next generation, welcoming failure, the power of patience, and ... Steven asks Crystal about her hometown mafia ties. Buckle Up!

This episode is all about Diversity & Inclusion. Steven interviews Julie Savaria a specialist in D&I, and Crystal & Steven also chat about their own lived experiences. Julie Savaria is an academic and someone who also works with corporations developing Diversity & Inclusion programs in the workplace. But she takes it so much further. The interview shines a light on the rumblings of sexism, homophobia, and bigotry that still lurk beneath the surface of our society, yet veiled in political correctness. Part of Julie's work is to place a mirror in front of business owners (usually those in power -- the decision makers) to encourage them to recognize their internal belief systems.

Today's episode is a power hour(ish) you don't want to miss.  Steven and Crystal are talking organizational dysfunction and goat yoga, and are joined by two women working to create social good in two very different ways.Annette Dubreuil is stepping into the business world with a tool that all entrepreneurs and innovators can use to help remove the blocks that we all know inevitably arise, by using a technique called "Focusing". Annette helps individuals and teams get in touch with their bodies to access the information that is waiting for them there. If you're interested in learning more, check out this Toronto based focusing group.Christal Earle, of Bravesoles wows us with her incredible personal journey from not-for-profit founder, to a mother separated from her child, to founder of a thriving socially innovative business.  She proves that pushing through adversity is a required qualification for those in the social good sector, and she has done it with immense grace.

We're taking off!  In this, their inaugural episode, Steven and Crystal are joined by two of their favourites in the social innovation sphere - both are storytellers by nature who are using stories and relationships to build connections within the Canadian social innovation community.  Greg Hemmings (Hemmings House Productions) joins in from the East Coast of Canada, to share the needs and developments coming out of that region.  Rachel Berdan (Pillar Nonprofit Network) brings her varied experience in the for-profit and not for profit sectors, as well as insights from her personal journey to the studio.  She and the co-pilots talk creativity, the "ick-factor" of being a business owner, leading as an introvert, and so much more.  Tune in to hear such gems as "If the planet isn't here it doesn't really matter how good your business is." Many thanks to our guests and to Hobé Hosokawa Marketing and Flow Office Wisdom for lending Steven and Crystal to the Fasten Your Seatbelts podcast.