Fempower

Happy International Women's Day!  In honour of International Women's Day, Fempower is releasing this special episode on the Powerful Women, the Mana Wahine, of Hawai'i and the Power of Land. This episode was recorded live onsite in Waikiki, Hawai'i and is a cumulation of Dr. Kraj's research and learning as a Fulbright Scholar on exchange. Dr. Kraj works with Indigenous communities, sustainability and community power for energy resilience. In this episode, Dr. Kraj speaks with Native Hawaiians Aunty Ku'uipo Kumukahi, an entertainer, award-winning recording artist and record producer, as well as an educator, social worker and administrator, currently the director of the Ho'okela Hawaiian Cultural Center at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, and Aunty Jenine Heleloa, director of the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society, founded by Aunty Ku'uipo. They discuss the power of land, the proper way to pronounce Hawaiian words, the importance of reciprocity in Hawaiian cultural values, and the deeper meaning of ALOHA. This powerful trio of women get to the depths of what is means to be part of a Matriarchial society, the Wahine (women) of Hawaii and the importance of reverence for the land and its people in the preservation and conservation of the land for future generations, and our need to Malama (take care of) the land. This episode is filled with golden nuggets of wisdom from Hawaiian values and teachings. And you'll get a treat of Hawaiian Pidgin language and get to know what the locals really think. Of course we talk about the Sustainability of this remote and sacred land, that energy is everything and the interconnectedness of it all; and Aunty Ku'uipo tells us about the power of poetry in preserving the land, the history of the place and its people and the protection of land rights - and how she set precedent in a court case using mele (song) and hula (dance) to make a case. The Mana Wahine of Hawaii remind us of how powerful we all can be, when we come together, as careholders of our land and resources: "Give someone kuliana and you awaken their mana." -Twinkle Borgess, Wai'anae. Full show notes and links at www.fempower.ca; link to the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society www.hmpshawaii.com  

On today’s episode, we talk about Joy, seeking joy, what happens when joy get interrupted by trauma and rewiring for joy in order to choose joy everyday. Today has been 1-year of “pandemic living” or lockdown and insecurity. The weight of which has left us all living with this collective trauma.  Today’s guest is Keira Poulsen, the founder of the Awaken Podcast, is a mother to 5 amazing children. She is also an intuitive, energetic healer and creator. Keira is a spiritual entrepreneurship coach for Lightworkers, healers, change-makers and leaders. She helps women create their soul work and successful businesses derived from their gifts and purpose. Keira believes that now is the time that leaders are awakened and share their light with the world. She is also the founder of Freedom House Publishing Co. where she helps writers and thought leaders become published authors! At Freedom House, she focuses on liberating authors and readers with powerful messages of light! Keira believes that we all have a deep purpose that the world needs. And when we connect up to The Divine and remember our own inner Divinity, we can create massive change in this world. I hope you enjoy this episode and find ways that you too can rewire to find joy!

In this episode we celebrate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the people behind these businesses, the mom and pops, the CEOs, the people who are keeping our economy running during these incomprehensible times. Today’s guest is CEO Heidi Reimer Epp of Botanical Paperworks. Heidi and I originally sat down to record this episode about 10 months ago, in the early days of the pandemic. But, it couldn’t be timelier to release this episode then today – when 10 months later we look back on all we have collectively gone through and reflect on the lessons learned. We need to pause and celebrate the CEO – the toughest job in an SME, the burdens we carry and the decisions we need to make to survive: as a company, as individuals and as families. The topics Heidi and I discuss and the wisdom that she shares are relevant today as we navigate this pandemic, still under lock down in many areas, including mine.

2021 has had a tumultuous start in some regions - this is a reflection of many deeper issues in our society. This first episode of season 4 of the Fempower podcast discusses why we need to reevaluate our relationship to, and usage of, social media and calls on doing our individual part to address our role in the matrix; how we can regain our self-sovereignty of our information that we consume and contribute online, and the structures that exist to enable you to do just that. As we discuss in this episode, all information for our show is on our website www.fempower.ca along with links to the podcast for listening. You don't need to use a platform other than our 100% owned and operated website to consume our information. We are leading by example of how we can own our information, curate it accordingly and ensure our listeners and readers are able to see our content as is. You get it how it is here, which has always been core to our values - real advice from real women about real life. And there's no better value than authenticity. Thank you for being here and sharing your precious time with us. We'd love to here from you - feel free to message us or email. You can sign up for our mailing list.  And as we stand by this new reality which will likely turn into a policy around here very soon, we will be stepping back from distributing content on platforms that we do not wholly own and operate. You can read more about this on our blog at www.fempower.ca

Dr. Andrea Kraj reflects on the end of the year 2020, what kept her away from the mic until now and she picks two key words to sum up her take on the year, calling on all to continue to "Love Big Right Now". www.fempower.ca

On today’s episode, we talk about Love and Purpose. It is the season of love afterall, falling just days after St. Valentines Day. I reflect on what love means to me now and what we can make of St. Valentines Day to bring more love into our lives and the world. And somehow this all timely came together with our episode on the power of purpose. There’s a quote that I live by, and I share with you in this episode, about Love, falling in love and how this particular quote fell into my life at a pivotal time and has made all the difference. Today’s guest is fittingly a colleague of mine in the power industry as well! Angella Rainford is doing remarkable work in the solar industry in the Caribbean and it all stems from her deep connection to her own purpose. In this episode we talk about: Community impact Gender impact and inclusion The result of having more female inclusion in power projects The money multiplier effect of local investment How bumps along her way lead to the wisdom she achieved Failure as a reflection point on your purpose Being on the edge as a catalyst for change The skill of scaling back Progress for changing the world Her life growing up in Jamaica The value of steady long-term patience Her next endeavours More at www.fempower.ca  

Hello 2020! We have been waiting for you! A fresh start to a new decade, a new year and a new you. Well, if not entirely a new you, a refreshed and high vibe version of you! Dr. Andrea Kraj gives her take and advice on the best way to elevate your life with tools and tips that are very practical, while explaining what "vibes" really are when you hear live a "high vibe" life or "good vibes" only from an energetic and scientific point of view, and how this merges in the realm of spirituality. Find out what she has "dived" into this new year and what she means about being bravely imperfect as you set off of elevate your life this year!  Enjoy! 

Bonus content and insight at the top of each month for free for subscribers to the Fempower Insiders Club! Subscribe at INSIDERS  and on www.fempower.ca Happy Holidays - this month everyone gets the message in advance! Thanks for being here and listening. Now that you know about us, share this gift with others and spread the joy and the message this season! If you like it, subscribe to our mailing list to get into the free Insiders Club and receive content in advance of regular audiences.

Bonus content and insight at the top of each month for free for subscribers to the Fempower Insiders Club! Subscribe at INSIDERS  and on www.fempower.ca

A decade ago, I wasn’t so sure that social media would become a real career…at least not given the traditional career path I had taken. When I did start to hear about it as a job, I thought it would be short lived because it seemed so strange – why would you need anyone to post something about what you were doing or thinking online, and more so, why would anyone care to listen?! ….little did I anticipate how dependent we would all become on social media, the enabling power of technology to provide access whenever and however we wanted, and the complete bombardment of platforms available for us to use…so now, it makes complete sense…how else could we possibly keep up! I know because I have multiple platforms and various business and the diversity causes me to spread across all sort of methods of communication and it fascinates me!  It even has forced me to find my own voice again and thought me to trust that rather than worry about keeping up with the algorithms or ad words or whatever promotion is changing in real time. It’s amazing that one can be fully empowered to launch a business completely on a platform (although I don’t advise that), but yes, it can happen. There is definitely an art and a science to using social media to effectively communicate your message and today’s episode is dedicated all to it. My friend and communication superstar, Alyson Shane, joins us on the show today to talk all about the ins and outs of communication and social platforms. It’s amazing that she’s been in the game so long, like one of the early adopter of blogging and to hear her story about her life and what lead her to it at such an early age is truly incredible and to see what she has made of it is even more remarkable. Enjoy today’s practical and enlightening episode and let me know when you start your blog too. Join my email list here  http://eepurl.com/dwk5qT à you’ll find out why it’s important in today’s show! @dr.andreakraj  Here’s a little more about Alyson: Alyson Shane is a writer and business owner from Winnipeg with 17 years’ experience publishing content online. She owns two companies: a digital marketing company called Starling Social, and a start-up that automates social media promotion for events called HeyAlfa. A passionate communicator, Alyson serves as the Communications Director for TEDxWinnipeg and gives dozens of talks and workshops focused on marketing strategy each year. When not volunteering or working, you can typically find her gardening, riding her bike, or hammering away at her laptop over a pint of local craft beer. We Discuss: Communication online – brands, authenticity, feminine traits How to get started with community, bloggers, influencers, writing Cultivating a social following and the time it can take to build it How Alyson left her regular job to launch her business, become fulltime self-employed and then start another startup Alyson’s advice on what platform to be on in social media How to best target your audience online Content creation as an Agency vs. Startup What effective marketing it How to feel comfortable trusting an agency with your social media posts What buyer personas are and why they are important to your online communication Customer service reps vs. sales reps and the information they can provide you How we are adapting to social media as the new reality for communication and the evolution of experiential marketing moving forward How Alyson fell into creating her latest business “Hey Alfa” What makes a great blog and why it’s still important to be blogging in 2020 What a sales funnel is and how it works How Alyson’s childhood challenges lead her to writing and the internet in its golden era Why blogging is still important for your business How your website holds your space in the internet and why this is important How email marketing works How a content calendar can help you prepare How many posts that Alyson recommends to do per month The importance of providing value in what you do How to implement Google Analytics on your website Trends for women in social media The power of authenticity and vulnerability in your messaging The message I shared at a meeting this month that was mildly uncomfortable Alyson’s favourite and most impactful result of her writing to date A side of social media Alyson doesn’t usually see What dreams Alyson is focused on right now What Alyson would tell her younger self today How Alyson defines success Alyson’s latest book recommendations Alyson’s recommendations for self-care

Carmen Romero joins me on today’s episode to discuss how dance saved her life; in fact, it saved both of our lives and her daughter’s as well. Carmen, not only is my friend, but also my Flamenco teacher, and so much more. She continues to work as a brain rehabilitation therapist along her dance career. Her story is full of perseverance and passion in the face of tragedy with all the elements to fuel an authentic flamenco story and actually does inspire her performances. But Flamenco is more than that to her – it is her life philosophy. Carmen shares her life story with us and we discuss the importance of celebrating moments, the future of dance as our worlds become more automated with technology and how cross-training with dance has enhanced our professional skill sets in other disciplines; as well as the need to recognize how dance is undervalued in our society and what we need to do about it.  I hope you feel the power of this episode and are just as inspired by it as I was, in your journey. Here’s a little more about Carmen: Carmen Romero is known for her powerful performances.  The Toronto Star says, “she delivers flamenco with a raw immediacy that is far closer to the source than a lot of the theatrical Spanish dance passed off as authentic." Compañía Carmen Romero is a flamenco dance and music collective based out of Toronto, Canada. Originally founded in 1986 by Carmen Romero as artistic director to Candela Flamenca.  Carmen Romero is of Spanish heritage and was raised in Canada. It is remarkable that she has developed a collective of dancers and musicians that went on to perform with the collective, in Europe the United States and Asia.  The collective was then an ad hoc group of musicians and dancers who performed primarily at municipal and multicultural events. The collective produced three full-length theatrical flamenco productions: El Embrujo (The Bewitched) (1993), Flamenco Ayer y Hoy (Flamenco Yesterday and Today) (1997) and Carmen Complex (2003). El Embrujo. Flamenco de Ayer y Hoy premiered through Dance Works at the DuMaurier Theatre Centre, Toronto, then toured Canada the United States parts of Europe and Asia until 2002. The collective also created many smaller works such as Luna Llena (Full Moon) (1998), presented at fFIDA: this work competed in the 9th annual Certamen de Coreografía de Danza Española y Flamenco at the prestigious Teatro Albeniz in Madrid, Spain. During this event, Compañía Carmen Romero /CANADA was posted on their dressing room and since then the company was renamed Compañía Carmen Romero to reflect the milestone in the collective’s history as it was recognized as an international flamenco dance company representing Canada. Dance International says, "The exclusive focus and depth of Romero’s commitment to the art of flamenco is not just understandable given her family heritage, but somehow fitting and more authentic.  She truly belongs to the history of flamenco in a way not easily achieved by non-Spanish dancers." We Discuss: How Carmen overcame her early life suffering as an immigrant in Canada. Her artistic process. Art as Therapy. How creativity gives her an edge in her rehab practice. Her perseverance through multiple tragedies in her family. How she rebuilt her life after she lost everything. How her career as a brain rehabilitation therapist merged with her dance career to help heal her daughters traumatic brain injury. Flamenco as a Life Philosophy, the power of the arts and the understated value of dance. The complex technicality of Flamenco. What dance has given us in the merging of our professional disciplines with our careers in dance. The Brain-body connection. The importance of celebrating moments. Advice Carmen gives on healing your brain and recognizing the power of art in our lives. The future role of dance in a technologically automated world. And so much more!  SHOW NOTES: www.fempower.ca Compania Carmen Romero: carmenromero.ca Instagram: companiacarmenromero Facebook: Compania Carmen Romero Andrea’s Dance Company: Enigma Dance Factory www.enigmadancefactory.com

Today’s guest, Deborah Deal, CEO, Contractor and Environmentalist, is on the show. Debby has lived in the Bahamas for nearly four decades, it is her home, it is where she has established her businesses and it is where she serves her community and leaves her legacy for the betterment of the environment. I met Debby while speaking about Energy Security in the Bahamas and sharing my knowledge on microgrids and island energy. This past week has been heart wrenching for me, and to hear from Debby and share her story about the crisis is so important to know how we can help and discuss how we can move forward. Debby’s passion for community service is evident in the way she leads her life, speaks and acts with intention to contribute positively to our environmental crisis and how she brings attention to important topics, especially those surrounding the people of and the islands that she calls her home. We talk everything about the devastation currently in the Bahamas, and what moving forward could look like for the country, plus so much more. After all, as Debby says, The Bahamas is so much more than this disaster, more than just sun, sand and sea. In this episode we discuss: Her recent experiences with hurricane Dorian What the reality is on the ground in The Bahamas after the hurricane How you can help The Bahamas What needs to change to rebuild better and protect the country Recommendations for best building practices from Deborah for The Bahamas Her life and entrepreneurial journey in The Bahamas Advice for women in non-traditional or male-dominated careers The importance of self-care and forming a supportive tribe The role of community and how everything is energetic and connected The dreams that Debby is chasing next! And so much more!

On today’s episode we talk about disrupting the funding and investment of women owned businesses with Investor and Serial Entrepreneur Shelley Kuipers! I met Shelley this summer at a fabulous conference on innovation and investment in Calgary called Inventures and her role on a women’s investment panel impressed me, so I wanted to bring her message, wisdom and knowledge to our Fempower community! Shelley Kuipers is building the world she wants to live in. As an activist in business, entrepreneurship and investment, she is hell bent on defeating the status quo one project at a time, and replacing it with options that are more equitable, feminist, corporately and ecologically sustainable; revolutionary options that drive greater value for both business and consumer. She co-founded IOVIA in 2015 after previously founding Chaordix, Stormworks and Adventure Capital. She is also co-founder of feminist investment collective, The51 and sustainable direct to consumer clothing brand Harris Kuipers, all in addition to championing the entrepreneurs she has chosen to invest in. Shelley loves to travel for business and adventure but also questions the sustainability of it all. When on a break Shelley finds herself revelling in nature with family and friends, and with the odd glass of cider at her home on Salt Spring Island, Canada. She divides her time between the west coast and Calgary, Canada and right this minute is probably dreaming up ways to realize the possibilities. Enjoy this episode, it’s magical! Xox Andrea In this episode we discuss: Her journey through her serial entrepreneurship experience and multiple companies to co-creating a women’s investment fund Her investing perspective “The 51” – a new fem-investment platform, www.the51.com Her latest participation commerce business Her advice on pitching to investors Her ethical clothing brand she is just launching end of this month Her vision moving forward in all her ventures Her unique superpower that is very grounding in our world And so much more!   SHOW NOTES on website www.fempower.ca

Hello Everyone! I’m back with a solo episode and it’s based on my own reflections over the past month. Lots has happened and April has flown by compared to the slow pace of March. Lots of ideas and issues have come up this month and I took some intentional time to be quiet and reflect on many things. Now I’m back with a month worth of content that I can’t keep to myself! So today’s episode is a little different – I cover several topics that I’ve collected over the past month,  from workplace and life Biases, to the rise in hate-crimes and separation encountered in my local community and globally, and my thoughts on influencers and the responsibility and power that they have that is often misguided, abused or unrecognized and the trouble that can cause, and I wrap up on my take on the latest social media trends, such as the Celery Juice Craze that is driving up prices for celery, so much so that is it being reported as a celebrity factor in the price of this basic vegetable and I encourage you to pause and reflect on the sustainability of it all as well as how this is linked to our over consumption and serious recycling issues. Hope this gives you something to think about as well. Enjoy! Andrea In this episode I discuss: The 7 Biases encountered in the workplace and life: Unconscious, Performance, Attribution, Likeability, Maternal, Affinity, Double Discrimination & Intersectionality The rise in hate crimes and the illusion of separation "The Real Deal" vs. The façade in social media of influencers The abuse or neglect of power of social media influencers My take on the "celery juice craze" Sustainability vs. Trends and their inverse correlation Recycling and shifting the paradigm from "cradle to grave" to "cradle to cradle" and tackling our growing waste crisis. IG: @dr.andreakraj www.fempower.ca

On today’s episode we talk all things clean beauty, engineering, eco-entrepreneurship and more Clean Beauty Pioneer, the revolutionary Jenise Lee! A serial eco entrepreneur, Jenise is the founder & CEO of PurPicks - a site like TripAdvisor for organic skincare - which has the largest directory of nontoxic beauty products and largest database of product reviews. She is also the Founder of CertClean, North America's certification for safer skincare. You can find thousands of beauty and personal care products globally with the CertClean certification. Jenise was honoured as one of Canada's top sustainability leader, named Canada's Top 100 health influencers alongside Wayne Gretzky and Sophie Trudeau, and nominated for the Governor General's Innovation Award. Jenise has a Chemical Engineering degree (University of Waterloo), and a MBA (Schulich School of Business). Prior to starting her MBA, Jenise worked as an environmental engineering consultant where she led projects related to environmental site assessments, environmental impact studies and feasibility studies on leading edge renewable energy from biomethanation plants to solar projects to waste-to-energy facilities. Enjoy! Andrea WE DISCUSS: Her story of how she arrived to where she is today through her engineering and business education path and her life events that lead her here What she was like as a child Our common threads as engineers, women, entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates Her favourite book, see the recommendation link below The 1400 harmful chemicals in common beauty products that she certifies AGAINST with her company CertClean What she recommends for starting off your clean-beauty journey Why she started PurPicks What she is up to next And so much more!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY! This is a day to celebrate and not underestimate it's importance. Today's episode was a must. After almost a year of speaking about the power of the Divine Feminine how could I not put out a story for this important day?! In fact, the story is so important it talks about the both the Divine Fem and Masculine. This is an important episode recognizes that we are all composed of both these energies. I provide some treats at the end with a meditation and take home exercise for you on developing your fem and mas balance for creativity. And I make a couple announcements about some new ventures I'm onto... So tune in and enjoy - and celebrate the beauty of this day! Namaste, Andrea I DISCUSS: What feminine and masculine energies are How you can harness and develop it further The Old Age The New Age Finding balance Visualization example I give you a Meditation I give you aa take home exercise My new plant-based business My new coaching opportunities

Welcome to today's solo episode! I spent the last few months really working through the concepts of what excellence in leadership means and how it means to practice it daily and the challenges I would face as I strive to do so. Along the way, I learned many things, surprisingly that most are inadequately prepared to functionally operate at a level of excellent leadership and they don't even know it, because leadership takes work, and I mean a lot of internal work. Leadership differs fundamentally from management and it's important to know what that difference is so that we can strive to attain true leadership, beyond just management, especially if we care about our role and those we serve, be it at work, home or in the community. So sit back, tune in and relax as we discuss this important topic and how we can create the ecosystems we need to achieve excellence in leadership.  Namaste, Andrea IN THIS EPISODE I DISCUSS: what leadership is how leadership is different from management why this matters what is at the root of relationship breakdown how to create safe spaces to have hard conversations how to lead through challenges how poor leadership is not leadership what the key characteristics of excellence leadership are how emotions are key indicators to guide us in difficult situations how to identify what issue is yours and what is not yours and what this indicates how to bring these skills with us whether it be at work, home or in the community

Welcome to Season 2! Today’s episode is from our last Fempower Live event of 2018. I’m excited to finally bring you this fantastic episode about two fierce and strong woman entrepreneurs. One who immigrated to Canada not long ago, fleeing a life of many challenges and seeking the best for her daughter as a single mother, and the other who is homeschooling her two children while running the business. These two kind and generous souls met under serendipitous situations that enabled them to pursue their dreams together. Through grit and perseverance they are starting to feel the joys of their success. Gabrielle Zoppa and Harman Dhaliwal, together, are the co-owners of Spa Botanica, one of a few Ayurvedic spas in Winnipeg, MB.  This episode is sponsored by GOLDEN OAK RECORD COMPANY – a multimedia and entertainment company focused on growing and supporting artists and businesses in North America. Through creation of opportunity, elevation of brand perception and education, Golden Oak invests in their partners whole heartedly no matter what level they are at. Golden Oak is also a female owned company.  Check them out: www.goldenoakrecordcompany.com or send them an email at info@goldenoakrecordcompany.com and you can find them on Instagram, facebook and youtube. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: What Ayurveda is and how their spa is unique How Harman and Gabrielle met and got to where they are today. How Joelle Foster (Episode 7) influenced and helped their journey. The highs and lows they have ensured and how they survived. How Harman had to work multiple jobs at the same time to survive and how this impacted her personal life and forced her to discover how to make her business more profitable. The challenges of a partnership in business and how they manage it How they use their intuition in operating their business + so much more!

Today’s guest and I share similar roots – we are both Aerospace Engineers who jumped careers into entrepreneurship and we both like to maintain a balance of our left and right brain through our spiritual studies. Ali Boone is a 9-to-5 dropout who left a high-paying career as an Aerospace Engineer to start her own business. She is the founder of Hipster Investments, a real estate investment company that flips real estate investing on its head. Not only does Hipster offer unique investment opportunities that open the door for anyone to invest in real estate, but Ali has structured Hipster in such a way that allows her full freedom to create the life of her dreams. Ali has Master’s degrees in both Aerospace Engineering and Spiritual Psychology. She has written over 170 articles for BiggerPockets—the world’s leading real estate investing website. She has been featured in Fox Business and The Motley Fool, has over 300k views on her Calculating Rental Property Numbers video on YouTube, has sold over 200 copies of her Turnkey Rental Properties 101 eBook, and was awarded Top 100 Real Estate Investing Blogs & Websites on the Web. If you ask Ali what her biggest accomplishment is though, she’ll tell you it’s that she successfully created a completely location-independent business that allows her to live wherever she wants, travel whenever she wants, work whenever she wants, and most importantly—be her own boss. Ali’s strengths are in organic business building, passive income, outsourcing, and lifestyle design. She also does business consulting where she specializes in looking at the puzzle pieces of struggling businesses and, using her engineering background and experience as a successful entrepreneur, helps fit those puzzle pieces back together in a way that best supports the client and their business. When Ali isn’t helping people buy real estate or coaching other entrepreneurs, she is usually flying airplanes around Santa Monica (and teaching other people to fly as well), hanging out in the SoCal outdoors whether it be the beach or the ski slopes, or volunteering in California prisons. She is also a failed reality makeover TV star. Amidst her busy schedule, her ultimate goal is to one-day challenge Tim Ferriss to a lifestyle design duel. It’s getting colder outside and that means Hygge Season! So cozy up into this episode and enjoy  - and remember, RSVP to rsvp@fempower.ca to reserve your spot to this week’s Fempower LIVE! Event happening on Sunday November 18, 2018 at 12:30pm at Spa Botanica. The details are under Events. Namaste, Andrea In this episode we discuss: How Ali’s upbringing shaped her to follow a path into Aerospace Engineering Why Ali left her Aerospace career behind and started her own investment business How Ali found herself back in grad school, but this time in a topic that satisfied her right brain, while growing a business How Ali designed her lifestyle What a passive income is and how it is fundamental to lifestyle design What advice Ali would give her younger self and when Ali’s hidden talent The Goddess that I assign to Ali: Armetis 

Hello World – I am back! I had to take some time off, which I explain more about in today’s episode, and it’s interesting how these things align sometimes. So today’s episode is extra special and extra long! Take your time to enjoy it. Rana Bokhari, B.A. (Criminology), B.A. (Psychology), J.D., Notary Public is on the show today and she is one fierce incredible woman. Her story and her many lifetimes from fashion design to leader of a major political party, from how she grew up on a farm to where she is today leading her own business, hers is a story that will provide you with so many insights into the struggles we face as women when we rise and it will provide you with much wisdom to face the very real challenges in our society. Her message is empowering and affirming of what we need to do as women to have our voice heard, and to heal from times we have been abused. She talks more about the details of breaking the “glass ceiling”, which is really a brick wall as she puts it, in her TEDx talk (see link in show notes below). She reminds us of the power of connection and the root of all strength as love. Enjoy today’s episode and tell everyone you know about it – the wisdom and teachings in this episode alone, you’ll carry for lifetimes. Namaste, Andrea

Today’s guest is very special, because unknowingly, she had a very fundamental role in the formation of this podcast. Because of the work that she is doing, I have been able to connect with my own intuition and spirit guides to make this podcast a reality. If it hadn’t been for the messages that Natalie Miles was putting out into our world, and my own little nudges from spirit and the life lessons along the way, I wouldn’t have put it all together – well, at least not as clearly and as quickly! Natalie Miles is an international Spiritual Guide, Psychic, Mentor and Entrepreneur. She has cultivated her life’s work in an esoteric industry with a legitimate business that grounds the spiritual realm in the now, but it wasn’t what she was always doing.   Natalie was born and raised in the U.K., connecting with her Spirit Guide at the age of five, Natalie’s gift was always a backdrop as she moved through life. At the age of sixteen, she truly began to develop her skills by attending small groups educating on improving intuition and psychic abilities. It was here where she unlocked her natural gifts working with Spirit to share messages with others. After working for 10 years in the film industry as a producer, she could no longer ignore the calling of her Spirit Guide and began working with Spirit full-time.  Natalie’s mission is to support ones spiritual journey by sharing, The Spirit Upgrade. This upgrade connects people with their guides –in other words, cheerleaders in the spiritual realm. Spirit guides help find the answers ones seek, and clear any blocks in the way. Working with guides will heal the past, and help people feel a sense of empowerment.  Natalie has been guided by Spirit to use her gifts to open the door and be the “upgrade” messenger, illuminating the light onto other people’s life paths. Her goal is to inspire people across the globe to connect with their own Spirit Guides, so they can feel more connected, each and every day, and continue an upgraded soul journey.  Natalie does this work through three major sessions: The Soul Upgrade, The Mediumship Upgrade, and The Past Life Upgrade, and either in-person or through telephone or via Skype. After all, she says, distance is no barrier for the Spirit! Spirit Guides will bring up exactly what needs to be discussed during that session and her clients are always taken aback that what comes through, is exactly what they needed to hear. Natalie does more than what most psychics and mediums do, she is a form of a life coach as well, where she offers an opportunity for souls to learn and grow. I’m excited and honoured to have Natalie on the Fempower podcast today, and it turns out it is episode 11, which if you follow angel numbers will know that it is the karmic Master Number 11 and symbolizes the principles of spiritual awakening and enlightenment, high energy, idealism, inspiration and intuition, illumination, visionary, enthusiasm, creative/creativity, self-expression and sensitivity, and mysticism. Number 11 tells us that to connect with our higher-selves is to know and live our soul mission and life purpose. Master Number 11 is usually called 'the Illuminator', 'the Messenger' or 'the Teacher' and relates to those who are here to be inspirational guiding lights, and their mission is to bring illumination to others and to help raise spiritual awareness. This wasn’t planned this way, as I’m just going with the flow, and yet it is so perfectly aligned. I bet Natalie will be smiling when she find out! I think you are really going to like this episode – it’s full of practical ways to grow your intuition, connect with your spirit guides, and in turn develop your self-awareness further which will enhance your confidence and lead to your empowerment – it truly is a chain reaction and it begins with these fundamental steps. And, you’ll have some fun along the way as this episode gets hijacked by one of my deceased loved ones! My grandfather shows up to play some tricks and have some fun with us. I’ve left it in there so you can see for yourself how we lost the connection, but everything kept recording so we could have the evidence of his playfulness – this normally doesn’t happen for me! Usually, if I lose the connection I lose the recording and yet somehow we were able to keep it all here. Thank you Grandpa! Natalie even goes into the details to clarify which of my three grandfathers it could be – and I definitely knew which one it was right from the outset. My grandfather even gives me a message when we ask if he has something to share. You are going to want to hear this. It is so fascinating and exactly on point. Natalie wouldn’t have known anything of this as we only spoke for the first time here. She is so sharp and in-tune and such an earth angel. We are lucky to have her on the show today! Enjoy this episode and may all the practical tools help you in your journey to enlightenment and empowerment so that you too may spread more of your light. Namaste, Andrea WE DISCUSS: How Natalie had a fundamental role in the creation of the Fempower podcast, even though she didn’t know it What Natalie does as a Spiritual Guide, Medium, Psychic and Mentor How I connected the dots from Natalie’s messages to create the Fempower podcast How to connect to our spiritual guides, who they are, and the signs to notice their presence How to know that you are on the right path What the methods are to receive your messages and one that I happen to add to the list How developing the tools of intuition, leads to self-awareness and empowerment What the blocks are to developing your intuition How our interview was hijacked by a dear deceased family member of mine that came through and how we determined who exactly it was that was coming through The message that my deceased loved one gave Natalie to tell me How intuitive hits help you empower your life and your journey How Natalie is using her intuition in her business right now How Natalie used her intuition to transition from her previous career in the film industry to her current career Natalie’s take on the year 2018 so far and her prediction for what we can expect to come What motivates Natalie in her work and life What Natalie’s life was like as a psychic child How Natalie met her guide and how they work together throughout lifetimes What Natalie thought about my story about meeting my guide and how it directly impacted the direction of this podcast How Natalie took her work in this esoteric industry and made it a legitimate business How Natalie differentiates herself from her competitors and the advice she gives to others What the blocks mean when we struggle to succeed in specific areas, such as having your voice heard   How to remove the blocks around your struggles Natalie’s healing and self-care toolbox and her recommendations What Natalie recommends for those starting their business from her own experience and why How Natalie uses her feminine vs. masculine energy in her life and business Why Natalie believes women are being called up to do this intuitive work How we need both the divine feminine and divine masculine in all beings Why we need to help and inspire the men to tap into their divine feminine as well What advice Natalie has for women navigating a career in spiritual healing and entrepreneurship Why Nat believes the spiritual field is important to explore further What the single most important lesson is that she has learned on her journey so far How Nat recommends using the “Hell-No vs Hell-Yes” test response to navigate your path What dreams Natalie is chasing right now and what she has coming up next What advice Natalie would give her younger self and at what age Natalie’s hidden talents and what she plans to try next Natalie’s desired superpower How Natalie defines success The Goddess that I assign to Natalie

Well, today is a special episode – it’s my first solo episode with you. I had thought about doing a solo episode for a while, but I wasn’t sure where to start and with some kind encouragement from our listeners and guests, I let that brew for a while and finally I thought it was the perfect time to do this. This episode is inspired by my travels last week into the wild Canadian Rockies with my family and the events that unfolded that lead me to be so  impassioned to speak about today's topic on sustainability and how self-awareness is directly correlated to this. So have a listen to my story, let me know what you think, and stay tuned for the announcements for the next upcoming Fempower LIVE! Event happening at the end of this month! Enjoy! Andrea   I DISCUSS: What I was up to last week while there was no episode The importance of immersing ourselves in the present moment The new big lesson I learned about myself and my family What I now label as tourist traps and why Why I am concerned for the sustainability for our National Parks and Historic Sites What happened at one of the tourist sites we visited Why I question the state of eco-tourism and sustainability at our National Parks What the definition of Sustainable Development is and how long we have had it How Parks Canada breaking the very principals of what they were established to do How self-awareness ties into our behavioural patterns How my yogic thought and training play in developing and living self-awareness What the yogic principal of Svadhyaya or self-study aka: self-awareness teaches us An experiment that I give you to discover the layers that you cover yourself in How our projections and the ego influence our perspective How developing the "Witness" is key to developing self-awareness Why is matters to dive deep and think about our "Why" How self-study is a continual journey How our everyday choices cause ripple effects in sustainability How sustainability is an everyday choice directly related to our self-awareness The 4 questions I leave you with for further self-study on your own time The bonus challenge I leave you with How self-awareness is the foundation for developing your greatest confidence And what I've noticed I need to do in challenging myself further

Today’s episode is full of goodness and incredible advice from the very talented and creative Giovanna Minenna of Brows by G. We recorded this episode at the first Fempower Live! Event in Winnipeg last month, in July, and while we were speaking, the conversation was so engaging and flowing that I forgot just how incredible it was – I mean, I knew it was incredible when it happened, but all the content and details we spoke about, the rich advice and the effortless conversation that we had, just made it blow by!  Upon reviewing it in post production it became clear to me that Giovanna is a woman full of life experience and she is only just starting to take on the world! Giovanna “G” is the Founder of Brows by G and is an award-winning brow stylist and makeup artist. She studied at The College of Makeup Art and Design (CMU) in Toronto, and before founding Brows by G worked for international cosmetic companies MAC and Lancôme. Giovanna has also studied through CTI and is a business and life Coach, public speaker and hosts workshops to inspire entrepreneurs to be their greatest selves. G is passionate about innovation and growth in the industry, training and mentorship, and providing the best possible experience to her clients. G led the creation and growth of Brows by G’s Microblading and Micropigmentation training programs across Canada, as well as the development of the company’s BROWLUXE® line of cosmetic products and MICROLUXE® line of professional products. In her role as Founder and Creative Director, G oversees the company’s strategies for service, training, and product innovation, and assists her team with creative direction and content creation.  She has launched and expanded her business Brows by G locally, created products that are manufactured and sold exclusively as her brand, and launched national training programs to ensure the industry standards are met and keep the public safe. Is that not incredible?! On top of that, Giovanna’s life is expanding continuously, her spiritual journey takes her to new places and she branches out to develop other big dreams and plans. The Divine Goddess that I assign to Giovanna is at the end of this episode, so stay tuned to find out who it is – I think you may agree with me after listening to her story and advice. I’m very excited to finally be able to share this episode with everyone! Enjoy! Andrea WE DISCUSS: Her background in the restaurant industry and what it taught her that prepared her for her future How following her passion lead her into the beauty industry in Toronto What developing her self-awareness meant to her How her “bigger ideas” pulled her to jump from where she was working How she had to “start-over” from bottom zero and rebuild her life What Giovanna was like as a child and how she has come back to it full circle How she uses intuition in her business and life How her business looks today in her corporate role vs. when she first started What Giovanna looks for in forming the right team Giovanna’s advice for women in business and those jumping into business What Giovanna would be doing if she wasn’t in the beauty industry What it is that Giovanna and I share in common in business What Giovanna has learned the most from the beauty industry How “intention” is everything according to Giovanna Giovanna’s top transformational moments in this year How perception is key to manifestation in your life What G is envisioning right now What motivates Giovanna and how it is different today than it was a year ago What is challenging G in achieving her goals at the moment How Giovanna’s made intentional changes this year in her life The non-duality of spirit and science Our shared love and respect for plants and their amazing communication systems How gratitude shifts energy G’s work-life balance, self-care practices and the importance of lifestyle choices The realities of living and working with a spouse as business partner and the benefits and challenges of G’s partnership How G sets her goals in business, writing down goals, G’s BHAG – BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL! How G developed her products and her national training programs How G got her product to market and how much of an investment she needed to make + her recommendations for others G’s spiritual journey and what is inside her spiritual toolbox What advice G would give her younger-self What Giovanna’s next big idea is G’s recommendations from her meditation practice Giovanna’s hidden talents Giovanna’s desired superpower How Giovanna defines success The Goddess that I assign to Giovanna Live Q & A with the audience

Aisha Alfa is one powerful and creative women. Our story goes back to when we met first as competitors and later as team mates on the soccer pitch. We both played competitive soccer (football) growing up and as life would have it, we crossed paths many times later on in our adult lives. Aisha is such a magnificent and creative women. She is constantly reinventing herself and following her passion to lead the life she desires. In listening to her on the show today, you will hear how she has woven so many of her talents along her journey, learning some really hard lessons and using her sport psychology background to help her navigate her journey into the entertainment industry where she made her breakthrough on an NBC comedy contest and the rest is history, well, history in the making! It’s always so much fun to speak with Aisha, she keeps things light and funny, but all of it is grounded in such purpose and meaning. I hope that you will enjoy her perspective of finding her way, remaining authentic and attaining your goals. ​ Aisha Alfa was born in Nigeria, grew up in Canada, lived in South Korea and France and has traveled all over the world. She now makes her home in Los Angeles, CA. Aisha is an actor, comedian, host and writer. After retiring from playing soccer professionally and overseas in a men's league, Aisha moved back to Winnipeg, Canada where she started her acting training/career. She got an opportunity to try stand-up comedy and hosting through her acting training and all three became pillars of her career. She has gone on to appear in TV, film, commercials, festivals, live events and new media programming throughout the world. Aisha has a degree in psychology from the University of Alberta, specializing in sport psychology. She played varsity soccer for the university and left with a National Championship win and two silver medal finishes!      In addition to acting, Alfa is also a standup comedian and has performed at the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, the Montreux Comedy Festival in Switzerland and at various comedy clubs in South Africa. She shares her birthday with Albert Einstein (March 14) and her favorite number is pi, which she has memorized to 25 digits. One of my favourite parts of our conversation is on the importance of “celebrating” along the way – both big and small wins, work related or just regular life events and Aisha gives a great suggestion on how she practices this by creating a “Win Wall” with her friends – I’m going to suggest we do the same. Leave me a comment below or join our new secret facebook group called “Fempowered” (from my "Dr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng" facebook page) and leave your comment there. This is a safe space for you to join like-minded women and fix each other’s crowns like true Queens. See you on the Win-Wall Friends! Namaste, Andrea   WE DISCUSS: How we both share a passion for a very distinct favourite number - pi! Her background in competitive sports, starting from a very young age, where our paths crossed How she didn’t know what she wanted to do growing up, but had many interests How she decided to go to the U of Alberta following her passion for competitive soccer and the doors that opened for her overseas from there How she got to playing soccer in a competitive men’s league in Korea as the first women ever The time in her life of weird high impact sports and finding her way Her favourite language and how she followed her passion to go learn it How she started her life again from zero to create the life she wanted moving forward What her first business, Alfa Life Coaching, taught her Her “lightbulb” moment that pivoted her business and life What her goals and dreams are now How she brings her life experience from Winnipeg to the world stage How she moved her life to Los Angeles How she proved she was an “alien of extraordinary ability” The perspective of women in the comedy industry today How the comedy industry is transforming and shifting The calls that are currently out for the under-represented stories in the entertainment industry What motivates Aisha How Aisha integrates her work-life for balance How Aisha handles rejection in her industry and her strategy for getting gigs What Aisha’s dream gig used to be and what it is now Her advice for anyone breaking into the entertainment industry Her ladder analogy for attaining your goals The importance of Celebrating and how the “Win Wall” helps to do it Our  perspective on good vs. bad intimate relationships Aisha’s hidden talents Aisha’s desired superpower How Aisha defines success Where you can find Aisha next! The Goddess that I assign to Aisha

I am so excited for today’s episode! Joelle Foster is an amazing women with so much life experience. She has mentored, coached and inspired so many entrepreneurs in their journey and she knows what it takes. Joelle has been there for me when I was faced with the challenge of taking my business to the next level and she has been a sounding board for so many. Her passion and positivity is contagious and this episode is full of amazing advice, stories, experience, laughter and real life. It’s always a treat to get to spend some time with Joelle and having her on Fempower is extra special because her message is so foundational to this show and to so many of our lives – helping us to find our inner power, to believe in ourselves and to face our fears, to know our worth and to thrive. Joelle is best known as a spirited activist for entrepreneurship in Canada.  In March 2018, she left Winnipeg to lead the new University of Calgary Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking as the inaugural Executive Director.  Prior to this, Joelle was a Director for Futurpreneur Canada, for 7.5 years overseeing Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Nunavut and NWT.  Under her leadership, in Manitoba alone, 325 businesses opened their doors. She achieved a 91% success rate over 7 years.  She has affectionately earned the title of “Start-Up Mom”.  Supporting a wide range of entrepreneurial initiatives, she currently sits on the Board for North Forge Technology Exchange and the Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (CCSBE).  In recognition of her work, Joelle was the 2017 recipient of Volunteer of the Year Award from the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and she received the Board of Directors Excellence Award from the Manitoba Business Council in 2016.  She was a nominee for the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Business in 2015, a finalist for the Spirit of Winnipeg awards in 2015 and was the Runner Up for the Start-up Canada Award for Ecosystem Builder of the Year in 2014.   We discuss: Her background, growing up in Nunavut and the early challenges she faced Her business foundation in college and her toolkit of skills How to learn the skills you need in life and business that you won’t get from post-secondary learning What drives Joelle’s passion and motivation for entrepreneurship The books that Joelle recommends (links in show notes) How Joelle can tell if an entrepreneur has the characteristics for success How to decipher the skills of a good vs. bad mentors What type of entrepreneurs Joelle would invest in The importance of Failure How to survive entrepreneurship The differences between men and women in their approach to business and advice that Joelle has to help women excel The challenges that Joelle has faced and advice she gives Things she would have liked to tell her younger-self Why she left Winnipeg as a Women leader Joelle’s definition of PMS - it’s not what you think! The importance of mentoring others How Joelle uses her feminine vs. her masculine power in leadership What women should be doing for seeking funding or investment for their business Understanding VC funding Knowing your worth and having the confidence to walk out of the room. Motherhood, adoption, supporting relationships, and role-models Joelle’s take on work-life integration The entrepreneurial life-style with small children Joelle’s most important things that she has learned in her journey so far Where Joelle finds the energy within herself to give as much as she does How shifting her mindset changed her life and what defining moment made it happen. How Joelle selects her tribe How Joelle hires people and why Joelle’s take on the entrepreneurship at the International vs. Canadian scale – where Canada is at and what we can learn from the rest of the world and timelines for Canada to make an impact globally How women can succeed in funding at a global stage Joelle’s hidden talents and desired super powers! The Goddess that I assign to Joelle

Before I knew Beth Shaw, I knew yoga. I discovered yoga early on in my 20s, I knew I wanted to do it, but I knew nothing about it – not even that I should have a mat. I went to my first class, it was in a dimly lit room, nobody talked and I didn’t feel like I was doing it “right” and no one was there to help. It was so foreign and didn’t feel right at the time. I left that class and didn’t go back for a while, to any yoga class. This was probably early 2000s. I knew I needed more flexibility in my body, being a serious athlete; I had been playing sport since a child, growing into competitive sport at the provincial, national and university level and knew that my body needed more flexibility to it. However, I didn’t get serious about yoga again until I was in grad school when I found a little yoga school in my neighbourhood and decided to be brave enough to sign up for a class. It was an Iyengar yoga school and it changed my life. I discovered so much about how the body can strengthen and heal both physically, mentally and spiritually with this gentle practice and it felt like I came home. Finally a place where these aspects could co-exist in my life! Through my years of practicing various yoga styles, completing numerous 30-day+ challenges and studying yoga as far away as Brazil, I had entertained the idea of becoming an instructor, but it was always so complicated and you needed to travel to some far off place or commit to a whole month or more of doing a teacher training, and a ton of money – and that just wasn’t an option when you are working on your PhD in Engineering. So, I continued to work in the fitness industry while completing my degree and it wasn’t until years later that I discovered a modular program that enabled me to become a yoga instructor overtime. I thought this was great – it worked for my schedule and would let me know if I’d even like to be an instructor, if I could do it, if I wanted to do it as a job….and that was how I discovered YogaFit. Becoming an instructor did change my life and enabled so many great ways of getting to know my body more and helping others know theirs. What a journey…and here we are today, speaking with the founder of this amazing program! Beth Shaw​ is a pioneer in the Wellness, Yoga & Fitness space in North America. Beth is single-handedly responsible for the widespread growth of yoga throughout the span of the U.S. and Canada. In 1994, she founded the global mind-body education school, YogaFit, which has since certified over 200,000 instructors worldwide. She believes, "in empowering cultures and sharing the gift of yoga beyond borders." Through the continuous development of YogaFit, Beth remains at the forefront as President, creating programs and yoga teacher training courses that are innovative and educational. Beth is also a best-selling author, her premier book, YogaFit has sold over 100,000 units worldwide. Her next book, YogaLean, a lifestyle program that provides tools towards for maintaining optimal health. The YogaFit Athlete was released from Random House in Spring 2016 and has inspired a 100-hour YogaFit for Athletes specialty track for instructors. All books have been translated into multiple languages, providing the universal appeal of YogaFit. (Human Kinetics, 2001 & Random House, 2014). Beth is a go-to yoga/mindfulness expert in the media and has been featured in numerous fitness, business and consumer publications including SELF, Yoga Journal, Huffington Post, New York Times, Time Magazine, LA Times, Entrepreneur, Washington Post, and USA Today. As an E-RYT 500 and C-IAYT, Beth has spent time in India and Asia studying yoga and holds numerous certificates in mind-body disciplines. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration & Nutrition. She has also been a trained Anger Management Specialist and Yoga Therapist since 1994. Beth has dedicated her life to service via YogaFit's community service program and her own personal path of Karma Yoga. She is a passionate animal advocate. Her non-profit organization, Visionary Women in Fitness awards scholarships to women worldwide. Shaw has dedicated her life to YogaFit and the transformational growth that the company creates globally. Annually, YogaFit is committed to giving One Million of Free Yoga Trainings to those in need. There is so much more I can tell you about this amazing woman and her contribution to this world, but instead, have a listen to our episode today and find out for yourself – and be sure to follow the links if you want to know more! Enjoy!   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Her background and how her entrepreneurial spirit started How we can take our yoga practice off our mats How Beth designed the YogaFit program and the importance of the YogaFit Essence How  YogaFit bridges exercise science and spirituality Beth’s passion for Women’s Empowerment and her contribution to it Her challenges in breaking through the fitness industry as a woman & her advice for women Her passion for rescuing animals and what Beth’s rescue pup has taught her! Beth’s alternative healing modalities, including Reiki and her application to her rescue pup How Beth believes transformation begins and the role of self-talk in our practice and in life Trainings available for Trauma & PTSD YogaFit tips for safety that are applicable to any style of yoga Her thoughts on the importance of corporate wellness, and Beth’s health hacks other than sugar and coffee Her book: YogaLean with Ayurveda content, tips and recommendations Beth’s perspective and tips for work-life balance What is in Beth’s spiritual toolbox! What Beth is manifesting in her life right now What Beth’s goal is before she departs this planet! What alternative health hacks are “up and coming” What motivates her and Beth’s advice for women starting in their own business Beth’s advice for her younger self The release of the latest YogaFit music album called “Evolution” Beth’s superpowers and her desired superpowers Beth’s definition of success How your intuition is your most powerful tool in deciphering the path of your business Beth’s vision for YogaFit The Goddess that I assign to Beth The gift I give you at the end of the episode – a special guided meditation!

Denise is President of Denise Zaporzan and Associates, a strategy practice based in Manitoba and is on Fempower today! @dbydenise Denise Zaporzan is a talented, brave and warm woman. She lights up any room she is a part of. She has reinvented herself so many times in her career and it’s a fascinating story of courage and faith. Our conversation is so warm and endearing. Although we talk business and real advice, there is so much real life in this conversation. This is a deeply rich conversation filled with so many golden nuggets of advice and thought provoking insights.   As a trusted advisor, Denise demonstrates her passion, energy, and knowledge of strategy and leadership through work with public and private clients. Denise is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), and received the prestigious Fellowship CPA (FCPA) designation in 2010, the profession’s highest recognition of significant career achievements and contributions to community. In 2017, Denise developed and launched her newest initiative, D by denise, a Canadian lifestyle blog, brand, and e-commerce platform. D by denise publishes content celebrating the modern middle-aged professional woman, and collaborates with local (Canadian) brands and media to celebrate the authentic voice of the modern, middle-aged female audience.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Her background and how she reinvented herself in the middle of her thriving career How Denise held her ground when she was blind-sided in her career path Her honesty, integrity and vulnerability How she overcame fighting for her job while placing her family first The importance of relationships and connection Denise’s golden nuggets of advice for women in business and life Denise’s latest venture, her blog, D by Denise for the modern middle-aged woman Intergenerational mentorship and knowledge transfer Conversation as a means to knowledge and wisdom Entrepreneurship, Vision and Strategy Meeting Ariana Huffington in person and the impact of her work on Denise’s life Denise’s gratitude journal Moments for wellness and giving back Saying NO, creating boundaries and honouring your time and space How Denise found meditation in a dark time of her life Denise’s most importance strategic tips for YOUR business Motherhood & Family First Tips on networking for both the introvert and the extrovert Denise’s book recommendations Daring Greatly @brenebrown Thrive @arianahuffington The Power of Introverts @susancain Denise’s hidden talent & secretly desired superpower The Goddess that I assign to Denise Bonus Items: RSVP by email to hello@fempower.ca to reserve a seat for the First Fempower LIVE! Event happening July 11/18, 7pm at  the Good Earth Coffee House on 455 Sterling Lyon Parkway, Winnipeg MB, featuring Giovanna Minenna of Brows by G https://browsbyg.com/ There will be door prizes! Announcement Fempower Bracelets on SALE now on www.fempower.ca hand-picked natural crystals and stones personally selected for their properties and meanings. Find out more on the site! Join the Fempower Tribe!   LINKS: Recommended Reading Daring Greatly by Brene Brown Thrive by Ariana Huffington The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain Denise’s Blog: D by Denise https://dbydenise.com/ Denise’s Company: Denise Zaporzan and Associates http://www.denisezaporzan.com/

  Diane Gray, founding president and CEO of CentrePort Canada is on Fempower today! @dianegrayy @centreportcanada Diane Gray is an exceptional woman. She’s quietly leading a major infrastructure project in the middle of the Canadian prairies, if you haven’t heard about it yet, you most definitely will soon -- in-fact it’s a multi-million dollar foreign trade zone unique to North America. But it’s not just that about her…it’s about how she makes her decisions to take giant leaps and risks with such a grounded confidence in who she is and what she brings to the table. From her roles in government, juggling multiple portfolios as Deputy Minister of Finance, Deputy Minister of Federal-Provincial and International Relations, and Deputy Minister of Trade, while caring for a newborn in office, to how she left the security of her position to leap into a giant infrastructure “start-up” type business and the vast wisdom of her experience that she brings to all she does, Diane leads with a vision for the future, for the next generations, while remaining rooted in the now.  In this episode we discuss: What she was like as a child and how she got to where she is now How she handled caring for a newborn while maintaining her position as Deputy Finance Minister in government How she got the job she has today that she didn’t apply for CentrePort Canada – North America’s largest inland port and how it’s not your typical industrial park The skill set to succeed in government and leadership, what she uses, what crosses over and what she’s still learning Her advice for attaining mutual goals for large projects with many different interests Her love of the Arts, how she supports it and what it means to her And Diane’s secret superpower, she didn’t even need to wish for one because she has it already! The Goddess I assign to Diane Bonus Items: Announcement for the First Fempower LIVE! Event happening July 11/18, 7pm featuring Giovanna Minenna of Brows by G https://browsbyg.com/ Announcement Fempower Bracelets on SALE now on fempower.ca hand-picked natural crystals and stones personally selected for their properties and meanings. Find out more on the site! Join the Fempower Tribe!

Chef Alessandra Quaglia is a phenomenal women, she has a very colourful life, playing with all the senses, dancing her way through life, following her heart and her passion, running her businesses, keeping her entrepreneurial hat on, taking chances, taking risks and living by the philosophy of “letting go” , following her heart to lead her all over the world. She is a Chef, restaurateur, author, parent, carpenter, blogger and dancer. She has recently let go of a big part of her life and followed her heart to start a new business in Cuba! Her story is amazing, a woman who was trailblazing in the trades 20 years ago as one of the only women in the kitchens of France where she cultivated her passion for Southern French Cuisine. We discuss… -how Alessandra fell in love with food and how it lead her to France. -her multiple passions of food, dance travel, and business -Alessandra’s cookbook – New World Provence – which I personally recommend! -lessons she has learned in her journey - in business and in life -the advice she wants to share with other women about the art of seduction and stepping into owning the diving feminine with confidence that is seductive yet strong. -the “letting go” philosophy she lives by -her passion for dance and what it has allowed her to bring into her daily life -motherhood and now her transition into grand-motherhood -Her latest venture in Cuba, as a travel and adventure guide with her business “My Cuban Adventures” -The Goddess that I assign to Alessandra -Al’s secret super power and the super power she wished she could have!      

Welcome to Episode 2! I'm thrilled to introduce you to our first Goddess and to share "the table" with this formidable women - the wonderful Mariette Mulaire. We recorded this episode last week on site at the World Trade Centre in Winnipeg, MB. Mariette is such an inspiration. She is fierce and warm. She knows how to lead with her heart and when to put the power behind the punch. Her outlook on life and business is truly inspirational and I'm so honoured to have her as our first guest. She's the Real Deal! This episode is full of rich advice that the sooner we hear it, the better! So let's get to it... IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS Finding your Inner Power How her roots lead to where she is today The importance of multiculturalism Empowerment of Women Why Diversity Matters Leadership & Confidence International Trade The Gratitude Principal Qualities you need to embrace to do business How to win at the boardroom and get a seat at the table The divine feminine in business The power of choices Motherhood & Business Martial Arts Mariette's secret super power The Goddess that I assign to Mariette!

Episode 1 of Fempower introduces your host, Dr. Andrea Kraj, her background, why she created the show, how it was divinely guided to be and the story behind the story. We are all divine goddesses ready to contribute and thrive. Learn how you can join the community and share your story or suggest someone else. Find out what we are up to and where we are going. We look forward to hearing from you!

Be introduced to Fempower! Have a listen to our vibe and our story. More episodes coming soon, so subscribe and stay tuned - we have some magnificent stories coming your way!