Her Money, Her Way

Ask people how they truly feel about work, and you'll hear about a general malaise, a loss of feeling that the work matters. But for many of us, just dropping out isn't the answer, nor is it for employers. How do we improve things at a time when we seem to have so many fires to put out? That's what Lisa Bragg explores in this episode of Bold(h)er with workplace culture expert, Jennifer Moss.

Explore the intricate world of legacy planning and the unseen challenges that accompany it. With insights from Sarah King and Elizabeth Dorsch, host Lisa Bragg learns about what can be a tumultuous journey of personal succession. You'll want to hear this episode even if you're not in a family business as it will help you consider your own succession planning.

“This business will be yours one day.” It's a simple statement that is loaded with drama. Marlene Morrison Nicholls tells us about the unique pressures of working under a family name, managing not just a business but also intricate relationships and expectations that can complicate both personal and professional growth, on this episode of Bold(h)er with Lisa Bragg.

Explore how vulnerability can be transformed into a source of strength in this engaging discussion on Bold(h)er. The episode with guest Jenny Blake and host Lisa Bragg, delves into the benefits of transparency in the professional world, showing how discussing challenges and setbacks openly can break down stigmas around failure, encouraging a culture of learning and growth among entrepreneurs and professionals.

In the 2019-20 winter season, Maya Gabeira surfed the biggest wave at more than 22 meters (73.5 feet), making it the largest wave surfed that season. The Brazilian is a trailblazer, author, and business owner who has a great reframe on failure that you'll want to hear in this episode of Bold(h)er. Join Lisa Bragg and Maya Gabeira in conversation.

Representation is more than one and done. It needs to be seen throughout an ecosystem, including at the foundation, in texts for students. Vania Sakelaris realized women were missing from business case studies. As she tells Lisa Bragg in this episode of Bold(h)er, she has made it her mission—and her business—to ensure that women's triumphs and trials also shape the curriculum in business schools

Dive into a world where understanding money is not just empowering, but also a personal journey of growth and confidence. In this episode of Bold(h)er, Lisa Bragg welcomes Saijal Patel, a financial literacy educator and advocate. Together, they explore how breaking down financial barriers and embracing knowledge can lead to transformative decisions in our lives.

The competition is heating up in the world, but you might feel like you're mentally slowing down. In this Bold(h)er episode, host Lisa Bragg learns about brain performance and reducing stress from brain performance expert Jamie Wood.

In the pursuit of knowledge, especially during turbulent times, diversity of thought produces solutions to complex problems both in society and in the workplace.  In this Bold(h)er episode with Deland Kamanga (Group Head, BMO Wealth Management) and Lisa Bragg, we unpack the importance of embracing both mentorship and continuous learning to develop diverse, multi-dimensional teams.  

It can be subtle as a whispered comment or overt, such as hiring discrimination, but ageism is in our workplaces. It is one that will happen to all of us unless we start to understand the problem, challenges and opportunities. On Bold(h)er, Lisa Bragg finds out about age discrimination from ‘Age Provocateur' Helen Hirsh Spence.  

Belonging, it's a significant key to a thriving workplace. But, for it to take hold, we all need to be bold. In this episode of Bold(h)er, Dr. Rumeet Billan talks to Lisa Bragg about what belonging truly means, why we all need to understand intersectionality and how those labels that we all so quickly put on each other are a trap to genuinely getting to know someone and helping them to thrive.

Join us for part two of Bold Moves: Past, Present and Future of Women In Business. On this episode of Bold(h)er, host Lisa Bragg is joined by leadership coach Jill Proud and Zuly Matallana, a small business owner. They'll talk about the challenges of running a small business and what those who want to support women in business can do to help.

This next evolution of Bold(h)er aims to bring you professional insights and real advice to fuel progress for your business and your investment decisions. We're looking at ‘Bold Moves,' that's our new tagline for the show. Our first two guests have made bold moves through their careers, and they're working to ensure current and future entrepreneurs win big with their moves. As Wendy Cukier and Rhona Levine-Ruben tell our host, Lisa Bragg, while their goal is for women entrepreneurs to win, there's a wider benefit to everyone who invests in this vital demographic.

Jenny Chen was a succesful financial planner, but then did a pivot most people wouldn't have thought, into a corporate role as a Senior Advisor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for BMO Wealth Management.     As she tells Lisa Bragg, her goal is to make a stronger workplace where she would want her daughters to work. 

It's Lynn Polsuns mission to combat brain-aging disorders. Most research on the brain doesn't focus on women, but research shows that women are much more affected than men. In this episode of Bold(h)er, learn about important lifestyle choices that protect your brain health as you age, starting as young as 20.

Keep. Throw out. Work on. Dionne Grayson, founder of Building Your Dreams says, we need to do that inventory from time to time to keep moving ourselves forward. As she tells Bold(h)er host, Lisa Bragg, there's a life that you're designed to lead, but you have to give it some help.  

Your career is a long game. There are lessons, pivots, losses, wins and maybe some gaps. In this episode of Bold(h)er, BMO's Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of People & Culture Mona Malone and Dr. Talia Varley of The Cleveland Clinic join Lisa Bragg to talk about the elusive idea that there's a career path with definitive milestones. Encore presentation. Originally aired June 2021. 

Lisa Mattam named her business after the Hindi word for “intuitive” – Sahajan. Her beauty business is based on Ayurvedic traditions her family and generations before had used. They knew it worked, and Lisa set out to prove those claims with modern science. As she tells Lisa Bragg, her goal is to have a company with sustainability rooted in all of its actions.  

When Anu Bidani decided to pivot from her corporate role, she took the leap knowing she had strong leadership skills and a willingness to always be learning. In this episode of Bold(h)er, she tells Lisa Bragg that finding others on a similar journey and building a community was critical to turning her idea into a global enterprise.

Most of the volunteers have quietly retired, but the impact of Vaccine Hunters in Canada is still a high point for many. The volunteer-based organization saw a need to be a beacon in a very chaotic and messy vaccination rollout. Those volunteers are now being recognized for the heroes they are. One of those heroes, Sabrina Craig, sat down with Lisa Bragg for this episode of Bold(h)er.

Unleash everything you are and become everything you want – that's a big statement, but that's what Leslie Ehm promises you'll gain if you develop Swagger. It's not that bold, brash idea of the word that you used to have. Instead, as she told Lisa Bragg in this month's episode, having swagger will unlock new opportunities, help you to go for the wealth you want, and free you from limiting, old scripts.

When you think of an inventor, what comes to mind? Well, now think of a 19-year-old woman in first-year biomedical engineering at University. Lianna Genovese is an award-winning inventor. As she tells Lisa Bragg, she's inspired by the people she's helping.

Having your own stash of cash is critical to your safety and freedom, according to Stephanie Wolfe. In this episode, Stephanie tells Lisa Bragg other tips that will keep you ahead during these turbulent times.

A mentor can see in you what you don't see in yourself. Vivian Pickard says her successful 40-year career at General Motors was thanks to mentors who took the time to propel her forward. As she tells Lisa Bragg, walking in as your highest self is the secret to success.

It's a life that sounds like an action-adventure movie, and it suits Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret'd) Susan Beharriell's childhood motto of “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” But as Lisa Bragg found out in this episode of Bold(h)er, it's society and women that have significantly gained from Susan's bold moves.

Sink or swim was how Robin Howlings had to learn business and to become a manager. Then one day, someone told her, "everyone hates you… and they're all going to quit.” Harsh, but as Howings tells Lisa Bragg, that was a transformative moment that not only changed her and her company but also changed those around her.

Noemi Perez would tell you some people used to consider her a failure.  She was born in one of the United States' poorest communities and became a mom at 15. As Noemi tells Bold(h)er host, Lisa Bragg, she's been proving people wrong for decades. Now, as the CEO of the Immokalee Foundation, she's helping others to define their own path to success. 

The formula for success that you were given at a young age might be something that's holding you back now. In this special episode of Bold(h)er, host Lisa Bragg will tell us about Good Girl Syndrome, the crab bucket and how you might be able to get what you want now that the traditional gatekeepers are gone. 

Jennifer So is moving that needle that so many of us want to see pushed forward. She's helping companies and investors think about how we can have a better world through sustainable opportunities. She joins Bold(h)er host Lisa Bragg to explain Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives.  

Warning: this episode has content that may be sensitive for some listeners.  Reinvention is one of the boldest moves one can do in life. Former professional fighter Lina Khalifeh can attest to this. Born and raised in the Middle East, she isn't afraid of but rather, motivated by winds of change. In this Bold(h)er podcast, Lina talks to host Lisa Bragg about taking on a new path, the importance of a beginner's mindset and that Olympic dream, tailor-made for the ultimate SheFighter.

Born just as the WBNA was getting started, Kahleah Copper knows she's part of an important era of social justice, business, and taking the sport to a new level. As she tells Bold(h)er host Lisa Bragg, the league is making strides.

Your career is a long game. There are lessons, pivots, losses, wins and maybe some gaps. In this episode of Bold(h)er, BMO's Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of People & Culture Mona Malone and Dr. Talia Varley of The Cleveland Clinic join Lisa Bragg to talk about the elusive idea that there's a career path with definitive milestones.

Ask Sandi Treliving for a stat on women’s mental health, and be prepared to be shocked. When she found out how underserved women are in research on mental health, she decided to put her time, money and family into making a difference. Her daughter Katie is a big supporter, giving as she can to make sure that philanthropy is a multi-generational legacy. In this Bold(h)er podcast, they talk to Lisa Bragg about community, making a difference and supporting women.

A dumpster might be full of food, meanwhile, a neighbour’s fridge is empty. That paradigm frustrated Leah Lizarondo. Armed with a tech background and food industry experience, she realized she could be part of the solution. Her social enterprise is Food Rescue Hero.

Little sparks often lead us to our path. Almost 26 years ago, Alyse Nelson found her path to help women from around the globe to lead. Her organization, Vital Voices Global Partnership, searches the world for women leaders who have a daring vision for change, and partners with them to make that vision a reality.  

The higher up you go on the professional ladder, you'll find fewer women. It's often seen that women are forced to compete against each other for limited roles or a seat at the table. Instead, Jan Campbell and Betty Hines suggest women leaders need to come together to collaborate, strategize, grieve and celebrate. And, when you're at that table, look around to see whose voice needs to be added. 

Lorraine Pintal, comédienne, directrice artistique et directrice générale du Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, nous parle de la vision forte qui a servi de fondement à sa carrière et à la cataliste de toujours aller mieux.

Isabelle Fish is an entrepreneur who champions artisans and the stories that emerge from their work. This, coupled with her love for travel, led to the creation of Rue Pigalle. Rue Pigalle curates art-inspired, women-only trips for those who wish to expand their worldview in a meaningful way. In this episode, Isabelle delves into the importance of women finding time for themselves and embracing the unknown. Lisa and Isabelle talk about life’s transitions and the journeys that await women heading into the next chapter of mid-life and beyond.

When it comes to managing millennial women's money, Stefanie O'Connell is a pro. She inspires women to take control of their finances by examining barriers such as lack of confidence, lack of involvement, and cultural attitudes towards women and money. Stefanie helps women understand that being an effective manager of your own money is within reach for us all. In this conversation Lisa and Stefanie discuss how women can overcome these barriers, what it means to be in control of your finances, and the consequences of the language we use around money for the next generation of women.  About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

Dr. Maribel Lopez will be the first to tell you that her differences are what makes her strong. She inspires her students, as well as fellow Latinas all over the US, to achieve their dreams while staying true to their inner selves – not in spite of them. In their inspiring chat, Dr. Lopez tells Lisa about making the most of the hand you've been given, what prioritizing really means for busy moms, and the importance of sharing your story – if only to give someone else a nod that they're not alone.   About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

They say beauty's only skin-deep, and Candace Marino would agree. The Hollywood-renowned "LA Facialist" has made her mark on the global beauty industry through an emphasis on science-based care... and just-in-time red carpet skincare fixes. In this episode, Candace talks with Lisa about the rise of beauty influencers, skincare at home during COVID-19, and extraction satisfaction (yes - popping zits!). About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

Psychotherapist Gail Golden realized midway through her career that she needed a change, and made the leap to being a successful business consultant and author. In this episode of Bold(h)er, she talks about key techniques from her book Curating Your Life, like the practice of focusing your energies on the key elements of what it is you want to be known – and remembered – for. From practising self-kindness to learning when and how to say no, Gail emphasizes the importance of embracing fear over boredom and learning what really matters in your own life. About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

With so many tourist destinations shuttered or deserted due to COVID-19, what does the "new normal" look like for travel? CEO and Founder of Tully Luxury Travel Mary Jean Tully gives her insights into the changes the industry's already experienced and what's to come, and the reason travel's still here to stay – the undeniable spark of inspiration that comes from experiencing cultures and places outside of your own. About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

Cheekbone Beauty has its roots in a dream founder and CEO Jenn Harper had of little girls in lipgloss. In this episode, Jenn chats with Lisa about how she turned that dream into a successful, Indigenous-owned cosmetics company that gives back to its community, the environment, and strives for powerful representation in a traditionally closed-off industry. Jenn's story shows that we can learn Indigenous narratives as part of Truth and Reconciliation, and we can do the work to grow Indigenous communities, too. About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.

Employers and employees alike have a unique opportunity in the COVID era: to take stock of what they’re doing and decide if it’s right for them. This episode of a special Bold(h)er series on women leading innovation in the face of the coronavirus features recruitment expert and founder of The Leadership Agency Jamie Hoobanoff. She tells Lisa about the unique challenges and opportunities to hiring and finding work during a pandemic, the disruptive decisions employers can make during these times, and why women should apply to jobs that they seemingly have 60 percent of the qualifications for. About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic and its related professional, social, and economic effects continue, it’s of paramount importance to check in, and give yourself the tools to emotionally weather the storm. Lisa does just that with BMO’s Chief Inclusion Officer Paulette Jagers and Senior Manager Joyce Lum, sharing their tips for building and maintaining personal resilience in this instalment of a special Bold(h)er series on leadership during the coronavirus. Together, they practice breathing techniques, share the psychological benefits of meditation, exercise, sleep, and moderation, and work on fear-mitigation strategies that are critical for every leader’s toolkit, now and in the brighter future. About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life. 

When COVID-19 measures hit in the middle of March 2020, businesses had to make decisions in days, or even hours, that they would normally make in months or years. Continuing in a special Bold(h)er series on women innovating in the wake of the pandemic, Lisa is joined by Group Head of BMO Wealth Management Joanna Rotenberg to discuss what true leadership looks like when the world’s turned upside down. In their discussion, they share what it means to serve others in a crisis, unique struggles (and silver linings) of working from home, and the paramount importance of leadership emphasizing health: the health of clients, employees, and yourself. About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life. 

How is the Canadian government supporting its small businesses in the wake of changes mandated by COVID-19? Continuing on in a special Bold(h)er series on women and innovation in the face of the pandemic, our host Lisa brings pressing questions from fellow small business owners to Canada’s Minster of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng. From highlighting stories of trailblazing innovation and collaboration among all sectors to how essential it is to keep trade moving and businesses running, they acknowledge that there are hard times still ahead for Canadian small business, but that we can face them – and come out stronger on the other side – together. About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life.  A note on this episode: Minister Ng states in the interview that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy is taxable for the employer/company. As a clarification: The usual treatment of tax credits and other benefits provided by the government applies. As a consequence, the wage subsidy received by an employer is considered government assistance and is included in the employer's taxable income.

The rapid spread and severity of COVID-19 has meant sweeping changes in all aspects of human life; not least our lives at work. In the first of a special Bold(h)er series on women who are leading innovation in the face of the pandemic, HR lawyer and consultant Laura Williams joins Lisa for a candid discussion on how to hire, lead, and lay off in the face of COVID-19. From leading with fairness to finding support networks to alternatives to termination, their discussion is what every business owner needs to hear in these uncertain times: that you’re definitely not alone. About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life. 

Sometimes the nontraditional path can get you where you need to go in life. That was the case for Shav Hasfal-McIntosh. Early on, Shav challenged family expectations and dropped out of university and college only to go back later in life to complete her HR certificate. Now, as Shopify’s Diversity & Belonging Team Lead, she’s challenging conventions at work and striving to make colleagues feel included, valued, and heard. Shav’s story shows how she maneuvered through life’s ups and downs and ended up better for it. About the show: Brought to you by BMO for Women and hosted by journalist and award-winning entrepreneur Lisa Bragg, Bold(h)er delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire listeners to make their own bold moves in business and in life. 

Women often feel compelled to avoid making waves in their line of work. Not so for Amanda Brugel, award-winning actor. She pushed against stereotypical roles for women of colour and forged a successful career as a character actor, starring in The Handmaid’s Tale and hundreds of other Canadian and international productions. Amanda reinvented what it means to be a Black woman in film and television through asserting her individuality first. From daring to be the “wild card” in auditions to turning intention into life achievements, Amanda’s story shows that reinvention is possible: you just have to dare to do it.