Standing Out

Having founded Open Door Educational Services in 2013, Heather Desjardins felt as if she was just getting started in a field filled with possibilities. So, she was especially honored to be named a finalist in the Established Entrepreneurs category for the 2020 Women's Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year awards. After leading a small academy's special education program, Heather combined her spark for business strategy with her desire to help a broader range of special ed. students. The results were Open Door's private tutorial services for children struggling to learn how to read and write. Her super power? It's her team of tutors, who are “super invested in each student they work with.” Join us for today's superlative Standing Out conversation with Heather Desjardins.

Born to deaf parents, Roxanne Whiting knows the challenges deaf people face as they struggle to hear and be heard. She's also familiar with the inexperience most people have at interpreting sign language. As co-owner and director of video interpreting for SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING ASSOCIATES OTTAWA (SLIAO), Roxanne is harnessing the latest technologies to bridge these critical communication gaps. A 2020 Women's Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year Established Entrepreneur nominee, Roxanne explains how Zoom and similar pandemic-related tools have provided several new “Aha!” moments in sign language interpretation. Join us to learn more in today's Standing Out conversation with Roxanne Whiting.   SLIAO: https://sliao.ca/services/text-to-asl-lsq/

“If we're doing a great job, you should never know we're there.” That's how Meghan Dagenais describes her fascinating career as co-founder and president of Restoration Co. Providing specialized subcontracting services to home improvement contractors across Canada, Meghan and her team do their important work behind the scenes. But that didn't stop the Women's Business Network of Ottawa from noticing Meghan's energy, determination, and team-building skills, and naming her a finalist in its 2020(?)Business Woman of the Year Emerging Entrepreneurs category. What's it like to manage asbestos removal, biohazards, and emergency repairs – while keeping your field technicians upbeat and on the job? You'll find out in today's Standing Out episode with Meghan Dagenais.

As a finalist in the 2019 BYA's in the Professional Services category, Sabrina Fitzgerald describes a scenic view to becoming the Managing Partner of the National Capital Region of PwC. Stemming from early mentorship from her Father, Sabrina opens up to how she consistently discovers ways to be creative inside PwC, including adventure & internal teaching opportunities in Canada. Sabrina's story contains a fascinating theme of “sticking to work I do best”, namely helping family-owned business and entrepreneurs. Sabrina's values become evident in this conversation, in how ‘family time' is strongly prioritized. The Fitzgerald dogs also make an appearance midway through the discussion. Enjoy the episode!

As a finalist in the 2020 Women's Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year Emerging Entrepreneurs category, Jennifer Reynolds shows how a bit of fresh thinking can invigorate even a relatively staid profession, like divorce attorney. Founder of Fresh Legal, Jennifer was determined to provide a fresh-start approach for individuals seeking mediation or legal services during separation or divorce. She also relates how she makes time for self-care, and mentors other young attorneys to do the same. A favorite release? Knitting. “It lets my hands do something,” she says, “while my brain percolates something else in the background.” Podcasts are another good way to de-stress at the end of the day. Join us for today's Standing Out episode with attorney Jennifer Reynolds.

“Is a little customer service too much to ask for?” Who hasn't wondered this after hiring a so-so contractor to renovate their home or business? While most of us vent our frustration and move on, Tonya Bruin decided to do something about it. In 2015, she founded “To-Do Done,” a residential and commercial renovation service, and champion of customer care. Woman-owned and operated, culturally diverse, with 1% of its earnings dedicated to community service, Tonya's business earned her a finalist position in the Emerging Entrepreneur category for the 2020 Women's Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year awards. How does she ensure her tradespeople shine on the job? Find out in today's Standing Out conversation with Tonya Bruin

Vanessa Kanu, Chief Financial Officier at Mitel, joins Nancy Graham and Brady Plunkett to talk about her experiences and being a finalist for the WBN Businesswoman of the Year Award in the Organization category!

As a finalist in the 2019 Women's Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year- Organization category, and chief advancement officer for the Carleton University Foundation, Jennifer Conley knows what it takes to run a great organization. Beyond “passion and heart,” she suggests using the same best practices found in the corporate world: innovative disruption, creative collaboration, and fiscal accountability. Jennifer describes her own life's arc as a series of interconnected circles, linking her to her current career. “The reason I'm so passionate about raising funds to support higher education, is because higher education gave me the funds to go to university.” Tune in for more inspiring insights from Jennifer Conley.

Nancy and Brady have a chat with Jacqueline Belsito, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Engagement of CHEO Foundation. Jacqueline is a Finalist in the Organization Category for the Women's Business Network's Businesswoman of the Year Award!

How did Christina Hlusko start out studying marine biology, but become president and CEO of CAA of North & East Ontario? A lifelong learner, active listener, and passionate traveler, she describes her career as an outcome of her genuine curiosity. “Happiness is being able to get up each and every morning and say, ‘I made a difference yesterday and I can make a difference today,'” says Hlusko. She's also thrilled to see her adult daughter Julia flourish and become “her own amazing person” (with whom Hlusko loves to travel). Named Business Woman of the Year at the 2019 Women's Business Network of Ottawa award ceremony, Hlukso's enthusiasm is contagious. You'll discover this yourself by tuning into today's Standing Out podcast.

Some good things really do come in smaller packages – such as the close-knit networking group Anjali Dilawri co-founded several years ago. Called “Laughter and Conversation,” this select business women's group has helped participants make a meaningful difference in one another's lives. Similarly, after her maternity leave, Dilawri opted out of her former “big six” CPA firm career, and joined the mid-sized Logan Katz, LLP. There, she was able to work part-time when her kids were young, and transition into becoming the firm's first female partner. A finalist in the 2019 Women's Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year Professional category, Dilawri describes how she has successfully balanced family and career in today's Standing Out podcast.

From university on, Amy Friesen knew her life's calling was to improve senior lifestyles in her community. But after a decade of serving in individual senior facilities, she decided she could do even more by breaking away from her comfortable career. In 2014, she founded Tea & Toast, a complimentary professional service for seniors and their families. Adding TheLocalSenior.com in 2018, Amy and her team have helped countless seniors and their families “get to that right spot for them.” In today's episode, you'll hear Amy's bold story, which earned her a 2018 Business Woman of the Year Emerging Entrepreneur award from the Women's Business Network of Ottawa. Listen to some of Lynn's own timeless words of wisdom in today's podcast, and discover why she was a finalist in the Women's Business Network of Ottawa Businesswoman of the Year awards.

Nancy and Brady recently spoke with Doris Belland about fixed income investing in the current environment. Doris is the founder and thought leader of the Women's Money Group and Your Financial Launchpad. She is dedicated to empowering, teaching, mentoring and supporting women in learning about money and investing to support their financial independence. Learn more about the Women's Money Group: https://yourfinanciallaunchpad.com/womens-money-group/

You might not think you could find a common thread among business, athletics and a love for nature. That would be before you heard today's episode, with HOK Principal Lynn Ferron. Living by her motto, “get involved, and reap the benefits,” Lynn also is a past president of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) Eastern Ontario Chapter, and loves to mentor future interior designers. An avid outdoor runner, she is inspired by nature's timeless designs, and integrates the results into her work. Listen to some of Lynn's own timeless words of wisdom in today's podcast, and discover why she was a finalist in the Women's Business Network of Ottawa Businesswoman of the Year awards.

Regional managing partner in a national law firm, a Women's Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year, TEDx speaker, parent to three children … there aren't many barriers Katherine Cooligan hasn't faced, and overcome. How does she do it? Early on, she learned how to “build a network with a net in it.” Whether it's facing painful life choices, mentoring others, or creating team synergy, Cooligan shares her ideas on how to bring joy and meaning into an integrated work-life balance. Tune in to hear more of Katherine's fascinating story.   Conversations with empowered businesswomen about the milestones that made them who they are. Hosted by Nancy Graham of PWL Capital.  

Conversations with empowered businesswomen about the milestones that made them who they are. Hosted by Nancy Graham of PWL Capital. As a seasoned human resources executive (and former 911 dispatcher!), Karen Brownrigg had seen it all across a tapestry of industries and sectors. What better background for launching her own HR advisory service in 2016? When COVID-19 arrived, Karen's creative talents shifted into overdrive. In today's podcast, she shares her ideas on how businesses can successfully “build the airplane while it's flying,” by being flexible and inclusive, and investing in critical infrastructure. Karen also describes a life-altering experience of her own, which strengthened her appreciation for unexpected gifts during crises. It's no wonder Karen was a professional services finalist in the 2019 Women's Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year. Tune in to hear more of her inspiring ideas.

Conversations with empowered businesswomen about the milestones that made them who they are. Hosted by Nancy Graham of PWL Capital. How do you develop a tiny enterprise that started in a young mother's home office, into a book of business generating $1 million in annual revenue, powered largely by women-only capital? You'll learn how in today's BYA special episode, with Jennifer McGahan, of Jennifer McGahan Interiors. Jennifer credits her success to being unafraid of technology, real estate, investing, and business development. Her mission is to build a network of women who come together to “invest, make money and create wealth for their futures.” Check out Jennifer's story today, and why she is an Emerging Entrepreneur Business Woman of the Year finalist from the Women's Business Network of Ottawa.

Conversations with empowered businesswomen about the milestones that made them who they are. Hosted by Nancy Graham of PWL Capital. In today's special Businesswoman of the Year Award episode, you'll meet the remarkable Allyson Chisnall, who will relate how she transitioned from being a “couch potato” and full-time accountant, to becoming a triathlete, and CFO/COO of MediaStyle. How does she do it … and raise a family? She credits teamwork, determination, and the power of being open to asking others for help. She also prioritizes making room for personal time. “I say to my friends who are struggling, make an appointment with yourself, and keep that appointment.” That's good advice, and one reason Allyson was nominated for a Business Woman of the Year award from the Women's Business Network of Ottawa. Check out the rest of Allyson's tips today.

Conversations with empowered businesswomen about the milestones that made them who they are. Hosted by Nancy Graham of PWL Capital. In this Businesswoman of the Year Award special episode, Nancy and Brady sit down with Jennifer MacKinnon. After 19 years in business, Fenix Solutions founder and CEO Jennifer MacKinnon almost makes it seem easy to start a high-tech business from scratch, and watch it grow. The truth is, her first project was almost her last! In today's episode, Jennifer describes how she not only survived her first big setback, she ended up converting it into her first big score. Her secrets to success? Build the right team of fellow entrepreneurs, empower them to act … and remain resilient. “If you're tired, rest,” says Jennifer. “But you can't quit.” It's no wonder the Women's Business Network of Ottawa named Jennifer its 2019 “Established Entrepreneur” Business Woman of the Year. Listen in to today's podcast for other inspiring tips from a true professional.