The Honest Talk | Podcast for women

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The Honest Talk is a Canadian podcast for women who are looking for more – out of themselves, out of their businesses and elected leaders, and out of the world around them. ​At The Honest Talk, we interview North America’s most influential and inspiring women. Our guests are famous TV hosts and journalists, entrepreneurs and business leaders, and politicians. We break down silos so women can connect through shared stories, experiences and also our differences.

The Honest Talk


    • May 9, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 91 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Honest Talk | Podcast for women

    Jen & Catherine – From hockey night to election night, and celebrating women athletes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 16:41


    Jen and Catherine are back for another catch-up episode! In today's chat, they reflect on a busy week in Toronto, from election night insights to attending a cut-throat Sens vs. Leafs hockey game. They also dive into the growing momentum behind women's professional sports in Canada, shifting perceptions of women's bodies in sport, and how cultural expectations are evolving for the next generation. You don't want to miss it!

    Christina Litz – President of the Northern Super League

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 22:25


    Women's sports are having a moment – and in Canada, that momentum is only growing. From the rise of women's hockey to the launch of a brand-new professional soccer league, the game is changing fast. In this episode, we sit down with Christina Litz, president of the Northern Super League, who's leading the charge to bring pro women's soccer to cities across Canada.

    Jen & Catherine – Women's Summit season, election talk, and our emotional survival kits

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 13:31


    Jen and Catherine are back — and it's officially Women's Summit season! In this episode, they chat about the thrill of launch day, big-name speakers, and why they're so excited about this year's event. They also get candid about the upcoming Canadian election, what the polling says about the gender divide, and how they're each navigating the emotional rollercoaster of today's world (spoiler: quirky murder mysteries and rom-coms may be involved).

    Kathleen Wynne – Former Premier of Ontario

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 32:06


    Today, we're having a conversation with a woman who had a trailblazing career in politics: Kathleen Wynne! She served as a school trustee and a Provincial Parliament and cabinet member before she was elected Ontario's first and only female Premier. In her conversation with Jen and Catherine, she gets candid about setbacks, progress, and why she still believes in public service despite rising misogyny and political polarization. Tune in for a real, honest talk on resilience, leadership, and never giving up.

    Demetra Streda - SVP & National Head, Corporate Client Group at RBC

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 12:36


    Our special guest for this episode is Demetra Streda, who has had a long career with RBC. In her discussion with Jen and Catherine, she opens up about the power of finding your passion, igniting your curiosity, and taking risks in your career. She also talks about how she found herself working in finance, the importance of self-trust, and how she learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

    Sandi Gilbert – Fintech leader & community builder, shares why women should consider angel investing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 19:37


    The world feels especially unpredictable right now – wars, political shifts, financial instability. But even in this uncertainty, more women than ever are stepping up and launching businesses. So, what does it take to succeed as a woman founder today? How do you navigate challenges like being the only woman in the room during a pitch or securing funding in a male-dominated space? To help answer these questions, we're joined by Sandi Gilbert – fintech CEO, founder, and former Board Chair of the National Angel Capital Organization. She's spent years helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow, and today, she's here to share her insights and advice for women ready to make their mark in the business world.

    Jeanne Beker – A life in fashion and storytelling

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 30:23


    For so many of us, Jeanne Beker was our window into the world of high fashion. She took us behind the scenes at major runway shows, inside designer showrooms, and into conversations with the biggest names in the industry—both on the catwalk and in the front row. Now, Jeanne is sharing her own personal stories in her new book, Heart on My Sleeve, a memoir told through the clothes and accessories in her closet. In this episode, we sit down with the legendary fashion journalist to talk about her extraordinary career, her deep connection to fashion, and the moments that shaped her life. Join us for this fascinating conversation with the one and only Jeanne Beker.

    Jenna Sudds – Federal Cabinet Minister, community leader, and devoted mom

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 21:19


    Jenna Sudds' career has spanned public service, municipal leadership, and now federal politics. She's been a dedicated advocate for families, economic growth, and building strong, inclusive communities. But as a woman in politics, she also faces the harsh realities of online hostility, intense scrutiny, and the disproportionate aggression directed at women in leadership. In this conversation, we'll explore what it really means to be a woman in politics in 2025 — how Jenna navigates the challenges of her role, the support systems that help her thrive, and what needs to change to ensure more women not only enter politics but stay and succeed. But beyond the political arena, we'll also talk about life outside of work — how she manages to leave politics at the office in an all-consuming job, and what she does to be present as a mom and wife while balancing the demands of leadership.

    Arielle Meloul – Air Canada's HR Leader and one of the country's Top 100 Most Powerful Women

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 18:59


    Arielle Meloul is Canada's largest airline's Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs. She's been recognized as one of Canada's 100 most powerful women in business and is responsible for over 35,000 employees at Air Canada, where she's also helping to bolster the future of Women in Aviation. We are thrilled to have Arielle with us on The Honest Talk today! 

    Kelly Haston – Scientist, ultrarunner & Commander of NASA's Mars simulation project

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 23:56


    How would you feel about living on Mars? For some, the idea of 300 days in isolation might sound daunting. For others, like today's guest, it's a challenge worth embracing. Dr. Kelly Haston is no stranger to adventure. As the commander of NASA's first Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog, or CHAPEA, she spent 378 days inside a 3D-printed habitat that mimicked life on Mars. Today, she's sharing what it was like to step inside that simulated environment, close the door behind her, and leave Earth — mentally, if not physically — for over a year.

    Jen & Catherine – The Honest Talk holiday special

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 15:44


    Today is going to be different here on The Honest Talk. Usually, you're accustomed to hearing a guest on the podcast, but today, Jen and Catherine decided that they would end 2024 with a little conversation about the year that was – because it has been quite a year. They also wanted to make sure that you – our audience and our listeners – know just how grateful we are that you are a part of this journey with us every step of the way as we've continued to build and evolve The Honest Talk. As we wind down for the holiday season, we hope you enjoy this specialty episode of the podcast! 

    Kris Depencier – RBC's Executive Vice President, Regional Banking, Personal

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 18:10


    Kris Depencier has been immersed in the financial world for almost her entire career, working her way through the ranks at RBC to become Executive Vice President, Regional Banking, Personal. But Kris' dedication to helping clients achieve financial stability and success is matched by her deep investment in making positive change for all. She has consistently worked to create safe, inclusive workplaces within RBC and initiated tough internal conversations about women's health that help generate progressive change.

    Jenn Harper – Founder of Cheekbone Beauty

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 22:08


    Jenn has had quite a journey from starting the company as a side hustle in her basement to seeing her products sold in Sephora stores across Canada and JCPenney stores in the United States. She's been on Dragon's Den and has big plans for the future. She joined us for this exciting episode of The Honest Talk to tell us all about it.

    Elizabeth Renzetti – Bestselling Canadian-British author and journalist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 23:17


    It may come as a surprise that, in 2024, we are still having conversations about gender equality. But, the truth is that equality remains an illusion for many women. In this latest episode of The Honest Talk podcast, best-selling author and award-winning journalist Elizabeth Renzetti joins Jen and Catherine to better understand why. For years, Liz worked for the Globe and Mail, where she was a reporter, an editor, and a columnist. Her latest book, What She Said: Conversations About Equality, has just been released, and we are really thrilled to have her on the podcast to tell us all about it.

    Chinyere Eni – Head of RBC Origins

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 27:27


    On this episode of The Honest Talk podcast, Jennifer and Catherine sit down with Chinyere Eni. Not only is she Head of RBC Origins, but she's also had a really interesting career path, which has seen her embrace her own heritage while creating an inclusive professional space for others along the way. She also has an incredible personal story. She's overcome cancer and an amputation, and we all have a lot to learn from her courage and leadership.

    Mitzie Hunter – President & CEO of the Canadian Women's Foundation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 19:39


    Since she was a little girl, Mitzie Hunter has used her voice to make a big difference. Whether around the kitchen table with her three brothers, working with community organizations, or later at Ontario's provincial cabinet table, Mitzie has always focused on solutions. Recently, Mitzie was appointed president and CEO of the Canadian Women's Foundation, Canada's public foundation for gender justice and equality, an organization we're proud to call a partner here at The Honest Talk. Mitzie spoke with Jen and Catherine about her new professional mission and how she's helping other women lift their voices to make change.

    Vinita Savani – Senior Vice President of Personal Lending and Auto Finance at RBC

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 18:42


    In this episode, Jen and Catherine chat with Vinita Savani, who has moved her way up the ranks at RBC since starting with Canada's largest bank in 1997. Not only has Vinita stayed with RBC ever since, but she's now their Senior Vice President of Personal Lending and Auto Finance. Along the way, she's learned how to use her voice, mentor others, and be mentored. She's established boundaries that have allowed her to become a truly successful professional and a dedicated mom and spouse.

    Penny Wise – VP at 3M, shares the secret to empathetic leadership and getting women into STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 24:09


    Penny Wise has had a truly distinguished career. From taking on the role of President of 3M Canada to returning to the U.S. to lead the organization's global public policy and communications effort—and tirelessly advocating for women every step of the way—she is a force in the business community. She joined us at The Honest Talk to discuss women in leadership, how empathy can create a better workforce and the importance of inspiring more women and girls to join STEM.

    Natasha Holiday – Co-Head & Managing Director of Infrastructure (East) at RBC Capital Markets

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 22:40


    Our special guest for this episode is Natasha Holiday, Co-Head & Managing Director of Infrastructure (East) at RBC Capital Markets. Throughout our conversation, she offers invaluable insights on everything from navigating male-dominated industries to becoming a mom while maintaining a fast-paced, demanding career.  Tune in to this latest episode of The Honest Talk to hear Natasha's candid reflections on her near-win in a fiercely contested political race in New York State and the pivotal moment that led her to choose a career in finance.

    Sophie Grégoire Trudeau — mental health advocate, author of Closer Together

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 26:37


    Jennifer Gunter — Canadian gynecologist, author of The Vagina Bible, The Menopause Manifesto, and Blood

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 26:20


    Dr. Jennifer Gunter is a Canadian obstetrician and gynecologist, a pain-medicine physician, a podcaster, and a best-selling author. Her books The Vagina Bible, The Menopause Manifesto, and her latest, Blood, have brought conversations about women's health and periods to an absolutely new level. Dr. Gunter has been described as the most important truth teller in women's health. She joined us at The Honest Talk to chat about women's health, the myths and stigma around it, her own life, and the challenges we as a society are facing right now.

    Bif Naked — Canadian rock icon, breast cancer survivor

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 22:12


    We have talked to female political leaders and journalists, to activists and athletes. But this episode is the first time we speak with a leading punk rock artist! Bif Naked is a Canadian musical icon with a multi-decade, award-winning global career. In this episode of The Honest Talk, we talk with Bif about her birth in India and how being adopted by missionaries shaped her life. She shares with us her reflections on having breast cancer, being married three times, and staying positive in the face of the ups and downs that mark a life well lived.

    Silken Laumann — Three-time Olympian, Canadian champion rower, and mental health advocate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 30:46


    Silken Laumann captured the hearts and minds of Canadians by rowing for this country in three separate Olympics — and winning three Olympic medals. She also won a world championship and a gold medal in the Pan American Games. Her athletic career was exceptional. But what's so interesting about Silken is that she's also been a champion on another front — raising awareness about mental health. She's so serious about it that she founded an organization called Unsinkable, which helps people take steps toward mental well-being. She's also been very open about her own mental health journey and struggles.

    Melissa Carvalho — One of Canada's Top 20 Women in Cyber Security, and VP at RBC

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 18:53


    Join Jennifer and Catherine on this episode of The Honest Talk as they sit down with Melissa Carvalho, RBC's Vice President of Global Cyber Security Strategic Services. Recognized as one of Canada's Top 20 Women in Cyber Security by IT World Canada and a global executive standout, Melissa shares her inspiring journey — from dreaming of a career as a teacher to becoming a leading cyber security expert, to battling imposter syndrome and facing discrimination.In this honest conversation, Melissa discusses the pressing issue of cyber security affecting companies of all sizes. Get ready for an insightful discussion that goes beyond achievements, offering a glimpse into the personal challenges and triumphs of a woman who has broken barriers in the male-dominated world of cyber security. Don't miss this episode for a dose of inspiration and valuable insights into navigating a successful career in a rapidly evolving industry.

    Marilyn Denis — A legend of Canadian media

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2023 28:36


    Join Jennifer Stewart and Catherine Clark on this compelling episode of The Honest Talk as they sit down with the iconic Marilyn Denis. In an intimate and honest discussion, Marilyn opens up about the challenges women face in the media industry, confronting ageism with grace, and her personal journey through loss. The conversation takes an emotional turn as Marilyn shares her experience of losing a sister to cancer and how it has shaped her perspective on life. The episode also delves into Marilyn's heartwarming love story and explores her exciting plans for the future. Tune in for an inspiring and genuine conversation with one of Canada's beloved media personalities.

    Michelle O'Bonsawin — Canada's first Indigenous Supreme Court Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 24:01


    Michelle O'Bonsawin made history as Canada's first Indigenous Supreme Court Justice. She joined us at The Honest Talk to share insights from her 20-year legal career, including the adjustments she had to make in her personal life to take this role, security issues, and self-care. Join us as we explore her commitment to education and community service, and her vision for a more equitable and inclusive legal system.

    Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek: leadership in action

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 23:26


    Jyoti Gondek is the first female Mayor of Calgary – a leader who learned the value of compassion and empathy as the daughter of immigrants who came to Canada when she was a child. In this thought-provoking conversation with Jennifer and Catherine, Mayor Gondek discusses the importance of authenticity, the challenges of being a woman in politics, and the need to address polarization in society. She shares her perspective on the role of social media in politics, the power of data-driven decision-making, and her commitment to making life better for the people she serves. Discover how Mayor Gondek's unique background and unwavering dedication have shaped her approach to leadership and her vision for a more inclusive and compassionate future. Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration from Mayor Jyoti Gondek's remarkable journey in this engaging episode.

    One of the 100 Most Influential Black Canadian Women

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 22:44


    Our special guest for this episode is Harriet Thornhill, a former Vice President with RBC and a true champion of mentorship. Harriet has won numerous awards, including being named one of the 100 most influential Black Canadians, and she's a force to be reckoned with, now holding the prestigious position of Chancellor at Tyndale University. Immerse yourself in this empowering episode of The Honest Talk where Harriet shares her insights, experiences, and invaluable wisdom that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to conquer your own goals. Share your feedback with us — we would love to have your review. If you love the episode, please rate the show. Follow us on Instagram to find even more advice from Canada's most inspiring women: https://www.instagram.com/_thehonesttalk/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-honest-talk/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_TheHonestTalk

    The woman who trained the Ukrainian army

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 26:53


    Lieutenant-Colonel Melanie Lake is one of the most public-facing women in the Canadian Armed Forces. As Task Force Commander of Operation UNIFIER, she led a team that trained the Ukrainian army months before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Melanie joins Jennifer and Catherine to talk about her experience as a woman in the Canadian Armed Forces and her decision to go to Ukraine when her daughter was five months old. In this episode, Melanie talks about her childhood, her mother's reaction to a tour of duty in Afghanistan, and why she decided to make a career in the military. Share your feedback with us-we would love to have your review. If you love the episode, please rate the show. Follow us on Instagram to find eve more advice from Candaa's most inspiring women: https://www.instagram.com/_thehonesttalk/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-honest-talk/ And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_TheHonestTalk

    Ambassador Kirsten Hillman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2023 22:05


    Kirsten Hillman is Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. and the first woman ever to hold this role. In the past, she has also played a critical part in negotiating major trade agreements for Canada. Ambassador Hillman joined Jennifer and Catherine to talk about the preparation for President Biden's historic visit to Ottawa in March and how the team at the Canadian Embassy to the U.S. was involved in the process. She also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at her career and talked about her childhood, mentoring women, and making choices around things that make her happy.

    Christina Cleveland

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2023 28:02


    Christina Cleveland is RBCs Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion. At a time when D&I discussions are top of mind for businesses, governments, institutions, and individuals across the country and around the world, she shares various perspectives on the importance of why everyone needs to Speak Up for Inclusion.

    Premier Heather Stefanson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 24:03


    Heather Stefanson is the 24th Premier of Manitoba and the first woman ever to hold the role. She was elected to the Manitoba legislative assembly in 2000, and she has won every election since. Premier Stefanson has navigated the ups and downs of politics for over 20 years. She has mentored other women who want to get involved in public service, and she has raised two kids while serving her constituency, her community and her province. The Premier joins Jen and Catherine on this episode of The Honest Talk to discuss her childhood, making choices between family and career and managing stress and pressure.

    Anne-Marie Mediwake

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2023 26:46


    Canadians from coast to coast jumpstart their mornings with journalist Anne-Marie Mediwake, co-host of Your Morning on CTV. An award-winning national journalist, Anne-Marie has worked at every major television news organization in the country, reporting on some of the biggest news stories of our time. She is a reporter, a mom of triplets and a friend to morning people everywhere, and she joins Jen and Catherine on this episode of The Honest Talk. Listen as she generously shares the behind-the-scenes scoop on her career and family life, her advocacy, and her childhood in Saskatchewan and Alberta after her parents immigrated to Canada when she was a baby.

    Flora Do

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 21:31


    Meet Flora Do, a remarkable woman who is helping to reshape the face and voice of modern corporate Canada. A progressive and influential voice in Canada's largest bank, she is the Vice President of Investments, Transformation and Client Segments at RBC and the head of RBC Healthcare. She has made a big impact at Canada's largest bank and on the generation of women leaders who are coming up behind and beside her in the workplace. Flora joins Jen and Catherine to talk about it all: her career, management style, childhood, and her incredible mother. It's personal, it's informative-and it's honest. Listen now and prepare to be inspired.

    Vassy Kapelos

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2022 40:45


    Vassy Kapelos is one of the most well-known figures in Canadian media and politics, and the latest guest on The Honest Talk. An award-winning journalist, she hosted Power and Politics on CBC for five years before recently announcing a move to CTV News. There, she will take on the role of Chief Political Correspondent and host not one, but two shows: Question Period and Power Play. On the heels of her biggest career move yet, Kapelos sat down with Jennifer Stewart and Catherine Clark for this episode of The Honest Talk. From her first job in Saskatchewan to her new national radio show and bellwether hosting gigs, her childhood, marriage, parenting and more, this interview covers it all.

    Jacie deHoop

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022 18:10


    A sports website for women-identifying fans? Now, that is a home run! Just ask Jacie deHoop, co-founder of The GIST, a thriving sports media company and the go-to source for sports coverage and conversations for women. Launched across North America in 2019 by three college friends — Jacie deHoop, Ellen Hyslop and Roslyn McLarty — The GIST is all about changing the game in the male-dominated sports industry, where fewer than 14% of journalists are women and less than 4% of coverage is on female athletes. On this episode of The Honest Talk, Jacie joins Jennifer Stewart and Catherine Clark to talk about launching The GIST and creating content for women-identifying sports fans. She also breaks down the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm that have grown The GIST from a weekly newsletter to a multi-platform powerhouse in just three years.

    Vicki Saunders

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 24:43


    Vicki Saunders is making her mark in a radically different way. Over the span of her career, Vicki has co-founded and run ventures all over the world. She is an acclaimed author, a mentor, a public speaker, an award winner, and a change maker. At 50 years old, she founded SheEO, now Coralus, a global not-for-profit that finances woman-identifying and non-binary entrepreneurs. Seven years later, the community has successfully expanded into the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom – with no end in sight. Vicki joins Jen and Catherine on the latest episode of The Honest Talk to chat about her life, her values and her thriving venture capital firm that is rolling out a ground-breaking regenerative capital model and getting attention the world over.

    Stephanie Dexter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 20:13


    Stephanie Dexter is the first female president of UPS Canada. From being a package handler to senior leadership, Stephanie has seen it all during a phenomenal career that has spanned over 30 years. Although things are starting to change, the feeling of being the only female in the room is all too familiar to her. In this free and frank conversation, Stephanie – who is a champion for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry – talks to Jen and Catherine about her professional journey and her inspiration. She shares how she rose through the ranks in a male-dominated corporate world and never let fear of failure affect her decisions to take on more responsibilities. She also discusses the importance of having both male and female allies and shares her valuable advice to other women looking to be in leadership roles.

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    Minister Carla Qualtrough

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 29:56


    “At a very young age, I seriously committed to myself that I would accept people for who they were.” The Honourable Carla Qualtrough won three Paralympics and four World Championship medals and was named one of Canada's most influential women in sport six times. Following her exceptional sporting career, she became a human rights lawyer and political leader, currently serving as Canada's Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion, where she lives out her deep commitment to equity and inclusivity. In this dynamic conversation with Jen and Catherine, Carla Qualtrough speaks candidly about growing up legally blind and the bullying she endured because of it. She also discloses what drove her to politics, discusses the biggest obstacles currently facing people with disabilities, and reveals how the Paralympics made her who she is today.

    Hazel McCallion

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2022 26:26


    “If you want to be a success, you've got to work hard and you've got to give the time that is required to be a success.” She was one of the longest-serving mayors in Canadian history, and under her leadership Mississauga grew to be the 6th largest city in Canada. Though she is retired from politics, Hazel McCallion is still living up to her nickname of Hurricane Hazel at the age of 101. Hazel is a Canadian legend, sought out by prime ministers and premiers and inspiring thousands. She joins us on The Honest Talk to discuss her childhood where she witnessed the Great Depression, her secret to political success, her thoughts on politics today, and why she has always worked to prove herself at the local level. Hazel also talks about how she would like to be remembered and gives some valuable advice to young women about speaking their minds.

    Shachi Kurl

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2022 23:20


    “One of the enduring things that I will always take away from my time as a journalist, was how willing people were to be open and share their stories at some of their most vulnerable moments.” Shachi Kurl is President of the Angus Reid Institute, Canada's non-profit foundation committed to independent research, and an award-winning journalist. She is often found on television, radio, and in print offering analysis of current events and news taking place in Canada and across the globe. Shachi joins us on The Honest Talk to discuss her career path, her personal journey, tokenism, leaving a legacy, and her advice to other people looking to change their career paths.

    Heather Scoffield

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2022 20:42


    Heather Scoffield is the Ottawa Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star and an award-winning journalist. Previously, she spent almost a decade with the Canadian Press as their Ottawa Bureau Chief and also worked for the Globe and Mail. Heather has spent her career covering economics, public policy, and national politics and has been at the forefront of many of Canada's historic moments. She has also been named as one of Ottawa's 100 most influential people. In this episode of The Honest Talk, Jen and Catherine speak with Heather Scoffield about how journalism has changed for women over the years and the importance of having diverse representation in the news industry. Heather also talks about what made her become a journalist and issues that she thinks are critical in the current context. Finally, she dives into issues that she is passionate about and provides insight on how she managed to have a successful career while raising two kids.

    Katie Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2022 28:18


    “The notion that I'd someday be doing all the things that I am doing is almost unbelievable when you think about where I started.” – Katie Taylor Katie Taylor is recognized as one of the most influential women in corporate Canada. She is the Chair of the Board at RBC and the first woman to hold this role at a major Canadian bank. In Katie's remarkable professional journey, she has served as the President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and has been a member of several boards including The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and SickKids Foundation. Katie has received numerous awards including the Order of Canada. In this episode of The Honest Talk, Jen and Catherine speak with Katie Taylor about women's underrepresentation on corporate boards and what needs to be done to break the barrier. She also talks about recognizing and seizing opportunities when they come. As a successful corporate leader and the mother of three children, Katie shares insights on how she manages her work-life balance. Katie also discusses her partner's role in her life and the importance of investing in one's own future. Last but not least, she offers important advice to THT listeners about deciding for yourself, and not for others.

    Dr. Katharine Smart

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2022 20:53


    “For me throughout my career, advocacy has always been the thing that fires me up the most, brings me the most meaning, and where I feel the most satisfaction.” – Dr. Katharine Smart Dr. Katharine Smart is President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and a tireless and vocal advocate for children and youth, access to vaccines, and strengthening the Canadian health care system. Prior to her current role, she was a pediatric emergency medicine physician at the Alberta Children's Hospital and Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. In this episode of The Honest Talk, Jen and Catherine speak with Dr. Katharine Smart about her approach to leadership and why advocacy is so important to her. They also dive into her interest in global health, her experience working in Northern and remote communities, her role as a physician in Indigenous reconciliation, how she handled hateful online remarks for being a strong advocate for vaccines, and so much more.

    Jody Wilson-Raybould

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2022 25:46


    “Who I am and where I come from has enabled me to carry myself and be able to confront any challenge that has been put in front of me.” - Jody Wilson-Raybould She's a proud Kwakwaka'wakw person from the west coast of British Columbia with a phenomenal career in politics and community development. Jody Wilson-Raybould served as the independent Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Associate Minister of National Defense. Jody is also a lawyer, best-selling author, and leader in British Columbia's First Nations. She has been a champion of Indigenous and women's rights throughout her career. In this episode of The Honest Talk, Jen and Catherine speak with Jody about her proud identity and her inspiration, what gives her hope as we continue to struggle through the pandemic, and about her political memoir. Jody also opens up about speaking truth to power and shares how she handled criticism and hateful remarks in a time of national turmoil.

    Cheryl Tjok-A-Tam

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2022 23:48


    “If you can't be there for yourself, you are not going to have the ability and energy to take care of the others around you.” Cheryl Tjok-A-Tam is transforming the way major corporations embrace change and foster diversity, equity and communication. Cheryl is Vice President of Strategic Initiative and Change Management – Finance with the Royal Bank of Canada, the largest bank in the country. Cheryl immigrated to Canada from Jamaica as a child and rose through the ranks, overcoming biases and stereotypes to establish herself as a leading change agent. As a black woman, Cheryl has made it her mission to nurture a vibrant and collaborative workplace for all. In this episode of The Honest Talk, Jen and Catherine speak with Cheryl about progress made in workplace diversity and gender equity, and what more needs to be done. Cheryl also opens up about people who have inspired her and how she invests in herself to ensure she is able to make positive changes for others.

    Ginella Massa

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2022 20:49


    “I try to keep it real as much as possible because that's what helps people connect to our show.” Ginella Massa is an award-winning journalist and the host of Canada Tonight with Ginella Massa on CBC News Network. She is also Canada's first hijab-wearing television news reporter, local anchor, and national host. Throughout her career, Ginella has worked hard to make sure that diverse voices and stories are heard. In this energetic and motivating interview, Ginella talks to Jen and Catherine about her identity as a Muslim, what drives her forward in her professional life, what she thinks about social media, and much more.

    Mairead Lavery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 23:28


    “Challenges and adversities that you face are only the preparation for the next challenge you are going to face.” Mairead Lavery came to Canada as a young professional, and now she is making history. Mairead is the President and CEO of Export Development Canada (EDC) – the first woman ever to hold that position. In this episode of The Honest Talk, Jen and Catherine speak with Mairead about her phenomenal professional and personal experiences, what shaped her early career, what made her succeed in Canada, and what she thinks about the Canadian trade sector.

    Mandy Rennehan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2022 24:16


    She's smart, wickedly funny and totally down to earth, and she's the Blue-Collar CEO. Mandy Rennehan, the founder of multimillion-dollar retail renovation company Freshco (not the grocery store!), is well known for her authenticity, sense of humour and for championing women in a male-dominated industry. In this candid conversation, Mandy – who has a show coming out this spring with HGTV and a soon-to-be-released book from HarperCollins – talks to Jen and Catherine about the entrepreneurial ambitions that emerged when she was a child in rural Nova Scotia, the power of ambition, and the importance of listening, learning and being accountable.

    Lisa Weagle

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 20:39


    Two-time Olympian. World Champion. Communications Professional. There's no question that Lisa Weagle is working towards, and accomplishing, big goals. In this episode of The Honest Talk, Jen and Catherine speak with Lisa about how she's preparing for the 2022 Beijing Olympics with Team Jennifer Jones, her advice to young girls in sports, and how to use your voice.

    Rosemary Barton

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2021 20:59


    She is committed, brave and bold. Rosemary Barton, Chief Political Correspondent for CBC News, is an award-winning and long-time political journalist. She is also the first woman to hold this position. She is well known for breaking political news, asking tough questions, and being an inspiration to many young women across Canada. In this open and honest conversation, Rosemary talks to Jen and Catherine about what drives her forward in her professional & personal life, her relationship with social media and her contribution to the public conversation.

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