The People Teaching People Podcast

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, we are joined by Noreen Music, an extraordinary speaker, the author of The Unexpected Entrepreneur, and the owner and driving force behind Organize My Space Calgary.  Noreen's passion is helping people find lasting freedom in their homes and businesses through her transformational organizing services and productivity strategies. Her mission is to support her clients in removing any barriers or blocks to create a stress-free and calm state of flow in all parts of their lives. Out of this state comes abundance, time freedom, deep satisfaction, and greater success.   Listen in as we talk about: 02:13 Has Noreen always been organized?  03:37 Becoming a professional organizer and an unexpected entrepreneur 08:57 Teaching and learning as a professional organizer 12:15 Noreen's top productivity tips 19:39 "Where do I even start?" when it comes to organization 23:36 The “why” for being more productive and organized  29:03 Lessons learned through writing a book  32:34 How to teach kids to be more organized 35:23 Noreen's favourite home organization products  38:46 Noreen's favourite teacher 41:58 What Noreen is most proud of 43:35 Noreen answers some rapid-fire questions 46:48 Noreen's words of wisdom   Connect with Noreen: Website: https://organizemyspacecalgary.com/ Instagram: @organizemyspacecalgary Facebook: @organizemyspacecalgary  LinkedIn: Noreen Music Organize My Space Calgary Book: The Unexpected Entrepreneur: Now You're Here, Making a Difference While Making a Living   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course  Today's episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency's founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.    NOREEN'S TOP PRODUCTIVITY TIPS “Productivity isn't necessarily about doing more but about doing more of the right things at the right time in the right way.” Noreen emphasizes the significance of managing one's email effectively, describing it as a top productivity tip. She likens the electronic email inbox to the old-fashioned paper inboxes, where physical mail required immediate sorting and action. By treating emails in the same manner—deciding quickly whether to respond, delegate, file, or discard—she argues that individuals can drastically reduce the clutter and inefficiency that typically bogs down their workflow. Noreen notes that this approach is crucial across all levels of professional life, where emails tend to pile up and create a drag on productivity, wasting significant amounts of time each day. Further, Noreen discusses how the overwhelming volume of emails is a common challenge, yet not a badge of honor. She stresses the importance of maintaining a manageable inbox not only for personal organization but also for maintaining one's credibility and efficiency in the workplace. According to her, effectively managing one's email can have a ripple effect, improving overall productivity and professional standing.   “WHERE DO I EVEN START?” WHEN IT COMES TO ORGANIZATION “Contrary to popular belief, being organized is not a personality trait and not being organized is not a personality trait.” Noreen discusses the common challenge of feeling overwhelmed when beginning to organize, emphasizing the importance of starting small. She advises choosing the area that causes daily frustration, such as a cluttered kitchen countertop or a messy entryway, and focusing solely on that space. By tackling the most troublesome areas first, one can avoid the paralysis that often accompanies the thought of organizing an entire home at once. Noreen underscores that while many wish for an instant solution to disorganization...

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, we are joined by Meg Wilcox.  Meg loves a great story. Her earliest audio memories are from when she was only 4 or 5 years old, listening to CBC Radio in her dad's art studio. While he painted big sweeping landscapes, she would divide her page into frames to make her own comic strip-like stories -- one frame just wasn't enough! In hindsight, it probably isn't too surprising that Meg ended up a journalist. She spent many years travelling the country as a radio host, producer and reporter with the CBC, CKUA, and the Banff Centre. Now, she teaches audio storytelling, podcasting, and media freelance in the Journalism and Digital Media program at Mount Royal University in Calgary. She is also co-director of the Community Podcast Initiative -- a place to encourage and explore storytelling and community connection while amplifying and supporting voices that are under-represented and misrepresented in traditional media. Meg is an award-winning podcaster, and in 2020 she was one of Avenue Magazine's Top 40 under 40. Her first book is called The New Journalist's Guide to Freelancing, and it's out now via Broadview Press.   Listen in as we talk about: 3:51 Meg's journey in becoming a journalist 8:49 Key learning experiences as a journalist 11:05 The importance of being curious 14:17 Creating a safe space for learning 15:54 Developing and teaching a podcasting course 21:19 Meg's PhD studies with the University of Glasgow 26:22 Meg's collaboration with Inside Out Theatre 29:44 The role of podcasting in education now and in the future 38:17 Indigenous voices, knowledge, and expertise in podcasting  46:10 The Community Podcast Initiative 49:42 Meg's book: The New Journalist's Guide to Freelancing 55:28 Meg's words of wisdom    Connect with Meg: Websites:  Meg Wilcox: http://www.megwilcox.com/ The Community Podcast Initiative: https://thepodcaststudio.ca/ Instagram: @meghw @communitypodyyc Twitter: @meghw Book: The New Journalist's Guide to Freelancing: Building Your Career in the New Media Landscape  Podcast: Community Podcast Initiative (CPI) Podcast   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course  Today's episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency's founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.    KEY LEARNING EXPERIENCES AS A JOURNALIST “Journalists have to be curious. Without curiosity and wanting to look at things from other people's points of view, you can't translate that to an audience.” Meg emphasizes the paramount importance of expertise, facts, and context within the realms of journalism, particularly in an era burgeoning with misinformation and disinformation. She highlights the shift in journalism towards acknowledging not just academic experts but also individuals with lived experiences, underlining the richness this diversity brings to understanding stories. Engaging with a broad spectrum of experts, Meg underscores the continuous learning and enriching encounters that journalism facilitates as well as the expertise required in crafting informed narratives. Furthermore, Meg reflects on the unique allure of live radio broadcasts, stressing the irreplaceable experience of real-time conversations and the organic, compelling nature of such interactions. She underscores the significance of collaboration and the human element in creating meaningful content, celebrating the magic of live or minimally edited broadcasts in connecting with the audience. These live exchanges are important not only in disseminating news but also in offering diverse perspectives and insights, thereby enriching the listener's experience and understandi...

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, we are joined by Tim Truax, a geologist and CEO of PodSummit, a Canadian company focusing on podcast events.  Tim discusses the inception of PodSummit and its aim to bring together the Canadian podcast community for collaboration and learning. The podcast touches on the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and balancing various life roles, including being a parent, professional, and entrepreneur. Tim highlights the significance of storytelling in podcasting, his listening habits, and the mentors who've influenced his journey. Tim is a career Geologist and has been working in the oil & gas industry for over 15 years. He is a family man with a wonderfully supportive wife and two beautiful kids. As part of a journey to get more out of his passion for podcasting, Tim recently became the CEO at PodSummit, a new Canadian company that is focused on delivering unparalleled podcast events in Canada. PodSummit will launch their first event on September 20-21, 2024 with PodSummit YYC, hosted in Calgary, Alberta. This event will bring together the entire Canadian podcast community & industry to celebrate the art of storytelling and to create a collaborative focal point where podcast communities and industry can come together to exchange ideas, interact, and learn from one another.   Listen in as we talk about: 03:13 Tim's journey in becoming a geologist 07:48 Tim's podcast: The Nerd Room Podcast 11:40 The unexpected personal benefits and joys of podcasting 17:12 The story behind PodSummit 23:37 What to expect from the PodSummit experience 29:17 The mindset of ‘success and learning' versus ‘success and failure' 31:04 The pillars of connection, collaboration, and creation 35:46 Juggling all the hats - husband, dad, geologist, podcast host, and entrepreneur  40:47 Teaching and learning in podcasting 46:17 Tim's favorite teachers 49:17 What Tim is most proud of  54:46 Tim's words of wisdom    Connect with Tim: Website: https://www.podsummit.com/ Instagram: @podsummit  @thenerdrm  Facebook: @PodSummit Podcasts:  The Podcast Experience The Nerd Room Podcast Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course  Today's episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency's founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.    THE UNEXPECTED PERSONAL BENEFITS AND JOYS OF PODCASTING Tim stresses the importance of parents, especially those with young children, maintaining their personal interests and identities beyond their roles as mothers or fathers. He shares his own experience, describing how easy it is to lose oneself in the all-consuming nature of parenting, emphasizing how it led him to a period of self-discovery once his children reached a certain age. He reflects on the significance of remembering who you were before children and highlights how engaging in personal hobbies, like podcasting, has aided in rediscovering his identity beyond just being a husband and father. This rediscovery is crucial for personal fulfillment and maintaining a sense of self amidst the busyness of parental life. Moreover, Tim touches upon the impact of parents embracing their individual passions on their children. He discusses creating a space for his own interests, like a room filled with nostalgic collectibles, which serves as an example for his children to find and embrace what they love. He mentions how his children have their own unique interests and stresses the importance of supporting them. By illustrating his journey from losing to rediscovering his identity, Tim advocates for parents to explore their interests and engage in meaningful conversations beyond day-...

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, we are joined by Lusiana Lukman and Wanda Bussiere, co-directors of the Classical Music Conservatory (CMC) in Toronto. They share their individual journeys in music and education, and how these paths led them to create a nurturing and supportive music community. Lusiana, originally from Jakarta and a third-generation teacher, delves into her early musical experiences and the establishment of CMC during her graduate studies. Wanda, transitioning from a career as a nurse in cardiology, discusses her passion for music and how it led her to partner with Lusiana in expanding the conservatory. Together, they talk about the evolution of CMC and its role in fostering a sense of community, support, and musical growth among students, parents, and teachers. They also reflect on the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of adaptability, and the continued significance of music as a source of healing and connection. The discussion extends to the transformative impact of music education on personal growth, confidence, and emotional well-being, coupled with their advice for aspiring musicians and educators. Lusiana and Wanda, both integral to the Toronto Roncesvalles neighbourhood, have cultivated a space where music education thrives alongside community spirit. Their work exemplifies the power of music to connect, teach, and inspire, reinforcing the importance of personalized teaching and community engagement in the arts.   Listen in as we talk about: 3:15 The role music has played in Lusiana and Wanda's lives and the story of CMC 8:55 What CMC looks like today 12:49 The importance of music and how music enriches our lives 19:07 Supporting each student with their personal musical learning journey 24:27 The value of music lessons vs. learning from YouTube  28:38 How music has played a role in Lusiana and Wanda's families 32:07 Key considerations when looking for a music teacher and music lessons 36:22 Why there isn't one perfect age for children to start music lessons 40:39 Lusiana and Wanda talk about their favourite teachers 43:37 What Lusiana and Wanda are most proud of 46:18 Lusiana and Wanda answer some rapid-fire questions   Connect with Juliane: Website: https://www.cmccanada.com Instagram: @cmccanada97 Facebook: @cmccanada97   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course  Today's episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency's founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.    HOW MUSIC ENRICHES OUR LIVES In discussing the profound impact of music, Wanda and Lusiana highlight the multifaceted ways in which music enriches lives. They emphasize music's intrinsic value in today's society, particularly noting its power to heal and provide solace in times of widespread anxiety and depression, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. They recall personal experiences, such as turning to the piano to navigate teenage emotions, to illustrate how music serves as a powerful outlet for expressing feelings and fostering emotional and spiritual well-being. Moreover, they stress that music acts as a universal language, transcending words and connecting individuals across various dimensions of humanity. Both Lusiana and Wanda delve into the educational benefits of music, pointing out its role in enhancing self-confidence, discipline, cognitive development, and memory, especially when integrated into daily practice. They argue that the process of learning music cultivates patience and long-term goal fulfillment, outweighing the fleeting satisfaction of instant gratification.

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, Juliane Gallant shares her journey from starting as a pianist to her current role as a conductor. She talks about the significance of music and the role of a conductor in an orchestra, explaining how music can unite people and provoke powerful connections.  She highlights her work in education and her enthusiasm for community outreach programs including interactive opera workshops and concerts. Julianne expresses her commitment to fostering equality on the podium by broadening the scope of what leadership is. She also talks about the power of being open to new opportunities. New Brunswick-born Juliane Gallant is the Resident Conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. She is one of two conductors chosen for the inaugural cohort of the Tapestry Opera Women in Musical Leadership Fellowship. Since relocating to Canada during the pandemic after a decade in the UK, she has appeared as a guest conductor with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, Kingston Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony, and Symphony New Brunswick. A passionate collaborator, Juliane first trained as a pianist and vocal coach and began her conducting career in opera. She has led productions throughout the UK for a number of companies. She made her Royal Opera House conducting debut in 2021 in collaboration with Pegasus Opera.  A strong believer in music as a vehicle for joy and human connection, a large component of Juliane's portfolio career in the UK was in the community outreach and education sectors. She led interactive opera workshops in schools in underserved London boroughs, with communities of refugees, and with people living with physical and mental disabilities. She has also extensively worked with Lost Chord, a charity that brings live music to people living with dementia.   Listen in as we talk about: 4:32 Starting a journey in music 7:08 Shifting from musician to conductor 11:40 Being a conductor and resident conductor 16:05 Challenges and observations as a female conductor 21:00 People-centered leadership 26:43 The profound impact of music  28:41 Education and community outreach as a conductor 32:28 The current relevance of symphonic concerts 36:16 Music's capacity to unite, move and challenge people 40:57 Juliane's favorite teacher and favorite learning experience 43:33 Something that Juliane is most proud of 45:02 Juliane answers some rapid-fire questions   Connect with Juliane: Websites: https://www.julianegallant.com https://calgaryphil.com Instagram: @julianegallant @calgaryphil  Facebook: @julianegallant @calgaryphil  Twitter: @JulianeGallant @CalgaryPhil TikTok: @calgaryphil  LinkedIn: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course  Today's episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency's founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.      BEING A CONDUCTOR Juliane shares insights into the multifaceted role of a conductor, emphasizing that it extends far beyond merely keeping time or waving arms. She clarifies that her primary responsibility is ensuring that the orchestra starts together, navigating tempo variations and guiding the musicians through the emotional and dynamic nuances of the music. Juliane stresses the importance of the conductor in interpreting subtle cues like the different intensities of quiet, which can profoundly affect the performance's overall impact. She believes that a conductor's energy can unify and inspire the orchestra, highlighting the role's complexity as a blend of leadership, decision-making, and artistic interpretation. In her role as the Resident Conductor of the Calg...

In this special episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, we celebrate a significant milestone—four years of podcasting—by welcoming two extraordinary guests, my parents, Susan and Brian Plesuk. Initially hesitant, with my mom doubting what insight she could possibly contribute and my dad concerned about memorizing lines, they eventually agreed to be on my podcast! I am grateful to my mom and dad not only for being exceptional parents but also for being lifelong teachers of kindness, generosity, community engagement, and the importance of nurturing relationships. These qualities have made them role models and my favourite educators outside of a traditional classroom setting, even though I might not have always seen it that way, especially during my teenage years. My mom, a retired social worker with an impressive career dedicated to domestic violence issues and community service, and my dad, with a background in community development and public relations, have led lives focused on making a difference. My mom's work has included various roles at the YWCA and consultancy for the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters, alongside volunteering efforts that support causes like the Stephen Lewis Foundation. My dad, after a career in community development and public relations, including significant contributions to the oil and gas industry, now enjoys retirement by travelling, volunteering, and spending time with family.  Their stories and wisdom are not only a reflection of their professional achievements but also of their personal commitment to family and community, making them the perfect guests for my podcast's celebration of four years of storytelling and learning.   Listen in as we talk about: [6:19] Pivotal moments and influences that led my parents to their respective careers [10:25] The motivation for and the impact of pursuing a university education  [12:02] The importance of mentorship [16:49] Key insights learned from parenthood and grandparenthood  [20:00] Core values and life lessons to pass on to children and grandchildren [23:53] The challenges and joys of retirement [29:50] Staying curious and always learning [32:33] My parents' favourite teachers [35:14] What my parents are most proud of [40:35] My parents answer some rapid-fire questions [45:17] Words of wisdom from my mom and dad   Connect with My Mom - Susan Plesuk: Instagram: @susanplesuk  Facebook: @susan.plesuk  LinkedIn: Susan Plesuk    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    THEIR MOTIVATION FOR AND THE IMPACT OF PURSUING UNIVERSITY EDUCATION When my mom embarked on her university journey, she initially enrolled in sciences due to a late application before discovering her passion for recreation and therapeutic recreation through a high school acquaintance. This pivot was driven by her realization that higher education was crucial for her aspiration to work with people, highlighting a desire for personal and professional growth. My dad's path to university was shaped by a divergence from family tradition. He was the first in his extended family to attend university. With his family rooted in trades like plumbing and welding, my dad lacked those skills and saw academia as his only alternative.    THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTORSHIP “There are people out there who can teach us things and touch our lives regardless of their age, social status or education. Being open to that is really, really important.” - Brian Plesuk My mom's journey into mentorship stemmed from her supervisory role within an organization dealing with domestic violence, where she observed firsthand the effects of trauma. Her experience with a previous ineffective supervisor highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment. This realization prompted her to prioritize open communication and establish a sa...

On this episode of the People Teaching People podcast, I sit down with the Sangria Sisters, Val MacLean and Lori McGillivray.  After following their journey for several years on social media, I recently got to meet Val and Lori in real life at a YYC Fempreneurs event in Calgary! I have always enjoyed their fun content and positive energy and admired their commitment to giving back. A memorable online interaction that I had with them was when my Instagram account got hacked and the hacker was sending messages to my followers to try and hack their accounts - there really are some terrible people in the world! Val and Lori knew that the hacker wasn't me because the messages were curt and there were no heart emojis!  If there's one word to describe the sisters, it's fun. Val MacLean and Lori McGillivray share how life isn't always rosé behind the white picket fence in their hilarious humour blog “Sangria Sisters.” Relatable and real, they tackle titillating topics with trucker mouth care. The Sisters use their platform to champion women and causes close to their hearts. Their goal is to spread kindness and joy every damn day.    Listen in as we talk about: [2:41] How the Sangria Sisters' journey began [4:34] Deciding what to write about [6:09] Something that has surprised Val and Lori in their journeys [12:16] Val and Lori's favourite blog posts [15:46] How has teaching and learning been a part of their blogging journey [20:25] Feedback from their readers [25:27] Advice for creators wanting to start a blog [29:54] What led them to co-author three books [37:08] The motherhood advice they would give to their past selves [43:42] Why giving back is so important  [46:51] Val and Lori's favourite teachers [50:18] Val and Lori answer some rapid-fire questions   Connect with the Sangria Sisters: Website: https://www.sangriasisters.ca Instagram: @sangriasistersblog Facebook: @SangriaSisters  Twitter: @sangria_sisters  TikTok: @sangriasistersblog  LinkedIn:  Lori McGillivray  Val MacLean   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    DECIDING WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT Val and Lori discuss their creative process for deciding what to write about. They begin with brainstorming sessions, where they throw out various ideas and refer to a list of topics they've compiled over the years. This process helps them identify subjects that resonate more strongly. When they find a topic that sparks their interest, the ideas start flowing naturally. They focus on elements like humour and entertainment, quickly developing content around the chosen theme. However, some ideas are set aside for later or may never be revisited, but this doesn't worry them. Lori emphasizes that in their seven years of working together, they have never run out of content or ideas. This is attributed to the relatability of their life experiences and the inspiration they draw from their audience and friends. They find that there is always something happening in their lives or around them that provides the necessary inspiration and "fodder" for their writing. This continuous influx of ideas and experiences ensures a steady stream of inspiration for their work.     TEACHING AND LEARNING IN BLOGGING “Face your fears. If they hold you back, you're not learning, you're not expanding, you're not growing.” Lori and Val describe their blogging journey as a continuous process of teaching and learning, particularly regarding technology. They admit to not being very tech-savvy, which has resulted in a steep learning curve in managing their website, uploading content, and handling technical issues. They often find themselves frustrated with technology, especially when it malfunctions, leading to a lot of swearing! Their journey has involved extensive research and self-training, which includes Googling solutions,

This episode was suggested to me by a few people! I was asked: Why don't you have an episode where someone interviews you? The reason - this would be a way for people to get to know you better and learn more about you and your story.  I want to say a huge thank you to Lyndsie Barrie for offering to be the interviewer for this ‘role reversal' episode. Lyndsie Barrie has been an instrumental part in turning mere ideas into viable businesses for many women entrepreneurs. In 2019, Lyndsie launched a marketing school and community called “YYC Fempreneurs”. She has gone to the next level by publishing six books educating women. Lyndsie tirelessly shares her passion for social media marketing and promotes collaboration with like-minded women through online workshops and live events in the Calgary area. Hundreds of women have found the direction, confidence and connections they need to succeed thanks to Lyndsie and her community of Fempreneurs.  Lyndsie enjoys her “me time” in the middle of nowhere swimming in a creek, sitting by a campfire with a beer in her hand, or mountain biking. She loves watching her son play football and hockey. On most afternoons, she can be found taking a 20-minute nap.   I am a mom of three boys, who are 17, 15, and 12 years old, and an educator and lifelong learner with a diversity of experience in the field of education including curriculum development, classroom teaching, and inclusive education.  I spent 4 years as a sessional instructor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary and in 2021 I received an Excellence in Practicum Supervision Award. Currently, I am an Academic Engagement Facilitator at SAIT helping to create collaboration opportunities among the research centers and academic schools to increase student engagement with applied research.  Through my book, Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course, and my business, Tiana Fech Consulting, I use a relationship-centered approach to help businesses create and optimize learning experiences that inspire, engage, and connect with their clients, customers, and communities.  Of course, I am also the host of this podcast - The People Teaching People Podcast - which is the place to talk about all things teaching and learning in a world where there is always more to discover.  Listen in as we talk about: [4:25] My childhood and my parents as role models and teachers [10:52] Some of my favourite teachers [17:29] The people in my life who have taught me by example [26:33] How curiosity can lead to opportunities  [33:48] My podcast journey over the last 4 years [42:48] My advice to my 10 year younger self [59:27] Advice for people who are thinking of starting a podcast   LEARNING FROM MY PARENTS Although as a teenager, I thought that I had the strictest parents in the neighbourhood, my parents taught me many things. This included being generous, the importance of relationships, and the value of experiences over things. My parents were, and continue to be, role models who have influenced the person that I am today.  The value of experiences over things plays a big part in my own family and is one of our key family values. As I did with my parents and brother and sister, my husband and I and our 3 kids do a lot of things together. This includes camping, travelling, and birthday special times. When you have 3 children, getting one-on-one time with your kids can be a challenge! Birthday special times are special outings for the birthday kiddo, one with just mom and one with just dad.      BECOMING A TEACHER From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. This dream started when I was just seven years old, inspired by an amazing teacher I had. She was incredible in every way, creating a classroom environment that was welcoming, fun, and an ideal place for learning. Her impact on me was profound, and I aspired to be just like her.  My parents believed in letting us choose our own paths.

In this episode, Nancy Macdonald joins me to talk about art, and the connection and impact between the art we make and our learning experiences.  “When one teaches, two learn”. This quote by Robert Heinlein so beautifully highlights a key takeaway from my conversation with Nancy. Being open to learning and remaining curious, as a teacher and as a learner, can lead to so many beautiful experiences and opportunities to grow. I love how Nancy describes her art studio as a lab for life and how she shares her story of evolving and pivoting her business - which started over 20 years ago around her kitchen table.  Nancy Macdonald traffics in hope and joy. She is a bestselling author, public speaker and owner of Art Studio For Children where she has had the great privilege, joy and mess of serving over 7000 artists of all ages. Her love of the unexpected, coincidence, hidden meaning and humor are thrown onto every canvas. The art school is an opportunity to love, nurture and empower others and give Nancy the most joyful work she could imagine.   Listen in as we talk about: [2:30] Nancy's story of becoming an artist and establishing an art studio for children [5:00] Art and non-art skills learned in the studio [13:10] The reciprocity of teaching and learning in the world of art [18:10] Learning and growing over 20 years in business [27:00] Some challenges in teaching art and overcoming these [34:25] The evolution of art with technology [39:30] Making a learning space magical  [44:45] What Nancy is most proud of [46:50] Nancy answers some rapid fire questions   ART AND NON-ART SKILLS LEARNED IN THE STUDIO “Gratitude makes us happy. Happiness doesn't make us grateful. It's really the act of being grateful that gives us a sense of happiness, not the other way around.” Nancy shares that there are art and non-art skills learned from her studio experience, including fostering a deep sense of agency and gratitude, respecting studio space, and practicing gratitude through the "eight great" exercise. This exercise involves expressing gratitude for eight things starting with a chosen letter, cultivating happiness through appreciation. Nancy encourages taking breaks to elevate work from good to great, sharing this approach with students of all ages. Inclusivity is a core value, promoting respect, listening, and enjoying both invigorating and quiet studio times. Art skills encompass various techniques such as perspective, composition, color, and texture. Nancy emphasizes the significance of understanding art words like impastos, sgraffito, and layering, building a toolkit not only for artistic endeavors but also for life. The studio focuses on merging art and life skills to enhance the overall learning experience.   THE RECIPROCITY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE WORLD OF ART “We are here to learn, not to get it right.” Nancy talks about how, as a teacher, you can be prepared and good at what you do but there is always room for improvement. There's room for surprise. There's room for every student in the room, no matter their age, to teach you something or to remind you that this is a journey. None of us know everything.  Nancy talks about how she is constantly raised up by the artists that she works with. This includes their creative ideas, sense of fun and pure love for the moment, They have a mutual admiration for each other. It creates an opportunity for authentic connection between teacher and students. Nancy says that when our hands are busy, our hearts and spirits are more free to share what's troubling us, what we are struggling with, what is difficult, and what is joyful.    THE EVOLUTION OF ART WITH TECHNOLOGY Nancy envisions the future of art in the context of technology and digital art, acknowledging the essential role it played during the pandemic and in her online design lab, nanceromance.com. Here, she transforms her abstract paintings into wearable art and customizable items, bridging the gap between traditional art and techno...

In this episode, Jillian Inglis joins me to talk about understanding the connection between our mind, body and overall wellness, highlighting the impacts of burnout and pain within the body. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to work with Jillian, a manual osteopath and emotional release specialist, in helping her create two online learning experiences which we will talk about in this episode. We will also discuss what manual osteopathy actually is, the key role that teaching and learning play in the work that Jillian does, and what people might not be thinking about when it comes to causes of burnout.  Jillian has worked in various roles in the healthcare field for close to 15 years. She has completed a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science, a Diploma in Radiography, a Diploma in Manual Osteopathy, and countless certifications focusing on anatomy and physiology, tissue manipulations, energy work, emotional health and release, as well as Chinese medicine and acupuncture principles. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills with people who want to take control of their healing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Jillian has built a successful practice by helping people understand how their unexpressed emotions and unresolved traumas could be affecting their overall health and wellbeing.    Listen in as we talk about: [2:45] How Jillian ended up becoming an osteopath [9:00] What does a manual osteopath do?  [14:50] Jillian shares an example of a patient transformation [19:55] How Jillian engages, connects with and teaches her clients [28:20] Symptoms and causes of burnout [33:05] Jillian's experience creating her courses [37:10] How does osteopathy compare to physiotherapy and chiropractic? [39:35] A more holistic view of pain: How can you tell where pain is coming from? [41:45] Jillian's favourite teacher [45:00] What Jillian is most proud of [49:05] Jillian answers some rapid fire questions   CAUSES OF BURNOUT AND BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT “Busyness has become this badge of honor. Like if you're not busy, then maybe you're lazy on some level.” Jillian emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying motivations behind one's busyness and hustle in order to avoid burnout. She points out that the notion of loving the hustle may often be a disguise for anxiety, urging people to be mindful of the purpose behind their constant activity. While acknowledging the benefits of hustle, she cautions against getting trapped in a cycle without a clear goal or purpose. Jillian stresses the significance of hustling towards one's highest good and being aware of the feelings driving the pursuit, such as respect or validation. She warns against falling into the "I'll be happy when" mentality tied to external achievements, as these may not necessarily provide the desired fulfillment. She also distinguishes between healthy hustle and havoc hustle. She describes healthy hustle as pouring energy into something that actively feeds back into an individual, allowing them to work long hours without feeling tired. On the other hand, havoc hustle involves expending energy on tasks that don't align with one's passions, leading to burnout and potential health issues. Jillian encourages listeners to recognize when they are in a state of healthy hustle by assessing whether their efforts are contributing positively to their well-being. By being attuned to the feelings driving their actions, people can avoid burnout and align their efforts with pursuits that truly nourish their souls.   HOW DOES OSTEOPATHY COMPARE TO PHYSIOTHERAPY AND CHIROPRACTIC? Jillian explains the distinctions between osteopathy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care. Physiotherapy and chiropractic focus primarily on hands-on, physical aspects, addressing joint alignment, muscles, fascia, and the overall health of these tissues. In contrast, Jillian's approach in osteopathy extends beyond the physical by considering the interconnectivity of ...

In this episode, we dive into the world of storytelling with video storyteller, Felicia Yap. Felicia offers invaluable advice and insights about harnessing stories and leveraging them to connect with others, convey important lessons, and differentiate oneself in a crowded space. Felicia Yap is a video storyteller, author, and mom of three. For the past 20 plus years, Felicia has worked on screen and behind the camera to help a whole gamut of story-makers share their unique message with the world. Now, she's giving you the tools and support to shine in your own video content.  Her love of storytelling has been the driving force behind her career as a TV news anchor, morning show co-host, reporter, videographer, producer, and weather specialist for CTV - one of Canada's largest news networks. After becoming a mom she decided to shift her focus to creating digital content. She started growing her social media experience by building a following of more than 11,000 on her DIY YouTube channel, Most Delightful Way.  When she realized video storytelling makes her heart sing, Felicia founded her company, Reel Awesome Productions in 2020 to help big-hearted business owners and organizations look, sound and feel confident on camera. While her work as a journalist earned her a 2012 regional RTDNA Adrienne Clarkson Award for Hundred, a video feature about centenarians in Nova Scotia, Felicia will tell you she's most proud of being a mom to her three kids and publishing her book, Don't Stay a Secret: Grow Your Confidence Creating Videos That Get Views, in 2022.    Listen in as we talk about: [3:05] What led Felicia to become a video confidence coach [10:05] Felicia's story of becoming a mother [11:50] Why your story is so powerful in creating connection and separating you from the crowd as a leader [13:30] How to tell your story [28:50] How do you deal with self-criticism [30:20] How much of your life should you share online [33:20] Should we shoot videos in landscape or portrait? [35:10] Felicia's favorite teacher [39:20] What Felicia is most proud of  [41:10] Felicia answers some rapid fire questions [44:00] Felicia's words of wisdom    WHY YOUR STORY IS SO POWERFUL "If you choose not to share your story or message, you're denying those who truly need to hear you and whom you can positively impact." In exploring the significance of personal stories, Felicia delves into the power of individual narratives in creating meaningful connections and establishing leadership in a specific field. She emphasizes the uniqueness inherent in each person's experiences, calling it their "fingerprint story." She contends that even if individuals share similar services or products, their distinct stories set them apart. This uniqueness becomes a crucial factor in resonating with others and differentiating oneself from the crowd. Felicia describes how sharing her story has allowed her to connect with a diverse audience, which has led to new video confidence coaching clients and opportunities to be a speaker at conferences. The essence of Felicia's perspective lies in the individuality of personal narratives, underscoring the unparalleled value of one's story in forging connections and professional opportunities. Personal storytelling has a transformative power where authenticity and uniqueness elevate individuals as leaders in their respective spaces. HOW TO TELL YOUR STORY In the pursuit of effective storytelling, Felicia encourages us to reflect on the pivotal moments that have shaped our journeys. Felicia breaks down the concept of the "fingerprint story" and its potential to spark ideas. She prompts people to think about a time in their lives when they were fired, tired, or inspired. These instances can serve as the core of one's narrative.The transformative power of these moments becomes evident when others notice a change in you, before and after a big pivot. The underlying message is clear: sharing your story is not just a personal act,

In this episode, Karen and I talk about mentorship, relational practice, the importance of community and connection and her incredible journey in nursing that started through experiences as a patient. Karen is one of the most incredible people I know and I can't wait for you to learn more about her.  Karen Lane is a Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Instructor with nearly 20 years of experience as a healthcare provider, and many years of lived experience as a patient. She has worked almost exclusively in the area of mental health and addictions where she has provided care to diverse populations of individuals and families and worked within a range of multidisciplinary teams. Karen holds a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing from the University of Calgary where she studied the impact on family systems of a mental health diagnosis. More recently, Karen has been teaching as a clinical instructor with Athabasca University in their Nursing program within the Faculty of Health Disciplines. In her teaching, she is focused on relational practice in an online environment, and providing trauma-informed education. She volunteers as a mentor with the University of Calgary's NurseMentor program, and also as a member of the Nursing Advisory Committee for Woods homes. She is a wife, mother of a 6 year old daughter.   Listen in as we talk about: [1:55] The most significant experiences from Karen's journey in nursing [6:25] How being a patient influenced Karen's approach to being a nurse [10:50] What prompted her shift from clinical nursing to teaching and mentoring [15:55] Educating nurses on burnout [20:35] Using relational practice and trauma informed education with her students [22:40] The positive impact her approach has had on her students [34:55] The power that comes with sharing your story [40:15] Karen's favorite teacher [41:55] What Karen is most proud of    Connect with Karen: LinkedIn: Karen Lane https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlanecalgary/   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course      HOW BEING A PATIENT INFLUENCED HER BEING A NURSE "The professions that attract those who are very heart-led give it their all; they invest all of themselves in it." Karen's personal experience as a patient has profoundly influenced her approach to working in the field of nursing. Having gone through her own health challenges, she has developed a deep sense of empathy and understanding for individuals struggling with their well-being. Her journey allowed her to appreciate the importance of vulnerability and the need for support during difficult times.  She recognizes that when individuals are unwell, they require not only medical care but also emotional and psychological support. Her perspective has led her to value holistic care, acknowledging that health issues can affect various aspects of life. Karen's privileged upbringing, with access to exceptional healthcare facilities, loving parents, supportive friends, and accommodating teachers, has made her acutely aware of the disparities in healthcare access. She understands that not everyone has the same advantages she had, and this realization has driven her to seek out and address gaps in care.  As a nurse, Karen is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care, taking into consideration the unique circumstances of each patient. Her commitment extends to working towards equitable healthcare access for all, ensuring that those without the same privileges she had are not left behind. In both the fields of nursing and teaching, Karen recognizes the importance of delving deeper into an individual's life, understanding the broader context of their well-being, and fostering an environment of curiosity and empathy in her practice.   EDUCATING NURSES ON BURNOUT In her role as an educator and mentor in the field...

In this episode, you will gain the dose of inspiration and motivation that you're needing today. I have had a number of opportunities to hear my guest Fran Murray speak and I leave each one feeling like I have learned something new. We discuss finding our authenticity, taking a relational vs. transactional approach when it comes to business as well as teaching and learning, the importance of being a lifelong learner, and so much more!  Fran Murray, the bougie baker, food network competitor, and author, is the visionary behind Fran Murray Co. This boutique gifting agency excels at meticulously curating unforgettable experiences by fusing Fran's handcrafted gourmet confections with carefully selected products from local women and visible minority-owned businesses. With Fran's expertise, high-ticket service-based businesses can nurture key relationships, optimize their profits and reclaim their time through automated relationship-based gifting strategies.   Listen in as we talk about: [3:05] How Fran started baking [5:40] Feeling lost after her first child [6:30] Rediscovering who she was [9:55] Starting her own baking business [11:40] Moving to Canada from Jamaica as a child [14:40] How teachers or community members could have made her transition easier when she moved [19:40] The reinvention of yourself [24:35] Finding your own authenticity  [31:20] Showing our appreciation for others [48:35] Fran answers some rapid-fire questions [53:35] Continuous learning and the gift of sharing   Connect with Fran: Website: https://www.franmurray.co LinkedIn: Frances Murray https://www.linkedin.com/in/franmurrayco/ Instagram: @franmurray.co https://www.instagram.com/franmurray.co/ Facebook: @franmurray.co https://www.facebook.com/franmurray.co TikTok: @franmurray.co https://www.tiktok.com/@franmurray.co   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    REDISCOVERING WHO YOU ARE AS A MOM OR PARENT At 30, Fran embarked on a self-reflective journey, challenging the idea that motherhood marked the end of her personal growth. She delved into vision board exercises, attended conferences, and actively sought out a vibrant community that resonated with her desire for continuous creativity and motion. Reflecting on her identity beyond familial roles and social expectations, she rekindled her passion for baking, which provided her with a profound sense of solace and purpose. This transformative experience resonates with many moms who undergo a similar self-discovery process, often feeling alone and struggling to articulate their emotions.  Fran's story underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals pursuing diverse paths, ultimately sparking personal growth and rekindling one's inner spark.   FINDING YOUR OWN AUTHENTICITY Wearing an identity imposed by societal expectations can lead to burnout and exhaustion.  Fran's key advice is to delve deep into your core self and discover what truly ignites your passion and purpose, irrespective of external pressures or labels. This journey of self-discovery may be challenging, often involving uncomfortable self-reflection and shedding behaviors that don't align with your authentic self.  Fran's realization of her inauthentic corporate persona highlighted the need for this transformation. Embracing authenticity brings freedom and confidence, allowing you to fearlessly pursue your path without being swayed by others' opinions. Although imposter syndrome is a universal challenge, you can overcome it by focusing on your past achievements and the belief that change leads to growth. The ongoing journey of authenticity is both daunting and beautiful, ultimately fostering a sense of fulfillment.   SHOWING OUR APPRECIATION FOR OTHERS Relationships are at the core of everything Fran does.

In this episode, join Dr. Marnie Ginsberg and I for a dynamic discussion. We'll delve into her inspiring journey that led to her impactful work and explore collaborative approaches for parents and educators to support students who are learning to read. Discover innovative strategies to make reading more engaging and enjoyable, bridging the gap between traditional teaching methods and modern, captivating approaches. Dr. Marnie Ginsberg is the founder of Reading Simplified, whose mission is to support busy, overwhelmed teachers learn a research-based system of effective and efficient instruction that accelerates all students' reading achievement. Marnie's surprise at finding so many of the middle school students in her classroom reading well below their grade, spurred a passion for finding and disseminating solutions. What followed included private tutoring, university research, the creation of an evidence-based reading program, and ultimately the development of Reading Simplified.   Listen in as we talk about: [2:30] The journey that led Marnie into her work [10:20] How parents and educators can help students who are learning to read [15:50] Innovative and practical ways to make reading more fun and engaging [21:10] How educators and parents can improve their own teaching practices [26:35] Effective strategies to support struggling readers and help them to thrive [32:15] Reading as both an art and a science [37:05] Marnie's favourite teacher [41:25] Marnie answers some rapid fire questions   Connect with Dr. Marnie: Website: https://readingsimplified.com LinkedIn: Reading Simplified https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-simplified/ Instagram: @readingsimplified https://www.instagram.com/readingsimplified/ Facebook: @ReadingSimplified https://www.facebook.com/ReadingSimplified Twitter: @ReadSimplified https://twitter.com/ReadSimplified   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    HOW PARENTS AND EDUCATORS CAN HELP STUDENTS WHO ARE LEARNING TO READ The main factors contributing to students' struggles with learning to read in the English-speaking world stem from flawed instructional choices made by adults over the past four decades. Research has increasingly shown how the brain learns to read and the importance of phonemic awareness – the ability to recognize individual sounds in spoken language. Effective reading instruction should connect these sounds to written symbols (letters), such as associating "c" with the word "cat." It's a gradual process of building neural processes on top of existing language knowledge. Understanding that letters represent sounds allows beginners to decode words like "show" by recognizing that "sh" represents the "sh" sound, and "o" represents the "ow" sound. Once this connection is established, reading becomes more fluent, and students rapidly recognize and comprehend words, leading to a lifelong reading ability. However, many English-speaking countries' educational systems have failed to align with this scientifically validated approach, leading to debates on how children should be taught to read. The "science of reading" movement, catalyzed by figures like Emily Hanford, aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and reading instruction, emphasizing the importance of sound-based decoding in early reading development.   INNOVATIVE AND PRACTICAL WAYS TO MAKE READING MORE FUN AND ENGAGING “Reading is an essential and expansive part of our lives.” One effective approach to making reading instruction engaging and successful for students is to focus on their rapid success in reading. This involves changing activities frequently during the more laborious stages of reading instruction to prevent boredom and maintain engagement. One practical and engaging activity mentioned is "Switch It,

I had the immense privilege to connect with Anne Mok through a Jilly Academy virtual alumni event. The Jilly Academy is an online platform curated for small business owners, entrepreneurs, aspiring influencers and anyone who is wanting to learn the ins and outs of brand strategy, influencer marketing, content creation, photography, digital storytelling and so much more. During the event, Anne spoke about the work that she does and how the JIlly Academy courses supported her with this work. What she shared about accessibility and social media made me realize that I had A LOT more to learn so I reached out to Anne following the event and I am so glad that I did!  Anne is a creator, advocate and blind storyteller. Leveraging her influential presence on social media, Anne actively utilizes her platform to bring education and awareness to the blind and visually impaired community. She started her business, Purpose in View, to inspire a barrier-free world, with a clear vision and purpose to live to your full potential. Anne's recent TEDx talk, Blind Sighted, is a testament to her unwavering belief that true inclusion is not only attainable but necessary in our world today.   Listen in as we talk about: [2:55] The journey that led Anne to start Purpose in View [5:50] Receiving a life-changing diagnosis [11:55] What it means to be a digital storyteller [15:30] Takeaways from Anne's TEDx talk [21:25] How accessible are social media platforms really? [26:40] Three things we can do to make our social media posts more accessible [35:35] Opportunities and resources to learn about during Blindness Awareness Month in October [39:50] Anne's favorite teachers [42:40] What Anne is most proud of   Connect with Anne: Website: https://purposeinview.com Instagram: @purposeinview https://www.instagram.com/purposeinview/ Facebook: @purposeinview https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071325735929 TikTok: @purposeinview https://www.tiktok.com/@purposeinview TEDx Talk: Anne Mok - Blind Sighted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9IaJp5TLzA   Shared by Anne: October is Blindness Awareness Month World Sight Day always falls on the second Thursday of October. This year it is on Thursday, October 12 2023.  In the US, October 15 is White Cane Awareness Day and Blind Americans Equality Day. Resources to get involved and learn more:  Follow: #WorldSightDay on social media World Sight Day: https://www.iapb.org/world-sight-day/ CNIB: Canadian National Institute for the Blind: https://www.cnib.ca Fighting Blindness Canada: https://www.fightingblindness.ca   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    BEING A DIGITAL STORYTELLER Anne shares her enthusiasm for storytelling, highlighting its ability to engage learners of all ages and make content more meaningful. She discusses her role as a digital storyteller, focusing on the use of social media, especially Instagram, to bridge the gap between the sighted and visually impaired communities. Anne acknowledges the importance of technology, particularly smartphones, for the visually impaired community and aims to educate others about the diverse spectrum of blindness.  Through storytelling, she seeks to connect these communities and raise awareness using various digital tools such as music, audio descriptions, and alt text. Anne's approach emphasizes the power of storytelling and technology to convey important messages and promote understanding between different perspectives and experiences.   HOW ACCESSIBLE ARE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS REALLY? Anne discusses the accessibility of Instagram as a social media platform. She notes that while Instagram has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2010, its accessibility features have been slow to develop. Anne points out that making Instagram accessible often requires users,

In this episode, Susanne Fox joins me to talk about embracing discomfort, thought leadership, owning your message and building your unique audience.  Susanne is someone who you immediately feel comfortable with. She puts you at ease, keeps it real, and openly shares her stories and experiences. After listening to this episode you will have some concrete tips and strategies in your pocket to step into your thought leadership, get up in front of your audience, and be authentically you.  Susanne is the founder of Susanne Fox Communications, a consulting and coaching business. She has 20+ years of award-winning journalism, PR and marketing experience. She's the former co-host of CityTV's Breakfast Television and The Morning News on Global Calgary, followed by her role as Director of Marketing and Communications at Canada's largest craft brewery, Big Rock Brewery.  These days she helps clients find their UNIQUE voice and hone their thought leadership - from the boardroom to media scrums, to branding and marketing campaigns. Her superpower is her constant curiosity and candidness. She lives in Calgary with her husband Andrew, two kids (Bode, 11 and Katherine, 15) and golden retriever Olive.  She volunteers her spare time with UNICEF Canada, acting as co-chair for The UNICEF Water for Life Gala and also raising awareness for Canadian Blood Services (blood, plasma and stem cell donations).    Listen in as we talk about: Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Susanne emphasizes the value of embracing discomfort, remaining open to learning and personal growth, and the rewarding outcomes it has led to throughout her career. Empowering individuals to embrace their uniqueness. Susanne passionately mentors and guides individuals, especially women, to confidently embrace their distinctive qualities and stand out in their careers and lives. Thought leadership and unleashing your unique perspective. Susanne emphasizes the importance of thought leadership in marketing, urging individuals, especially women, to share their unique perspectives and challenge conformity for increased visibility and impact. Earned vs. paid media. Susanne differentiates between earned and paid media, highlighting earned media's trust-building potential and advocating for a balanced approach. Building our own audience vs. borrowing audiences. We explore the strategic choice between building one's own audience and borrowing existing ones, citing real-world examples and emphasizing the importance of this decision in marketing initiatives.   Connect with Susanne: Website: https://susannefox.com Instagram: @susanne_fox LinkedIn: Susanne Bratton Fox Twitter: @SusanneFox   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH THE UNCOMFORTABLE Susanne emphasizes the value of being open to learning and personal growth, highlighting that this mindset can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. She acknowledges that this journey can involve discomfort and uncertainty but stresses the importance of taking one step at a time.  Susanne shares her pride in embracing discomfort throughout her career, noting that it has consistently led to positive outcomes and new, unforeseen experiences. She also mentions how our minds tend to exaggerate challenges, but once overcome, these challenges often appear less daunting in hindsight. Susanne's approach is characterized by a willingness to charge forward without regrets and adjust course as needed.   EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS TO EMBRACE THEIR UNIQUENESS “Always challenge yourself to know who you're speaking to, and find the stories that they can relate to.” Susanne is passionate about helping individuals discover and embrace their unique voices, and build confidence, credibility, and visibility in their careers and lives.

In this episode, Dana Fulwiler Volk joins me to talk about positive psychology, well-being, and transforming the narrative in our minds and lives. Dana and I connected in a community for female entrepreneurs and I am so grateful that our paths have crossed. In our conversation, I appreciated Dana's openness in sharing her own personal well-being journey and her “Ah-ha” moments along the way. She has a wealth of knowledge and strategies that you will be able to easily implement into your day-to-day without having it be something extra that you need to check off before you head to sleep at night. This episode will inspire you to be more curious, both inwardly and outwardly, and will get you thinking about purpose, hope-mongering, positive disruption and how these ideas fit into your own life and journey.  Dana is dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Dana is the founder of Well Ed, an initiative supporting well-being in education, and co-founder/host of the Teacher Fan Club, a well-being hub and podcast. Dana holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania where she studied with global leaders in well-being science, and a Master of Education from the University of Saskatchewan where she conducted award-nominated research on sustainable whole-school well-being. She has served as an Assistant Instructor in the MAPP program at UPenn, and is an Instructor in the first mandatory school well-being course in a Canadian Bachelor of Education program at the University of Calgary. Dana has also co-authored book chapters on well-being and anti-racism in education and served as an expert consultant with the government. Dana applies her expertise in well-being science across different industries, including as an advisor for a tech start-up and consultant for local and global clients, like the International Coaching Federation's Thought Leadership Institute. Dana's previous career seasons include classroom teacher, international student coordinator, and mental health specialist.   Listen in as we talk about: Finding comfort in change and transformation. Dana shares how we can approach big life changes with a different perspective, as well as some tools to help during that transition. The power of language when it comes to well-being. We discuss the buzzwords used nowadays, and what well-being means in real life terms. The curation of happiness. Dana talks about the curation of your ‘best life' and challenging the focus of what happiness should really look like. Finding freedom and humanity in self-compassion. We talk about what self-compassion means, and how to find freedom and acceptance in our challenges. How to shift from negativity. Dana gives us her best tips to avoid getting sucked into the negativity that may surround us.   Connect with Dana: Websites: https://teacherfanclub.com https://well-ed.com https://lifeaboveneutral.com Instagram: @danafulwilervolk  @teacherfanclub_  @lifeaboveneutral Facebook: @teacherfanclub  Podcast: Teacher Fan Club    Shared by Dana: Via Institute on Character: https://viacharacter.org Purpose Mindset: https://purpose-mindset.org Book: Emotional Agility by Susan David   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    FINDING COMFORT IN CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION Dana explains that her decision to leave teaching was not due to unhappiness, but rather a desire for change and adventure. She emphasizes her love for learning and how it led her to explore positive psychology. She clarifies that positive psychology is not about constant positivity or minimizing suffering but focuses on building what goes right and proactively fostering well-being. Dana believes these principles are applicable in various fields, including education and organizations,

In this episode, Stacey Watts joins me to talk about building your online presence and community.  Stacey is a heart-centred entrepreneur whose journey has been all about community and curiosity. In this episode, you will hear a personal story about how Stacey went above and beyond with helping me with a social media crisis and how committed she is to always learning and supporting and guiding her people.  Stacey is a social media coach and content strategist with over 10 years of experience in social media management. She is the founder of Stacey on Social and the #BehindtheContent Social Club, where she helps businesses and individuals improve their social media presence and create engaging content. With a passion for community, connection, and communication, Stacey has worked with a wide range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. She has been a coach for the past 4 years, sharing her knowledge and expertise with those looking to take their social media and content strategy to the next level. Whether you are new to social media or a seasoned pro, Stacey can help you develop a powerful and effective social media and content strategy that will help you connect with your audience and achieve your business goals.   Listen in as we talk about: The significance of building relationships. Stacey explains why and how building strong and meaningful relationships is of the utmost significance for business success and personal growth. Why the ‘one size fits all' approach doesn't work. Stacey shares why this approach to teaching and learning doesn't work and how to tailor your message accordingly. Repurposing content. The same messaging and information can be shared in a variety of ways to reach and connect with a wider audience. Tips to help you protect your social media accounts. Whether or not you have been a victim of attacks on your social media accounts, Stacey shares her best tips for keeping your content safe. Stop worrying about the algorithm. Trying to beat a complex math equation is not the best use of your time on social media! Instead, find out what your people are interested in.    Connect with Stacey: Website: https://staceyonsocial.com Instagram: @staceyonsocial  Facebook: @StaceyonSocial  Twitter: @StaceyonSocial  YouTube: Stacey on Social  LinkedIn: Stacey Watts    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course      THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS “It takes a village to raise a business.” Stacey considers relationship building to be of the utmost priority in her work. For her, it's not just about creating a community of clients, but also about connecting people and facilitating the growth of their networks.  Having grown up in a close-knit community, she recognizes the value of collective support in achieving common goals, whether it was obtaining resources for the town or building a successful business. Stacey believes that as a solopreneur, having a supportive community is crucial to combat feelings of isolation and to foster personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of learning from her community and views her peers as valuable collaborators rather than competitors.  Stacey's approach to relationship building involves taking the time to get to know individuals, offering coffee chats to understand their needs, and providing guidance even if it means connecting them with someone else who can better serve them. Through her emphasis on meaningful connections, Stacey aims to create a supportive and collaborative network that extends far beyond her own business.   WHY THE 'ONE SIZE FITS ALL' APPROACH DOESN'T WORK “An interactive and curiosity-based approach can create an amazing and impactful experience.” Stacey emphasizes the importance of personalized coaching and avoiding a one-size...

Kailey and Jilaine are an incredible team whose partnership, which you will learn in this episode, started at horse camp many years ago when Jilaine was actually Kailey's camp counsellor! Community, connection, accessibility, and inclusivity are their foundation for creating a space and place for people to move, learn, and grow. Kailey & Jilaine are friends, family, and lovers of movement, people and deep connection. They believe in goodness, growth and that everything is better in community. They are both Mommas, each with two beautiful little humans, who are their reason to be better and to do better everyday. Together they co-own Junction 9 Yoga & Pilates, a studio located in Calgary, Alberta, that was born out of a desire to create a space that focused on an inclusive community and on different people coming together with common goals, to connect, share and move together. Both movement teachers, Jilaine and Kailey share a love for encouraging others and helping people believe they are capable of so much more than they believe possible.  Listen in as we talk about: Teaching and learning at Junction 9. Kailey and Jilaine share how teaching and learning have impacted their business, growth and mission. The importance of core values. They share the importance of knowing your core values and how that has influenced the ways in which they teach movement. The power of connection. Kailey and Jilaine share their experience with the power of connection and making people feel welcomed and supported in their space. There is no one in the world like you. In a world full of different influences and perspectives, it's important to discover your own special voice. Connect with Kailey & Jilaine: Website: https://junction9.ca Instagram: @junction_9  Facebook: @junction9  Twitter: @Junction_9  TikTok: @junction_9  Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    TEACHING AND LEARNING AT JUNCTION 9 Kailey and Jilaine have learned a lot about teaching and leadership through their experience running a yoga studio. They believe that the expected challenges, such as teaching and getting everyone on the same page, are natural learning curves. However, they were surprised by the leadership role they had to take with their staff, front desk team, karma cleaning team, and contract teachers. They had to learn how to encourage people to engage with their business and be on the path with them while never losing their learning capacity and inquisitive nature. Despite feeling like new business owners in their first few years, they had to step up and lead their team, which was something they could not have prepared for. They had to find a formula that worked and a vision that people wanted to be a part of. Overall, this experience has been a blessing, allowing them to bring their vision to life in a different way beyond just teaching classes. THE IMPORTANCE OF CORE VALUES The guiding force behind the decision-making at their studio is accessibility, inclusivity, connection, and community. Kailey and Jilaine want everyone who steps through their doors to feel supported, welcome, and included. Taking that first step to try something new is a big deal, and they want to make it as easy as possible for people to do so. Inclusivity and accessibility may sound like buzzwords, but the studio wants everyone to feel like they belong. They understand the feeling of being nervous and anxious when trying something new and want to make sure that once people make it through the front door, they feel cared for and included. Creating a community where everyone looks out for each other is essential to their core values. Ultimately, they want to encourage people to develop a wellness routine and come back to their studio by offering a welcoming and supportive environment.

In this episode, Andrea Krones and Kelley Gibson share their story of how they became an incredible team who are celebrating 5 years of being in business together. Their relationship-centered approach to branding and website design truly sets them apart along with their incredible expertise and interest in always being curious and learning more.  Inkling Design was born out of a passion for helping clients take their ideas from an inkling to completion. Kelley and Andrea bring together their expertise in all areas of graphic design, website design and website development. They specialize in building WordPress websites for female entrepreneurs that are beautiful, functional and easy-to-maintain. When Andrea steps away from her computer you will find her exploring the neighbourhood around her downtown Guelph home, enjoying the nearby parks and trails, or escaping to the Ontario wilderness with her partner and two young children. And - When Kelley is not hard at work on client projects or toiling away on her latest personal venture, she loves experiencing life through the eyes of her two daughters, running, trivia nights and endless games of fetch with her Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Phoenix.   Listen in as we talk about: Why long-term client relationships are the best indicator of success in business. Andrea and Kelley give us insight into their relationship-centered approach to business.  Teaching and learning as part of branding and website design. We learn why and how teaching and learning is a crucial part of the branding and website development process.  The importance of transparency and honesty in business. It is better to say that you don't know when you don't know.  Common mistakes when it comes to branding and websites. Kelley and Andrea share the common mistakes and oversights that happen during the branding and website development process.   Connect with Andrea & Kelley: Website: https://inklingdesign.ca Instagram: @inkling.design   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    WHY LONG-TERM CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE BEST INDICATOR OF SUCCESS IN BUSINESS “We are all aligned. We all have the same goals. We are excited to work together to achieve those goals.” ~ Kelley Gibson  Andrea and Kelley believe that customer satisfaction is crucial in any customer-based business. They take pride in their work and want their customers to feel proud of the work produced for them. They strive for long-term satisfaction and view it as the best compliment they can receive, along with word of mouth referrals. They aim to align with their clients' values and become invested in their success, seeing themselves as partners in their clients' journeys. They emphasize the importance of a team approach in business, especially for solopreneurs or those working in larger teams. They value the opportunity to see how larger teams work and believe that a team approach can provide a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, who may often feel isolated. Overall, Andrea and Kelley value the relationships they build with their clients and see success as a collaborative effort between them and their clients.   TEACHING AND LEARNING AS PART OF BRANDING AND WEBSITE DESIGN Andrea and Kelley prioritize learning and keeping up with changes in the industry, particularly in new technology and trends, to provide the best experience for their clients. They aim to provide training and tools to empower their clients to manage their websites independently. They find joy in helping clients overcome their intimidation of the development and content management side of things and seeing them succeed. They offer training calls and specific documentation for each website project to ensure their clients have the resources they need to manage their site moving forward.

This episode is a solo episode with me, where we talk about what relationship-centered teaching is. I use a relationship-centered approach when it comes to all things teaching and learning and in my work as a course development consultant. And - I was recently asked, what exactly is relationship-centered teaching and learning?  I felt this episode would be a great opportunity to explain what it is, to talk about what can happen when this approach isn't used, and to share 3 key strategies that you can use in the development of your own learning experiences - be it an online course, a training program, a webinar, a workshop, and more.    Listen in as we talk about: What is relationship-centered teaching and learning? I take you through my definition and the key points to remember when it comes to this approach.  What can happen when a relationship-centered approach isn't used? I talk about the impact of not using a relationship-centered approach and touch on why it's so critical to consider. Three key strategies. We cover my top three strategies that you can use to implement a relationship-centered approach   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    WHAT IS RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED TEACHING & LEARNING “Relationship-centered teaching and learning focus on the "who" -- the people involved at the heart.” Relationship-centered teaching and learning is an approach that prioritizes the people involved in the process of education. Rather than focusing solely on the content and subject matter being taught, this approach recognizes that people are at the heart of teaching and learning.  As a teacher who has taught various subjects to students of different ages, I have learned the importance of building strong connections with my students. By fostering relationships among teachers, learners, and content, we can create a more engaging and meaningful learning experience for everyone involved.   WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN A RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED APPROACH ISN'T USED When a relationship-centered approach is not used in teaching and learning, it can have a negative impact on the learners. People can feel either overwhelmed or underwhelmed, as they may not have the necessary support and guidance to succeed. This can lead to disengagement, where learners lose interest and don't care about the course or subject matter.  In online courses, this can result in a failure to complete the program or achieve the desired outcomes. When learners do not feel valued or connected, they may struggle with confidence in their knowledge and skills, hindering their ability to succeed in future endeavors. Without relationships as a focus, learners may struggle to connect with the content and may not be motivated to learn.     THREE KEY STRATEGIES YOU CAN USE TO IMPLEMENT A RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED APPROACH I share with you my three key strategies to help you implement a relationship-centered approach in your own teaching and learning journey. Firstly, when creating content, it is essential to distinguish between "need to know" and "nice to know" information.  Secondly, in designing the learning experience, it is essential to use scaffolding, which involves breaking up the learning into chunks and providing support for each segment. Using the "I do, we do, you do" approach can help learners to engage more actively and effectively with the content. Lastly, it is crucial to give learners time to process and reflect on the information they receive actively. This is achieved by providing opportunities for active engagement with the content, allowing learners to "breathe in" and "breathe out".    TIMESTAMPS 1:50 What is relationship-centered teaching and learning?  3:00 A couple of questions for you to reflect on 4:35 What can happen when a relationship-centered approach isn't used? 

In this episode, Margo Purcell joins me to talk about InceptionU, and all the ways in which we can become a better, more rounded human being on this planet.  She shares deep and pivotal insights into what we can do to learn in a more significant way. Margo is a compassionate and thoughtful leader who is helping to cultivate a community of learners that are deeply connected and driving economic growth in Alberta and beyond. As a co-founder and CEO of InceptionU, Margo is responsible for the overarching success of learning programs and corporate offerings. She works closely with her co-founders, industry, and government partners to develop accessible programs that reflect the needs and opportunities that exist within Calgary's innovation ecosystem. She is also one of InceptionUs Essential Skills facilitators. Margo is a long time entrepreneur, a graduate of Leadership Calgary, a licensed Lumina Learning Practitioner and certified Lifepath practitioner. Since 2004, she's operated her own consulting company, Open to Possibilities, and worked across a wide variety of industries delivering leadership and career development. In November of 2019, Margo traveled to Mauritius where she was an Expert in Residence at the African Leadership University, an experience she will never forget.  Margo has a slight addiction to HGTV,  enjoys water polo, spicy food and takes great enjoyment in watching her two kids grow into amazing young adults. Listen in as we talk about: The experience people get when working with InceptionU. Margo takes us behind the scenes of the organization's approach and principles. Embracing diversity in teaching and learning. Margo talks about how it ultimately drives deeper, richer learning as well as better learning and tech outcomes. What it means to be ‘future fit'. How do we become future fit? Margo shares key insights into how to adopt this important mindset shift. Why ‘essential skills' are so hard to learn. Margo differentiates between hard and soft skills, and shares why ‘essential skills' are so important.   Connect with Margo: Website: https://www.inceptionu.com LinkedIn: InceptionU Margo Twitter: @InceptionU @margopossible  Instagram: @inceptionu_ltd @margopurcell    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    Mentioned by Tiana: Book: Think Again - The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant    THE EXPERIENCE PEOPLE GET WHEN WORKING WITH INCEPTIONU InceptionU's approach is to create an environment for learners to take their learning as far and as deep as they want to, with the facilitators first helping them identify any barriers they may be encountering and finding their way through. Margo talks about the key point of ‘unlearning' – unlearning the conditional and linear thinking pattern we're used to, as it is not reflective of how our brains learn or how life is.  Margo talks about the adaptability of the program, offering choice for learners in their own learning path. There are revisit opportunities for those who need to ask questions, deep dives for those who want to explore more, and “choose your own explore” for those who want to venture into other areas of interest. The program is based on the foundation of agile principles and critical, creative, and systems thinking, setting the foundation to learn how to learn. Industry experts are also brought in to offer additional knowledge on topics that appeal to the cohort.   EMBRACING DIVERSITY IN TEACHING & LEARNING Diversity is an integral part of teaching and learning. In the work that Margo does, people come with a diversity of backgrounds, education, age, culture, industry, and neurodiversity. It ultimately drives deeper, richer learning as well as better learning and tech outcomes.  It is so important to embrace and understand how other people might have...

Madeleine Shaw (she/her) is a feminist entrepreneur and writer based on unceded Coast Salish territory (Vancouver, BC). She is best known as the co-founder of Aisle (formerly Lunapads), one of the first groundbreaking ventures in the world to commercialize reusable menstrual products. In her first book, The Greater Good: Social Entrepreneurship for Everyday People Who Want to Change the World, she offers encouraging tips and reflections for aspiring impact-based entrepreneurs. She is passionate about creatively deploying the tools of business in service of social change, drawing inspiration from natural growth patterns as ways to build regenerative organizations, and neo-sobriety culture and discourse. Madeleine is incredibly creative, compassionate, and curious. She truly embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner. You will be inspired by Madeleine and her commitment to social entrepreneurship and her initiatives to support everyday people who want to change the world.    Listen in as we talk about: What is sustainable menstrual equity? Madeleine breaks down what this is exactly, and why it's so important when it comes to social change. Why does this conversation matter right now? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need menstrual products and don't have access to them? Madeleine shares how triggering this can be and why we need to address it. Why Madeleine wrote her book. We get a behind-the-scenes look at why Madeleine wrote her book, and the impact it's making globally.    Connect with Madeleine: Websites:https://periodaisle.cahttps://madeleineshaw.ca/ LinkedIn: Madeleine Shaw  Instagram: @greatergoodbook  @periodaisle Medium: https://medium.com/@madeleineshawgreatergood   Shared by Madeleine: Satya Organic: https://satya.ca Book: Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by Adrienne Maree Brown    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE MENSTRUAL EQUITY Menstrual equity is a concept coined by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf in 2015 that advocates for the fair and equitable distribution of menstrual products, education, and information to those who need them. As we know, the menstrual cycle is a fundamental part of human reproduction, yet it is often stigmatized and shamed within our society. As Madeleine explains, menstrual equity aims to provide support and dignity for those who experience periods and require products, privacy, medication, education, and information.  It encompasses both material and mindset changes. Materially, it looks like free provision of menstrual products in public bathrooms. Mentally, it involves de-stigmatization and education. Sustainable menstrual equity considers the environment and long-term viability, aiming for a permanent, universal solution that is not disposable and doesn't contribute to landfill waste. Madeleine also shares that disposables like pads and tampons take up to 500 years to biodegrade and are made of up to 90% plastic – an unbelievable statistic.  Menstrual equity is a crucial concept that values and supports a core feature of human biology. By providing fair and equitable access to menstrual products, education, and information to all parties involved, we can help to destigmatize periods, support those who need it, and contribute to a more sustainable future. WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS RIGHT NOW To date, menstruation has yet to be normalized, despite efforts to improve the stigma. As Madeleine explains, legislation, such as that of the BC government, and countries like Scotland are beginning to declare menstrual products as necessary and should be made available for free to all citizens.  Also, universities in Canada have started providing reusable menstrual products for free to their students. As we discuss,

In this episode, we discuss learning to support newcomers with my guest Anila Umar Lee Yuen. Anila is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Newcomers in Calgary, Alberta. She has 28 years of experience in the settlement sector. Beyond traditional settlement services, Anila has spearheaded programming to include volunteer-led refugee supports; indigenous education for newcomers; LGBTQ+ supports, domestic violence, homeless and mental health support services and broadened vulnerable youth programming and social venture opportunities.  Anila holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology (Behavioural Neuroscience) and a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Calgary and an MBA with distinction from Keller Graduate School of Management.  Her numerous awards for her contributions to her community include the Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Person's Case, UCalgary Alumni Arch Award,  Top 40 Under 40 in Calgary, Women of Inspiration, Top 25 Women of Influence in Canada and Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada.   Listen in as we talk about: The current state of immigration in Canada. Anila gives us a behind the curtain look into what the current state of immigration is truly like right now in Canada. How teaching and learning are integral parts of the Centre for Newcomers. Teaching and learning happens in so many capacities, Anila shares how this is essential for the Centre. Key barriers faced when people come to Canada. There are many barriers and challenges newcomers face when they come to Canada. Anila shares her perspective on this in our conversation.   Connect with Anila: Website: https://www.centrefornewcomers.ca Instagram:  @yycnewcomers Facebook: @centrefornewcomers Twitter: @yycnewcomers LinkedIn: Centre for Newcomers Anila Umar Lee Yuen   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    THE CURRENT STATE OF IMMIGRATION IN CANADA The government of Canada, whether Federal or Provincial, understands the value and importance of immigration. As Anila shares, almost 100% of our labor market growth and population growth are attributed to newcomers. Truthfully, without immigration, we wouldn't have any population growth and we certainly wouldn't have any labor market growth. From an economic and sustainability perspective, it's important to have immigration. Whichever government is in power works hard to ensure a steady stream of newcomers coming to Canada.  However, Anila explains how we don't account for any acts of God, like war, floods, etc. Currently, we have a huge increase in Afghan refugees and people coming from the Ukraine. The government doesn't refer to these Ukranians as refugees, they're called ‘temporary residents' because they are supposed to go back to Ukraine when it's safe to do so. Nevertheless, in all aspects of their lives, they're effectively refugees. The only difference is they're coming here without any type of benefits or support the way refugees would. As you'll hear, the numbers are beyond anything we've ever seen before. This large influx of people coming into Canada has caused issues in the system because we don't have the resources to be able to meet the needs of the community in a timely manner. As such, Anila and her organization have been reaching out to the community, places of worship, and different groups that are able to provide them with some funding and sponsorship so that they can get some of these most vulnerable groups, including our Afghan and Ukrainian women, into programming very quickly.   HOW TEACHING AND LEARNING ARE INTEGRAL PARTS OF THE CENTRE FOR NEWCOMERS “Lifelong learning is so important and integral to just being human.” Lifelong learning is essential, regardless of where you live and which part of the world you're immigrating from.

Are mindfulness and meditation a part of your life? Are they something you have thought about or are curious about?  Trish Tutton joins me for this episode and she will make you feel inspired to learn more and maybe even just give it a try – I know I left our conversation feeling this exact way! She tells great stories, has the best analogies, and beautifully articulates the benefits of pressing pause and taking time to focus on our breaths.  Trish is a speaker and mindfulness teacher who has taught mindfulness to thousands of people across North America for the last decade. She is deeply passionate about empowering people to meet the challenges of their life with more peace and presence; to use the practice of mindfulness to reduce stress and anxiety, and create individual and team resilience.  You can find her as a teacher on the #1 free meditation app in the world, Insight Timer, and she is the author of the Mindful Mornings Journal. Trish is on a mission to help you be calmer, happier, and more effective.   Listen in as we talk about: Falling into yoga through stress. Trish recalls how yoga became such a crucial part of her life and was awakened to its power after seeing how stressed out everyone around her was.  Teaching corporate and personal mindfulness strategies. Trish shares about the powerful transformation her work provides to her burnt out clients. She talks about why it's so important to really think about what you want out of life. Tips for adopting meditation, even when it's overwhelming. Have you tried meditation and found it doesn't stick? Trish gives us practical and realistic tips to incorporate it into our lives. The paradox of not having “enough” time. Do we really not have enough time? Trish challenges us to think about this phrase from a different perspective.   Connect with Trish: Website: https://www.trishtutton.com Instagram:  @trish_tutton  Facebook: @TrishTuttonMindfulness   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    FALLING INTO YOGA THROUGH STRESS Stress has become a prominent issue in our society, and many people find themselves constantly battling its effects – oftentimes without realizing it. This constant state of stress can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health, including our immune system, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being.  Trish shares her deep and life-changing experiences with stress, and how her most critical and eye opening moment of how fleeting life is was when she lost her mother suddenly to breast cancer at the age of 55. This experience highlighted the importance of managing stress and taking care of our health.  Trish turned to yoga as a way to cope with her stress and found it to be a powerful tool for improving her overall health and well-being. By incorporating yoga into her daily routine, she was able to manage her stress levels more effectively, which had a positive impact on her mental and physical health.  Her experience is a reminder that taking care of our mental and physical health is essential, and incorporating stress-reducing practices, such as yoga, can help us to live a more fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.     TEACHING CORPORATE AND PERSONAL MINDFULNESS STRATEGIES Trish has learned a lot from teaching mindfulness techniques, especially when it comes to the pervasive grip that stress has on our society and culture. She observes that there is a prevalent belief that stress is necessary for success, and this can lead to a chokehold on our definition of what success really means. She invites people to pause and reflect on what is truly important to them, but often receives resistance from those who feel too busy to take a moment for themselves. Trish understands the dangers of this kind of thinking all too well.

In this episode with Katie Dunsworth-Reiach, we talk about the biggest lessons we learn personally and professionally when growing a business and empowering a team. Katie is passionate, curious, and as she says - does things her way - which has led to some pretty amazing experiences, opportunities, and success.  Katie is the founder of one of Canada's largest independent communications agencies, Talk Shop. A journalist by trade, Katie began her career in PR and went on to co-found the money-mentoring business Smart Cookies and was featured on Oprah. That same year she also opened the agency that is now Talk Shop.  In anticipation of the impending economic crisis she was among the first to focus on making financial information engaging and relevant to a female audience. Katie went on to co-host her own W Network series and co-authored the financial bestseller Smart Cookies Guide to Making More Dough.  Named among the youngest women to rank on the top 40 under 40, Katie also founded STEM Spotlight Awards, a student awards program recognizing skilled sector  apprenticeships in the STEM sectors (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math). She owns a number of other creative and professional service businesses including If Communications.  She is also a dedicated volunteer for Canuck Place, Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver and sits on The Forum For Women Entrepreneurs.   Listen in as we talk about: Teaching and learning as part of business growth. Katie shares how and where her team focuses their time and energy to up-levelling team members and encouraging them to continuously learn. The value of building a relationship-focused business. What's the true weight and value of a business, and how can you leverage relationships for tangible growth? Katie shares her perspective with us. Top tips for a successful PR strategy. Katie talks about getting clear on your brand pillars and how creating content and messaging that connects to these is key.  The importance of teaching people about money and finances. Katie talks about how her experience being on Oprah led to many opportunities and opened doors. She shares how it transformed the work she does helping people learn about finances.   Connect with Katie: Website: https://www.talkshopmedia.com Instagram: @talkshopmedia  @katiedunsworthreiach  Facebook: @TalkShopMedia  LinkedIn: Katie Dunsworth-Reiach Talk Shop   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    TEACHING AND LEARNING AS A PART OF BUSINESS GROWTH “Leadership means authenticity. It's somebody who's able to keep it real in terms of what needs to happen.” Katie shares how and where her team focuses their time and energy to upleveling team members and encouraging them to continuously learn. She talks about how as a leader, she has put a lot of energy into learning development and upskilling her team. She believes it's really important for women in particular to have a strong foundation in financial literacy, which isn't something many organizations put an emphasis on. It's important for Katie that women have a strong understanding of things like profit and loss,  costs in and costs out, and how to read an income statement.  She and her team also create learning modules that teach on questions that most people have about finances and are scared to ask, as well as focusing on mentorship opportunities. Lastly, Katie talks about why it's so important to be at the forefront of adopting technology all the time and making sure that her entire organization is invested.   THE VALUE OF BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP-FOCUSED BUSINESS What's the true weight and value of a business, and how can you leverage relationships for tangible growth?  Katie shares how her and her team focus on being “business-minded” as a core value.

In this episode with Nikki Takahashi, we talk about the power of storytelling for your brand. This episode will give you great food for thought about your brand - whether you are looking to create one or you are looking to refresh your existing one - and having it authentically represent who you are and what you do. As well, you will be thinking about how you can make your brand unforgettable! Nikki Takahashi is a Digital Media Designer and Brand Strategist who has helped over 300 entrepreneurs embrace and amplify what makes them unique. Nikki is founder and CEO of Fetching Finn - an agency that gets clients noticed in person, online, and in print. She also hosts the Square Peg Entrepreneur podcast, featuring industry disruptors and mavericks in business. Nikki's graphic and website design achievements earned her a Governor General's Medal and the position as spokesperson for Tech 2000. With over twenty years in digital media, she has been featured in marketing articles and on podcasts such as Dissecting Success, Fearless and Successful, and The Business Society Podcast. Her keynotes on brand design and strategy have reached audiences around the globe. Nikki's an aspiring videographer and avid traveler who has spent over a quarter century mastering and teaching the art of karate. Her most recent adventures include skydiving over the Canadian Rockies and flying to Berlin for a tattoo. She resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.   Listen in as we talk about: Using storytelling to create a connection between your brand and the market. Nikki shares a very moving story about reconnecting with the love of her life and becoming a stepmom, and how it proves the power of storytelling. Always learning and growing. One thing that Nikki loves, in particular, about being a Digital Media Designer and Brand Strategist is the “deliciousness” of learning and growing despite it being difficult. Creating a brand essence. Nikki talks about the intentionality behind the components of your brand essence. Mistakes to avoid when building a personal brand. Do you know which common mistakes you should avoid making? Nikki shares all about which ones to look out for.   Connect with Nikki: Website: https://fetchingfinn.com Instagram: @thenikkitak  Facebook: @niktakahashi  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkitakahashi/ Podcast: Square Peg Entrepreneur https://fetchingfinn.com/square-peg-entrepreneur Podcast episode shared by Nikki: https://fetchingfinn.com/obsessive-joy-disorder-with-leona-devinne/   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21      USING STORYTELLING TO CREATE A CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR BRAND AND THE MARKET Nikki and I met in person at a conference, MamaCon, in Toronto. She shared an incredibly moving story about her one regret in life, which was not having children, and how she reconnected with the love of her life and is now becoming a stepmom.  There wasn't a dry eye in the room. This segued into the power of storytelling and how important it is to understand the magnitude of your story and the impact it has. When you are confident in your story, your messaging resonates deeply with those who hear it, and it creates a ripple effect in the community.     ALWAYS LEARNING AND GROWING One thing, in particular, that Nikki loves about her industry is that you have to keep learning and you have to keep growing. Otherwise, you don't have clients and you aren't at the cutting edge anymore. Nikki talks about how this can become harder as we get older. We can get stuck in our ways or committed to a certain style or direction. Social media and brands are moving so quickly that it can be harder to keep up. Despite it being difficult,

In this episode with Saira Remtulla, we discuss the benefits of learning through play and music – from babies to adults and everyone in-between! An Ontario Certified Teacher of 15 years with the Toronto District School Board, Saira is passionate and devoted to children and teaching.  As the Founder of ConnectED Start, Saira has developed a fun-filled program tailored to children ages zero-months to 5 years, which provides them the foundational tools necessary to achieve success in their educational journey.  Making 'connections' with their caregivers, their surroundings, and each other are the keys to success! Saira has a beautiful energy and enthusiasm for setting your kiddos up for success in the early years through high impact connections with caregivers using music and rhyme.  In our conversation, Saira shares how personal connections and engaging learning experiences are critical to building the brain's neural connections in these early years. As well, she talks about the importance of developing confidence in our kids and creating safe spaces to make mistakes - as this is where some of the greatest learning happens!   Listen in as we talk about: How ConnectED Start came to be. Saira shares the events that led to creating her company and programs. Why building strong, positive connections is so important. Saira talks about the importance of building those strong and positive connections and how it impacts children in a significant way. The power in setting high expectations for our kids. Do you have high expectations of your kids? Saira explains why that isn't always a bad thing and how it can impact our kids in a positive way. The benefits of using rhymes, music and play for learners of all ages. Saira talks about how using a combination of these three learning techniques benefits kids, teens and adults alike in their learning journey.   Connect with Saira: Website: https://linktr.ee/connectedstart Instagram: @connectedstart Facebook: @connectedstart  TikTok: @connectedstart  YouTube: Saira Remtulla    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21      HOW CONNECTED START CAME TO BE When Saira first began her new business after leaving her teacher job, she reached out to a mommy organization in the community and asked to run a music class for them. To Saira's excitement, they agreed, and that's how ConnectED Start was born.  After its launch, the company continued to snowball and brought forth many new opportunities for learning, play and development.    WHY BUILDING STRONG, POSITIVE CONNECTIONS IS SO IMPORTANT “We have to feel comfortable being uncomfortable because that's when we're growing the most.” Making connections and building a strong, positive connection is crucial right from the get-go, right from birth. In Saira's opinion, it's important for caregivers and parents to build strong connections with their babies.  She suggests doing this through music, through play, answering when they try to talk to you, etc. This leads to a positive wellbeing and strong mental health, even in adulthood.  Research shows that when you build that positive connection, you create a feeling of safety and comfort. Then, kids are more likely to make mistakes and feel confident that they can resolve them. This eventually leads to building confidence and resilience as an adult navigating life's challenges.   THE POWER IN SETTING HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR OUR KIDS It's important to set high expectations for our kids because they can actually do the things you're wanting them to do. Setting high expectations allows new connections within the brain pathways, and builds that relationship between brain cells. 

In this episode with Kiki Lally, we talk about learning through creativity and art, especially when you're feeling stuck. We chat about learning environments that foster creativity, building community and connections, universal design principles to improve access to creative opportunities for persons with disabilities and so much more!  Kiki Lally is the owner and creative director of Pinnovate DIY Studio, an art school and events space for children and adults to create and connect.  Pinnovate opened its doors in 2017 with the hopes of filling the existing gap in children's artistic programming in Calgary. Like many small businesses Pinnovate faced some big challenges in 2020 and had to face multiple studio closures. But with their small but mighty team they began virtual events and classes and even started another business called DIY Delivery. This business ships ready to go DIY crafting kits across North America and recently began a DIY Subscription service for all ages.  Pinnovate has been featured in the Globe and Mail, the Creative Industries International magazine, as well as countless other publications. Recently they were the recipients of the City of Calgary Access and Achievement award as well as the Between Friends outstanding contribution award for their charitable local work throughout our city.   Listen in as we talk about: Bringing together community, creativity and connection. Kiki shares how Pinnovate brings these three very important Cs together. Improving access for people with disabilities. Learn how Kiki and her team are implementing universal design principles to improve access for people with disabilities.  Learning through creativity. How can we learn and grow through creativity? Kiki tells us why it's so important to bring more creativity into our daily lives. Learning every day. This involves being self-reflective, admitting what you aren't good at, and using failures as fuel to learn.   Connect with Kiki: Websites: Pinnovate: https://pinnovate.ca DIY Delivery: https://deliverydiy.com Instagram: @pinnovate https://www.instagram.com/pinnovate/ @diydelivery_  https://www.instagram.com/diydelivery_/ Facebook: @pinnovateyyc https://www.facebook.com/pinnovateyyc TikTok: @pinnovate https://www.tiktok.com/@pinnovate YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsX4vk79b-o2uj5AHo3EAgQ   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21      BRINGING TOGETHER COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY, AND CONNECTION Art doesn't have the same barriers or challenges when it comes to making connections in different spaces, especially for those who have disabilities or are newcomers to Canada, for example. Everyone gets to be in the same creative space doing the same projects, and communicate through this shared language. When you foster a loving environment and try to create projects for all niches, ages, demographics and wants. Through art, we have the capability to do something for everybody that doesn't have barriers the same way as other things do.    LOOK WHAT I MADE! The minute you are proud of something that you have created you want to show it off to your partner or your friends. You want to hang it up in your house. Creating is a joyful experience. It can result in the release of endorphins. You use different parts of your brain when you are painting, drawing, or sculpting.  Kiki talks about how this creativity was lost in the previous generation. It was more about technology, IT, and the Internet. However, there is now a renewed interest and appreciation for creativity and the arts.    IMPLEMENTING UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES TO IMPROVE ACCESS During the COVID shut downs, it was really heartbreaking to see adults with dis...

In this episode with Alayne Lebsack, we're talking about why personal style is important, and why it's so much more than simply the clothing you wear. Can our style impact our self-expression? Our confidence? Our desire to show up more authentically in our lives, businesses, work, and relationships? How does knowing our personal style affect our overall joy and fulfillment? While her work can be categorized within fashion and lifestyle, the core of what Alayne Joy does is about cultivating authentic relationships, based on integrity, respect and openness. A born and raised Calgarian, Alayne has always had an interest and love for style and fashion - often disregarding trends and rules, but rather focusing on what she loves and loves to wear. With two boys and a hilarious husband of almost 12 years, Alayne believes in living a joy-filled life of intention and following your heart.  Being a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper was always in the back of her mind, but it took many different career paths until she felt like it was time. Her "just do it - what's the worst that can happen?!" mindset propelled her to start her first style-focused business, Apostle Boutique which she has recently sold. Four years later, Alayne launched her Styling business, and the success was immediate.  Being featured in over six magazines, working on dozens of photoshoots, and styling over 100 clients, Alayne feels so fortunate that she's been able to combine her values & passions into a career that helps men and women see themselves in a new confident & powerful way. When Alayne works with her clients she wants them to feel comfortable like they are spending time with a friend, and that is exactly how I felt in my conversation with her.  We talk about what is really meant by the term ‘personal style', finding your personal style, styling tips and tricks, and how relationships are at the core of the work that Alayne does with her clients.      Listen in as we talk about: What personal style really means. Personal style is so much more than the clothes we wear, the colours we choose, and the makeup we put on. Alayne shares the deeper meaning behind personal style. The challenges people experience when it comes to personal style. What are some of the most common challenges when it comes to personal style? Alayne sheds light on this. Nothing to wear? Try the ‘Closet Challenge'. If you feel like you never have anything to wear, Alayne created this challenge with you in mind and shares exactly how it works. The attachment and stories we have with our clothing. We all have an attachment to our clothes in some way, shape or form. Alayne talks about the significance behind this and why it's so important to understand.  Tips for dressing for your body shape. One of the most shared struggles we can have is dressing for our body shape. Alayne shares her best tips to help with this.   Connect with Alayne: Website: https://www.alaynejoy.com/  Instagram: @alayne.joy https://www.instagram.com/alayne.joy/ Facebook: @alaynejoystyling https://www.facebook.com/alaynejoystyling Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/styledbyalaynejoy/   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    WHAT PERSONAL STYLE REALLY MEANS “Personal style is so much more than what you wear. It is influenced by how you stand, move, and hold yourself; your moods of the day; your life experiences; and how you feel about yourself.” Personal style is so much more than the clothes we wear, the colours we choose, and the makeup we put on.  Alayne shares the deeper meaning behind personal style.  What's involved with personal style is much more than what meets the eye – it's about the way you were rai...

In this episode with Catherine McGuire, we talk about how and why she created WholeHearted and how she's transforming the ways in which corporations and employees give back to the community – one experience at a time. Catherine is a female entrepreneur; founder and creator at WholeHearted; an agency dedicated to enriching the employee experience through strategic programs that align with corporate values and community needs. She is best described as full of heart and action-obsessed. A true implementer, she fearlessly brings ideas to life with no detail left behind. With 10+ years experience in the events and hospitality industry, she is familiar with the logistics, nuances, and continuous evolution of in-person and virtual events. What started as a non-profit initiative at the height of a global pandemic sparked a concept that now provides leaders a way to engage their teams and customers in unique ways that build meaningful connections, and in turn more productive workplaces. From strategic live event programming to thoughtful virtual experiences, WholeHearted partners with local businesses whenever possible and aims to make an impact both within the walls of the organizations they serve and throughout the communities they support. Catherine is a new mom of a 7 month old who is juggling entrepreneurship with motherhood. You will love her story of seeing a need and an opportunity to make a difference in the world and just going for it without having all the details figured out, trusting her instincts, listening and learning along the way, and getting more clear on her boundaries. We talk about using events as a mechanism to make impact, perks and purpose when it comes to employee engagement and retention, how giving back can make an impact in the workplace, and so much more! Listen in as we talk about: Giving back in times of crisis. Early on in the pandemic, Catherine and her husband felt helpless about the state of the world. They raised funds to help those in need have fresh meals and inspired her organization, WholeHearted.  Educating through experiences. Catherine shares how WholeHearted is driven by social impact initiatives and the ways in which it helps companies give back to organizations they may not be aware of. Perks and purpose. We all want to work somewhere with perks and that gives back to a bigger purpose. Catherine shares how WholeHearted accomplishes both with its mission. How giving back makes an impact in the workplace. Catherine shares how giving back in the workplace is more than just a feel-good activity and talks about the many benefits it brings.    Connect with Catherine: Website: https://giveWholeHearted.com Instagram: @teamWholeHearted https://www.instagram.com/teamWholeHearted/ Facebook: @WholeHeartedteam https://www.facebook.com/WholeHeartedteam LinkedIn: WholeHearted https://www.linkedin.com/company/WholeHearted/   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    GIVING BACK IN TIMES OF CRISIS Catherine shares how her organization, WholeHearted, came to life. Early on in the pandemic, it started with a non-profit initiative that Catherine and her husband had when they were stuck at home in quarantine and feeling helpless. They raised funds in their community to purchase healthy lunches from restaurants and event caterers who were struggling due to the different closures and limitations. They then wrote handwritten notes on those healthy lunches and delivered them to frontline workers in their community to show appreciation and encouragement to them. The initiative was successful and a lot more than they expected it to be, and it really opened their eyes to the power of community.

In this episode with Afton Brazzoni, we talk about the ins and outs of content marketing, and how to use it to illuminate your brand in a meaningful way. Afton is the founder of Scribe National, a content studio that helps B2B companies and entrepreneurs catapult their sales with undeniable brand messaging, strategic content plans and impeccable writing.  With 12 years of experience in marketing and communications, Afton's mission is to help her clients unleash their brilliance with the written word. She's had the pleasure of working with over 50 clients worldwide during her three years as founder of Scribe National — the majority being repeat customers — including billion-dollar enterprises and others among Canada's 50 fastest growing companies. Afton is a passionate writer and storyteller who started perfecting her craft even in childhood. She talks about creating high value content, infusing storytelling strategies in your brand messaging, and shares some great tips and tricks when it comes to content marketing. Listen in as we talk about: Using long-form content to effectively illuminate your brand. Afton shares the secret behind using long-form content to shine a light on your brand and overall message. The role storytelling plays in connecting with and teaching people about a brand or a business. How does the story behind your brand or business impact the person receiving the message? Afton shares how we can leverage storytelling to create more unity.  Using content marketing to build meaningful connections with clients. How can we use content marketing to build meaningful relationships and connections with our existing and potential clients? Afton shares her best secrets with us. Key tips to improve your content marketing. In order to have an impact with your content and your marketing, there are key tips every business owner should implement. Afton sheds light on her must-know tips for improving your content marketing.   Connect with Afton: Website: https://www.scribenational.ca Instagram: @aftonbrazzoni https://www.instagram.com/aftonbrazzoni/ Facebook: @scribenational https://www.facebook.com/scribenational LinkedIn: Afton Brazzoni https://www.linkedin.com/in/aftonaikens/ Scribe National: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scribenational/    Shared by Afton: The Incubator with Eleanor Beaton https://eleanorbeaton.com/work-with-us/the-incubator/   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    USING LONG-FORM CONTENT EFFECTIVELY TO ILLUMINATE YOUR BRAND What is long-form content, and how can you use it effectively to illuminate your brand? In a world where peoples' attention spans are becoming shorter, there is a lot of competition in terms of what's out there for people to consume. In order to stand out from the crowd and grab your audience's attention, your content has to be really good.  Afton talks about the power of long-form content, and what makes it successful. When she's referring to long form content, she means long form blog posts, written customer stories, case studies and e-books. The power in this type of content is its longevity and the ability to educate on a profound level. That, and the ability to give readers depth and detail on a specific topic is what allows long form content to shine. You can give more context in longer pieces of content, which becomes more valuable for your reader.   THE ROLE STORYTELLING PLAYS IN CONNECTING WITH AND TEACHING PEOPLE ABOUT A BRAND OR A BUSINESS “People love stories. It helps build trust. It helps build recognition and quite frankly, it's just a more interesting way of connecting with people.” Consumers have a ton of choices these days.

In this episode with Simona Costantini, we're exploring why podcasts can be a powerful teaching tool – in life, and both inside and outside of the classroom. We talk about creating online courses, starting a podcast, and podcasts as a tool for both teaching and learning. What value do we gain from consuming podcasts? How do they transform our mindsets? Simona is my amazing podcast editor who I have had the privilege to work with for almost a year now. She has been an incredible mentor and teacher for me in the world of podcasting.  Simona Costantini is the Founder and CEO of Costantini Productions, a full-service podcast production agency. She is also the Executive Producer and Host of two podcasts: Happiness Happens Podcast and As It Relates to Podcasting. She helps women entrepreneurs in the parenting, wellness and marketing spaces bring their personality, brand and passion to the mic by helping them launch, manage and grow their podcasts. Simona's experience spans more than 10 years in marketing, communications, advertising and public relations. When Simona isn't behind the mic, producing a show, or strategizing a game-changing podcast launch, you can find her at home in wine country with her husband Steven and their cockapoo puppy named Gus.     Listen in as we talk about: How getting into podcasting caused a massive life shift. Simona talks about how stepping into the podcasting space changed her life completely. Building a podcast course from scratch. Simona shares why she started her podcast course, how she built it and for who, and which platform she uses to host it. The biggest questions people have when starting a podcast. How do you start your show? What technology do you need? How do you launch it? Simona shares the common questions and answers she gets from new (and seasoned) podcasters.  Creating a podcast to transform your mindset. Creating and hosting a podcast takes you through a journey of self discovery. It also helps you uncover hidden blocks about yourself that you may not have been aware of before. Podcasts as a teaching tool. Simona shares how podcasting is transforming the way in which people of all ages learn and the power podcasting brings to the classroom and beyond.   Connect with Simona: Website: https://www.simonacostantini.com Free Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources Instagram: @simona_costantini https://www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Facebook: Costantini Productions https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086276031659 LinkedIn: Simona Costantini https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Podcasts: As It Relates to Podcasting: https://www.simonacostantini.com/asitrelatestopodcasting Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    HOW GETTING INTO PODCASTING CAUSED A MASSIVE LIFE SHIFT “The more that we can realize that how we show up in this world is less about us and more so about how we make other people feel and how we can leave them better than we found them, the more we can be truly present in our lives every single day.” Oftentimes when we're in hard moments or seasons of life, we don't always understand why we're in that particular moment and how it will bring us to our next uplevel. Simona talks about how her love for podcasting started when she was in a dark time of her life. Podcasting became a tool to help her move through her healing journey, and help others learn and heal in their own way at the same time. She shares how her life and business evolved and expanded into podcast production,

In this episode with Julie Van Rosendaal, we're talking about what you can learn through cooking. You will get some great meal ideas, gain insight into the very real challenge of food insecurity in Canada, and see how teaching and learning opportunities are plentiful in the world of food and cooking.  Julie has been a go-to resource for me whenever the question comes up of “What's for dinner?” She is someone who looks for ways to make a difference in the world and truly takes action. She is passionate about food and making it accessible and enjoyable.  Julie is the Calgary-based author of twelve best-selling cookbooks. She has been the food columnist on the Calgary Eyeopener on CBC Radio One for 17 years, writes about food for the Globe and Mail, and for the past twenty years has been a freelance food writer and columnist for other publications across Canada. Julie teaches, speaks and cooks at culinary schools and events across the country, and has a very engaged audience on her social media channels and website, Dinner with Julie. Listen in as we talk about: The Kitchen Club. Julie wanted to bring kids across the country together to learn how to make delicious food. The rising cost of groceries and cost of living. Julie shares, amidst growing concerns around grocery costs and overall cost of living, how we can ensure we're maximizing our dollar. Understanding where our food actually comes from. Julie can be known for digging into the real story and finding out where the food we consume actually comes from. Learning through cooking. I ask Julie her best tips to take some of the stress out of meal prep and cooking and how to make these fun learning experiences for ourselves and our families.    Connect with Julie: Website: https://dinnerwithjulie.com/ Instagram: @dinnerwithjulie https://www.instagram.com/dinnerwithjulie/ Twitter: @dinnerwithjulie https://twitter.com/dinnerwithjulie Facebook: @dinnerwithjulie https://www.facebook.com/dinnerwithjulie/    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    THE KITCHEN CLUB “We all have so much to learn from each other, and that's one thing that I love about food. There's so much to know and it's impossible to know everything about food.” During the thick of the pandemic years, Julie knew kids were at home, bored with not much to do. She got the idea to start The Kitchen Club, which brought together kids all over the country virtually, to participate in what she calls The Kitchen Club – for free. Julie taught them how to make croissants, cream puffs, and other foods parents wouldn't typically think about their kids having. The ingredients were what you generally already have at home. It brought families together and inspired kids to learn and want to learn how to do more than they thought they could.   THE RISING COST OF GROCERIES AND COST OF LIVING “Knowing what to do with what you have is key.” It's no secret that the rising cost of living and expensive groceries can make us worry about how we will pay our bill and keep nutritious food on the table. Julie explains to us in this episode how much food we tend to waste without realizing it, and why buying fresh food is actually cheaper than buying fast food. She also talks about the importance of learning how to make different meals out of what you already have in the fridge, so that when dinner time comes around, you aren't left wondering what to cook for the 4th night in a row. Start with the ingredients versus the recipe. UNDERSTANDING WHERE OUR FOOD ACTUALLY COMES FROM Where does our food come from? Over the years, Julie has asked and questioned this, as well as done her research into the foods we consume,

In this episode, Chelsea Broos joins me to talk about the power in teaching and learning through volunteering and exploring the great outdoors.  Chelsea was born in Edmonton and moved to Calgary just after graduating University. She worked for years in sales and marketing before deciding to stay home to raise her three kids. Although proud of her role as stay at home mom, she recently discovered the term "Family Coordinator" and feels that suits her better. She takes care of the house, although not always as well as she would like to. She volunteers at the school. She chauffeurs her three kids to their various sports. And during the last few years of Covid, she discovered two new passions: hiking and social media.      Listen in as we talk about: The important role of family coordinator. Chelsea shares what a family coordinator is and how valuable it is as kids are growing older. Purposeful work in helping - as a volunteer. As a family coordinator, Chelsea has had the privilege to volunteer for many different roles over the years.  Teaching through hiking and perseverance. Chelsea talks about the value and connection hiking has brought her and her family, as well as the lessons they've all learned by experiencing it together.  Teachers are special. Chelsea learned from her parents, who were both teachers, that it takes a special person to be a teacher.    Connect with Chelsea: Instagram: @myownprivatebackyardo https://www.instagram.com/myownprivatebackyardo/ TikTok: @privatebackyardo https://www.tiktok.com/@privatebackyardo   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF FAMILY COORDINATOR Chelsea challenges the definition and role of stay at home mom, and debunks the traditional view of what stay at home moms do. After working in corporate for many years, Chelsea and her husband decided as a family it was ideal for her to stay home with the kids. She has three kids, and has become their family's coordinator. This role requires detailed organizational skills, and balancing the calendars and lives of every family member.  Chelsea the tools she uses to keep her family organized, and tips for other parents to do the same.   PURPOSEFUL WORK IN HELPING From Special Events coordinator, to Kiss and Ride, Chelsea dives into the impact that helping and volunteering has on our kids and also our communities. While there are so many opportunities to volunteer in our lives, whether it be at our kids' schools or for causes that are near and dear to our hearts, it brings a powerful level of support to the lives we touch. She shares how volunteering has helped to shape her life, as well as the lives of her kids, and the valuable lessons they have learned over the years through helping others.  TEACHING THROUGH HIKING At the beginning of the pandemic, Chelsea's kids' activities started to get canceled, and her and her husband decided they needed a new family activity.  They took up hiking, and completed 52 hikes in 52 weeks together! For Chelsea and her family, hiking is a time to disconnect, to be present and enjoy nature to its fullest potential. She started to share her family's adventures on social media, and teaches other parents how to share the love of the great outdoors with their kids.  In Chelsea's “Get Outside Thursday” posts on Instagram she features an Alberta hike that she and her family have done. Her posts include eye catching photos, the length of the hike, the elevation, and, on average, how long it takes. Chelsea also includes a WHINE and WINE component to her social media shares. She shares the “whine” meter (a.k.a. how much her kids whined on that particular hike) and her “wine” meter (the glass of...

Joining me for this episode is Emilie Jane Fish. You are going to love this conversation with Emilie. She is so genuine, personable, and easy to talk to. She has such powerful messages to share about the importance in teaching and learning, of listening to our kids and making people feel seen, heard, and understood.  Emilie is a YYC mama to two lovely outgoing little boys named Beckett and Finley and a darling little baby girl named Sawyer. She is married to her best friend and adventure partner, Matt. Emilie splits her time between being a dedicated fun loving kindergarten teacher and a joy seeking content creator. Her superpower is creating cool transitions! Having always had a passion to create, Emilie shares different facets of her life on social media through the lens of fashion, dance and family, with a goal to spread joy and to inspire.   Listen in as we talk about: Getting to help shape young minds. Emilie talks about her love for teaching and getting the chance to help shape young minds in the process. Having a positive, fresh school year. How can we help our kids look at school as something positive? How can we encourage their learning? Emilie shares her tips for parents here. Finding joy in creativity. Emilie shares her love for creating social media reels and using it as a creative outlet to bring in more fun, joy and learning.     Connect with Emilie: Instagram: @emiliejanefish https://www.instagram.com/emiliejanefish/  TikTok: @mrsemiliejanefish https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsemiliejanefish    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21    GETTING TO HELP SHAPE YOUNG MINDS “It is such a gift to be the person that gets to lead the way.” Emilie talks about her love for teaching and getting the chance to help shape young minds in the process. She highlights how important it is for children to feel seen, heard and understood in the classroom, and how more often than not, the kids who may be most frustrating tend to be those who need compassion the most. She reminds us how we all have a role to play in the development and shaping of our kids' journey and minds.     HAVING A POSITIVE, FRESH SCHOOL YEAR How can we help our kids look at school as something positive? How can we encourage their learning Emilie talks about the positivity factor, which she believes is critical for kids. Her advice to parents is to spread the positivity surrounding school. It's about hearing how they're feeling, validating their feelings, and helping them to turn the narrative around to focus on the good.    FINDING JOY IN CREATIVITY “Don't be scared to try new things.” Emilie shares her love for creating social media reels and using it as a creative outlet to bring in more fun, joy and learning. She reminds us that we have the power to learn something new, regardless of what other people may think or say about it. We get to find fulfillment in those little moments and bring to life our creative, energetic side.      YOU COULD BE THAT PERSON One of the biggest things that Emilie has learned as a teacher, is that the ones who are the hardest to love in your classroom are actually the ones who need the most love. You could be that person who changes their life or that they hold onto for the rest of their life as an impactful memory or as an impactful person. Emilie reminds us to not be short sighted. It can be hard and frustrating in the moment but know that giving your heart could change one child's life.    RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS What is something that you would love to learn about or something that you would love to learn how to do? How to surf What is a place that is at the top of your travel bucket list? Australia What is a book, podcast,

In this very first official episode of the People Teaching People podcast, I'm joined by Jill Drader.  Jill has been a mentor for me since we connected in 2014 when we worked on building a curriculum together. Jill has an incredibly kind and generous heart and is someone who has inspired me to follow my heart and those nudges.  Jill Drader is a natural connector, teacher, visionary, and intuitive. She's launching her new venture - OwlSeek - where she will continue her executive coaching and leadership practice, and re-launch her retreat series in spring 2023.  Her non-for-profit Struggle Is Your Success, was partnered with Trellis this year, the largest NFP in Calgary, which supports youth initiatives. Jill's past education is varied - a degree in International Development and African studies where she studied in Ghana through the University of Calgary - a journeyman status in tile setting - and a degree in counselling where she does more spiritual care and spiritual direction.  Jill's past awards include being named Honorable Albertan by the Alberta Legislature, Distinguished Alumni by the University of Calgary, and Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue Magazine. Jill always operates from a heart of service - caring deeply about those who struggle and suffer with mental health or addictions, and gives her time to various Calgary agencies helping people.    Listen in as we talk about: Looking at our vocation. Jill asks us to question what we're told is our calling vs. what we actually want to do. Struggle is your success. How do we look at success differently? Jill shares how she challenges the ideals around success and shifting young minds and perspectives in the process. Being guided through recovery and filling our own cup up. Jill talks candidly about her struggles with alcohol and drugs and how her path through recovery is what opened up her mind to new possibilities. She shares how she fills her own cup up first and what that looks like for her on a daily basis.    Connect with Jill: Instagram: @jilldrader https://www.instagram.com/jilldrader/  Facebook: @jill.drader https://www.facebook.com/jill.drader LinkedIn: Jill Drader https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-drader-74b0a453/ Websites:  https://jilldrader.com  Struggle Is Your Success: https://www.siys.ca  Owl Seek: Coming Soon! Book: Jill has a book coming out in 2023! Stay tuned!    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: Your step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21   LOOKING AT OUR VOCATION Jill shares about how she started to question her vocation. What was she being told was her calling? And what did she actually want to be doing instead? She talks about the power of changing our direction and embracing the unknown. She realized she loved working with people, teaching and continuously learning. By embracing her inner calling, she found her vocation and followed the path to where she is today.   THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTION  As we move forward, the importance of connection and looking for new ways to facilitate connection will be key. We need to be intentional in ensuring the wellbeing of both teams and individuals. Jill says that a safe work environment needs to be in place; one in which everyone feels heard and understood.   OVERDOING We need to reflect on the things that are challenging for us otherwise we bottle them up and things in our bodies become unbalanced. Jill talks about the importance of looking outwards by doing things like reading and listening (really listening!) to other people. Being caught in a cycle of overdoing and busyness can be connected to an obsessive and unhealthy mindset. STRUGGLE IS YOUR SUCCESS  “When you enter into an environment that's a higher vibration environment,

Welcome to The People Teaching People Podcast. This is the place to talk about all things teaching and learning which can take place anytime, anywhere, and in a multitude of ways. The range of knowledge and skills to teach and to learn about are truly limitless. But.. at the heart of all teaching and learning experiences are the people. I am your host Tiana Fech. I'm a Calgary mom of three, an educator, a course development consultant, and a lifelong learner. On The People Teaching People Podcast you will have the opportunity, through personal reflections and conversations, to get inspired by and be curious about the who, what, when, where, why, and how of teaching and learning in a world where there is always more to discover. Education plays an important and integral role in all facets of our lives - how we work, do business, live, play, explore, and build relationships. It is so much more than what happens within the four walls of a classroom! How does teaching and learning play a role in your world? What is one of your most memorable learning experiences? Who was your favorite teacher? How do you learn best? What tools and strategies are people using these days in education? This is something that is changing all the time… If there is one thing that I have learned over the years, it is that there is always more to learn.  My vision is to have people at the forefront of all teaching and learning experiences in schools, businesses, and beyond. With this relationship-centered approach to education we have the opportunity to grow, to be empowered, to inspire, engage, and connect with others in meaningful ways, and to make a positive difference in our world. Please join us in the car on your way to work or while you are going for a walk in the beautiful outdoors! I can't wait to explore all things teaching and learning together!   Connect with Tiana:  Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: Your step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21

How do you become a great leader? Better yet, how do we help our kids grow into great leaders too? Being a leader is so much more than your personality type. It has to do with your qualities, values and characteristics. Joining me for this very last conversation on The Part-Time Jungle is Nicole North.Nicole is the President and Founder of Whiteboard Consulting and has been leading large-scale leadership training initiatives with Whiteboard since its inception. Nicole's formal education includes an honors BA from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is also certified as a Coach and as a practitioner in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessments and training, Method Time Motion studies, and Appreciative Inquiry.She is the creator, designer, and lead facilitator of The Limitless LeaderTM program that creates leaders and teams that feel limitless to create and innovate – paired with accountability and grace. Nicole has been designing and delivering online and in-person human skills content for the last 10 years and is a top-rated facilitator for her engagement and passionate approach to delivery. Listen in as we talk about:Asking for time and space. As moms, we often cater to everyone first except for ourselves. Nicole shares her best tips for staying healthy and present for her family.How to be a limitless leader. Nicole has developed a methodology that encompasses the qualities of being a limitless leader that empowers their team.What leaders need right now. How do you define a great leader? Nicole gives us insight into what makes a great leader, and what all leaders need right now.Helping our kids become great leaders. For Nicole, it goes back to helping our kids learn how to speak clearly and kindly. Connect with Nicole:Instagram: @whiteboardconsult https://www.instagram.com/whiteboardconsult/Facebook: @WhiteboardCons https://www.facebook.com/WhiteboardConsWebsite: https://www.whiteboardconsulting.caPodcast: At the Whiteboard https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/at-the-whiteboard/id1210237741 ASKING FOR TIME AND SPACEDo you ever take time out for yourself? Are you in tune with your desires, wants and needs as a person and as a mom? It's no secret that we often cater to everyone first except for ourselves. Between busy kids, lives, jobs, activities, and more, it's easy to put ourselves last on the ‘to do' list/ Nicole shares her best tips for staying healthy and present for her family. This includes taking dedicated time on the weekend to relax, workout, and be present with herself. This helps her show up more fully as a mom, partner and leader.However, Nicole stresses that: “There is no perfect answer. Parenting doesn't have to be done exactly the way that they say in the books.” HOW TO BE A LIMITLESS LEADER“The foundational component of a limitless leader is one that communicates with clarity, kindness, curiosity, and grace and holds people accountable.”When it comes to leadership, Nicole believes that there are ways to become a limitless leader. She has developed a methodology that encompasses the qualities of being a limitless leader that empowers their team – and it's so much more expansive than you may think.Nicole talks about the very first and most important component, which is the ability to communicate clearly and kindly. She believes that the foundational component of a limitless leader is one that communicates with clarity, kindness, curiosity and grace and holds people accountable to what they say they're going to do. WHAT LEADERS NEED RIGHT NOW“There is artistry to leadership. There isn't a formula.”What do our leaders need right now? Whether you're thinking of yourself or someone else, Nicole sheds light on what she believes leaders need more of right now. Her answer may surprise you! Nicole shares that foundationally, leaders need communication skills. We've been thrown into this virtual world which works fine for most of us, as we can have conversations,

What is the best way to understand and communicate with our child? Sometimes it may feel like they are not listening or are trying to purposely make us upset, but that simply isn't always the case. What is key is understanding our child's story.  Joining me for this conversation is Sabrina Adair, M.Sc.O.T., a practicing occupational therapist, passionate advocate for parent empowerment, and the author of Understanding a Child the Occupational Therapy Way: Recognizing and Communicating the Unique Potential of a Child (2021). She is a mom of four beautiful children who have taught her patience, perseverance, and compassion and that we're all wonderfully unique individuals with our own unfolding stories.  Sabrina's experience working with children has inspired her drive for innovation and inter-professional collaboration. In 2019, she founded Enabling Adaptations, a private therapy company focused on helping parents and caregivers to find ways to effectively understand and communicate their child's needs in order to create positive environments where children can reach their greatest potential.  Sabrina is an award-winning entrepreneur and shares her successful approach to improving children's lives at speaking engagements, parenting workshops, and more. Sabrina holds a post-professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Sabrina resides just outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and children. Listen in as we talk about: Living by ‘the schedule'. Sabrina shares that with four busy kids, activities, and lives, living by their schedule is what keeps them on track every week. How to better understand your children and their stories. Sabrina explains how as parents, we need to start by understanding ourselves in order to understand our children. Being curious with your children. For Sabrina, the key is having this curiosity with our children. It gives us more time to pause instead of making rash and judgmental decisions. Strategies to help communicate your child's story to other people. Sometimes our kids have things going on within them that other people can't comprehend. When we can listen to our children and understand them better, we can help them communicate their stories to others. Connect with Sabrina: Instagram: @enablingadaptations https://www.instagram.com/enablingadaptations/ Facebook: @enablingadaptations https://www.facebook.com/enablingadaptations/ Website: https://www.enablingadaptations.com Book: Understanding a Child the Occupational Therapy Way: Recognizing and Communicating the Unique Potential of a Child by Sabrina Adair https://enablingadaptations.com/resources/my-book/ LIVE BY THE SCHEDULE Sabrina explains, as most moms can relate, her kids have busy schedules packed with lots of activities! She shares how she lives by her family's schedule that's pre-planned out. This way, she knows who is doing what, who is going where, and when she has that schedule set up, she blocks her business into the gaps. She shares the strategy that works for her, which is to dedicate specific times for each specific task. This helps her batch her time and work as an entrepreneur, while still spending quality time with her kids. HOW TO BETTER UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILD'S STORY “You need to start by understanding yourself in order to understand your children.” Sabrina explains how as parents, we need to start by understanding ourselves in order to understand our children. Knowing where our own stories come from is essential to understanding that of our children. She shares how we each have stories that are ingrained in us, more often than not from before we are even born. How we navigate and understand these stories for ourselves is crucial to understanding our kids. BEING CURIOUS WITH YOUR CHILDREN “When you're curious about your child,

Dr. Danielle Gordon joins me on my podcast to talk about balance, being an alternative leader, education and optometry. Danielle is an optometrist and the owner of Sphere Optometry, a full-scope purpose-driven optometric practice and optical shop in Calgary Alberta. Sphere is all about kindness and connection, ocular and holistic wellness, and giving back to their local and global community. Also, the team at Sphere harbors a deep love for independent hand-crafted eyewear, and delivering intuitive and compassionate care. Sphere is also the home of the Fit to Read Project, a project that Danielle launched to connect books with kids in need.   Danielle graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degree, both with honors. Since then, she has been passionate about helping her patients to live fully and joyfully, and creating positive impact in the world around her. Outside of work, Danielle loves to spend time with her husband and two young children, get her heart rate up with a good run, and relax with a good book and hot cup of coffee. Listen in as we talk about: Finding grace in balance. Danielle shares how she's still learning to find balance, and the importance of giving herself grace in the process. Being an alternative leader. Challenge the stereotypes around what it means to be a leader. Optometry for kids. As an optometrist, Danielle shares with us signs to look out for in terms of eye health, and how to find the right optometrist for your kids. Education as a tool. Danielle values education, reading and learning and speaks about the importance of access to books and how this led her to create the Fit to Read Project. Connect with Danielle: Instagram:  @sphereyyc https://www.instagram.com/sphereyyc/ @fittoreadproject https://www.instagram.com/fittoreadproject/ @dckloepfer https://www.instagram.com/dckloepfer/ Facebook: @sphereyyc https://www.facebook.com/sphereyyc Website: https://sphereoptometry.ca/ FINDING GRACE IN BALANCE “Am I doing the best with what I have? Am I doing the best that I can in this moment?” It's no secret that as moms, we welcome all the tips and tricks when it comes to finding balance between work, kids and everything else! I asked Danielle to share how she juggles it all, and she candidly tells listeners that for her, finding balance is definitely a work in progress. Her perspective is a permission slip for all parents who don't have a ‘fail proof' system in place (hint: almost all of us)!  Danielle really tries to be fully present in whatever she is doing. In the motherhood and work juggle, you are wearing a lot of hats. When Danielle is wearing her ‘work hat' she tries to focus on work. When she is with her kids, she tries to truly compartmentalize and put aside work. She tries to really enjoy her children for what they are bringing. They grow up so fast! When it comes to the idea of balance, she shares that for her and her family, it looks different in different seasons. And while her plate is often very full, she is now trying to learn how to schedule rest and blank space.  BEING AN ALTERNATIVE LEADER What makes a good leader? How do we determine who is a “good” leader or not? Typically, we have an idea that comes to mind when we think of leaders in our lives – typically more extroverted.  Danielle shares her take on leadership, highlighting how she is introverted, likes being by herself, and is curious and quirky. She had many doubts as a business owner that maybe her leadership style wasn't a leader that other people were looking for. What she found is that this wasn't the case. She believes that your skills can allow you to become the leader you want to be in your own way, and that your skillset makes you unique and is exactly what people need. It's about building relationships in different ways by being authentically yourself. OPTOMETRY FOR KIDS Throughout our conversation,

Do you ever wonder what it's really like to be an influencer and to be chasing likes? What really goes on behind the scenes? My guest Carlee Krtolica is a Calgary mom of 2 girls, a blogger, content creator, social media influencer at Styled to Sparkle, and the author of the book Chasing Likes. She is also a freelance interior designer and a sommelier with her WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 Certification.  Her blog and social media are a direct reflection of her daily life with her family, home projects, outdoor adventures, global travel, fine food, wine, and spirits and so much more. Carlee wants to share what makes her life easier in the hopes that it will make your life easier too! Listen in as we talk about: Chasing likes. Carlee gets real about her experience and success as an influencer.  Knowing your limits. Carlee gives us insight into how she ‘does it all', and it comes with knowing when, and what, to outsource. Following your passions. When our passion runs deep within us, that's when we know we're living in our purpose. Carlee shares how she continues to follow her passions in her business and tapping into her wildest dreams by writing a book. Living in the ‘pinch me' moments. You know those moments in life when it almost feels surreal to have the opportunities you have? Carlee gives us insight into her favourite Connect with Carlee: Instagram: @styledtosparkle https://www.instagram.com/styledtosparkle/ Facebook: @styledtosparkle https://www.facebook.com/styledtosparkle/ Website:  https://www.styledtosparkle.com Blog Post: Carlee's nursery for her second daughter Blog Post: Carlee's kitchen Book: Chasing Likes by Carlee Krtolica CHASING LIKES Are you thinking about being an influencer? Carlee asks, “Are you sure you want to do this?”. Being an influencer is a lot more work than you might think. There are many decisions to make about the content you are going to create in terms of what you want to share, how much you want to share, and how authentic you want to be. You need to really think about why you would want to get into this space. It might seem like you just snap some photos and get some free stuff but that is not how it works these days.   KNOWING YOUR LIMITS “Not everything you see is real. Give yourself some grace and ask for help.” On social media, it can appear that people have it all together, that they, themselves, are ‘doing it all', and that their lives are perfect – almost too good to be true. Carlee gives us insight into how she ‘does it all', and it comes with knowing when, and what, to outsource. She shares how important it is to know our limits, so that we have the time and energy to pour back into the things we love during the day; like spending time with our loved ones, working on projects that bring us joy, and filling up our own cup. Carlee reminds us that there is no shame in asking for help to live a life that feels balanced. She shares two of her favourite ways to make her life easier:  Instacart: Instacart is a grocery delivery company. This saves Carlee a trip to the grocery store and having to pack up her young girls. Sprout Society: Sprout Society is a Calgary based company that has a great variety of pre-made plant based meals that Carlee can have on hand in the fridge or freezer. Her family loves them! WINE RECOMMENDATIONS Carlee loves and knows a lot about wine! She shares some of her favourites.  Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay: Mission Hill is located in West Kelowna, British Columbia. Carlee recommends pairing this wine with popcorn topped with butter, truffle oil, and parmesan cheese.  Blue Mountain Pinot Noir: Blue Mountain is located in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia.  Nk'Mip Cellars Merlot: Nk'Mip Cellars an Indigenous owned winery located in Osoyoos, British Columbia. Carlee loves enjoying this wine with steak.  Hello Someday Crossroads Red Blend: Hello Someday is owned by a Calgary Couple,

How does a project manager organize her family and home? And what are the benefits to having planned out systems in place when it comes to things like chores and household responsibilities? This episode is jam-packed with amazing tips to manage boundaries, workload, time and energy so you can spend more of your time doing what you love. Joining me is Hilary Kinney, a project director with 18 years of experience at a Fortune 500 company. She is also the proud mother of an elementary school student. Her recent parenting accomplishments include teaching him to, among other things, plan his day independently, make dinner, and get his chores done without complaining – most of the time. Her career achievements range from facilitating a C-suite-sponsored customer recognition program across 7,000 Marriott properties globally, to directing special projects for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company President's office.  Hilary earned a B.S. in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. She holds a Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification from the Project Management Institute, as well as a Change Practitioner Certification from the Prosci® Change Management Leadership Center.  She lives with her family in the Washington, D.C. area. Listen in as we talk about: Prioritizing as a family. Hilary developed this concept based on the theory of constraints, which means managing to our limits. Creating ‘white space'. We discuss adding more space in our lives to just live and be present. Strategies to help families manage times of change. Hilary shares her best tips when it comes to helping families navigate change. Working together as a family team. There are ways to get our family on the same team, and Hilary talks about the ways that work for her family. Favourite organizational systems to use as a family. How do we get our family organized? Hilary teaches us how she keeps track of her family in her home. Connect with Hilary Instagram: @pmforparents https://www.instagram.com/pmforparents/ Facebook: @ParentsProjects https://www.facebook.com/ParentsProjects Website: https://www.projectmanagementforparents.com/ Book: Project Management for Parents by Hilary Kinney https://www.projectmanagementforparents.com/book PRIORITIZING AS A FAMILY Hilary developed the concept of prioritizing as a family based on the theory of constraints, which means managing to our limits. This can be a bit counter-cultural and different from what we're used to hearing, because we're used to thinking about how to maximize our time and get as much done as possible in the amount of time that we have. The project management theory of constraints flips that on its head and focuses on what our limits are and what we need to be restricted by. CREATING ‘WHITE SPACE' “No matter how organized you are, if you've got too much going on categorically, you're not going to be able to make it happen.”  Creating white space is imperative for busy families. The idea is that it's like a buffer of free time where you don't have anything scheduled or planned. It's when you get to relax and simply exist and be human instead of constantly doing. Hilary shares how she has implemented white space into her life and into her family's routine, and the joyful moments that have come from this simple shift.  STRATEGIES TO HELP FAMILIES MANAGE TIME OF CHANGE Hilary shares two important points about how to help families manage times of change. The first strategy is change management. It's about analyzing and developing a plan to help support the change, as well as including all stakeholders (aka your family team) in the change management process. The second strategy is risk management. What are the risks of the change? How will this change impact and affect the family unit? By considering these two important strategies, you can plan for change within your own family and create a plan that will support all family members. WORKING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY TEAM

How do we build healthier food choices when we're busy, tired and overwhelmed? It isn't always the first thing we want to do, even though we know it will make us feel better in the long run. What if there was a better way? An easier way? That's what we're talking about with Dr. Abha Sharma on this podcast episode. Abha is a Health and Wellness Coach for Professional Working Moms. In her work, she helps working moms glow up through hormone health + living a holistic lifestyle. She combines wisdom from her personal journey AND the scientifically proven Precision Nutrition Methodology to guide women to truly radiate from within. Abha is also a Pediatrician, IBCLC, and the host of The Health Has No Finishline Podcast; a weekly podcast which dives into subjects such as body image, emotional eating, mindset, healthier living, and so much more.  Listen in as we talk about: Creating more time. Abha talks about how to find more time in our days, and outsourcing the things that don't light us up. Eating healthier and exercising. Abha shares the myths around both of these, and shares her best tips for incorporating more of each into our lives. Tips to have better food choices on hand. How we make better choices is through how prepared we allow ourselves to be. Abha shares her best tips for us.  Connect with Abha Instagram: @_healthhasnofinishline https://www.instagram.com/_healthhasnofinishline/ Facebook: @AbhaSharmaHHNFL https://www.facebook.com/AbhaSharmaHHNFL Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthhasnofinishline Website:  https://healthhasnofinishline.mykajabi.com/ Podcast: Health Has No Finish Line https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-has-no-finishline/id1533022406 Radiate From Within Membership: https://healthhasnofinishline.mykajabi.com/ OUR KIDS WANT LOVE We learn from so many experiences as moms. For Abha, the biggest learning experience has been to not get caught up in the little details and in trying to look perfect. We don't need to fit in a box of what we think motherhood should look like. At the end of the day, our kids just want to spend time with us and feel loved. They don't care about all the external details.  CREATING MORE TIME Abha talks about how to find more time in our days, and outsourcing the things that don't light us up. She shares the story of what life was like before her daughter, when she had ample time to dedicate to working and spending time with her partner. She talks about what shifted within her when she became a mom, and how she decided to shift her focus and career. Of course, that didn't give her the time back that she was looking for, as we all know we end up being even busier when we start up a new venture. Abha shares why it was necessary for her to outsource the things that were bogging down her creativity, and how her life and business started to flourish. EATING HEALTHIER AND EXERCISING “Be kind to yourself and remember that it's not about being able to do it all. It's about being able to do all that feels good to you.” There's a myth that we need to dedicate two hours to each day to our health and exercise habits. Abha shares why she feels that just isn't the case, and gives listeners tips on which exercises to incorporate – even while playing with kids! We can incorporate healthier choices when we set ourselves up for success, and Abha gives us the tools we need to make small, yet significant and simple changes. TIPS TO HAVE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES ON HAND “If you can eat fresh cooked versus a frozen meal, that's always better. But… we are human. Have a frozen meal on hand because life can get challenging sometimes.” When we prepare ourselves in advance, it's easier to make healthier choices all around. From stocking our pantry with healthy go-to items, and our fridge and freezer with easy to cook meats and foods, Abha shares simple tips to make better food choices. She also warns us about food labels,

Do you ever feel the overwhelm of trying to “do it all”? Or maybe you've been struggling on your parenting journey and are needing a bit of hope that it's all going to be okay? In this episode, Jenn Abbatiello joins me to talk about peaceful parenting and how it can help us build stronger relationships with our kids and ourselves. Jenn is a mom of two young boys and a Certified Parent Coach. She is the founder of Your Transformed Family, helping parents end the anger, frustration, and guilt to find calm, confidence and ease in their parenting without yelling, threatening or punishing.  As a former dominant parent, Jenn learned to become a peaceful parent and is dedicated to helping other parents transform their parenting too! Prior to founding Your Transformed Family, Jenn worked for 20+ years as a senior sales & marketing executive with companies of various sizes and across industries. She helped launch Microsoft Advertising in Canada, built and led the marketing team at Thinking Capital and spearheaded the growth of Reader's Digest in Southeast Asia. When not working with families, she loves the outdoors skiing, hiking or running with her husband and two boys. One thing she can't live without is her morning latte with oat milk. Listen in as we talk about: The struggle behind being a mom. Jenn gets honest and real about becoming a mom even if it wasn't in her life plan. Healing our trauma to help our kids through their big emotions. Jenn talks about her biggest parenting lesson, which is to do her own inner healing work so that she can help her kids. Tips for prioritizing working on yourself. We can only show up as the mom we want to be when we take care of ourselves. Jenn shares her two tips on how to do just that. Connect with Jenn Instagram: @yourtransformedfamily https://www.instagram.com/yourtransformedfamily/ Facebook: @yourtransformedfamily https://www.facebook.com/yourtransformedfamily/ Website: https://www.yourtransformedfamily.com Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style I checked out Jenn's “What's Your Parenting Style?” Quiz and learned that I am a “Balanced Parent”. Take the quiz to see what type of parent you are and receive tips and resources to support you along your parenting journey: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/6230b3f2452f9b00188a8bd5 THE STRUGGLE BEHIND BEING A MOM  When Jenn and her husband started talking about kids, Jenn felt it just wasn't in her life plan. After a battle with cancer, she wasn't even sure if she could have them.  Jenn gets honest and real about becoming a mom, and how it brought up many fears and a battle with wanting to be in control. She talks about how she hit her breaking point, packed her bags and left. This is what led her to where she is now, helping people through their parenting journey.  HEALING OUR TRAUMA TO HELP OUR KIDS THROUGH THEIR BIG EMOTIONS  “Parenting is about co-regulation. You cannot co-regulate if you yourself are not regulated.” Our kids, like us, have big emotions. Just because they may be younger, it doesn't discount how they feel, express and self-regulate. Jenn shares that her biggest lesson as a mother is taking care of herself and doing the hard inner healing work, because it's so important in being able to show up and be the parent you want to be. When we take the time to work on ourselves, it helps us stay patient in those really hard moments, and gives us the ability to pause and take a step back so we can help our kids. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORKING ON YOURSELF “When you're triggered by your child, what's that story that you're telling yourself? How do you peel the onion of where it originated from so you can change it?” If we're not giving ourselves the space to become our best selves, how can we expect the same of our kids? We need to give them space to grow into the people they were destined to become.  Jenn has two ways she takes care of herself in order to show up as the best mom for her kids:

Dr. Gillian is a mom of two and a chiropractor who has focused her career caring for moms and their children. She lost her own mother as she entered motherhood. This void, disconnection and loss has perpetually fuelled her passion to create an authentic safe space for women to be seen, heard and feel well taken care of in their motherhood journey. To reconnect to themselves and their body. The opportunity to walk with women through this sometimes horribly lonely, often joy filled, and always exhausting season has been a blessing. Each time another says, ‘same', offers an assuring nod or let's their shoulders down, her cup gets filled, the void gets smaller, and her drive strengthens.  Listen in as we talk about: Knowing our limits. As a mom and working full-time, Gillian shares that the biggest resource she has tapped into has been learning her limits. Building a practice that's in alignment. Gillian worked in many different settings, and when she became a mom, her purpose felt even more clear – working with moms and kids. Tips to transition from work to home life. Gillian shares that this has been one of the hardest transitions in her day to day, and gives listeners tips on how to navigate it from her perspective. How to feel better in our bodies. There are a few core techniques Gillian recommends for moms to drop back into their bodies and the present moment. Resources mentioned in this episode: Book: She Grieves  Connect with Gillian: Instagram:  @drgilliansawyer https://www.instagram.com/drgilliansawyer/ @mamaandmechiropractic https://www.instagram.com/mamaandmechiropractic/ Facebook: @drgilliansawyer https://www.facebook.com/drgilliansawyer @mamaandmechiropractic https://www.facebook.com/mamaandmechiropractic Website: http://www.gilliansawyer.com THE PERINATAL PHASE  The perinatal phase is anywhere from pregnancy to after you have had your baby. You could classify it as the four trimesters. There are the three trimesters of pregnancy and the fourth trimester is those few months after you have delivered your baby.  What Gillian tells moms, though, is that “postpartum is forever”. “Going through pregnancies, deliveries and stepping into motherhood changes us forever.” So, perinatal is focused around the pregnancy time but really applies to women even long after they have had a baby. Gillian finds that the perinatal phase tends to be a time when women are quite tuned into their bodies because of all the changes that are happening. When things feel off in their bodies, women recognize this. Gillian is able to help them with this through treatments, information as to why it is happening, resources, and in letting them know that they are not alone.  KNOWING OUR LIMITS While working full-time and having a very busy practice, Gillian learned early on that in order to “do it all”, she had to prioritize her limits and pay attention to her energy levels. The biggest strategy that has helped her is trying to listen to where she's at, so that she doesn't push herself too far in either direction. While boundaries are important, Gillian shares how she prioritizes finding ‘flow' over setting hard limits. BUILDING A PRACTICE THAT'S IN ALIGNMENT Becoming a new mom changed the way Gillian operated within her practice, and the clarity she received throughout this time helped her build a business that was in alignment with her true purpose. Gillian was clear on her purpose from the beginning, working with moms and kids, and she helps them in every step of their journey together. She also shifted her practice to a group-style environment, which creates the supportive community that she was always craving. TIPS TO TRANSITION FROM WORK TO HOME LIFE Gillian shares that moving from work to home life has been one of the hardest transitions in her day to day, and gives listeners tips on how to navigate it from her perspective. Actionable tips you can do starting today, recommended by Gillian, are:

Are you connected to your intuition? Have you thought about the relationship between consciousness and intentionally choosing our actions? In every moment, we get the opportunity to create our reality, whether it be through our words, thoughts or affirmations. You're going to love this episode's guest, Anna Lozano, Co-Founder of Love Powered Co. and a coach to ambitious creators. Anna is raising 2 mindful girls in Kelowna and is passionate about all things health & wellness, and supporting women to reach their audacious goals! Listen in as we talk about: Raising kids mindfully. Anna talks about how much of a responsibility it is to have kids and why we should be having conversations about how we want to raise our kids before they're born. Being connected to intuition. Anna shares about her connection to her intuition and how it's been a guiding light for her in both life and business decisions. Why affirmations are important. The thoughts we have and words we speak have a profound impact on our mindset and self-talk.  Advice for female founders. Anna gives us her best tips and insight for female founders and entrepreneurs. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Everything Journal Collab with Jillian Harris Connect with Anna Instagram:  @lovepoweredco https://www.instagram.com/lovepoweredco/ @_annalozano https://www.instagram.com/_annalozano/ Facebook: @lovepoweredco https://www.facebook.com/lovepoweredco @annalozano11 https://www.facebook.com/annalozano11 Website: https://www.lovepoweredco.ca RAISING KIDS MINDFULLY  Anna shares her beliefs around raising kids and says that she doesn't think many people really go deep into the conversations of ‘What is motherhood?' And ‘What is parenthood?' In addition, she suggests we should be having these conversations, especially if you want to raise them consciously and mindfully. We think about growing businesses and we have strategies and mentors in place but we get into motherhood and it's a big transition without instructions. BEING CONNECTED TO INTUITION  “It's about being connected to intuition, getting the downloads and also being quiet enough to hear the answers. That's how I move through motherhood and business.”  All of us are intuitive beings, but with all the external noise, we don't necessarily tune into it, listen to it or pay attention to it. Anna shares that the more that we can listen to those little nudges and the more we can take that intentional inspired action, the more our life is going to flow. She is constantly connected and guided to her intuition, and taps into this energy in both motherhood and business.  WHY AFFIRMATIONS ARE IMPORTANT  “You can start affirmations at any age. It's a powerful, lifelong practice.”  Affirmations are so important. Mindfulness is so important. What you speak in your mind is what you will speak into existence. Anna talks about how affirmations have transformed her self-talk and ability to shift negative thoughts quickly. Having a physical tool, like an affirmation set, allows you to bring focused intention into the words that you're speaking out loud and into the thoughts that you're programming into your subconscious. CONSCIOUSLY MAKING CHOICES “Our subconscious mind is always working. When we are thinking our thoughts, when we are speaking our words, those are creating our reality.” Anna says that if we can consciously choose our words and thoughts, we can consciously choose our reality. Rather than having things happen on autopilot, we can catch ourselves in a negative thought and turn it into a neutral thought, and then, a positive one. This can have a transformative effect on our entire life. Wherever you are, just get started and make it a habit so that you can consciously co-create your life rather than doing it by default. ADVICE FOR FEMALE FOUNDERS The best way to get ahead is to learn from someone who has done what you want to do. As Anna shares,

What is conscious parenting? How can we raise our kids in a way that's aligned with their desires, beliefs and needs? This episode with France Tailleur talks about conscious parenting, its relation to Human Design, and how we can support our kids in the way they need us to. France is a mom and certified Conscious Parenting Coach, who fuses Human Design & other modalities to guide you to parent your child the unique way they desire to be parented. She is here to make spirituality fun & easy, and to elevate the frequencies of consciousness, love, compassion & joy within families world-wide. She teaches you and your child to live in the most effortless, harmonious & creative way which will bring you all the success you desire. She is also an #1 Amazon best selling author for her reflective journal Sparkle Time.  Listen in as we talk about: Conscious Parenting. France shares about what conscious parenting is and how its focus is to raise our kids their way. Co-Parenting. How France is able to balance being a conscious parenting coach and a mom.  Human Design and Conscious Parenting as a match made in Heaven. France shares how these two modalities help us understand our kids more deeply, and how they were designed, to ultimately parent them the way they need it. Simplicity. France shares with us her four areas of simplicity when it comes to parenting and busy schedules. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary Connect with France Instagram: @thehdparentingcoach https://www.instagram.com/thehdparentingcoach/ Facebook: @france.tailleur https://www.facebook.com/france.tailleur TikTok: @thehdparentingcoach https://www.tiktok.com/@thehdparentingcoach Website: https://the-connect-parent-child-classroom.teachable.com/ Podcast: Intentional Parenting Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/intentional-parenting-podcast/id1579371631 Book: Sparkle Time: The Connected Parent/Child Journal https://the-connect-parent-child-classroom.teachable.com/p/sparkle-time CONSCIOUS PARENTING  “Conscious parenting is about raising your child their way, based on what they need and how they're uniquely designed.” France shares that there are two ways of looking at conscious parenting. The first way is that you're raising your kids their way, which involves taking away our own beliefs of how you were raised. It also means that you're taking away how society expects you to raise your kids.  The second way is about raising yourself as well as raising your child. It's about how you react or respond in tough situations, as your own fears, expectations and biases try to make their way in. The focus is on healing what comes up for you so that you can raise your kids their way. HUMAN DESIGN AND CONSCIOUS PARENTING  “Human design allows you to be a more conscious parent because you don't have to guess.  How your child is uniquely designed is laid out for you, and then you start to understand it.” For France, these two modalities, human design and conscious parenting, go hand in hand. When you understand your child's human design, you are able to understand how they want to structure their day and the systems they need in place to function in a way that's aligned with their design. It also helps you as the parent communicate with them more effectively, eases stress on both you and your child, and allows you to anticipate how something that's out of alignment with their design may be the root cause of anger, friction or tantrums.  SIMPLICITY  With busy schedules, kids in activities, family and friend commitments, and more, we may often wonder how we can simplify our lives so that it doesn't feel so chaotic. When we look at simplicity, France suggests that there are four areas that we can look at:  Your environment Your schedule Rhythm and predictability Filtering out the outside world When we focus our attention on these different areas,

Do you celebrate life's moments? Do you prioritize that joy and depth of gratitude as a family? If you're looking for ways to celebrate the small things in life with more ease and grace, you will find this episode enlightening and empowering. Amy, a mom of two teen boys, is one of Canada's go-to experts in event creation and production. No matter the type of event you are planning, if you are looking to level-up, Amy is your gal! She is a former in-house event planner for some of Canada's largest charity organizations where she led teams to create and execute events that raised into the millions of dollars for those who needed it most. Amy followed her passion for creating life changing events and used her entrepreneurial instincts to open the doors to Beyond Fundraising Inc. to ensure non-profit organizations nation-wide had a loud and meaningful event voice. Recently, Amy co-founded The Pop-Up Event Co., to fill her cup with balloon & luxury event design, intimate wedding & event planning, and serving drinks out of The Bea Bar. Basically, all things events are her jam! Or her cup of tea, or her glass of wine! Listen in as we talk about: People as the passion behind her events. Amy's vision is to always create a space where like-minded humans can come together and change the world. Creating memorable celebrations. Amy talks about how important it is to create events that are personalized to the person or organization she is creating them for. Favourite ways to celebrate. How Amy and her family celebrate holidays and other events as a family, and how they've made each experience unique to them. Giving yourself grace. Parenting is hard and we doubt ourselves often. Amy reminds us why it's important to remember that we're doing the best we can, especially on the hard days. Resources mentioned in this episode: WeWork Podcast Series by Bloomberg You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero Effortless by Greg McKeown Connect with Amy: Instagram: @thepopupevent.co https://www.instagram.com/thepopupevent.co/ @thepopupdecor.co https://www.instagram.com/thepopupdecor.co/ @thebea_bar https://www.instagram.com/thebea_bar/ Facebook: @ThePopUpEvent.Co https://www.facebook.com/ThePopUpEvent.Co @thebea_bar https://www.facebook.com/thebeabar Websites: https://www.thepopupevent.co https://www.thebeabar.com https://www.startingbeyond.com JUGGLING MOM AND WORK LIFE “Our kids picked us and we picked them. We are the right parents for them, regardless of our good days or bad days.” Parenting two very different kids with two different parenting styles. Amy has two teenage boys who are very different and require different parenting approaches. Between learning how to support how they show up in the world and managing different anxieties, Amy knows that each of her kids needs something different from her. She also shares how her kids have helped her become a better person too. PEOPLE AS THE PASSION “My passion for events is really the people. It's being able to create a space where humans can come together.” In becoming an event planner, Amy has followed her passion for doing things for the greater good. She loves throwing amazing events that raise a lot of money in order to help people to get better, to do different things, and to really embrace life. When people come together that are like-minded or that have a joint goal, it is an opportunity to see people change the world. CELEBRATING AS A FAMILY Celebrating each and every milestone as a family. Amy shares how her and her family host a lot of events and entertain often. She talks about how each day they are celebrating something special as a family, even if it's as simple as deep gratitude for the day ahead. Amy prioritizes celebrating in order to give thanks and gratitude for each moment. She also shares about the importance of traditions, and how Amy and her family make each tradition unique to them. CELEBRATING EVERYDAY

Have you ever found yourself alone in your motherhood journey? Maybe you've wondered where your community was, and if there are other mamas out there going through what you're going through? Meet Shannon Christensen, my guest this week. Shannon was born and raised in Kelowna, BC and lives there with her husband of 9 years and 2 boys. Shannon is passionate about her friends, family and her community. With a BA in Psychology and Master's of Counselling Psychology, she has a passion for working with marginalized populations and used this drive to start Mamas for Mamas; a registered non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the negative impact of poverty on low income mothers and their families. Shannon has been recognized as a top 40 under 40 recipient, A Woman to Watch, and was a top 3 finalist for Woman of the Year through The City of Kelowna Civic and Community Awards. Listen in as we talk about: Kindness as an inspiration for the Mamas for Mamas movement. Shannon's late father reminded her that she exudes kindness and she wanted to do something special in his memory. Building a community. How Shannon's vision to serve and show up for every community spans farther than online presence and physical locations. We also touch on how to get involved with Mamas for Mamas. The power of a motherhood community. For Shannon, having a motherhood community is everything, as she didn't have one and wasn't welcomed into different motherhood communities in the past. You are not alone. The motherhood journey can be lonely, but you are not alone. Shannon suggests finding like-minded mamas to offer you support and understanding, in both the hard and easy times. Connect with Shannon: Instagram @mamasformamas https://www.instagram.com/mamasformamas/ @shannonbigmama https://www.instagram.com/shannonbigmama/ Facebook: @mamasformamas.org https://www.facebook.com/mamasformamas.org Website: https://www.mamasformamas.org KINDNESS IS OUR CURRENCY "A sense of belonging is the strongest predictor of mental health. Connecting versus transactions allows that to flourish." Should kindness feel like a transaction or a donation? When Shannon was brainstorming how kindness would become a currency within the Mamas for Mamas community, the goal was to have money taken away from the equation. Not necessarily because of individuals struggling with poverty, but because we're all experiencing isolation based poverty as mothers. And when we take money off the table, the only currency we can use is kindness and connection, which Shannon believes is the missing link for moms. So in saying ‘kindness is our currency', it means you will get anything you need for free from Mamas for Mamas. Showing kindness makes more of a difference in a mama's life than anybody could possibly imagine. MOTHERHOOD TAKES A COMMUNITY Motherhood is the most rewarding yet can be the most isolating and challenging experience we can go through. For Shannon, she recalls how she didn't have a community of moms to lean on and support her, which fueled her desire even more to create an organization like Mamas for Mamas. She says to not be afraid to ask for what you're looking for in terms of support, find people who have the same interests as you, and gently reminds us that it's okay to be a different kind of mom. FINDING YOUR COMMUNITY Finding your village, as a mom, can be tough. Shannon says "Just don't be afraid to be vulnerable". Don't be afraid to ask for the support you are looking for. Remember that there are many different types of moms and this is more than okay. Find a mom that suits your style of parenting. Find people who share common interests with you. Go on the Mamas for Mamas Facebook page and post who you are and what you like. Be patient with yourself, be kind to yourself, and take it one small step at a time. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY "It takes one to have an idea. It takes a village to create a movement."

Leah Davidson is a Certified Life Coach with The Life Coach School and founder of Leah Davidson Life Coaching. She is also the host of the Building Resilience Podcast.  Leah holds a MSc (A) in Speech Language Pathology and has spent over two decades as an SLP helping people rehabilitate and rebuild their lives following a traumatic brain injury. She is also a trauma informed certified EFT practitioner and Breathwork Facilitator. Leah is committed to helping people improve their emotional and mental health and create a joyful life by building resilience and focusing on the connection between the body, mind, heart & soul. Leah is also a wife, mom and step mom to a blended family of 5 kids (ages between 16-23). She loves to read, walk, learn, write and snap too many pictures of her family, her dog and the Toronto skyline, where she now calls home. She has a passion for travel, and she usually has multiple trips on the horizon. She loves sunrises and sunsets, poutine, sushi, and all things brain related. In this episode: Parenting young adults. Leah describes this as switching from being the person who is flying the airplane to being in the watchtower instead. Your success guide as a mom. The importance of defining what this means to you. Resilience is the ability to tolerate the challenges, to bend and be flexible, and to learn something along the way. Strategies to raise more resilient kids such as helping them to be resourceful and reminding them that it is okay to have negative emotions. Building our own resilience as parents by working on the three pillars of body, mind, and heart and soul. Connect with Leah: Instagram: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching https://www.instagram.com/leahdavidsonlifecoaching/ Facebook: @leahdavidsonlifecoaching https://www.facebook.com/leahdavidsonlifecoaching Facebook Group: The Building Resilience Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingresilienceclub Podcast: Building Resilience: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/building-resilience/id1546750026 Website: https://leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com Free Download: Guide to Growth through Change and Adversity https://leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com/adversity-guide THE IMPORTANCE OF RESILIENCE We are surrounded by adversity and nothing in life goes exactly as planned. Adversity if always around. It's like your shadow. It might be big or small but it's always going to be there. How can we deal with it? Ultimately, you have to come up with a plan to face it. For Leah, resilience is the ability to tolerate challenges and to get through the challenges. It is the ability to bend and be flexible but to not break while you are bending and being flexible. It is the ability to bounce back and to weather the storm. It is making it through the storm and coming out the other side having learned something. Whatever your challenge is, don't compare it to something that somebody else is going through. What is happening to you is significant in your life. FEELING STUCK In her work, Leah helps people to build up their confidence and resilience and helps them when they are going through difficult times. These can be things that we classify as big things but it can also be those smaller, everyday things that can lead us to quickly reach our breaking point. We can feel stuck when we are focused on trying to change our circumstances. We can't change an injury, an illness, a divorce, a job loss or a mental health challenge. COPING WITH ADVERSITY Victor E Frankl is a survivor of the Holocaust, a psychiatrist, neurologist, and the author of the book “Man's Search for Meaning”. He looked at the situation in concentration camps and wondered what the difference was between people who were able to cope with this huge adversity and those who were struggling. He said: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”