YouMeWe Amplified Podcast - interviews with women leading social impact

Empowering Foster Youth: The Vision of Elev8 Villages In this episode of YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, Suzanne F. Stevens interviews Melissa Kay, the founder of Elev8 Villages. Melissa shares her journey from mentoring at-risk youth to creating sustainable tiny home villages for emancipated foster youth. Delve into the systemic challenges faced by foster children and explore the innovative solutions Elev8 Villages offers, including providing safe housing, wraparound services, and empowering job opportunities. Discover how Melissa's unwavering dedication and pragmatic approach aim to transform lives and reshape communities, ensuring that every youth has a voice and a choice.  00:00 Introduction to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast00:50 Meet Melissa Kay: Founder of Elev8 Villages01:02 The Foster Care Crisis in the U.S.01:45 Melissa's Journey into Foster Care Advocacy03:37 Challenges Faced by Foster Youth10:12 Elev8 Villages: A Solution for Emancipated Foster Youth11:10 Building a Supportive Community13:27 The Tiny Home Movement and Its Impact17:34 Future Plans and Expansion18:16 Funding and Resources for Elev8 Villages27:20 A Vision of Clarity 29:08 Building Tiny Homes 30:02 Funding the Dream30:38 Coaching and Contributions 32:33 Sustainable Business Models34:39 Community and Dignity 36:44 Avoiding Pitfalls 45:20 Rapid Fire Questions52:49 Final Words of Wisdom  

Equal Visibility for Women: A Conversation with Bobbie Carlton  In this enlightening episode of YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, I sit down with Bobbie Carlton, the inspiring founder of Innovation Women, a platform that provides equal visibility opportunities for women speakers. We dive deep into the systemic challenges women face in securing speaking engagements and emphasize the importance of public speaking for career advancement.   Bobbie, also the founder of Carleton PR and Marketing and Lioness Magazine, shares her insights on building a supportive community for women speakers and the necessity of sustainable business models to promote gender equity on stage. This episode is a powerful call to action for women entrepreneurs and leaders to assert their presence and expertise across all industries. Enjoy the conversation and get ready to be inspired!   To read/listen/watch and learn more about Bobbie Carlton visit: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/bobbie-carlton-innovation-women-speaker/   00:00 Introduction to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast 02:33 Meet Bobbie Carlton: Founder of Innovation Women 03:41 The Catalyst Behind Innovation Women 05:34 Systemic Challenges for Women Speakers 07:55 Types of Speakers and Their Roles 14:27 Building a Supportive Community for Women Speakers 25:43 The Disconnect in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 29:50 The Power of Visibility in Public Speaking 31:24 Breaking Stereotypes in Speaking Engagements 34:52 Categories of Speakers and Compensation Models 38:36 Measuring the Impact of Innovation Women 40:54 The Structure and Benefits of Carleton PR Marketing 46:11 Sustainability and Future Vision for Innovation Women 50:43 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Breaking Barriers: Emily Purry on Disability Inclusion and Accessibility. A YouMeWe Amplified Podcast Original hosted by Suzanne F. Stevens, CSP Visit site: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/emily-purry-purry-consulting/  Subscribe to the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast and receive notifications in your inbox. https://podcast.youmewe.ca/ In this episode of the You Me We Amplified podcast, host Suzanne F. Stevens introduces Emily Purry, the force behind Purry Consulting. Emily, legally blind and an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), shares her journey and insights on integrating disability practices into businesses. The discussion covers various aspects of DEIA, including digital accessibility, disability strategies, and the importance of inclusive environments. Emily also highlights the profound benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and the significant gap in disability awareness within organizations. Additionally, the episode touches on the challenges and progress in disability advocacy, emphasizing the need for continuous education and systemic changes to foster true inclusion. 00:00 Introduction to the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast 03:03 Emily's Personal and Professional Background 03:59 Challenges and Triumphs in the Workplace 08:26 Emily's Athletic Pursuits and Overcoming Obstacles 10:24 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) 29:02 The Importance of Inclusive Practices in Organizations 40:22 The Power of Kindness and Curiosity 42:00 Impact of the Pandemic on Disability Employment 44:34 Loyalty and Work Ethics of Employees with Disabilities 47:18 Challenges and Innovations in Accessibility 53:22 Understanding Autism and Social Expectations 59:06 The Journey of Starting a Nonprofit 01:07:27 Lightning Round: Quick Insights and Advice 01:14:35 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom -------- 

Breaking Barriers: Emily Purry on Disability Inclusion and Accessibility. A YouMeWe Amplified Podcast Original hosted by Suzanne F. Stevens, CSP Visit site: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/emily-purry-purry-consulting/  Subscribe to the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast and receive notifications in your inbox. https://podcast.youmewe.ca/ In this episode of the You Me We Amplified podcast, host Suzanne F. Stevens introduces Emily Purry, the force behind Purry Consulting. Emily, legally blind and an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), shares her journey and insights on integrating disability practices into businesses. The discussion covers various aspects of DEIA, including digital accessibility, disability strategies, and the importance of inclusive environments. Emily also highlights the profound benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and the significant gap in disability awareness within organizations. Additionally, the episode touches on the challenges and progress in disability advocacy, emphasizing the need for continuous education and systemic changes to foster true inclusion. 00:00 Introduction to the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast 03:03 Emily's Personal and Professional Background 03:59 Challenges and Triumphs in the Workplace 08:26 Emily's Athletic Pursuits and Overcoming Obstacles 10:24 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) 29:02 The Importance of Inclusive Practices in Organizations 40:22 The Power of Kindness and Curiosity 42:00 Impact of the Pandemic on Disability Employment 44:34 Loyalty and Work Ethics of Employees with Disabilities 47:18 Challenges and Innovations in Accessibility 53:22 Understanding Autism and Social Expectations 59:06 The Journey of Starting a Nonprofit 01:07:27 Lightning Round: Quick Insights and Advice 01:14:35 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom -------- 

In this episode of YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, host Suzanne F. Stevens interviews Jacey Shnarr, the founder of Butterfly Ethical Gifting. They discuss the inception of the business during the pandemic, its mission to elevate workplace engagement through ethical gifts, and its focus on supporting small, diverse, and eco-friendly businesses. Jacey shares her journey from working in the corporate world to becoming a full-time entrepreneur and the social impact of her business, including donating 2% of revenue to charities and working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The podcast explores the challenges and rewards of running a socially responsible business, with advice for entrepreneurs on making a social impact, the importance of ethical sourcing, and the role of technology in modern gifting. The conversation also delves into Jacey's personal involvement with mentorship programs and how Butterfly Ethical Gifting advocates for environmental and social responsibilities through its operations.   00:00 Introduction to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast 00:27 The Birth of Butterfly Ethical Gifting 04:03 Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 06:44 The Essence and Impact of Ethical Gifting 08:24 Empowering Small Businesses and Ethical Practices 11:38 Leveraging Technology for Ethical Gifting 14:39 The Ripple Effect of Social Contributions 21:20 Engaging with Small Businesses for a Greater Impact 31:01 Sustaining Social Impact and Future Initiatives 40:54 Final Thoughts and Advice on Social Contribution

Empowering African Women by Hiring Virtual Assistance: The Dada Dunia Journey  This episode of the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast features an interview with Jayne Akinyi, the founder and CEO of Dada Dunia, a company that connects virtual assistants in Africa with socially responsible businesses in Canada.  Born from Jayne's personal struggles as an immigrant in Canada and her desire to help African women gain access to better opportunities, Dada Dunia not only provides virtual assistance services but also focuses on the personal and professional development of its employees, offering training, mentoring, and workshops focused on emotional intelligence and confidence building.  The podcast explores Jayne's journey from Kenya to Canada, her motivations for starting Dada Dunia, the challenges of building a business that bridges two very different worlds, and the impact Dada Dunia is having on both the virtual assistants it employs and the businesses it serves.  00:00 Introduction to Jayne Akinyi and Dada Dunia02:14 The Essence of Dada Dunia: Connecting Africa and Canada04:01 Jayne's Journey: From Kenya to Canada and Beyond06:07 The Vision and Impact of Dada Dunia09:56 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Diversity12:07 Empowering African Women Through Virtual Assistance19:37 Navigating Time Zones and Client Expectations24:51 Education and Empowerment: Beyond Degrees30:45 Empowering Women Beyond Traditional Roles31:40 The Vision and Impact of Dada Dunia31:46 Feminism and Voting Rights: A Global Perspective31:46 Dada Dunia's Pricing Model and Ethical Practices32:45 Creating a Thriving Wage and Support System35:21 Building a Community and Sisterhood at Dada Dunia37:25 The Journey and Growth of Dada Dunia37:59 Fostering Stability and Growth for Virtual Assistants40:28 Partnering for Social Impact with Canadian Companies42:25 The Story of Finding a Business Partner45:22 Transformative Stories of Dada Dunia Assistants48:44 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Advice57:22 Final Thoughts on Making a Conscious Contribution

Tackling Human Trafficking with Sandy Biback on YouMeWe Amplified Podcast. This episode of the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast features Suzanne F. Stevens hosting Sandy Biback, Founder of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT). Sandy shares her journey from a retired meeting planner to an advocate against human trafficking, prompted by her travels in Vietnam and Cambodia. The podcast delves into various forms of modern slavery, including sex trafficking and indentured labor, stressing that human trafficking is not just an international issue but occurs locally, even in Canada.Sandy discusses the vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit, from social media to street kids, emphasizing the need for awareness, education, and better protection measures at home and in the hotel industry. The conversation also explores the efforts of MPAHT to educate and mobilize the hospitality and meeting planning industry against human trafficking, highlighting collaborative efforts with Ottawa Tourism and other organizations to make a greater impact. Sandy's call to action involves raising awareness, being vigilant, and advocating against human trafficking in one's community.  00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and the Fight Against Human Trafficking01:41 Meet Sandy Biback: A Crusader Against Human Trafficking03:33 The Catalyst for Change: Sandy's Journey to Combat Human Trafficking06:57 Understanding the Complex World of Modern Slavery09:00 The Harsh Realities of Sex Trafficking and Its Victims18:53 The Role of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT)26:12 Expanding the Fight: Education, Awareness, and Supply Chain Ethics31:52 Measuring Social Impact: Personal Stories and Strategies32:37 Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activities38:24 Expanding Awareness: Strategies and Challenges45:57 Building a Volunteer Network: Engagement and Sustainability50:47 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Inspirations55:24 Closing Thoughts: Making Your Contribution Count

Photography as a Pathway: Amina Mohamed's Mission for Economic Empowerment for girls and women in Uganda and beyondIn this episode of YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, host Suzanne F. Stevens welcomes Amina Mohamed, the founder of Cameras For Girls, a social enterprise aimed at empowering women and girls in Uganda and beyond through photography. Amina shares her journey from moving to Canada as a refugee to founding her organization that teaches photography, journalism, and business skills to women and girls. The initiative aims to provide economic empowerment, challenge social norms, and advocate for gender equality. Amina discusses the catalyst for Cameras For Girls, the success stories, and the challenges faced in funding and implementing the program. The conversation also touches upon the significance of ethical photography, informed consent, and the impact of uplifting women through education and skills training.To read, watch, or listen to the entire interview or subscribe for new episodes visit: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/amina-mohamed-cameras-for-girls/ 00:00 Welcome to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast: Empowering Women Through Photography, 01:01 Introducing Amina Mohamed and Cameras For Girls03:21 Amina's Journey: From Canada to Empowering Ugandan Girls05:09 The Catalyst for Change and the Vision of Cameras For Girls07:15 The Impact of Cameras For Girls: Empowerment Beyond Photography08:51 Challenging Gender Norms and Celebrating International Women's Day14:30 The Power of Education and Overcoming Barriers22:07 Internships, Opportunities, and the Importance of Paid Work27:38 Building a Sustainable Future and Expanding Impact29:20 Exploring the Source of Cameras and Fundraising Efforts30:39 Innovative Fundraising: The Chocolate Fundraiser Story31:25 Empowering Girls Through Mentorship and Paying It Forward33:16 Choosing the Right Camera for Empowerment35:38 The Importance of Ethical Photography and Informed Consent45:29 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions49:51 Final Thoughts on Social Impact and Contribution

Amplifying Underrepresented Voices in Podcasting: A Conversation with Marla IsacksonIn this episode of YouMeWe Amplified podcast, host Suzanne F. Stevens speaks with Marla Isackson, Founder and Chair of OSSA Collective Inc., an AI-driven podcast advertising marketplace. Marla discusses her journey in creating OSSA, which supports underrepresented voices in podcasting. She shares insights into the importance of diverse voices in podcasting and how OSSA empowers podcasters, predominantly women and other underrepresented groups, with opportunities to monetize their work and achieve financial empowerment. Furthermore, Marla highlights the importance of effective communication, team collaboration, networking, and embracing change in the organization. She also underscores the role of conscious contribution and the need to be clear about one's mission when aiming to make a substantial social impact.00:20 Introduction and Welcome 00:54 Meet the Host: Suzanne F. Stevens 01:10 Introducing the Guest: Marla Isackson 01:36 Marla's Journey into Podcasting 02:26 The Birth of OSSA 04:03 The Role of Social Return on Investment in OSSA 05:09 The Importance of Financial Empowerment 05:30 The Growth and Evolution of OSSA 06:35 The Power of Podcasting for Underrepresented Voices 07:07 OSSA's Unique Approach to Podcasting 14:50 The Importance of Consistency and Community in Podcasting 24:58 The Impact of Social Initiatives on Business Sustainability 25:42 Key Initiatives for Sustainable Social Impact 26:18 Growing OSSA's Creator Community 27:12 The Power of Networking and Partnerships 30:46 Building and Managing a Virtual Team 33:19 Engaging and Communicating with a Virtual Team 35:49 The Future of OSSA and Social Initiatives 36:48 Personal Insights and Reflections 44:00 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion 45:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

If you have ever considered incorporating a social initiative into your business, listen to this podcast. Whether you are a consumer, small business, or an entrepreneur… You can take a wealth of information from my conversation with Erin Houston, the co-founder of Wearwell. This is a masterclass on creating a sustainable social impact for you, your business, and the community.Watch, listen, or read, and you will learn:How to attract and keep consumers by aligning with their values How to evaluate sustainable trends - this goes beyond the environment. How to make an impact through the supply chain How to assess brand partners and make it a light lift. What is greenwashing, and how does a small business or consumer identify it? How to bake a social initiative into your revenue model while engaging the consumer? How do you create a lower carbon footprint while being an online business that ships products?... and so much more!

Welcome to YouMeWe Amplified!Well, this is a first. Today's conversation is with a woman in the machine manufacturing industry, Tara Lordi, the Co-founder and CEO of WeeDoo Boats, which preserves nature and wins the fight to clean aquatic vegetation from the waterways without chemicals. Tara is from Florida, United States.Tara has a knack for getting to the heart of the matter. She shares how small businesses, citizens, and governments can efficiently and cost-effectively clean our waterways to reduce the impact on water and our health. In this episode, we discuss:What it takes to start an innovative business.How to engage the Federal Government in the development of your product.How to lead a team without being the boss.Creating a culture where employees are invested in the social initiatives' successHow to empower customers to become your biggest advocatesAnd the 10 in 10 at the end of our conversation is definitely worth a listen! As a small business owner, you'll appreciate the candid dos and don'ts that will propel your business and impact forward.And if you're a parent, Tara provides thought-provoking advice for empowering your children.After you listen to this episode, I hope you feel as empowered as I did to make your contribution count!To watch the video, visit: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/tara-lordi-weedoo-greenboat/

At YouMeWe Amplified Podcast we have conversations with sheIMPACTpreneurs transforming where WE Live & Work with Sustainable Social Solutions.Hosted by Suzanne F. Stevens, CSP, international speaker, author, coach, sheIMPACTpreneur Community Builder, and Multi-Award winning IMPACTpreneur. Receive actionable insights into what, why, and how to make a social impact to empower you, your organization, and your community!Like, Comment, Subscribe. Don't want to miss a dose of inspiration and action? Subscribe to receive email notifications of new episodes. Visit podcast.youmewe.ca Resources and search by country and impact: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/jordana-guimaraes-fashinnovation/Be empowered to make your contribution count!In this episode, we have a conversation with Jordana Guimaraes, co-founder of Fashinnovation Inc. I have never laughed so hard in a podcast!Fashionnovation marries fashion, technology, and sustainability. Jordana and her partner Marcelo created a community where affordability, structure, and sustainability in fashion meet. They offer budding designers and fashion entrepreneurs internationally access to information, innovation, and collaborators, providing the inaccessible and making it, and them, accessible. As part of Fashinnovation business mission, they give opportunities to talent in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jordana also advocates for sustainability and SDGs goals by sitting on the board of different organizations.Conversation highlights...Discover the one fundamental must-have for every budding business.The benefits of democratizing content as a business and social impact strategy.The one thing that can stop social and environmental progression.Business strategies to go from rags to riches.The opportunities in the Fashion industry.Two not-to-be-ignored keys to Fashinnovation's sustainable business.Collaboration strategies to grow your business and impact.How do you take the emotion out of an emotional business?…and more

At YouMeWe Amplified Podcast we have conversations with sheIMPACTpreneurs transforming where WE Live & Work with Sustainable Social Solutions.Hosted by Suzanne F. Stevens, CSP, international speaker, author, coach, sheIMPACTpreneur Community Builder, and Multi-Award winning IMPACTpreneur. Receive actionable insights into what, why, and how to make a social impact to empower you, your organization, and your community!Like, Comment, Subscribe. Don't want to miss a dose of inspiration and action? Subscribe to receive email notifications of new episodes. Visit podcast.youmewe.ca Resources and search by country and impact: https://podcast.youmewe.ca/jayne-larson/Be empowered to make your contribution count!In this episode, we have a conversation with Jayne Amelia Larson. In addition to being a bestselling author, actress, TV producer, and Activist, she is the Creator & Host of Bonus Babies Podcast from Los Angeles, California.Bonus Babies is committed to changing the current landscape of the failing foster care system. The podcast's aim is to prevent children from entering foster care in the first place AND to empower those in care to achieve healthy and sustainable independence.Conversation highlights...What is a CASA and its role in the Foster Care System?What are the issues in the Foster Care system, and why do they exist?What can citizens do to address the challenges in the foster care system?Why are foster children vulnerable to trafficking?What do many superheroes have in common … the answer may surprise you.How to run a business and nonprofit together?Who makes the best collaborators? … and more.

As a leader, your responsibility is to pull people up. But sometimes, our natural inclination to surround ourselves with those like us can hinder progress. In the face of affinity bias, it becomes crucial for leaders to pave the way for diversity and create growth opportunities. ‌ This blog explores the importance of promoting diversity and fostering growth as a leader. We will focus on: Creating a Pathway for All Giving Everyone a Stake Knowing When to Let Go By implementing these strategies, leaders can drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and build a sustainable future for their organization. Embracing diversity, creating growth opportunities, and empowering individuals will pave the way for success.

Unlock the Potential of Appreciation. Discover the untapped potential of appreciation as we unveil its impact on motivation, engagement, and performance in the workplace. Watch, read, or tune into the "Unlocking the Potential of Appreciation" blog/vlog/podcast as we explore the art of recognizing and appreciating colleagues and unlock a world of possibilities for success. Key focuses, Why is appreciation critical? Recognize different things for different people. How appreciation creates a positive ripple effect. Unlocking the Potential of Appreciate and become an agent of change, spreading the power of recognition, and transforming workplaces into thriving, motivated, and fulfilled environments where everyone's contributions truly count.

In this inspiring podcast episode, we explore the captivating world of inspiring as a conscious leader and discover three key practices that hold the key to unlocking true leadership greatness: modeling, authenticity, and transparency. Strategies shared: Model what you preach. Embrace transparency. Communicate authentically. By practicing these fundamental principles, leaders create a conscious and successful organization where everyone feels inspired, valued, and motivated to make a positive difference. Inspiring leadership begins with being the change you want to lead. Check out the video/podcast/blog. Caution, these strategies will transform how you lead:https://youmewe.ca/inspiring-employees/

Fueling Success through Employee Engagement: Discover the Conscious Leadership Practice that fuels productivity, creativity, and loyalty in the workplace. Join us as we interview Angela Dick, Founder and CEO of Transman, and Gita Goven, Founder & CEO of ARG Design, two conscious leaders who have mastered employee engagement. Angela's "Monday Morning Motivational Moments" broke down hierarchical barriers, sparking a wave of creativity. Gita's "morning tea-time" sessions fostered teamwork and cross-functional innovation. Key Takeaways: Ongoing scheduled dialogue for open communication and growth. Engaging employees in decision-making builds trust and support. Acknowledge personal interests to deepen engagement. Discover more strategies and inspiring stories on how to create a thriving work environment. Watch, read or Tune in to our podcast and transform your organization with the power of employee engagement.

Cultivate a culture of holistic learning in the workplace We all have an innate thirst for cultivating our growth and development. It's a natural desire to want to improve our skills, talents, and geniuses. However, in a world where the workplace is constantly evolving, finding the time to satisfy this craving can be challenging. This blog will explore the importance of cultivating an environment that builds an individual's unique abilities and provides them with the tools to grow. Including: Performance evaluations to promote inclusivity Cultivate learning that grows the team and your organization Conscious Leaders and feedback So, what can you, as a conscious leader, do now to cultivate a learning culture?

The Power of Empowerment:
 Conscious Leadership fosters innovation and self-worth   As the world becomes increasingly complex, Conscious Leadership has emerged as a critical practice in organizations. Empowerment, one of its essential practices, is fundamental for innovation, creativity, and self-worth. In this podcast, we will explore the importance of empowerment in Conscious Leadership and its impact on organizations. Autonomy empowers and produces innovation Empower colleagues by serving their vision. Bring Colleagues out from the shadows into the light. Establish a non-judgmental environment en route to empowerment. 

WE all seek respect, especially in a work environment where we spend most of our waking hours. To earn respect, we need to give it. Organizations can create a culture of mutual respect through transparency and effective communication. In today's world, diverse workplaces are becoming the norm. People from different backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and cultures work together. The challenge is to create a culture that respects and includes everyone. This is why respect is integral to creating Team Spirit, Empowerment, and Effective leadership in the Colleagues' Hierarchy of Needs. So, what can you, as a conscious leader, do now to demonstrate a culture of respect?

The concept of care may seem out of place in a competitive organization, but it should be a cornerstone practice. Care impacts the work environment and meets the highest need that colleagues crave, which is purpose and meaning. To be a conscious leader, one must create a culture that addresses colleagues' basic needs and their motivational, relational, self-actualization and transcendent needs. The higher up the colleague hierarchy of needs, the more successful a leader will be in retaining top talent. To address the multitude of needs, a Conscious Leader must incorporate many fundamental practices to create a culture of "we." Yes, you guessed it. The first practice is care.

One of the biggest barriers to being a Conscious leader is minimizing unconscious biases. This means we need to start by listening with all our senses. This will help us hear the message behind the words.   There are, however, many obstacles to being an effective listener, such as: External noise Mind chatter Being self-consumed Not knowing what to listen for (I have spent years training people on this skill, particularly leaders, sales teams, and project managers.) Our perceptions, beliefs, and biases of the person In this episode, we will explore the reality of biases and what you can do to limit their influence on your relationships and leadership.

Creating an inclusive culture incorporating diverse perspectives in business executions increases creativity, innovation, productivity, and profitability. But you know that. Research has been spouting such claims for years. What can you, a Conscious leader, do to ensure you create a culture of "we" where everyone feels their contribution counts?

Knowing if you're leading from cause or effect is vital when considering “Why Nobody Wants to Work.” As we continue the Nobody Wants to Work Series, we have seen an increase in resignations. Although many people from diverse occupations have spouted, “I have had enough!” and are seeking more purposeful work, others are opting for early retirement, while others are begrudgingly staying put as inflation skyrockets.    So, as a leader, you may have experienced managers evacuating, unfulfilled colleagues, or begrudging employees who can't afford to leave. Or maybe you have managed to create a purposeful workplace. Well done!

To engage employees and turn nobody wants to work "into everyone wants to contribute," there needs to be a consideration of who or what they contribute and how they contribute. Without this crucial consideration, a social initiative may be unsustainable.  As a small business, you may want to take advantage of the camaraderie of collaborative contributions. So, if you miss the mark on connecting your team to their compassion-connection™, all is not lost. They may discover meaning by tapping into their talents to execute a contribution. 

As a small business, it can be a challenge to incorporate a social initiative into your business that the team can get behind and promote. In the last YouMeWe Infusion, I shared strategies to Connect Your Colleagues to What They Care About. Their compassion-connection™, what your company can provide, and what the World needs must be complementary, not contradictory.  Meaning value-aligned initiatives are at the root of who you contribute to. There is no limit to the number of social, economic, or environmental issues that need our attention. During the pandemic alone, we have: Witnessed more people of all abilities, cultures, races, genders, sexual orientations, and sizes feel more isolated. Seen our systems break down and people along with them. Noticed a dramatic increase in the demand for foodbanks. Observed an exodus of mothers leaving the job market to homeschool. Supported small businesses struggling to survive. Heard of more minorities being attacked, disregarded, and degraded.  Experienced the environment yelling back at us for our continuous disregard. Evaded our responsibility to assist provide vaccines to developing countries Check out the blog here: youmewe.ca/what-does-the-world-need/ Your time is valuable, subscribe to get alerts to your inbox when new content is published visit youmewe.ca    

Whether your mission has a social initiative as part of your DNA or not, your colleagues may not align with who or what issue your business addresses. Without that connection to “who you serve,” they may be an uninspired employee rather than a committed contributor motivated to the mission. As your colleagues seek to live their purpose, they crave to connect to who or what they care about. I call this a compassion-connection™.

According to CBC and likely you, the pandemic has made most of us re-evaluate our priorities. A survey conducted by Angus Reid and the CBC, released in March 2022, suggests that 80 percent of Canadians have reflected on what is important to them in their lives during the pandemic. And just under half said they have since made significant lifestyle changes. We have experienced a splintering society during the pandemic. Biases, privilege, and power have come out of the shadows and have been thrust into the light. Conscious leaders of SMEs and social enterprises are not standing by. [Check out YouMeWe Amplified Podcast to receive actionable insights into what, why, and how to make a social impact to empower you, your organization's culture, and your community https://podcast.youmewe.ca/.) 

With the Great Resignation in the United States reaching record highs month over month in 2021, Canadians may be wondering if we will experience the same attrition trend. If you have been paying attention over the last couple of years, what starts in the United States seems to creep up to Canada. And with the increased resignations, it is no different. Nor is the reason why employees quit. Listen in for reasons why people quit their jobs and what you can do to change that.

Interview with Natasha Halliday, Therapist, Emerging Resilient Counselling and Psychotherapy; Canada Natasha Halliday is a therapist, speaker and comedian. Natasha believes that we all possess resilience. Natasha has worked supporting individuals with their mental health for over 20 years. She is dedicated to uncovering the resilience already there, fostering and building resilience where needed, and demonstrating how to grow through adversity. She is passionate about helping people move past fear into the life they desire and are purposed to live. Natasha infuses humour into most aspects of her life, a skill she learned growing up in a very funny family. Natasha is a published author and was recently part of a collaborative project called Affirmations For a Woman on a Mission Journal.

Natalie Lowe is an entrepreneur, owning her event company for 17 years. She worked in gaming, hotels and events in operations, sales, and marketing. She is a certified meeting manager through Meeting Professionals International and a Climate Reality Leader through the Climate Reality Project. She co-founded The Sustainable Event Forum with a mandate to "Educate, Inspire, Collaborate and Act" and hosts "Earth Day for Event People" every April.

With over three decades as an educator, administrator, speaker, and most importantly, real-life in-the-trenches classroom experience, Lani's view of education can be radically different from standard definitions. Known for her practical, humorous, street-savvy style, Lani appreciates and shares with others that education is so much more than current definitions allow. As President, CEO and Chief Visionary Officer of the Engaged Educators Corp., a company whose mission is to innovate education on a massive scale, she has now opened: UP Academy. A 100% independent, private school that offers every student an individualized education program.

Dr. Natasha Williams moves women from "typical self-care" to radical self-care by redefining selfishness so that they can improve their physical, emotional and mental health. During her career as a Clinical Psychologist and one of the founding Clinical Directors of "Allied Psychological Services," she has empowered many women to challenge their gender, cultural and ethnic paradigms to create a new narrative for themselves so they can work through their healing process, live their life on their own terms and ultimately become the best versions of themselves.

Sara Dunkley is the Founder of Beautiful World Canada (BWC), as well as the President of Stellar Outdoor Advertising and Santa's Village. She founded BWC in 2011 as a Canadian non-profit organization with a mission to help passionate and dedicated students excel in their high school and University or College education, enabling them to create a bright future for themselves, their communities, and their countries.

Jennifer Harper is the Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics INC. Cheekbone Beauty is a digitally native direct-to-consumer brand that is helping Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand while using the concept of Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) fused with Indigenous wisdom in the brand's ethos and in developing products. She strives to educate as many people as possible about the Residential School System and the effects it has had on her family and friends through decades of generational trauma. She speaks regularly to university, college and high school students about social entrepreneurship, empathy and the history of her First Nations family.

In 2005, after 6 years as the President & CEO of Junior Achievement of London and District, she launched her own agency, High Altitude Thinking Inc. Since then, Cynthia has continued to provide organizations, both private sector and nonprofit, with effective business development and growth strategies. She has carved a reputation for her presence, leadership and record of results as a successful business and relationship builder. Cynthia and High Altitude Thinking Inc. also founded the Power of the Purse Women's Conference in 2007. After a successful decade of presenting Power of the Purse Women's Conferences, Cynthia was seeking a new way to profile the accomplishments of women making an impact around the globe. To this end, she created IMPACTwithCynthiaO, an Youtube show featuring her in conversation with these remarkable women.

Kathy Willis has always been a strong feminist advocate in the anti-violence movement. She is Executive Director of Huronia Transition Homes (HTH), a charitable organization in Simcoe County, working to end all violence against all women. Under Kathy's leadership, HTH has grown from a single program woman's shelter to a multi-program county-wide organization. They offer a women's shelter with specialized services for women who have been sex trafficked, a sexual assault counselling and advocacy centre, a children's program for children exposed to abuse against their mothers, and most recently, a social enterprise Operation Grow (OG)

Kanchan's skills draw on over 25 years of senior organizational experience including operations, strategic planning, team development, and relationship building to support her coaching and facilitation. Kanchan coaches and supports C-Suite executives, Senior Management and High Potentials.

Jenny Sawanohk is a Truth and Reconciliation Specialist, educator, advocate, and motivational speaker. She developed and coordinates the first of its kind programming for Indigenous youth-in-care to ensure they receive culturally sensitive and culturally competent identity-based healing opportunities. 

Chenny Xia played a leadership role at multiple design consultancies for over a decade before deciding to focus on one big, hairy challenge: creating a more equitable healthcare system through decolonization

Amy Tung, Founder, I AM LOVE PROJECT is for women who are restarting their lives to build something better. I AM LOVE PROJECT provides extra financial assistance to women when they need it most.

We spend so much time at work, on average of 1,700 hours a year. Although many people enjoy their occupation, society is trending toward living a more meaningful life. What if you could have both?

During and post-pandemic, what was once a choice to answer the call is now a rallying cry to take a proactive role in our time's social, economic, and environmental issues. With the increased acknowledgement that the vulnerable, marginalized, and unrepresented people have suffered the most during the pandemic, now is time to make your contributions count.

Reflecting on who or what you are compassionate towards will likely influence your career choice, volunteer efforts, and charitable giving while filling your mind and heart en route to maximize your meaning.

Your purpose is the driving force that motivates you to explore and persevere. Your purpose is constant and contributes to your overall well-being, unlike happiness, which is a mood and is fleeting. There will be moments of joy and struggle, all of which are part of your purpose realized.

Many leaders and entrepreneurs realize that by placing a social issue or the environment first, not only can they have a positive impact on society, but in the long-term, their companies can reap greater profits.

We all have felt that lull, where we crave more from our life. What are we searching for? How do we find it? And with Covid restrictions, when and where do we start?

The time is now to own our responsibility and place any semblance of normal in the review mirror. It's time to pull our heads out of the sand about inequitable behaviours and mindsets that have plagued the West for centuries

What if you could live your most meaningful life? A social shift is upon us and your community needs you.

BE Alink is the founder and inventor of the Alinker walking bike, which she refers to as a vehicle of change. BE's reverse design practices/philosophy lead to the Alinker, which is not built for a "body-with-a-problem" but for who we are, active and engaged.

Questions to consider to expose an unconscious bias when you are looking for a job, hiring a new employee, seeking to collaborate with another organization, or consciously contributing to a company's cause. In this episode… Consider how to make your contribution count: How do you reward performance? What are your hiring practices? How did your organization go about selecting causes?