Power Of Why With Naomi Haile

Erin Blaskie is a fractional CMO and marketing advisor to startups and scaleups. In 2004, Erin founded one of the first virtual assistance businesses in Canada, served over 300 business across North America and entered the technology space. As a voracious learner, Erin made a name for herself in the industry, took on many challenges and built a brand as a marketing expert. Through Erin’s interviews, articles and content, she produces stories that resonate with those consuming it. Through this episode, I realized it's because she leads with: “how can I be helpful and share information I know the next person will need". In this episode, Erin shared what it was like starting an internet business in her early 20s, working in corporate for a few years (at an Ottawa-based B2B SaaS accelerator and at a fast-growing tech start-up) and then at the top of 2021, did her own thing in business.. Erin is featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, TechCrunch, The Wall Street Journal, The Globe & Mail, and many more publications

For some folks, finances present some level of friction, sometimes even anxiety. We both believe that there is an interesting opportunity to reimagine what one’s relationship to money even looks like. In this episode, Tembeka shares how she focused on her financial goals in the face of distraction, while helping other women do the same.  Tembeka Pratt is a lifestyle finance expert who has been in the financial services industry for over 10 years. And she currently helps Black female professionals create money systems so that they can reach “rich aunty” status with ease. She currently has a course called financial pre-req, and you also provide 2-hour consults with folks who commit to understanding the financial situation and start thinking about systems to prioritize what’s truly important to you. This episode is for you if: You want to prioritize your financial well-being by building sustainable habits You’re influenced by "consumer spending culture", but want to invest, build an emergency fund, and p

“If you do something for long enough, it sort of just becomes a part of who you are and what you do”. Mussie shared how growing up with compassionate, disciplinarian parents who demanded the best from you, translated to strong work ethics. Juggling multiple priorities, Mussie discussed his approach to building systems and structures in his work and life that take a long-term view. Mussie Hailu is a young professional working in finance in Ottawa. He graduated with a degree in Commerce from the University of Ottawa in 2018 and presently works as a financial analyst at a family office. When not studying for his CFA, you can find him deep in a book or binge watching Netflix. This episode is for you if: You struggle with building structure and systems in your life & work You are curious how growing up with compassionate, disciplinarian parents who demanded the best from you, translated to strong work ethics You want to create environments where you can grow You see the value of discipline and want to b

Julian shared some of the important investments that he made into himself, which gave him the confidence to start a company and really tune into his why. Ultimately, this conversation is about how to create work environments where people can thrive. Julian Cook is the co-founder and CEO of a London-based tech company called Howamigoing. They are on a mission to prevent 1 million people from having painful performance review processes. Julian and his team have developed an online platform that helps employees get better feedback, more often. This episode is for you if: You want to learn how to give feedback without compromising your relationships You want to understand why people avoid giving feedback at work You are looking for intentional ways to create a delightful work environment You are intrigued by workplace culture & want to learn how to inspire your team You want to learn how to set up a short feedback process for your team – that works! Connect with Julian Julian’s LinkedIn: Julian C

“If I wanted to be successful and grow in the industry, I had to take matters into my own hands.” Mari Galloway is the master of her fate. As CEO and founding board member for the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC) — one of the fastest growing non-profit communities in this space — Mari is propelling the next generation of women and girls in cyber security, helping them take the small, critical steps necessary to grow and protect their wealth along the way. With over 11 years in Information and Technology, her experience has spanned across network design, security architecture, risk assessments, vulnerability, management and more. This episode is for you if: You want to make a career change but don’t know where to start You’re struggling to pay off your debt You’re interested in cybersecurity, but worry you don’t have the skills to pivot Your greatest motivation is helping others to succeed Connect with Mari Website: mostlymimi.com Mari’s Twitter: @marigalloway Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu’s

“Supporting mothers in supporting their child helps build strong and resilient leaders.” Pivots are just a part of the process for Julia Slanina. A graduate of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, she shifted careers from the foreign service to build stronger communities through connected, human-centred healthcare. As Founder and CEO of Treehouse Medical, she does just that — empowering maternal health care providers and mothers to raise the next generation of healthy, happy leaders. Today, she shares how adaptability, a fluid mindset and clear mission can help you navigate change and overcome obstacles to lead a life you can be proud of. This episode is for you if: You find yourself agonizing over change You seek greater alignment between your life, work and passions You feel strained by the latest lockdown You want to know what supports are available for women before, during and after they give birth You are curious about the advancements in femtech Connect with Julia Website: tre

“Women tend to look at the world as one big community.” Nita Tandon is changing the world, one household at a time. A seasoned sustainable health expert, Nita brings more than two decades of experience as a pharmaceutical and biotech professional to her work as the founder and CEO of Dalcini Stainless, an award-winning maker of safe, simple and sustainable storage containers and housewares made from recyclable, toxic-free Stainless Steel. A values-driven trailblazer, today Nita shares how you can connect with your purpose to create meaningful change in your life, at work — and for the world. This episode is for you if: You refuse to compromise on your values You’re starting out as a woman in business You want to take better care of yourself and the planet You feel like people don’t take you seriously You’ve heard about microplastics, but don’t know why they’re harmful Connect with Nita Website: dalcinistainless.com Instagram: @dalcinistainless Facebook: @DalciniStainless Twitter: @DalciniIn

“Where there is help, there is hope.” Joanne Bezzubetz is on a mission to de-stigmatize mental health and substance abuse. Drawing on 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare organizations across Canada, Joanne serves as President and CEO of The Royal – among Canada’s foremost mental health care and academic health science centres. Committed to community-centred treatment, Joanne has led close collaborations with partners, clients and their loved ones, to help get more people living with mental illness into recovery, faster. An executive, triathlete, and champion for women in leadership, Joanne shares how you can harness the power of community and self-knowledge to create a vision for the life you want (that’s powerful enough to withstand life’s ups and downs). This episode is for you if: The pandemic has taken a toll on your mental health You feel unfulfilled by your work but worry it’s too late for a professional pivot You’re eager to support more women in leadership You want to offer meaningf

Vanessa has created many distinct opportunities for greater learnings and growth by saying YES, and figuring out the details later. As the co-founder of Gift Better Co., Vanessa is focused on building a corporate gifting service that empowers businesses to build & strengthen relationships while fuelling social impact. Vanessa graduated from Carleton University’s Communications Studies program in Ottawa and soon after moved to Toronto to delve further into the marketing world. Vanessa has worked in many different industries - from tech to beauty and music, and has led digital marketing campaigns for global brands, leading artists, and high growth tech start-ups. Vanessa has also guest lectured at the City University of New York, the University of Ottawa and at conferences abroad (make sure to ask her about Tokyo!). And she is focused on her passion for helping brands and entrepreneurs use technology to tell stories and build community. You'll learn: Steps to tell your company’s brand story Why great bus

Aim as high as you can because that's the only way you'll get anywhere. Sem Ponnambalam refuses to settle on her dreams. The President and Co-founder of XAHIVE, Sem drives the businesses global operations, fuelled by her mission to empower people, businesses and nation-states from the devastating repercussions of cybersecurity breaches. Sem has mobilized relationships with industry-leaders around the world like BlackBerry, RedHat and IBM, shared her expert insight through a wealth of articles, white papers, books and published journals, and has facilitated critical workshops and conversations on cybersecurity governance with international businesses, associations, academic institutions and as a panelist representing XAHIVE at the World Economic Forum in New York. Today, Sem shares how you can tackle new challenges — to expand your mind, pursue your passions, and shape a better future for the next generation. This episode is for you if: You’re passionate about an issue but worry you’re missing the industry e

“Creating boundaries has been empowering, because when I show up, I do so with better, more positive energy.” Sunshine Tenasco believes your business can positively transform your community. A First Nations mommy from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, this visionary social entrepreneur and author is committed to strengthening her community — by cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship within it, and drawing national attention to the critical issues they face. From raising awareness for the 25-year clean water crisis with the David Suzuki Foundation through Her Braids, connecting with children on this issue through her book “Nibi’s Water Song”,  to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs with community, mentorship and cash as the driving force behind Pow Wow Pitch, Sunshine is committed to keeping social impact at the heart of her work. Today, Sunshine shares how you too can take action, build community, and drive meaningful change. This episode is for you if: Connect with Sunshine Sunshine’s book, “Nibi’s Water S

“I believe that we can hold onto what we believe in one hand, and shake with the other.” Nasrin Sadeghianpour wants you to do the thing that scares you most. A Senior Smart Grid & AI Scientist at BluWave-ai, she has dedicated her career to overcoming climate change by leveraging artificial intelligence — predicting the patterns of renewable energies so humanity can master this earth-saving resource. Nasrin has enriched her studies around the world: publishing her research across notable international journals and successfully applying her knowledge of AI across a series of major industry projects, as a PhD scholar with the smart grid team at Ghent University’s IDLab in Belgium. Today, Nasrin shares how you can embrace change — to discover new horizons in your field, make friends around the world, and fearlessly follow your dreams. This episode is for you if: You believe that the future of learning is holistic, borderless and accessible You feel overwhelmed by the consequences of climate change You mo

“The connection between women and economic growth is extraordinarily powerful.” Sandra Ng isn’t going to wait for more women to access venture capital. As a founding investor and champion of Invest Ottawa x Capital Angel Network’s SheBoot, a Startup@Berkeley Law Venture Capital University alum, and limited partner with The51 Venture Fund, she’s leading the charge to bring them in. Over the last 25 years, Sandra has empowered women and underrepresented groups through international development projects across 18 countries and public equities in Asia and North America. In Ottawa, she champions companies with social and environmental agendas as an investor with the Capital Angel Network. Today, she shares how entrepreneurs and professionals can chart a mission-driven path — and grow wealth along the way. This episode is for you if: You want to see more women succeed in business You’re focused on growing wealth — for yourself, and your community You want to raise money for your business but don’t know where t

Paula Whitelocke is synonymous with curly hair care in Ottawa, as a professional hairstylist and the owner of Curly Hair Designs. A mentor, community builder, and musician, Paula recently performed at the National Arts Centre and launched her debut single, “Never Thought” in 2019. “It's important for me to be friends with the child and be friends with the shadow, as opposed to shunning it for existing. It's gotten me to where I am now.” Nothing can stop Paula Whitelocke. A professional hairstylist, the owner of Curly Hair Designs, and educator behind Curls Understood, The Academy, Paula is synonymous with curly hair care in Ottawa. A business owner, mentor, community builder and musician — performing at the National Arts Centre and releasing her debut single, “Never Thought”, in 2019 — Paula shares how creatives and entrepreneurs alike can create a practice of self-reflection, care and compassion to set the boundaries they need to find abundance within themselves. This episode is for you if: You have a hard

Solange Zindzi was born and raised in Amsterdam and has roots in Curaçao, which is an island in the Caribbean. Solange started dancing at the age of 4, and at the age of 10, her mother enrolled her into dance classes to learn more about dance techniques and developing more in her craft. After years of training several times a week, in 2011, Solange graduated from the Lucia Marthas Institute of Performing Arts in Amsterdam, Netherlands as a dancer and dance teacher. This episode is for you if: You don’t want to be defined by labels and titles, but are still figuring out what this means to you practically You want to move to a new city or make a career leap, but you are sitting on the edge You struggle with living in the grey, but you see its immense value [aka fervently moving towards your dreams and also having the patience to let things flow] Solange Zindzi is a professional dancer who has worked with our favourite, internationally-recognized artists. She has worked with recording artists such as Irene

Christie Noua is the Founder and CEO of In Wholeness - a holistic nutrition and wellness company and brand where she works with people clients to help them construct nutrition and fitness programs that actually becomes a part of their lifestyle. Christie is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and personal trainer who believes that we need practical ways to nurture our lives and health. She has a BSc with a major in Biology and minors in Chemistry and psychology. And in 2019, she graduated from the Natural Nutrition program of Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. You’ll learn: The difference between being interested and being committed to your wellness journey Helpful ways to integrate exercise, sleep and nutrition into your lifestyle How to create sustainable changes that *actually* acknowledge where you are right now Connect with Christie In Wholeness: https://www.in-wholeness.com/ Dietary & Fundamentals Lifestyle Course: https://www.in-wholeness.com/offers/Aee2sPkS/checkout Whole & Well P

Lola Plaku is the founder and CEO of Lola Media Group – a firm focused on artist management and brand development. And she is also the founder of Girl Connected - a mentorship program for women looking to build in the music and entertainment industry. You’ll learn: How Lola put on her first show in the music industry How to build rapport, relationships, and creative brands Knowing your shit and commanding a room – why is this important? What work in the music industry is really like when you are managing talent Why Lola worked for free when she was first starting out in the music business How Lola invested in herself earlier in her career (and how it looks slightly different from how she invests in herself today) How to come correct when pitching someone for a job position that is not advertised How to sell / pitch yourself for an opportunity Connect with Lola Website: lolamediagroup.com Website: beagirlconnected.com Twitter: @iluvlola Instagram: @iluvlola Instagram: @beagirlconnecte

Stephanie Harrison is the Founder and CEO of The New Happy – a platform that is focused on lasting happiness and how we can actually focus on changing the world for the better. Stephanie is focused on delivering the best content and does so every week, on Sundays. You can check out her newsletter here. You can expect writings and research where she will help you to redefine happiness (for yourself) so that you can flourish. You’ll learn: How to not get caught up in society’s definition of happiness A new definition of happiness (that may actually work better for you) Ways to show up for the people you love when they are in pain More ways to ease on rigid plans and lead with intention (if you are currently obsessed with your 10-year plan) Connect with Victoria Website: thenewhappy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newhappyco/ Newsletter: Subscribe here Email Stephanie: stephanie@thenewhappy.com Connect with Naomi Website – naomihaile.com Instagram – @naomiahaile Twitter – @naomiat

Victoria Klein is an Author, mindset-meets-business strategist, and systems nerd who helps 6-and-7-figure service providers become streamlined business owners with a business backend overhaul. Over the past 15 years, Victoria has exemplified what it means to “just start”. She started 5 difference business, build skills and is now focused on her zone of genius. What I appreciate about Victoria is that she strategizes with people so that they have more time to think and live their life. Currently, Victoria is focused on her one day intensives – where she helps people complete up to 3 months of work together in 6 hours. That’s right, 6 hours. She’s also writing her 3rd book: a memoir-meets-self-improvement-guide through 15 years of depression, anxiety, false starts, wrong turns, + getting the f*ck out of your own way. Keep up to date with Victoria on Instagram as she shares updates for her book launch! You’ll learn: How to think about your time strategically How to decide what to focus on and asking what is w

Seble Alemayehu is the Co-founder of Yenaé (Ye.Nay) - a modern jewelry brand that takes you on a journey inside Africa through its exquisite jewelry designs. Seble believes that “anyone can make jewelry and sell it. We’re telling a story. Doing our part in sharing the rich culture of African countries” and this is why you must listen to her story. She is building something bigger than just a product. She partners with historians and storytellers to offer something that is both curated and thoughtful.  You’ll learn: How Seble started a jewelry line with her co-founder How Seble integrated storytelling into her sales process Why it’s important to listen to your body (burnout is real!) Connect with Seble Website – Yenae.com Instagram – @yenaecollection Twitter -- @yenaecollection LinkedIn – Seble Alemayehu Connect with Naomi Website – naomihaile.com Instagram – @naomiahaile Twitter – @naomiathaile LinkedIn – Naomi Haile