Power Of Why With Naomi Haile

She’s the President & Co-founder of Hyperion Global Energy — the world’s first industrial carbon recycling system. But this impact-focused entrepreneur wasn’t always a carbontech leader. From marketing, to advertising, and even hospitality, Heather Ward’s knack for identifying emerging trends and connecting the right people to address them has helped this impact-focused entrepreneur and creative strategist bring mission-driven visions to life. Today, that vision is helping make the planet cleaner and safer for all, where Heather leverages next-generation technology to help companies ‘Clear the Air’ and propel innovation in the circular economy. We caught up with Heather to learn how we can change systems from the inside out, the power of slow, and why you should never count yourself out — even into a new industry. This episode is for you if: You want to drive meaningful change from the inside out You’re curious about cleantech and are eager to learn more You just launched a business and need a go-to-m

I had $300 in my pocket after I got laid off, and now my business is valued at $22 million. In the midst of losing her job, Bobbie Racette set out to build a platform that would economically empower others. As the Founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus, this Cree-Metis champion for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities is doing just that through her inclusivity-first talent and services solution. Today, Bobbie, recently named Canada’s Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year, works with a 150-person-strong team to champion marginalized groups, setting a new business standard rooted in community impact. We caught up with Bobbie to talk about approaching the right investors for your business, staying true to yourself, and taking your power back.This episode is for you if: You’ve recently lost your job You want to create a meaningful diversity strategy You’re struggling to raise money for your business You believe economic empowerment is critical for equity Connect with Bobbie Virtual Gurus’ Website: thevirtualg

Tecla Kalinda is on a mission to solve Canada’s trillion-dollar problem – starting with our kids. I’m not materialistic. But when you don’t have anything, you see what money can do for you in your life. With an eye to ushering a new generation of financially empowered youth, Tecla Kalinda, a Senior Analyst at the Bank of Canada, founded ZalaSmart: a financial education company geared to helping kids gain the skills to manage their money and grow generational wealth. Since launching in 2018, Tecla has established strategic partnerships with youth-centered organizations like the Ottawa Public Library and their 33 locations, For Us Girls, Global Shapers, Girl Guides of Canada, to make ZalaSmart accessible to young people, no matter their means. We caught up with Tecla on talking to kids about money, why entrepreneurs need to delegate, and how we can solve Canada’s trillion-dollar problem. This episode is for you if: You’ve struggled with your finances You want to grow generational wealth You’re an entreprene

“Everyone thinks you're competing with them, but you're really in competition with yourself.” She raised $1.4 million and co-founded Black Women Talk Tech along the way. Today, Esosa Ighodaro-Johnson wants to help you get out of your own way. From banking executive to tech founder, Esosa has learned the power of community. With Black Women Talk Tech and Roadmap to Billions, she unites Black women tech and scalable business founders across the United States to bridge critical knowledge gaps — helping them grow their business and build independent wealth, establishing legacies that can change the world. We caught up with Esosa to find out how she pivoted from the conservative world of finance to tech, and why self-awareness and failing forward are the key to success. This episode is for you if: You want to build something that serves your community You’re eager to transition into tech You feel like you’re getting in your own way You’re hungry for insights on how to launch your business Connect with Esos

Makini Smith is an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of A Walk in my Stilettos. As a mindset coach and Proctor Gallagher certified consultant, Makini helps you turn your goals into accomplishments. Not only does she share her message through her coaching practice, she also speaks at events, conferences and live functions where she deeply connects with people + their stories. Makini has shared your expertise on global media platforms, including Chatelaine, xoNecole, iHeart Radio, CBC, Vice News, a Times Square billboard, to name a few. This episode is for you if: You want to define success on your own terms You struggle with seeing a vision for your life You’re working towards moving from a mindset of fear to faith You want to create gratitude statements that shift your energy & spirit Connect with Mark Website: www.awalkinmystilettos.com Twitter: @makinismith Order Makini’s book: A Walk in my Stilettos: How to Get Through the Struggle with Grace Order all of Makini’s books on Ama

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: @beagirlconnect

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 Connect with Stephanie 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 – @naomiathaile LinkedIn – Naomi Haile 

Subscribe to the Power of Why on Apple Podcasts. Welcome to a special *recap*episode of the Power of Why. We are officially wrapping up season 3 of the show with some conversations that we’ve had this season with creatives, executives, business operators. These are all conversations captured on the Power of Why with guests who are so focused, brave, creative and thoughtful. Here they are: Joanne Bezzubetz [1:02 – 2:39] Mussie Hailu [2:39 – 4:10] Lola Plaku [4:10 – 5:30] Vanessa Griffiths [5:30 – 6:44] Victory Omotayo [6:44 – 8:12] Trishala Pillai [8:12 – 9:20] Paula Whitelocke [9:20 – 11:17] Natasha Roy [11:17 – 12:23] Erin Blaskie [12:23 – 14:00] Tim Salau [14:00 – 15:12] Ben Branson-Gateley [15:12 – 17:42] Mari Galloway [17:42 – 18:33] If there is a particular episode that resonated with you – search the power of why + their name to listen to the full episode. For the month of August, we will be showcasing replay episodes with some past guests who have blown me away. In September, we

Mark Goudie is the President and CEO of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG). He’s had quite the corporate career, formally educated as an accountant. Mark has advised clients on value creation strategies with PwC Canada. And with time, he moved into the sports and entertainment industry as CFO and Vice-president of Finance & Administration with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and the Canadian Tire Centre. Today, Mark oversees all facets of OSEG’s business operations including Ottawa REDBLACKS Football Club (CFL) and the Ottawa 67’s Hockey Club (OHL), concerts, major events, TD Place and the Lansdowne Live retail district. I hope that Mark’s career is an example that your path is your path. This episode is for you if: You’re curious about the sports and entertainment industry and what opening up stadiums means in 2021 You want to know what it’s like being a leader at the helm of a sports organization in Ottawa You want to understand the reach and responsibility that organizations have to

Ben Branson-Gateley is Founder and CEO and founder of Charlie HR. Charlie HR is a market leading Human Resources Information System (HRIS) platform for small businesses in the UK. Ben has experience building 3 companies during his working years and then started Charlie HR, alongside his 2 co-founders back in 2015. Ben is also the host of the Culture Ops podcast where he speaks to founders, operators, heads of People and HR about their work experiences. This episode is for you if: You are curious about building a strong workplace culture when you don’t have the office as a crutch You want to create a company culture that aligns with your team's values You saw the rise of “flashy” tech company perks (i.e. unlimited paid time off policies) and are wondering how this practically exists in workplaces You struggle with performance management in your organization Connect with Ben Ben’s Twitter: @gateley Ben’s LinkedIn: @bengateley Culture Ops Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Charlie HR’s Websit

By day, Dennis Mathu is a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, where he advises clients on operations, strategy, and finance transformation. By night and on weekends, he is a content creator on YouTube with his girlfriend Steph. He is your go-to for personal finance and career-related topics. Fun fact: Back in 2013, Dennis and I actually went to the same university for our undergraduate studies. We were friends in uni, and had a couple classes together, so it’s beyond exciting to see where he has taken his passion for film and exploring what this new age of technology has to offer. This episode is for you if: You want to start, maintain, and grow a YouTube channel in 2021 You’re curious about the time commitment required to grow a YouTube channel You want to become a content creator and are working towards building your online presence You are building your side hustle while also working a full-time job Connect with Dennis YouTube: Steph & Den Steph & Den’s Instagram: @stephandden Den’s Instagram

Reagan Bradley is a brand strategist who helps businesses connect with their customers through the power of thoughtful storytelling. Her brand strategies help people market authentically online, so they can do more of what they love. Reagan has five years of agency experience. She’s also built brands and websites for clients in the cannabis, professional education, cybersecurity, and creative industries. She is passionate about community building. In the past, Reagan founded Women Who Weed — a leadership community for pro-cannabis women. And she also helped grow Local Talks to one of most sought out professional development events for entrepreneurs in Ottawa. As a recent Ottawa transplant living in Vancouver, Reagan spends her weekends exploring mountains and rollerblading up and down the seawall. You can follow her adventures on Instagram. This episode is for you if: You are looking for a simple 4-step process to articulate and visualize your personal brand You want to realize the opportunities that are a

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