In today's episode, we talk with Camelia Nunez, a self-proclaimed "profpreneur" who blends her entrepreneurial spirit with a deep passion for education.

We talk about why she believes building a culture of curiosity and continuous learning around education is important and how it will affect how we live, learn and work.

Camelia shares her experiences growing up in Romania, witnessing life before and after the revolution, and moving to Canada as a teenager to complete her education.

Starting her career as a Spanish professor, Camelia's entrepreneurial drive led her to co-found an EdTech startup. With over 17 years in higher education, she has held roles in teaching, administrative leadership, research partnerships, innovation, entrepreneurship, and operations at Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo and now Conestoga College.

Camelia emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to a rapidly evolving workforce. We discuss innovative solutions like yearly membership fees for education to maintain relevant skills and challenge the outdated concept of a fixed career path.

We talk about all kinds of entrepreneurs, but Camelia highlights the resilience and persistence of non-tech entrepreneurs and how those traits are significant in achieving long-term success.

Camelia shares insights on inspiring youth to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, offering real-life examples of creativity sparked by personal pain points.

Connect with Camelia
LinkedIn

Resources
Conestoga College
Play-a-Latte
Youth Creativity Fund

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram

On today's episode, we talk with Mardi Witzel, CEO and co-founder of PolyML, an advanced AI and machine learning company. Mardi is also a leader in AI governance, serving on the Digital Governance Council’s AI Ethics Advisory Panel and contributing her expertise to the Province of Ontario’s AI Expert Working Group.

Mardi explains PolyML's innovative intersection of data analytics and AI to improve manufacturing. Learn how this horizontal technology is revolutionizing the auto parts sector, enhancing efficiency, quality, and safety.

The evolution of AI brings both excitement and concerns, including issues of fairness, privacy, security, job loss, and the potential for mass disinformation. We talk about the evolving landscape of AI governance, the importance of explainability, and Mardi's role as a leader in AI governance.

Mardi's curiosity has been instrumental in navigating her unique career path. Her journey reminds us that curiosity can lead us anywhere.

Connect with Mardi:
LinkedIn

Resources:
PolyML
NuEnergy.ai
White paper: AI-Related Risk: The Merits of an ESG-Based Approach to Oversight
The Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Women Get On Board
The Institute of Corporate Directors

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram

On today's episode, we talk with Jane Halford, founder of Halford Consulting. Jane is passionate about the power of storytelling and how it shapes leadership. She candidly shares her personal experience of overcoming workplace bullying as a CEO, and how she transformed her challenges into a powerful message. Jane also delves into her extensive expertise in leadership and transition, emphasizing the crucial role of preparedness in navigating change and driving success for businesses of all sizes.

Her insights on preparedness, strategic planning, and governance also provide valuable lessons in the boardroom. Jane shares stories about how she helps boards with leadership transition and some personal experiences at the board table. Jane's stories cover a wide range of topics, from discussing the 'dating before marrying' approach to board commitments to being the Chair of the board of a Crown Corporation to her involvement with the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Connect with Jane
LinkedIn
Instagram

Resources
Halford Consulting
Farm Credit Canada
Rick Hansen Foundation
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. When you do this, it helps to raise our podcast profile so more leaders can find us and be inspired by the stories our Voices of Leadership have to share.

Connect with us:
Voices of Leadership Website
Instagram