On today’s episode, we talk with Vivian Manasc, an architect and pioneer in the green building movement. She is the Founding Principal at Reimagine, an architectural firm dedicated to collaboration, joy, creativity, and sustainability.

We explore Vivian's passion for sustainable design, her philosophy of optimism, and her unwavering dedication to fostering environments where community and creativity flourish. We also talk about how our Grandmothers were right.

Connect with Vivian:
LinkedIn
Website
Instagram

Key Takeaways:

• Repurposing existing buildings is crucial for sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
• The green building movement requires a paradigm shift to prioritize sustainability and reduce the demolition of buildings.
• Optimism and the belief in the world of possibilities are essential for overcoming obstacles and finding creative solutions.
• Women in leadership roles in architecture still face challenges, but tenacity and envisioning the future can lead to success.

Books by Vivian Manasc

Old Stories, New Ways: Conversations About an Architecture Inspired by Indigenous Ways of Knowing

Agora Borealis: Engaging in Sustainable Architecture

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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We discuss innovative solutions like yearly membership fees for education to maintain relevant skills and challenge the outdated concept of a fixed career path.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

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

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.

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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

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

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.

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Voices of Leadership Website
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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

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

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
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In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Melissa Durrell, the CEO and Chief Strategist of Durrell Communications, and a partner with Roseview Global Incubator. Melissa's diverse background includes successful careers in politics, award-winning Canadian broadcast journalism, and her current work with international entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their companies in Canada.

Join us as Melissa shares invaluable insights on the value of listening and the power of storytelling, whether it's within the confines of a Canadian boardroom or on a global stage in China. Together, we delve into the unique challenges that women leaders encounter, especially during their thirties and forties, which are pivotal stages in their professional journeys.

Our conversation spans a wide range of compelling topics, including Melissa's experiences in the communications field, her endeavours with international entrepreneurs, reflections on democracy, perspectives on the current state of housing, and even her role as a pitching coach for Team Canada. This episode offers something for everyone, so be sure to tune in for an enriching and thought-provoking discussion.

Connect with Melissa
LinkedIn
Website

During our conversation, we talk about some past episodes. Please find the links here:
Rose Greensides
Sherry Shannon-Vanstone

Resources
Profound Impact
Women’s Municipal Campaign School
Communitech
Roseview Global Incubator

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

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.

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Voices of Leadership Website
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In today's episode, we talk with Rose Greensides, the Executive Director at Social Venture Partners (SVP). SVP is a unique partnership that brings together the time, talent, and funding from the community to support the nonprofit sector. Rose shares some inspiring stories about how SVP has helped several local organizations in the Waterloo Region. You'll be amazed at what SVP has been able to achieve through its community-driven approach.

In addition to discussing SVP's work, we also delve into the concept of imposter syndrome and why being comfortable with being uncomfortable is vital. Rose shares her experiences as both a mentor and mentee, and we explore the richness of reciprocal mentorship and the valuable lessons that every relationship teaches.

We also take a closer look at some of the larger issues facing Waterloo Region today, including the decline in volunteerism, housing and food insecurity. By the end of the episode, you'll find yourself considering how your own talents could contribute to Social Venture Partners' mission.

Connect with Rose:
Website
LinkedIn

During our conversation, we talk about some past episodes. Please find the links here:

Jane Klugman
Ginny Dybenko
Lisa Bragg
Tracy Vankelsbeek

Resources:
Social Venture Partners
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
Bereaved Families of Ontario (BFO) – Midwestern Region

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

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.

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Voices of Leadership Website
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On today's episode, we talk with Sherry Shannon VanStone, a trailblazing, successful serial entrepreneur. Sherry is currently the founder of Profound Impact and the co-founder of Women Funding Women.

Sherry's career started with her being an accomplished code breaker, which she explains is just as cool as it sounds. She shares her insights and experiences on leading startups to successful exits, building a strong company culture, and the crucial process of finding a company's 'Why'.

Our conversation delves into the rapidly changing world of AI and Sherry's thoughts on its impact on businesses, as well as her thoughts on the future of AI and education. Sherry also talks about her experiences with mentorship, both as a mentee and a mentor, and how it has shaped her career.

Finally, we discuss Sherry's latest venture, Women Funding Women, a collective working to address the funding gap faced by women-led ventures.

Connect with Sherry
LinkedIn

Resources
Profound Impact
Women Funding Women
Find Your Why
The 51
Perimeter Institute
University of Waterloo

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

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.

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Voices of Leadership Website
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On today's episode, we talk with Deborah MacLatchy, President and Vice-Chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University. She is also a zoologist who is passionate about science and is still actively involved in research and mentoring students across Canada.

We discuss the importance of nurturing young girls' interest in science during their high school years, setting the stage for further exploration in university. Deb shares insights into the success of the Laurier Center for Women in Science and addresses the barriers that women still face in attaining leadership roles in academic institutions.

Deb's passion extends beyond academia. She's also deeply committed to promoting equity in sports, particularly at the USport level. We talk about how to lead in different roles, and Deb offers her advice for the next generation of women leaders.

Connect with Deb
LinkedIn

Other Resources
Wilfrid Laurier University
Laurier Centre for Women in Science
Canada University Board
The Museum

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

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