Power Of Why With Naomi Haile

"We've been told that achieving our own success will make us happy. But happiness comes from helping other people to live happier lives." ⁠Stephanie⁠'s childhood joy revolved around self-expression —corralling her siblings and neighbors to put on musicals, performing with a voice-altering karaoke machine, reading, and making things.  It's what shaped a lot of her early years. For many years, she "lost" that self-expression and only started to re-discover it again in her late 20s. What she learned is that acceptance of the creative process is a rejection of everything that she had been conditioned to believe:  "You have to be perfect." "You can never make mistakes." "You have to follow this set path." "You have to know exactly where you're going." These are lies. Creativity has none of that. You must let go of those ideas to do things according to your creativity.  Today, Stephanie Harrison is an expert in the science of happin

I'm curious: do your passions and hobbies — seemingly unconnected to your career — give you an unexpected professional edge? Growing up, Mona loved nothing more than donning her dad's old headphones and immersing herself in his record collection for hours. She had a deep affection for the arts, theatre, and the craft of writing. Nevertheless, she decided to pursue a career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Fortunately, for the business world, she infuses her creative gifts in every room she enters, whether it be… Negotiating multi-million dollar merger and acquisition deals. Serving as CFO and COO for Knix Wear — an incredible Canadian success story. And today, as a Partner with the Thrive Venture Fund at BDC, she plays a vital role in the $300M Fund, which invests in women-led technology companies tackling some of the world's most pressing issues. Learn how your creative edge and unique skills can help you approach problems differently and offer new perspectives. This episode is for you if

When you plant a seed, you wait to reap the benefits. In some cases, you don't see it for years. But does that mean you shouldn't plant that seed? ⁠Jennifer⁠ disagrees. From her teenage years juggling multiple part-time jobs to studying accounting— though not her passion—it provided the exposure and access to creativity she lived for. At 18, she worked at the Biological Sciences Institute, immersing herself in labs with passionate scientists and researchers. Her curiosity drove her to continue learning despite understanding only a tiny fraction of their work. Today, Jennifer, CEO, and Co-founder Geoff MacKay are building ⁠The Aggressive Good⁠, a technology solution that revolutionizes how people stock their pantries. Their goal? Eliminate single-use plastic packaging. Jennifer is ideating and building for the long term, focused on advancing humanity and caring for our planet.  Here's how she keeps her 'why' at the center. This episode is for you if: You want to leverage your diverse port

“Never give up on yourself” –  These were the words Angela Ashawasegai repeated to herself for years. They became her mantra, helping her find and build her inner strength. Angela was removed from her mother at birth and was placed into the child welfare system. Throughout her tumultuous childhood, she had no safe place to call home. From surviving abuse and homelessness, Angela emerged as her hero, crediting her survival to education, spirituality, and art. Today, Angela leverages her decades of training and expertise to help others empower themselves. She consults with organizations on workplace wellness, puts pen to paper on her forthcoming book, and coaches individuals on overcoming their trauma.  Here is how she identified her inner strength and resilience in adversity. This episode is for you if: You want to reclaim your identity in the face of adversity. You’re looking for practical insights to navigate your own healing journey and empower others in their journey. You want to explore how creativi

In a landscape where barriers often overshadow opportunities… Mary Yazdani is curious about impactful results. Drawing insights from those who have successfully carved paths before her, she studied their strategies and implemented the advice that worked. At the age of 32, she started a new life in Canada with her family. Leveraging her expertise and resourcefulness in navigating unfamiliar terrain, she established a business aimed at propelling others. Leading two innovative ventures – as the Founder and CEO of GenesisLink and Co-founder and CEO of RoboSafety –  Mary is committed to empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of transitioning to a new country, securing employment, and launching businesses. This episode is for you if: You want to apply results-driven strategies for job search as an immigrant in Canada. You want to formalise your business by leveraging what you already assist people with. You are a leader aiming to invest in people, potential and purpose. Connect with Mary Web

Relationships are key. Through experience, you've sharpened your problem-solving skills, infused love into your creative self, and deepened your leadership acumen. Yet, these strengths may not always be apparent on paper… It's about transforming your most vital skills to your next opportunity. Keira Torkko⁠ has consistently demonstrated this throughout her 25-year career across various sectors. When Keira least expected it, her relationships enabled her to navigate unconventional career paths and build a compelling narrative. How can you create your own non-traditional and extraordinary opportunities? Keira shares insights on where to begin. This episode is for you if: You want to improve how you give and receive feedback for maximum growth. You’re a leader looking to embed your values in everything you do. You want to position yourself as a problem-solver where you are today. People and Resources Mentioned in This Episode Breaking Career Growth Stereotypes Bonusly.com – Peer Recognition Tool

Recognized as a “fixer” in the business world, ⁠Susan Odle⁠ has played a significant role in the lives of leaders grappling with complex problems through hands-on transformational change. How? By adopting the Successful Change Mindset. With a gift of discerning patterns in a business and amplifying what works, Susan’s latest entrepreneurial venture, ⁠8020CS⁠, and book, ⁠Successful Change⁠, are examples of her mission in action. Leading global channel teams, holding VP of Operations roles, working with PE teams in the U.S., navigating multiple M&A events, founding three advisory agencies, raising her daughter as a solo mom… Here’s how she earned the moniker of “fixer” and never lost her self-belief.  This episode is for you if: You’re an entrepreneur eager to learn the successful change mindset You’re seeking a robust framework for problem-solving You have personal or professional ambitions, but don’t know where to start You’re learning to build your self-belief even in times of adversity. People a

Joanna Cooper began playing the cello in fourth grade, started reading at the age of two, perhaps her journey was destined to be great, as she curiously embraced intelligence of different forms. Today, Joanna is Daimler Truck North America's General Manager in Mount Holly. She leads an amazing team of over 1,700 staff to produce Freightliner M2 and SD Plus medium-duty trucks. As a transformative leader, Joanna serves a board member of the Women in Manufacturing Association, contributing to the evolution of executive leadership and business culture in her field and beyond. Her impact extends to being a featured speaker at Reuters Automotive Retail 2023 and a keynote and panel moderator at FABx at Fabtech 2023. Recognized by publications such as Forbes,  Chief, Authority Magazine, SHRM, Joanna shares her expertise on workforce development and digital transformation, offering valuable insights for leaders who are looking to move into more sustainable business solutions. Earning an MBA and bachelor’s degree i

Daniel P. Calderon, Brooklyn native, holds the roles of President of Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow (EOT) and owner of #WFHStudio. As Daniel beautifully states, "When one is able to create space, whether virtual or in real life, they are, in fact, catalyzing creativity, which I believe leads to real solutions. That's what I want my life's work to be about." Through Daniel’s illustrious career and life journey, he has identified challenges as opportunities, leveraging his experience and knowledge to offer new approaches. With over a decade of experience in leadership roles at Fortune 500 giants such as Target and Amazon, he has played a pivotal role in crafting internal policies, succession plans, and employee development programs, nurturing the growth of thousands of employees and leaders. Daniel took his brilliance and launched #WFHStudio and Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow. EOT is dedicated to teaching at-promise Black and brown students to solve problems through entrepreneurship and innovation. At #

Adeola Adejobi moves mountains and touches hearts with her vision and efforts to create long-lasting economic impact. Her mission is clear: to connect Black individuals with information that has the power to reshape the trajectory of their economic mobility and that of their families. As a multi-faceted human being, Adeola is an attorney, entrepreneur, speaker. She is also the visionary founder and CEO of Avant-Garde Network, a social impact company dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs and executives from diverse backgrounds with the essential skills and knowledge to advance as leaders in their own businesses or within the corporate landscape. Adeola’s academic journey, from Spellman College and later pursuing her Juris Doctorate at Cornell University (specializing in International Legal Affairs), has laid the foundation for her impactful career. Adeola went on to forge intentional relationships and continue to be a resource to those in her network. This episode is for you if: You are seeking inspiration

What ever happened to job security? From the Great Resignation to mass layoffs, workers are struggling to find their fit in this ever-changing market.  To succeed, shift gears. Focusing not on your next job but your career instead, you’ll gain the skills, network and experience to reach your most audacious goals — no matter where you work.  Certified Career Coach, Resume Strategist, Founder of WeApply and one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch, Lissa Appiah shares how. This episode is for you if: You want to make a career change but don’t know where to start You’re looking for work in a new country with different cultural norms You’d like to grow your professional network You want to get better at pitching yourself to employers Looking for a specific gem? [3:50] What it means to “live between the hyphen”  [6:55] Helping her parents as a teen shaped Lissa’s career  [7:47] Undermined and overlooked: an immigrant experience in high school [10:50] Upgrade your mindset to build the life

How will you be remembered? When her parents suddenly passed away, 11-year-old Thusha saw how their devotion to others kept them alive — an unquenchable force, multiplied in the hearts they touched. Today she carries their torch, seeking spaces where her impact can grow. Building engineering teams at BlackBerry and Magnet Forensics. Advocating for diverse representation in tech. Mentoring the next generation of women in STEM. Accelerating the adoption of sustainable energy as Aurora Solar’s Director of Engineering. Here’s how she keeps her eye on the horizon. This episode is for you if: You’re passionate about social impact and tech You’re considering a career change, but worry it’s too late You struggle to negotiate at work You’re a manager who wants to create stronger, more collaborative teams Looking for a specific gem? [2:39] What it’s like to grow up in Sri Lanka [3:15] Book fairs = Thusha’s happy place [4:42] When work is an extension of your childhood self [8:50] Giving kids space to g

Building a business is a team sport. You’ve got the CEO’s vision, the product team’s execution, and marketing working with sales to attract and retain customers. But when an unstable market threatens the stakes? That’s where Michelle Scarborough comes in. Leading two of the world’s largest venture funds supporting women-led tech businesses — as Managing Partner of BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund and Women in Technology Venture Fund — Michelle is levelling the playing field: laying the steady foundation for a more inclusive, creative and resilient future. Here’s what she thinks it’ll take. This episode is for you if: You’re an entrepreneur struggling to navigate this market You’re interested in becoming a venture capitalist You’re not sure if you should be investing more time in networking You want to know how BDC can help your business Looking for a specific gem? [3:18] The daughter of entrepreneurs [5:16] It’s not about “what” she would be, but who she could impact [9:53] Mentorship from men,

Bullied, mixed-race, and living in poverty, many told a young Bree Jamieson-Holloway that hers was an uphill battle too formidable to overcome. So she turned inward. Heartened by her grandmother’s motto to “push on, regardless,” she crafted a vision that would anchor her life’s work: travelling the world, starting a family, and helping people. Now a published author, mother, equity champion, international corporate lawyer and founder of her own firm, Bree has realised her dreams — and then some. Last year, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister announced her appointment as the new Vice Chair of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal. Here’s how she made it. This episode is for you if: You’re struggling to feel hopeful about your future You don’t see yourself represented in the leadership roles you want to achieve You’re passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion You enjoy business but aren’t sure how to pursue it with a social conscience Looking for a specific gem? [3:00] Yes, you can overcome adv

Mass layoffs. The climate crisis. Springing, starry-eyed, from a global pandemic only to find a recession stalking our shadow. Are we lurching towards The End? Or, as impact entrepreneur and angel investor Victoria Xu sees it, are we gearing up for The Next Leap? Decarbonizing heavy industry with deep tech prodigy CleanInnoGen, investing in future-focused startups, and empowering everyone to join the charge with i4Green League, Victoria is helping reset, regroup and shore up the resources we need to face climate change. Humble, visionary and relentlessly optimistic, here’s how she does it. This episode is for you if: Your climate anxiety’s high and you could use some hope You’re mid-career and rethinking your industry You’re sceptical about cleantech but want to learn more You’ve considered becoming or getting funding from an angel investor Looking for a specific gem? [7:30] When Victoria met cleantech [8:00] 10 years in business? Time to study public policy. [15:00] Angel investing isn’t about

Under the careful heat of calculated risk, Shea Cole — growth marketer, brand builder, mentor, mom and VP of one of Canada’s fastest growing companies, Field Effect — has forged her own path. Leaving her beloved small town to explore the world. Pursuing an MBA despite being “bad at math.” Scaling health tech darling Fullscript’s less than 30-person team to over 1,000 employees. Choosing to grow her family at the height of her career. How’d she do it? By not trying to “do it all,” and getting focused instead. This episode is for you if: You’re about to make a (professional, personal) leap and could use some validation You’ve considered a career in marketing, or want to be a more effective marketer You’re struggling to build your career in a new country You’re nervous about AI, but recognize its significance Looking for a specific gem? [3:36] The best advice Shea got from her mom [5:27] Why risks and change are good for you [6:00] Shea re-evaluates what she was praised for as a child [8:23] A cre

Sherrell Dorsey is the founder and CEO of The Plug—a digital news and insights platform covering the Black innovation economy. Her work has been featured in VICE, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, The Information, and more. Sherrell has been a contributing writer for notable publications like Columbia Journalism Review, Fast Company, Black Enterprise, and others. In 2018, she was named an inspiring woman in tech by CNet, and most creative people in business by AdWeek in 2021. Prior to launching The Plug, Dorsey served as a marketing manager for companies like Uber and Google Fiber. She holds a Master's degree in data journalism from Columbia University. She is the author of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us published by Wiley. This episode is for you if: You want to learn how Sherrell built a digital news and insights platform The Black Innovation Economy fascinates you You value journalism and want to find a community who does too You are juggling many ideas, and want to grow one fir

Dimple Thomas wants you to embrace the opportunity in uncertainty. As an Engineering Manager in Ericsson’s Cloud RAN Systems-DevOps, she does just that—with an eye to creating a high-speed, -bandwidth and low latency future where Zoom calls might be replaced by life-sized holograms of your loved ones. Committed to building systems that truly serve everyone, Dimple has also dedicated herself to empowering diverse leaders to succeed in tech as Theme Driver of Diversity and Inclusion at Ericsson. Dimple shared why she’s never charted her career path, why you should take risks at work, and tech’s potential for transformational good. This episode is for you if: You worry that your career isn’t following a clear, linear path You’re curious about 5G technology and how it’ll impact your life You want to see more diversity in tech You’ve recently been promoted but don’t feel like you’re ready for the job Connect with Dimple Thomas LinkedIn: Dimple Thomas Connect with Naomi Website: naomihaile.com Inst

Data, machine learning and AI augments impact across sectors, creating life changing technologies that transform how we live, work and play. But to drive meaningful change, we need equitable representation among the leaders driving its evolution. That's why Solmaz Shahalizadeh, Shopify's former Head of Data Science and Engineering, became a Founding Partner of Backbone Angels: investing in women and non-binary founders with a focus on investments in Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour-led companies. She joins us to share why great career paths aren't linear, what you need to know to impress investors, and the difference between sponsors and mentors (and why you should have both). This episode is for you if: You’re a woman in STEM You want to understand why data is so important You’re a founder who wants to leave a good impression on investors You want to advance in your career but don’t know how to approach people for help Connect with Solmaz Shahalizadeh Website: www.backboneangels.com Linked

Repeat after me: Anti-colonial models are not radical. With her diverse team of experts, Co-founder and CEO of Archipel Research and Consulting Inc. Sabre Pictou Lee is harnessing them to help organizations change for the better. A highly acclaimed Indigenous speaker, trainer, liaison and researcher, Sabre’s company has supported the Canada Council for the Arts, Assembly of First Nations and Global Centre for Pluralism (to name a few). Today, Sabre shares why anti-colonial ways and concepts aren’t radical, how she built her business from the ground up, and the frameworks you can apply to make yours more inclusive. This episode is for you if: You’ve heard of anti-colonial principles but don’t know what they mean You want to start a business that challenges the status quo You want to meaningfully support Indigenous peoples You’ve struggled to work through your anxiety Connect with Sabre Pictou Lee Website: www.archipelresearch.com LinkedIn: Sabre Pictou Lee Connect with Naomi Website: naomihail