Broken Chair:  A Daughter’s Journey

Denyse Mouck is the author of Broken Chair:  A Daughter’s Journey - a work of historical fiction that follows the journey of four generations of women as they try to survive the sexist restrictions of their times. 

A key character in the story, Rhita, is based on Denyse’s mother.  To use the cliche - Denyse says she walked a mile in her mom’s moccasins in order to learn about and develop her character.

Denyse says she never really viewed herself as a writer, and became involved  in everything from politics to pottery and painting….but kept coming back to writing. She says everyone is really good at something…you just have to figure out what that is.

Check out Denyse's book here

The Fast Three

What is your favourite podcast or source of information?  
Here's the Thing with Alex Baldwin,
Writers in company with Eleanor Wachtel
Between the covers by David Naimon
What are you currently reading?
State of Terror by Hilary Rodham  Clinton & Louise Penny
Yellow House, by Patricia Falvey 
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Who is currently inspiring you? 
The women in my life

Liz Benditt is the definition of a survivor.  Based in Kansas City, the mother of two discovered, about 10 years ago, that she had skin cancer. Just 11 months after that, Liz was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and then, in 2015 basal cell carcinoma - skin cancer was discovered on the bridge of Liz’s nose, requiring two surgeries to repair. And unbelievably, two years later, Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer.

To make use of an old adage - Liz took all of these lemons, and made lemonade.

In October of 2020, she took her health experiences and launched the Balm Box, offering practical self-care and gift boxes, with the first line focused on people breast cancer - essential oils and diffusers, burn balms, creams, support pillows and throw blankets as well as augmented clothing, such as wireless bras.

After all of her experiences, Liz has maintained a positive outlook, perhaps something gifted by her grandmother, a woman who survived the holocaust and was forever grateful for a second chance at life.

Learn more about Liz and The Balm Box
The Balm Box
The Balm Box Blog and News

The Fast Three
What is your favourite podcast or source of information? The Daily, Pod Save America
What are you currently reading? An Ugly Truth by Sheera Frenkel, Cecilia Kang, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Who is currently inspiring you? My grandmother, a holocaust survivor who made a new life and chose to be happy after experiencing the most extreme trauma. She is my role model and any time I feel frustrated or face a setback I think about her perseverance and perspective.

I had the great pleasure of working with Lesley  Gunn for several years at a professional services firm in Toronto. I learned a lot from Lesley about leadership, advocating for my own career and to not be afraid of failure. 

When Lesley  first started her career like so many others she found herself in a job that she didn't find fulfilling. However, it ultimately helped her understand where she didn't want to focus her career. After some interesting job experience with a newspaper in London, England, Lesley returned to Canada and began working in the staffing business where she learned how to run a multi-million dollar business.

Lesley now works in financial services, as the Head of Marketing for Connor, Clark and Lunn Financial Group Ltd. in Toronto.

On this episode  Lesley tells us communication and persistence are key when an organization is going through a period of transition and change.  She talks about having a common vision and how to bring the best out of each individual.

The Fast Three
What is your favourite podcast or source of information? Ask Lisa
What are you currently reading? Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
Who is currently inspiring you? Teachers and students