In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Melanie Scheepers, SVP of People and Culture at Coconut Software, to explore the dynamic world of HR and leadership. Melanie takes us through her inspiring career journey from psychology to HR, shedding light on the evolving role of HR in driving a people-centric workplace culture.

The conversation dives deep into key topics like the power of mentorship, the importance of aligning company values with actions, and how strong leadership sets the foundation for a thriving organizational culture. Melanie shares valuable insights on dispelling misconceptions about HR, building trust through leadership partnerships, and adapting HR practices in the tech industry amidst the rise of AI.

Passionate about empowering women in the workplace, Melanie also discusses her commitment to supporting working mothers and creating an environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally.

"Values must be lived, not just stated." ~ Melanie Scheepers

Key Takeaways:

1. Mentorship Matters: Mentorship is a key driver of career development.

2. Culture Starts at the Top: Senior leadership plays a critical role in shaping and driving organizational culture.

3. Walking the Talk: Actions must align with stated values to build trust and strengthen culture.

4. HR as a Partner: HR’s role has evolved into a strategic, human-centric partnership that supports both people and business goals.

5. Shared Responsibility for Culture: Building and sustaining a strong workplace culture is a collective effort across the organization.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Tune in as hosts Robin and Al sit down with Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, the trailblazing CEO of Canadian Women & Sport. Alison takes us on a compelling journey through her path to sports leadership, sharing candid insights into the triumphs and challenges of advancing gender equity in a traditionally male-dominated field. From breaking down systemic barriers to fostering inclusive environments, Alison’s vision and determination are paving the way for a more equitable future in sports. She offers a fresh perspective on redefining leadership success, the power of continuous learning and unlearning, and the critical role men play in championing gender equity.

This episode isn’t just about sports—it’s about creating lasting impact and reshaping the future for women in Canada and beyond. Whether you're a leader, an ally, or someone passionate about inclusion, this conversation will leave you inspired and motivated to make a difference.

"Sport is the vehicle, but the goal is women's empowerment." ~ Alison Sandmeyer-Graves

Takeaways:

1. Empowerment through Sports: Alison’s journey reflects a commitment to justice, with sports serving as a platform for women’s empowerment and a means to challenge systemic barriers in leadership.
2. Redefining Leadership: Success and leadership are non-linear, requiring continuous learning, unlearning, and challenging traditional norms to create inclusive environments.
3. Building Capacity for Equity: For sports systems to fulfill their promise of equity, building organizational capacity and addressing systemic barriers are essential.
4. Shaping the Future: The future of women’s sports is evolving, with raising boys to respect women playing a vital role in driving progress and achieving lasting change.

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Cybersecurity isn’t just a concern for big corporations—it’s a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, Robin Bailey and Alan McDonald sit down with David Chernitzky, CEO and co-founder of Armour Cybersecurity, to uncover the hidden vulnerabilities many small and medium-sized businesses face. From the rise of ransomware to misconceptions about IT security versus cybersecurity, David shares valuable insights and practical steps to help organizations take control of their cyber risks. Tune in for expert advice on protecting your business and building resilience in an increasingly digital world.

"If you're connected, you're fair game." ~ David Chernitzky, CEO/Co-Founder at Armour Cybersecurity

Key Takeaways:

1. Cybercrime affects businesses of all sizes – Small and medium enterprises are especially vulnerable but often underserved in cybersecurity.
2. Ransomware and AI threats are rising – Cybercriminals are using advanced tools, making education and preparedness more crucial than ever.
3. Cybersecurity is business risk management – It’s not just an IT issue but a critical part of protecting your company.
4. Affordable solutions exist – Effective cybersecurity doesn’t have to be costly, especially with the right trusted partner.
5. A global shortage of talent – The lack of cybersecurity professionals underscores the need for external expertise and support.

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We kick off our fifth season of Success Leaves Clues with an inspiring conversation as hosts Robin Bailey and Al McDonald welcome Jocelyne Beaulieu, Head of People and Operations at Koru, who describes herself as "a curious senior leader who is enthusiastic about all things People, Culture, & DEI."

Jocelyne shares her unique career journey, diving into the power of curiosity and the role of personal connections in shaping a thriving workplace. From navigating HR challenges to building a positive culture, she offers actionable insights for leaders. The discussion touches on the importance of mentorship, reflections on success, and how kindness leaves a lasting legacy in both professional and personal lives. It’s a conversation packed with wisdom to start the season strong!

"Curiosity was just the very clear number one value." ~ Jocelyne Beaulieu

Key Takeaways:

1. Curiosity and Connections: Curiosity and building meaningful connections are essential drivers of personal and professional growth.
2. Empathy and Kindness in Leadership: Empathy, kindness, and creating safe spaces are vital for navigating HR challenges and fostering a positive workplace culture.
3. Living Company Values: Actively practicing company values and listening to employee feedback are crucial for shaping an authentic and thriving culture.
4. Mentorship and Legacy: Mentorship and leading by example create a lasting legacy, defined by the impact one has on others.

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Navigating career transitions can be daunting, but it’s also a chance to find purpose and joy in the workplace. In our last episode of the season, hosts Robin & Al sit down with Marlene Carrington, Practice Lead for People and Culture Solutions at CareerJoy, to explore how HR leaders can support employees through these pivotal moments. Marlene shares her inspiring journey to finding CareerJoy, the importance of outplacement services, and how mentorship and open conversations can transform workplace culture. From tackling challenges like menopause in the workplace to the impact of supportive leadership, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to thrive in times of change.

"You don't have to climb the ladder to be a leader." ~ Marlene Carrington

Key Takeaways:

1. Supporting Employee Well-Being: Managing stress, addressing menopause, and fostering morale during transitions are crucial for a healthy work environment.
2. The Evolving Role of HR: CHROs play a pivotal role in providing solutions like outplacement services and treating talent as a valuable asset.
3. The Power of Mentorship: Mentorship is a key driver of career development and meaningful work.
4. Finding Career Fulfillment: Taking time to discover passions can lead to a rewarding career journey, as shown in Marlene’s inspiring path to CareerJoy.

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In this captivating episode, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jon Shell, Chair of Social Capital Partners, for a compelling conversation about the transformative potential of employee ownership and the stakes involved. Jon takes us on his journey from the private sector to championing public policy changes that support Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) in Canada. Together, they explore how EOTs can preserve businesses, empower employees as owners, and create a more equitable economy. Tune in to discover the benefits, challenges, and profound impact employee ownership could have on wealth distribution and economic resilience in Canada.

"You can't salary your way to wealth." ~ Jon Shell

Key Takeaways:

1. Economic Resilience: Employee ownership enhances job security, loyalty, and company performance, particularly during economic downturns.
2. Public Policy and Wealth Distribution: Policy initiatives, like those supported by the Canadian Employee Ownership Coalition, are key to broadening access to wealth and fostering economic change.
3. Succession Planning with EOTs: Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) offer a tax-advantaged, sustainable succession option for business owners, with the first $10 million in capital gains being tax-free in Canada.
4. Ideal Candidates and Growing Interest: Stable, mature companies with strong cash flow are well-suited for EOTs, reflecting the growing interest in employee ownership across Canada.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

This conversation is packed with wisdom for leaders navigating transformation and growth. Ghassan Halazon, founder and CEO of Emerge Commerce, joins the Success Leaves Clues podcast to share his journey through the evolving e-commerce landscape post-pandemic. He offers candid insights on navigating challenges, building mental resilience, and how Emerge evolved from a diversified portfolio to a sharper focus with Emerge 2.0.

Ghassan delves into the importance of brand loyalty, customer relationships, and creating a 'sticky' experience to drive growth. He also explores his strategic approach to M&A versus organic growth, emphasizing synergy in acquisitions and the power of community. Through lessons learned, he highlights the value of seeing opportunities in challenges, nurturing talent, and the deep satisfaction of helping others succeed.

"I see opportunities, not problems." ~ Ghassan Halazon

Key Takeaways:

1. Evolving E-commerce Landscape: The dynamic nature of e-commerce demands adaptability, resilience, and a focus on building strong brands and strategic assets for growth.
2. Leadership and Well-Being: Mental health, physical fitness, and maintaining a long-term perspective are vital for leaders to sustain performance and navigate challenges.
3. Strategic Growth and Risk Management: Emerge 2.0 emphasizes fewer, larger opportunities, effective risk management, and strategic decision-making for navigating debt and volatile markets.
4. The Power of Community and Relationships: Community, brand loyalty, and strong networks are springboards for new opportunities and customer retention.
5. Nurturing Talent and Learning from Challenges: Investing in talent, fostering employee success, and seeing crises as opportunities to learn and grow are critical components of lasting success.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

From innovative strategies to building trust and accountability in the insurance industry, Jonathan DiPasquale, President of Instant Risk Coverage, shares powerful insights on leadership, the significance of mental health and work-life balance, and creating a seamless user experience. Listen in to discover the innovative approaches taken to adapt and thrive and the importance of building trust and accountability in the insurance industry. Hosts Robin and Al also uncover how Jonathan is shaping the future of insurance while leaving a lasting impact on the Canadian economy.

"Don't waste a good crisis." ~ Jonathon DiPasquale

Takeaways:

1. Adaptation and Innovation: Rapid adaptation and innovation during challenges, like COVID, can strengthen a business.
2. Trust and Accountability: Transparency and accountability are key to building loyalty and strong client relationships.
3. Employee and Mental Well-Being: Investing in employee growth and prioritizing mental health drive retention, productivity, and success.
4. Customer Experience and Culture: A seamless user experience and a strong company culture are essential for long-term success.
5. Leadership and Growth: Learning from mistakes and fostering homegrown businesses can help leaders and the Canadian economy thrive.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group