What’s the secret to bringing a jewellery brand with such small beginnings to be this impactful?

Today we are joined by Rachel Mielke, the Founder of Saskatchewan-based jewellery company Hillberg & Berk. Rachel’s experience of entrepreneurship has been all about taking risks, from taking her business full-time to appearing on Dragons’ Den. But perhaps even more importantly, her journey has been about connection, and that’s been her secret to successfully utilizing the support and community she already had.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• What it was like for Rachel to launch a brand from her kitchen table. 
• The catalyst that led to her truly seeing the potential in her business.
• Her experience on Dragons’ Den and the moment she got lucky on the show.
• The promotional event that led to a flop—and how it led to her best pivot ever.
• How she leaned into a strategy of building relationships in order to scale.
• Why she says success is 100% the team you build around you.
• Her secret to finding those people who are the right fit for the business.
• The values that have shaped how she shows up as a leader.
• Why it’s important to leave your ego behind when you’re building a team.
• How balancing work and motherhood doesn’t get easier (but it’s worth it).
• How building a stable business earns you the right to say “no” more often.
• Why she is excited for the next generation and how they view the world.
• What Rachel sees next for her business and her brand almost two decades in.

Hillberg & Berk: https://wwwhillbergandberk.com 

Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmielke101 

The Art of Strategy: https://www.theartofstrategy.ca

Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

How can leaders create a positive speak-up culture in the workplace?

Stephen “Shed” Shedletzky is a keynote speaker and author of Speak-Up Culture. When it comes to cultural leadership, Shed has seen and lived the importance of serving and leading from the inside out. He shares some fantastic tips for soliciting feedback and encouraging honesty from your team so that you can live up to a high standard of leadership.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• What Shed’s first work experience out of business school taught him about leadership.
• Why all leaders are followers and why servant leadership matters.
• How living up to the standard of great leadership isn’t easy in practice.
• The personal experiences that taught Shed about speak-up culture. 
• Why having an open-door policy in the workplace simply isn’t enough.
• How workplace culture isn’t like a family (and shouldn’t be presented as such).
• What it means when you solicit feedback and your team doesn’t speak up.
• Why it’s important to get curious, disagree, and come out on the other side.
• How to create a workplace where people feel comfortable with honesty.
• What not to do if you want honest feedback from your team.
• Tips for leaders to spot and nurture moments of courage.
• Why cultivating a diverse, respectful environment is key.
• The true test of whether or not you’ve created a speak-up culture.

Shed Inspires: https://www.shedinspires.com 

Shed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenshedletzky 

The Art of Strategy:https://www.theartofstrategy.ca

Alison on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

What does running a successful business as a married couple look like?

On this episode of Live Learn Lead our guests are Tova and Josh Matchett of Timeless Furniture. The motivation for their business came from a desire to create a higher level of freedom in their growing family, and they’ve learned a lot through their business journey—which has included a service pivot, a rebrand, the creation of their own upholstery academy, and a new location.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How Josh and Tova feel about the work they do.
• The three words that sum up the essence of Timeless Furniture as a business.
• Why, as a married couple, they felt drawn to starting a business together.
• Who Josh’s first customers were and what that experience taught him.
• What happened when they decided to pivot and rebrand their business.
• Their inspiration for starting their own furniture line and how it’s going now.
• What it took to find the right talent in their industry.
• The qualities they look for in right-fit team members and why it matters.
• How they deal with those inevitably imperfect days in their business.
• How being in business together has actually strengthened their relationship.
• What advice they would give to couples who are starting a business together.
• The personal mantras that help them in business and in life.

The Art of Strategy:https://www.theartofstrategy.ca

Alison on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

Timeless Furniture: https://timelessfurniturecorp.com/ 

Ever wonder how leadership is different in the world of politics compared to in business?

On this episode of Live Learn Lead we’re chatting with Dan McLean, a city councillor for Ward 13 in Calgary since 2021, who has a unique view of leadership through the lens of municipal politics. He discusses his experience as a business owner and how it compares to his life in politics, how he deals with difficult situations and conflict, and the skills that it takes to be an effective councillor.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• What comes to mind for Dan when he hears the word “leadership.”
• The values that stand out most in Calgary and what he loves about it.
• One of the biggest benefits of winning his elected position.
• Calgary’s unique relationship with the agricultural industry.
• How Dan fought to get rid of the “ridiculous bag bylaw” (and won).
• Why he decided to transition from life as a business owner into a life of politics.
• The importance of having thick skin. 
• How Dan stays in tune with the pulse of the city and why it matters.
• Why it’s crucial to compromise in conflicting situations.

Dan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danmclean4calgary/ 

Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmclean4ward13/

Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mclean-1a56b4a8/ 

The Art of Strategy:https://www.theartofstrategy.ca

Alison on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

What does it take to lead a global brand while also raising a little human being?

As a career-focused woman, Kara Chomistek, a Partner at PARK Production House, spent her 20s building that part of her life up. Later, when her daughter came along, she knew she would have to find a way to be a present mom while still pouring energy into her work. Today we get to hear Kara’s life-changing experiences in motherhood, how she maintains healthy relationships as a busy working mom, and how she has still been able to also successfully grow her business along the way.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How Kara’s life trajectory differed greatly from her friends and peers.
• The realization that dawned on her quickly after having her baby.
• How she handles guilt as a working mom and where it tends to come up the most.
• Why quality time with her daughter is so much more meaningful than the quantity of time. 
• The health issues she had coming out of her pregnancy and how it impacted her energy.
• How finding the little joys in life help Kara and her husband connect in busy times.
• Kara’s secret to maintaining a healthy relationship with her business partner.
• The experiences that have helped her and her partner run a high-stress business together.
• The type of clients their business attracts and where they’re growing now.
• The advice she would have given herself as a new founder if she could go back.

PARK Production House: https://parkproductionhouse.com 

Kara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karachomistek 

The Art of Strategy:https://www.theartofstrategy.ca

Alison on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

What are the responsibilities of a great leader, and what do you need to do to embody purpose-driven leadership?

Today we’re talking with John Spence, a global business expert and coach, about the greatest lessons he’s learned in his decades of leadership. He is one of the Top 100 Business Thought Leaders in America and has a wealth of experience in advising Fortune 500 companies. During the discussion, he shares his thoughts on most leaders’ greatest struggle, along with how to solve it from the root of the problem. He also gives tips for creating a better culture in the workplace andexplains why employee happiness is key to customer happiness.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• What John thought he would pursue as a career and why that changed.
• How he became a CEO at 26 and how it aligned him with a life-changing connection.
• What servant leadership is and why it’s important to understand.
• How being clear is kind and why this is a crucial part of leadership.
• The biggest fear most leaders have and how it presents in their business.
• The importance of building a people-centered culture, and why culture=cash.
• How shaping your employee experience impacts your customer experience.
• What people think drives a company forward versus what actually does.
• How to remove the friction from your business to support execution.
• The different ways AI can be used and why you need to know when not to use it.
• Why John believes that he’s here on this earth and what he’s doing about it.

John Spence: https://johnspence.com 

John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbspence 

The Art of Strategy: https://www.theartofstrategy.ca 

Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin 

What are the secrets to maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance while leading a thriving business in the emotionally charged world of weddings?

Today we dive into the inspiring journey of Lynn Fletcher, a former school teacher turned wedding industry pro. Lynn shares how she transitioned from organizing school events to creating a successful wedding business, driven by her passion for bringing people together and her love for pink and rhinestones. She reveals the courage it took to leave a stable career and embrace entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in her leadership style. We explore the highs and lows of her career, the personal growth she experienced, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How Lynn transitioned from teaching to the wedding industry, embracing entrepreneurship.
• Why her love for pink and rhinestones reflects her business identity and personal passion.
• How mentorship shaped her career and led to founding Lynn Fletcher Weddings.
• Why honesty, integrity, and accountability are crucial in her leadership style.
• How she balances emotions and execution in high-pressure wedding planning.
• Why setting boundaries and maintaining work-life balance is important to her.
• How personal challenges fueled her growth and resilience in business.
• Why emotional intelligence is vital in building client relationships.
• How structured time management helps prioritize both family and business.
• Why continuous self-improvement and learning are key to her success.
• How she aims to uplift her community and maintain high standards.
• Why she believes the universe provides what is needed, not necessarily wanted.

Lynn Fletcher Weddings: https://lynnfletcherweddings.com 

The Art of Strategy: https://www.theartofstrategy.ca 

Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin 

In this inspiring episode of Live. Learn. Lead. with Alison Geskin, Alison is joined by Shane Wenzel, President of Shane Homes and one of Calgary’s most recognizable business and civic leaders. From walking job sites as a child to leading a homebuilding legacy that has served over 16,000 families across 100+ communities, Shane brings a bold and refreshing perspective on what it truly means to lead with purpose.

Together, Alison and Shane dive into:

• Lessons learned growing up in a family-run business
• How Shane earned—not inherited—his leadership role
• The evolution of Shane Homes under his vision
• Civic pride, visibility, and belonging in Calgary

Shane shares a masterclass in legacy-driven leadership—rooted in trust, shaped by courage, and expressed through consistent action. With honesty and heart, he opens up about his personal growth journey, navigating expectations, and using his platform to elevate others.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead a business, a brand, and a community—all while staying true to yourself—this is the episode for you.

Listen now and share with a leader who needs this conversation.

In this thought-provoking episode of Live. Learn. Lead. with Alison Geskin, Alison sits down with Russell Stratton, CEO of Bluegem Learning, to discuss how leaders can master difficult workplace conversations while fostering inclusive, high-trust teams.

Russell challenges today’s conventional thinking on “wokeness” and explores how performative inclusivity can sometimes stifle real dialogue. From dealing with tough feedback to addressing conflict with courage and respect, this episode is a must-listen for any leader looking to enhance communication, build trust, and create a truly inclusive culture.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Strategies for tackling difficult workplace conversations with confidence
✅ How avoiding tough topics weakens team dynamics
✅ Why performative wokeness can unintentionally stifle true inclusivity
✅ Real leadership transformation stories and actionable takeaways

🎧 Listen Now: [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [Amazon Music]
💬 What’s the toughest workplace conversation you’ve ever had to lead? Drop your thoughts below!

🕒 Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
05:20 - Why difficult conversations define great leadership
12:45 - The risks of avoiding hard topics in the workplace
22:10 - How to create psychological safety while still being direct
35:30 - The problem with performative wokeness in leadership
42:15 - Actionable steps for leading inclusive and honest conversations
55:00 - Russell’s best advice for leaders navigating tough discussions

📌 Guest & Host Information:

🎙 Guest: Russell Stratton
🔗 Website: Bluegem Learning
📷 Instagram: @russellstratton
💼 LinkedIn: Russell Stratton

🎙 Host: Alison Geskin
🔗 Website: The Art of Strategy
📷 Instagram: @TheArtOfStrategy
💼 LinkedIn: Alison Geskin

🔥 Quote of the Episode:

"Real leadership means having the hard conversations with honesty and respect." – Russell Stratton

In this episode, Alison Geskin sits down with Shaun Ford, CEO of Shaun Ford & Co., to explore how design, leadership, and business success intersect. From the challenges of leading a creative company to the impact of spaces on human behavior, Shaun shares his journey and lessons in balancing artistry with strategy.

Tune in to learn: 

✅ How Shaun built a brand that blends timeless design with modern innovation
✅ The biggest leadership challenges in the creative industry—and how to navigate them
✅ The role of design in shaping culture, productivity, and collaboration
✅ Shaun’s top advice for creative leaders balancing vision with business growth

Timestamps:

🕒 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
🕒 05:00 - Shaun’s Origin Story: How He Built His Business
🕒 15:30 - Leading a Creative Company: Managing Teams & Clients
🕒 30:45 - The Intersection of Design, Leadership & Culture
🕒 45:20 - Challenges & Controversies in Creative Business
🕒 55:00 - Shaun’s Leadership Philosophy & Advice

Guest & Host Info:

🎙 Guest: Shaun Ford
🔗 Website: Shaun Ford & Co.
📷 Instagram: @shaunfordco
💼 LinkedIn: Shaun Ford

🎙 Host: Alison Geskin
🔗 Website: The Art of Strategy
📷 Instagram: @TheArtOfStrategy
💼 LinkedIn: Alison Geskin