Today on The Honest Talk, we’re joined by a woman who’s shaping the future of business in Canada: Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. From her roots on the Prairies to the boardrooms of some of Canada’s most influential organizations, Candace has built her career on a thoughtful, people-first approach to leadership. She’s a big-picture thinker with a deep understanding of what businesses need to not just survive – but thrive – in a rapidly changing world. We talk with Candace about leading through turbulent times, bringing more women into decision-making spaces, and her bold vision for Canada’s future.

Today, we’re joined by Erin Elofson, President of Mastercard in Canada, and a powerhouse leader whose career spans major global companies like Pinterest, Meta, and Microsoft. She has built a remarkable path in industries where women are still underrepresented and has become a fierce advocate for women leading on their own terms. We’ll dive into her passion for purpose-driven work, the mindsets that have helped her succeed, and her candid reflections on resilience, failure, and self-compassion. She also shares how embracing imperfection and making intentional trade-offs has shaped her career – and why those lessons can empower anyone striving to lead with authenticity.

Today’s guest is no stranger to making waves – both inside and outside the House of Commons. Melissa Lantsman, Member of Parliament for Thornhill and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, is known for her straight talk, quick wit, and unflagging energy. Before stepping into the political spotlight, Melissa was a powerhouse behind the scenes, shaping national conversations as a top political strategist and noted communications expert. In this episode, we dive into her journey in politics and leadership – but also explore the Melissa beyond the politics.

Today's guest is the kind of woman who doesn’t just break glass ceilings – she crushes them under her combat boots. Lieutenant-General Lise Bourgon is a trailblazer in uniform, and was one of the highest-ranking women in the Canadian Armed Forces. She is a true pioneer, and her career is a testament to discipline, resilience, and the power of purposeful leadership. She has spent her life breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation of women in service – and beyond, and we are so excited she was able to join us on this episode of The Honest Talk podcast!

In this episode of The Honest Talk, we’re switching things up – no personality profile, no spotlight interview. Instead, we’re having a conversation about conversations. It’s a delicate time in history. Tension, volatility, and change seem to surround us – at home, at work, and in our social circles. How do we stay connected when we disagree? And how do we bridge divides in ways that are respectful, thoughtful, and real? How can we have productive conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion? To help us explore these questions, we’re joined by Mante Molepo – a leader, writer, and ambassador who has dedicated her career to creating more equitable workplaces, communities, and conversations.

Today on the show, we’re joined by a trailblazer in Canadian politics – Christy Clark. Christy made history as the 35th premier of British Columbia and became the first woman in the province to be elected premier by the people. Though she’s stepped away from active politics, she hasn’t stepped out of public life. In this episode, we dive into her journey through political leadership, what it was like raising her son in the public eye, the tough lessons she’s learned along the way – and yes, her secret to mixing a mean cocktail.

We're stepping into the sultry, smoky world of jazz in this episode — and who better to guide us than the incomparable Holly Cole? Known for her distinctive voice and unforgettable style, Holly has been captivating audiences in Canada and around the world for decades. Join us as we sit down with this iconic artist to talk music, creativity, and the magic of making a song your own.

Canada's Nicole Havrda is burning up the race track for F1 Academy here at home, but also right around the world. She is a rising force in motor sport, she's a young driver, she's very fast, and she is breaking expectations for women in racing. At just 19, she's already making headlines, and we're so excited to have Nicole joining us on The Honest Talk podcast!

From starting out at RBC to becoming Executive VP and Head of Private Banking, Kim Mason has climbed the corporate ladder with purpose – and more than a few reinventions along the way. She’s been named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, a Top 50 CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine, and one of Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence. In this episode, Kim joins us to talk about career growth, what reinvention really looks like – and the values that keep her grounded at the top.

Meghan Roach may just have one of the coolest jobs in Canada. She's the president and CEO of Roots, the iconic Canadian brand, which is known for its leather, its cabin vibes and the timeless sweats we all grew up loving. But she is more than just a fashion CEO. She's actually a small town girl from Pembroke, Ontario who became one of the youngest female CEOs of a publicly traded company in Canada, and she's done it with purpose and with grit, and also a lot of heart. Today, we talk to Megan about leading in a crisis, making bold choices, why being underestimated can actually be a superpower. We also dive into what it takes to lead a beloved brand into the future while also staying true to your roots.

Today on the podcast, we're joined by a truly fascinating guest — Marcy Grossman, Canada’s first female Jewish ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Marcy’s career in diplomacy is impressive on its own, but what makes her story even more compelling is where it began — in a jail. And no, not in the way you might think. We first met Marcy in Montreal and were immediately struck by her honesty, humour, and the bold way she’s carved out her own path. In this episode, she opens up about her unconventional journey, from working in corrections to navigating the world of foreign affairs — and all the pivotal moments, pressures, and personal reinventions along the way.

Jen and Catherine are back for another catch-up episode! In today’s chat, they reflect on a busy week in Toronto, from election night insights to attending a cut-throat Sens vs. Leafs hockey game. They also dive into the growing momentum behind women’s professional sports in Canada, shifting perceptions of women’s bodies in sport, and how cultural expectations are evolving for the next generation. You don’t want to miss it!

Women’s sports are having a moment – and in Canada, that momentum is only growing. From the rise of women’s hockey to the launch of a brand-new professional soccer league, the game is changing fast. In this episode, we sit down with Christina Litz, president of the Northern Super League, who’s leading the charge to bring pro women’s soccer to cities across Canada.

Jen and Catherine are back — and it’s officially Women’s Summit season! In this episode, they chat about the thrill of launch day, big-name speakers, and why they’re so excited about this year’s event. They also get candid about the upcoming Canadian election, what the polling says about the gender divide, and how they’re each navigating the emotional rollercoaster of today’s world (spoiler: quirky murder mysteries and rom-coms may be involved).

Today, we're having a conversation with a woman who had a trailblazing career in politics: Kathleen Wynne! She served as a school trustee and a Provincial Parliament and cabinet member before she was elected Ontario's first and only female Premier. In her conversation with Jen and Catherine, she gets candid about setbacks, progress, and why she still believes in public service despite rising misogyny and political polarization. Tune in for a real, honest talk on resilience, leadership, and never giving up.

Our special guest for this episode is Demetra Streda, who has had a long career with RBC. In her discussion with Jen and Catherine, she opens up about the power of finding your passion, igniting your curiosity, and taking risks in your career. She also talks about how she found herself working in finance, the importance of self-trust, and how she learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

The world feels especially unpredictable right now – wars, political shifts, financial instability. But even in this uncertainty, more women than ever are stepping up and launching businesses. So, what does it take to succeed as a woman founder today? How do you navigate challenges like being the only woman in the room during a pitch or securing funding in a male-dominated space? To help answer these questions, we're joined by Sandi Gilbert – fintech CEO, founder, and former Board Chair of the National Angel Capital Organization. She's spent years helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow, and today, she's here to share her insights and advice for women ready to make their mark in the business world.

For so many of us, Jeanne Beker was our window into the world of high fashion. She took us behind the scenes at major runway shows, inside designer showrooms, and into conversations with the biggest names in the industry—both on the catwalk and in the front row. Now, Jeanne is sharing her own personal stories in her new book, Heart on My Sleeve, a memoir told through the clothes and accessories in her closet. In this episode, we sit down with the legendary fashion journalist to talk about her extraordinary career, her deep connection to fashion, and the moments that shaped her life. Join us for this fascinating conversation with the one and only Jeanne Beker.