When you think of breast cancer, you probably don’t think of men, but you should. In this episode, Phil Alderson shares his story of surviving male breast cancer, a diagnosis most men never imagine they’ll face. From the moment he found a lump to navigating isolation, stigma, and the lack of male-focused support, Phil’s honesty will challenge what you think you know about breast cancer. As two survivors, one male, one female, Sonia and Phil go into: - The reality of male breast cancer (yes, it happens) - Why early detection saves lives - How stigma and silence make men more vulnerable - The need for more inclusive awareness and language - Rebuilding identity and purpose after cancer If you’re a man, a father, a brother, this episode could save a life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When Alexandra Goldwell was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer as a single parent and lifelong healer, she was forced to confront the limits of her strength and the depth of her beliefs about healing. A psychologist and somatic therapist for over 25 years, Alexandra had spent her career helping others process pain, but breast cancer became her most personal teacher. In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, we have an honest and transformative conversation. Alexandra shares how she approached her diagnosis differently, why she delayed surgery, and the mental and emotional practices that helped her navigate fear, isolation, and uncertainty. We also talk about the often-ignored post-cancer phase, the disorientation, the grief over a changed body, and the process of redefining your identity and priorities after survival. This isn’t just a story about breast cancer; it’s about agency, resilience, and rewriting your life on your own terms. 🎧 Listen now for a conversation that will speak to anyone facing a life-changing diagnosis, a significant transition, or the challenge of starting over. https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it mean to be a parent when your child is fighting for her life? For Bob Furniss, the answer was to stand beside his daughter Keisha, as her advocate, her cheerleader, and eventually, the keeper of her legacy. In this profoundly emotional conversation, Bob shares his journey as the father of a young woman diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at just 30 years old. He opens up about the moment everything stopped, what it means to advocate for a loved one in the doctor’s office, and the heartbreaking reality of watching his daughter fight for four years before passing away at 34. But Bob didn’t stop at grief. He and his family founded Keisha Warrior Princess Foundation to spread awareness, empower young women to do self-exams, and prevent others from missing the early signs. He also wrote On to Blue, a memoir of love, resilience, and lessons learned from Keisha’s warrior spirit. This episode is a rare and powerful look at breast cancer through the eyes of a parent. It’s about loss, hope, and the courage to turn pain into purpose. 🎧 Listen now to hear Bob’s story, and the question he believes every dad should ask his daughter. https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When Christie Cioffi was diagnosed with breast cancer just days after her 36th birthday, her world turned upside down. A West Point graduate, Army veteran, and marathon runner, Christie was no stranger to discipline and resilience, but cancer forced her to confront an entirely different battle: rebuilding her confidence, identity, and sense of self. In this raw and empowering conversation, Christie shares how she navigated her diagnosis, made life-altering decisions about her body, and ultimately discovered a deeper sense of authenticity and leadership. We talk about what it means to date after cancer, the power of therapy, and how embracing vulnerability can become a superpower. This episode isn’t just about surviving breast cancer; it’s about what comes next: learning to trust yourself, letting go of old stories, and stepping into life with confidence and peace. 🎧 Tune in for an honest conversation on resilience, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to rebuild after cancer. https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac/ https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Fitz Koehler built her career as a fitness expert and race announcer, inspiring thousands with her energy and passion. But when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her life took a turn that tested every ounce of her strength. In this candid conversation on Tenacity with Sonia C, Fitz opens up about the realities of treatment, the toll it took on her career, and the grit it took to keep showing up with a microphone in hand, even while battling cancer. She shares how humour, community, and unapologetic authenticity became her survival tools, and why she believes resilience is something we can all train for. We also delve into the lessons she now carries forward: redefining strength, rebuilding after loss, and finding purpose in helping others navigate life’s most challenging obstacles. 🎧 This is more than a cancer story; it’s about grit, joy, and refusing to let hardship steal your spotlight. #breastcancer https://www.instagram.com/tenacitywithsoniac https://www.instagram.com/techiesoniac Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When Erica Campbell answered the call from her doctor late on a Friday afternoon, her world stopped. A breast cancer diagnosis instantly brought back memories of losing her mother to the disease, and fears of history repeating itself. In this candid conversation, Erica opens up about the emotions of that moment, why she chose a double mastectomy, and how reconstruction shaped her relationship with her body. She and I dive into the raw, often unspoken truths about femininity, control, fear of recurrence, and the difficult decisions women face between lumpectomy and double mastectomy. Erica also shares the inspiration behind her influential book The Mastectomy I Always Wanted, her work leading the Pinky Swear Foundation for children with cancer, and the leadership lessons cancer taught her: vulnerability, compassion, and the power of trust. This isn’t just a breast cancer story. It’s about reclaiming choice, reframing struggle, and discovering freedom on the other side of fear. 🎧 Tune in to hear why Erica believes the most significant lesson is never to give up, and why no one has to go through this journey alone. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it take to lead in tech, especially when you don’t fit the mould? In this episode, Sonia sits down with Meeky Hwang, co-founder and CEO of Ndevr, a WordPress development agency trusted by global brands like Bloomberg, Forbes, and Sony. But this isn’t a conversation about code, it’s about the quiet power of resilience, leadership, and building a business as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Meeky shares her real, raw story, from accidentally starting a company to buying out a co-founder and learning to let go (even when it hurts). You’ll hear how she built credibility with major clients not by being the loudest in the room but by being the most consistent. Plus, she opens up about burnout, journaling, impostor syndrome, and what founders can do when they feel stuck or alone. You’ll learn: - Why being “quiet” can be a superpower in leadership - The hardest decisions she’s had to make as a founder - What to do when scaling feels impossible - How community and honesty can fuel long-term resilience Whether you’re an early-stage founder or deep in the trenches, this episode reminds you that you don’t have to have it all figured out, you have to keep showing up. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it take to build an AI startup that manages over $30 billion in assets and challenges everything we know about investing? In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with Alexander Harmsen, founder of PortfolioPilot.com, a next-gen AI financial advisor transforming how we manage money, risk, and decision-making. A serial entrepreneur, YC alum, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Alexander previously founded and sold Iris Automation, worked on NASA’s Mars Helicopter, and raised over $30M in venture capital. You’ll learn: -How AI is disrupting traditional financial advising -Why founders struggle with financial decision-making, and how tech can help -Lessons from scaling two AI startups, raising capital, and going through Y Combinator -The psychology behind investor mistakes, and how PortfolioPilot corrects them Whether you’re building a startup, investing in tech, or looking to understand where AI in finance is headed next, this episode delivers actionable insights and founder wisdom. 🎧 Tune in to learn what it really takes to scale a high-impact AI company Follow our host: @techiesoniac Follow our IG channel: @TenacitywithSoniac Listen or watch more episodes: https://soniacouto.com/podcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

AI isn’t here to replace you, it’s here to require more of you. In this conversation, I sit down with Nicole Hilgenkamp, an AI literacy advocate and people-first leader who made a mid-career pivot into AI while managing large teams and raising three daughters. We get honest about what “AI-literate” means, why prompting is a skill (not a hack), how to use agents to augment your team, and the guardrails every company needs before rolling out AI. We also talk about resistance at work, building internal champions, and the messy middle of change for leaders and schools that haven’t caught up yet. You’ll learn: -How to move from “I tried ChatGPT once” to consistent, outcome-driven use -Simple ways leaders can set AI policy, protect privacy, and keep a human in the loop -How to get your team to adopt AI (community of practice, super users, small wins) -Why asking better questions beats copying other people’s prompts -A people-first framework for piloting AI across your org If you’re a founder, manager, or creative trying to make AI a daily edge, not a threat, this one’s for you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

After a career-ending concussion pushed him off the ice, former pro hockey player Brandon Cullen reinvented himself as the co-founder of MADaboli, the strength-driven interval training franchise built for high performers. What started as one studio has grown to 45+ locations nationwide, with a vision rooted in strength, structure, and accountability. In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Brandon shares how the athlete mindset translates into entrepreneurship, the hard lessons of scaling a franchise, and why focusing on a clear niche beats chasing the masses. We dig into partnership dynamics, daily founder struggles, and the principle of “the disciplined pursuit of less” that keeps him focused through every growth stage. Whether you’re a founder hitting a wall or an entrepreneur trying to scale with intention, this conversation will challenge you to double down on clarity, consistency, and courage. This episode is brought to you by Konverge: https://www.konverge.com/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this powerful episode, Sonia sits down with Murielle Ungricht, an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of the AI-powered coaching platform Nuumani, for a raw and inspiring conversation on turning perceived weaknesses into your greatest strengths. Murielle shares her journey from building web development businesses in the early 2000s to launching Nuumani, a startup merging AI and human connection to democratize coaching. She opens up about how autism has shaped her leadership style, startup strategies, and commitment to authenticity, even when it meant breaking from conventional paths. We dive deep into: -How Murielle bootstrapped and validated her AI startup -The emotional and strategic hurdles of building in the AI era -Why embracing neurodivergence became her superpower -The mindset shifts needed to escape burnout and unlock momentum -The story behind her book Get Unstuck! and her 10 years of coaching Whether you’re an unconventional founder, feeling stuck, or searching for the courage to lead differently, this conversation is a must-listen. Learn more or reach out to Murielle: https://www.muriellemarie.com This episode is brought to you by: Konverge Digital Solutions Custom software solutions, proudly built in Canada for over 30 years. Learn more at konverge.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it really take to grow from solopreneur to CEO of a franchise? In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, fitness entrepreneur Devan Gonzalez breaks down the gritty, behind-the-scenes reality of scaling a business, without losing your sanity or your standards. Devan went from personal trainer to 6-figure business owner by 20, and now leads Strive 11 Fitness, a disruptive no-class-time fitness franchise. Sonia and Devan dive into the real challenges of building operational systems, hiring the right leadership team, and designing a business that can scale without the founder in every room. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn: How Devan validated a bold new fitness model Why most founders sabotage their own scale What it really means to lead vs. micromanage Devan’s $8K CRM mistake, and the lesson behind it Whether you're leading a team, planning a franchise, or stuck in solopreneur mode, this episode delivers hard-won insights on leadership, process, and founder growth. Hit play and learn why every level of growth comes with new devils, and how to outsmart them. This episode is brought to you by: www.Konverge.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How do you go from being a successful real estate entrepreneur to the founder of a movement? In today’s episode, I sit down with Ceiwen Garcia, a leader, community builder, and visionary behind The Boss Network. With nearly two decades in the real estate world, Ceinwen has pivoted into creating extraordinary spaces for connection, growth, and empowerment, especially for women, but everyone is welcome in her ecosystem. In this heartfelt conversation, you’ll hear Ceinwen reflect on the transformative moments that led her from Kelowna realtor to award-winning entrepreneur, why she believes “the people are her why,” and how she navigated burnout, self-doubt, and mistakes with grace and grit. She gives us a raw, unfiltered look at how to build community, step into purpose, and not just dream big, but dream ridiculously big. Whether you’re a founder, a creative, a caregiver, or someone searching for your next bold chapter, this conversation is for you. It’s a reminder that fulfillment isn’t just about what you build but who you lift up along the way. Get ready to feel seen, empowered, and prepared to start your next chapter. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What happens when your childhood dream is ripped away, and you’re forced to start over at 17? In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, we dive into the extraordinary reinvention story of Jacopo Iasiello, CEO of Luxury and Wealth Group. Jacopo shares the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of building wealth from scratch, from a career-ending soccer injury to launching a jewelry business at 18 and eventually closing over 350+ real estate deals. We talk about: -The mindset shift that helped him pivot from athlete to entrepreneur -His bold move to Africa to source diamonds, and what it taught him about trust and timing -The $1 million mistake that nearly broke him, and how he bounced back -Why doesn’t he believe in “burning the boats” -His M.P.B.E. method for staying grounded while scaling If you’re building something and feel stuck, burned out, or ready to quit, this episode will remind you that reinvention is always possible. Website: https://healthyrichandhappy.com/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this soulful and thought-provoking episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with Mona Bavar, founder of BlueApples.ai and DLISH to explore how the future of creativity is being shaped at the intersection of AI, intuition, and innovation. Mona shares her journey from finance to founding a luxury gifting company and an AI consultancy, revealing how tech tools helped her rediscover her creativity and reframe storytelling as a deeply human act. The conversation unpacks the myths around AI replacing creativity, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how founders can build brands with real resonance, not just noise. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or disconnected from your “why,” this episode is a powerful reminder that imagination isn’t lost in adulthood, it’s just waiting to be reawakened. Key themes: -Using AI as a creative catalyst, not a crutch -The role of founder vulnerability in building unforgettable brands -How to stay grounded in an era of algorithmic overwhelm -Why stepping back can sometimes move you forward Tune in to rediscover the power of soul, story, and strategy in your entrepreneurial journey. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this unfiltered episode, Sonia sits down with Anthony Franco, a serial founder with six successful exits, to dismantle the myths around startup success. From the dreamer trap to overbuilding features no one asked for, Anthony shares hard-won lessons that every founder needs to hear. They unpack: -Why execution beats ideas (even in the age of AI) -What founders get wrong about funding and MVPs -The myth of “just hire a salesperson” for growth -How burnout is often a signal you’re not winning, and what to do about it Whether stuck in the idea phase, building in silence, or chasing VC validation, this episode is a gut-check every early-stage founder needs. Because, as Anthony puts it, “Entrepreneurs sell. Everything else is a hobby.” Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When I sat down to interview Boardy, a voice-powered AI designed to connect founders, I expected a tech conversation. What didn’t I expect? A heart-to-heart about loneliness, leadership, and what it means to feel heard. Boardy isn’t a therapist. But founders are calling to talk. Why? Because he listens without judgment, ego, or distractions. In this one-of-a-kind episode, you’ll hear: The surprisingly emotional side of AI Why voice tech is reshaping how we build trust The loneliness that founders rarely talk about Whether AI can understand human connection This isn’t your typical tech interview. It’s a glimpse into the emotional frontier of innovation. 🎧 Tune in—you’ll be surprised by what you feel. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with Jim Fielding, former President of Disney Stores, The Gap, and 20th Century Fox consumer products, author of the best-selling book All Pride, No Ego, and now a full-time coach, speaker, and angel investor. Jim shares his journey from the heights of Hollywood and corporate leadership to redefining success through purpose, authenticity, and service. He opens up about the burnout that led him to walk away from it all, and the clarity that followed. We dive deep into: -The “ikigai” philosophy that transformed his life -Why confidence beats arrogance when raising capital -How to lead through layoffs and acquisitions with empathy -When founders should step back, and how to do it with grace -Building your board of directors Plus, Jim gives must-hear advice for early-stage founders struggling with ego, leadership gaps, or burnout. If you’re a startup founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious about what it takes to lead and grow with impact, this is a can’t-miss conversation. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Are you ready to break free from self-doubt and unlock true self-mastery? In this inspiring episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, discover how to cultivate lasting self-confidence and a powerful mindset with the help of Madelaine Weiss, a Harvard-trained psychotherapist, mindset expert, and author of 'Getting to G.R.E.A.T.' Together, we reveal the real work behind self-mastery and why self-confidence is not an innate trait, but a skill you can develop. Madelaine shares science-backed strategies, practical tools, and personal stories that have empowered professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs to overcome limiting beliefs and mental barriers. 🎧 Tune in to learn: - The critical difference between self-confidence and competence - How to rewrite your inner script and silence self-doubt - Why real self-confidence grows through action and experience - The hidden struggles of high achievers with self-mastery and insecurity - How to navigate life transitions with a resilient mindset. If you seek actionable steps to build self-confidence and elevate your mindset, this episode is your blueprint for personal and professional growth. Guest Information: https://madelaineweiss.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, we discuss the future of ethical content creation with Jon Gillham, the visionary founder of Originality.AI. As a pioneer in AI content and plagiarism detection, Jon reveals the pivotal moment that inspired him to launch a leading detection tool, just days before ChatGPT changed the landscape, and how he’s navigating the rapid rise of generative AI. We explore the real-world ethics of using AI for content creation, the risks of Google penalties for AI-generated content, and proven strategies for building trustworthy SEO with advanced AI tools. Jon shares why human-in-the-loop processes are essential for authentic content, lessons from his first startup exit, the benefits of bootstrapping, and how fostering a red team/blue team culture keeps his team at the forefront of AI development. Whether you’re a founder scaling content, a marketer concerned about false positives, or a startup seeking growth without VC pressure, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. 🎧 Listen now to discover: - Why is not all AI content spam, but all spam is now AI - What distinguishes high-performing teams in AI content detection - How to use plagiarism detection tools responsibly without harming your SEO - Why bootstrapping could be your startup’s smartest move Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands