Power of Why with Naomi Haile

Power of Why with Naomi Haile

By Naomi Haile

The Power of Why podcast is here to help you strategically advance your mission in the world. Hosted by talent and business strategist Naomi Haile, each episode delves into the minds of leaders who are building purposeful organizations, creating employment opportunities, and using their gifts for good. Featuring a diverse lineup of guests, from the Chief Human Resources Officer at Netflix to actors and artists, tech founders and business owners, and champions of local movements, the Power of Why is here to help you live according to your purpose.
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From Fashion to Founding a World-Changing Climate Startup

Power of Why with Naomi HaileNov 11, 2021
00:00
37:32
What It Actually Takes to Go From Solo Freelancer to Trusted CEO with Marie Lewis

What It Actually Takes to Go From Solo Freelancer to Trusted CEO with Marie Lewis

Marie Lewis is the founder and CEO of Royal Assistants, an operations-focused executive support company built to help founders lead with clarity and structure. Her journey into business began with service. She was raised in a faith-centered household, she spent years in administrative leadership across church and corporate environments before becoming the person people relied on to bring order to organizations and systems.

Marie started working independently in 2015, taking her first paid role setting up systems for her church, and has spent the decade since building Royal Assistants from a solo virtual assistance practice into a full operations and systems design company with a team behind her. She has hired and released more than 100 people from her business over the years as she refined who she works with and how she delivers what she calls "the royal experience" — a client journey built on intentionality, transparency, and excellence.

Born in Jamaica, Marie's family relocated to New York, where she watched her parents build their own businesses, her father moving from carpentry into full-time ministry and then construction, and her mother building a career as a seamstress before becoming an executive house cleaner. Marie now lives in Atlanta with her husband and their daughter, where she runs Royal Assistants and shares tutorials and systems, including her SuiteDash system, with her audience on YouTube.

She describes her guiding philosophy as one of radical transparency: she does not believe in gatekeeping knowledge, and treats every client relationship as an opportunity to build trust through consistency and care.

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Jul 09, 202645:38
How to Be Relentless Without Burning Out with Soji James, Breathwork Facilitator & Metta Club Founder

How to Be Relentless Without Burning Out with Soji James, Breathwork Facilitator & Metta Club Founder

Soji James is a New York based strength and kettlebell coach, meditation teacher, breathwork facilitator and the founder of the Metta Club. The Metta Club is a mindfulness-based community built around making that inner work feel practical and human.

His practice is built on a conviction most of the fitness industry ignores: that the body and the inner life are not separate projects, and that the people most in need of stillness are usually the ones moving too fast to notice.

Soji grew up in the Bronx, raised by a mother who told him consistently that the pen was always his to hold - that he had the power to write his own story. He found strength training in college at SUNY New Paltz, where he studied biology and played basketball.

During one of the most challenging seasons of his life, meditation and breathwork became the survival tools that helped him through it. After losing his father unexpectedly to a heart attack at 52, and discovering he had no framework to process the grief. That experience reshaped his understanding of what his clients actually need, and what he had needed long before he knew to ask for it

All of his experiences are the foundation of everything he teaches. Soji believes most of us were taught how to go hard, but not how to be still. And his whole philosophy is that you don't have to choose. You can be driven and grounded. You can chase big goals and still know how to pause.

He launched his coaching practice 13 years ago. Today, he works with clients across the country, ranging from executives, surgeons, founders, and parents, and he also leads breathwork and meditation sessions inside companies and organizations.


Connect with Soji

 

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Jun 11, 202654:37
Why the Women Who Give the Most Are the Last to Rebuild with Wellness Practitioner, Almeta Brown

Why the Women Who Give the Most Are the Last to Rebuild with Wellness Practitioner, Almeta Brown

"When you're picking up heavy weights in life and you make the decision to face that weight, there is a confidence that you build." - Almeta Brown

Almeta Brown is a strength coach, therapist in training, and wellness practitioner. Her work lives at the intersection of trauma-informed care, nervous system regulation, and sustainable strength building.

Her approach begins with a question that reorients the entire conversation around health and performance. Not how much the body can endure — but what it means to feel safe, strong, and supported in your own body.

Through trauma-informed strength training, Almeta helps her clients build physical muscle alongside something less often named: resilience, self-trust, and capacity. Everything she teaches comes from her own experience, including competing in bodybuilding shows, which grounds her practice in something beyond theory. Her framework is rooted in the values of intentionality, rest, love, service, community, and health as a lifelong practice — inviting people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build systems that work with their bodies and lives rather than against them.

A central thread in her work is redefining what health looks like, particularly within Black communities, and restoring rest to its rightful place as a tool for regulation and sustenance — not a reward earned after exhaustion. She believes the way we care for our bodies mirrors the way we care for our lives and our communities.

As a therapist in training, Almeta brings a treatment-plan mindset to every client relationship. Through an integrated wellness framework that blends strength training, coaching, and mental health–informed support, she works with clients to build personalized plans grounded in both physical and psychological needs — helping them develop capacity not just in their bodies, but in every area of their lives.

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Apr 09, 202658:14
"I'm Building Bougie Birch to Last 30+ Years" - On Reverse Engineering a Vision, Indigenous Economic Systems, and Why Starting Right Matters with Ashley Clark

"I'm Building Bougie Birch to Last 30+ Years" - On Reverse Engineering a Vision, Indigenous Economic Systems, and Why Starting Right Matters with Ashley Clark

“Being able to discover entrepreneurship was revolutionary for finding my path.” - Katonhetsheriio Ashley Clark

Ashley Clark is a Mohawk entrepreneur, founder of Bougie Birch, and an indigenous relations advisor whose work sits at the intersection of business, culture, and systems change. With an academic background in international relations, Ashley brings a systems-aware lens to entrepreneurship, leadership, and community development.

Through Bougie Birch, Ashley creates immersive cultural experiences and workshops grounded in indigenous knowledge and relational ways of being. Her work emphasizes clarity over urgency, long-term thinking, and the intentional creation of culturally safe third spaces where innovation, learning, and relationship building can thrive.

Ashley mentors early indigenous startup entrepreneurs through the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, and is currently in a deliberate foundation-building season toward a brick-and-mortar third space for Bougie Birch in Ottawa, on unceded Algonquin territory. Her leadership reflects a commitment to regenerative systems and building futures where economic growth and community well-being exist in relationship, not in tension.

Connect with Ashley

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This episode is brought to you in collaboration with ⁠⁠⁠Invest Ottawa⁠⁠⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month.

In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit ⁠⁠⁠www.investottawa.ca/women⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

Mar 25, 202635:34
"Be a Good Comms Person, But Be a Better Business Person" — How to Unlock Strategic Value as a Communicator with Amy MacLeod

"Be a Good Comms Person, But Be a Better Business Person" — How to Unlock Strategic Value as a Communicator with Amy MacLeod

"Be a good comms person, but be a better business person. That is the key to unlocking the strategic value as a comms person. When you can create an environment where people want to know what you think on a topic that's not necessarily related to comms, you have built a relationship of trust and respect." - Amy MacLeod

Amy MacLeod is a senior communications executive with 25 years of experience shaping complex business, financial, and technical developments into strategic communications programs. She believes that good communication comes from connecting people with information that conveys passion and purpose — and that truth, simply told, is the best path to leadership, influence, and corporate credibility.

Amy was named Vice President of Corporate Communications at MDA Space in 2021. Prior to that, she served as VP of Corporate Affairs and External Communications at Seaspan Shipyards and VP of Corporate Communications at Mitel, where in 2018 she was appointed as Mitel's first Corporate Diversity Officer, charged with driving cultural change across the company globally.

Earlier in her career, Amy held progressively senior communications roles at General Dynamics Canada, Alcatel-Lucent, and Newbridge Networks Corporation. She began her career as a political staffer on Parliament Hill, an experience that grounded her in the fundamentals of writing, storytelling, and high-stakes real-time communications.

Amy grew up in a small mining town in Northern Ontario and studied politics at the University of Waterloo. She has been deeply rooted in the Ottawa business and startup ecosystem for nearly four decades, and remains actively engaged as a mentor and advocate for women in leadership.

Connect with Amy

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This episode is brought to you in collaboration with ⁠⁠Invest Ottawa⁠⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month.

In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit ⁠⁠www.investottawa.ca/women⁠⁠ to learn more!

Mar 18, 202644:24
"Saying Yes Changed My Life" - From HR Executive to COO, Thinking Like an Operator, and Leveraging AI in Business With Megan Paterson

"Saying Yes Changed My Life" - From HR Executive to COO, Thinking Like an Operator, and Leveraging AI in Business With Megan Paterson

“When you're hiring your number two, your number three, your number four — make sure you're complementing your skills as a founder with somebody who does have an operational mindset.” - Megan Paterson

Megan Paterson is the Chief Operating Officer of Kinaxis, a publicly traded SaaS company that manages some of the world’s largest supply chains. She has spent nearly 18 years at the organization, watching it grow from roughly $20M in revenue to over half a billion, and from a privately held company to a publicly traded one.

Megan’s career began in recruiting at a consulting firm, and she steadily rose through the HR function, holding roles as HR Advisor, Director of Human Resources, VP, and Chief Human Resources Officer, before stepping into the COO role. The transition was unconventional, and by her own account, she spent five months saying no before eventually accepting. Her path has given her a rare vantage point on both the people side and the operational side of scaling a technology company.

Her areas of expertise include international expansion, mergers and acquisitions, building and scaling teams, and operational systems. Megan is also an angel investor, working with startups and engaging with entrepreneurial communities, including Invest Ottawa.

Connect with Megan

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This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Invest Ottawa, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month.

In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit www.investottawa.ca/women to learn more!

Mar 12, 202635:05
Why Some Businesses Thrive in Uncertainty and Others Don't with Sueling Ching

Why Some Businesses Thrive in Uncertainty and Others Don't with Sueling Ching

“We own our future. We are not passive participants in our businesses or communities.” - Sueling Ching

Sueling Ching is the President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, a unified and influential voice for businesses across the city of Ottawa. Sueling is a dedicated community builder with a passion for innovation and business advocacy, she has spent more than twenty years working at the intersection of business leadership and community development. 

Sueling's connection to the Ottawa business ecosystem began in 2016, when she took on the role of CEO at the West Ottawa Board of Trade. In that role, she led the consolidation of three local chambers of commerce into the Ottawa Board of Trade, which was a landmark achievement that positioned the organization to advocate more effectively for business interests at every level of government. Prior to Ottawa, she served as CEO of the YMCA of Brockville and Area, and CEO of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the board of directors for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

A committed community advocate, Sueling has supported numerous volunteer and charitable initiatives, including 100 Women Who Care, Make-A-Wish, Rotary International, and The Royal Ottawa Foundation.

Driven by a belief that communities are built intentionally, and that every act of leadership, collaboration, and connection compounds value over time, Sueling’s mission is to help build communities that are truly flourishing.


Connect with Sueling

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This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Invest Ottawa, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month.

In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit www.investottawa.ca/women to learn more!

Mar 10, 202634:48
A Cybersecurity Leader on Protecting Your Business, Your Data, and Your Purpose in the Age of AI with Diane Watson

A Cybersecurity Leader on Protecting Your Business, Your Data, and Your Purpose in the Age of AI with Diane Watson

"In an abundance of water, only a fool is thirsty. And here it is that we're living in this great abundance, especially with technology. Everybody's connected. If you want to learn anything, it's right there. Now, how do you determine what is relevant to what you need to do?"

Diane Watson is an illustrious technology leader with over two decades of experience in telecommunications, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity, Diane has held senior roles at global firms such as Nokia and Fujitsu, and is currently leading product security initiatives as a Product Security Program Manager at Ribbon Communications.

Diane has been a driving force behind inclusive leadership in Canada’s tech ecosystem, serving on the Women in Communications and Technology National Capital Region board for seven years. Fun fact: this is how Diane and I officially crossed paths.

Diane now serves in an advisory capacity as Past Chair, while also holding the role of Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships at Tech2Step Canada, a national nonprofit creating mentorship and networking opportunities. She also contributes her expertise as a member of Invest Ottawa’s Women Founders and Funders Subcommittee, supporting the advancement of women entrepreneurs. 

Known for blending technical excellence with purpose-driven leadership, Diane is deeply committed to mentorship, community building, and creating pathways for underrepresented voices to thrive in Canada’s innovation economy. 

Diane shares how curiosity, community, and a willingness to start over have shaped both her professional trajectory and her sense of purpose.

Connect with Diane

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This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Invest Ottawa, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month.

In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit www.investottawa.ca/women to learn more!

Mar 04, 202654:60
Stop Underselling Your Story & How To Strengthen Your Visibility Online with Chanel Cathey

Stop Underselling Your Story & How To Strengthen Your Visibility Online with Chanel Cathey

Chanel Cathey is the founder and CEO of CJC Insights, a strategic communications and public relations agency headquartered in New York City. Since launching the firm in 2018 with her savings and a bold mission, Chanel has built a powerhouse agency that partners with global companies, high-growth startups, mission-driven nonprofits, and private equity teams to craft narratives that resonate, build trust, and drive real impact.

Looking for a specific gem?

00:00 Introducing Chanel

01:47 Editing newspapers at age 4

03:42 How growing up in a house of educators shaped her

04:54 Creating a goal list with her mom and grandma

05:22 Goal lists > checklists

05:56 Learning to read and phonetics changed her life trajectory (she went from not reading to reading in just one summer)

07:40 Why she switched from business to communications

08:20 Her first networking event and homemade sunflower business card

09:24 The bold ask that got her an internship at ABC News

13:41 What it was really like interning at a political news show

11:37 Discovering PR was her calling

16:05 Starting CJC Insights without a master plan

17:55 Why she was naïve about starting her business —and grateful for it

24:33 The realities of entrepreneurship that no one talks about

19:22 How she built her first client base without even realizing it

19:44 Defining her zone of genius (hint: it’s not social media)

21:54 Why most people undervalue their own stories

24:14 How she uncovers a founder’s “IT” factor

26:30 What confidence has to do with your brand strategy

27:44 I tell people and brands the same thing: Write it down.

28:48 Not everything is newsworthy. Take time to invest in messaging and strategy

29:10 When brands start to lose their way…

30:00 Reputation and trust are really hard to restore

33:52 Getting more funding into the hands of founders 

40:46 How therapy helped her rebuild confidence

42:20 Why she hired a financial consultant for sanity and scale

43:35 Her advice for founders who feel overwhelmed

46:00 Final thoughts + where to connect with Chanel online

Connect with Chanel

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May 29, 202546:46
Build a Brand That Never Goes Out of Style—Because It’s YOU with Sigute Zitikyte

Build a Brand That Never Goes Out of Style—Because It’s YOU with Sigute Zitikyte

Sigute Zitikyte is a personal brand strategist, writer, and business coach leading the Multi-Passionate movement—a platform created for high-achieving women who are done choosing between their creativity, ambition, and authenticity.

She’s helped hundreds of women stop playing small, embrace the full spectrum of who they are, and confidently build brands that reflect who they are, not just their résumés. From breaking cycles of people-pleasing to owning their voice and vision, Sigute teaches you how to build with clarity, consistency, and courage.

00:00 Introducing Sigute

02:26 Where Sigute's Story Begins

03:40 Why Identity Shaped Her Brand Voice

05:00 Does Your Environment Give You the Nourishment You Need?

07:11 Split Identity or Secret Superpower?

08:40 The Moment It All Clicked in Malaysia

10:00 How Her Parents Inspired Her Reading & Writing

13:12 Why Sigute Always Had 3 Jobs

13:41 Planting Seeds In Your Career

17:55 Applying to Mindvalley with 24 Hours’ Notice

21:57 How Mindvalley Shaped Her View of Work

23:58 Starting Her First Blog in Kuala Lumpur

29:10 Getting Her Dream Job at Shopify

31:14 Starting Her Fractional Consulting Business

33:12 The Truth About Long-Term Brand Building

34:30 The Value of a Resonant Audience

37:33 How Sigute Avoids Getting Trapped in Her Business

39:30 How to Sell to a High-Caliber Audience

42:13 Her Long-Term Vision: A Villa in France

44:08 A Morning Routine Rooted in Joy

58:30 Pouring Love into the Everyday

Connect with Sigute

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May 08, 202549:43
The Biggest Economic Opportunity of Our Generation (Agriculture): Justine Hendricks on Why Showing Up As You Is Your Best Bet

The Biggest Economic Opportunity of Our Generation (Agriculture): Justine Hendricks on Why Showing Up As You Is Your Best Bet

“I promised myself I’d get this job the Justine way. I wasn’t going to follow someone else’s script—I was going to show up as me.”

Justine Hendricks, sits as Farm Credit Canada’s President and CEO after 17 years with Export Development Canada (EDC) and 7 years with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Throughout her career, she has championed Canadian businesses across agriculture, agri-food, and other critical industries—helping them access the capital, risk management solutions, and strategic support they need to grow and thrive.

But what sets Justine apart isn’t just her impressive track record—it’s how she leads. Whether spearheading EDC’s $9B Insurance and Working Capital Solutions portfolio, being appointed and becoming its first Chief Sustainability Officer, or aligning corporate strategy with evolving environmental and human rights standards, Justine is redefining what it means to lead with integrity, vision, and action.

Connect with Justine

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Mar 27, 202548:55
It’s Not Just About Cosmetics—It’s About Economic Sustainability for Us All: Denyse Nadon on Building a Movement for Healing and Generational Impact

It’s Not Just About Cosmetics—It’s About Economic Sustainability for Us All: Denyse Nadon on Building a Movement for Healing and Generational Impact

"This is what true grassroots entrepreneurship looks like. It’s relational. It’s reciprocal. It’s sacred."

Denyse Nadon is the Founder and CEO of Tribalure, a grassroots cosmetics and skincare brand rooted in Ancestral knowledge, ceremony, and community healing honoring the Seven Sacred Teachings of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth.. An Algonquin woman from the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, a proud matriarch, Denyse isn’t just redefining beauty—she’s reclaiming it.

Denyse leads Bear Vision Consulting & Training, a 100% Indigenous woman-owned business specializing in cross-cultural education, truth and reconciliation training, and leadership development. With 25 years of experience as an Indigenous adult educator and trainer, she has empowered countless communities through culturally grounded workshops, and keynote addresses.

We’ll be diving into what it means to build a business that’s rooted in identity and storytelling, the power of matriarchal leadership, and why beauty—when done with intention—can be a form of resistance, connection, and self-love.

If you're curious about what it truly means to lead with purpose and build in a way that honours the past, present, and future—this conversation is for you.


Connect with Denyse

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Mar 25, 202557:36
Unconstrained Thinking, Shaping the Future of Aerospace & Defence, and Leading High-Performing Teams with France Hébert

Unconstrained Thinking, Shaping the Future of Aerospace & Defence, and Leading High-Performing Teams with France Hébert

"The biggest limitations we have are in our own brains. My job is to unconstrain my team’s thinking, create a culture of trust, and allow innovation to thrive."

For  France Hébert, the biggest barriers aren’t external—they exist in our own minds. As VP & General Manager at CAE and President of SkyAlyne, she’s leading the future of aviation training and defense innovation, leveraging AI, simulation, and emerging tech to push boundaries.

A former officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, France’s career has been built on strategic thinking, execution, and leadership under pressure. She thrives on removing self-imposed limitations, empowering teams, and creating a culture where bold ideas can thrive.

A Professional Engineer and champion for women in STEM, she’s proving that the future of aerospace isn’t just about technology—it’s about the people who have the courage to shape it.

Connect with France

 

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Mar 18, 202537:05
Building a Startup While in Medical School: Yoobin Lee on Innovation, AI, and Time Mastery
Mar 11, 202543:39
How AI-Powered Training Helps Companies Scale Faster, Grow Their Revenue, and Retain Top Talent with Sarah Sedgman

How AI-Powered Training Helps Companies Scale Faster, Grow Their Revenue, and Retain Top Talent with Sarah Sedgman

For as long as she can remember, Sarah Sedgman has been fascinated by the intersection of learning, creativity, and innovation. Growing up in the countryside—where she and her brother would invent and build things just for fun—she was surrounded by a family of educators and entrepreneurs who encouraged her to think differently.

That curiosity shaped her career path, leading her from instructional design to the C-suite, where she spent years driving global learning strategies for some of the largest technology companies in the world—Cognos, IBM, PTC, and Kinaxis. No matter where she went, one challenge remained:

Training programs were slow to develop, costly to execute, and struggled to keep pace with business needs.

Instead of waiting for a solution, Sarah built one.

As Founder & CEO of LearnExperts AI, she is transforming how organizations create training by automating the instructional design process, cutting development time by 67% and unlocking knowledge at scale. With LearnExperts’ LEAi platform, companies can instantly convert raw content (presentations, documents, videos) into structured, high-quality learning materials for eLearning, microlearning, instructor-led training, and more.

This episode is for you if:

  • You're committed to building a meaningful life by blending art, entrepreneurship, and wellness.

  • You’re looking for inspiration to tackle fear, overcome challenges, and commit to your craft.

  • You’re fascinated by how culture and heritage shape creativity and resilience.

Connect with Sarah


Connect with Naomi

Feb 27, 202542:22
Doing Things That Scare You - Moment #1 ft. Catherine Bell

Doing Things That Scare You - Moment #1 ft. Catherine Bell

"I liked doing things that scared me. I always knew if you did something that terrified you, you’d be less scared of it at the end."

In this clip, she shares how an acting class at UCLA helped her overcome painful shyness at 18. Despite her fear, stepping into the unknown sparked a deep love for acting that changed the course of her life.

She reflects on battling thyroid cancer at 21—a wake-up call that pushed her to take her acting career seriously. From voice lessons to intense acting scenes, she committed to her craft, building discipline and resilience along the way.

Hear how her dedication paid off, from landing guest roles on Friends to eventually starring in JAG. This clip is a testament to the power of courage, focus, and pursuing what truly excites you.

Feb 06, 202502:05
“It Took Me Seven Years to Break Into Acting,” Integrating Body, Mind, and Soul for a Fulfilling Life With Catherine Bell

“It Took Me Seven Years to Break Into Acting,” Integrating Body, Mind, and Soul for a Fulfilling Life With Catherine Bell

"I liked doing things that scared me. I always knew if you did something that terrified you, you’d be less scared of it at the end."

Catherine Bell is a renowned actress, entrepreneur, and mother whose career in film and television has captivated audiences for over three decades. Best known for her iconic roles as Lt. Sarah ‘Mac’ MacKenzie on the action-drama series JAG and as Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Nightingale on the beloved Good Witch series, Catherine’s ability to connect with audiences has made her a household name.

Beyond the screen, Catherine embodies entrepreneurial creativity and purpose. She’s the founder of Everliving Beauty, a non-toxic skincare line inspiring confidence, and Catherine Bell Jewelry, a collection that channels her passion for vintage artistry, nature, and timeless design.

Born in London to an Iranian mother, Catherine’s journey brought her to California, where she began exploring her multifaceted talents. Initially studying biomedical engineering at UCLA, her path shifted when modeling and acting revealed her natural gifts.

Throughout her story, Catherine is guided by a deep mission: empowering others to live healthier and more vibrant lives.

This episode is for you if:

  • You're committed to building a meaningful life by blending art, entrepreneurship, and wellness.

  • You’re looking for inspiration to tackle fear, overcome challenges, and commit to your craft.

  • You’re fascinated by how culture and heritage shape creativity and resilience.

Connect with Catherine


Connect with Naomi

Feb 04, 202532:45
Rise of AI In the Workplace - Moment #6 ft. Kimberly Brown
Feb 03, 202502:30
Not Promoting Yourself Is Holding You Back - Moment #5 ft. Kimberly Brown
Jan 31, 202501:53
Fear of Failure vs. Potential For Regret - Moment #4 ft. Kimberly Brown

Fear of Failure vs. Potential For Regret - Moment #4 ft. Kimberly Brown

“For me, I knew I didn’t want to make my business smaller to accommodate a larger corporate life.”

In this clip, Kimberly shares how a pivotal move to American Express changed the trajectory of her career and business. She reflects on her decision to leave a role she loved to pursue her growing business, weighing the fear of failure against the potential for regret.

Kimberly’s story is a powerful reminder to take bold steps toward what matters most, trusting in your abilities and support system while leaving room for the magic of unexpected opportunities.

Jan 29, 202501:44
You Have Control Over Your Career - Moment #3 ft. Kimberly Brown

You Have Control Over Your Career - Moment #3 ft. Kimberly Brown

“You have control over your career.”

In this clip, Kimberly challenges the traditional mindset that success comes from waiting to be recognized for hard work. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of actively steering your career with your personal strategy.

Kimberly explains how most company career plans are designed to serve the organization, not the individual. She shares her approach to guiding clients in building strategies that align with their goals—whether financial, status-based, or industry-specific—while leaving room for unexpected opportunities.

This clip is a powerful reminder to take charge of your career and plan with intention.

Jan 27, 202501:33
Align Your Work With Your Purpose - Moment #2 ft. Kimberly Brown

Align Your Work With Your Purpose - Moment #2 ft. Kimberly Brown

“My largest client had $14 million in their checking account, but I also had clients who overdrafted every day. I saw the whole gamut.”

In this clip, Kimberly shares the pivotal moment when she chose happiness over everything else in her career. After an unforgettable (and hilarious) encounter with a client, she realized the importance of aligning work with joy and purpose.

She reflects on her transition to higher education, making intentional career moves, and leaning into what truly made her happy. Kimberly offers insights on finding fulfillment and handling challenges by connecting with work you genuinely respect and enjoy.

Jan 25, 202501:58
Don't Miss Your Opportunity - Moment #1 ft. Kimberly Brown

Don't Miss Your Opportunity - Moment #1 ft. Kimberly Brown

"I think there are a lot of things in life that we don’t get taught how to do. We have to learn through trial by fire and experience."

Kimberly reflects on her passion for talent development and the challenges women and people of color face in navigating their careers. She highlights how delayed preparation often leads to missed opportunities and underemployment.

Her mission is to equip professionals with practical, reusable tools to build success at every career stage. Hear how her strategies help clients achieve lasting growth and overcome systemic barriers.

Jan 23, 202502:46
Make More Money and Position Yourself as an Industry Leader With Kimberly Brown

Make More Money and Position Yourself as an Industry Leader With Kimberly Brown

Learn from Kimberly Brown, a career and leadership expert, as she helps you navigate the workplace, earn more money, and establish yourself as an industry leader.

“No one is ever going to share your skills and experience better than you. They can try, but it’s your experience. You have to get comfortable talking about your skills, your interests, your passions, and your goals, because that’s the only way you’re able to create opportunities for yourself.”

Kimberly Brown is a career and leadership expert whose mission is to help professionals navigate the world of work, make more money, and position themselves as industry leaders.

With over a decade of experience in career services within higher education, Kimberly built her company, Brown Leadership, to help individuals and organizations alike unlock their full potential. She works with professionals to develop winning strategies for career advancement and collaborates with companies to bridge skills gaps, cultivate leadership excellence, and foster cultures that inspire long-term growth and success.

In June 2021, Kimberly debuted her transformative book, “Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning into a Career You’ll Love”—a practical guide praised for its actionable insights and empowering strategies.


This episode is for you if:

You’re ready to take charge of your career and create opportunities with intention You want to balance a thriving 9-to-5 with a growing side hustle You want to build a personal brand that attracts the right opportunities You’re focused on making strategic moves that align with your vision


Connect with Kimberly

Personal Website: www.kimberlybonline.com

Company Website: www.brownleadership.com/

Book: Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning into a Career You’ll Love

LinkedIn: Kimberly Brown

Podcast: Your Next Move

 

Connect with Naomi

Website: www.naomihaile.com

LinkedIn: Naomi Haile

Instagram: @naomiahaile

Twitter: @naomiathaile

YouTube: Naomi Haile

Jan 21, 202545:55
Temporary Inconvenience for Long-Term Gain Moment #4 ft. Kevin Bourne

Temporary Inconvenience for Long-Term Gain Moment #4 ft. Kevin Bourne

Reinvention isn’t automatic—it’s intentional. In this clip, Kevin Bourne and Naomi Haile unpack the mindset that drives Kevin to embrace change, even in life’s toughest seasons.

Reflecting on moments when he’s hit rock bottom and rebuilt—whether restarting in Ottawa or returning to Toronto—Kevin shares: “I’ve been through so many restarts, fallen, and gotten back up, that I can always see the good in the bad.” For him, short-term discomfort is a small price to pay for long-term growth.

Naomi offers a fresh perspective: “So many people focus on the inconvenience rather than the opportunity.” Kevin’s unwavering faith in God and ability to see challenges as stepping stones keeps him grounded, resilient, and always moving forward.

Jan 17, 202501:53
Longevity Over Perfection - Moment #3 ft. Kevin Bourne

Longevity Over Perfection - Moment #3 ft. Kevin Bourne

Kevin Bourne highlights why embracing the awkward, transitional moments is key to building a lasting legacy. For Kevin, the in-between—the messy, unpolished phases—matters just as much as the milestones.

“I’m not here for the moment. I’m thinking about being here in 20 or 30 years. Who’s even going to remember the awkward phase?” he asks, drawing a powerful parallel between personal growth and career evolution. Whether it’s the growing pains or the confusion that comes with pivoting, Kevin stays focused on the long game.

Naomi Haile reframes these transitions beautifully: “Those moments are as much a part of your life as the highs and lows. They deserve the same respect and honor.”

Jan 15, 202501:47
Are You Moving in Silence? Try This Instead. - Moment #2 ft. Kevin Bourne

Are You Moving in Silence? Try This Instead. - Moment #2 ft. Kevin Bourne

Kevin Bourne challenges the popular “move in silence” mindset. Instead, he reveals how inviting people into your process and pivot can spark connection, education, and opportunity.

At his core, Kevin identifies as a storyteller—a thread that runs through every chapter of his life. From crafting speeches on Parliament Hill to documenting Ottawa hip hop culture through articles, documentaries, and art exhibits, Kevin shares: “I’m just a storyteller who loves exploring different mediums for storytelling.”

Naomi Haile adds, “That’s when branding is done well—it teaches people to associate opportunities with the work you do.” Together, they unpack the value of showing your evolution in real time and remind us that there’s power in being seen—even when you’re still figuring things out.

Jan 13, 202502:38
Pivoting? Here’s How to Attract New Opportunities. - Moment #1 ft. Kevin Bourne

Pivoting? Here’s How to Attract New Opportunities. - Moment #1 ft. Kevin Bourne

“You can’t attract new opportunities if people don’t see the new version of you,” Kevin shares. By building in public and sharing his process, he’s rewriting his narrative—training his audience to see him as he evolves.

In this insightful conversation, Kevin Bourne and Naomi Haile explore the art of messaging during transitions. Kevin reflects on embracing the “messy middle” of redefining his career—from journalist Kevin to a storyteller stepping into film and TV. He emphasizes the power of showing up authentically, educating people about your pivot, and bringing them along for the journey.

This clip is a masterclass in storytelling, branding, and evolving with intention.

Jan 09, 202500:47
“I’ve Hit Rock Bottom and Bounced Back Enough Times to Know It’s a Good Thing”, Building a Renowned Media and Entertainment Company With Kevin Bourne

“I’ve Hit Rock Bottom and Bounced Back Enough Times to Know It’s a Good Thing”, Building a Renowned Media and Entertainment Company With Kevin Bourne

Learn from Kevin Bourne, a storyteller and media visionary building an empire that stands the test of time. Discover how to embrace pivots, build for longevity, and create more opportunities by building in public.

“I've learned to analyze life and see the good in the bad moments. I’m willing to be inconvenienced temporarily if it means achieving something better in the long term. I’ve noticed that many people focus on short-term discomfort instead of realizing that if they push through it, something better is on the other side.”

In this episode, Kevin Bourne and I explore the power of reinvention and embracing the in-between moments in life. Kevin shares how his journey—from shy kid to political staffer, media founder, and now film and TV producer—has been fueled by constant growth and a willingness to evolve.

Kevin Bourne is a cultural visionary and powerhouse in Canada’s arts and media landscape. Kevin is a journalist, on-air personality, and branding and marketing strategist based in Toronto. As the CEO of SHIFTER Entertainment, he oversees the production of compelling film, TV, digital content, and live experiences, collaborating with industry giants like New Balance, Paramount Global, and CBC.

This episode is for you if:

  • You are focused on building for longevity, not perfection.

  • You want to learn how to pivot between different creative industries, from journalism to TV and film production.

  • You’re curious about how to build a media platform that serves local communities and fills gaps in the market.

  • You’re exploring how to take immediate action on your ideas to avoid losing momentum and motivation.

  • You’re navigating the process of rebranding yourself while balancing multiple hats in creative industries.


Connect with Kevin

 

Connect with Naomi

Jan 07, 202549:31
What You Practice, You Get Good At - Moment #3 Ft. Terry Knickerbocker
Dec 05, 202403:01
You Need To Keep Expanding - Moment #2 ft. Terry Knickerbocker
Dec 03, 202402:14
Accessing the Freedom You Had as a Child - Moment #1 Ft. Terry Knickerbocker
Nov 28, 202402:21
Don’t Overlook Your Training Practice, Freedom in Our Creative Lives, and the Meisner Acting Technique with Terry Knickerbocker

Don’t Overlook Your Training Practice, Freedom in Our Creative Lives, and the Meisner Acting Technique with Terry Knickerbocker

“Really good art is amazing to witness. It changes people, it changes culture. When you make a great film, a great song, a great painting, or a great poem, the world changes. But when it’s mediocre, it’s just forgettable, like mediocre pizza.”

​​Meet Terry Knickerbocker, the renowned acting coach and founder of the Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn. Terry discusses the transformative power of training, creative freedom, and the courage it takes to reinvent yourself. Terry brings 30 years of experience helping actors unlock their authentic voices, refine their craft, and find their purpose. 

In this conversation, we explore how the Meisner technique nurtures freedom and authenticity, helping actors overcome the barriers of fear and self-doubt. Terry shares his philosophy on teaching as a collaborative and profound responsibility and his belief in guiding students to build technical skills and emotional depth.

Terry is committed to learning and training. He is a graduate of NYU’s Experimental Theatre Wing and a longtime student of the Meisner technique under William Esper. He is incredibly dedicated to quality and transformation in acting and has coached over 300 film, TV, and theater projects, working with industry greats like Sam Rockwell, Natasha Lyonne, and Emmy Rossum.

Whether you’re an actor or simply pursuing excellence, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for anyone committed to personal and artistic growth.

This episode is for you if:

  • You’re an actor seeking to refine your craft and build a solid foundation.
  • You want to reconnect with your creative impulses and embrace freedom in your work.
  • You’re ready to color outside the lines and trust your instincts, even when it feels risky.
  • You’re navigating fear and uncertainty while pursuing a major career or personal transformation.
  • You want to create high-quality and consistently good art.


  • Connect with Terry

     

    Connect with Naomi

  • Nov 26, 202452:43
    Building a Communications Business From The Ground Up - Moment #4 Ft. Nickie Shobeiry
    Nov 22, 202401:27
    Six-Month Film-Making Process and Pitching to Producers - Moment #3 Ft. Nickie Shobeiry
    Nov 20, 202401:51
    Hire to Make Space in Your Calendar and Get Rid of Distractions - Moment #2 Ft. Nickie Shobeiry
    Nov 18, 202401:34
    How to Create Door-Stopper Opportunities - Moment #1 Ft. Nickie Shobeiry
    Nov 14, 202402:20
    Create Your Own ‘Door-Stopper’ Opportunities, Capture People’s Attention Through Storytelling, and Use Your Voice to Affect Change with Nickie Shobeiry.

    Create Your Own ‘Door-Stopper’ Opportunities, Capture People’s Attention Through Storytelling, and Use Your Voice to Affect Change with Nickie Shobeiry.

    “A door stopper is like shoving your leg in the door before it can close on you. It's creating an asset and opportunity to capture people's attention and open a door or two.”

    In this episode, Nickie Shobeiry and I dive into the art of creating opportunities by boldly putting yourself out there. Imagine using a short film not just as a creative piece but as a powerful door stopper—a way to crack open opportunities before they slip away. Nickie shares how these projects have become calling cards that capture attention and forge connections with industry insiders and media moguls. It’s an unapologetic approach to saying, “This is me. This is my message. Let’s make something great together.”

    ​​Nickie Shobeiry uses storytelling excellence for good. A second-generation Iranian raised in the United Kingdom and now living in Canada, she shares stories of the joy and resilience of her culture through film, audio, and journalism.

    This year, Nickie produced Good Nose, her first short film about cosmetic surgery trends in Iran, with the Canadian broadcaster CBC.

    We explore her story from a quiet, artsy child in a rural town to a successful creative entrepreneur. We discuss the importance of storytelling, the evolution of ​​Nickie's career in journalism, and the challenges and triumphs of building a communications business. ​​Nickie shares insights and the detailed process behind bringing her documentary 'Good Nose' to life with a team. Nickie shares how she leverages projects as opportunities for growth.

    This episode is for you if:

    • You want to learn how to leverage storytelling to build a meaningful career in filmmaking, journalism, or communications.  

    • You’re interested in strategies for building a strong personal and professional network, especially as a newcomer to a country.  

    • You’re exploring how to transition from freelancing to running a successful business.  

    • You want insights on using creative projects, like short films, to open doors and build lasting connections in the industry.

    Connect with Nickie

    Connect with Naomi

    Nov 12, 202438:36
    “Discovering Things That Are Not Yet Found,” Betting Right Is Understanding That the Work Is Bigger Than You With Todd Corley

    “Discovering Things That Are Not Yet Found,” Betting Right Is Understanding That the Work Is Bigger Than You With Todd Corley

    Todd Corley's childhood joy revolved around his family and community. Growing up in a close-knit family in Queen’s New York, surrounded by love and the values of giving back, Todd learned early that the strength of the community was far greater than individual success.

    These values have shaped his career and life's work. From being the first Chief Diversity Officer at Abercrombie & Fitch to his current role as Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Sustainability, and Community at Carhartt, Todd's leadership has always been about more than checking boxes — it's about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

    Whether he was working in retail at Abercrombie, with Black farmers through his work with the USDA, or in hospitality at a multinational hotel brand building brands "betting right" for Todd meant understanding that the work was bigger than him—it was about the societal connectedness that he wanted to be part of.

    In many spaces that Todd was in, he was comfortable being alone and in uncharted territory. "Maybe that came from the community feeling in my family — I always knew someone had my back."

    Todd's vision? A world where leadership is not about authority but about courage — the courage to create meaningful change through people.

    This episode is for you if:

    • You’re a leader who wants to make a meaningful impact 
    • You want to learn how to get comfortable being somewhere that hasn’t yet been discovered.
    • You want to learn the keys to building meaningful relationships

    Connect with Todd

    Connect with Naomi

    Sep 24, 202452:21
    What Is Your Why? I Walk With People to Find Their Soul - Moment #2 ft. Thomas Cumberbatch
    Aug 09, 202403:59
    How to Build Real Bonds with People - Moment #1 ft. Thomas Cumberbatch
    Aug 06, 202403:27
    How to Go From Surface to Soul: The Power of Deep Discovery and Purposeful Connection with Thomas Cumberbatch

    How to Go From Surface to Soul: The Power of Deep Discovery and Purposeful Connection with Thomas Cumberbatch

    “What I believe should define every human being is their SOUL."

    We’re looking at a beautiful set: a light curtain backdrop with a microphone peering through– the one you may have noticed on the esteemed NPR Tiny desk music sessions– two comfy cream chairs, a white plush carpet, and three cameras ready for their mark.

    Meet Thomas Cumberbatch. The brilliant CEO of GodzSpeed Communications and the chairperson and founder of Studio 20/20. In 10+ years of business, his team is laser-focused on uncovering a brand’s soul through its Soul Guide Process.

    This episode is for you if:

    • You want to unearth and illuminate your soul.

    • You’re a creative professional who wants to use meaningful questions to drive results.

    • You desire personal growth and authenticity but struggle to connect deeply with others.

    • You’re going from a solo founder to building a team to achieve your big dreams.

    Are you curious about how the soul impacts creation? Or how do you get to know your clients deeply so that design and strategy implementation are inevitable outcomes?

    🎬 The interview was shot and produced by Tani Olorunyomi and Jodianne Beckford from Godzspeed Communications.

    📍 The beautiful space that we are in is Studio 20/20

    Connect with Thomas

    Connect with Naomi

    Jul 09, 202447:58
    Future-Proof Your Skills (And Learn New Ones), AI at Work, Will the Gig Economy Be the Default Work Model? - Moment #3 ft. Anne-Marie Mulumba
    May 24, 202403:17
    Working as a Consultant in the Gig Economy, Big Possibilities For Retirement? - Moment #2 ft. Anne-Marie Mulumba
    May 22, 202405:41
    Designing a Business That Amplifies Your Creativity, Creating Frameworks that Help People Think Better - Moment #1 ft. Anne-Marie Mulumba
    May 20, 202403:47
    Future-Proof Your Skills and Business, Design Your Life, How to Design Experiences For Your Customers & Productize Your Services as a Consultant with Anne-Marie Mulumba

    Future-Proof Your Skills and Business, Design Your Life, How to Design Experiences For Your Customers & Productize Your Services as a Consultant with Anne-Marie Mulumba

    ⁠Anne-Marie Mulumba⁠ created a business that leveraged her uniqueness as an East African with a design background, experience in research and service design, and passion for cultures. 

    She is consistently asking:

    How can we design technology that brings value to people’s lives and makes them better?

    Will this thing we’re building save people time or money so they can focus on more important matters? 

    Does it help people think differently and upgrade their thinking patterns, habits, and discipline?

    Today, Anne-Marie is a creative entrepreneur, the founder, and CEO of ⁠Wabala Studio⁠. This product-led service company aids technology startups in enhancing their customer service through design. Their approach? By boosting user engagement and achieving product market fit.

    She is focused on equipping the next generation of changemakers with the tools they need to empower themselves. She leads workshops on interactive design thinking across Canadian universities and innovation hubs and serves as a board director at Computers for Success Canada.

    Listen to this conversation to hear Anne-Marie’s projections about the future of work, the gig economy, and how you can future-proof your skills.

    This episode is for you if:

    • You’re curious about how the gig economy and the future of work will evolve with AI.
    • You want to hear new ways to productize your services.
    • You want to think beyond constraints and test new ideas in your business.

    Connect with Anne-Marie

    Connect with Naomi

    May 13, 202449:09
    Society’s Definition of Happiness Is Ruining Lives, the Opportunity Lies in Asking: Can I Use Who I Am to Contribute to the World? - Moment #3 ft. Stephanie Harrison
    May 08, 202408:31
    1 Million+ Community Started With 17 Newsletter Subscribers: Show Up and Iterate to Yield Real Results - Moment #2 ft. Stephanie Harrison
    May 03, 202401:48
    "My Partner Encouraged Me to Tap Into My Creativity" Free Yourself from Brittle Perfectionism - It Doesn't Have to Rule Your Life - Moment #1 ft. Stephanie Harrison
    May 01, 202401:40
    What Truly Makes Us Happy, Surprising Research on Happiness, “Old Happy” and How it Ruins Our Lives

    What Truly Makes Us Happy, Surprising Research on Happiness, “Old Happy” and How it Ruins Our Lives

    "We've been told that achieving our own success will make us happy. But happiness comes from helping other people to live happier lives."
    ⁠Stephanie⁠'s childhood joy revolved around self-expression —corralling her siblings and neighbors to put on musicals, performing with a voice-altering karaoke machine, reading, and making things.
    It's what shaped a lot of her early years.
    For many years, she "lost" that self-expression and only started to re-discover it again in her late 20s.
    What she learned is that acceptance of the creative process is a rejection of everything that she had been conditioned to believe:

    "You have to be perfect."
    "You can never make mistakes."
    "You have to follow this set path."
    "You have to know exactly where you're going."

    These are lies.
    Creativity has none of that. You must let go of those ideas to do things according to your creativity.
    Today, Stephanie Harrison is an expert in the science of happiness and the creator of The New Happy philosophy and company. Founded in 2018, ⁠The New Happy⁠ has revolutionized how people understand and pursue happiness.
    The New Happy reaches millions of people worldwide every month through resources and tools. On May 14, 2024, she will be coming out with a new resource – A book called ⁠"The New Happy: Getting Happiness Right In A World That's Got It Wrong."⁠ It's described as "the definitive guide to happiness."
    Connect with Stephanie

    Pre-order Book: The New Happy
    Website: The New Happy
    Instagram: The New Happy
    LinkedIn: Stephanie Harrison
    Connect with Naomi
    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠naomihaile.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@naomiahaile⁠⁠⁠⁠
    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@naomiathaile⁠⁠⁠⁠
    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Naomi Haile
    Apr 18, 202450:20