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Lianne Hannaway is a CPA, financial educator, and wealth coach helping first-generation professional women build wealth without sacrificing values. Creator of the Bridge System™, she has guided over 500 first-gen professionals through her workshops and programs. In this conversation, she explains why standard money advice often leaves out the people you support, and how to plan generosity, protect your freedom, and price your expertise for the life you want. Connect with Lianne Hannaway Website → https://www.liannehannaway.com/  LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/liannehannaway/  YouTube → youtube.com/@emotionsplusmath Connect with Naomi Haile: Website →⁠ https://www.naomihaile.com/⁠ Sign up to my Newsletter →⁠ https://powerofwhy.kit.com/57ca5180df⁠ Purchase the Purpose Canvas to ensure your dreams have an action plan →⁠ https://naomiahaile.gumroad.com/l/purposecanvas⁠ LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC GEM? 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Lianne Hannaway04:15 Growing up as the daughter of Caribbean immigrants05:44 Working at 11 and learning financial responsibility early10:04 Entering Big Four accounting without knowing the doors existed13:02 Making partner, playing the part, questioning the next ladder16:15 Earning for yourself while carrying family responsibilities17:49 Finding people willing to talk openly about money24:16 Why “pay yourself first” doesn't work for every family25:50 Building the four bridges: security, growth, legacy, freedom28:43 Bringing culture and lived reality into financial planning30:14 Discovering that money is math plus emotions34:49 Why financial stress can persist at a high income37:30 Reframing what it means to be “the first”41:03 Adjusting family support before leaving full-time employment43:28 Expanding the definition of an emergency fund 47:17 Why entrepreneurs need to understand pricing and worth50:54 Building wealth when some of your wealth lives in the business54:04 Demystifying investing through the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)

Ariana Lavelli is a Solutions Engineer at Slack (Salesforce), where she helps small businesses spot the gaps in how they work and match them to the right tech. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Accounting (with a minor in Spanish) from Binghamton University, and got her start at KPMG before making the jump to tech.  The real turning point came in 2023, when Ariana became her mother's primary caregiver after a terminal diagnosis. After her mom passed, Ariana became the family's default executor, which meant she was the one untangling probate, estate admin, and all the family dynamics that grief blows wide open. Unexpectedly, she lost several more people close to her in quick succession, and learned some uncomfortable lessons firsthand and more than once.  So on the two-year anniversary of her mom's death, Ariana started Light & Ari, a grief and end-of-life support company built to fill that experience gap for others. It's meant to be practical, unglamorous help for grievers and executors, delivered with the same whimsy and warmth her mom always brought to everything. Right now, Light & Ari is launching an Etsy shop of curated goods for the grief-stricken and the people who love them, with plans to grow into full-service support: legacy planning, document organization, probate guidance, trust funding, estate and home sales, memorial planning, the whole thing. Ariana is building it out of Brooklyn alongside her corporate career, with an eye toward going full-time early next year. Connect with Ariana Lavelli Website → ⁠https://thelightandari.com/⁠  Etsy Shop → https://www.etsy.com/shop/LightandAriShop LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianalavelli/ Email → [email protected] The Light and Ari Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thelightandari/  Connect with Naomi Haile: Website → https://www.naomihaile.com/ Sign up to my Newsletter → https://powerofwhy.kit.com/57ca5180df Purchase the Purpose Canvas to ensure your dreams have an action plan → https://naomiahaile.gumroad.com/l/purposecanvas LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC GEM? 00:00 Welcome and Ariana's story06:00 Growing up in Yonkers and how travel shaped her view of community09:25 Why third places matter, and why they're disappearing10:20 How Ariana turned her own rooftop into a community space13:01 AI, isolation, and the human need for connection16:32 The "reverse centaur": what happens when AI takes the helm20:05 Helping businesses separate AI FOMO from actual need24:36 When grief breaks the optimization mindset27:03 "There's no scorecard to life"32:14 Why "How can I help?" may be the wrong question38:31 The two deaths of a person: physical death and the death of memory42:57 How losing her mother changed Ariana's relationship with work and money46:12 Wills, trusts, healthcare preferences, and legacy conversations55:45 From professional organizing to Light and Ari59:12 Building a concierge for the logistical side of loss1:01:59 The vision: from Etsy shop to a physical third place for grievers

Cali Williams Yost is the Founder and CEO of Flex+Strategy Group (FSG), a futurist, and was called "one of the most sophisticated thinkers" on the transformation of work by The New York Times. In the 90s, Cali graduated from Columbia Business School and began working in banking, at a think tank, and after seeing a large gap in the market, she launched her own consulting practice in 1998. For nearly three decades, FSG has helped organizations define the optimal operating architecture that drives high performance across places, technology, and time. Cali and her team engage all levels, from the C-Suite to the frontline, to build on what's working, reimagine what's possible, and then make that vision a reality guided by a proven, evidence-based framework. She has worked with and is trusted by organizations like BDO USA, The Gates Foundation, Columbia University, Stanford University, ConEdison, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the Singapore Government. At a moment when many organizations feel they must make consequential decisions about AI and talent reactively, Cali is truly that leader that is looking at the data and helping leaders transform work deliberately. You can find her commentary regularly in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, CNBC, NPR, and NBC Nightly News. Cali is the author of two books on work transformation, “Work+Life; Finding the Fit That’s Right For You” and “Tweak It; Make What Matters to You Happen Every Day”, and is a sought-after keynote speaker for audiences worldwide. Connect with Cali Williams Yost LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/caliwilliamsyost  Website → https://flexstrategygroup.com/  Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/caliwilliamsyost/  FSG Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/flexstrategygroup/ Connect with Naomi Haile: Website → https://www.naomihaile.com/ Sign up to my Newsletter → https://powerofwhy.kit.com/57ca5180df Purchase the Purpose Canvas to ensure your dreams have an action plan → https://naomiahaile.gumroad.com/l/purposecanvas LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC GEM? 00:00 Welcome and introduce Cali Williams Yost and Flex Strategy Group04:39 Growing up with a single mom whose work model didn't fit her life07:31 The bank CEO's "stone cold businessman" line, the moment Cali decided to quit15:03 Starting with the work, not the tool18:04 The return-to-office mistake companies are now repeating with AI21:37 The foundational conditions an organization needs before change will stick24:02 Nobody trains managers — and why that's become unsustainable25:22 The labor demographic shortage nobody's talking about27:37 Reactive layoffs today, a talent cliff in three to four years27:55 Why letting older workers retire wastes irreplaceable domain expertise30:59 Why global companies aren't worried about the labor shortage32:55 The "light bulb" moment that became the concept of work-life fit32:35 Why "balance" puts unfair pressure on young people37:22 The Oprah and Emma Grede moment that proves the point39:13 Resetting the business when her daughter got sick42:44 Redefining success instead of chasing an all-or-nothing standard44:59 Her advice to young people: there's no fixed 50-50 split46:33 Where to start with AI if you don't have a massive budget49:26 Her book got scraped by AI51:32 Making space for fun in the middle of all this change

Bea Arthur built two startups, landed on Shark Tank, and became the first Black female founder accepted into Y Combinator. Then she hit a wall and decided to finally choose herself. So she traded the hustle for a slower life in Mexico City, where she's writing her forthcoming book, “The White Man Within” that reframes every setback along the way as data, not damage. ⁠Bea Arthur, LMHC⁠ is a Columbia University-trained psychotherapist, award-winning entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and true pioneer in the field of mental health. Bea has been named an Entrepreneur to Bet On by Newsweek Magazine and one of the 100 Most Inspirational New Yorkers by Bumble. Bea shared her career as a social worker, where she served addicts in recovery, survivors of domestic violence, and students in the New York City public school system.  She’s always been passionate about lifting people up and decided to scale this gift in the tech world. In 2011, her career took off at the intersection of psychology and technology, when her first startup Pretty Padded Room competed on ABC’s Shark Tank, which put “online therapy” on the map! In 2014, she became the first African-American female founder accepted by Y Combinator accelerator program. 8 years ago, she launched her second startup called The Difference, which was the very first Alexa Skill for easy access therapy. Now, she’s a first-time author. Her book “The White Man Within”, where she tells her story,  how she created her own path to success, and how you can too! Bea, welcome to the show. Connect with Bea Arthur LinkedIn → ⁠http://www.beaarthurtherapy.com⁠  Instagram → ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bbarthur/⁠  Book Instagram → ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thewhitemanwithin/⁠  Book Website → ⁠https://www.thewhitemanwithin.com/⁠  Connect with Naomi Haile: Website → https://www.naomihaile.com/ Newsletter → https://powerofwhy.kit.com/57ca5180df  Purchase the Purpose Canvas to bring alive your dreams tomorrow: ⁠https://naomiahaile.gumroad.com/l/purposecanvas⁠  LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC GEM? 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Bea Arthur 06:52 Origin story: Ghanaian immigrant family raised in Houston 07:19 Kicked out of school for "talking back" 09:15 How Bea went from real estate to becoming a therapist 14:48 What made her write the book “The White Man Within” now 14:56 Conforming inside the tech world's unequal rules 18:30 Founder vs. CEO? 21:10 Analyze vs. act 23:18 Bea investing online therapy with Pretty Padded Room 33:09 "Strong Seed, Wrong Soil" and the cost of the wrong environment 35:30 Her actual morning practice 37:36 Why Mexico City lowered her stress and sped up the her book writing process 42:33 "Data, not damage" and her father's story about racism in 1980s Texas 44:39 "This is a station, not the destination" 47:09 Performing less and allowing the messy middle 51:17 Reframing "everything happens for a reason" 53:53 The matriarchy reframe (love instead of suffering) 55:59 Doing more of what makes you happy 55:38 Where to find Bea and her book online

According to Upwork, 76.4 million Americans are part of the freelance workforce, which grew from 57 million in 2019. And by 2027? This number is expected to rise to over 50% of the U.S. workforce. Angela Frank is a fractional CMO, growth marketing advisor, and founder of The Growth Directive, a marketing consultancy that helps founders build clear, sustainable marketing strategies that support long-term growth. With a track record of generating over $60 million in revenue for startups and scaling brands, Angela brings a rare combination of in-house operator experience and scrappy entrepreneurial instinct to companies she works with. Angela's path to consulting was anything but linear. She grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota and the first in her family to pursue a four-year college degree. She started her first Etsy shop as a sophomore in college, ran a thriving e-commerce business during the pandemic, then pivoted into corporate marketing roles before eventually negotiating her way into a fractional arrangement with her employer. As you will learn, she proposed they use the money saved to invest in another marketing channel. And for her, she used that freed up time to build her consulting practice. She officially went full-time in her business in 2022. Angela is the award-winning author of Your Marketing Ecosystem: How Brands Can Market Less and Sell More, which teaches founders and consultants how to build connected marketing systems that drive results without complexity. She also hosts The Growth Pod, a podcast where she shares practical insights on marketing strategy, consulting, and business building. Her current focus is helping experienced operators and marketers turn their expertise into structured, profitable consulting practices. Connect with Angela LinkedIn: Angela FrankWebsite: The Growth DirectiveBook: Your Marketing Ecosystem: How Brands Can Market Less and Sell MoreInstagram: @angelafrankofficialThreads: @angelafrankofficial Connect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

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. Connect with Marie Website: Royal Executive Assistants LinkedIn: Royal Executive Assistants LLC YouTube: @TheRoyalAssistant Instagram: @royalassistants Connect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileYouTube: @naomiahaile

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 The Metta Club: www.sojijames.comWebsite: www.sojijames.comInstagram: @soji.james1  Connect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

"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. Connect with Almeta LinkedIn: Almeta BrownWebsite: www.mindandbodymoves.comInstagram: @MindAndBodyMovesConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

“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 LinkedIn: Ashley ClarkWebsite: www.bougiebirch.ca Instagram: @BougieBirchFacebook: @BougieBirchConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis 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!

"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 LinkedIn: Amy MacLeodWebsite: MDA SpaceLinkedIn: MDA SpaceConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis 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!

“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 LinkedIn: Megan PatersonLinkedIn: KinaxisKinaxis Website: KinaxisConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis 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!

“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 LinkedIn: Sueling ChingLinkedIn: Ottawa Board of TradeOttawa Board of Trade Website: Ottawa Board of TradeConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis 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!

"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 LinkedIn: Diane WatsonMarch 31, 2026 Tech2Step Event (Ottawa) Give to Gain - Restore, Reflect, ReconnectTech2Step OttawaTech2Step CanadaWomen in Communications and Technology NCRConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis 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!

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 LinkedIn: Chanel CatheyWebsite: cjcinsights.comCJC Instagram: @cjcinsightsBoard Member: Wellness in the SchoolsConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

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 LinkedIn: Sigute ZitikyteBook: Multi-Passionate: How to Claim Your Identity and Radiate as a Multi-Passionate in a Linear World Website: sigutezitikyte.comInstagram: Sigute ZitikyteThought Leader SocietyConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile