Advertise on podcast: Power in Heels

What does it take to build one of North America's most successful hospitality groups? According to Janet Zuccarini, it starts with taking a chance, even when you have no idea what you're doing. On this episode of the podcast, we sat down with the founder and CEO of Gusto 54 to discuss her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, from buying her first restaurant with zero restaurant experience to building a hospitality empire that includes some of Toronto and Los Angeles' most celebrated dining destinations. But what stood out most about Janet's story wasn't the success. It was the resilience. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

As of 2023 there were over 71,000 sworn police officers in Ontario. A small percentage of that however are women, and an even smaller percent make it to become police chiefs or deputy police chiefs in their careers. In this episode we sat down with three of them to hear their stories and learn what it takes to be a women in policing. Meet Chief Sara Cunningham of the Greater Sudbury Police, Deputy Chief Cecile Hammond of the York Regional Police, and Deputy Chief Jen Davis of the Waterloo Regional Police.  For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

Today's guest is someone who truly embodies what it means to bet on yourself and build something from the ground up. Alicia Hardman is an entrepreneur, creator, and visionary behind multiple ventures that blend hospitality, wellness, and innovation. What started as a small idea and a willingness to take a risk has grown into a thriving destination — and along the way, Alicia has continued to expand, creating new experiences and businesses rooted in creativity and connection. Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. From navigating uncertainty to learning how to manage burnout and prioritize her own wellbeing, Alicia has had to evolve not only as a business owner, but as a person. In this conversation, we talk about taking leaps before you feel ready, trusting your instincts when others don’t always see the vision, and what it really looks like to grow something from scratch. If you’ve ever had an idea in the back of your mind or wondered what could happen if you actually went for it, this episode is for you. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

In this episode, we sit down with Roshni Wijayasinha, a marketing leader who shares how she went from an arts-focused high school student to building a career across some of the world’s biggest brands, and eventually founding her own company, Prosh Marketing! Roshni walks us through her early days launching digital products like TIFF’s first website and Windows Live SkyDrive at Microsoft (with just a $1,000 budget), and what she learned working at companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Kobo. We talk candidly about advocating for yourself, applying for roles before you feel fully qualified, and why passion, not perfection, is often what opens doors. Roshni also opens up about leadership as an introvert, how she manages energy while leading large teams, and why kindness and communication are at the core of the culture she’s built at Prosh Marketing, now home to over 100 fractional CMOs. If you’re building a career in marketing, thinking about leadership, or questioning whether you’re ready for your next step, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Johnson, the visionary behind Figiúra — a brand on a mission to redefine bras for women with implant-based augmented breasts. Figiúra was born out of Jessica’s personal journey: after getting breast augmentation, she struggled to find bras that felt comfortable, supportive, and flattering. From her lived experience, Jessica identified a glaring gap. Traditional bras weren’t designed for the unique shape, rigidity, and projection of augmented breasts — leaving many women limited to sports bras or ill-fitting bralettes. What began as her personal frustration turned into a broader conversation when she reached out to others; women in her community who had undergone augmentation (cosmetic, reconstructive, or restorative). The response was overwhelming: many shared the same problem. In the podcast, Jessica describes that moment as an awakening — realizing she wasn’t alone, and that there was a real underserved community calling out for better options. That collective need became the foundation for Figiúra. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

What does it take to build a successful brand? For Lexi Miles Corrin, it started with a bold idea, and determination! In this episode of Power in Heels, we sit down with Lexi to explore her journey into entrepreneurship (at just 25 years old!), from the lessons she learned along the way, to the bold risks she took as a young founder. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to chase your dreams fearlessly, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and a dose of encouragement to start where you are! For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

In this episode we meet someone who turned travel frustrations into fashion innovation — Helene Clarkson, the founder and creative force behind the Canadian travel apparel brand heleneclarkson. Helene's journey is anything but ordinary. A seasoned actress who spent years traveling the world for work and pleasure, Helene realized there was a serious gap in the market: stylish, wrinkle-resistant, multi-purpose clothing that worked just as well in a business meeting as it did at an elegant dinner — all designed to fit into a carry-on. That insight sparked a big idea. In 2014, she launched her own clothing line, and what began with pop-up shops in Toronto has since grown into a global brand. In this episode, Helene opens up about what it really takes to build a clothing line from the ground up — the wins, the stumbles, and the surprising lessons she learned along the way. Whether you're dreaming of launching your own fashion label or simply curious about how great ideas are born and brought to life, this episode is for you. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

In this episode we go behind the scenes with one of the most renowned names in Canadian financial journalism— Amber Kanwar. Well known for her role as a host on the Canadian financial news channel BNN Bloomberg and now as the host of her very own podcast 'In The Money', we'll learn about how she built her career from intern to on air personality, what it took to make the leap into independent media, and of course all the lessons and laughs along the way. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

On this episode of Power in Heels, we are joined by the inspiring Emily O'Brien, the founder and CEO of Comeback Snacks. Emily’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. As a first-time offender, Emily found herself in prison, but instead of allowing her circumstances to define her, she saw an opportunity for growth and change, a simple, yet profound idea: popcorn. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into Emily’s personal journey, the challenges she faced, and the incredible impact she’s making through her business. So grab your favorite snack, sit back, and take a listen. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

On this episode of Power in Heels, we are taking a deep dive into the event industry! We are thrilled to welcome Monica Gomez, founder of The Concierge Club, a premium event and experiential marketing agency known for creating unforgettable experiences. Listen in as Monica shares the behind-the-scenes of her journey—how she built her business, her best tips for crafting standout events, and the lessons she’s learning along the way! For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

It all started in a hotel in Orlando… working for her family hotel business learning the ropes from the ground up and today she is Reetu Gupta, Ambassadress of The Gupta Group, speaker, author, advocate, and philanthropist. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in perseverance, leadership, and how a passionate, hands-on approach can shape a remarkable career! For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

In this episode of Power in Heels, we are joined by Miki Talebi, the inspiring founder of Oomé—a smoked tofu company with a heartwarming story! Listen in as Miki shares how the loss of her father, a passion for honouring her Japanese heritage, and a leap of faith led her to leave her career in public policy to build a sustainable food brand from scratch. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

Meet the stars of Netflix’s Motel Makeover… In 2016 two best friends quit their jobs to jump into the world of motels. They bought their first dingy roadside motel in Prince Edward County, rolled-up their sleeves and soon the June Motel was born! What started as one soon turned into three motels across Ontario, their very own Netflix series and even a cookbook. Listen in to learn what it took to get there and hear some of the hilarity that ensued along the way! For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

It started with one dream and now she is the Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics. In this episode, we chat with Jenn Harper, of Cheekbone Beauty, who turned a vivid dream into a thriving beauty brand rooted in purpose! Listen in to hear her story, from navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to breaking barriers in the beauty industry. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

From Makeup Artist to CEO! In this episode we are joined by Meghan Victoria, founder of Sol Kyst; a brand that’s transforming the eyewear industry by designing sunglasses to fit and flatter people with wide faces! In early 2021 Meghan launched a pre-order where she shared a video on social media - which ended up generating over 120,000 views, and over $10,000 in orders within the first 24-hours! Listen in to hear about Meghan’s incredible journey, learn more about a super cool partnership (hint: think pink 💗), and see what else she has in store for Sol Kyst! For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn