Advertise on podcast: Safe Brave Stories

Hamza Khan is a bestselling author, award-winning entrepreneur, educator, and globally recognized keynote speaker whose TEDx talk, Stop Managing, Start Leading, has inspired millions. Through his books Leadership, Reinvented and The Burnout Gamble, Hamza is co-founder of SkillsCamp and has become one of the leading voices on the future of work, resilience, and creating workplaces where people don't justperform—they truly thrive. His message is both timely and deeply hopeful: the future of work isn't more technology—it's more humanity. As artificial intelligence and rapid change reshape our world, Hamza believes our greatest competitive advantage will always be our capacity for empathy, curiosity, courage, and connection. Today we'll explore what it means to lead with humanity, how we can build cultures of trust and belonging, and why creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be brave may be one of the most important leadership challenges of our time. To learn more about and connect with Hamza you can reach him on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanhamza/ or at the SkillsCamp website - https://www.skillscamp.co/

Today’s guest is Yousuf Khatib — an entrepreneur, connector, technology leader and someone whose career has been shaped by a genuine curiosity about people, possibility and the impact we can have when we bring the two together. Yousuf’s journey has taken him through financial services, technology, entrepreneurship, global talent and, most recently, artificial intelligence. Early in his career, he built and developed a financial services organization of more than 600 agents. He went on to work with and build technology companies, help organizations scale across borders, and immerse himself in Canada’s startup ecosystem. Today, he is helping leaders think about how AI can be used not simply to replace work, but to remove friction, strengthen relationships and enable people to do more of what they do best. But what makes Yousuf especially interesting for Safe Brave Stories is the thread running underneath all of that. He’s deeply interested in connection, collaboration and using entrepreneurship as a force for good. He has explored the impact economy, championed initiatives focused on kindness and giving and has consistently looked for ways to connect talented people with opportunities that can change their lives. Yousuf also brings the perspective of someone who seems endlessly willing to explore what’s next — to ask questions, challenge assumptions, experiment, and occasionally head down a path without knowing exactly where it will lead. If you want to find out more about Yousuf and his work, connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yousufkhatib/

Josh Siegal is a people and culture leader, executive coach,speaker, and community builder from Toronto, Ontario, who believes that extraordinary organizations are built by putting people first. Throughout his career, he's helped high-growth companies and mission-driven organizations design cultures where people can thrive, grow, and do their best work. Hisleadership journey has included senior talent and culture roles with organizations such as Wave, Real Matters, and most recently UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, where he focused on strengthening community, leadership, and connection at scale. Known for blending strategic thinking with genuine empathy, Josh is passionate about creating workplaces where trust, belonging, and purpose aren't just aspirational values—they're everyday experiences. Whether he's helping leaders navigate rapid growth, reimagining organizational culture, or mentoring emerging leaders, Josh consistently challenges organizations toremember that culture is designed through the choices leaders make every day. On this episode of Safe Brave Stories, Josh shares his insights on what it really takes to build healthy cultures, why psychological safety and human connection matter more than ever, and how leaders can create environments where people have thecourage to be authentic, take risks, and bring their whole selves to work. His thoughtful, practical approach reminds us that the strongest organizations aren't built through perfect strategies—they're built through meaningful relationships. You can connect with Josh via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuasiegal/

David Priemer is the founder and Chief Sales Scientist at Cerebral Selling, a sales consultancy focused on applying behavioral science, psychology, and empathy to modern selling. Before becoming a sales leader, he worked as a researchscientist and engineer, a background that heavily influences his evidence-based approach to sales. He later held senior leadership roles, including at Salesforce, where he built and led sales development and leadership programs. He is the bestselling author of Sell the Way You Buy, a book that challenges traditional sales tactics and argues that people buy emotionally, seek autonomy, and resist pressure. He is often referred to as "The Sales Professor" and has taught at institutions including Queen's University's Smith School of Business and London Business School. You can learn more andconnect with David at LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpriemer/ or through his website at https://cerebralselling.com/

Tarila Morrone is the founder of Hearts of Gems, a company dedicated to helping families build stronger connections and support children's emotional well-being through meaningful conversations and intentional parenting tools. A certified parent coach, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for children's mental health, Tarila empowers parents to move from overwhelm and burnout to confidence, connection, and joy. Through coaching, workshops, and thoughtfully designed products used by families around the world, she helps parents create everyday moments that foster resilience, self-worth, and emotional wellness in their children. Inspired by her own journey as a mother, Tarila's mission is simple yet powerful: to help families strengthen relationships and raise emotionally healthy, thriving children. To connect with Tarila you can reach her at LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarilamorrone/or at her website at https://heartsofgems.com/

Robina Dhindsa is a leadership development expert, speaker, and founder of Intuitive Leadership. With a unique background spanning engineering, enterprise technology sales, mindfulness, and personal transformation, Robina helps leaders and organizations cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and authentic connection. Through her signature Mastering the Inner World™ methodology, she guides individuals to understand how theirthoughts, beliefs, and emotions shape their leadership, relationships, and impact. Passionate about creating healthier workplaces and more conscious leaders, Robina blends practical business experience with insights from mindfulness and contemplative practices. Her work empowers people to lead with courage, clarity, and compassion in an increasingly complex world. For this episode of Safe Brave Stories, Robina shares powerful insights on self-awareness, personal growth, and what itmeans to lead from the inside out. To connect with Robina you can find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinadhindsa/

Vicki Thompson Groff is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and former Head of People & Culture at KOHO Financial, where she built and led an award-winning internal coaching program focused on leadership development,culture, and sustainable high performance. With a career that spans both commercial leadership and people strategy, Vicki brings a unique blend of business acumen, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking to her work with executives, founders, and high-performing teams. As the founder of The Shift, Vicki helps leaders navigate growth, change, and complexity through coaching that is both deeply human and highly practical. Her work centers on self-awareness, psychological safety, resilience, and the small but powerful mindset shifts that unlock lasting transformation. Known for her direct yet compassionate approach, Vicki believes that the strongest organizations are built by leaders who are willing to lead with courage, curiosity, and authenticity — making her a natural fit for conversations that explore what it means to live and lead bravely. For more information about Vicki or to connect directly you can find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-thompson-groff-b77b803a/or at her website https://www.theshiftcoaching.ca/.

Joe Lyons-Rising is an entrepreneur, author, and social impact leader, best known as the founder of Data Gives Back Inc. and a member of Pure Minds. With a career rooted in data, innovation, and purpose-driven work, Joe focuses on leveraging technology and analytics to create meaningful change for communities and organizations. He is also the author of Pain Remixed, where he exploresthemes of resilience, identity, and personal transformation through his lived experience with trauma, grief, depression and anxiety.  Bridging the worlds of business, storytelling, and advocacy, Joe brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to conversationsabout navigating adversity while building impact. His work resonates deeply with the mission of Safe Brave Stories: creating space for honesty, courage, and connection through lived experience.   To learn more about Joe and his work you can connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelyonsrising/or through his websites at https://painremixed.com/ and https://www.datagivesback.com/

Renata Chubb is an Expressive Arts Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying) who helps individuals explorehealing, identity, and resilience through creativity. With a compassionate and intuitive approach, she blends modalities such as visual art, movement, and storytelling to support people in processing complex emotions and life experiences. Renata is deeply committed to creating safe, brave spaces where authentic expression can emerge, especially for those navigating trauma, transition, and personal growth. Her work centers on the belief that creativity is not just an outlet, but a powerful pathway to connection, meaning, and transformation.  To find out more about Renata and her work, you can find her at www.renatachubbart.com or via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/renatachubb/

Sharon Bauer is the founder of Bamboo Data Consulting,where she helps organizations transform complex data into meaningful,actionable insights. With a background in data strategy, analytics, and business intelligence, she is known for bridging the gap between technical teams and business leaders—turning information into impact. But beyond the data, Sharon is deeply passionate about people, growth, and the power of honest conversation. On Safe Brave Stories, Sharon joins the conversation to share her perspective on what it means to show up with both safety and courage—whether in leadership, decision-making, or personal growth. Grounded in real-world experience, she reflects on the role vulnerability plays in building trust,navigating complexity, and creating meaningful change. Blending her analytical mindset with a deep curiosity about human experience, Sharon brings a thoughtful and authentic voice to conversations that matter. To connect with Sharon and find more about her work you can find her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonbauerlawyer/

Lesley Hawkins is a partner at Marsley Canada, a dynamic business leader, keynote speaker, host of The Lesley Hawkin's Podcast and former Vice President at Adidas, where she helped drive brand growth, innovation, and global strategy for one of the world’s most iconic sports companies. With decades of experience in leadership,marketing, and organizational transformation, Lesley has built a reputation for empowering teams, elevating brands, and helping organizations navigate change in highly competitive industries. Today, Lesley works with companies and leaders around the world as a keynote speaker and advisor, sharing insights on leadership, brand strategy, resilience, and the future of work. Her perspective combines real-world executive experience with a passion for developing people and building culturesthat perform at the highest level. To find out more about Lesley and her work you can reach her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-hawkins/ or at www.lesleyhawkins.ca

Nicki Straza is the Founder of Straza Solutions, a strategic consulting firm focused on helping organizations bring clarity,structure, and sustainable growth to their operations. With a strong background in leadership development, business strategy, and organizational effectiveness, Nicki works with companies to align teams, streamline processes, and turncomplex challenges into actionable plans. Known for her practical, results-driven approach, Nicki partners with leaders and organizations to move from vision to execution — helping them build systems and strategies that support long-term success. Through Straza Solutions, she supports businesses in strengthening their foundations, improving operational efficiency, and creating environments where people and organizations can thrive. Nicki is passionate about empowering leaders, fostering strategic thinking, and helping organizations navigate growth with confidence and clarity. You can find out more about and to connect with Nicki via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-straza-flourishing-workplace-culture/ or via her website https://www.nickistraza.com/

Barry Braun is an entrepreneur, investor, and business leader with a passion for building enduring companies and communities. He is the Founder of Good Neighbour Society, an initiative focused on fostering meaningful connectionsand strengthening the social fabric of neighborhoods and businesses alike. Throughout his career, Barry has built and scaled companies with a disciplined, long-term approach to growth. Known forhis strategic clarity and operational depth, he brings a practical perspective on leadership, culture, and value creation. Barry believes that sustainable success—whether in business or community—comes from intentional relationships, strong foundations, and a commitment to serving others. To find out more about the amazing work Barry is doing check out https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrybraun/or http://www.goodneighbourbuilders.org/ and connect with him directly at [email protected].

Janey Brown is a performer, professional singer, trauma-informed coach, motivational speaker, and author of Fear to Fearce. She specializes in helping individuals harness fear as fuel rather than be ruled by it. After decades in the performance industry — including working with Grammy-winning producers and performing on major stages — Janey experienced firsthand the crippling effects of performance anxiety,perfectionism, and self-doubt. That journey led her to develop a powerful framework for transforming fear into confidence and resilience. Blending over 30 years of performance experience with psychology, somatic tools, and mental resilience training, Janey founded Fearce Academy, where she works with creatives, entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders to overcome imposter syndrome, manage high-pressure environments, and unlock authentic performance. Through her book Fear to Fearce, coaching programs, and speaking engagements, Janey empowers people to embrace their shadow, build emotional intelligence, and cultivate the psychological skills needed to show up boldly in life and work. Her mission is simple but transformative: to help people move from fear to “Fearce” — courageous, aligned, and unapologetically powerful. To find out more you can connect to Janey through LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeybrown/ or through her website at https://janeybrown.com/

Paul Finkbeiner is the President of Fink Advisory Management Corp. and a seasoned real estate executive based in Oakville, Ontario. With decades of experience leading and scaling major real estate platforms, Paul brings a practical, people-first perspective on leadership, strategy, and long-term value creation. He’s known for building high-performing teams,mentoring leaders, and helping organizations grow without losing focus on culture and purpose. To find more about Paul you can connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-finkbeiner/