ChangeMaker Leader Podcast

What does it actually take to go from a side hustle to a full time business? In this episode of the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast, Leigh Mitchell sits down with David Kwok of YSpace, York University's pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub, to talk about what real support for founders looks like at every stage of the journey.David has spent over a decade building the programs and partnerships that help entrepreneurs move from idea to mass retail, from local hustle to international opportunity. In this conversation, we get into what YSpace offers, who it is for, and how founders at any stage, including women stepping into business for the first time or scaling what they have already built, can access it.What you will learn in this conversation:What YSpace is and how it supports founders across every stage, from side hustle to scaled ventureHow equity driven programs like ELLA, powered by Desjardins, are creating real pathways for women led venturesWhat it takes for agri-food and product based businesses to break into mass retailHow sector focused initiatives like SmartTO are shaping innovation in mobility and automotiveWhy YSpace's three physical hubs across Toronto, Markham, and Georgina matter for entrepreneurs building locally and globallyThis conversation is for the woman who has an idea she has not acted on yet, the founder juggling a side hustle alongside a full time job, and the established business owner ready to scale with the right support behind her.Connect with David Kwok: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkwokk/ Learn more about YSpace: https://www.yorku.ca/yspace/Leigh Mitchell is a Trauma-Informed Leadership Brand Strategist, Founder of Women in Biz Network (35,000+ members), and host of the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast. She helps Women+ ChangeMakers own their imprint, unapologetically.Learn more: https://changemakerco.org Join WIBN: https://womeninbiznetwork.comSubscribe for weekly leadership, branding, and AI insights for women in business.

Podcast Description: In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca, founder of Detour Co., a natural skincare brand born from a personal need for clean, effective products. After relocating to Muskoka, Rebecca transformed her passion into a thriving business, guided by authentic customer feedback and a deep connection to community. She shares how she transitioned from crafting products at home to opening a studio space, her transparent pricing strategies, and her refreshing marketing approach that emphasizes human connection over trends. If you’re curious about building a meaningful brand that resonates with real people, this conversation is for you.Join for Our Outdoor Connect & Reset Leadership Day Want to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and reset your leadership mindset? Join us for our Future Leader Outdoor Connect & Reset Day. Experience a day of inspiration, reflection, and growth in nature. Details and registration at https://www.changemakerco.org

This episode will explore Khadija Natali inspiring journey from a small farming community in #India is becoming a voice for international students and young women. We'll unpack how setbacks, rather than roadblocks, have been catalysts for her personal growth, perspective shifts, and purposeful advocacy.

🎧 Podcast Episode: The Power of Vulnerability on Stage and ScreenWhat happens when the thing you once feared most becomes your greatest strength? In today’s episode, we explore the power of vulnerability as both a personal tool and a public force. Our guest has spent a lifetime navigating the challenges of a stutter, only to transform that journey into a platform for global impact—through comedy, public speaking, and now, the documentary film Words Left Unspoken. As the film finds new audiences through ChangeMaker Co’s powerful community screening initiative, we sit down to talk about what it means to live—and speak—your truth, even when it’s hard.🎤 Meet the Guests:JOZE PIRANIANGlobal Keynote Speaker | Forbes & 5x TEDx | Disability & Mental Health Advocate | Stuttering Awareness | Corporate Comedian From avoiding speaking for most of his youth to commanding stages across the world, Joze is a powerful voice on turning fear into empowerment—and now, a central figure in the new documentary Words Left Unspoken.BOBBY UMARCEO of DYPB - Discover Your Personal Brand and the Thought Leadership Branding Club | 5x TEDx Speaker | Inc Magazine Top 100 Leadership Speaker | Best-Selling AuthorBobby joins the conversation as a seasoned expert on personal branding and leadership, adding sharp insight into the inner transformation that drives outer impact.🎤 Your Host:Leigh Mitchell is a dynamic personal and business branding leader, guiding small and medium-sized enterprises through Market Your Mission® Branding and her podcast, ChangeMaker Collective. As the founder of Women in Biz Network and the ChangeMaker Collective, she expanded the organization from a local group to a national community of over 35,000 members. Recognized by Statistics Canada for her diversity, equity, and inclusion expertise, Leigh holds an executive certificate in Marketing Leadership from Carleton University's Sprott School of Business and credentials in ethical leadership, DEI, inclusive design, and social-emotional learning. Her passion for equity spans mental health, business, education, and sports. Leigh teaches marketing, public relations, and business at York University, York Entrepreneurial Development Institute (YEDI) and the University of Guelph-Humber. She has collaborated with brands like Microsoft Canada, TELUS, and TD, and her insights have been featured in CBC & CTV News, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. Leigh is a proud mother of two, a dedicated mental health advocate, and an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys exercising in nature or at the gym.📢 Let’s collaborate to create a brand, a strategy, or a training program that inspires action and delivers impact.📧 leigh@leighmitchell.ca🌐 https://wwwchangemakerco.org🔗 Let’s connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellleigh/

Struggling to hear back from job applications? Tired of being ghosted after interviews? In this high-energy and insight-packed episode, Izzy Piyale-Sheard joins us to drop serious knowledge on how to stand out in today’s crowded job market — with a little help from AI. As a job search strategist and brand builder, Izzy shares practical, no-fluff advice on how to use AI tools to tailor resumes, write compelling cover letters, and research roles like a pro. But it doesn’t stop there — we also dive into building a personal brand that actually gets noticed, networking in a way that feels human, and debunking job search myths that keep people stuck. If you're ready to go from overlooked to unforgettable, this episode is your new playbook.

How do you break into a marketing career in today’s competitive job market? In this episode, Jared Kligerman answers your biggest questions about launching a successful marketing career. From landing your first role to standing out in applications, Jared shares insider tips, industry insights, and practical advice to help you navigate the journey. Whether you’re a student, a career switcher, or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to set you up for success.

Kick off the new year with purpose and clarity in this inspiring podcast episode! We dive deep into the art of goal setting tailored for changemakers like you. Whether you're striving for personal growth, launching a meaningful project, or aiming to create a lasting impact in your community, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How to align your goals with your values and mission.The secrets to crafting SMART+Impact goals for maximum success.Strategies to overcome setbacks and stay committed to your vision.Practical tips for breaking down big dreams into actionable steps.Join us as we spark the motivation and share expert insights to make 2025 the year you ignite your full potential! Tune in and get ready to turn your resolutions into results.About Leigh MitchellHi, I’m Leigh Mitchell Your: Social Impact Marketer | Branding Strategist | Training Specialist | Recognized by Statistics Canada for DEI Leadership.I help organizations and entrepreneurs build powerful brands, amplify their mission, and create meaningful change through impactful strategies and tailored training programs. As the founder of ChangeMaker Collective and Market Your Mission®, I specialize in crafting authentic branding and marketing solutions that turn values into action, stories into movements, and skills into growth.With a proven track record in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leadership, recognized by Statistics Canada, I bring a unique perspective to branding and training that prioritizes inclusivity, equity, and connection. My expertise spans social impact branding, digital marketing, community engagement, and designing training programs that empower individuals and teams to thrive. What We Do:Build authentic, purpose-driven brands that connect with diverse audiences.Design strategic marketing campaigns that amplify your mission and drive results.Provide consulting and training to ensure your brand reflects your commitment to inclusivity.Deliver engaging training programs in marketing, business development, and personal branding for entrepreneurs, teams, students and new grads.Let’s collaborate to create a brand, a strategy, or a training program that inspires action and delivers impact.Connection & Impact:At the ChangeMaker Collective and Market Your Mission® we lead with purpose, align with values & prioritize well-being to create lasting impact.Reach out to explore opportunities for partnership:leigh@leighmitchell.cachangemakerco.orgLet’s connect: linkedin.com/in/mitchellleigh/Your mission deserves a bold, impactful brand—and the skills to make it thrive. Let’s make it happen.About the ChangeMaker CollectiveThe ChangeMaker Collective empowers entrepreneurs and professionals to create meaningful impact. Join now for $0. We provide marketing, mentorship, training, and resources in business, leadership, and DEI, fostering collaboration and innovation for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Let’s schedule a confidential discussion of your project, challenge or opportunity. Connections, referrals and promotional support are always complimentary.Market Your Mission®Market Your Mission® is a program by ChangeMaker Collective that offers tailored marketing services to help organizations effectively communicate their mission and amplify their impact. The program includes strategic planning, brand development, content creation, and digital marketing, all designed to align with the organization’s values and goals. By focusing on authentic storytelling and audience engagement, Market Your Mission® enables organizations to build stronger connections with their communities and drive meaningful change.

We're diving into a topic at the heart of every modern entrepreneur’s journey: the delicate balance between technological advancement and authentic brand identity. Joining us is Ronsley Vaz, a renowned entrepreneur, author of Amplify AI, and founder of Amplify. With his unique blend of expertise in AI and storytelling, Ronsley will share how businesses can harness the power of AI to scale without compromising their brand's authenticity. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or brand strategist, this episode will offer practical tips on how to amplify your impact through responsible AI.Ronsley is a computer scientist, software engineer, author, TED speaker, serial entrepreneur, and podcaster. He is also the executive producer and host of multiple top-rated podcasts, including current titles Amplify Ai (formerly My AI Love Affair), We Are Podcast, and older titles Should I Start A Podcast, The Psychology of Entrepreneurship, and Bond Appetit.He has been downloaded and listened to more than 5.1 million times across 133 countries. His TEDx Talk, “The Perfect Recipe for a Deep Conversation”, was made a TED talk and can be found on the official TED.com website.Ronsley is 11 years into making podcasts and runs an award-winning podcast agency We Are Podcast, which has helped entertainers, government leaders, athletes and businesses raise their voice through podcasting, while positioning their message to stand out in a crowded market place.As an entrepreneur and a computer scientist who has been pulling computers apart from the age of 12, he founded an Artificial Intelligence Training and Advisory company called Amplify AI. This company creates tools, trainings and strategies for a community of businesses to adopt AI with empathy into their business.He is also founder of Australia's first podcasting conference We Are Podcast and audiobook agency The Library of Sound in partnership with Audible Australia. In 2020, We Are Podcast launched an exclusive members program where Ronsley personally helps business owners scale their business to 7-figures using their podcast.Ronsley’s book, AMPLIFY: Raise Your Voice, Boost Your Brand and Grow Your Business, has helped thousands of companies, associations, and business-minded individuals expand their reach using a podcast.About the ChangeMaker CollectiveThe ChangeMaker Collective empowers entrepreneurs and professionals to create meaningful impact. Join now for $0. We provide marketing, mentorship, training, and resources in business, leadership, and DEI, fostering collaboration and innovation for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Let's schedule a confidential discussion of your project, challenge or opportunity. Connections, referrals and promotional support are always complimentary.Market Your Mission®Market Your Mission® is a program by ChangeMaker Collective that offers tailored marketing services to help organizations effectively communicate their mission and amplify their impact. The program includes strategic planning, brand development, content creation, and digital marketing, all designed to align with the organization's values and goals. By focusing on authentic storytelling and audience engagement, Market Your Mission® enables organizations to build stronger connections with their communities and drive meaningful change.