Real Time with WLP

This month’s Real Time with WLP podcast topic is focused on AI and how leaders can show up and embrace AI as a tool to support their teams. We are joined by Dr. Carol Parker Walsh, who is a human development expert and organizational strategist, and founder of Carol Parker Walsh ConsultingGroup, focused on cultivating People-Forward Leadership™. This episode: How AI Can Amplify Your Ability to Be a People-Forward Leader is one that marries technology and leadership.In conversation with Jessica Lovett, Carol addresses common fears teams have and the impact seen on organizational culture when leaders leverage AI and canstill maintain trust and human connection. As we reflect on how we can create a transformative yet people-forward approach to leadership and AI, we inviteyou to take a few minutes and listen to this informative conversation.About Dr. Carol Parker WalshDr. Carol Parker Walsh, JD, PhD, is an award-winning human development expert and organizational strategist, and founder of Carol Parker Walsh Consulting Group, a leadership development firm that helps organizations cultivate People-Forward Leadership™ and high-performing teams. With over 30 years of experience as an attorney, senior executive, professor, and dean, she brings transformative insight to human and organizational development.Dr. Parker Walsh holds two master's degrees in human development and organizational leadership, a JD in employment law, a PhD in human and organizational systems, and certificates in management development from Harvard University and Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business and AI Leadership from Stanford University. As a master-certified and ICF PCC certified executive coach, she empowers leaders to build trust, alignment, and adaptive cultures that drive sustainable performance.

In this episode, we unpack the shock of unexpected job loss, the emotions that hit first, the surprises that followed, and how months of searching can quietly reshape your sense of identity and confidence. Listen as our guest, Cindy Woodcock, reflects on the most unexpected advice received along the way, and how it challenged perceptions about success, worth, and resilience.From navigating interviews to rethinking how organizations assess talent, this conversation offers hard-earned insight and hope.If you’ve ever faced career disruption or want a more honest conversation about work, age, and resilience, this one’s for you.Be sure to listen to the full episode to hear Cindy's experiencesAbout Cindy WoodcockCindy Woodcock is Program Lead, Communications at the Canadian Institute for Health Information. With nearly 30 years of experience in health care communications, she began her career in 1995 and spent 17 years in public relations before moving into an in-house communications role in the pharmaceutical sector, working in a highly regulated health environment.A long-time mental health advocate, she previously served eight years on the board of Families Affected by Mental Health Everywhere and led communications for a leadership mentoring program at WLP focused on connection, growth, and inclusion.

Listen to our conversation with Katy McFee, Founder and CEO of Insights to Action Coaching and Consulting. Katy breaks down the importance of shifting from reactivity to proactivity — and how moving beyond constant responsiveness is key to elevating your leadership and driving meaningful impact.Be sure to listen to the full episode to hear Katy’s insights on over-indexing, gaining visibility, and positioning yourself for real career progression.About Katy McFeeKaty McFee is a former executive (VP/EVP), Forty Under 40 recipient, and host of the More Women Promoted podcast.As a certified executive coach, she's helped hundreds of women transition to, and thrive in, senior leadership. Drawing from her own challenging path to the executive suite, Katy is dedicated to closing the gender gap by helping women step into senior roles with confidence and authenticity.Katy has been featured in Business Insider and has published multiple articles about women and leadership in Forbes.com as a contributor.

Episode 47 with Real Time with WLP dives into the future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Canada with Namita Khatri, Canadian Leader for DEI at Randstad. Namita shares her insightful perspectives on the current state of DEI in Canada, the strategies for meaningful outcomes during uncertain times, and how we can all contribute to ensure the sustainability of an inclusive workplace.Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation! About Namita Khatri Namita is a recognized leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within Canada's workforce solutions industry, with nearly 20 years of experience within the industry. As the Canadian Leader for DEI at Randstad, Namita leads both internal DEI strategy and programming as well as the external DEI consulting practice, helping organizations embed inclusive practices that drive business success.With a deep understanding of the intersection between DEI and business performance, Namita has successfully helped organizations decrease costs, increase profitability, and expand into new markets by integrating DEI into their corporate strategy. Her expertise in connecting DEI to tangible business outcomes has made her a sought-after speaker and advisor, having hosted numerous events and webinars on building the business case for DEI and positioning it as a key business driver.Her thought leadership extends to speaking engagements with UN Global Compact Canada, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), Women in Governance, Financial Executives International (FEI) and various learning events, including workshops for Randstad’s clients across Canada.

Real Time with WLP podcast explores how Gen Z is reshaping the future of work, health, and leadership. Through an engaging and insightful conversation with Dr. Tessa Misiaszek of Korn Ferry, Joanna and Madeleine unpack what Gen Z wants in the workplace, how they’re navigating the healthcare system, and why their values, energy, and expectations are challenging organizations to evolve. With perspectives from both Gen X and Gen Z, this cross-generational dialogue is designed to inform and inspire leaders in pharma while giving Gen Z a seat at the table.Tessa Misiaszek, PhD, MPH, is a seasoned researcher, educator, and author with nearly 30 years of experience in workforce strategy, leadership, and organizational transformation. She has held executive roles in healthcare, education, and consulting, and has taught at institutions including NYU, Harvard, and Simmons University. Tessa co-authored Branding That Means Business and has published widely on topics such as the future of work, generational dynamics, and women's leadership.

Episode 43 of Real Time with WLP explores two topics that are more frequently raised up together within the pharma industry: “innovation” and “risk”. Shannon Keenan, Co Founding Partner and CFO of Artemis Factor, discusses the importance of Inspiring Purposeful Innovation and Embracing Risk to solve real problems and make a meaningful difference.Shannon shares her perspectives on women’s unique strengths to drive change, inspire teams, and overcome barriers. She also highlights the importance of creating a culture that encourages calculated risk-taking and provides tips to prepare for and navigate failure while innovating.To help foster innovation and risk navigation within your role, take a few minutes to listen to this insightful conversation.

This month’s Real Time with WLP podcast focuses on UniquePaths to Leadership. Kristina Fusella, a leader who has held multiple leadership roles at Novo Nordisk U.S. (and most recently National Director, Cardiometabolic Education Program - Commercial Execution and Sales) shares her perspective on the benefits of non-linear paths to leadership and tips to communicate your unique value in pursuing opportunities.In conversation with WLP Volunteer and DEI Chair atLundbeck, Virginia Fairbank, Kristina speaks to inspirational vs. authoritative leadership, the learning from and how to leverage ERG experience as a sandbox for futureleadership; and to drive innovation and employee engagement.As you look at how to communicate your own value whenpursuing your own professional milestones, take a few minutes and listen to this informative conversation.

Bienvenue à une nouvelle année de Tête-à-tête avec FLP. Nous avons très hâte au lancement de notre balado en français et nous vous invitons à écouter la conversation inspirant sur le thème: Payez au suivant en tant que leaders : la solidarité et l'équité de genre en action. Litsa Spiridonakos, directrice des ressources humaines chez Organon Canada, nous présente sa vision sur le fait de se sentir valorisée au sein de son organisation et sur la défense de l’égalité en santé. À titre de directrice des ressources humaines d’Organon Canada, Litsa est responsable de fournir des orientations stratégiques et d’assurer un leadership pour tous les aspects de la fonction des ressources humaines, et d’établir une vision et une orientation pour l’ensemble des programmes, des politiques et des services de ressources humaines qui appuient la mission et les valeurs d’Organon. Litsa possède plus de 15 ans d’expérience dans la promotion de stratégies organisationnelles en matière de gestion des talents, de perfectionnement, de culture et de transformation, qu’elle a acquise en travaillant dans diverses industries, notamment les télécommunications, les services professionnels et, plus récemment, l’industrie pharmaceutique.

This month’s Real Time with WLP podcast is with Julia Brown, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Oncology, for Janssen Canada. In conversation with WLP Board Member Thea Discepola, Julia speaks about her experience with global roles and navigating through cultural diversity and norms. In our 37th Episode ‘Global Leadership: Mastering Career Pivots and Cross-Cultural Success’, she explores how to prepare for these opportunities and challenges and then apply them to future leadership growth. Julia has been with J&J Innovative Medicines for 21 years and is now the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Oncology, for Janssen Canada. Previous roles include General Manager of Janssen Commercial Puerto Rico, Business Unit Director for Rheumatology and Dermatology and Vice President of Government Affairs and Market Access. Julia has a passion for diversity and inclusion and has acted as an Executive Sponsor for DE&I across the J&J Family of Companies in Canada. Julia served as the President of the Canadian Association for Healthcare Reimbursement (CAHR) for four years and sat on the CAHR Board of Directors for 15 years

For World Menopause Day on October 18th, our 35th episode of Real Time with WLP is the second of our three-part series. Menopause Matters: It’s Time to Change “The Change” continues our conversation with Janet Ko, President and Co-Founder of The Menopause Foundation of Canada, a national non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to breaking the silence and the stigma of menopause. In this episode, we explore the Menopause at Work Report and the push for greater inclusivity and access to menopause care in Canada. The conversation with Joanna Wilson explores why employers must embrace menopause inclusivity, the importance of preparing for menopause, and how both individuals and organizations can help drive change.

This month’s Real Time with WLP podcast episode is with Melissa Leichter, US Vice President & Commercial Lead, Rare Diseases at Novo Nordisk Inc. In conversation with TJ Geddis, Director Patient Programs & Advocacy at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Melissa explores the importance of relatable female role models. Gaining Inspiration and Connection from Relatable Women Leaders is the topic of Episode 33 and highlights the value of meaningful connections for professional growth.

Real Time with WLP’s 31st episode features Kim Ferras, Senior Biopharmaceutical Representative at Amgen, speaking to the importance of Self-investment: How to make Physical Fitness a Sustainable Priority. With over 20 years’ experience, Kim, speaks frankly with Virginia Fairbanks, Mental Health Specialist, Lundbeck, on how health and fitness can play a vital role in humanizing the workplace, and can lead to career growth and improving overall business results. Kim shares her philosophy of making physical fitness achievable and sustainable within one’s personal and professional life.