The Boiling Point

This week Victoria Clarke, CEO of Visit Mississauga, returns to the Boiling Point Podcast 8 years after her previous appearance. Needless to say, it has not been an idle 8 years! Victoria discusses where she's been and what she's been up to, including becoming a member of the Trillium Health Partners Foundation Campaign Cabinet, helping to build Canada's largest hospital in Mississauga, and being voted to the board of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. She also discusses her career journey, from starting in computer programming to leading destination marketing organizations in Saint John, NB and now Mississauga, ON. Victoria's leadership style, including her ability to empower her team, take risks, and overcome challenges, allows her to bring innovative events and initiatives to life. Also... did you know that Victoria was also a guest on the Boiling Point back in 2015? Listen to that episode here. You can also connect to Victoria Clarke on LinkedIn here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rather than spending his life in the C-Suite, Keith Beasley would much prefer be out in the wilderness. That's because he and his brothers are the owners of Beasley Brothers Outdoors, a collection of media properties spanning across Canada with the goal of "reaching into the hearts and homes of sportsmen and women across North America." Keith shares the Beasley Brothers' story, explaining how they went from starting a small hunting magazine to eventually picking up several TV shows. He says they wouldn't have made it without trusting their instincts, taking calculated risks, and having unwavering determination. If you couldn't tell by his business, hunting and living the outdoor lifestyle mean a whole lot to Keith. As a result, one of the goals of Beasley Brothers Outdoors is to dispel some of the more negative perceptions about hunters. They aim to showcase hunters as ethical, responsible stewards of the land, and Keith highlights the role of hunters in conservation and sustainable resource management. Keith also discusses the emotional connections people feel to hunting and fishing, and how sharing these experiences through media can create a sense of community and belonging, even for those who don't participate directly. At the end of the day, there's no mistaking Keith's passion for the outdoors, his entrepreneurial spirit, or his commitment to sharing the positive aspects of hunting and fishing with a wider audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coaching has the potential to transform personal growth, build confidence, and achieve success in various aspects of life. Dave Veale, Emily Rodger, and Pete Stoddart share their experiences of how coaching has influenced their lives, emphasizing the importance of trust, support, and personal development. They also discuss the significance of hospitality in creating a sense of community and the importance of patience and connection in various aspects of life. In this episode you will hear them highlight the value of embracing new experiences and traditions, and cultivating patience and connection through active listening and genuine relationships. Pete is the owner of Stoddart & Co, and also joined the roster of trusted, professional coaches at Vision Coaching. Pete is also going to be co-hosting a few episodes in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rodrigo Salles is the co-owner of Untamed Angling. He is an expert in fly fishing in the Amazon, developing sustainable tourism partnerships with indigenous communities there. In this episode, you will hear Emily and Dave discuss Rodrigo's early experiences fly fishing in Brazil, the founding of Untamed Angling to promote ecotourism while protecting native lands and cultures, and the process of building trust over many years to create successful community partnerships. Rodrigo emphasizes the importance of respecting native ways of life and involving communities in decision making. He also works to correct misconceptions about the Amazon and expand tourism beyond just fishing through activities like birdwatching and hiking. The goal is to preserve the jungle and indigenous knowledge while providing economic opportunities for locals to stay on their ancestral lands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest, Dr. Bill Howatt, has been a workplace mental health expert for more than 30 years. He discusses what he has learned over the decades, with a particular emphasis on the importance of deepening connections and creating psychological safety to have meaningful conversations. He shares tips for fostering strong personal connections with others in the workplace, and the benefits that flow from that Dr. Bill, author of No Regrets: How to Live Today for Tomorrow’s Emotional Well-Being, also opens up about his own mental health struggles, how he got through them, and how that experience helped grant him greater empathy for others who are struggling in the workplace. Finally, he shares the tools he uses to promote a sense of psychological safety at work, and the traits that define a great leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is esteemed Leadership Coach and Sociologist Kelley Russell-DuVarney. Kelley is a Certified Positive Psychology Coach, as well as a member of a new leadership coaching pilot program at the University of Texas. She carries both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Sociology. Kelley both coaches and facilitates training for leaders, teams and executives across multiple sectors, using her sociological background to better help clients identify potential barriers to their success. In this episode, Kelley discusses the ways in which she uses psychology and sociology to strengthen her coaching abilities, leveraging her skills and knowledge to push her clients to new levels of success. She explains the concept of a Sociological imagination, which is a method of considering the structures within society that can allow someone to advance, such as economic systems, political systems, legal systems, and family systems. She explains how she uses this concept to help her clients consider avenues to success that might not be obvious at first. If you'd like to work with Kelley, you can visit the Vantage Coaching website for a free consultation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest, Matt Cundill, is the owner and founder of the Soundoff Media Company. If that name sounds familiar, it's because they're the folks who handle production for our show. Matt speaks about how he's built and maintained the company, including finding gaps in the market and knowing when to transition to entrepreneurship. If you've recently been "restructured" out of a job in a declining industry (like Matt was with radio), he believes it's time to look at your transferable skills, make good use of your personal contacts, and find a way to carve out a new niche for yourself that's more suited to the modern world. Matt also discusses what he learned from his time in radio, as well as what's been hard to learn as he's moved away from traditional broadcasting. Though challenging at times, building his own company has been well worth the rewards. To work with Matt and his team, head to Soundoff.network. You should also listen to Matt's show, The Sound Off Podcast, if you're at all interested in radio or broadcasting. As always, you can follow Matt on Facebook and Instagram to connect with him and keep up with new episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of our older fans might remember Greg Hemmings from the early days of the Boiling Point. For those who don't know him, he and Dave started the podcast years ago, but Greg eventually decided to step away and pursue a different line of work- but not before introducing Dave to Emily. In this episode, Greg's back to fill us in on all the different projects he's done over the past several years, including many motivational speaking gigs, a rapidly growing filmography, and the start of his own production company, Hemmings House. He speaks about what led him to step away from the Boiling Point, what inspires his current work, and where he's going next. For the original fans who miss Greg, don't worry: This certainly won't be his last time appearing on the show. We love Greg, and we have no doubt he'll be back on again soon enough. To keep up with Greg, you can follow him on Instagram or LinkedIn, or check out his personal website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ed Staniowski is a former NHL goalie, playing from 1975-1985, and a former Lieutenant Colonel of the Canadian Armed Forces. He joins this episode of the Boiling Point to discuss the tenets of leadership he's come to value over the years, both in the Armed Forces and the NHL. From coaches to drill sergeants to fellow players and soldiers, Ed speaks to the necessity of humility in a leader, the importance of facing healthy adversity in overcoming obstacles as a team, and the way great leaders generate trust in their followers. Nowadays, Ed is part of a campaign memorializing the Regina Rifles, a regiment which landed at Juno Beach during WWII. The campaign is creating a proper monument for the Rifles at Courseulles-sur-Mer in France, where they landed on D-Day, and the goal is to have it erected on June 6th, 2024- the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Ed also speaks to the importance of this monument, and of honoring the sacrifices made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kurt Goddard is the Executive Director of Inclusion Canada, and he discusses the organization's work on behalf of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families, including advocacy work with the federal government and international level. In this episode you will hear about some of the progressive legislation passed in New Brunswick regarding supported decision making, which aims to provide people with disabilities the right to supports in decision-making, the potential of this legislation to address discrimination in the legal system, particularly through the "understand and appreciate" test, and how it could be a model for other provinces and countries. Kurt also highlighted New Brunswick's progress in inclusive education, crediting the province's small size and advocacy efforts for its success. Kurt calls Fredericton home, though his roots lie in Sussex Corner. As a lawyer, he's deeply invested in disability rights and serves as the Executive Director of Legal and Public Affairs at Inclusion Canada. His unwavering commitment champions the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Drawing insights from observing young leadership in New Brunswick politics and leading the Reflections on Rwanda program with SHOUT Canada, Kurt's understanding of leadership and advocacy has been shaped by diverse experiences. His time studying in Northern Ireland reinforced his connection to New Brunswick, reminding him of the importance of home. Outside of his professional commitments, Kurt is a devoted husband to Rebecca and proud dad to Abigail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Boiling Point podcast, hosts Emily Rodger and Dave Veale are joined by the inspiring Laura Gatien, Owner and Clinical Therapist at Laura Gatien & Associates, and the visionary founder & CEO of Just Us; We all Struggle Inc., a charitable non-profit striving to make mental health more accessible. The conversation kicks off with personal reflections from Emily and Dave about their upbringing and experiences related to mental health. Laura passionately introduces her journey, sharing her mission to challenge the status quo in mental health systems and reduce the stigma associated with seeking support. One of the central themes explored is the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health support and how gender traditionally influenced seeking help. The trio delves into the importance of breaking down these barriers and increasing accessibility to mental health services, highlighting the progress made in this direction. Laura shares her insights on leadership, addressing the challenges she faces while staying true to her values as a leader in the mental health space. The discussion further unravels the inception and impact of the "Just Us" program, a charitable initiative offering free or low-cost counseling services, breaking down barriers and fostering hope for new mental health professionals to drive positive change in the field. Throughout the episode, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Laura Gatien's unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and her remarkable journey in transforming the way we perceive and approach mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the spotlight is on Rachel Vander Vennen, an advocate whose journey has been defined by her commitment to building inclusive communities and fostering meaningful relationships. As the Executive Director of L'Arche Saint John, Rachel's passion for social inclusion and support for adults with intellectual disabilities takes center stage. Throughout the conversation, the essence of her leadership philosophy shines through—an amalgamation of authenticity, diversity, and a resolute dedication to making a positive impact. Rachel's career trajectory, marked by twists of curiosity, brings us face to face with the heart of her narrative. From her academic pursuits at the University of Guelph to her engagement with L'Arche communities, her journey showcases the power of following one's passions and embracing unconventional paths. Authenticity takes center stage in the conversation, underscored by Rachel's insights into authentic leadership and the significance of genuine relationships. She attributes her growth to the support of mentors, such as Dave Stonehouse, and the transformative impact of fostering healthy connections. We also get to dive into a discussion about the Creative Connections program—a testament to L’Arche’s commitment to creating networks of support and a sense of community. This artistic day program resonates with themes of acceptance, friendship, and belonging, aligning seamlessly with L'Arche's overarching mission. The episode concludes with a glance at the "Building Community" event, where our very own Emily Rodger will be taking the stage as emcee. Rachel sheds light on the importance of such gatherings in raising awareness and vital funds to sustain L'Arche's initiatives. It's a glimpse into how communities come together to make a tangible difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Emily Rodger and Dave Veale engage in an enlightening conversation with their guest, Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley. As the Founder & CEO of Dayna Lee-Baggley & Associates and an experienced Registered Psychologist, Dr. Lee-Baggley brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on leadership, well-being, and navigating the challenges of today's world. Throughout the episode, key themes emerge, centering on stress, resilience, and the changing landscape of work culture. Dr. Lee-Baggley dives into the impacts of stress and toxic positivity in the "new normal" post-pandemic world. She sheds light on the significance of safe relationships as a buffer against toxic stress and emphasizes that our culture has pushed the idea that we have more personal control than we do, leading to self-shame when faced with challenges. A core concept introduced by Dr. Lee-Baggley is the "frontal lobe battery." This analogy resonates, as it's used to explain the brain's stress responses and how they relate to overall well-being. Dr. Lee-Baggley further emphasizes the responsibility of leaders in managing workplace stress, challenging the traditional notion of burdening employees with self-care as the sole solution. As the conversation deepens, the focus shifts to the significance of psychological safety in teams and organizations. Dr. Lee-Baggley encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability and acknowledge their mistakes, fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to speak up and take calculated risks. The episode also delves into the mindset shift required for healthy habits, as Dr. Lee-Baggley challenges the notion that these habits must always be enjoyable to be effective. Just before Dave and Emily give share their takeaways, Dave introduces us to Dr. Lee-Baggley's book, "Healthy Habits Suck," which he says is a must read. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices