The Honest Talk

We’re heading courtside with Reetu Gupta for this episode! She is an entrepreneur, hospitality leader, and part owner of the brand new Toronto Tempo, one of the newest teams in the WNBA, the world’s premier professional women’s basketball league. In this conversation, we get into her career journey, what it’s really been like building across hospitality and community, and why she decided to step into women’s sports at such a pivotal moment. We also talk about what this moment says about the future of women’s leadership, visibility, and opportunity – on and off the court.

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Amanda Lindhout – a Canadian journalist whose life story is as gripping as it is inspiring. Amanda has always been driven by a deep curiosity about the world, and that curiosity took her to some of the most volatile places on earth. But in 2008, while working in Somalia, her life changed completely when she was kidnapped and held captive for 460 days. What’s remarkable about Amanda isn’t only what she survived, but how she’s chosen to move forward since then. Instead of letting that experience define her, she’s turned it into a message about empathy, forgiveness, healing, and hope. In this conversation, Amanda opens up about what survival really looked like, how she rebuilt her life piece by piece, and what she’s learned about finding light after unimaginable darkness.

From the very beginning of The Honest Talk, Air Canada has been more than a partner; they’ve helped us reach new heights. In this episode, Jen and Catherine sit down with a woman who is helping shape the future of that company from the inside. Christianna Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, joins us to talk about leading with empathy, driving meaningful change at scale, and why redefining success isn’t just personal – it’s necessary in the world we’re now working in.

This week on The Honest Talk podcast: Jessica Holmes! Comedian, entertainer, and powerhouse of honesty, resilience, and self-acceptance. She’s opened for legends like Ellen DeGeneres, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah, and Russell Peters – and brought down the house at our 2025 Women’s Summit with her wit, warmth, and yes…her singing chops (and cheerleading pom-poms). Jessica blends laughter with real life, sharing her journey through mental health, motherhood, and personal growth. She also proves that vulnerability isn’t weakness, and that humour can be a lifeline. 

On this episode, we sit down with Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada’s Federal Minister of Indigenous Services – and a leader whose approach to politics is deeply rooted in community, tradition, and opening doors for the next generation. We get into the realities of being a woman in politics, and how those challenges can be even more intense for Indigenous and diverse women. It’s an honest conversation about scrutiny, resilience, and what it really takes to lead when you’re not just representing a riding, but entire communities who see themselves in you. But we also go beyond the title. Mandy shares the personal moments that shaped her path, the opportunities she chose to step into (even when they felt daunting), and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Feeling intimidated by money? You’re not alone. Today, we’re talking with Melissa Leong, a financial expert, author, and media personality who’s on a mission to help people talk about money without fear, judgment, or shame. Melissa breaks down complex financial conversations, challenges outdated ideas, and shows us that financial confidence isn’t about perfection – it’s about understanding your choices and owning them.

Today we’re joined by Emma May, a founder who didn’t set out to build a company – but ended up creating one out of necessity. As CEO of SophieGrace, she’s grown a brand born from a deeply personal experience into a trusted name for women who want workwear that’s both stylish and incredibly comfortable. Her journey shows what entrepreneurship really looks like: uncertainty, conviction, and the courage to build something before you feel fully ready. But the story goes far beyond products and profits. Emma shares the realities of scaling a business, raising capital, and stepping into leadership – all while staying grounded in her “why.” Tune in as we dive into the honest parts of building SophieGrace – the decisions behind the scenes, the lessons learned the hard way, and what it truly takes to grow a company without losing yourself along the way.

In this episode, we sit down with someone who redefines what it means to be bold, brilliant, and unapologetically driven. You may know Manjit Minhas as the powerhouse investor on Dragons’ Den, but long before the cameras, she was disrupting an entire industry at just 19 years old – co-founding Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries and growing it into one of North America’s largest independent producers. But Manjit isn’t just a business titan. She’s a champion for women in leadership, a devoted mom, and a fierce advocate for building a life on your own terms. She’s navigated billion-dollar deals and bedtime stories, board meetings and barrier-breaking moments – and today, she’s telling us what the “messy middle” really looks like.

What does survival really mean – in the wilderness, in motherhood, and in life? In this episode, Claire Cameron, author of books like How to Survive a Bear Attack and The Last Neanderthal, shares the experiences that shaped her: from a bear attack in Algonquin Park to a cancer diagnosis and the life-changing intensity of childbirth. She talks about facing fear, finding strength in unexpected places, and learning the power of resilience, letting go, and community.

Today on The Honest Talk, we’re joined by a woman who’s shaping the future of business in Canada: Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. From her roots on the Prairies to the boardrooms of some of Canada’s most influential organizations, Candace has built her career on a thoughtful, people-first approach to leadership. She’s a big-picture thinker with a deep understanding of what businesses need to not just survive – but thrive – in a rapidly changing world. We talk with Candace about leading through turbulent times, bringing more women into decision-making spaces, and her bold vision for Canada’s future.

Today’s guest is no stranger to making waves – both inside and outside the House of Commons. Melissa Lantsman, Member of Parliament for Thornhill and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, is known for her straight talk, quick wit, and unflagging energy. Before stepping into the political spotlight, Melissa was a powerhouse behind the scenes, shaping national conversations as a top political strategist and noted communications expert. In this episode, we dive into her journey in politics and leadership – but also explore the Melissa beyond the politics.

In this episode of The Honest Talk, we’re switching things up – no personality profile, no spotlight interview. Instead, we’re having a conversation about conversations. It’s a delicate time in history. Tension, volatility, and change seem to surround us – at home, at work, and in our social circles. How do we stay connected when we disagree? And how do we bridge divides in ways that are respectful, thoughtful, and real? How can we have productive conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion? To help us explore these questions, we’re joined by Mante Molepo – a leader, writer, and ambassador who has dedicated her career to creating more equitable workplaces, communities, and conversations.

We're stepping into the sultry, smoky world of jazz in this episode — and who better to guide us than the incomparable Holly Cole? Known for her distinctive voice and unforgettable style, Holly has been captivating audiences in Canada and around the world for decades. Join us as we sit down with this iconic artist to talk music, creativity, and the magic of making a song your own.