Episodes
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For our Best of Season Three episode we’re sharing unaired content from the inspiring women who got into authentic and relatable conversations with our host, award-winning entrepreneur Manjit Minhas.
This podcast was created with the goal of sharing experiences of empowerment, breakthrough and perseverance from women from all walks of life, and in this episode you’ll hear some of the most powerful and insightful conversations between Manjit and her season three guests:
1:57: CEO Paulina Cameron: She leads The Forum, a Canadian national organization that educates, mentors, and connects women entrepreneurs to thrive10:08: Head of Financial Planning at IG Wealth Management, Christine Van Cauwenberghe: She reveals her experience in making a career change15:25: Founder of The Seven Virtues Beauty Inc., Barb Stegemann: She advises on the importance of self-care, well-being and putting yourself first22:20: Founder of Malvados, Jennifer Rainnie: She authentically reveals how it’s never too late to become an entrepreneur27:00: Principal Educator for the IDEA Practice Inc, Camille Dundas: She articulates the positive impact of representation and knowing your worth34:40: Explore Seasons 1 + 2Narrated by Marissa Soragnese, this episode is a dedication of thanks to all our guests for joining us this season, and especially our host, Manjit Minhas, for all she has done to champion this forum that connects women in a fun, dynamic and safe way.
Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“Sometimes allyship doesn't look like stepping up, it looks like stepping back and inviting others to the table,” says Camille Dundas, Principal Educator for The IDEA Practice Inc. “Statistics show that industries across the board could make serious gains in revenue per year through diversity, inclusion, and belonging efforts, but despite throwing millions of well-intentioned dollars at DE&I programs, underrepresented groups struggle to get their foot in the door, and when they do, they almost never make it up in the ranks. Something doesn't add up."
Dundas joins host Manjit Minhas to discuss her journey and the power of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). She is a DE&I consultant specializing in allyship and anti-racism education, and also the Editor-in-Chief of Canada’s largest Black online magazine ByBlacks.com. Dundas has been named among the top 100 Black Canadian Accomplished Women, and her pursuit of truth as a journalist has led to years of research into the untold stories of Black Canadian history and the persistence of anti-Black racism in Canada.
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Camille’s Story: “That's when I started realizing how important words were.”8:25: Discrimination to determination: “I started noticing little things that I couldn't quite explain.”13:35: Practicing allyship: “No matter your identity, you will need an ally at some point.”27:50: Diversity, equity + inclusion in the workplace: “Nobody fits into one single category, and we're influenced by our socialization experiences, culture and background.”33:20: Becoming an entrepreneur: “To see someone succeeding in a field that you didn't think was for you makes a big difference in your choices.”43:20: Closing: “We have to be very transparent with younger women when they ask us for advice.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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Missing episodes?
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Jennifer Rainnie took her favorite word when she was in her twenties and turned it into the brand name of her fashion forward business, Malvados. Women-owned and operated, and designed in Vancouver B.C., Malvados creates footwear “for the wild at heart, the thrill seekers and the courageous dreamers.” Rainnie was inspired by her love of music, adventure, and travel.
“Loving what you do will really lead to your success,” says Rainnie.
She joins Manjit Minhas on A Wealth of Women’s Stories to discuss her outlook on life, her path to entrepreneurship and her volunteerism. She’s raised more than $1.8 million for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and thousands more for other charities. She's one of the co-founders of Jewels for a Cause, raising funds for charities such as Kidsport, YMCA Camp, B.C. Cancer Foundation, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Most recently, she served on the board of Small Business B.C. and is a regular guest presenter at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the fashion design and marketing program, and also, has sat on their advisory board.
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Jen’s Story: “It doesn't seem like a natural path from competing in windsurfing and teaching snowboarding to a career in fashion retail.”6:20: Experience as your key to success: “It's a really great way to become successful, to get paid to learn.”12:30: Embedding your values into your business: “We all share a similar commitment to the brand and what it stands for.”16:40: The importance of authenticity: “People are craving loyalty and trust, and they also seek things that align with their values.”27:10: The impact of volunteerism + socializing: “The height of your success is equal to the depth of your gratitude.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“I thought, ‘Wait a second. Women own the voting power. We own the buying power. Why aren't we harnessing that to reverse this ridiculous cycle of war and poverty?’," says Barb Stegemann, founder of The 7 Virtues, a company that sources organic, fair trade essential oils from nations rebuilding after war or strife. “We were a clean and social enterprise before there was a word for it, really. I felt if people are going to help me help these farmers, I'm not going to put harmful chemicals in their perfumes.”
Stegemann joins host Manjit Minhas and discusses her compelling story of overcoming adversity through the power of stoic wisdom. She has been named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. She won the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Emerging Category Award. She's ranked in Profit Magazine's Top 30 in Cool, Fabulous Canadian Entrepreneurs, and she's the author of the bestselling book The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, as well as a subject of the feature-length documentary Perfume War.
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Barbs’s Story: “I didn't fit the cookie cutter as a woman.”7:50: Rising above obstacles: “Realize it's never over. It's never over and also, never rest on your laurels.”20:35: The 7 Virtues book: “If we're going to walk in those arenas as women, we do need to understand the language and then shape the language.”28:55: Staying true to your beliefs: “Don't take criticism from people you would never go to advice for.”37:25: Social entrepreneurship + well-being: “Don’t stay in motion; move to action.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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"Okay, well am I actually going to do this one thing for my entire life? Or am I going to spread my wings a bit more?” asks Christine Van Cauwenberghe, Head of Financial Planning at IG Wealth Management. Van Cauwenberghe joins Manjit Minhas to discuss career, wealth, and debunk misperceptions about financial planning.
Van Cauwenberghe is a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation, has her certified financial planner designation, is a registered retirement consultant, and is a trust and estate practitioner as certified by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). She has previously served on the board of STEP Canada and is a recipient of a STEP Founder's Award. Christine was granted a King's Council designation by the Province of Manitoba in 2023 in recognition of distinguished service to the practice of law in Manitoba.
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Christine’s Story: “I think I really like helping people.”5:25: Changing career direction: “I was sold that bill of goods by my mom too.”12:30: Women in finance: “You don't have to be a math genius at calculus to be able to be a financial planner.”17:45: Support for women in finance: “I think that what you get paid as a salary and benefits is only a small portion.”22:25: It’s time to take the first step: “Solutions should come at the very end.”36:15: Words of advice: “Look beyond the careers that you have specific training in.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“Business can be such a tool for women being able to write their own destinies and be able to be economically and socially and impactfully empowered,” says Paulina Cameron, CEO of The Forum. We kick off a new season with an episode that highlights Paulina Cameron’s leadership at The Forum, a Canadian national organization that educates mentors and connects women entrepreneurs to thrive. Cameron has won numerous awards and has been recognized in the community by being selected as Business in Vancouver's top 40 under 40 and was awarded BC's Business Most Influential Women in Finance Award.
Cameron says The Forum activates “a tremendous community of supporters and champions to step into the work of providing women with all the different forms of capital, financial capital, wisdom capital, social capital, inspiration capital, that they need to succeed.”
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Paulina’s Story: “I don't know how to connect those dots for you.”5:40: Support for women entrepreneurs: “Our job is to get out of their way, make sure they have what they need.”15:30: Canada 150 Women: “It's really hard for a lot of us to toot our own horns.”22:30: Women supporting women: “You can't be what you can't see.”29:50: Youth entrepreneurship: “Treat others like they want to be treated.”37:40: Words of advice: “Find your people. Start somewhere.”Presented by IG Wealth Management. Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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This podcast is where women’s stories of empowerment, breakthrough and perseverance are shared, celebrated, amplified and heard.
Join us to celebrate another incredible season of A Wealth of Women’s Stories with this special Best of Season Two episode. We share highlights and unaired content from the powerful and insightful conversations our host, Manjit Minhas, had with our guests this year. We also touch on the connections, the community and opportunities that come from supporting one another and celebrating one another’s achievements.
Thank you to all our guests for joining us this season: Vanessa Bowen, Erin Bury, Jenna Hutchinson, Ashley Kosowan, Taylor Lindsay-Noel, Beth Wilson, and especially our host, Manjit Minhas, for all she has done to champion this forum.
Best of Season Two:
0:00: Introduction1:45: Erin Bury: Being an entrepreneur, CEO and a new mom6:00: Jenna Hutchinson + Ashley Kosowan: Jumping into entrepreneurship12:35: Beth Wilson: The confidence gap17:00: Vanessa Bowen: The power of mindset24:20: Taylor Lindsay-Noel: Disability + inclusion30:50: Beth Wilson: The benefits of community involvementPresented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“You need to have a team, nobody does it alone,” says host Manjit Minhas in the tenth episode of A Wealth of Women’s Stories. When it comes to witnessing the power of teamwork, look no further than twin-sisters Jenna Hutchinson and Ashley Kosowan, the owners of Jenna Rae Cakes. They’ve spent the last eight years building their company and their brand together. They have three bakery locations in Winnipeg, have written a best-selling cookbook, and have been featured on the Food Network, NBC, CTV, Globe & Mail, and Martha Stewart’s Weddings magazine. The duo also are judges on the Food Network show, Wall of Bakers.
“I can't imagine doing it solo. That would be really tough,” says Jenna Rae Hutchinson.
“I feel like we've always had each other to build off of so that's been very, very lucky,” says Ashley Kosowan. “So basically, you have to have a twin sister to start a business, that you can rely on. No, I don't think that's necessary. But it's been very, very helpful for us.”
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Jenna + Ashley’s Story: “I'm gonna try this just for fun and see what happens.”14:40: Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs: “It's really, really hard to be taken seriously as entrepreneurs who own a bakery.”28:20: Building a brand online: “I think people appreciate a less curated feed.”46:14: Strength in family: “I feel like we attract family.”52:40: Life is a balancing act: “I want them to see their mom working hard and going to work every day.”58:40: Growing the business: “We’re too small to be big, but we’re too big to be small.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“We are all worthy of wealth, we are worthy of abundance, that includes you, that includes me, that includes everyone,” says Vanessa Bowen, Founder of Mint Worthy in the ninth episode of A Wealth of Women’s Stories. Bowen is not your average money coach, and Mint Worthy is not just another personal finance coaching platform. She says there is more to money than just the numbers.
“I really wanted to create lasting financial change for my clients,” says Bowen. “I didn't want to just put a Band-Aid on it and say, ‘Here's your budget, here's your savings and investment plan, go run with it’. I wanted to make sure we got to the root of what created the financial life that they're living in today.”
As a Chartered Professional Accountant, Vanessa spent almost a decade in the accounting industry helping corporations in North America make sense of their numbers. She made the leap from corporate number crunching to personal finance for two reasons: One - she wasn’t built for a career of cubicles and calculators and, two - she knows first-hand how financial independence can change a woman’s life. She joins host Manjit Minhas to share her energetic and relatable approach to financial literacy and inspire women to live life on their own financial terms. Bowen has been featured as a money expert on CBC, Global news, Breakfast Television and the Toronto Star.
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Vanessa’s Story: “Entrepreneurship is the biggest self development course that you can take in your life.”10:15: From CPA to holistic money coach: “I really wanted to create lasting financial change for my clients.”16:37: A money mindset: “How we relate to money is truly a reflection of how we relate to ourselves”21:35: Money + women: “I wanted to be the voice for other women who had been there.”30:40: The pandemic: “There was definitely a huge financial shift of awareness.”39:40: Rethinking finances: “It's about starting right where you are.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that there's so much life after tragedy,” says Taylor Lindsay-Noel in the eighth episode of a Wealth of Women’s Stories. She joins award-winning host Manjit Minhas, to share her story about triumph over tragedy, resilience that knows no bounds, and the choice to get up every day and live fully.
The entrepreneur from Toronto, Ontario was an elite Canadian national gymnast who had a devastating accident at the age of 14, that instantly paralyzed her from the neck down. Taylor persevered through adversity and paved a new path forward for herself, received a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University and is currently balancing being a motivational speaker, disability advocate, council member of the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity, and a business owner. She is the founder of Cup of Té Luxury Loose Leaf Teas, which was featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things List in 2020. Taylor was recently named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Black Business and Professional Association Harry Jerome Awards, Canada’s most prestigious award celebrating black excellence.
“I'm so proud of the person I am today,” says Lindsay-Noel. “I think we need to be more comfortable with saying that we should be our own biggest cheerleaders. I try to give myself a pat on the back as much as possible. Because if there's one person in this life you need to be proud of, it is yourself.”.
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Taylor’s Story: “I totally recognize I did not have a regular childhood.”8:00: Facing life’s greatest challenges: “I was so terrified of feeling emotions deeply.”19:30: Entrepreneurship + inspiration: “If they didn't want to sponsor me, I'll make my own tea”28:30: Surrounding yourself with strength: “I am an only child. So my friend group is my sisterhood.”36:20: Disability + inclusion: “I see it as an opportunity for education.”46:44: Wellness + mental health: “Talk about it even to just one person that you trust.”50:55: Triumph over tragedy: “I am tough, and I am very comfortable saying that.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“I truly believe that entrepreneurship is about solving people’s problems,” says host Manjit Minhas in the seventh episode of A Wealth of Women’s Stories. Manjit is joined by Erin Bury, an entrepreneur, speaker, startup advisor and former technology journalist who is creating solutions to people’s problems. As CEO of Willful, Erin leads a company that helps simplify end-of-life planning by making it easy for Canadians to protect their family by creating a legal will online. She is a former Financial Post columnist and CTV News tech reporter, she also advises multiple startups, serves on the board for Save the Children Canada, and is co-chair of the #Tech4SickKids initiative for SickKids Hospital. She was named one of Bay Street Bull’s “2021 Women of the Year”, one of Marketing Magazines “Top 30 Under 30”, and she writes that “her claim to fame” is being re-tweeted by Oprah – twice.
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Erin’s Story: “I was not a born entrepreneur.”3:49: The path to entrepreneurship: “Yeah, actually, I'm not going to kill this idea. I think it's a great one.”21:20: The importance of a will: “It's not just about distributing your assets.”28:25: Women and wills: “For women, it becomes a very emotional exercise to go through estate planning.”32:26: The impact of the pandemic: “When COVID hit in March 2020, we saw a 600% increase in website traffic overnight.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“My happy place leading is where there's some significant change to be led,” says Beth Wilson in episode six of A Wealth of Women’s Stories. The former CEO of Dentons Canada, joins award-winning host Manjit Minhas for a discussion about her journey as an inclusive, results-oriented change leader.
Passionate about community building, Beth sits on the boards of some incredible institutions, including SickKids Hospital, Woodgreen Foundation and CivicAction. Her professional career of over 30 years afforded her many opportunities to further causes that she is passionate about, such as the advancement of women in business, volunteering and promoting a leadership mindset. Her dedication as seen her recognized by numerous awards including: the Top 25 Canadian Women of Influence, YWCA Women of Distinction, and twice being named among Canada’s top 100 most powerful women.
Topics they cover include:
0:00: Beth’s Story: “Honestly, I cold-called a bunch of accounting firms”3:58: Balancing parenthood and career: “I’m not even going to sugar coat it and pretend that it’s easy or that I had it all figured out”16:20: Shaping your view of inclusivity: “You need women in the seats of power, so they can influence on how decisions are being made”23:10: The CEO succession process: “Organizations are still uncomfortable with that more female-style of leadership”38:55: Beginning a new career: “When you’re able to recover from failure, it helps you take new risks”49:08 Leading during the pandemic: “I’m an accomplished, educated CEO – and I can’t even cope getting groceries”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022, we’ve produced a very special podcast episode that features our guests from Season One, sharing inspiring stories around this year’s International Women’s Day theme, #BreakTheBias.
Hosted by award-winning entrepreneur Manjit Minhas, we’ve curated highlights from our first season for this very special “best of” episode. Featuring stories about breaking bias from our inspirational guests: Catherine Choi, Alyssa Davies, Stachen Lett-Frederick and Fate Saghir, we relive some great moments and, for the first time, hear new stories and un-aired conversations.
Best of Season One moments:
0:00 Introduction: “Lean in, as we celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. And take action for equality.”1:55 Stachen Lett-Frederick: Breaking your own biases10:05 Fate Saghir: Bias in the workplace22:23 Catherine Choi: Biases and misconceptions of being a successful entrepreneur and a mother32:15 Alyssa Davies: Financial equity and biases in the financial planning industryPresented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“Personal finance is personal for a reason”, says guest Alyssa Davies, founder of Mixed Up Money, in the fourth episode of A Wealth of Women’s Stories. She joins award-winning host, Manjit Minhas, for an in-depth discussion on women, their wealth, and the misconceptions of money.
Neither a certified financial planner, a certified public accountant, or an expert in any type of finance, Alyssa Davies makes money easy and fun, in a way that allows her audience to relate. As a woman who believes in financial equality, she places importance on acknowledging and vocalizing the difficulties women face, and provides the tools needed to succeed and be heard. She has been featured in The Globe and Mail, FLARE, Global News, and last year published her first book, The 100 Day Financial Goal Journal.
Topics they cover include:
0:00 Alyssa’s story: “I saw the need for a judgment free and open space for women to actually feel comfortable with all things money.”8:23 The great wealth transfer: “I think that for too long, women haven't been a part of the conversation.”10:56 Women building wealth: “As Dolly Parton famously said, ‘don't get busy making a living and not live a life’.”20:02 Preparing for life’s goals + emergencies: “What money actually provides us with is space and time to do the things we love.”25:10 The importance of women financial advisors: “I think we're made to believe that personal finances is just a bunch of jargon.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management.
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“Don’t prove your haters wrong, prove your supporters right,” says host Manjit Minhas in episode three of A Wealth of Women’s Stories. She is joined by Fate Saghir, Head of Sustainability at Mackenzie Investments, for a discussion on inclusion, empowerment and challenging the status quo.
A thought leader with over 14 years experience in financial services, Fate also sits on two Advisory Boards: Timea’s Cause, an organization dedicated to building awareness in human trafficking, and the Women’s Collection, an organization focused on enabling financial literacy for women. Fate has forged her own path and shares her inspiring journey of resilience, all the while proving her supporters right.
“I think our best thinking is diverse thinking,” says Fate.
Topics they cover include:
0:00 Fate’s story: “You were told by an executive that they generally don't hire women into business roles”7:49 Challenging the status quo: “You can't control how other people think or what their actions are, you can only control what you do with it”16:45 Being open to opportunities: “I really wanted to forge my own path”21:00 Diversity, equity + inclusion: “Let’s stop believing that our differences make us superior or inferior to one another”31:50 The threat to equity + diversity: “I think we lose a lot of women because they just don't raise their hand”42:09 Aligning your values with your organization: “We've got an opportunity to make such a big impact”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“You are a woman of worth,” says Stachen Lett-Frederick in episode two of A Wealth of Women’s Stories. Recognized as one of WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Stachen has over 20 years of experience in community and program development. She is the founder of the not-for-profit BrAIDS for AIDS, and the Executive Director of Weston Frontlines Centre, a youth charity in Toronto, Ontario. Along with host Manjit Minhas, Stachen brings insight to the topics of mentorship and what it means to be a leader.
Topics they cover include:
0:00 Stachen’s story “You are the average of the five closest people around you at any time in your life”15:23 Mentorship “I could go out into the world, make mistakes, and always have someone that sees the best in me”20:45 Leadership as a mindset “Leadership is not a position or a title – it’s action, it’s example”29:58 Empowering others “Being a leader is not about dictating, but about facilitating”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at www.ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
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“We are all a work in progress,” observes Catherine Choi in the inaugural episode of A Wealth of Women’s Stories. The founder of SoYoung (a woman-owned brand of thoughtfully-made lifestyle goods) joins host Manjit Minhas in a discussion of personal wellness and empowerment.
A recovered drug addict that started her on a quest of personal healing, Catherine had lived a good portion of her life believing in her own lack, with an overwhelming sense of unworthiness. She countered this belief with the courage to think bigger, believe in her own potential and pursue a greater vision. While most entrepreneurs would hide such a turbulent past, she uses her story as a powerful lesson for her children, the mission of her business, and to inspire other women.
Topics they cover include:
0:00 Catherine’s story: “I have actually learned to not allow that fear to rule me anymore. And in doing so, I’ve become a different person.”14:30 Limiting Beliefs: “Am I going to be guided by my fear, or am I going to be guided by something higher?”23:14 Imposter Syndrome: “So much goes away when you don’t focus on the external things.”31:23 The Caregiver Burden: “Nobody is perfect, so let go of that idea of trying to have it all, and do it all, it is not necessary.”37:46 Personal Well-Being: “There’s a past version of yourself that would be so proud of how far you’ve come today.”Presented by IG Wealth Management
Learn more at: ig.ca/women
The views, information and opinions expressed are those of the featured guests, and not necessarily those of IG Wealth Management
