Liz Benditt is the definition of a survivor.  Based in Kansas City, the mother of two discovered, about 10 years ago, that she had skin cancer. Just 11 months after that, Liz was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and then, in 2015 basal cell carcinoma - skin cancer was discovered on the bridge of Liz’s nose, requiring two surgeries to repair. And unbelievably, two years later, Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer. To make use of an old adage - Liz took all of these lemons, and made lemonade. In October of 2020, she took her health experiences and launched the Balm Box, offering practical sel ..read more

I had the great pleasure of working with Lesley  Gunn for several years at a professional services firm in Toronto. I learned a lot from Lesley about leadership, advocating for my own career and to not be afraid of failure.  When Lesley  first started her career like so many others she found herself in a job that she didn't find fulfilling. However, it ultimately helped her understand where she didn't want to focus her career. After some interesting job experience with a newspaper in London, England, Lesley returned to Canada and began working in the staffing business where she ..read more

Kate Gilman Williams is only 12-years old, but she’s already a well-known animal advocate, CEO and author. Kate, who lives in Austin, Texas, was just 7 when she co-authored a book called ‘Let’s Go on Safari’ and 10 when she founded her organization Kids Can Save Animals. Kate believes that anyone can make a difference, and even a little help can go a long way. On her podcast - Club 15, Kate says a great way to learn is from experts who educate on what we can all do to help save wildlife.  Learn more about Kate and the work that she does: Kids Can Save Animals Check out Kate's book : Let ..read more

Stacey Dakin is the managing director of Mentor Canada, an organization that was launched in 2019, and currently sits on the board of directors of Lean In Canada where she leads strategic initiatives.  In this episode Bonnie and Stacey dig into mentorship and career development. Learn more about Mentor Canada and Lean In Canada: Mentor Canada LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Facebook Lean In Canada LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Facebook The Fast Three What is your favourite podcast or source of information? Armchair Expert, Canadian Women's Foundation All Right, Now What,  The Ontario Non P ..read more

Christie Marchese, who grew up in Southern California, worked in a movie theatre through high school. She was planning on enrolling in filmmaking at college, but decided to pursue International Relations following the attacks of 9/11. That love of film remained and after college Christie started working with a well-known TV producer on a non-profit film on registering voters. Christie’s path next took her to a company called Participant Media, where she worked on documentaries such as Food Inc., Waiting for Superman and The Cove. Now based in New York City, Christie is the founder and CEO of K ..read more

Elizabeth Bachman, and her Strategic Speaking for Results program, trains business professionals on how to get results through speaking. Elizabeth wasn’t always a trainer, and spent 30 years in the international opera world, 11 of those operating a summer opera company in the Austrian Alps. On this episode of Run It Like a Girl, Elizabeth Bachman talks about the importance of knowing your audience, and how women who are new to management can lead effectively.  Elizabeth also talks about the glass ceilings she faced in the Opera industry - particularly losing job opportunities to less qual ..read more

Jeanette Brown is the founder of Excellence and Presence Communications, a public relations firm whose clients have included companies such as Pepsi, Reebok, NASCAR, Audi, and the U.S. Open. Jeanette, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, was originally studying to become a nurse until she switched her major to early childhood education. At the same time, at the age of 20 Jeanette landed her first job at a PR agency where she was pitching to the media a U.S. Open Tennis camp for girls. On this episode of Run It Like a Girl, Jeanette Brown tells us that she helps client companies with all aspec ..read more

Shareen Luze is the Head of Culture and Field Experience with RBC Wealth Management. An employment attorney by trade, she joined RBC’s law group 15 years ago, shifting into human resources a couple of years after that. And when, a decade later, Shareen was approached by an executive about heading up the human relations portfolio, she had a surprising response.. -no way-. After some encouragement from others, Shareen did indeed apply and get the job as head of human relations, .and most recently she’s taken on a new role - RBC Wealth Management’s head of culture and field experience. Shareen ..read more

Gemma Castle is the Chief Financial Officer for Cult Wines a global company that provides market-leading fine wine investment and collection management services.  Gemma always thought she would become a sports journalist, but after university she had two job offers: 1. With a large accounting firm 2. A national newspaper. She took the job with the firm, and began her career as an accountant.  As her career advanced she found that as a woman she wasn’t always taken seriously. In this episode she talks about resilience, and gives great advice on recovering from setbacks.  Find o ..read more

Heather Odendaal is the CEO and Co-Founder of WNorth, an organization that connects and offers development opportunities for mid-management  women with an upward career trajectory.  Heather started WNorth in 2015 after unsuccessfully seeking out a conference where she could network with like minded women. Heather says WNorth’s membership grew enormously during the pandemic as women sought a community more than ever.  On this episode of Run It Like a Girl, Heather talks about flexible work models and other initiatives corporations will need to take if they hope to attract and ret ..read more