The Honest Talk

Today on The Honest Talk, we’re joined by a woman whose leadership carries real weight, not just in title, but in responsibility. General Jennie Carignan is Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, the first woman to ever hold the role. She now leads the Canadian Armed Forces at a moment of global instability, shifting alliances, and growing expectations about Canada’s role in the world – both at home and abroad. But this conversation isn’t just about defence strategy or military command. It’s about leadership under pressure. It’s about making decisions when the stakes are incredibly high, building trust and accountability, and leading people when certainty is in short supply. General Carignan has spent decades navigating complexity, command, and consequence. Today, she brings that perspective to The Honest Talk for a conversation about service, resilience, and the very human side of leadership.

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.

From championing women’s voices to shaping strategic growth at one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, RBC senior executive Sue Noble joins The Honest Talk for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose. Sue shares how she built her career in finance by trusting her voice, advocating for women in business, and staying grounded in vision – offering real insight for anyone navigating their own path to leadership.

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 Melissa breaks down complex financial conversations, challenges outdated ideas, and shows us that financial confidence isn’t about perfection – it’s about understanding your choices and owning them.

It’s a new year check-in with Jen and Catherine! They look back on a big year for The Honest Talk, talk honestly about what’s ahead, and share what they’re choosing to bring – and leave behind – in 2026.

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.

We’re thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse in leadership and community impact to the podcast – Devinder Gill. As RBC’s Regional President for Ontario North and East, Devinder brings both heart and strategy to everything she does. She’s a passionate advocate for diversity, empowerment, and breaking down the barriers that keep voices out of the room. We’ve had the chance to experience her leadership firsthand here in Ottawa, and today we’re diving into her story – exploring the professional and personal insights that have shaped how she leads and how she makes space at the table for others.

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.

Today we’re talking to Jill Heinerth – a world-renowned underwater explorer, filmmaker, author, and an accomplished cave diver. As an Explorer-in-Residence with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Jill has ventured into places no human has ever seen: iceberg caves in Antarctica, volcanic lava tubes beneath the ocean, and some of the planet’s deepest, most dangerous underwater caverns. She’s not only an explorer, but also a storyteller, a scientist, and a passionate environmental advocate. She’s a trailblazer for women in extreme, traditionally male-dominated fields. In this episode, we dive into Jill’s courage, what it takes to defy expectations, and the challenges women continue to face in exploration and STEM. And, of course, we explore the power of curiosity, resilience, and following the pull toward the unknown.

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.

We’re thrilled to welcome Sinead King, president of Vancouver Rise FC, to the show! From leading one of the first clubs in the Northern Super League to advocating for inclusive spaces in sports, Sinead is driving real change in women’s soccer. Tune in as she shares her journey, what excites her about the future of the game, and how she’s helping shape a lasting legacy for women in sports.

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, we’re joined by Erin Elofson, President of Mastercard in Canada, and a powerhouse leader whose career spans major global companies like Pinterest, Meta, and Microsoft. She has built a remarkable path in industries where women are still underrepresented and has become a fierce advocate for women leading on their own terms. We’ll dive into her passion for purpose-driven work, the mindsets that have helped her succeed, and her candid reflections on resilience, failure, and self-compassion. She also shares how embracing imperfection and making intentional trade-offs has shaped her career – and why those lessons can empower anyone striving to lead with authenticity.

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.

Today's guest is the kind of woman who doesn’t just break glass ceilings – she crushes them under her combat boots. Lieutenant-General Lise Bourgon is a trailblazer in uniform, and was one of the highest-ranking women in the Canadian Armed Forces. She is a true pioneer, and her career is a testament to discipline, resilience, and the power of purposeful leadership. She has spent her life breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation of women in service – and beyond, and we are so excited she was able to join us on this episode of The Honest Talk podcast!

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.

Today on the show, we’re joined by a trailblazer in Canadian politics – Christy Clark. Christy made history as the 35th premier of British Columbia and became the first woman in the province to be elected premier by the people. Though she’s stepped away from active politics, she hasn’t stepped out of public life. In this episode, we dive into her journey through political leadership, what it was like raising her son in the public eye, the tough lessons she’s learned along the way – and yes, her secret to mixing a mean cocktail.

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.

Canada's Nicole Havrda is burning up the race track for F1 Academy here at home, but also right around the world. She is a rising force in motor sport, she's a young driver, she's very fast, and she is breaking expectations for women in racing. At just 19, she's already making headlines, and we're so excited to have Nicole joining us on The Honest Talk podcast!

From starting out at RBC to becoming Executive VP and Head of Private Banking, Kim Mason has climbed the corporate ladder with purpose – and more than a few reinventions along the way. She’s been named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, a Top 50 CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine, and one of Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence. In this episode, Kim joins us to talk about career growth, what reinvention really looks like – and the values that keep her grounded at the top.