What happens when family wealth meets family dynamics? Estate planning isn’t just about assets—it’s about navigating relationships, responsibilities, and the unexpected challenges that come with managing a legacy. In this episode, hosts Robin and Al welcome Andrea Love, President and CEO at Legacy Private Trust.

The conversation delves into the complexities of estate planning, the role of independent trust companies, and the importance of having professional help in managing estates. Andrea shares insights on the challenges faced by executors, the significance of family dynamics in estate administration, and the need for open communication about financial matters within families. The discussion also highlights the accessibility of trust services for individuals of varying net worth and the importance of instilling values in future generations. Andrea's personal journey into the trust business adds a unique perspective to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of legacy and planning for the future.

"...this idea of a simple estate, it's not a thing." ~ Andrea Love

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Manu Varma, Head of People and Culture at SWTCH Energy, for an inspiring conversation about leveraging business as a force for good. Manu delves into his personal journey, sharing how his upbringing and values shaped his leadership approach. The discussion explores the profound impact of community engagement, the critical role businesses play in supporting newcomers, and the tangible benefits of aligning business practices with ethics, values, and sustainable development goals. Discover how Manu’s initiatives create meaningful change while driving success for his organization.

Key takeaways:

1. Purpose and Impact: The meaning of life is to discover your gift and share it, a principle businesses can apply by supporting community initiatives and empowering others.
2. Community-Centered Strategies: Businesses should align with Sustainable Development Goals, engage all employees in community building, and prioritize ethics and values in decision-making.
3. Empowering Change: Training programs for marginalized groups and collaborations with other businesses amplify community impact and foster inclusivity.
4. Inspiring Leadership: Personal involvement in community efforts can inspire others and lead to meaningful connections and unexpected business benefits.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

For this conversation, hosts Robin and Al welcome Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum.

Caitlin shares her journey of creating Plum, a talent management platform that helps businesses make smarter workforce decisions while helping people build careers that match their unique strengths. Plum democratizes access to predictive data for hiring and employee development. The conversation explores the impact of generative AI on hiring practices, the importance of inclusivity in recruitment, and the future of assessments in talent management. Caitlin emphasizes the need to recognize potential beyond traditional resumes and highlights the success stories of individuals who have thrived in unexpected roles.

Takeaways:

1. Revolutionizing Hiring Practices: Generative AI, behavioural data, and predictive analytics are transforming hiring by improving accuracy and reducing bias.
2. Inclusivity & Employee Empowerment: Inclusive hiring practices enhance retention while empowering employees to take charge of their careers and foster long-term success.
3. Human-Centric Workplaces: The future of work calls for a focus on recognizing potential and adopting human-centred approaches to redefine success.
4. Innovative Talent Solutions: Plum is leading the way with a vision for the next generation of work.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Melanie Scheepers, SVP of People and Culture at Coconut Software, to explore the dynamic world of HR and leadership. Melanie takes us through her inspiring career journey from psychology to HR, shedding light on the evolving role of HR in driving a people-centric workplace culture.

The conversation dives deep into key topics like the power of mentorship, the importance of aligning company values with actions, and how strong leadership sets the foundation for a thriving organizational culture. Melanie shares valuable insights on dispelling misconceptions about HR, building trust through leadership partnerships, and adapting HR practices in the tech industry amidst the rise of AI.

Passionate about empowering women in the workplace, Melanie also discusses her commitment to supporting working mothers and creating an environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally.

"Values must be lived, not just stated." ~ Melanie Scheepers

Key Takeaways:

1. Mentorship Matters: Mentorship is a key driver of career development.

2. Culture Starts at the Top: Senior leadership plays a critical role in shaping and driving organizational culture.

3. Walking the Talk: Actions must align with stated values to build trust and strengthen culture.

4. HR as a Partner: HR’s role has evolved into a strategic, human-centric partnership that supports both people and business goals.

5. Shared Responsibility for Culture: Building and sustaining a strong workplace culture is a collective effort across the organization.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Tune in as hosts Robin and Al sit down with Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, the trailblazing CEO of Canadian Women & Sport. Alison takes us on a compelling journey through her path to sports leadership, sharing candid insights into the triumphs and challenges of advancing gender equity in a traditionally male-dominated field. From breaking down systemic barriers to fostering inclusive environments, Alison’s vision and determination are paving the way for a more equitable future in sports. She offers a fresh perspective on redefining leadership success, the power of continuous learning and unlearning, and the critical role men play in championing gender equity.

This episode isn’t just about sports—it’s about creating lasting impact and reshaping the future for women in Canada and beyond. Whether you're a leader, an ally, or someone passionate about inclusion, this conversation will leave you inspired and motivated to make a difference.

"Sport is the vehicle, but the goal is women's empowerment." ~ Alison Sandmeyer-Graves

Takeaways:

1. Empowerment through Sports: Alison’s journey reflects a commitment to justice, with sports serving as a platform for women’s empowerment and a means to challenge systemic barriers in leadership.
2. Redefining Leadership: Success and leadership are non-linear, requiring continuous learning, unlearning, and challenging traditional norms to create inclusive environments.
3. Building Capacity for Equity: For sports systems to fulfill their promise of equity, building organizational capacity and addressing systemic barriers are essential.
4. Shaping the Future: The future of women’s sports is evolving, with raising boys to respect women playing a vital role in driving progress and achieving lasting change.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Cybersecurity isn’t just a concern for big corporations—it’s a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, Robin Bailey and Alan McDonald sit down with David Chernitzky, CEO and co-founder of Armour Cybersecurity, to uncover the hidden vulnerabilities many small and medium-sized businesses face. From the rise of ransomware to misconceptions about IT security versus cybersecurity, David shares valuable insights and practical steps to help organizations take control of their cyber risks. Tune in for expert advice on protecting your business and building resilience in an increasingly digital world.

"If you're connected, you're fair game." ~ David Chernitzky, CEO/Co-Founder at Armour Cybersecurity

Key Takeaways:

1. Cybercrime affects businesses of all sizes – Small and medium enterprises are especially vulnerable but often underserved in cybersecurity.
2. Ransomware and AI threats are rising – Cybercriminals are using advanced tools, making education and preparedness more crucial than ever.
3. Cybersecurity is business risk management – It’s not just an IT issue but a critical part of protecting your company.
4. Affordable solutions exist – Effective cybersecurity doesn’t have to be costly, especially with the right trusted partner.
5. A global shortage of talent – The lack of cybersecurity professionals underscores the need for external expertise and support.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

We kick off our fifth season of Success Leaves Clues with an inspiring conversation as hosts Robin Bailey and Al McDonald welcome Jocelyne Beaulieu, Head of People and Operations at Koru, who describes herself as "a curious senior leader who is enthusiastic about all things People, Culture, & DEI."

Jocelyne shares her unique career journey, diving into the power of curiosity and the role of personal connections in shaping a thriving workplace. From navigating HR challenges to building a positive culture, she offers actionable insights for leaders. The discussion touches on the importance of mentorship, reflections on success, and how kindness leaves a lasting legacy in both professional and personal lives. It’s a conversation packed with wisdom to start the season strong!

"Curiosity was just the very clear number one value." ~ Jocelyne Beaulieu

Key Takeaways:

1. Curiosity and Connections: Curiosity and building meaningful connections are essential drivers of personal and professional growth.
2. Empathy and Kindness in Leadership: Empathy, kindness, and creating safe spaces are vital for navigating HR challenges and fostering a positive workplace culture.
3. Living Company Values: Actively practicing company values and listening to employee feedback are crucial for shaping an authentic and thriving culture.
4. Mentorship and Legacy: Mentorship and leading by example create a lasting legacy, defined by the impact one has on others.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Navigating career transitions can be daunting, but it’s also a chance to find purpose and joy in the workplace. In our last episode of the season, hosts Robin & Al sit down with Marlene Carrington, Practice Lead for People and Culture Solutions at CareerJoy, to explore how HR leaders can support employees through these pivotal moments. Marlene shares her inspiring journey to finding CareerJoy, the importance of outplacement services, and how mentorship and open conversations can transform workplace culture. From tackling challenges like menopause in the workplace to the impact of supportive leadership, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to thrive in times of change.

"You don't have to climb the ladder to be a leader." ~ Marlene Carrington

Key Takeaways:

1. Supporting Employee Well-Being: Managing stress, addressing menopause, and fostering morale during transitions are crucial for a healthy work environment.
2. The Evolving Role of HR: CHROs play a pivotal role in providing solutions like outplacement services and treating talent as a valuable asset.
3. The Power of Mentorship: Mentorship is a key driver of career development and meaningful work.
4. Finding Career Fulfillment: Taking time to discover passions can lead to a rewarding career journey, as shown in Marlene’s inspiring path to CareerJoy.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group