Episodes

  • The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass - Episode 9

    The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass - Episode 9
    May 12 2025
    In this Masterclass, Chris McMartin sits down with Julie Cole, co-Founder of Mabel’s Labels and author of the book Managing the Mother’s Load, to discuss starting a business and the key to maintaining its success. Key Topics in this Conversation: · The importance of setting boundaries and how it plays a crucial role in balancing work and family life, maintaining a positive lifestyle and preventing burnout. · Julie’s expert advice on discovering your ideal product and niche, and the importance of understanding and pursuing market segmentation. · Julie’s most valuable lessons when it comes to launching products and tips for hiring the right employees to build a successful business. Tune in to this episode to hear Julie’s insights on starting and growing a business, productivity tips, and creating a fulfilling, positive lifestyle!
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    58 mins
  • The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass - Episode 8

    The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass - Episode 8
    Apr 17 2025
    In this Masterclass, Chris McMartin sits down with Kendelle Pollitt, family and divorce lawyer, and founder of Pier Law and Mediation. Listen in as she shares her journey throughout the field of law and business! Key Topics in this Conversation: · Kendelle’s journey from climbing up the corporate ladder, to launching her own law firm and becoming an entrepreneur in law. · Kendelle’s offers tips and advice for young women stepping into entrepreneurship and discusses the positive impact that mentorship can play on one’s own growth and journey. · The vital role that having a supportive community plays in overcoming challenges, and how the Scotiabank Women Initiative community was instrumental in supporting Kendelle as she scaled her firm. Tune in to this episode to hear from Kendelle, a leader, founder, mother, and lawyer as she covers her journey, experiences, and advice on climbing up the corporate ladder, starting her own law firm, and the intricacies that come with entrepreneurship in law.
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    46 mins
  • The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 7

    The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 7
    Feb 6 2025
    In this MasterClass, Chris McMartin sits down with Brianna Blaney, an entrepreneur of several successful startups, to discuss the fundamentals of startups. Brianna Blaney is the Founder + CEO of Pocketed, a grant platform that helps Canadian businesses easily access over $5.9B annually in grants, tax credits, and incentives with their intelligent matching platform and funding solutions. Key Topics in this Conversation: · The importance of building a strong community as an entrepreneur and the privilege it is to be able to do so · The significance of giving back to the community and supporting other entrepreneurs in their journey · The value of surrounding yourself with people who know more than you in different areas and being aware of your own weaknesses · How to identify the right grant programs for your business and understanding where the grant money will have the biggest impact in your business before applying for grants Tune in to this episode to learn about what it really takes to build a successful startup, as well as the partnership between the Scotiabank Women Initiative and Pocketed!
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    1 hr
  • The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 6

    The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 6
    Feb 4 2025
    In this Masterclass, Chris McMartin sits down with Bobbie Racette, the founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus, as she shares her knowledge on how to raise capital and find investors! Key Topics in this Conversation: · The importance of knowing the investors you approach and tailoring your pitch to their interests · Bobbie’s journey of self-education and growth as an entrepreneur, learning to balance work and life, and finding fulfillment in mentoring and coaching others · How to utilize grants for funding, with a focus on understanding the requirements and restrictions of each grant Tune in to this episode to learn how Bobbie closed Virtual Gurus’ Series A for $8.4 million and what she’s doing to set her company up for success for Series B.
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    51 mins
  • The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 5

    The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 5
    Oct 16 2024
    In this episode Chris McMartin sits down with Kimesha Walters, CEO of Oasis Integrated Communications, to explore the power of strategic communications and practical advice that you can integrate into your business today! Key topics in this conversation: · The ABC of strategic communications: Authenticity, Branding, and Consistency · What do you need to know/have before working with a communications strategist like Kimesha · Leveraging resources for success · The different types of media and avoiding scams Tune in to this episode to hear Kimesha give real world examples on how her communications methods have driven her client’s success and how you can achieve the same!
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    56 mins
  • The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 4

    The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 4
    Sep 17 2024
    In this episode Chris McMartin sits down with Limor Markman, Influencer, Speaker, Trainer, Coach and Founder of Absolute Ascent to learn more about AI strategies and how entrepreneurs can integrate AI into all aspects of business. Key topics in this conversation: · With the right input, is AI is the magic wand? · Real-world examples of how AI has transformed business outcomes · Tips and tricks to start implementing AI into your business · How to embrace AI to benefit your business and employees
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    36 mins
  • The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - episode 3

    The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - episode 3
    Apr 17 2024
    In this episode, Chris McMartin sits down with Nicole Dubé, a broadcast journalist pivoting into entrepreneurship with her company, as she shares her journey and expertise in media training and pitching strategies. Key Topics in this Conversation: How to be authentic and tell a compelling story to connect with the audience The difference between working with a PR agency and doing PR on your own, emphasizing the value of telling your own story How to pitch specialized retail areas with smaller interest, using women's circles as an example. Nicole's daily essential is starting her day with a cup of Jasmine green tea. The webinar concluded with gratitude from the Scotiabank Women Initiative and the audience for an informative and engaging session. Tune in to this episode to hear Nicole's tips and tricks on building and strengthening brand awareness, what working in media has taught her about business, and why she trusts her gut instincts!
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    56 mins
  • The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 1

    The Scotiabank Women Initiative MasterClass podcast - Episode 1
    Apr 15 2024
    In this episode, Chris McMartin sits down with Julianne Costigan to learn more about how connection and authenticity can impact your brand. Julianne is the CEO & Creative Director of Portraits with Impact, an executive styling firm. Her firm believes that great style leads to confidence by helping women understand the importance of having a personal brand. Key topics in this conversation: Importance of a great headshot that reflects who you are and what you bring to the table to build confidence Creating a uniform that makes you feel confident and empowered How to surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and empower you Seeking out mentors and participating in internships to gain valuable experience in the industry Tune in to this episode to listen to Julianne's advice revolving around building confidence and embracing personal style.
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    56 mins