Do we put too much pressure on work to make us feel fulfilled?

In this Wisdom Moments episode, Sandra Boyd explores the growing belief that passion and identity must come primarily from our careers and why that expectation may be setting many people up for disappointment.

Using a real coaching conversation as inspiration, Sandra reflects on how many people feel like something is wrong simply because they are not deeply passionate about their jobs all the time, even when they genuinely enjoy their work and the people around them.

This conversation challenges the idea that work should define our happiness, purpose, and identity. Instead, it encourages a more holistic view of fulfillment, one that includes family, hobbies, relationships, creativity, travel, and the many other experiences that shape who we are.

Because maybe work does not need to be everything.
Maybe a meaningful life comes from multiple sources, not just one.

What fills your bucket outside of work?

We don’t always pay attention to the things that seem small. In this week’s Wisdom Moments, Sandra Boyd shares a personal experience with skin cancer that started as something easy to ignore. A small cut that didn’t heal. Something that seemed manageable until it wasn’t.

The reality is, early signals are often subtle — a change you brush off, a symptom that comes and goes.

The message is simple, but important. Pay attention. Act early.

Whether it’s your health, your team, or your environment, the cost of waiting is often far greater than the effort of addressing something early. If something feels off, don’t ignore it.

When was the last time you paid attention to something you almost dismissed?

How many women of the next generation today truly understand how recent the fights for their rights were? And how many understand how easy it is for those rights to be undermined and squashed?

In this episode of Women on Wisdom, Sandra Boyd sits down with Lenna Bradburn, executive coach, former police chief, and multi-sector trailblazer, to confront an uncomfortable truth: if we don’t understand the struggles of the past, we risk overlooking the barriers that still exist today. Together, they explore why progress is not a straight line, and why assuming the work is done may be one of the biggest risks to women’s advancement.

We talk about:

- The historical milestones that shaped women’s rights in Canada

- Why many women are unaware of how recent these rights actually are

- The difference between equality and equity and why it matters

- The risk of regression and why continued vigilance is critical

- Practical ways women can support each other and challenge barriers

Whether you are early in your career, leading organizations, or shaping the next generation, this episode offers a grounded perspective on the progress made and the work still ahead.

Our guest this week:

Lenna Bradburn has had a distinguished career as a trailblazer and change agent across policing, government, and executive leadership. At just 34 years old, she became Canada’s first female police chief, leading the Guelph Police Service, and went on to hold senior roles in government oversight, municipal services, gaming, social housing, and healthcare .

Today, Lenna works as an executive coach and consultant, supporting organizations in advancing strategic initiatives. Known for her leadership and impact, she has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and among Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100.

Lenna’s LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennabradburn/