Breaking the Silence: Trish Barbato on Menopause, Arthritis, and Advocacy

In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Trish Barbato, President and CEO of the Arthritis Society of Canada and co-founder of the Menopause Foundation of Canada, to explore the profound impact of menopause on women in the workplace and the broader economy. Trish shares her personal journey through menopause, highlighting the severe symptoms she faced and the inadequate medical responses she received.

Listen to the full episode here.

The Silence and The Stigma

Her experiences led her to become a passionate advocate for menopause awareness and workplace equity, a cause she continues to champion. The Menopause Foundation of Canada conducted two pivotal reports to gather data and validate women's experiences with menopause. The first report, The Silence and the Stigma: Menopause in Canada, revealed that many women feel alone and unsupported during this transition. The second report, Menopause and Work in Canada, underscores the significant economic impact of menopause on women's professional lives.

Menopause in the Workplace

The conversation with Trish also delves into broader issues like ageism and gender equity. Menopause often coincides with a woman's peak career years, making it essential for organizations to address this stage openly. By doing so, companies can support women in achieving senior leadership roles and contribute to a more equitable workplace.

Arthritis Myths

Trish also dispels some common myths about arthritis, emphasizing that it's not just an "old person's disease. We learn how arthritis can affect anyone, from children to elite athletes, underscoring the importance of awareness and research for all age groups.

Advocating for Underfunded Causes

Trish Barbato's advocacy for menopause and arthritis awareness, and workplace equity offers actionable insights into creating inclusive environments. The discussion extends to broader issues like ageism, gender equity, and the challenges of advocating for underfunded causes. Tune in to hear how individual efforts and organizational policies can make a profound difference in supporting women and promoting gender equity in the workplace.

The ​Journey ​From ​Bias to ​Belonging: ​Insights ​From Tonie Ch​altas

In the latest episode of Voices of Leadership, we delve into the remarkable journey of Toni Chaltas, CEO of Achieve, who has navigated the turbulent waters of gender bias and emerged as a formidable leader in the C-suite.

Listen to the full episode here.

The Bluenose II

Toni's experiences, from being part of the first mixed-gender crew on the Blue Nose II to her leadership role at Achieve, offer valuable lessons for aspiring women leaders and organizations striving to foster genuine inclusivity.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Analogy

One of the key highlights of the episode is Toni's use of a dance analogy to break down the multifaceted nature of DEIB. She explains that diversity is being asked to the dance, inclusion is being asked to dance, equity is how much space you get on the dance floor, and belonging is about who chooses the music. This analogy provides a clear and relatable way to understand the different levels of belonging.

Tonie's Work at Achēv

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring Achieve's specialized women's programs, which focus on helping racialized and newcomer women, particularly those re-entering the workforce or facing domestic violence. These programs offer training, job placement, and wraparound services to support women through their unique challenges.

Lobster Tales: Dive into Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy with Ron Caudle

Are you a fan of seafood?

Are you curious about the fascinating world of lobsters?

Listen to the full episode here!

Ron shares his decades of industry experience, taking us on a journey beyond just seafood. We'll hear about the innovative ways he's navigated the business world pre-social media, and how community connections have been crucial to his success. Plus, Ron tells us his favourite seafood recipes that are sure to make your taste buds dance!

Bake Ron's Easy Seafood Recipe

Aligning with Charities

Ron believes that aligning your business with charities can be a win-win situation for both the community and your company. By giving back, you not only help the charity but also create a positive impact for your business. Ron suggests that young entrepreneurs should identify charities that align with their values and business goals to create a lasting impact.

Challenges in Starting a Business

Starting a business is never easy, and Ron faced his fair share of challenges when he opened his first seafood store. The biggest challenge was marketing, as there was no social media back then. Ron had to rely on traditional methods like TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines to get the word out about his business. He advises young entrepreneurs to invest their marketing budget wisely and leverage digital platforms to reach a wider audience.

Rare Creatures and Interesting Stories

As a seafood business owner, Ron has seen his fair share of rare creatures and interesting stories. From the 25-pound lobster to the orange lobster that made headlines, Ron has had some incredible experiences. He shares his favourite story of flying a 25-pound lobster back first class on Air Canada and releasing it back into the water.

Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

Ron's advice for young entrepreneurs is to persevere and stay focused on their goals. Starting a business is not easy, but if you have passion and determination, you can overcome any obstacle. He also emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and aligning your business with charities to create a positive impact.