Power of Why with Naomi Haile

Chanel Cathey is the founder and CEO of CJC Insights, a strategic communications and public relations agency headquartered in New York City. Since launching the firm in 2018 with her savings and a bold mission, Chanel has built a powerhouse agency that partners with global companies, high-growth startups, mission-driven nonprofits, and private equity teams to craft narratives that resonate, build trust, and drive real impact.Looking for a specific gem?00:00 Introducing Chanel01:47 Editing newspapers at age 403:42 How growing up in a house of educators shaped her04:54 Creating a goal list with her mom and grandma05:22 Goal lists > checklists05:56 Learning to read and phonetics changed her life trajectory (she went from not reading to reading in just one summer)07:40 Why she switched from business to communications08:20 Her first networking event and homemade sunflower business card09:24 The bold ask that got her an internship at ABC News13:41 What it was really like interning at a political news show11:37 Discovering PR was her calling16:05 Starting CJC Insights without a master plan17:55 Why she was naïve about starting her business —and grateful for it24:33 The realities of entrepreneurship that no one talks about19:22 How she built her first client base without even realizing it19:44 Defining her zone of genius (hint: it’s not social media)21:54 Why most people undervalue their own stories24:14 How she uncovers a founder’s “IT” factor26:30 What confidence has to do with your brand strategy27:44 I tell people and brands the same thing: Write it down.28:48 Not everything is newsworthy. Take time to invest in messaging and strategy29:10 When brands start to lose their way…30:00 Reputation and trust are really hard to restore33:52 Getting more funding into the hands of founders 40:46 How therapy helped her rebuild confidence42:20 Why she hired a financial consultant for sanity and scale43:35 Her advice for founders who feel overwhelmed46:00 Final thoughts + where to connect with Chanel onlineConnect with ChanelLinkedIn: Chanel CatheyWebsite: cjcinsights.comCJC Instagram: @cjcinsightsBoard Member: Wellness in the SchoolsConnect with NaomiWebsite: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

Sigute Zitikyte is a personal brand strategist, writer, and business coach leading the Multi-Passionate movement—a platform created for high-achieving women who are done choosing between their creativity, ambition, and authenticity.She’s helped hundreds of women stop playing small, embrace the full spectrum of who they are, and confidently build brands that reflect who they are, not just their résumés. From breaking cycles of people-pleasing to owning their voice and vision, Sigute teaches you how to build with clarity, consistency, and courage.00:00 Introducing Sigute02:26 Where Sigute's Story Begins03:40 Why Identity Shaped Her Brand Voice05:00 Does Your Environment Give You the Nourishment You Need?07:11 Split Identity or Secret Superpower?08:40 The Moment It All Clicked in Malaysia10:00 How Her Parents Inspired Her Reading & Writing13:12 Why Sigute Always Had 3 Jobs13:41 Planting Seeds In Your Career17:55 Applying to Mindvalley with 24 Hours’ Notice21:57 How Mindvalley Shaped Her View of Work23:58 Starting Her First Blog in Kuala Lumpur29:10 Getting Her Dream Job at Shopify31:14 Starting Her Fractional Consulting Business33:12 The Truth About Long-Term Brand Building34:30 The Value of a Resonant Audience37:33 How Sigute Avoids Getting Trapped in Her Business39:30 How to Sell to a High-Caliber Audience42:13 Her Long-Term Vision: A Villa in France44:08 A Morning Routine Rooted in Joy58:30 Pouring Love into the EverydayConnect with SiguteLinkedIn: Sigute ZitikyteBook: Multi-Passionate: How to Claim Your Identity and Radiate as a Multi-Passionate in a Linear World Website: sigutezitikyte.comInstagram: Sigute ZitikyteThought Leader SocietyConnect with NaomiWebsite: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

“I promised myself I’d get this job the Justine way. I wasn’t going to follow someone else’s script—I was going to show up as me.”Justine Hendricks, sits as Farm Credit Canada’s President and CEO after 17 years with Export Development Canada (EDC) and 7 years with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Throughout her career, she has championed Canadian businesses across agriculture, agri-food, and other critical industries—helping them access the capital, risk management solutions, and strategic support they need to grow and thrive.But what sets Justine apart isn’t just her impressive track record—it’s how she leads. Whether spearheading EDC’s $9B Insurance and Working Capital Solutions portfolio, being appointed and becoming its first Chief Sustainability Officer, or aligning corporate strategy with evolving environmental and human rights standards, Justine is redefining what it means to lead with integrity, vision, and action.Connect with JustineLinkedIn: Justine Hendricks    Farm Credit Canada Website: Farm Credit CanadaConnect with NaomiWebsite: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

"This is what true grassroots entrepreneurship looks like. It’s relational. It’s reciprocal. It’s sacred."Denyse Nadon is the Founder and CEO of Tribalure, a grassroots cosmetics and skincare brand rooted in Ancestral knowledge, ceremony, and community healing honoring the Seven Sacred Teachings of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth.. An Algonquin woman from the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, a proud matriarch, Denyse isn’t just redefining beauty—she’s reclaiming it.Denyse leads Bear Vision Consulting & Training, a 100% Indigenous woman-owned business specializing in cross-cultural education, truth and reconciliation training, and leadership development. With 25 years of experience as an Indigenous adult educator and trainer, she has empowered countless communities through culturally grounded workshops, and keynote addresses.We’ll be diving into what it means to build a business that’s rooted in identity and storytelling, the power of matriarchal leadership, and why beauty—when done with intention—can be a form of resistance, connection, and self-love.If you're curious about what it truly means to lead with purpose and build in a way that honours the past, present, and future—this conversation is for you.Connect with DenyseLinkedIn: Denyse NadonTribalure Website: tribalure.comTribalure Instagram: @Tribalure_CosmeticsTribalure LinkedIn Tribalure Cosmetics Connect with NaomiWebsite: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

"The biggest limitations we have are in our own brains. My job is to unconstrain my team’s thinking, create a culture of trust, and allow innovation to thrive."For  France Hébert, the biggest barriers aren’t external—they exist in our own minds. As VP & General Manager at CAE and President of SkyAlyne, she’s leading the future of aviation training and defense innovation, leveraging AI, simulation, and emerging tech to push boundaries.A former officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, France’s career has been built on strategic thinking, execution, and leadership under pressure. She thrives on removing self-imposed limitations, empowering teams, and creating a culture where bold ideas can thrive.A Professional Engineer and champion for women in STEM, she’s proving that the future of aerospace isn’t just about technology—it’s about the people who have the courage to shape it.Connect with FranceLinkedIn: France HerbertCAE Website: www.cae.comSkyAlyne Website: www.skyalyne.ca Connect with NaomiWebsite: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

Building a startup while in medical school sounds impossible.But Yoobin Lee, founder of Quip Medical, is making it work—not by working harder, but by working smarter.Growing up across Vancouver, Seoul, and California, she saw different cultures, different expectations, and the idea that success meant choosing just one path.Then, in medical school, she saw something she couldn’t ignore: Doctors losing thousands in unbilled work—because the system was outdated, complex, and broken.So she started building.✅ Validated the idea through market research.✅ Brought on a technical co-founder.✅ Landed her first customer and refined the platform with real-time feedback.That idea became a pitch.That pitch became Quip Medical—helping physicians spend less time on admin and more time with patients.She didn’t wait for permission.She didn’t tell herself, I’m just a med student.She asked for help. Found the right people. Built the product.Today, Quip Medical is working with real physicians, solving a real problem, and making sure doctors actually get paid for the care they provide.Connect with YoobinLinkedIn: Yoobin Lee (yoobin@quipmedical.org)Website: Quip MedicalConnect with NaomiWebsite: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

For as long as she can remember, Sarah Sedgman has been fascinated by the intersection of learning, creativity, and innovation. Growing up in the countryside—where she and her brother would invent and build things just for fun—she was surrounded by a family of educators and entrepreneurs who encouraged her to think differently.That curiosity shaped her career path, leading her from instructional design to the C-suite, where she spent years driving global learning strategies for some of the largest technology companies in the world—Cognos, IBM, PTC, and Kinaxis. No matter where she went, one challenge remained:Training programs were slow to develop, costly to execute, and struggled to keep pace with business needs.Instead of waiting for a solution, Sarah built one.As Founder & CEO of LearnExperts AI, she is transforming how organizations create training by automating the instructional design process, cutting development time by 67% and unlocking knowledge at scale. With LearnExperts’ LEAi platform, companies can instantly convert raw content (presentations, documents, videos) into structured, high-quality learning materials for eLearning, microlearning, instructor-led training, and more.This episode is for you if:You're committed to building a meaningful life by blending art, entrepreneurship, and wellness.You’re looking for inspiration to tackle fear, overcome challenges, and commit to your craft.You’re fascinated by how culture and heritage shape creativity and resilience.Connect with SarahLinkedIn: Sarah SedgmanLearnExperts Website:https://learnexperts.ai/Connect with NaomiWebsite: ⁠www.naomihaile.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠Naomi Haile⁠Instagram: ⁠@naomiahaile⁠Twitter: ⁠@naomiathaile⁠YouTube: ⁠Naomi Haile⁠

"I liked doing things that scared me. I always knew if you did something that terrified you, you’d be less scared of it at the end." In this clip, she shares how an acting class at UCLA helped her overcome painful shyness at 18. Despite her fear, stepping into the unknown sparked a deep love for acting that changed the course of her life. She reflects on battling thyroid cancer at 21—a wake-up call that pushed her to take her acting career seriously. From voice lessons to intense acting scenes, she committed to her craft, building discipline and resilience along the way. Hear how her dedication paid off, from landing guest roles on Friends to eventually starring in JAG. This clip is a testament to the power of courage, focus, and pursuing what truly excites you.

"I liked doing things that scared me. I always knew if you did something that terrified you, you’d be less scared of it at the end." Catherine Bell is a renowned actress, entrepreneur, and mother whose career in film and television has captivated audiences for over three decades. Best known for her iconic roles as Lt. Sarah ‘Mac’ MacKenzie on the action-drama series JAG and as Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Nightingale on the beloved Good Witch series, Catherine’s ability to connect with audiences has made her a household name. Beyond the screen, Catherine embodies entrepreneurial creativity and purpose. She’s the founder of Everliving Beauty, a non-toxic skincare line inspiring confidence, and Catherine Bell Jewelry, a collection that channels her passion for vintage artistry, nature, and timeless design. Born in London to an Iranian mother, Catherine’s journey brought her to California, where she began exploring her multifaceted talents. Initially studying biomedical engineering at UCLA, her path shifted when modeling and acting revealed her natural gifts. Throughout her story, Catherine is guided by a deep mission: empowering others to live healthier and more vibrant lives. This episode is for you if: You're committed to building a meaningful life by blending art, entrepreneurship, and wellness. You’re looking for inspiration to tackle fear, overcome challenges, and commit to your craft. You’re fascinated by how culture and heritage shape creativity and resilience. Connect with Catherine Instagram: @therealcatherinebell Clean skincare brand: Everliving Beauty  Jewelry brand: Catherine Bell Jewelry Connect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.com LinkedIn: Naomi Haile Instagram: @naomiahaile Twitter: @naomiathaile YouTube: Naomi Haile

“How can we create behavior change as fast as possible?” In this clip, Kimberly shares her perspective on talent development trends, including microlearning and the rise of AI in the workplace. While acknowledging the value of these tools, she explains why Brown Leadership is leaning into a more “old school” approach—longer, in-person workshops and immersive learning experiences that drive meaningful behavior change. Kimberly discusses how she’s optimizing her curriculum, focusing on what’s most effective for clients, and leveraging data to guide her strategy. This counterintuitive approach challenges industry norms but delivers powerful results. Connect with Kimberly Personal Website: www.kimberlybonline.com Company Website: www.brownleadership.com/ Book: Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning into a Career You’ll Love LinkedIn: Kimberly Brown Podcast: Your Next Move   Connect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.com LinkedIn: Naomi Haile Instagram: @naomiahaile Twitter: @naomiathaile YouTube: Naomi Haile

“No one is ever going to share your skills and experience better than you.” In this clip, Kimberly explains why you must unapologetically own and share your skills, passions, and goals. She emphasizes that self-promotion isn’t bragging—it’s educating others about who you are and what you’re capable of. Kimberly shares her advice for building a career that creates its own opportunities by actively connecting with people and organizations. Her insights challenge outdated stigmas around personal branding and highlight the power of confidently communicating your value. Connect with Kimberly Personal Website: www.kimberlybonline.com Company Website: www.brownleadership.com/ Book: Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning into a Career You’ll Love LinkedIn: Kimberly Brown Podcast: Your Next Move   Connect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.com LinkedIn: Naomi Haile Instagram: @naomiahaile Twitter: @naomiathaile YouTube: Naomi Haile

“For me, I knew I didn’t want to make my business smaller to accommodate a larger corporate life.” In this clip, Kimberly shares how a pivotal move to American Express changed the trajectory of her career and business. She reflects on her decision to leave a role she loved to pursue her growing business, weighing the fear of failure against the potential for regret. Kimberly’s story is a powerful reminder to take bold steps toward what matters most, trusting in your abilities and support system while leaving room for the magic of unexpected opportunities.

“You have control over your career.” In this clip, Kimberly challenges the traditional mindset that success comes from waiting to be recognized for hard work. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of actively steering your career with your personal strategy. Kimberly explains how most company career plans are designed to serve the organization, not the individual. She shares her approach to guiding clients in building strategies that align with their goals—whether financial, status-based, or industry-specific—while leaving room for unexpected opportunities. This clip is a powerful reminder to take charge of your career and plan with intention.

“My largest client had $14 million in their checking account, but I also had clients who overdrafted every day. I saw the whole gamut.” In this clip, Kimberly shares the pivotal moment when she chose happiness over everything else in her career. After an unforgettable (and hilarious) encounter with a client, she realized the importance of aligning work with joy and purpose. She reflects on her transition to higher education, making intentional career moves, and leaning into what truly made her happy. Kimberly offers insights on finding fulfillment and handling challenges by connecting with work you genuinely respect and enjoy.

"I think there are a lot of things in life that we don’t get taught how to do. We have to learn through trial by fire and experience." Kimberly reflects on her passion for talent development and the challenges women and people of color face in navigating their careers. She highlights how delayed preparation often leads to missed opportunities and underemployment. Her mission is to equip professionals with practical, reusable tools to build success at every career stage. Hear how her strategies help clients achieve lasting growth and overcome systemic barriers.

Learn from Kimberly Brown, a career and leadership expert, as she helps you navigate the workplace, earn more money, and establish yourself as an industry leader. “No one is ever going to share your skills and experience better than you. They can try, but it’s your experience. You have to get comfortable talking about your skills, your interests, your passions, and your goals, because that’s the only way you’re able to create opportunities for yourself.” Kimberly Brown is a career and leadership expert whose mission is to help professionals navigate the world of work, make more money, and position themselves as industry leaders. With over a decade of experience in career services within higher education, Kimberly built her company, Brown Leadership, to help individuals and organizations alike unlock their full potential. She works with professionals to develop winning strategies for career advancement and collaborates with companies to bridge skills gaps, cultivate leadership excellence, and foster cultures that inspire long-term growth and success. In June 2021, Kimberly debuted her transformative book, “Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning into a Career You’ll Love”—a practical guide praised for its actionable insights and empowering strategies. This episode is for you if: You’re ready to take charge of your career and create opportunities with intention You want to balance a thriving 9-to-5 with a growing side hustle You want to build a personal brand that attracts the right opportunities You’re focused on making strategic moves that align with your vision Connect with Kimberly Personal Website: www.kimberlybonline.com Company Website: www.brownleadership.com/ Book: Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning into a Career You’ll Love LinkedIn: Kimberly Brown Podcast: Your Next Move   Connect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.com LinkedIn: Naomi Haile Instagram: @naomiahaile Twitter: @naomiathaile YouTube: Naomi Haile

Reinvention isn’t automatic—it’s intentional. In this clip, Kevin Bourne and Naomi Haile unpack the mindset that drives Kevin to embrace change, even in life’s toughest seasons. Reflecting on moments when he’s hit rock bottom and rebuilt—whether restarting in Ottawa or returning to Toronto—Kevin shares: “I’ve been through so many restarts, fallen, and gotten back up, that I can always see the good in the bad.” For him, short-term discomfort is a small price to pay for long-term growth. Naomi offers a fresh perspective: “So many people focus on the inconvenience rather than the opportunity.” Kevin’s unwavering faith in God and ability to see challenges as stepping stones keeps him grounded, resilient, and always moving forward.

Kevin Bourne highlights why embracing the awkward, transitional moments is key to building a lasting legacy. For Kevin, the in-between—the messy, unpolished phases—matters just as much as the milestones. “I’m not here for the moment. I’m thinking about being here in 20 or 30 years. Who’s even going to remember the awkward phase?” he asks, drawing a powerful parallel between personal growth and career evolution. Whether it’s the growing pains or the confusion that comes with pivoting, Kevin stays focused on the long game. Naomi Haile reframes these transitions beautifully: “Those moments are as much a part of your life as the highs and lows. They deserve the same respect and honor.”

Kevin Bourne challenges the popular “move in silence” mindset. Instead, he reveals how inviting people into your process and pivot can spark connection, education, and opportunity. At his core, Kevin identifies as a storyteller—a thread that runs through every chapter of his life. From crafting speeches on Parliament Hill to documenting Ottawa hip hop culture through articles, documentaries, and art exhibits, Kevin shares: “I’m just a storyteller who loves exploring different mediums for storytelling.” Naomi Haile adds, “That’s when branding is done well—it teaches people to associate opportunities with the work you do.” Together, they unpack the value of showing your evolution in real time and remind us that there’s power in being seen—even when you’re still figuring things out.

“You can’t attract new opportunities if people don’t see the new version of you,” Kevin shares. By building in public and sharing his process, he’s rewriting his narrative—training his audience to see him as he evolves. In this insightful conversation, Kevin Bourne and Naomi Haile explore the art of messaging during transitions. Kevin reflects on embracing the “messy middle” of redefining his career—from journalist Kevin to a storyteller stepping into film and TV. He emphasizes the power of showing up authentically, educating people about your pivot, and bringing them along for the journey. This clip is a masterclass in storytelling, branding, and evolving with intention.