The Exec Hotseat Podcast [Executive]

From City Hall to being in the Hotseat: What Leadership Really Looks Like with Sherri Rollins! What does it actually take to lead a city?  In this episode of The Exec Hotseat Podcast, Amanda Buhse sits down with Winnipeg City Councillor Sherri Rollins, who represents Fort Rouge–East Fort Garry, for a candid conversation about leadership, politics, public service, influence, and the realities of making decisions that impact an entire city. Sherri brings a refreshingly honest perspective to what happens behind the scenes at City Hall — from potholes and public safety to housing, infrastructure, permitting, taxation, major capital projects, and the complicated realities of municipal government. She also opens up about the personal side of leadership: the sacrifices, the scrutiny, the pressure, the importance of knowing when to ask for help, and what public service can cost you personally. And, true to Sherri's personality, there are plenty of laughs along the way — including gardening, hockey-mom life, painting portraits of her husband, luxury candles, her love of policy, and her dog, Truth Bader Ginsburg. 😂   In this episode, Sherri and Amanda talk about:  What Sherri's life looks like beyond being a city councillor How her background in conflict resolution and work with national inquiries shaped her leadership What surprised her most when she first stepped into municipal politics What a real week looks like for a city councillor The reality of responding to emergencies, resident concerns, infrastructure issues and major city projects  How she handles criticism and making decisions that not everyone agrees with What people misunderstand about how City Hall actually works Why municipal issues are often much more complicated than they appear Housing, homelessness, public safety and permitting The challenges surrounding major infrastructure and capital projects What strong leadership looks like in an increasingly divided environment Why leaders need to think beyond the next election cycle Whether women lead differently in politics The importance of collaboration, coalition-building and bringing community voices to the table The personal sacrifices that come with public leadership Safety, scrutiny and the difficulty of truly "turning off" when you're in public office Why Sherri believes aspiring leaders need to know what they want to DO with the job Her advice for women who may feel intimidated, underqualified or hesitant to step into leadership   One of our favourite takeaways:   "It shouldn't be what you want to be. It should be what you want to do." For Sherri, leadership isn't about having the title. It's about having a clear sense of purpose, understanding the community you're serving, and knowing what you want to accomplish with the opportunity you've been given. This is a candid, funny and surprisingly personal conversation about what leadership really looks like when the cameras aren't on. Connect with Sherri Rollins 📞 City Hall: 204-986-5878 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 https://www.sherrirollins.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherri_rollins_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherri-lynn-rollins-462bb312/   Connect with The Exec Hotseat Hosts Founder + Host: (Away for this episode) 👉 Lisa Thompson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabrd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisathompsonbrd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandrevivaldesign/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brdagency.ca/ 🌐 https://brdagency.ca/ Co-Host: 👉 Amanda Buhse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abuhse/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coalandcanary/ 🌐 https://www.coalandcanary.com/  

"Startup Mom" to Ecosystem Builder: Joelle Foster on Taking the Leap, Supporting Entrepreneurs, and Daring to Do!   Featuring: Joelle Foster, President & CEO of North Forge  In our latest episode of @exechotseatpodcast, Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with Joelle Foster, President and CEO of North Forge, entrepreneur, mentor, advocate, and one of the driving forces behind Manitoba's startup ecosystem. With a career spanning television, entrepreneurship, Futurepreneur, the University of Calgary, and the creation of North Forge, Joelle has spent decades helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into real businesses. She shares the lessons she's learned from working with more than 800 founders, including one quality she believes every successful entrepreneur needs: coachability. From taking on leadership roles before she felt ready, to moving her family to Calgary, returning home to Winnipeg, and helping build North Forge into one of Canada's most unique innovation hubs, Joelle's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes you have to take the leap before you feel completely prepared. The conversation also gets personal, as Joelle opens up about becoming a mother through adoption, how motherhood shaped her leadership style, and how the nickname "Startup Mom" came from the fiercely protective way she advocates for the entrepreneurs she believes in. Lisa, Amanda, and Joelle explore everything from entrepreneurship and funding to AI, women in tech, mentorship, financial literacy, and the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world.  At its core, this episode is about having the courage to begin, staying open to feedback, and doing the hard, unglamorous work required to build something real.   Key Highlights: 🗝️ Why coachability, emotional intelligence, and being willing to check your ego are critical traits for entrepreneurs 🗝️ What Joelle learned from stepping into major leadership roles before she felt completely ready — and why sometimes you just have to take the leap 🗝️ The personal story behind Joelle's "Startup Mom" nickname and how her experience as a mother has shaped the way she supports entrepreneurs 🗝️ Why understanding your customers and listening to the market can be more important than being in love with your original idea 🗝️ How Manitoba's startup ecosystem works together to support founders through mentorship, funding, networking, and specialized programming 🗝️ Why AI is creating both more opportunity and more competition — and why soft skills, empathy, communication, and critical thinking still matter 🗝️ Joelle's advice for anyone who feels like they aren't ready yet: the worst that can happen is someone can say no 🗝️ What "Dare to Do" really means - and why building a business requires doing the hard, unglamorous, customer-facing work Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an established business owner, a young professional, or simply someone who needs a reminder to take the leap, Joelle brings an honest, energetic, and deeply human perspective on what it takes to move an idea forward. 👉 Connect with Joelle: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellefoster/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/northforgemb/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northforgemb/ Website: https://www.northforge.ca/ Email: [email protected] Sign up for the North Forge newsletter to stay connected to Manitoba's tech-enabled innovation ecosystem and upcoming opportunities. Founder + Host: 👉 Lisa Thompson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabrd/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandrevivaldesign/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brdagency.ca/ 🌐 https://brdagency.ca/ Co-Host: 👉 Amanda Buhse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coalandcanary/ 🌐 https://www.coalandcanary.com/

IT'S LIVE! In our latest episode of @exechotseatpodcast, Amanda Buhse and Lisa Thompson sit down with Sandra Hodzic-Falk, founder of Sorella Strategies, government relations expert, strategist and advocate for meaningful social and economic change. Drawing on experience spanning government, social services, international consulting, and strategic advisory work, Sandra offers a behind-the-scenes look at how policy is shaped, how decisions are made, and why relationship-building remains one of the most powerful tools available to leaders and entrepreneurs wanting to create an impact. This conversation explores everything from affordable housing and workforce development to Indigenous economic participation, global trade, and the evolving relationship between business and government. Sandra also shares insights from her work supporting major initiatives across Manitoba and beyond, including the transformation of Winnipeg's historic Hudson's Bay building into a community-focused hub of housing and services,under the leadership of SCO. At its core, this episode is a conversation about influence, leadership, and the importance of understanding the systems that shape our communities.   Key Highlights: 🗝️ Why effective advocacy is about relationships, not just meetings, emails, and policy documents, 🗝️ What entrepreneurs and business leaders need to understand about government decision-making, funding, and creating meaningful influence, 🗝️ How empathy, citizen-centred design, and genuine engagement can lead to better outcomes for communities, businesses, and governments alike.   Whether you're a business owner, community leader, policymaker, or someone interested in creating change, Sandra offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on how to navigate complex systems, build trust, and move important ideas forward.    __________   👉 Connect with Sandra:   🔗 LinkedIn  📷 Instagram   🌐 Website  📷 Instagram: Sorella Strategies     _____    Founder + Host:  👉 Lisa Thompson  🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisabrd  📷 Instagram: https://lnkd.in/gzx7GFaJ    🔗 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g4QSHcbN  📷 Instagram: instagram.com/brdagency.ca   🌐 brdagency.ca    _____    Co-Host:  👉 Amanda Buhse  🔗 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gVM2zF3v  📷 Instagram: instagram.com/abuhse    📷 Instagram: https://lnkd.in/g7_QX3eM  🌐 coalandcanary.com ___ 👏 Thank you to @RRCPolytech for sponsoring this episode - and to the @exechotseatpodcast and @brdagency.ca team!   

From Piano Teacher to Global Entrepreneur: Glory St. Germain on Coaching, Courage & Creating Opportunity Featuring: Glory St. Germain, Founder & CEO of Ultimate Music Theory In this episode of The Exec Hotseat Podcast, host Lisa Thompson sits down with visionary entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, educator, and business coach Glory St. Germain. What started as teaching piano lessons at just 16 years old has grown into an internationally recognized company serving music educators in more than 38 countries. Today, Glory is one of the world's leading authorities in music education, founder of Ultimate Music Theory, creator of the UMT Certification Elite Educator Program, author of more than 60 books, and host of the Ultimate Music Teachers Podcast. Together, Lisa and Glory explore the entrepreneurial journey behind building a global education company from Winnipeg, the lessons learned through decades of business ownership, and why coaching, mentorship, and lifelong learning have remained at the heart of her success. The conversation also explores Glory's recent TEDx Talk, her time in Las Vegas avoiding Winnipeg Winters, the lasting legacy of her late husband Ray St. Germain, and how embracing change, taking calculated risks, and staying purpose-driven have shaped both her business and her life. They also discuss Glory's newest book, Teach Music. Change Lives., which encourages educators to embrace their role as teachers, entrepreneurs, and leaders while building meaningful, sustainable businesses. Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, creative professional, or someone simply looking for encouragement to take the next step, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and timeless business advice. 🎯 Episode Highlights 🗝️ How a rejected book proposal became the catalyst for building a global publishing and education company 🗝️ Building a business that now serves music educators in over 38 countries 🗝️ Why coaching, mentorship, and lifelong learning continue to fuel success 🗝️ Lessons from writing 60+ books and becoming one of the world's leading music education experts 🗝️ The story behind Glory's TEDx Talk and the legacy she hopes to leave 🗝️ Why setting goals that challenge you—and staying coachable—can transform your business and your life 🔥 The Exec "Hotseat" Segment Every episode ends with our signature Hotseat segment—where we cut through the fluff and ask our guests to share the top advice, strategies, and lessons they've learned throughout their careers. In this episode, Glory shares her most valuable advice on: Staying coachable and embracing lifelong learning Building a purpose-driven business that lasts Taking courageous action, even when the next step feels uncertain These are practical takeaways you can apply immediately to level up your business, leadership, and life. 📚 Connect with Glory St. Germain 🌐 Ultimate Music Teachers https://www.ultimatemusicteachers.com 🌐 Ultimate Music Theory https://www.ultimatemusictheory.com 📚 Ultimate Music Theory Books https://www.amazon.com/UltimateMusicTheory 🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/UltimateMusicTheory 📷 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GloryStGermain 📷 Ultimate Music Theory https://www.facebook.com/UltimateMusicTheory 🎙️ About The Exec Hotseat Podcast Hosted by Lisa Thompson, Founder of BRD | Brand Revival & Design, The Exec Hotseat Podcast features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, changemakers, and community leaders who are building bold businesses and making a meaningful impact. Each episode explores the stories behind success—the wins, setbacks, lessons learned, and practical advice that listeners can apply to their own careers and businesses. 🎧 Listen & Follow  🎧 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-exec-hotseat-podcast-executive/id1721967665 🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7jYiAX2y8MH2JgQmiarmMM?si=dd4b328f556c40f2 📷 Instagram:instagram.com/exechotseatpodcast/ 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-exec-utive-hotseat-podcast/ ⭐ If you enjoy the episode, please follow, leave a review, and share it with someone who would find value in today's conversation.   🙏 Special Thanks A sincere thank you to RRC Polytech, our presenting sponsor, for helping make The Exec Hotseat Podcast possible. As proud alumni, we're grateful for their continued support of entrepreneurship, innovation, and lifelong learning. And thank you to our incredible Exec Hotseat production team for everything that happens behind the scenes to bring these conversations to life. Thanks for listening. We'll see you next time... in the Hotseat.

Featuring: Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech In this episode of The Exec Hotseat Podcast, Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse connect with Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, public service, innovation, and the future of education in Manitoba. Fred shares his journey from growing up in Winnipeg as the child of immigrants to spending more than two decades in Manitoba's public service before stepping into leadership at RRC Polytech in 2020 — right at the start of the pandemic. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors and lessons that shaped his leadership style, the importance of listening before problem-solving, and why relationships remain one of the most valuable investments leaders can make. The conversation also explores how RRC Polytech is evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly changing workforce. From applied research and entrepreneurship to AI, healthcare simulation, and advanced manufacturing, Fred offers an inside look at how the institution is helping students and businesses stay "in front of what's ahead." Key Highlights: 🗝️ Why listening is one of the most important leadership skills — and how it changed Fred's approach to problem-solving 🗝️ How RRC Polytech is supporting entrepreneurs, applied research, and innovation across Manitoba 🗝️ What the shift from Red River College to RRC Polytech represents for the future of education and workforce development If you're an entrepreneur, leader, educator, student, or someone curious about the future of work and innovation in Manitoba, this episode offers an insightful and inspiring conversation about leadership, adaptability, and community impact.   __________ 👉 Connect with Fred and the RRC Polytech team! 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/rrc-polytech 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/rrcpolytech 🌐 Website: rrc.ca __________ Founder + Host: 👉 Lisa Thompson🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisabrd📷 Instagram: @lisathompsonbrd 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandrevivaldesign📷 Instagram: @brdagency.ca 🌐 brdagency.ca __________ ✨ Co-host: 👉 Amanda Buhse🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amanda-buhse📷 Instagram: @abuhse 🌐 coalandcanary.com __________ Big shout out and thank you to The Exec Hotseat Podcast team. Thank you to our amazing Presenting Sponsor, RRC Polytech! 🔥