Business Casual: The Stories We Tell, In and Outside of the Boardroom

#24. A Conversation with Linda about the Zigzag Path: Career, Balance, and Finding What Works

My guest today is Linda Zink, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Wellness Natural, the company behind SimplyProtein. Linda brings decades of experience across some of the world’s most recognized brands, from Kellogg and Clorox to smaller, high-growth organizations. Her perspective on leadership and life is both grounded and practical, shaped by years of navigating change, building teams, and growing businesses in constantly evolving environments. I absolutely loved my conversation with Linda for so many reasons including how her stories are filled such practical gems. One that I liked the most is how Linda and her kids made breakfast sacred as opposed to making dinner sacred which was and still is what many try to do.  Other key takeaways among many include: * Careers are rarely linear. Growth often comes through unexpected turns, pivots, and “zigzags” along the way. * Balance is not about equal distribution. It shifts constantly depending on the season of our lives, and that is part of the process. * Giving ourselves grace, especially during demanding periods, can change how we experience both work and life. Please enjoy this insightful and honest conversation with Linda about leadership, growth, and finding a way of working and living that fits you. Music: "Come Out Tonight" by Vicki Vox (via Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com]) Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihaeahn/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mihaeahn/], and YouTube [https://youtube.com/@mihaeahn?si=Vs2O2YlN9pVMlddr]. Visit my Website [https://www.mihaeahn.com/].

#23. A conversation with Stachen about Living the Dream: Purpose, Persistence and the Path to Becoming

My guest today is Stachen Lett-Frederick, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto. From a young age, Stachen knew she wanted to work with children and youth. What is remarkable is not just the clarity of her vision, but the intention and persistence with which she pursued it over time. Today, she is living her dream, while continuing to grow, adapt, and lead through both the rewards and the challenges that come with it. Today’s conversation explores what it means to pursue a dream and live it in reality. Stachen shares reflections on leadership, purpose, and the responsibility that comes with serving others. Some key takeaways from our discussion: * Having a clear vision is powerful, but it requires persistence, courage, and the willingness to evolve along the way. * Even when we achieve what we once dreamed of, challenges remain. Growth continues. * Being vocal about our dreams and asking for support can open doors we never expected. Please enjoy this inspiring and meaningful conversation with Stachen about purpose, leadership, and the journey of building a life aligned with what truly matters. Music: "Come Out Tonight" by Vicki Vox (via Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com]) Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihaeahn/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mihaeahn/], and YouTube [https://youtube.com/@mihaeahn?si=Vs2O2YlN9pVMlddr]. Visit my Website [https://www.mihaeahn.com/].

#22. Becoming Ourselves: A Conversation with Jina on Intuition, Family, and the Stories We Carry

My guest today is Clara Jina Kim, co-founder and CEO of Cloré Beauty, a family business rooted in entrepreneurship, community, and care. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Jina grew up immersed in the world of business, learning not just how to build something, but how to lead with trust, respect, and connection. What stood out to me about Jina is the depth of reflection she brings to her journey. It was refreshing to hear how she speaks about intuition, family, and the evolving stories we tell ourselves. Today’s conversation explores the intersection of family, identity, and leadership. Jina shares her experience of growing within a family business, becoming a mother, and navigating the balance between personal and professional life. Some key takeaways from our discussion: * The stories we tell ourselves can shape our path, but they can also be rewritten as we grow. * Intuition is often built through experience, space, and the freedom to make our own mistakes. * Balancing life, family, and ambition is not about perfection, but about making intentional choices in each season. Please enjoy this heartfelt and reflective conversation with Jina about entrepreneurship, motherhood, and building a life rooted in purpose, connection, and self-awareness. Music: "Come Out Tonight" by Vicki Vox (via Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com]) Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihaeahn/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mihaeahn/], and YouTube [https://youtube.com/@mihaeahn?si=Vs2O2YlN9pVMlddr]. Visit my Website [https://www.mihaeahn.com/].

#21. A Conversation with Susan Bisaillon about Building a Meaningful Career with Intention

My guest today is Susan Bisaillon, President and CEO of Safehaven, a nonprofit organization supporting children, youth, and adults with medical complexity. Susan’s career spans decades in healthcare, from frontline critical care nursing to executive leadership in some of Canada’s largest hospital systems.  I respect Susan so much for many obvious reasons and one of them is her grounded wisdom and the intentional way she approaches both leadership and life. She brings a rare combination of compassion, clarity, and experience, shaped by years of leading in highly demanding environments and choosing, at a pivotal moment, to pursue work that is deeply purposeful. Today’s conversation explores what it means to build a meaningful career over time, and how our definition of success evolves as we grow. Some key takeaways from our discussion: * Ambition and drive are powerful, but without intention and self-awareness, they can become self-destructive. * Taking pauses is not a setback. It is often what allows us to move forward with greater clarity and effectiveness. * A fulfilling career is not only about achievement, but about purpose and the impact we choose to make over the long run. Please enjoy this insightful and reflective conversation with Susan about leadership, purpose, and navigating a long and meaningful career with intention. Music: "Come Out Tonight" by Vicki Vox (via Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com]) Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihaeahn/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mihaeahn/], and YouTube [https://youtube.com/@mihaeahn?si=Vs2O2YlN9pVMlddr]. Visit my Website [https://www.mihaeahn.com/].

#20. A Conversation with Jillian about Life in Chapters: Rethinking Career, Money, and Meaning

My guest today is Jillian Kennedy, Chief Strategy Officer at the CAAT Pension Plan. Jillian has spent over 25 years in the pension and financial services industry, building a career grounded in problem-solving, relationships, and a deep desire to help people navigate complex systems.  What I appreciate most about Jillian is her thoughtful and human-centered approach to both leadership and life. She brings clarity to complex topics like financial wellbeing, while also speaking candidly about the emotional realities that often go unspoken, including our relationship with money, self-doubt, and the pressure many women carry throughout their careers.  Some key takeaways from our discussion: * Our relationship with money is deeply emotional, and often shaped by experiences we do not openly talk about. * Career journeys do not need to be linear. Thinking in “chapters” can create space for growth, reinvention, and self-compassion. * The most meaningful moments in life are often not measurable, but they shape who we become and how we lead. Please enjoy this thoughtful and energizing conversation with Jillian about financial wellbeing, leadership, and navigating life’s many chapters with curiosity and intention. Music: "Come Out Tonight" by Vicki Vox (via Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com]) Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihaeahn/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mihaeahn/], and YouTube [https://youtube.com/@mihaeahn?si=Vs2O2YlN9pVMlddr]. Visit my Website [https://www.mihaeahn.com/].