Women on Wisdom

Wisdom Moments: Why Following Your Passion is a Lie

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?

Wisdom Moments: One Cut Can Change Your Life, Or Maybe End It

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?

Episode 11: The Decay of Women's Rights - Is the Next Generation Ignoring the Fight? (w/ Lenna Bradburn)

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/

Episode 10: Conversations We Avoid - Young Women and Mental Health (w/Chris Coulter)

Sandra Boyd sits down with Chris Coulter to share his personal journey following the loss of his daughter Maddie, and the work he is now doing to support families navigating youth mental health. Through Chris’s personal story and lived experience, this episode opens up an honest conversation about the pressures young women face today and the challenges parents encounter in recognizing when something is truly wrong. Together, they explore the gaps in support systems and what it takes to create earlier, more meaningful intervention for both youth and families. We talk about: * Why mental health challenges in young women are increasing * The warning signs parents often miss or misinterpret * The impact of social media, pressure, and major life changes * How to create more open and effective communication with children * The difference between listening and fixing * Why current systems and supports are not meeting the need * The importance of early intervention and accessible resources Whether you are a parent, leader, or someone supporting families, this episode offers a grounded and practical perspective on how to better understand and respond when something feels off. OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: Chris Coulter is the founder of The MentorWell, an online youth mentoring platform designed to bridge the gap between parenting and therapy by providing young people with access to trusted, non-judgmental mentors. Following the loss of his daughter Maddie, Chris has dedicated his work to supporting families navigating youth mental health challenges and improving early access to support. He also created the When Something Feels Off Parent Support Group, a community designed to help parents connect, share experiences, and access practical guidance during difficult times. Chris brings both lived experience and professional insight to his work, helping organizations, parents, and communities better understand how to support young people. Chris’s LinkedIn can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscoultermentorwell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscoultermentorwell/]

Wisdom Moments: The Rise of Online Anti-Feminist Groups (And Why It Matters)

We often think of culture shifts as loud, obvious moments. But some of the most impactful ones happen quietly.  In this week’s Wisdom Moments, Sandra Boyd reflects on the growing influence of online anti-feminist groups and how these narratives are moving beyond digital spaces into real-world impact. What starts as content, commentary, or “just opinions” can quickly evolve into normalized behaviour that shapes how people are treated and how safe they feel to use their voice. These narratives against women are not just frightening for their presence, but in the way they ripple out into society. When these ideas become normalized in public discourse, and women self-censor out of fear of retribution, culture shifts in ways that are hard to reverse.  Leadership today requires not just awareness, but active, critical engagement. That can take the form of asking better questions, understanding what people in your life are being exposed to, and creating space for real conversations, both at work and at home.