Why to the Way

About Why to the Way

Why to the Way is hosted by Sarah Jeanneault and Heather McPherson. Each episode explores a crossroads or pivotal moment when someone made a defining choice. Together, they unpack what happened, what the guest ultimately chose, and the deeper reasons behind that decision. This is a podcast about perspective, decision-making, and the moments that shape who we become. Every episode invites listeners into the tension with one central question: What would you have done? Connect with Us! Website: www.whytotheway.com Email: whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. www.twistedspurmedia.com

Publisher

Sarah Jeanneault

Category

business · business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Apr 2026

Latest episode

19 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Lessons Learned: Dina Barazza on Leadership & Culture

   Dina Barazza has a controversial take on HR: she fundamentally disagrees with having an HR person inside your organization — because who pays them determines who they protect. After 35 years in HR consulting, she has spent her career on the outside of organizations for exactly that reason, and the results she has driven from that position are hard to argue with. This episode is a masterclass in what leadership actually requires right now — and most leaders, she says, are getting it wrong. In This Episode, host Sarah Jeanneault and Dina unpack: Why Dina believes having an internal HR person is structurally compromised from day one — and what the alternative looks like when you bring in someone whose loyalty isn't already pre-determined by a paycheck from the company The four levels of psychological safety developed by Dr. Timothy Clark — inclusion safety, learner safety, contributor safety, and challenger safety — and why most organizations fail at level four, which is exactly where innovation lives The transformation story of an international food industry company with angry employees, high turnover, and widespread burnout: how Dina's team used a learning needs analysis, a layered leadership program, and simple stay interviews to reduce turnover and increase productivity within 18 months Why the adult learner needs to hear or see something seven times before they can retain it — and what that means for leaders who think sending one email counts as communication The 30-60-90 day framework every new leader should walk in with — including why the first conversation should be asking "what are my measures of success?" before assuming you know what you're there to fix Why cutting the training budget in hard economic times is exactly backwards — and why Dina is seeing organizations flood back to coaching and training post-COVID after years of cutting training budgets. Timestamps: 00:00 - Why HR Gets Distrusted 00:16 - Podcast Setup 01:13 - Meet Dina HR Consultant 02:12 - Hiring Strategic HR 03:14 - Anxiety Talking to HR 04:03 - Independent HR and Trust 05:28 - Leader Reality Check Metrics 06:54 - New Leader 30 60 90 Day Plan 08:36 - Empathy and Modern Workforce 10:37 - Leading Across Teams and Culture 14:31 - When Leaders Resist Feedback 18:32 - New Leader Pressure and Success 20:29 - Transformation Story Training ROI 24:23 - Building a Leadership Legacy 26:50 - Handling Toxic Teams 28:28 - Hiring for Skills And Culture Fit 29:20 - Building High Performing Teams 31:07 - Training And EQ Skills 33:00 - Strengths Based Development 34:56 - Where To Find Dina - The Talent Consortium 36:29 - Gut Check On HR 41:03 - Balancing Results And People 46:09 - DISC And Adapting Styles 48:38 - Wrap Up And Call To Action Resources Mentioned: Now, Discover Your Strengths — book by Marcus Buckingham; includes an online assessment that identifies top five strengths and provides a development report Dr. Timothy Clark — researcher behind the four levels of psychological safety framework The Talent Consortium — Dina's consulting practice; thetalentconsortium.com (thetalentconsortium.com ) DISC — psychometric assessment tool Dina uses as a baseline in leadership coaching; referenced in the episode for understanding motivational styles and team dynamics Dina Barazza is the President and Chief Learning Officer of The Talent Consortium, a consulting practice specializing in human resources, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. With over 30 years of experience working with organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500s, she is known for her work in building high-performing cultures, leadership coaching, and custom training design. She is also a professional speaker on leadership, learning, and organizational culture. Connect with Dina Barazza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinabarazza/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinabarazza/) https://www.thetalentconsortium.com/ (https://www.thetalentconsortium.com/) Connect with Us! http://www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com/) whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) Linked In - Heather McPherson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mcpherson-39222820/) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/) Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

2. 

   5 Aug 2026

   You Will Never Feel Ready: Amy Baryshnik on Betting on Yourself

   Amy Baryshnik spent nearly two decades working for other people's businesses — investment banking in LA, private equity in New York, investment management in Toronto, Chief of Staff at Knixwear — learning everything she could about how companies are built, broken, and grown. She knew the whole time she wanted to build something. She just kept waiting until she felt ready. Then one month of being woken up at 3am by the same idea finally made her honest with herself: she was never going to feel ready, and that was exactly the point. In This Episode, host Sarah Jeanneault and Amy unpack: The career arc that took Amy from Ivey Business School to investment banking in LA, to Apollo in New York, to 12 years working directly for three founder CEOs — and why she describes all of it as deliberate preparation for the day she would finally bet on herself What happened at Knixwear that no one else in the organization was equipped to handle: Amy led the sale of an 80% stake in the business to Essity, a global CPG out of Sweden, and spent a year leading the integration — because she was the only person in the room with an M&A background Why she left Knixwear at 40, set out to buy an existing business, and instead kept getting woken up at night by a decade-old idea — and what finally made her commit The Estate Kit origin story: her father's brain tumor diagnosis, being named decision-maker in a hospital hallway moments before surgery, and the realization that most families face that moment completely unprepared Why Amy believes the biggest unlock for Estate Kit isn't product — it's breaking down the taboos that keep people from engaging with the topic at all: mortality, money, family dynamics, and end-of-life wishes, all in one conversation Her chapter title for right now: "Let's talk about death and all the other topics that make you the life of the party". Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Choosing Before You’re Ready 00:30 - Podcast Intro 00:42 - Meet Amy and Her Story 01:21 - From Banking to Operating 03:51 - Owning Decisions and Friction 06:35 - Leveraging M&A Background 09:15 - Culture Energy and Growth 12:30 - Hiring for Growth Mindset 14:11 - Estate Kit; Building Trust Around Death 16:19 - The Personal Origin Story 19:23 - Betting on Herself and Overcoming Fear 21:51 - You Will Never Feel Ready 23:30 - Leading as CEO 26:02 - Breaking Death Taboos 28:38 - Gut Check After the Interview 34:55 - Ideas Focus and Fulfillment 44:21 - Wrap Up and Call to Action Resources Mentioned Estate Kit — Amy's company; free 12-question estate planning assessment available at estatekit.com (http://estatekit.com) Knixwear — Canadian D2C brand where Amy served as Chief of Staff; she led the sale of an 80% stake to Essity Essity — global CPG company based in Sweden; acquired an 80% stake in Knixwear during Amy's tenure Amy Baryshnik is the founder and president of Estate Kit, a platform that helps families organize and securely share the documents, contacts, and instructions their loved ones will need when it matters most. She brings nearly two decades of leadership experience across investment management and retail, including roles as Chief of Staff at Knixwear and Partner and COO at Alignvest Management Corporation. A board member at NEXT Canada and trustee at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, Amy holds an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School and an HBA with distinction from the Ivey Business School at Western University. Connect with Amy Baryshnik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybaryshnik/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybaryshnik/) Connect with Us! http://www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com/) whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) Linked In - Heather McPherson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mcpherson-39222820/) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/) Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

3. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Grace and Space: Dominique Gruber on Starting Over

   Dominique Gruber had built everything she wanted: a mixed-animal veterinary practice in rural Montana co-owned with her husband, three kids, a team she loved, and a community that depended on her. Then everything shifted — not because of a decision she made, but because of a loss she didn't choose. What followed wasn't a planned pivot. It was survival, and then slowly, something unexpected: a clarity about what actually matters that she couldn't have found any other way. In This Episode, host Sarah Jeanneault and Dominique unpack: How Dominique managed three simultaneous identities in the aftermath of loss — grieving mom, business owner keeping her team afloat, and solo decision-maker figuring out her financial limits — and how she learned to prioritize the most important three decisions and let everything else fall away Why she chose to accept help for the first time in her life, even though her instinct had always been to prove she didn't need it, and what finally made vulnerability feel like strength instead of weakness The decision to stop overthinking and let her gut lead: how she went from running late-night projections on every scenario to asking "what would a day feel like a year from now?" — and getting an immediate, visceral answer How Dominique sold the practice, moved her three kids from Montana back to Canada, chose Victoria on a feeling (having visited only twice), and describes it as the best decision she has ever made Her current chapter — "Grace and Space" — and the framework she now uses: identify what you're truly holding, give yourself permission to let the rest drop, and add back only what you can genuinely handle The role of somatic therapy in helping her recognize joy in her body in real time Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Life Is Short 00:37 - Meet Dominique 03:04 - Vet Career Origins 03:52 - Tragedy And Priorities 07:31 - Three Identities To Manage 12:14 - Growth Through Grief 14:15 - Stop Overthinking Decisions 18:31 - Redefining Success 22:16 - Somatic Joy Practices 25:04 - Future Goals And Balance 30:50 - Grace And Space 32:47 - Gut Check Debrief 44:28 - Closing and Final Takeaways Dominique Gruber is a veterinary professional and mother of three who co-owned and operated a mixed-animal practice in rural Montana alongside her late husband for a decade, leading teams, supporting clients and patients, and building a meaningful life rooted in service and community. After his unexpected passing, she navigated grief, single parenthood, and the sale of their practice simultaneously — before relocating her family from Montana to Victoria, BC, a city she had visited only twice before choosing it entirely on instinct. She now works in veterinary consulting and safety leadership, and is building a life rooted in presence, boundaries, and what she calls grace and space — the practice of holding what truly matters and letting everything else go. Connect with Dominique Gruber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-gruber-4a296386/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-gruber-4a296386/) Connect with Us! http://www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com/) Email: whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram - Why To The Way (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube - Why To The Way (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) LinkedIn - Why To The Way (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) LinkedIn - Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) LinkedIn - Twisted Spur Media (https://www.linkedin.com/company/twisted-spur-media-ltd) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/) Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

4. 

   8 Jul 2026

   The Energy Wheel: Dr. Erin Wiley on How To Avoid Burnout

   What if the first sign of burnout isn't exhaustion — it's resentment? Dr. Erin Wiley, a naturopathic doctor who works with high performers, says the moment you catch yourself thinking "I'd be happier if I just got paid more" is the moment to pay attention. This episode is about energy, capacity, and the uncomfortable truth that growth and burnout often start with the exact same feeling. In This Episode, host Sarah Jeanneault and Dr. Erin Wiley unpack: Why resentment — not exhaustion — is the first hallmark sign of burnout, and what Erin says to do the moment you notice it in yourself The "energy wheel": how movement, nutrition, and recovery work together in a circle, and why being lopsided in any one area shrinks your capacity instead of growing it The check engine light analogy Erin learned in naturopathic school back in 2006 — and what happens if you put tape over the warning light and keep driving The story of a client who came in for hair loss in her 40s and, ten years later, was running races against women a decade younger and hitting major career goals Why Erin left her brick-and-mortar clinic in Toronto for a virtual practice — and the fear of "what are you going to do when it's just you, the computer, and the camera?" The difference between internal and external validation, and why connecting to what's internally validating is essential when building sustainable health habits Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Burnout Resentment Sign 00:24 - Podcast Intro 00:49 - Meet Dr Erin Wiley 03:20 - What Naturopaths Do 04:06 - High Performer Patterns 06:00 - Defining Energy Capacity 09:26 - Strategy Starts With You 13:36 - Burnout Warning Signals 16:28 - Check Engine Light Analogy 20:53 - Internal Validation Over External 24:19 - Big Move From City To Countryside 26:19 - Nature As Energy Source 27:53 - Personal Energy Hacks 28:59 - Confidence When It Clicks 29:26 - Grow Your Energy Takeaway 30:14 - Creative Explorer Chapter 31:28 - Small Town Doctor Life 32:22 - Career Redo Curiosities 37:22 - Regrets and Pivotal Moments 39:35 - Destiny And Generations 45:03 - Time as the Ultimate Value 46:18 - Impact And The Podcast 48:24 - Closing Reflections Dr. Erin Wiley, ND is a naturopathic doctor with over 18 years of experience helping high-performing individuals — including senior executives and leaders across Toronto — optimize their energy, metabolism, and hormone health. She is Clinic Director at the Integrative Health Institute, and works with clients to build sustainable capacity so they can perform, lead, and live at their highest level. Her approach focuses on aligning with the body's natural systems — nervous system, metabolism, hormones, and digestion — to expand capacity without simply pushing harder, with particular attention to those navigating major life and career transitions. Connect with Dr. Erin Wiley - erinwiley.com (http://erinwiley.com/) - where listeners can book a discovery call Dr. Erin Wiley’s LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/erin-wiley-24a4b25 (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/erin-wiley-24a4b25) Connect with Us! http://www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com/) Email: whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram - Why To The Way (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube - Why To The Way (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) LinkedIn - Why To The Way (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) LinkedIn - Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) LinkedIn - Twisted Spur Media (https://www.linkedin.com/company/twisted-spur-media-ltd) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/) Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

5. 

   24 Jun 2026

   Celebrate Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Andrea Wojnicki

   Most people treat imposter syndrome as a problem to solve. Dr. Andrea Wojnicki — executive communication coach, podcaster, and author — thinks that's exactly backwards. In her view, imposter syndrome is proof you're pushing yourself, and the people who never feel it are the ones who stopped growing. Host Sarah Jeanneault sits down with Dr. Andrea to reframe confidence from something you either have or don't, into something that follows naturally once you get clear on who you actually are. In This Episode: Why Dr. Andrea says imposter syndrome should be celebrated, not overcome The confidence continuum: paralyzing anxiety on one end, arrogance on the other, and the "perfect equilibrium" in the middle that comes from a true growth mindset and doubling down on your unique strengths Why Dr. Andrea tells her 22-year-old son not to think about his personal brand yet — and what she tells a 55-year-old CFO instead, and why the advice for each is almost the opposite The chapter from her upcoming book called "Unique is Better Than Better" — and why the number one mistake people make with personal brand is not fear of self-promotion, but copying others and conforming to what others expect The four levels of listening — passive, active, generative, and not listening at all — and why generative listening, where two people together create something neither could alone, is the most underrated communication skill in business How Sarah first encountered Dr. Andrea at a YPO women's-only event at a turning point in her own career — and why Dr. Andrea's talk on that day is part of the reason this podcast exists. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Imposter Syndrome Reframe 00:17 - Podcast Premise Intro 00:41 - Meet Dr. Andrea Wojnicki 01:39 - Why People Need Prep 02:53 – Dr. Andrea’s Podcast Origins 03:45 - Narrowing The Podcast Niche 05:06 - What Clients Really Need 08:28 - Clarity Builds Confidence 10:41 - Branding By Career Stage 13:07 - Unique Over Better 14:55 - Introductions And Identity 15:51 - Sarah Personal Story 17:38 - Personal Branding Myths 19:10 - Celebrate Imposter Syndrome 22:52 – Dr. Andrea Career Backstory 23:13 - Teaching to Coaching Pivot 24:33 - Energy and Delegation 26:09 - Boundaries and Time Off 27:11 - Rethinking Strengths 29:27 - Leadership Shift to Communicating and Listening 32:19 – Dr. Andrea’s Life Chapter Title: Hitting Your Stride 34:01 - Where to Find Andrea 34:47 - Gut Check Reflections 36:45 - Imposter Syndrome Talk 40:04 - What We Want Clarity and Impact 45:09 - Doers and Promotions 47:36 - Final Takeaways and Outro Resources Mentioned: Talk About Talk — Dr. Andrea's podcast and coaching practice; talkabouttalk.com Let Me Introduce Myself — Dr. Andrea's upcoming book Write a Must Read — book by AJ Harper The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women - 1978 research paper by two social psychologists; Pauline Rose Clance & Suzanne Imes YPO — Young Presidents' Organization Dr. Andrea Wojnicki is an executive communication coach, speaker, and the founder and host of the Talk About Talk podcast, now with over 200 episodes. She holds an MBA and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, where her research focused on consumer psychology and interpersonal communication, and has served on the faculty in the MBA program at the University of Toronto. Her 2023 Harvard Business Review article, "A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself," was one of the top three most downloaded articles on HBR.org that year. Her upcoming book, Let Me Introduce Myself, brings together her frameworks on self-introduction, personal branding, and professional identity into a single guide for ambitious professionals. Connect with Dr. Andrea Wojnicki at: talkabouttalk.com (http://talkabouttalk.com/) or on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki) Connect with Us! http://www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com/) whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) Linked In - Heather McPherson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mcpherson-39222820/) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/) Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

6. 

   10 Jun 2026

   Love Your Mondays: Martha Malloy on Reinvention

   Martha Malloy built a successful career in advertising, got promoted fast, worked on marquee accounts — and then quietly fell out of love with it. What came next wasn't a straight pivot; it was a side quest into UX research, a freelance experiment during the pandemic, a training session in New York that made her realize an entirely new profession existed, and eventually a coaching practice she built from scratch with a self-imposed one-year deadline. The throughline across all of it is a question she keeps coming back to: do you love your Mondays? In This Episode How Martha went from studying car design in England to automotive advertising at BMW Canada — moving from coordinator to account director in four years — before realizing advertising wasn't personally sustainable long term and pivoting entirely into tech and UX research The pandemic moment that pushed her to leave a full-time director of design role The two books — Designing Your Life and Designing Your Work Life — that helped her plan her off-ramp without burning bridges, and the specific exercises she did to decide whether to redesign her role or leave How she discovered product discovery coaching at a "Coaching the Coaches" training in New York with Marty Cagan — 50 coaches from around the world — and realized for the first time that it was a legitimate full-time profession The business coach advice that shaped her first year as a solopreneur: time-box your commitment, give it your heart and soul, and avoid diluting your energy by interviewing for full-time roles at the same time How she structures her embedded coaching engagements — from light-touch workshops to joining teams two to four days a week — and why the moment companies choose the "large" option was her clearest signal the business was working Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Finding Monday Joy 00:12 - Podcast Premise Intro 00:38 - Meet Martha Malloy 01:27 - Early Career Chapters 05:37 - Bosses Vs Mentors 07:14 - Leading With EQ 10:45 - Reinvention At Work 11:38 - Morning Routine Mastery 16:46 - Pandemic Pivot Consulting 18:59 - Product Discovery Coaching 21:54 - Solopreneur Doubts Wins 27:29 - Embedded Coaching Approach 31:32 - Root Causes, Problems, and Outcomes 32:30 - Industry Agnostic Work 36:04 - Fighting Shiny Objects 37:39 - Parenting Tech Passion 39:08 - Reinvention Mantra 40:14 - AI Meeting Pressure 43:56 - Too Many AI Options 48:42 - Kids Career Reframe 51:56 - Productivity Without Tools 55:25 - Efficiency As A Love Language 56:36 - Future Jobs Unknown 57:32 - Wrap Up And Thanks Resources Mentioned: Designing Your Life — book by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans Designing Your Work Life — book by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans Willful — Canadian estate planning company; Martha's first freelance client Marty Cagan — product management thought leader; Martha attended his "Coaching the Coaches" training in New York Product Bets & Jams — Martha's coaching practice; https://www.betsandjams.com/ (https://www.betsandjams.com/) BMW Canada — Martha spent nearly five years on this account on the agency side Martha Malloy is a product coach, startup advisor, and angel investor with 20+ years of experience helping technology teams — from early-stage startups to Fortune 500s — build products people actually want. As founder of Product Bets & Jams, she helps founders and product leaders replace gut-feel decisions with evidence-based practices that stick. She's worked across product, design, research, and marketing, and is an active mentor and investor in women-led companies. Connect with Martha Malloy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-claire-malloy/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-claire-malloy/) Connect with Us! http://www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com/) Email: whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram - Why To The Way (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube - Why To The Way (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) LinkedIn - Why To The Way (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) LinkedIn - Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) LinkedIn - Twisted Spur Media (https://www.linkedin.com/company/twisted-spur-media-ltd) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/) Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

7. 

   27 May 2026

   Life Reimagined: Tammy Janes on Transformation & Letting Go

   Tammy Janes spent nearly 15 years at Unilever, built a global transformation practice from a team of two to roughly 30 people, and then was told her role was being eliminated — not because she failed, but because she succeeded so completely that the organization no longer needed her. What do you do when doing your job well is the thing that ends it? And what does it take to rebuild, network from scratch, and lead a team through a redundancy you didn't choose — all at the same time? This is that story. In This Episode: How Tammy went from wanting to be a lawyer to spending six years in management consulting across three verticals — CPG, financial services, and pharma — before finding a home at Unilever for nearly 15 years, holding 10 or 11 different roles in that time What it actually felt like to tell her team their roles were being eliminated — and how she coached half of them into other positions inside the organization while processing her own exit at the same time The six-month sabbatical she took after Unilever: why she chose to stop, what she did with the time (a personal trainer, five books, and time with her then-toddler daughter), and why she says she would tell anyone going through the same thing to do the same Why networking is the one career investment Tammy says she neglected when she felt safe — and the specific coffee chat tip her career coach gave her that made every meeting less about asking and more about giving Her personal purpose statement developed through a full-day Unilever workshop: "To be perfect enough to raise the bar" — and what the "perfect enough" qualifier means for how she avoids analysis paralysis Why organizational transformation fails when it's either rushed (60 days) or too slow (endless meetings), and the phased, win-by-win approach she believes actually sticks Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Redundancy and Pivoting 00:19 - Podcast Premise 01:00 - Meet Tammy 01:41 - Law to Business Pivot 03:35 - Consulting Beginnings 05:28 - Choosing Unilever And Purpose 09:21 - Proudest Wins At Unilever 10:27 - Agile Ways Of Working 13:24 - Team Made Redundant 16:06 - Sabbatical and Networking 21:10 - Empathy Led Leadership 23:36 - Purpose and Motivation 26:28 - Transformation Advice 27:30 - Timelines That Stick 29:59 - Career Vision Flexibility 31:20 - Life Reimagined Mindset 33:06 - Impact Beyond The Job 34:21 - Gut Check Corporate Return 36:08 - Networking Anxiety Trust 45:12 - Energy Regeneration And Balance 50:56 - Learning Through Podcasting 52:30 - Questions After Layoffs 53:37 - Closing and Call to Action Resources Mentioned: Unilever — multinational consumer packaged goods company and Tammy's employer for nearly 15 years Sofina Foods — one of Canada's leading manufacturers of primary and further processed protein products and Tammy's current employer Leaders Eat Last, book by Simon Sinek Next Up — Toronto-based women's professional organization Schulich School of Business at York University — where Tammy completed her undergraduate business degree Knorr What's for Dinner campaign — in-store marketing campaign Tammy worked on during her Canadian trade marketing role at Unilever Dove Self-Esteem Program — Unilever's self-esteem workshops for young girls; Tammy delivered workshops in schools Paul Polman — referenced as Unilever CEO during Tammy's early years; credited with embedding purpose into the business Quotes: “ If you do your job well, you should make yourself redundant in the hope that you go onto the next thing. “ - Tammy Janes “ So I took about six months off, sabbatical, just took a break. You know, I figured I'm not gonna get this time back with my daughter. I got a personal trainer, I read five books. Like, it was just a good break that I needed.” - Tammy Janes “ Why is, why are we all so scared to talk about this when it happens to people all the time?” - Sarah Jeanneault “ A really good tip of just do some quick homework before you meet with the person. Find out what they're working on, what's going on with them, and, you know, offer up, "Hey, I might know someone that does this, and would you be interested?" Or even asking the question of, "Is there any way I can help you? Thank you for your time.'" - Tammy Janes “ Come out with a purpose statement. And mine was, "To be perfect enough to raise the bar."” - Tammy Janes "People don't fear fear, they fear the unknown that fear brings." - Tammy Janes Tammy Janes is a transformation and strategy leader whose career spans management consulting, nearly 15 years at Unilever in 10-plus roles, and her current position as Director, Business Performance at Sofina Foods. At Unilever she built and led the global agile ways-of-working practice, growing a capability team from two people to approximately 30 before the function was successfully embedded into the organization. She is known for leading with empathy, driving continuous improvement, and building teams that outlast her. Connect with Tammy Janes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-janes/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-janes/) Connect with Us! http://www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com/) whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) Linked In - Heather McPherson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mcpherson-39222820/) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/) Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

8. 

   13 May 2026

   Brand Builder, Risk Taker: Jennifer Blackburn on Knowing When to Leap

   Jennifer Blackburn has held roles at Unilever, Nando's, Canadian Tire, Skip, and is now CMO of Clearly Canadian — and not one of those moves was a straight line. The pivot that surprised her most wasn't a bold leap toward opportunity; it was a quiet moment doing virtual homework with her three-year-old daughter at 3am from a different time zone, realizing the right role at the wrong time in your life is still the wrong role. This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered whether ambition and a good life can actually coexist. In This Episode Why Jennifer left a successful six-year run at Canadian Tire to join a hyper-competitive tech company — and how walking into an interim CEO, a new CEO, and two different bosses in her first six months taught her more than any stable role could The Nando's lesson: how a global brand with deep purpose and a dream job on paper became the clearest signal that career decisions can't be made without factoring in where you are in your personal life Why Jennifer puts almost no weight on how long someone stayed at a company when she's hiring — and what she looks for instead (hint: it's not the polished pitch) How Jennifer thinks about the career ladder versus the career zigzag — and why she believes knowing your north star matters more than following a prescribed path upward What it actually takes to revive a nostalgic legacy brand like Clearly Canadian for a generation that never grew up with it — and why that challenge is the one she's most excited to unlock The interview process at Nando's that included a five-hour psychology assessment in London with jet lag — and what Jennifer says she learned about herself from it Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Reviving a Legacy Brand 00:25 - Podcast Premise and Intro 00:50 - Meet Jennifer Blackburn – Clearly Canadian CMO 01:42 - Nostalgia Stories and Brand Magic 04:56 - From Doctor Dreams to Marketing 06:19 - Unilever Training Ground 08:36 - Marketing Then vs Now 10:26 - Pivot to Tech at Skip 12:23 - Risk Support and Overwhelm 13:35 - Choosing Growth Together 16:02 - From Skip to Clearly Canadian 16:51 - Wrong Turns in Life 21:52 - Hiring Mindset on Short Tenures 23:26 - Interviewing for Authenticity 25:41 - Most Intense Interview Experience 27:00 - Working Parenthood and Energy 27:57 - Work Life Balance Lessons 29:18 - Career Pivots And North Star 30:47 - Transition Season At Home 32:31 - Favorite Clearly Canadian Flavor 33:09 - Gut Check On C Suite Paths 35:16 - Switching Industries And Growth 39:10 - Travel For Work Reality Check 42:25 - Remote Work And Productivity Debate 44:04 - Sleep Time Zones And Car Rules 46:58 - What We Missed And Wrap Up 48:09 - Podcast Wrap Up Resources Mentioned: Clearly Canadian (https://clearlycanadian.com/) — the brand Jennifer currently leads as CMO; https://clearlycanadian.com/ SkipTheDishes — Canadian food delivery tech company Canadian Tire — Canadian retail company Nando’s — global restaurant brand Unilever — global consumer goods company PepsiCo — multinational food and beverage corporation, referenced as a training ground for CPG marketers alongside Unilever Kroger — US grocery retailer Quotes: “And I think there’s tends to be scrutiny on that versus why stay longer if it's not working for you?” - Jennifer Blackburn “ Doing virtual homework with my daughter at three in the morning buy time. And she's like, mommy, why is it dark where you are? And it's bright where I am.” - Jennifer Blackburn “ I think sometimes you think the trajectory must go straight up at all times or else I'm not achieving.” - Sarah Jeanneault “ It is really kind of looking internally first to say like, what do you want, like what's your north star in what your career, and this might be a stepping stone to your end. It may not be, you know, the, the, the whole way there.” - Jennifer Blackburn “ It's not just about the job, it's not just about the company. It's also about how does this fit into your, your lifestyle and what tradeoffs are you able or willing to make or not.” - Jennifer Blackburn “ People being honest and genuine versus trying to be pitchy and selling of their experience. I really try and look for that humbleness, that authenticity.” - Jennifer Blackburn Jennifer Blackburn is the CMO of Clearly Canadian, where she leads the work of evolving a beloved legacy brand for the next generation of consumers. Her career spans CPG, retail, foodservice, and tech — including brand leadership roles at Unilever, PepsiCo, Nandos, Canadian Tire, and SkipTheDishes. Known for building high-performance teams and revitalizing iconic brands, she brings an entrepreneurial mindset to every organization she joins, whether it's a multinational or a private equity-backed startup. Connect with Jennifer Blackburn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-blackburn-9b5958a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-blackburn-9b5958a/) Connect with Us! http://www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com/) whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) Linked In - Heather McPherson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mcpherson-39222820/) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/) Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

9. 

   29 Apr 2026

   Leaping Over Obstacles: Carolyn Lawrence on Leading Change

   Carolyn Lawrence walked away from her dream job — Global DEI Leader at Deloitte — not because it wasn't working, but because she could no longer see what was next. What followed was a masterclass in exactly what she'd spent her career teaching others: how to read a system, resist the urge to fight it head-on, and move through obstacles with strategy instead of force. If you've ever felt the fire to change something but watched it fizzle the moment you walked back to your desk, this episode is the one you've been waiting for. In This Episode: Why pushing hard for change inside an organization can backfire — and what to do instead (the "what we resist persists" principle Carolyn learned the hard way at Deloitte) The exact tactic she used to get a skeptical senior leader to voluntarily open up their hiring process — and how that single conversation unlocked 19 of 20 DEI KPIs moving in the right direction over four years How Carolyn embedded inclusion scores into annual performance reviews tied to variable compensation — and why the COO sitting in on those reviews changed everything The four maturity levels of organizational inclusion, from "checking a box" to "this is just how we do business" — and what it looks like when a company truly doesn't need a DEI strategy anymore What it actually felt like to leave a dream job at Deloitte Global: the fear, the six months of community conversations, the third-of-asking-price first client, and the pivot to "impact strategist" that changed how she talks about her work Why equity at home directly creates equity at work — and the Deloitte study that proved men carry hidden burdens too Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Change That Backfires 00:30 - Podcast Premise Intro 00:56 - Meet Carolyn Lawrence 02:51 - Purpose And Career Path 03:58 - Early Equity Awakening 05:26 - Role Model Eureka Moment 07:53 - From Inspiration To Systems 09:25 - Curiosity Over Confrontation 12:46 - Deloitte Strategy Story 17:47 - Accountability That Works 22:10 - Coaching Passionate Teams 23:58 - Finding Your Voice 27:41 - Leaving Deloitte To Leap 31:20 - First Pitch To New Positioning 34:00 - DEI Maturity Levels 35:26 - DEI Maturity Integrated 36:36 - Equity Starts At Home 38:18 - Flexible Work Inclusion 39:41 - Hybrid Work Preference 40:31 - Sport For Wellbeing 42:19 - Meditation For Clarity 43:55 - No Regrets Lessons 45:06 - Leaping Over Obstacles 46:12 - Where To Find Carolyn 46:39 - Gut Check Debrief 48:24 - Building Teams Mentorship 53:28 - Podcasting Career Path 59:28 - Purpose And Impact 01:01:53 - Question We Missed 01:03:43 - Final Sign Off Resources Mentioned: Heather Reisman — CEO of Indigo Books & Music (referenced as Carolyn's early inspiration) Deloitte — the global consulting firm where Carolyn led DEI strategy and global people leadership Women of Influence — the social enterprise Carolyn previously led A Clear Path — Carolyn's own company - https://clearpathtoimpact.com/ Quotes: "If I want to inspire change, resisting or fighting it is actually going to strengthen it. Like what we resist persists." - Carolyn Lawrence “So I tracked the numbers at Deloitte. I was in that role for four years. Our numbers on literally 19 out of 20 KPIs that we measured. In the right direction. So that method works and I can prove it.” - Carolyn Lawrence “I was very afraid and thought multiple times that I perhaps had lost my mind because here I was global diversity, equity and inclusion leader for Deloitte. Where do you go from there?” - Carolyn Lawrence “You can't go from a great inspiring talk and then go and stand in a boardroom and yell off the top of your lungs. Hey everybody, I am completely inspired. I'm gonna change everything. Everybody come and listen.” - Sarah Jeanneault “This year I’ve been looking at obstacles a little differently and trying to think about them as stepping stones and that I'm leaping over them, not with effort and strength, but with this internal lightness and power within.” - Carolyn Lawrence Carolyn Lawrence is an Impact Strategist who helps leadership teams eliminate the invisible barriers blocking results. With a decade at Deloitte — where she built Canada's inclusion consulting practice and served as its first Global DEI Leader — plus firsthand experience as a purpose-driven business owner, she's a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating growth and change. Connect with Carolyn Lawrence: https://clearpathtoimpact.com/ (https://clearpathtoimpact.com/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-lawrence-619bb16/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-lawrence-619bb16/) Connect with Us! http://www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com) Email: whytotheway@gmail.com Instagram - Why To The Way (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube - Why To The Way (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) LinkedIn - Why To The Way (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) LinkedIn - Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) LinkedIn - Twisted Spur Media (https://www.linkedin.com/company/twisted-spur-media-ltd) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/) Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during Why To The Way Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sarah Jeanneault, Twisted Spur Media Ltd. and/or her affiliates. Sarah Jeanneault, Why To The Way Podcast, and Twisted Spur Media Ltd. are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

10. 

    21 Apr 2026

    Why to the Way

    Why to the Way is hosted by Sarah Jeanneault. Each episode explores a real dilemma, crossroads moment, or personal crisis that forced someone to make a defining choice. Together, they unpack what happened, what the guest ultimately chose, and the deeper reasons behind that decision. Then Sarah and Heather weigh in themselves, debating what they would have done if faced with the very same situation. This is a podcast about perspective, decision-making, and the moments that shape who we become. Every episode invites listeners into the tension with one central question: What would you have done? Connect with Us! www.whytotheway.com (http://www.whytotheway.com) whytotheway@gmail.com (mailto:whytotheway@gmail.com) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/whytothewaypodcast/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@WhytotheWayPodcast) Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-to-the-way-podcast) Linked In- Sarah Jeanneault (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/) Linked In - Heather McPherson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mcpherson-39222820/) This show is produced by Twisted Spur Media Ltd. (https://www.twistedspurmedia.com/)

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