Chatter that Matters

This episode will inspire, enlighten and educate. I sit down with Jill Nykoliation, a visionary leader in marketing and branding. Jill shares her journey from learning about branding at the family dinner table to becoming a trailblazer. She discusses her time at Queen's University, her rapid ascent at Kraft, and her bold decision to venture into advertising.   Jill's 'Tall Grass' philosophy, which she developed through her experiences, encourages embracing the unknown and pushing boundaries. It's about not being afraid to stand out, even if it means being the tallest in the field. She candidly recounts her experiences navigating male-dominated environments and the challenges of starting her agency, Juniper Park.   Jill's 'Refounding' philosophy is about reinventing oneself, especially in the face of struggle. It's a powerful concept that can help those struggling to find their footing. Her insights on masculinity and femininity alone will make your visit worthwhile, but that isn't enough - Ienough—I bet many who listen will stage your version of Jill's Pirate Huddle.   Jill is a wonderful storyteller, teacher, healer, and human being.  If her journey moves you as much as it did me, I urge you to share it with others and to leave room for magic.   Here are five key takeaways from Jill Nykoliation's inspiring journey:   1. Embrace the Tall Grass:     2. Trust Your Inner Voice:    3. Create Your Own Identity:    4. Go Where You're Wanted:   5. Leverage Curiosity as a Strength:    

I kick off the first Chatter That Matters episode of the new year by sharing my belief in the cosmic choreography of life—how meeting the right people at the right time is shaped by a blend of timing, fate, and intention. This belief perfectly sets the stage for my guest, Jennifer Laidlaw, whose presence and impact are extraordinary. From her roots on a farm to becoming a champion with horses, Jennifer’s story could fill volumes. Yet, what truly sets her apart is her role as a catalyst for change—a gift that radiates beyond individuals to uplift entire communities and causes. As we step into 2025, Jennifer brings invaluable wisdom to this conversation. She speaks about the transformative power of rest, curiosity, and maintaining a resilient mind in achieving success and overcoming life’s challenges. Jennifer also opens up about her health struggles, sharing profound lessons on the importance of truly listening—to ourselves and others. Thank you for tuning in, subscribing, and sharing Chatter That Matters. To RBC, I send the biggest hugs for making this podcast and our focus on positivity and possibility not just a vision but a reality. Happy New Year, everyone! Key Takeaways: Cosmic Choreography: Life's timing, fate, and intention are crucial in meeting the right people and opportunities. Clear Intentions: Sincere and clear intentions can attract positive people and opportunities. Jennifer Laidlaw's Journey: From farm life to horse champion and transformative figure, Jennifer's story is about growth and impact. Importance of Rest and Curiosity: Rest and curiosity are essential for achieving success and overcoming resistance. Powerful State of Mind: A strong mindset is crucial for personal and professional growth. Listening to Oneself and Others: Personal health challenges can teach valuable lessons about self-awareness and empathy. Supporting Innovative Thinkers: It's essential to support those who think outside the box. Pursuing Passions: Focusing on what excites and inspires us can lead to significant changes.

In this special edition of Chatter That Matters, which airs today on radio and across my podcast platform, I explore the key branding and societal trends of 2024. I emphasize the importance of authenticity, understanding your audience, and adaptability. I highlight successful campaigns like the Paris 2024 Olympics, which captivated audiences through unfiltered athlete stories, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, which underscored the power of compelling narratives. On the other hand, I analyze notable missteps, such as ELF  polarizing diversity campaign, 'What a Dick,' to illustrate how brands must balance boldness with sensitivity and maintain transparency during crises. I also explore artificial intelligence's transformative impact, encouraging you to embrace its potential while being mindful of its risks. Shifting focus to Canada, I address our challenges as a nation, calling for greater voter literacy, fiscal responsibility, and an education system that prepares future generations for an AI-driven world. Reflecting on the lessons of 2024, I urge Canadians to work together to overcome these challenges and create a brighter future. Thank you for listening.  Thank you to everyone at RBC and our collective belief in sharing stories of positivity and possibility. Happy New Year. Here's to 2025.   Key Takeaways: Branding Success Stories Paris 2024 Olympics: Celebrated for exceptional consumer engagement and compelling human stories. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Branding Failures: ELF Beauty: Controversial campaign that backfired. Bumble: Misfired billboard campaign. Ticketmaster: Suffered a significant data breach. Jaguar: Faced issues with its rebranding efforts. Kamala Harris: Unsuccessful presidential campaign. Impact of AI: Rapid advancements in AI technology. Potential to disrupt various industries and job markets. Importance of adapting and leveraging AI capabilities. Challenges in Canada: Need for increased voter literacy. Importance of financial accountability. Advocacy for educational reforms to prepare future generations. Call to Action: Encourages a more informed and engaged electorate to ensure a better future for Canada.      

I begin this episode reflecting on my sister Anna, whose presence and influence in my life have grown more meaningful with time. Her quiet wisdom has deepened my understanding of connection and purpose, revealing lessons I only truly began to appreciate in recent years. From there, I introduce Che Marville—a modern-day healer and visionary. Che’s work centers on reconnecting us to the deeper energies that bind us, cutting through the noise of ego, power, and material distractions. She masterfully blends ancient wisdom, the rhythms of nature, and the teachings of shamans, reminding us how profoundly relevant these truths remain in our fast-paced world. This episode invites you to rethink what truly matters. Che’s message is simple yet powerful: our worth isn’t defined by our accomplishments but by the essence of who we are. She encourages us to nurture meaningful connections, tune into the whispers of the world around us, and rediscover the beauty of simply being, a pathway to a better world that starts with how we see ourselves and each other. Thank you for listening, subscribing, rating, and sharing Chatter That Matters. You mean the world to me. Have a beautiful holiday season. Pura Vida.

I was sitting in the green room of a Canadian television station when Sim Seera walked in. She has such positive energy. Since we were both early for our appearances, we used the time to talk and get to know each other. I liked her immediately, and when she told me her story, I knew I had to share it on Chatter That Matters. I also wanted to share her energy with an audience, so I taped the interview in front of a packed house at the Convenience Industry Council of Canada's annual summit. This unexpected twist added a new and wonderful dimension to our conversation. This is Sim's story, an immigrant who came to Canada at a young age after losing her parents in a horrific accident. Tragedy will strike again, but it is through the people she meets along the way, both family and strangers, that guide and help her get to where she is today. As Sim says in the podcast: "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."              

This week on Chatter that Matters, we explore the profound impact of our surroundings on our health, emotions, and overall well-being. World-renowned architect and thought leader Tye Farrow joins me to discuss how our spaces can elevate our lives, offering more than shelter. Tye shares insights from his groundbreaking book, Constructing Health, in which he integrates neuroscience with architecture to advocate for salutogenic design—a transformative approach that fosters well-being. From the inspiration of his architect father to his work on major global projects, like a revolutionary cancer centre in Israel, Tye takes us on a journey through his career, highlighting how thoughtful design can be more than a place to be; it can be a place to be healthy, creative and connected. Tye shares how we can construct health through specific, measurable design qualities and characteristics to enhance human performance in our cities, homes, and places of learning and healing. This includes intergenerational housing that fosters community. Leah Robinson from RBC joins the show to talk about how financial institutions must, too, march towards a future to provide innovative solutions to homeowners.   To purchase Tye Farrow's best-selling book Constructing Health:  https://www.amazon.ca/Constructing-Health-Built-Environment-Enhances/dp/1487557221        

Have you ever watched a movie that lingered in your thoughts long after the credits rolled? That’s exactly how I felt after sitting down with Mitchell Cohen. Many share this sentiment as Mitchell is a true Renaissance man—a thinker, doer, musician, and composer. His mesmerizing cadence makes every moment spent listening to him an absolute delight. Mitchell has devoted much of his life to addressing one of Canada’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. Mitchell's influence is immense as the CEO of The Daniels Corporation, one of the country’s leading builders and developers. His focus isn’t just on constructing buildings; it’s on creating thriving communities. Take Regent Park in Toronto—once a neighbourhood many avoided, it’s now a city's crown jewel. Mitchell’s vision and dedication have transformed it into a place where people want to live, work, and connect, and the project is now a model for city planners worldwide. I encourage you to share Mitchell’s story with young adults. It’s an inspiring reminder of the power of purpose—how aligning your passions with a meaningful pursuit can shape your life and leave a lasting legacy for others.   To purchase Mitchell Cohen's book Rhythms of Change - Reflections on the Regent Park Revitalization:  https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/rhythms-of-change-reflections-on-the-regent-park-revitalization/9781774585054.html  

One of our great behavioural scientists, the bestselling author of Behave, dives to the depths of the science and the philosophy of decision-making to mount a devastating case against free will, an argument with profound consequences. After listening, ask yourself, what side are you on? Are we indeed the masters of our fate, or is free will nothing more than an illusion? In this week’s episode, I sit down with renowned neuroscientist and Stanford professor Dr. Robert Sapolsky to explore the provocative ideas from his groundbreaking book, Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will. Sapolsky argues that our choices—from our morning coffee to major life decisions—are entirely shaped by biology and environment, leaving no room for free will. We dive into the science behind human behaviour, the randomness of life, and the implications of viewing ourselves as “biological machines.” This thought-provoking conversation challenges everything we think we know about accountability, morality, and transformation. Can we truly change? How do we raise children in a world without free will? And could letting go of the notion of free will make the world a more compassionate place? From personal anecdotes about Sapolsky’s early questioning of faith and free will to his fascinating insights into human biology and culture, this episode will leave you questioning whether you are truly in control—or just along for the ride.  

Imagine being Suzanne Heywood, a seven-year-old girl who must abandon all she knows: friends, school, home and surroundings because her parent's dream is to spend three years sailing across the globe, retracing the route of Captain James Cook. Three years turned into a decade and a living nightmare aboard the Wavewalker-A 70-foot sailboat boat, often shared with strangers to help fund the trip.  The family encounters violent storms and life-threatening injuries, and for Suzanne emotional abandonment, and isolation even within her family. Yet, amidst the chaos, she found solace and determination in education, meticulously crafting her lifeline to escape-a true and powerful story of trauma to triumph, resilience and reclamation.   To purchase Suzanne'e book, https://www.amazon.com/Wavewalker-Memoir-Breaking-Suzanne-Heywood-ebook/dp/B0BZK87N22      

This is the extraordinary true story of Tier One Special Forces soldier, adventurer, and world-record breaker Dean Stott. In a gripping retelling of his story, Dean shares insight into his esteemed military career in the British Army, where he conducted deployments to hostile environments, worked within counterterrorism operations in some of the most dangerous places in the world, and survived a horrific parachute accident. Stott discloses how he continued to fuel his journey of excellence by starting a high-risk security company and becoming the first man to cycle the Pan American Highway in under one hundred days, and raising over a million dollars to support his friend Prince Harry's efforts with mental health awareness charities. Dean Stott offers an inspiring reminder that we all have the capability to use our inner voices, drive, and instincts to become relentless in our pursuits in life. A fantastic episode to share with 16+ as Dean’s lessons resonate with all: You can’t control the uncontrollable—but you can choose how you react to life’s challenges.  Failure is just experience—as long as you learn and grow, there’s no such thing as losing.  Actions speak louder than words—if you believe in something, let your actions be the proof.   To buy Dean's book, Relentless, https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Special-Operations-Record-Breaker/dp/1665725176