Power in Heels

What does it take to build one of North America's most successful hospitality groups? According to Janet Zuccarini, it starts with taking a chance, even when you have no idea what you're doing. On this episode of the podcast, we sat down with the founder and CEO of Gusto 54 to discuss her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, from buying her first restaurant with zero restaurant experience to buildi...

As of 2023 there were over 71,000 sworn police officers in Ontario. A small percentage of that however are women, and an even smaller percent make it to become police chiefs or deputy police chiefs in their careers. In this episode we sat down with three of them to hear their stories and learn what it takes to be a women in policing. Meet Chief Sara Cunningham of the Greater Sudbury Police, Deputy...

Today's guest is someone who truly embodies what it means to bet on yourself and build something from the ground up. Alicia Hardman is an entrepreneur, creator, and visionary behind multiple ventures that blend hospitality, wellness, and innovation. What started as a small idea and a willingness to take a risk has grown into a thriving destination — and along the way, Alicia has continued to expan...

In this episode, we sit down with Roshni Wijayasinha, a marketing leader who shares how she went from an arts-focused high school student to building a career across some of the world’s biggest brands, and eventually founding her own company, Prosh Marketing! Roshni walks us through her early days launching digital products like TIFF’s first website and Windows Live SkyDrive at Microsoft (with jus...

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Johnson, the visionary behind Figiúra — a brand on a mission to redefine bras for women with implant-based augmented breasts. Figiúra was born out of Jessica’s personal journey: after getting breast augmentation, she struggled to find bras that felt comfortable, supportive, and flattering. From her lived experience, Jessica identified a glaring gap. Tradit...

What does it take to build a successful brand? For Lexi Miles Corrin, it started with a bold idea, and determination! In this episode of Power in Heels, we sit down with Lexi to explore her journey into entrepreneurship (at just 25 years old!), from the lessons she learned along the way, to the bold risks she took as a young founder. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to chase your dreams...

In this episode we meet someone who turned travel frustrations into fashion innovation — Helene Clarkson , the founder and creative force behind the Canadian travel apparel brand heleneclarkson . Helene's journey is anything but ordinary. A seasoned actress who spent years traveling the world for work and pleasure, Helene realized there was a serious gap in the market: stylish, wrinkle-resistant,...

In this episode we go behind the scenes with one of the most renowned names in Canadian financial journalism— Amber Kanwar. Well known for her role as a host on the Canadian financial news channel BNN Bloomberg and now as the host of her very own podcast 'In The Money', we'll learn about how she built her career from intern to on air personality, what it took to make the leap into independent medi...

On this episode of Power in Heels, we are joined by the inspiring Emily O'Brien, the founder and CEO of Comeback Snacks. Emily’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. As a first-time offender, Emily found herself in prison, but instead of allowing her circumstances to define her, she saw an opportunity for growth and change, a simple, yet profound idea: popcorn. In this episode, w...

On this episode of Power in Heels, we are taking a deep dive into the event industry! We are thrilled to welcome Monica Gomez, founder of The Concierge Club, a premium event and experiential marketing agency known for creating unforgettable experiences. Listen in as Monica shares the behind-the-scenes of her journey—how she built her business, her best tips for crafting standout events, and the le...

It all started in a hotel in Orlando… working for her family hotel business learning the ropes from the ground up and today she is Reetu Gupta, Ambassadress of The Gupta Group, speaker, author, advocate, and philanthropist. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in perseverance, leadership, and how a passionate, hands-on approach can shape a remarkable career! For additional content c...

In this episode of Power in Heels, we are joined by Miki Talebi, the inspiring founder of Oomé—a smoked tofu company with a heartwarming story! Listen in as Miki shares how the loss of her father, a passion for honouring her Japanese heritage, and a leap of faith led her to leave her career in public policy to build a sustainable food brand from scratch. For additional content check out our websit...

Meet the stars of Netflix’s Motel Makeover… In 2016 two best friends quit their jobs to jump into the world of motels. They bought their first dingy roadside motel in Prince Edward County, rolled-up their sleeves and soon the June Motel was born! What started as one soon turned into three motels across Ontario, their very own Netflix series and even a cookbook. Listen in to learn what it took to g...

It started with one dream and now she is the Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics. In this episode, we chat with Jenn Harper, of Cheekbone Beauty, who turned a vivid dream into a thriving beauty brand rooted in purpose! Listen in to hear her story, from navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to breaking barriers in the beauty industry. For additional content check out our website,...

From Makeup Artist to CEO! In this episode we are joined by Meghan Victoria, founder of Sol Kyst; a brand that’s transforming the eyewear industry by designing sunglasses to fit and flatter people with wide faces! In early 2021 Meghan launched a pre-order where she shared a video on social media - which ended up generating over 120,000 views, and over $10,000 in orders within the first 24-hours! L...

Ever wondered why hospital Foundations are essential, and what makes them so impactful? In this episode, we are joined by the CEO of UHN Foundation, Julie Quenneville. Listen in as she shares the importance of philanthropy, embracing risks, and the power of impact! For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedI...

Julie Kalinowski and Angela Pastor are solving the ‘But I’ll only wear it once’ dilemma. They are the founders of The Fitzroy, a dress rental company located in Toronto, whose dresses have been worn by celebs at red carpets and award shows and also by YOU!  They are truly changing the way we shop for formal wear.  Listen in as this fashionable duo shares their journey to success and some of the bi...

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago… the second best time is now. This same lesson applies to your money and building your wealth. Join Janine Rogan, founder and CEO of The Wealth Building Academy as she breaks down the pink tax and teaches you how to confidently grow your wealth. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, F...

On this episode we are lifting the curtain on the influencer industry! Joining us on this episode is Toronto Content Creator Sara Wells, or better known as @blondehanes on insta! Her content focuses on fashion, mom life, and rescue dogs! Listen in as Sara shares how she got started on social media, her tips and tricks for pitching to agencies, how you can determine your rates, and all our other bu...

Marlow… The big sister of tampon companies Meet the co-founder and CEO of Marlow, Nadia Ladak. They created the first-ever lubricated tampons and are on a mission to change the face of menstrual health care. For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn

Ever wondered what goes into some of the biggest ad campaigns you’ve seen on TV, before they’re even pitched to agencies? Susan Irving is the Chief Marketing Officer for Kruger Products and in this episode she gives us a behind the scenes look into some of her biggest projects. Whether it’s the ‘Unapologetically Human’ campaign from 2020, or the ‘He Shoots, He Scores’ campaign from the Salt Lake C...

Meet the women who helped pull Canada out of the financial crisis, and now leads small business owners towards success every day.  Paula Cruickshank is the Senior Vice President of Ontario at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), join us as she shares some of her biggest lessons from her time in the industry and teaches us that banking is really a people business.  For additional content...

What does it take to sell million-dollar homes?   On today’s episode we’re lifting the curtain and giving you a sneak peek into the world of luxury real estate.   With over 20 years of building buying and selling properties in luxury neighborhoods we are excited to introduce the founder of Oxley Real Estate, Gillian Oxley!  For additional content check out our website, www.powerinheels.ca Don't fo...

She's not just a survivor; she's a force for change. We are honored to have Fallon Farinacci joining us on the show today. At just nine years old, in 1993 her parents, Sherry and Maurice Paul were murdered. In 2017 she testified at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, a pivotal moment in her healing journey, and what sparked her path of advocacy. Join us as we...

Finances and investing can seem complicated and overwhelming - but it doesn’t need to be! In this special episode, Maysee and Whitney sit down with Power in Heels’ very own sponsor, Mary Keetch, to discuss her job as a financial advisor, things you need to think about when investing, and the best way to get into financial advising. Listen now! For additional content check out our website, www.powe...