Tune Up Your Warrior

Stage-four cancer, chronic illness, blended-family life—Jenny and her husband Dan MacMillan have seen every side of what happens when there’s no plan in place. In this candid conversation they unpack:• Why naming an executor or Power-of-Attorney is a burden, not a badge of honour• The five starter questions that kick-off any solid estate plan — no lawyer required • Lived lessons from navigating di...

This week, we’re breaking the rules and letting a Nepo Husband have the mic. (It’s his birthday week — we’re letting him cook.) Dan MacMillan — or as he’s known in the industry, Danny Mac — is a top-ranking wealth advisor, cancer survivor, loving dad and dog dad, and the person I admire more than anyone I’ve ever worked with. Oh, and my husband. ❤️ In this episode, we unpack: What true sales leade...

In this episode, Jenny sits down with one of the most interesting people she’s ever met—Tony Garcia, Director of Academic Operations at George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts. With a career spanning over 80 countries, Tony’s insights into the future of hospitality, innovation, and inclusive leadership are not to be missed. From prestigious kitchens in New York to wine pane...

At Linebox Studio, design is just the beginning. Founded in 2007 with a mission to approach architecture differently, Linebox has grown into one of Canada’s most respected boutique design studios. Today, COO Melissa Reeves is helping lead the firm into its next chapter—infusing equity, purpose, and people-first values into how they build, lead, and evolve. In this episode, Melissa shares her journ...

As summer begins, so does a seasonal surge in visible homelessness across Canadian cities. But homelessness doesn’t begin—or end—with what we see on the streets. It’s a reflection of systems that fail the most vulnerable, and a test of how deeply we value dignity, equity, and care. In this timely episode, Jenny sits down with David Gourlay , President & CEO at Shepherds of Good Hope , to unpac...

In this episode of Tune Up Your Warrior , Jenny sits down with award-winning photojournalist Ashley Fraser, whose lens has shaped how Ottawa sees itself. Best known for her work on the Ottawa Citizen’s Social Scene column, Ashley captures more than just events—she documents the heartbeat of a city through its people, its stories, and its acts of generosity. Ashley shares her journey into photojour...

What happens when human rights become a political debate? In this powerful Pride Month episode, Jenny sits down with global inclusion expert Joanne Lockwood to explore the growing backlash against the trans community—and why progress, no matter how far we think we’ve come, is never permanent. Joanne speaks candidly about her journey from corporate leadership as a white male to living openly as a t...

June is Seniors’ Month in Ontario—and yet, the challenges older adults face remain underfunded, understaffed, and under-discussed. In this urgent and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Delphine Haslé , Executive Director of The Perley Health Foundation, to unpack one of the biggest crises we’re not talking about enough: the growing breakdown of our long-term care system. As our aging population...

When it comes to DEI conversations, Asian voices are often the most overlooked. In this powerful episode, Jenny sits down with Ernest Chang — a Korean American DEI leader based in Chicago — to unpack the realities facing Asian professionals in today’s workplace. From the model minority myth to the bamboo ceiling, from silent expectations to the pressure to succeed without struggle, this conversati...

It’s hockey tryout season. And for many families, that means stress, judgment, and silent pressure behind the glass. Let’s be clear: this isn’t a takedown of competitive sports — it’s a wake-up call for the grownups in the room. In this powerful and personal episode, I’m joined by Jessica McCoy — investment professional, fierce hockey mom, and one of my closest friends — to talk about what’s reall...

In honour of Mental Health Week , this is a reminder that strength isn’t found in silence—it’s found in honesty. In a world that rewards performance but punishes vulnerability, asking for help can feel like failure. In this episode, Jenny sits down with Taryn Gunnlaugson , one of just 20% of CFA Charterholders in Canada who are women, and one of very few Investment Counsellors across the country,...

As Canada recognizes National Nurses Week and Hospital Week, we spotlight the future of healthcare—not just as a system, but as a human experience. In this powerful episode, Jenny sits down with Jennifer Van Noort , one of Canada’s most respected leaders in healthcare philanthropy. As the Chief Development Officer at the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, Jennifer shares the human stories behind the head...

What does it mean to fail forward—and how can it transform the way we lead, grow, and redefine success? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Thompson , Wall Street veteran, executive coach, and founder of Career Free Agency , a leadership and career transformation company helping professionals unlock purpose and own their power. After managing multibillion-dollar portfolios for over two decades...

What does it take to swing big—in sport, leadership, and life? In this episode, Jenny sits down with Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk—an 8-time Canadian Long Drive Champion, keynote speaker, and advocate for women in sport—to talk about the unspoken barriers that still exist on and off the course. They dig into: ✨ The gendered expectations placed on women in male-dominated sports ✨ What happens when coa...

We talk about success, drive, and leadership—but how often do we talk about health? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng , Head of Critical Care at The Ottawa Hospital and founder of Solving Healthcare, to explore why our health is the foundation of everything. We unpack: Why high performers neglect their health How the healthcare system needs to evolve The power of pr...

In today’s world, we’re more divided than ever—politically, socially, and culturally. But what if the key to breaking down barriers isn’t about speaking louder, but about listening better ? In this inaugural episode, our runtime is a bit over our usual 30 mins mark because I am sitting down with Solange Tuyishime Keita , a UNICEF Canada Ambassador, President and CEO of Elevate International, beaut...

In an era where political conversations often divide us, what if we tried listening instead of shouting? In this episode, executive coach and unapologetic liberal Jenny Mitchell joins us for a bold, respectful, and eye-opening conversation about politics, values, and leadership in today’s polarized world. Jenny and I come from opposite ends of the political spectrum—but share a deep commitment to...