Ambition Theory: Rethinking Leadership in Construction

It Was Never Just About Women: How Rethinking Leadership Changes Everything

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 01:21:50 +0000

Welcome to Rethinking Leadership in Construction. This is where we unpack what’s getting in the way of progress—and explore the ideas, people, and strategies that can actually move the industry forward. From workforce challenges to culture shifts, we’re here to spark the conversations that create real change.

In this episode, Ambition Theory's CEO, Andrea Janzen, and Director of Marketing, Amanda Portinari, reveal why they've rebranded and shifted focus to transformational leadership for everyone in construction. What if the secret to overcoming industry challenges isn't pushing harder, but equipping every leader to inspire, collaborate, and empower their teams?

Andrea and Amanda dive into their 2025 Building Better: Rethinking Leadership in Construction report, which found a startling truth: 68% of women say poor leadership is driving them out of the industry. This isn't just a "women's issue"—it's a leadership issue impacting everyone, demanding a new approach.

What You'll Learn:

The Rebrand & The Why: Understand Ambition Theory's shift and how it reflects the industry's evolving needs.
Beyond Check-the-Box DEI: Discover why traditional programs often fail and how focusing on business outcomes through transformational leadership delivers measurable results.
The Power of Transformational Leadership: Grasp the core principles of collaboration, inspiration, and trust that empower teams.
Real-World Impact: Hear how one project manager, by applying transformational leadership, generated an incredible $2 million in additional sales.
New Podcast Focus: Get a sneak peek into future episodes featuring leaders demonstrating transformational skills in transactional environments.

Ready to move beyond outdated leadership and cultivate a thriving, productive workforce? This episode is your blueprint. Discover how embracing transformational leadership can improve retention and morale, directly impacting your company's bottom line.

Connect with Ambition Theory:

Download the Report: Get your copy of the Building Better: Rethinking Leadership in Construction report.
Join the Rethink Series: Learn about Ambition Theory's unscripted roundtable series.
Website: ambitiontheory.com
LinkedIn: Connect with Ambition Theory on LinkedIn.

Ambition Theory: Rethinking Leadership in Construction Trailer

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:20:12 +0000

Join Ambition Theory's CEO, Andrea Janzen, and Director of Marketing, Amanda Portinari, reveal why they've rebranded and shifted focus to transformational leadership for everyone in construction. What if the secret to overcoming industry challenges isn't pushing harder, but equipping every leader to inspire, collaborate, and empower their teams?

Connect with Ambition Theory:

Download the Report: Get your copy of the Building Better: Rethinking Leadership in Construction report.
Website: ambitiontheory.com

LinkedIn: Connect with Ambition Theory on LinkedIn.

The exponential value of sponsorship with Sophie Noël-Pelletier and Brian Watkinson

Andrea Janzen — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:49:02 +0000

In this conversation, we reverse-engineered the behaviors and steps required to start a sponsorship relationship. We also discussed what was in it for Sophie (the protege), what was in it for Brian (the sponsor), and what the value was to Kiewit, the company where they both work.

If you want to learn how to start using sponsorship to advance your career, uplift others, and provide exponential value to your company, this episode is for you.

Highlights

How sponsorship creates value for a company.
What a Sponsorship - Protegé relationship looks like.
How you can sponsor the next generation of leaders.

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at ambitiontheory.com/bookacall

Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Life after the Great Resignation with Dr. Giovanna Brasfield

Andrea Janzen — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:05:00 -0100

In this episode, Dr. Giovanna Brasfield (Popularly known as Dr. G), the CEO and Principal Consultant at Brasfield Associates, discusses her journey in the construction industry, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. G is an award-winning diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) advocate and changemaker with over 18 years of experience in leadership consulting and DEI program development, training, education, and outreach for the construction industry and construction-related trades.

At Brassfield & Associates, she offers inclusive strategies for large infrastructure projects and supports employee resource groups with a keen focus on developing sustainable actions for employee engagement and retention. Dr. Brasfield shares her passion for construction and how her work integrates communities often overlooked, ensuring they have an equal voice in projects.

The conversation delves into the importance of allyship, the evolution of DEI efforts from project-driven to organization-wide initiatives, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of inclusion. Her insights highlight the significance of listening tours, employee feedback, and strategic DEI planning in addressing the talent shortage and improving workplace culture.

Highlights

00:00 Dr. Giovanna’s journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry.
03:12 Focusing on the positive impact that the construction industry has on communities.
09:08 Diversity, equity, and inclusion in large infrastructure projects and construction.
14:52 Tackling the talent retention and shortage conundrum in the construction industry.
28:21 The best ways to start and manage diverse employee resource groups.
33:35 How the Great Resignation affected the construction industry and the labor market in general.
37:05 Programs that organizations can implement to attract and retain talent.

Links

Download the Building Better Report - https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details - https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Resources Mentioned

Diversity Wins and How Inclusion Matters By McKinsey & Company
Dr. Giovanna Brasfield’s Website - https://drgiovannabrasfield.com/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Dr. Giovanna Brasfield - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-giovanna-brasfield-0a90a78/

When You Take Action - Big Things Can Happen with Beth Tubbs

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:31:18 -0100

In this episode, Beth Tubbs, the Chief Fire Protection Engineer at ICC, shares her journey of growth, both personally and professionally, within the construction and engineering sectors.

She delves into the significance of building codes for public safety and energy efficiency, her role in developing these codes, and how she finds purpose in her work.

Beth also discusses the impact of attending an Ambition Theory workshop, which catalyzed her to take bold steps towards leadership within her organization and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.

Her story is a testament to the power of asking questions, seeking growth opportunities, and embracing change with confidence.

Tune into the episode to discover how Beth Tubbs navigated challenges, overcame self-doubt, and leveraged her expertise to ascend to new heights in her career, all while contributing significantly to the safety and efficiency of building standards.

Highlights

00:00 Beth Tubbs’ distinguished career in fire and life safety in the built environment.
01:49 What she loves about writing and working on building code.
02:57 How an Ambition Theory workshop helped Beth advance in her career.
09:39 The strategy she used to get her boss to support her in developing her leadership potential.
15:49 Why it’s important to have a sense of purpose in your career.
17:25 Navigating challenges at work and how teamwork helps.
20:06 Tips for staying motivated as a leader.
21:56 The experience she had being the President of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE).
24:57 How you can build up your confidence as a leader.

Links

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Beth Tubbs https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-tubbs-b611aa4a/

Sponsorship In Action: Real-Life Success Stories with Kathryn Payne

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:18:46 -0100

In this episode, Kathryn Payne, a Project Executive with LeChase Construction, shares her inspiring journey in the construction sector. Kathryn fell in love with the field early on at Clemson University, and her passion for problem-solving and creating has driven her career.

Sponsors have played a crucial role in Kathryn's growth, facilitating opportunities for her and others. She believes in investing in and empowering future leaders through sponsorship.

During our conversation, Kathryn delves into the launch and impact of the Employee Resource Group for Women at LeChase. This group actively works towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment by addressing gender disparities in the workplace.

Kathryn highlights the benefits of sponsorship both for her role as a project executive and for her journey as a protegé. She shares personal stories of how sponsorship has positively influenced her own growth and helped her overcome challenges to get to where she is today. She also provides valuable insights on how businesses can leverage sponsorship.

Kathryn emphasizes the importance of goal setting and curiosity in career development. She encourages individuals to explore new opportunities, take risks, and continuously seek growth.

Highlights

00:00 Kathryn Payne's Construction Journey
00:24 The Role of Sponsorship in Kathryn's Career
00:34 Launch and Impact of the Employee Resource Group for Women at LaChase Construction
00:50 Personal Stories and Benefits of Sponsorship
01:08 Insights on Leveraging Sponsorship for Business Growth
01:14 Importance of Goal Setting and Curiosity in Career Development

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Kathryn Payne https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryntaylorpayne/

Creating A Legacy For Women In Construction With Doreen Bartoldus

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0100

Doreen Bartoldus is the past national president of the National Association of Women in Construction and one of the 2023 Construction Power 100 for New York City. She is a certified construction manager recognized by the Construction Management Association of America with the Champion Coins of Excellence award. Doreen is a trailblazer in the construction industry, someone who holds the door open for those coming behind her and has used her influence to make the industry better for the women coming up behind her.

Highlights

How to navigate an industry that wasn’t made for women.
The progress that has been made to advance women and the work that still needs to be done.
The tools that are essential to advancing to a leadership position.

Links:

NAWIC Leadership Academy https://nawicleadershipacademy.org/
Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
NAWIC https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-women-in-construction/
Doreen Bartoldus https://www.linkedin.com/in/doreen-bartoldus-pe-ccm-693835b/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Breaking The Glass Ceiling in Manufacturing with Kristin Graybill

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 03:05:00 +0000

Getting more women into leadership roles is important for every industry but especially for manufacturing. The sector lags behind others in terms of representation, particularly in the C-Suite. What does it take to attract women to the industrial space? What can companies do to retain these women? What guidance do current women leaders have for the next generation to improve their chances for a successful career in manufacturing? Kristin Graybill shares the results of the Manufacturers Alliance Research report called In Her Own Words: Breaking The Glass Ceiling Is Good For Business.

Highlights

The real story behind Rosie The Riveter
How to be more intentional with your hiring and interview process
The return on investment of having a strong culture

Links:

Manufacturers Alliance Research Report: In Her Own Words https://www.manufacturersalliance.org/research-insights/in-her-own-words
Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Manufacturers Alliance https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturersalliance/
Kristin Graybill https://www.linkedin.com/in/kgraybill/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Sponsorship in Action with Rachael Ferrera

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:02:00 +0000

Sponsorship is one of the most powerful tools to advance women in the construction industry. Once you learn about this concept, it’s easy to want to implement it. But it isn’t always straightforward. There’s no sign-up sheet or 3-step plan; it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Rachael Ferrera from Zachry Construction unpacks how sponsorship has shown up for her over her 15-year career - even though she couldn’t recognize it then. She shares how she’s intentionally leveraging these relationships and sponsoring the next generation of leaders.

Highlights

How sponsorship creates value for a company.
What a Sponsorship - Protegé relationship looks like.
How you can sponsor the next generation of leaders.

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Rachael Ferrera https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-ferrera-58b5167/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

How Women Improve Project Outcomes with Dr. Tim Taylor

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 03:03:00 +0000

There’s a labor shortage in the construction industry today, which has started a trend of companies wanting to attract more women. While the motivation may have started with getting more people in the door, the truth is that women bring a ton of value to the industry. Today, much of this value is untapped and isn’t leveraged. Dr. Tim Taylor from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) talks about the findings of their research report In her own words: improving project outcomes.

Highlights

The value that women bring to the job site.
How women influence the culture of job sites
The return on investment of having women on your project team

Links:

National Center for Construction Education and Research In Her Own Words Report: https://www.nccer.org/research/in-her-own-words/
Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
NCCER https://www.linkedin.com/company/nccer/
Tim Taylor https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-taylor-1b5819231/

Special thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Salary Is Not The Answer To Retaining The Best Talent

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +0000

It's actually not all about the money. Well, salary might get women in the door. What they really want as they progress is a clear path to career advancement.

This episode is an excerpt from Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Building Better Report.

Highlights:

What women want when they are looking for career opportunities
Why women don’t advance at the same rate as the men they work with
What you can do to retain women at your company

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

From Mentorship to Sponsorship: How A Mindset Shift Created a More Inclusive Workplace

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +0000

The best way to start implementing sponsorship as a tool to advance women is to start by modeling sponsorship behaviors. Cultural transformation is really about behavior change, and all it takes is one person to start, and others will follow.

This episode is an excerpt from Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Building Better Report.

Highlights:

The mindset shift from mentorship to sponsorship
What sponsorship behavior looks like
The quick wins companies can get when they start implementing these behaviors

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Group Coaching Vs. One-On-One: How To Decide Which Style Is Right For You Or Your Team Members

Andrea Janzen — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Investing in your women employees' leadership development is an excellent retention tool. But knowing what kind of training you should invest in can get overwhelming.

Andrea Janzen reads a Forbes Coaches Council article in this episode to show you the difference between 1:1 and group coaching.

Highlights:

The difference between coaching and traditional leadership training
The outcomes you can expect when you invest in coaching
How to set up employees for success in a coaching program

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

How To Motivate Your Employees With A Simple Question

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 03:01:00 +0000

Transactional leadership involves providing direction, giving praise, and offering critical feedback. On the other hand, transformational leadership involves sharing a vision and inspiring people to contribute to that vision. In the construction industry, you need to leverage both styles of leadership.

Andrea Janzen reads a Forbes Coaches Council article in this episode to show you how to leverage your transformational leadership skills to motivate your team.

Highlights:

Why do employees not take initiative
The difference between internal and external motivations
How to leverage your employees' internal motivations so that they can become self-motivated

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

How To Begin Implementing Sponsorship At Your Company

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 03:02:00 +0000

In 2019, Andrea Janzen wrote a series of articles in the Forbes Coaches Council about the difference between sponsorship and mentorship. The hypothesis then was that sponsorship, not mentorship, would become the answer to advancing women in the construction industry. Fast forward to today, and Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research have quantitative research that validates this. In this episode, Andrea Janzen shares how you can start implementing sponsorship at your company.

Highlights:

The difference between sponsorship and mentorship
How to build a sponsorship culture
Why sponsorship needs to start at the top

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Why Sponsorship (Not Mentorship) is the Answer

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 03:03:05 +0000

In 2019, Andrea Janzen wrote an article in the Forbes Coaches Council about the difference between sponsorship and mentorship. The hypothesis then was that sponsorship, not mentorship, would become the answer to advancing women in the construction industry. Fast forward to today, and Ambition Theory and the National Center for Construction Education and Research have quantitative research that shows that sponsorship happens half as often as mentorship for women in construction. In this episode, Andrea Janzen reads the original article about where this idea came from.

You can learn more about our quantitative research report by going to buildingbetterreport.com.

Highlights:

The difference between sponsorship and mentorship
How men and women are mentored differently
How to find sponsorship for yourself
How to begin sponsoring others

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter With Liz Wiseman

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Liz Wiseman is a New York Times bestselling author and executive advisor. Her books include Multipliers, The Multiplier Effect, Rookie Smarts, and Impact Players. She is the Founder of the Wiseman Group and a leading global authority on leadership.

Highlights

What a multiplier is and how they make everyone smarter
What a diminisher is and how to manage our accidental diminisher behaviors like being a rescuer or a big idea person
What to do when your leadership style is different than everyone else in your company

Links:

The Wiseman Group https://thewisemangroup.com/
Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
The Wiseman Group https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wiseman-group/
Liz Wiseman https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwiseman/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

How Women Rise to Leadership in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry with Dr. Paul Hickey

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 18 May 2023 03:04:49 +0000

Dr. Paul Hickey studies gender diversity in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction leadership. Paul studies women’s industry representation and identifies methods to improve diversity.

Highlights:

What Linked In tells us about the path to leadership for women.
Women face greater obstacles than their male counterparts in career advancement.
Women’s path requires extra rungs on the corporate ladder, more frequent job changes, and a greater accumulation of education and connections.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Dr. Paul Hickey https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-j-hickey-phd-pmp-8620043/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

What Women Want: How to Build a Workplace Where Women Can Thrive with Tim Taylor

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 04 May 2023 03:02:45 +0000

Ambition Theory partnered with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) on Building Better: Women In Construction Study. Many Women In Construction initiatives celebrate the contributions of women in the industry, which is important. This session aims to take things a step further–we’re focused on ways to take action and drive real change. Tim Taylor, the Director of Research for NCCER dives into the results of the study.

Highlights

Explore and examine the results of our study
Hear the experiences of real women working in construction
Provide tangible steps individuals and organizations can take immediately

Links:

Download the Building Better Report https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/

National Center for Construction Education and Research https://www.nccer.org/
Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
NCCER https://www.linkedin.com/company/nccer/
Tim Taylor https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-taylor-1b5819231/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

The Human Side Of Construction With Angelo Suntres

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 03:03:59 +0000

Angelo Suntres is the author of the book The Human Side Of Construction. He has represented both contractors and owners and understands the struggles from both sides of the fence. Angelo believes that focusing on the human principles of connection, including effective communication and fostering healthy relationships, is a critical part of ensuring a successful future for the construction industry.

Highlights:

Why relationships matter in the construction industry and how to build them.
Transactional vs. transformational leadership behaviours and how this links to business success.
The generational gap in construction.
And why trust is the biggest problem facing the industry today.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap
Angelo Suntres https://www.angelosuntres.com/home
Book: The Human Side Of Construction https://www.amazon.com/Human-Side-Construction-Sustainable-Superintendent/dp/B0BS8V8SK7

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Angelo Suntres https://www.linkedin.com/in/asuntres/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

When Culture Is Your Strategy With Jerry Naranjo

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:05:44 +0000

Jerry Naranjo, the CEO of Naranjo Civil Constructors, is a passionate, engaging, innovative, and heart-centered business leader with over 30 years of experience. He has been a pioneer in the civil construction industry in Colorado, leading his firm to build some of the state’s most iconic and innovative river restoration projects. Jerry is a trusted advisor to employees, and clients alike, guiding them with insights on business matters, scaling, operations, organizational management, visionary leadership, and relentless execution. His unique roadmap to success is based in positivity, authentic relationships, and replacing goals with actions.

Highlights:

Why company culture is one of the most important things in business.
How to attract and retain high-performing talent.
What it’s like to be a heart-centered leader in the construction industry.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap
Naranjo Civil Constructors https://naranjocivil.com/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Naranjo Civil Constructors https://www.linkedin.com/company/naranjo-civil-constructors-inc/
Jerry Naranjo https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-naranjo-7776496/

When The Safety Vest Fits With Kat Von Kamrath and Laura Beneteau

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 02:02:22 -0100

Kat Von Kamrath and Laura Beneteau have worked in the construction industry for about ten years. A couple of years ago, each of their company’s employee resource groups discussed how standard-issue safety vests don’t fit women’s bodies very well. Kat is in the US, and Laura is in Canada, and they both brought this issue up with senior management and got the go-ahead to order some new vests. It turned out that it wasn’t that straightforward.

Highlights:

The importance of having personal protective equipment that fits.
The impact on psychological safety and a feeling of belonging.
Two different paths lead to the same result: having safety vests that fit.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Kat Von Kamrath https://www.linkedin.com/in/von-kamrath/
Laura Beneteau https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-beneteau/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

How To Attract And Retain Gen Y & Z With Kathryn Hart

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 03:02:00 -0100

Kathryn Hart guides others to pursue fulfilling and intentional career paths within the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As founder and host at Space to Build, she advises others on navigating their roles on and off-site, leads community discussions on the real questions women have in our industry, and shares honest dialogue with women in roles across the industry.

Highlights:

The value that younger millennials and Gen Z bring to the construction industry.
How you can connect and build relationships in unconventional ways.
The unfortunate truth is that women don’t always support other women.

Links:

Space To Build https://spacetobuild.co/
Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Space To Build https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacetobuild/
Kathryn Hart https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-hart/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Mothers In Construction With Tonia Rivers

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 03:03:23 -0100

Tonia Rivers is a military spouse and mother of three with seventeen years of experience in the construction industry. She is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Mothers in Construction, which is committed to elevating the voice of mothers in the industry. Tonia is also the owner and president of WLS Construction Consultants LLC, a construction consulting firm that provides mentorship and training to young professionals and small and disadvantaged business entities.

Highlights:

The challenges of being a mother in the construction industry.
How companies can accommodate working mothers.
The unique skills that mothers bring to the table contribute to the success of everyone.

Links:

Mothers In Construction https://www.mothersincon.org/
Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Mothers In Construction https://www.linkedin.com/company/mothers-in-construction/
Tonia Rivers https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonia-rivers/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

How To Build and Lead an Unconventional Team With Marius Tawembe

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 03:03:50 -0100

Marius Tawembe is a strategic, charismatic, and results-driven construction management professional with a proven ability to build strong, effective teams and inspire people to be better and make a difference.

Highlights:

Marius’s strategy for building and developing high-performing teams and the skills he looks for when hiring.
How to leverage people's strengths beyond their technical abilities.
Why emotional intelligence is the skill you need to develop if you want to rise to a leadership role.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap
The Life Coach School Podcast With Brooke Castillo https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcast/

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Marius Tawembe https://www.linkedin.com/in/marius-tawembe-ab858a17/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Juno Jones: Supporting Gender Equity By Making Shoes That Fit

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 08:33:04 -0100

Emily Soloby, the founder of Juno Jones, has been on a mission to help women from the beginning of her career. In 2009, she and her husband Ryan took over a small truck and heavy equipment safety training firm, which she has helped grow into a national business. During her years there, she noticed the footwear problem—there wasn’t any! Determined to create safety boots that she’d actually want to wear, Emily assembled a powerhouse team of designers, consultants, and industry experts to bring Juno Jones to life.

Highlights:

Why having shoes that fit is important to have a sense of belonging.
How Juno Jones got off the ground
Hear stories of the incredible women who wear Juno Jones Safety Boots.

Links:

Buy Juno Jones Safety Boots: https://junojonesshoes.com/
Hazard Girls Podcast https://junojonesshoes.com/pages/hazard-girls
Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn:

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Juno Jones https://www.linkedin.com/company/juno-jones/
Emily Soloby https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysoloby/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Building A Safety Culture With Myrna Layton And Chelcea Driscoll

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 03:05:59 -0100

Myrna Layton and Chelcea Driscoll are both safety professionals who participated in Ambition Theory’s Leadership Accelerator Program. In this conversation, we talk about the difference between enforcing safety and building a safety culture.

Highlights:

Using influence over enforcement to promote a safety culture.
Why networking and relationship building is important and how to get started.
What can happen when you get out of your comfort zone.
Focusing on transformational leadership abilities can help you stand out and get noticed.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Chelcea Driscoll https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelcea-driscoll-b084bb61/
Myrna Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/myrna-layton-03b9242a/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

What It’s Like To Be ‘The Only’ With Kathryn Coulter

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 03:05:50 -0100

Kathryn Coulter works as a control specialist on new installations and upgrades of automation equipment. She was the only woman in her department for many years, but that has recently changed.

Highlights:

The challenges Kathryn faced when pursuing an apprenticeship straight out of high school.
How persevering and not giving up on her dream led to her eventually becoming an electrician and even better opportunities for career advancement
Why relationships matter
What it means to be a leader
What it was like for her to have a woman manager after 15 years of being the only woman on the team.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Kathryn Coulter https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-coulter-b560b654/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

How Men Can Be Better Allies For Women With Brad Johnson And David Smith

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 03:04:22 -0100

Whenever we speak to men who want to be better allies in the workplace, they’re often unsure about what they can do to help. David Smith and Brad Johnson are the co-authors of the books Athena Rising: How And Why Men Should Mentor Women and Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies For Women In The Workplace.

Highlights:

The barriers women face on the path to leadership include the double bind and the prove-it-again bias.
Why sponsorship is one of the best tools for allies and how to start sponsoring women today.
How to speak up when somebody says something inappropriate in a professional setting.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at https://www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap
Get the Book: Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies For Women In The Workplace https://www.workplaceallies.com/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
David Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgsmithphd/
Brad Johnson https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbradjohnson/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

When Women Support Other Women

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 03:25:00 -0100

Almost half of women in the construction industry have never had a woman role model or manager. They’ve never seen a real-life example of a woman in a leadership position in their company. Ambition Theory wants to change this. In our Leadership Foundations Program, we invite past participants to share how they’ve applied their learnings and the results that they’ve got for their companies. Simona Nicolescu, Jennifer Cross, and Cheryl Philibert joined us in June of 2022 to share their leadership journeys.

Highlights:

The impact on organizational culture is when a company invests in their women employees.
The difference between sponsorship and mentorship on site.
What it’s like to move from an office job to a job on-site.
The value in building relationships across different functions.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/.
Book a Call with us at www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/lap

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Jennifer Cross https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcross/
Simona Nicolescu https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-nicolescu/
Cheryl Philibert https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-philibert-a86031134/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Part 3: How To Make Your Company's Culture More Inclusive. Steps That Individuals And Companies Can Take To Accelerate The Path To Leadership For Women.

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 03:05:46 -0100

"I didn't believe it."

This is the feedback a male executive at a large construction company shared with us after attending an Ambition Theory workshop last March.

But, after asking just a few women he worked with, he quickly realized their experience aligned with what he learned in the presentation.

His company had invested heavily in recruiting and hiring women and developed a mentorship program and an employee resource group. However, women still weren't advancing at the same rate as men.

He finally understood why. The women's leadership experience was entirely different from that of men in the industry.

Listen to the audio recording of our live series from September 2022.

How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together

Part 1: How to shift from a transactional leadership style to a transformational approach and why this is a critical step to improve employee retention.
Part 2: Why sponsorship (not mentorship) is the answer to accelerating the path to leadership.
Part 3: How to make your company's culture more inclusive. Steps that individuals and companies can take to accelerate the path to leadership for women.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/leadership-accelerator-for-women-in-construction/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Part 2: Why Sponsorship (Not Mentorship) Is The Answer To Accelerating The Path To Leadership.

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 08:08:28 -0100

"I didn't believe it."

This is the feedback a male executive at a large construction company shared with us after attending an Ambition Theory workshop last March.

But, after asking just a few women he worked with, he quickly realized their experience aligned with what he learned in the presentation.

His company had invested heavily in recruiting and hiring women and developed a mentorship program and an employee resource group. However, women still weren't advancing at the same rate as men.

He finally understood why. The women's leadership experience was entirely different from that of men in the industry.

Listen to the audio recording of our live series from September 2022.

How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together

Part 1: How to shift from a transactional leadership style to a transformational approach and why this is a critical step to improve employee retention.
Part 2: Why sponsorship (not mentorship) is the answer to accelerating the path to leadership.
Part 3: How to make your company's culture more inclusive. Steps that individuals and companies can take to accelerate the path to leadership for women.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/leadership-accelerator-for-women-in-construction-sign-up/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Special Thanks to Lucinda Dykens of Coastal Virtual Solutions for editing this episode.

Part 1: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 03:03:32 +0000

"I didn't believe it."

This is the feedback a male executive at a large construction company shared with us after attending an Ambition Theory workshop last March.

But, after asking just a few women he worked with, he quickly realized their experience aligned with what he learned in the presentation.

His company had invested heavily in recruiting and hiring women, and developed a mentorship program and an employee resource group, but women still weren't advancing at the same rate as men.

He finally understood why. The women's leadership experience was entirely different from that of men in the industry.

Listen to the audio recording of our live series from September 2022.

How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together

Part 1: How to shift from a transactional leadership style to a transformational approach and why this is a critical step to improve employee retention.
Part 2: Why sponsorship (not mentorship) is the answer to accelerating the path to leadership.
Part 3: How to make your company's culture more inclusive. Steps that individuals and companies can take to accelerate the path to leadership for women.

Links:

Watch the full recording: How Men And Women Can Create Opportunities Together https://ambitiontheory.com/together/
Book a Call with us at www.ambitiontheory.com/bookacall
Leadership Accelerator Program Details: https://ambitiontheory.com/leadership-accelerator-for-women-in-construction/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Organizational Culture In The Construction Industry With Alexis Clark

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 03:05:11 +0000

Alexis Clark is the Anchor Business Unit Manager at Hilti North America and is extremely passionate about her work. We talked about the distinct culture at Hilti and what happens when you are a fit and when you aren’t. We also discussed what demonstrating courage in the workplace looks like and how it can lead to exponential growth for companies and your career.

Highlights:

- What onboarding for culture looks like at Hilti.

- What it looks like to be courageous at work.

- Finding a company with the right cultural fit for you can supercharge your career.

Links:

- Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If You’re a Woman in Construction, It’s Not - All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/

- Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/

- Hilti https://www.hilti.com/

Connect on LinkedIn

- Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/

- Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

- Alexis Clark https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisaclark/

When Women Run The Family Construction Business with Heather and Sarah Cruickshanks

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 03:05:21 +0000

Heather and Sarah Cruickshanks are a mother-daughter team who runs L.E. Cruickshanks Sheet Metal. They both started their careers in different industries and are now leaders in the construction industry in Atlantic Canada.

Highlights

- The benefits and challenges of running a family business.

- How their company started as a backyard operation and grew to a multimillion-dollar operation by leveraging a transformational leadership approach.

- How to transition into the construction industry mid-career.

Links:

- Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If You’re a Woman in Construction, It’s Not - All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/

- Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/

- L.E. Cruickshanks Sheet Metal https://lecruickshanks.com/

Connect on LinkedIn

- Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/

- Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

- Heather Cruickshanks https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cruickshanks-66843a25/

- Sarah Cruickshanks https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cruickshanks-ll-b-702a5aa7/

The Required Skills To Lead In The Construction Industry

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 03:05:02 +0000

Michael Riegel is the author of the book Build Like The Big Primes, a coach and trainer focused on leadership development in the construction industry.

Highlights

The skills required to lead in the construction industry today.
Some of the differences between how men and women lead.
The difference between coaching and training and how they deliver value to the industry.

Links

Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If You’re a Woman in Construction, It’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/
Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/
AEC Business Strategies https://www.aecbusinessstrategies.com/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Michael Riegel https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-riegel-acc-pmp-8739024/

How To Retain Top Talent In The Construction Industry with Susan McCutchan and Nadia Fratantonio

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 03:05:07 +0000

The priority for most construction companies today is retention. Susan McCutchan and Nadia Fratantonio from Pomerleau Construction talked about how the transformational approach to leadership is an extremely effective way to attract and retain top talent. It encourages people to be authentic at work, and it allows you to uncover talents on your team. It makes people want to work with you and stay at the company.

Highlights:

How to leverage people's unconventional talents to bring more value to your team.
Why cultural fit is more important than technical skills if you want to attract and retain the best talent.
How to be more authentic at work and encourage your team to do the same.
How to build up your team's technical skills to ensure you can deliver with excellence.

Links:

Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If You’re a Woman in Construction, It’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/
Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/
Ambition Theory: Women in Construction Podcast: Transformational Leadership https://ambitiontheory.ca/transformational-leadership-part-1-why-the-industry-needs-this-skillset/
Pomerleau https://pomerleau.ca/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Nadia Fratantonio https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiafratantonio/
Susan McCutchan https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmccutchan/

Why Women’s Leadership Initiatives Should Start At The Top With Brad Kohl

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 03:05:07 +0000

Brad Kohl is the President and CEO of Lafarge Western Canada. Lafarge is Canada's largest provider of sustainable construction materials and a member of the global group Holcim.

Highlights:

Lafarge's strategy to promote women internally to grow and excel within the company.
The barriers that women face when entering the construction industry.
How to shift your mindset to lead change in your company.
Why we can't rely on the past to predict the future.
Why Lafarge's women in leadership initiatives are always on the executive team's agenda.

Links:

Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If You’re a Woman in Construction, It’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/
Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/
Lafarge https://www.lafarge.ca/en

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Brad Kohl https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-kohl-7b607a100/

Transformational leadership leads to growth in the construction industry

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:02:53 +0000

Years of experience and technical knowledge are highly valued in the construction industry, and today we share a different perspective. Phil Diochon and Jill Tremblay from Verge Technologies talk about how they learned about the industry and grew the company by relying on their transformational leadership skills.

Highlights

How you can learn about the industry quickly.
They are leveraging communication to build morale and strengthen relationships with their clients.
Having confidence in your leadership abilities can help you figure out any challenge.

Links:

Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If You’re a Woman in Construction, It’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/
Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/
https://www.vergetechnologies.ca/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Verge Technologies https://www.linkedin.com/company/verge-tech/
Jill Tremblay https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-tremblay-466690b9/
Phil Diochon https://www.linkedin.com/in/phildiochon/

Using your voice and overcoming imposter syndrome with Lisa Fougere and Laura Hynes

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 06:02:15 +0000

Lisa Fougere and Laura Hynes from Lindsay Construction took part in the first cohort of our leadership accelerator for women in construction. They shared what it was like to take this program, how they could implement what they learned, and its impact on their company.

I want to say thank you so much to Lisa and Laura for getting out of their comfort zones and coming on the podcast.

Highlights

Overcoming imposter syndrome
How to use your voice to bring value to your company
Why delegating tasks that you’re really good at is what’s required to get you to your next level of leadership.
The importance of networking within your own company and how to do it authentically.

Links:

Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If You’re a Woman in Construction, It’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/
Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/
Listen to the podcast interview with Jeremy Tucker https://ambitiontheory.ca/how-men-are-learning-to-be-allies-for-women-in-construction/
Lindsay Construction https://lindsayconstruction.ca/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Laura Hynes https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hynes-1982062a/
Lisa Fougere https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-fougere-019443100/

The secret to exponential career growth in the construction industry with Jennifer Cross

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 04:00:59 +0000

Jennifer Cross shares what it’s like when you take 1:1 coaching with Ambition Theory. During her coaching program, Jennifer successfully transitioned into the commercial construction industry. For her the secret to exponential growth started by answering the question what drives your ambition and finding a company that aligns with her personal values.

We talked about the future of work and how a new perspective on ‘going back to the office’ can change the way we view construction projects.

Highlights

- Why Jennifer decided to enter the commercial construction industry 25 years into her career.

- How to get crystal clear on your long-term career vision.

- How to network in an authentic way

- How to attract opportunities

Links:

● Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If You’re a Woman in Construction, It’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/

● Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/

● Marant Construction https://www.marant.ca/

Connect on LinkedIn

● Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/

● Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

● Jennifer Cross https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkcross/

● Marant Construction https://www.linkedin.com/company/marant-construction/

How To Engineer Your Success As A Mother With Kinia Romanowska

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Kinia Romanowska is the founder of Pros and Babes. As a strategic advisor to moms in competitive, corporate, high-stress, and STEM careers, Kinia helps people navigate the pressures of growing successful careers and families.

Highlights:

● What matrescence is and how it impacts careers, especially in construction.

● How we can harness guilt to serve career decisions.

● What successful women decide before taking leave so that their careers do not stall.

● Why companies should look to integrate personal and professional resources.

Links:

● Free Report: Imposter Syndrome – If You’re a Woman in Construction it’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/

● Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/

● Pros&Babes https://prosandbabes.com/

● Pros&Babes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSUURkUljsRWJKqvkCns4bA

Connect on LinkedIn

● Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/

● Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Kinia Romanowska linkedin.com/in/kinia-romanowska

How to make decisions in a dual career family

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Both parents are in leadership roles; they love their careers, have kids, and have a strong marriage. You’ve probably seen people like this and wonder how they do it all. In this episode, we interviewed Dr. Vanessa and Pat Sweet, who have been redefining gender roles as professionals and parents since they started dating in university.

This was recorded live as part of our 2021 International Women’s Day series called Rising to the Challenge: Taking on the social norms and stereotypes that impede careers and business.

Highlights

● Pat and Vanessa shared the process that allowed them to rise to leadership while navigating multiple moves.

● How to align your personal values so you can rise faster professionally.

● The process they go through as a family to make big decisions.

Links:

● Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If you’re a Woman in Construction it’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/

● Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/

● Engineering and Leadership: https://www.engineeringandleadership.com/

Connect on LinkedIn

● Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/

● Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

● Dr. Vanessa Sweet https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-sweet-78a524bb/

● Pat Sweet https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksweet/

Building Trust in the Construction Industry

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0100

Natalie Doyle Oldfield is on a mission to help business owners and leaders grow their companies by building trusting relationships with customers and colleagues.

Natalie works with leaders, project managers, technical professionals to build relationships that solve problems, build businesses, and earn higher revenues. Natalie’s book: The Power of Trust, How Companies Build, Manage, and Protect It helps leaders understand the fundamentals of building relational skills. In addition, Natalie is the founder of Success Through Trust, an education and consulting company for business owners.

Highlights:

● How to gauge trust levels

● What to do during uncertainty and supply chain disruptions

● Why technical excellence may not indicate leadership readiness

● When mistakes build engagement and relationships

Links:

● Business Survey Results for Profitability: https://immediac.blob.core.windows.net/successthroughtrust/pdf/SuccessThroughTrustNewsReleaseBusinessSurveyResultsAreInFeb17,2021.pdf

● What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful by Marshall Goldsmith https://marshallgoldsmith.com/product/book-2/

● Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If you’re a Woman in Construction it’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/

● Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/

Connect on LinkedIn

● Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/

● Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

● Natalie Doyle Oldfield linkedin.com/in/nataliedoyleoldfield

Women Have What The Construction Industry Needs

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0100

Jennifer Sproul is President of the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation(MCCEI). She sees women as the answer to the construction industry’s need for talent, and she is working to connect the industry with educational, governmental, and nonprofit agencies. Her vision is to create an abundant pipeline of diverse people eager to work in the construction industry.

Highlights:

● How to know when to take the next right step

● What terror tells us

● How networking expands our influence exponentially

● Why coaching is transformative

Links:

● Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If you’re a Woman in Construction it’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/

● Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/

● Maryland Center for Construction Education & Innovation https://mccei.org/

● National Association for Women in Construction https://www.nawic.org/

Connect on LinkedIn

● Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/

● Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

● Jennifer Sproul linkedin.com/in/jennifersproul1

Career Diversity Key to Addressing Talent Shortage

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0100

Lisa Laronde, president of Powell Contracting, didn’t start working in the construction industry or become president the same way peers have. Lisa teases out how to launch into higher positions while making the world a better place. Through personal experience, Lisa shows how transformational leadership created exponential growth in each company division soon after she took leadership.

Highlights:

How to choose between jobs and industries
What to do when shifting from administration to operations roles
How networking shifts influence to vault careers and revenue
Why curiosity and listening are more powerful than expertise in the construction industry

Links:

Free Report: Imposter Syndrome, If you’re a Woman in Construction it’s Not All in Your Head http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/
Watch the Webinar: Gold Seal Certification And Women in Construction https://ambitiontheory.ca/gold-seal-cert/
Powell Contracting https://www.powell.ca/
Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) https://cawic.ca/
No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer https://www.norulesrules.com/

Connect on LinkedIn

Ambition Theory https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambition-theory/
Andrea Janzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/
Lisa Laronde https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalaronde/

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Free training: http://ambitiontheory.ca/freetraining/

Construction is beautiful with Nadine Speirs

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0100

Nadine Speirs is the owner of Metal Depot a supplier of metal roofing and wall panels as well as a full-service custom fabrication shop in Winnipeg Manitoba. The majority of the team is female and there is very little employee turnover at the company. Her competitors often give her referrals because Metal Depot’s products and services are just that good. In this episode Nadine shares:

- How she unintentionally built an all-female team.

- Why focusing on beautiful products allows her company to stand out from competitors.

- How she’s built a culture of trust and loyalty that allows her to work remotely from places like Mexico and Spain.

Metal Depot: Metaldepotltd.com

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Editor: Michael Boyd michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Postproduction Facility: Podcast Atlantic https://podcastatlantic.com/

How to be your authentic self in the construction industry with Sandra Benson

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 04:00:00 -0100

Sandra Benson is Global Head of Industry Transformation at Procore Technologies and on the board of The National Institute of Building Sciences. She got here, by being her authentic self. In this episode Sandra shares:

- How she made the decision to leave her role as the Worldwide Head of Engineering, Construction and Real Estate at Amazon Web Services.

- Why she believes sponsorship is more powerful than mentorship.

- How being her authentic self led to incredible opportunities to influence the construction industry as a whole.

Procore Technologies: www.procore.com

Sandra Benson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabenson-erp/

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Imposter: http://ambitiontheory.ca/imposter/

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Free training: http://ambitiontheory.ca/freetraining/

Transformational Leadership Part 2 : Mentorship vs. Sponsorship

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 04:00:00 -0100

The construction industry is booming, but there aren’t enough skilled professionals to do all of the work. In this episode, we explore the difference between mentorship (giving advice) and sponsorship (giving opportunities) and why mentorship programs don’t actually accelerate women into leadership positions in the construction industry. Learn what to do instead if you want to fully leverage the existing female talent in your company.

https://hbr.org/2007/09/women-and-the-labyrinth-of-leadership

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/09/09/women-stop-asking-for-career-advice-and-do-this-instead/?sh=7db0bbf217c8

THE AMBITION THEORY: WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Free training: http://ambitiontheory.ca/freetraining/

Editor: Michael Boyd michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Postproduction Facility: Podcast Atlantic https://podcastatlantic.com/

Transformational Leadership Part 1: Why the industry needs this skillset

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 03:00:00 -0100

The construction industry is booming, but there aren’t enough skilled professionals to do all of the work. This episode explores the difference between transactional and transformational leadership models. Why the construction industry needs more transformational leaders and why the current system fails to develop these skills.

McKinsey Lean In Women in the Workplace Report https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace

Women and the Labyrinth of Leadership HBR Article https://hbr.org/2007/09/women-and-the-labyrinth-of-leadership

Stephanie Slocum - https://www.sheengineersbook.com/discover

Jeffery Tobias Halter - https://www.amazon.com/WHY-WOMEN-Leadership-Imperative-Advancing/dp/0986142506

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Free training: http://ambitiontheory.ca/freetraining/

Editor: Michael Boyd michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Postproduction Facility: Podcast Atlantic https://podcastatlantic.com/

From Admin to CEO: A Journey Through Construction

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0100

Jennifer Todd is the founder and president of LMS General Contractors, she’s been featured on the cover of Construction Business Owner Magazine, was the Engineering News Records Top 25 Newsmakers of 2020 and one of ENR’s top 20 under 40.

During this interactive live podcast, Jennifer shared:

● How she entered the construction industry as an admin assistant and rose through the ranks to become a CEO.

● Why building relationships is just as important as managing projects in the construction industry.

● How to overcome challenges and setbacks in your career.

● How women can get started in the industry as an employee or as an entrepreneur.

● How she approaches failure so she can bounce back and keep moving forward.

LMS General Contractors https://lmsgc.com/

Jennifer Todd on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constructionlawgal

Jennifer Todd on linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifertoddlms/

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Free training: http://ambitiontheory.ca/freetraining/

Editor: Michael Boyd michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Postproduction Facility: Podcast Atlantic https://podcastatlantic.com/

How men are learning to be allies for women in construction

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0100

The YWCA Change Project has developed Gender Inclusion training to support male leaders in the trades. During this interactive live podcast, you will learn:

● Why trying to change women is not the answer, and why we need to shift culture instead.

● How the YWCA came up with a curriculum focusing on male supervisors as a means to make the industry more inclusive to women.

● What employers can do to support leaders to make their teams more inclusive.

This interview includes 3 different perspectives:

Participant: Jeremy Tucker, Operations Superintendent, Lindsay Construction

Facilitator: Stephen Law YWCA Shift Change Program Facilitator

Strategy and culture change: Tracy Boyer Shift Change Coordinator, YWCA Halifax

YWCA Halifax: https://www.ywcahalifax.com/

Lindsay Construction: https://lindsayconstruction.ca/

Stephen Law: https://www.stephenlaw.net/

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Free training: http://ambitiontheory.ca/freetraining/

Editor: Michael Boyd michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Postproduction Facility: Podcast Atlantic https://podcastatlantic.com/

Empowering contractors to make more money with Ashley Kielbratowski

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Ashley Kielbratowski is the co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at Harbr, a construction tech company that greatly improves source data collection for fast and accurate invoice approvals.

Harbr was founded in 2016 their clients and partners include CBRE, Paul Davis, Golf Town, Killam REIT, Foresight Atlantic, MacInnes Cooper, and the NSLC.

Ashley shares:

- How she became a founder in the construction tech space.

- Why trust and transparency are important in the construction process and how Harbr has automated this.

- How Harbr is using text messages to empower contractors to get paid for their work faster.

Harbr: https://harbr.com/

Connect with Ashley on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-kielbratowski-61a50157/

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Free Training http://ambitiontheory.ca/freetraining/

Editor: Michael Boyd michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Postproduction Facility: Podcast Atlantic https://podcastatlantic.com/

Reina, the first all-female condo development with Mara Nicolaou

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Mara is the Director of Design and Construction at Urban Capital Property Group, the company behind Reina Condos, the first all-female development in Canada.

Mara shares:

How a Toronto Life magazine article called ‘Condo Kings’ inspired the idea for Reina.
What’s different from being the only woman on the team to working as part of an all-female team in real estate and construction.
What she thinks is going to happen with the culture on site when construction begins.

Reina Condos: https://www.reinacondos.com/

Urban Capital: www.urbancapital.ca

Connect with Mara on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-nicolaou-28a87096/

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Free training: http://ambitiontheory.ca/freetraining/

Editor: Michael Boyd michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Postproduction Facility: Podcast Atlantic https://podcastatlantic.com/

Business Development in Construction with Annette Lindy

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Annette Lindy started her career as an Architect in Berlin at the same time as the wall came down. Before finding her dream job in business development, she worked as an architect in Europe and Canada. Annette shares:

How she merges beauty + connecting with people in her job every day.
What to do when you’ve accomplished all of the right things in your career but still feel miserable.
How to be brave and take risks in your career.
How the business development and sales cycle works in architectural products

Learn about Sound Solutions: https://www.soundsolutions.ca/

Connect with Annette on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-lindy-8a543913/

Ambition Theory www.ambitiontheory.ca

Host/Producer: Andrea Janzen https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Editor: Michael Boyd michaelboyd@podcastatlantic.com

Postproduction Facility: Podcast Atlantic https://podcastatlantic.com/

Self-Advocacy Strategies for Women in Construction

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Stephanie is the author of She Engineers: Outsmart Bias, Unlock Your Potential and Create the Engineering Career of Your Dreams. She coaches women in STEM to have career success on your own terms. We talked about the opportunities women in construction have available to them right now and how to position yourself for your next big role. Stephanies shared tactical strategies for self-advocating even if you're an introvert and don't like talking about yourself.

Connect with Stephanie on linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieslocumpe/

Stephanie's website https://www.engineersrising.com/

Subscribe to the Ambition Theory Newsletter or book a call with us. https://ambitiontheory.ca/

42. How to be strategic in your job

Andrea Janzen — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:06:32 +0000

Michael Ferrabee says that it's everyone's job to be strategic. In this episode, we talk about what it was like to work for the first female prime minister in Canada and Michael shares 3 tips that you can use to be strategic in your job no matter what level you are at in your company.

Connect with Michael on linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ferrabee-13509631/?originalSubdomain=ca

Strategic Rebellion: https://www.strategicrebellion.com/

Ambition Theory https://ambitiontheory.ca/

41. The difference between sponsorship and mentorship

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 10:59:36 +0000

We're explaining the difference between mentorship and sponsorship and how men are mentored differently than women.

Ambition Theory https://ambitiontheory.ca/

40. Why technical expertise does not equal great leadership with Phil Jewell

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Phil Jewell says you don’t have to master technical skills to be a great leader. Phil shares stories of how he was able to lead teams where he had zero knowledge of his team members’ technical work - he was even the leader of a bomb squad. We talk about servant leadership and how serving your team instead of teaching them what to do is the actual definition of leadership.

We have some exciting announcements coming soon from Ambition Theory, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter, so you don’t miss out. Go to ambitionthoery.ca to sign up.

“The way we lead is the way we live. Leadership is, therefore, a belief, a behaviour, and most importantly, a habit”

Connect with Phil on linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrphiljewell/

Impact Leadership https://www.impactleadershipteam.com/

Ambition Theory https://ambitiontheory.ca/

39. How to Reduce Burnout with Michelle Wax

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Michelle Wax, the founder of The American Happiness Project, shares strategies to reduce burnout, make managing conflict easier and make you an overall happier person. These are simple and take only minutes each day to implement. Learn how to take control of your morning, manage stress at work and add more joy to your personal and professional life.

The American Happiness Project Website https://american-happiness.com/

Connect with Michelle on linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellewax/

Subscribe to the Ambition Theory Newsletter http://ambitiontheory.ca/

38. Build mental strength like a marathon runner

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Learn how to build mental strength from Marathon runners Christy Pound and Leah Rimmer.

Apply these tools to your career so that you can achieve what you want even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you.

In this live recording of The Ambition Theory Podcast, you will meet Christy Pound and Leah Rimmer, marathon runners and partners at large law firms. They’ll be sharing:

How to pivot quickly when someone or something blocks your success
Why leveraging relationships is the key to getting what you want.
How to apply an athletes mindset to your career

Connect with Christy on linked in

Connect with Christy on Instagram

Connect with Leah on linked in

Connect with Leah on Instagram

Visit our website here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/

37. Ask this instead of 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' with Emily Rodger

Andrea Janzen — Wed, 26 May 2021 00:24:59 +0000

Have you ever been given an expectation of what you should be striving for in your career?

A few weeks ago, inside the Ambition Theory Membership, we hosted our first event for adults and kids, and it was a huge success.

Hosted by our member Emily Rodger - a leadership coach and world champion cyclist who rode a bike for the first time at age 27. When people told her she was too old to become an elite athlete, she defied their expectations and travelled worldwide, winning races.

We unpacked the question ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ And how this question can be limiting and why you should be asking different questions instead.

Connect with Emily here https://emilysrodger.com/

Ambition Theory Membership includes professional coaching and access to thought leaders every single month. The best part is that you’ll be surrounded by people who are trying to achieve the same level of success that you are. Because you can't solve your company's toughest problems on your own. To join, go to www.ambitiontheory.ca

37. The Crucial Conversation Every Dual-Career Couple Needs to Have

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 13 May 2021 10:46:18 +0000

If you’re a woman, you are probably looking for ways to manage your family’s needs without sacrificing your career. Unfortunately, in Canada and elsewhere, studies tell us it isn't going well. In this episode, Andrea Janzen is reading her latest Forbes Article about the conversation you need to have with your partner so that no one's career gets left behind.

The Ambition Theory Community is our brand new monthly membership program that supports leaders worldwide to advance their leadership capacity. To join the community, go to https://ambitiontheory.ca

36. How to Stop Apologizing with Anouk Malavoy

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:11:58 +0000

Sorry I have to say something. Sorry I have to leave early. In our society today, we apologize way too often. Anouk Malavoy believes we should never apologize for who we are. In this episode, Anouk Malavoy, the Vice President of Business Development at Astley Gilbert, shares her story of how she was able to stop apologizing and how it accelerated her career and leadership growth. This is a conversation about bringing your whole self to work and not apologizing for the multiple areas of your life.

Connect with Anouk on linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/anouk-malavoy-375b821a/?originalSubdomain=ca

35. Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to get what you want with Fotini Iconomopoulos

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:07:04 +0000

Fotini shares her simple and innovative strategies, debunks common negotiation myths and explains why effective negotiation does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

Fotini is the author of the book Say less Get More Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to get what you want.

This is the second time Fotini has been on the podcast. Multiple listeners have used the techniques from her first interview to negotiate higher salaries and make better deals for their companies.

Connect with Fotini here https://fotiniicon.com/

Get her book here https://www.amazon.ca/Say-Less-Get-More-Unconventional/dp/1443459526

The Ambition Theory Community is our brand new monthly membership program that supports leaders worldwide to advance their leadership capacity. To join the community, go to https://ambitiontheory.ca

34. Don't give up on your dream: becoming an Astronaut with Dr. Mindy Howard

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 09:03:51 +0000

Dr. Mindy Howard knew she wanted to be an astronaut when she was a little girl, but the path is never a straight line. In this episode, Dr. Mindy Howard and I talk about how an opportunity at the age of 45 allowed her to pursue her childhood dream. When most people were coasting along in their careers, she took the opportunity to become a commercial astronaut. This is a story of resilience and not giving up on your dreams. Mindy shares strategies to train our minds like an astronaut and use these techniques to achieve our goals here on earth.

Connect with Dr. Mindy Howard here: https://www.innerspacetraining.com/

33. The business case for Diversity and Inclusion with The Glenlivet

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Diversity and inclusion initiatives that are motivated because it’s the right thing to do - isn’t a strong enough motivation. There needs to be more. It needs to drive revenue or profit, or it’s not going to be worth the effort.

Aoife Lyons and Maritza Noriega from The Glenlivet share the business case and the reasons they took this global single malt scotch brand and are making it more inclusive so that everyone can enjoy it. The best part about this story is that it drives revenue growth for the brand and helps them stand out from their competition.

This was recorded live as part of our International Women’s Day series called Rising to the Challenge: Taking on the social norms and stereotypes that impede careers and business. After listening to this conversation, you will feel challenged to look for opportunities where inclusion can lead to business growth and profit. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Learn more about The Glenlivet Here: https://www.theglenlivet.com/en-CA

Watch the campaign here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58EX1fPQYnE

The Ambition Theory Community is our brand new monthly membership program that supports leaders worldwide to advance their leadership capacity. To join the community, go to https://ambitiontheory.ca

32. How to become a Power Couple with Dr. Vanessa and Pat Sweet

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0100

They shared the process that allowed them to both rise to leadership while navigating multiple moves. The biggest takeaway from this interview: when you’re aligned personally, you can rise faster professionally. This was recorded live as part of our International Women’s Day series called Rising to the Challenge: Taking on the social norms and stereotypes that impede careers and business.

After listening to this conversation, you will be armed with the skills to see beyond your next role and change your perspective to see roadblocks as new opportunities.

Connect with Pat here: https://www.engineeringandleadership.com/

Connect with Vanessa here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-sweet-78a524bb/

The Ambition Theory Community is our brand new monthly membership program that supports leaders worldwide to advance their leadership capacity. To join the community, go to https://ambitiontheory.ca

30. Mental Health: Why self-care isn't enough with Olethea Pimenta

Andrea Janzen — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 10:51:16 -0100

Pre-pandemic, you were responsible for taking charge of your mental health in the workplace. But as the pandemic continues this approach might be a little outdated and risky for your team. As a leader, mental health should be a priority. But how can you effectively empower your team when it comes to individual mental health? This episode was recorded live inside The Ambition Theory Community. Registered Psychotherapist Olethea Pimenta teaches us that self-care and meditation aren’t enough. If you really want yourself and your team to get through these tough times you need to look at systems outside of yourself. Because going it alone simply doesn’t work anymore.

The Ambition Theory Community is our brand new monthly membership program that supports leaders worldwide to advance their leadership capacity. To join the community, go to https://ambitiontheory.ca

27. Building The Capacity to Fail Safely in Your Organization

Andrea Janzen — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 10:24:50 -0100

Failure is a normal part of the road to success. Some of the best ideas or improvements are the result of a previous failure. But failure is scary, and we often avoid talking about it. This avoidance can cause you and your organization to avoid taking risks and miss out on opportunities. In this live episode, Michael Hartley, CEO of Minetell, walks us through a concept called The Capacity to Fail Safely. Learn how to implement systems that can take a brittle organization and transform it into a resilient one.

Connect with Michael on linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hartley/

Learn about Minetell https://www.minetell.ca/

The Ambition Theory Community is our brand new monthly membership program that supports leaders worldwide to advance their leadership capacity. To join the community, go to https://ambitiontheory.ca/core-membership/

26. How to Build a Culture of A-Players

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:56:38 -0100

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work at a company where everyone was an A player? Everyone was motivated, hard working and by just being around these people it held you to a higher standard. You became more motivated yourself, you produced more, and you loved every minute of it.

This is what it’s like to work at Platform Insurance. In this episode, Scott Beitel the Chief Operating Officer reveals how they built this amazing culture.

Connect with Scott on linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbeitel/

Learn about Platform here https://www.platforminsurance.com/

25. The key to being productive at work with Pat Sweet

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 12:45:56 -0100

Do you feel like your workday is never-ending? Do you feel like you’re not being as productive as you should be? In this episode Pat Sweet shares strategies on how to manage your to-do list every week, how to say no to things that aren’t aligned with your goals and how to overcome distractions. At the end of the episode, he shares one simple action that you can take today that is guaranteed to make tomorrow more productive for you.

Connect with Pat Sweet on the Engineering and Leadership Website https://www.engineeringandleadership.com/

24. Setting Hard Boundaries Can Hold Your Career Back: Here's What To Do Instead

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 03:00:00 -0100

You've probably been told to set boundaries. But here’s the thing, setting hard boundaries can actually hold you back from getting ahead in your career. Because sometimes, the best opportunities are outside of your job description, or they happen after 5 PM. In today’s episode, I’m reading my latest Forbes article on what to do instead so that you can take on strategic opportunities and influence others without getting burned out.

There’s a big misconception about leadership out there. Which is that skills and experience make a great leader. That saying yes to everything will give you the experience you need to rise to leadership.

The problem with this is that leadership is more about influencing other people than being excellent at your job or mastering a particular skill set.

23. How to get yourself noticed at work

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 03:00:00 -0100

Have you ever heard the saying "The only thing hard work gets you is more hard work?" It's easy to focus on tasks that produce a large volume of output. But unfortunately, keeping your head down producing results, even if it is part of your job description, isn't actually going to get you ahead.

I’m reading my latest Forbes article called How to get yourself noticed at work. So that you can build your influence and move your career forward.

The Ambition Theory Community is our brand new monthly membership program that supports leaders all over the world to advance their leadership capacity. To join the community go to https://ambitiontheory.ca/core-membership/

22. How to motivate your employees by asking one question

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Why are my employees not taking initiative right now? Why are they not stepping up to the plate? Why are they not motivated? On this episode of the Ambition Theory Podcast I talk about my Forbes article where we discuss motivation and how to unlock your employee's hidden potential.

The article mentioned in this episode was originally published on Forbes.com. You can read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/07/01/how-to-motivate-your-employees-with-a-simple-question/#5d0ab38865ba

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

21. The secret of sponsorship, not mentorship

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Asking for career advice just isn't enough. Asking for an opportunity where you can learn as you go is what it's really going to take to move you forward. This is the power of sponsorship. In this episode I'm reading my very first Forbes article explaining the concept of sponsorship.

The article mentioned in this episode was originally published on forbes.com on September 9, 2019. You can read the full article here.

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

20. Becoming a male ally in the workplace with Jeffery Tobias Halter

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Have you ever wondered if the men in your workplace are interested in helping women advance their careers?

In this episode Jeffery Tobias Halter and I cover the things that you've probably thought about, but were too afraid to say out loud. We unpack the myth of meritocracy and we talk about unconscious bias. This interview offers some very practical tips on how to get men on board as diversity champions.

You can find Jeffery on linked in here https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyhalter/

You can visit Jefferey's website here https://ywomen.biz/

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

19. The key to overcoming imposter syndrome with Mary Bicknell

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Do you ever feel like you aren't good enough or don't deserve what you have?

In this episode, Mary Bicknell and I have a conversation about why imposter syndrome exists and what you can do to overcome it. The tools Mary shares will increase your confidence so that you can stop feeling like a fraud or an imposter.

Visit Mary's website here: https://www.marybicknell.com/

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

18. How to support other women

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Why don't women always support other women?

It’s unfortunate but true. In this episode I’m sharing a story of when I fell into the trap of not supporting another woman’s success. This issue comes up a lot, and it’s easy for us to point the finger and blame others. The truth is, if we really want things to change, we need to start with ourselves.

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

17. The answer to getting noticed at work.

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Have you ever wondered the reason why women rise to leadership at a slower rate than men?

The reason is their lack of social capital. In this episode I explain why putting your head down and working hard just isn't enough to get ahead. What you really need to do is to understand the value of relationships in moving things forward. We talk about what the evidence says about social capital and what you can do to start leveraging yours.

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

16. How to have goals that increase your influence in your company

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Do you ever wonder why some people get ahead in an organization or company and some don't?

In this episode I unpack why setting clear goals is the key to being more influential in your organization. It's also the best way that you can do your part to close the gender gap in the workplace, be a role model for others and also attract the opportunities that are going to get you ahead.

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

14. The key to making career decisions as a couple

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Whose career takes priority in a dual income family?

In this interview, I got to connect with Jennifer Petriglieri, the author of Couples That Work: How Dual-Career Couples Can Thrive in Love and Work. I read her book in the fall, and when I was reading it, I have to say it was like Jennifer was in my head observing my life, and how my partner and I have made decisions about our careers and our relationship. If you haven’t had a conversation with your partner about what ambitions you have from a family perspective and a career perspective, the best time to have that conversation is NOW! In this episode we talked about how to have that conversation, how to really thrive in difficult times, and make decisions so that you can be successful in love and in your career.

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

13. How to be successful professionally in uncertain times

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 01:43:01 -0100

"Mindset is everything."

The truth is the world is a crazy place right now. I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing what I've learned so far during the Covid-19 pandemic and how I'm applying it to my life and my business. This week we’re talking about how to think above the line and keeping positive so that you can use your creativity to find opportunities to move forward and take action, and what I'm doing to fuel my ambition personally and professionally so that I can stay motivated.

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

12. The secret to uplevel your personal brand

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 03:00:00 +0000

"Showing up outside the mold is what makes you stand out."

You want to be successful in your industry. Like me, you probably believed that fitting in and acting like everybody else was going to be the key to being successful. But as I found out, the truth actually is, being yourself and leveraging your unique brand of leadership will get you further ahead. Today I’m sharing how I figured this out for myself and how you can too.

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

11. How to up-level your leadership with Don Bureaux

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 02:39:23 +0000

Don Bureaux is the President and CEO of Nova Scotia Community College. He successfully created a gender-balanced leadership team by reframing one simple question. Instead of asking 'Do you have what it takes to be a leader. He asked 'What kind of leader do you want to be?'

Don believes that your strengths are not the things you are good at, but instead the things that get you excited.

Connect with Don on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-bureaux-2043211a/

Have you ever heard the saying ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone’.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get a FREE phone wallpaper that reminds you to get out of your comfort zone every single time you look at your phone. www.ambitiontheory.ca/subscribe

10. How to Thrive Part 3: Figure out what you really want and get the right people on board

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 03:00:00 +0000

My clients keep telling me that they are feeling more confident. They’re getting more business, they’re becoming better leaders and people are noticing. In the third of a 3-part series on How to Thrive at Work in Uncertain Times I’m sharing strategies to help you figure out exactly what you want and how to make it happen. Because here’s the truth, most people get stuck in the grind and forget what they are striving for.

Sign up for the FREE live training called How to Thrive at Work in Uncertain Times right here. https://ambitiontheory.mykajabi.com/thrive

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

9. How to Thrive Part 2: Create impact by focusing on what really matters

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 03:00:00 +0000

My clients keep telling me that they are feeling more confident. They’re getting more business, they’re becoming better leaders and people are noticing. In the second of a 3 part series on How to Thrive at Work in Uncertain times I’m sharing strategies to help you figure out what to focus on now so that it brings value and gets you noticed. Because here’s the truth, hard work doesn’t get you ahead, being visible does.

Sign up for the FREE live training called How to Thrive at Work in Uncertain Times right here. https://ambitiontheory.mykajabi.com/thrive

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

8. How to Thrive Part 1: Build confidence and create opportunities by managing your mindset

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 03:00:00 +0000

My clients keep telling me that they are feeling more confident. They’re getting more business, they’re becoming better leaders and people are noticing. In the first of a 3 part series on How to Thrive at Work in Uncertain times I’m sharing strategies to manage your thinking and your mindset so that you can create opportunities for yourself and the people around you.

Sign up for the FREE live training called How to Thrive at Work in Uncertain Times right here. https://ambitiontheory.mykajabi.com/thrive

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

7. How to create opportunities for yourself at work with Edith Duarte

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 03:00:00 +0000

In today’s podcast, I had a conversation with Edith Duarte, who is a leader and a mother, who when the Covid-19 pandemic started, decided that she wasn’t going to slow down. She stepped up, she created opportunities, she got promoted, and she is sharing how to make that happen with you.

Edith Duarte is Senior Account Manager at BDC. She is a trusted advisor in her business community and helps Canadian business accelerate their growth by offering BDC’s platform of financing, advisory services and capital. She is originally from Mexico and has had the wonderful opportunity to develop her professional skillset in Mexico, U.S.A and Canada working in the private and public sectors. She holds an MBA and an Engineering degree. She lives in Ottawa with her 2 young daughters and is a weightlifting enthusiast and long-distance runner.

Connect with Edith on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edithduarte/

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

6. How to implement a diversity and inclusion intiative that creates lasting change with Tinaye K Manyimo

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 02:56:22 +0000

In this week’s episode, I sit down and talk with Tinaye K Manyimo, who is the founder of Shumba Consulting, and a diversity and inclusion expert. We talked about how hard it is to actually implement diversity and inclusion initiatives and about why companies don’t actually implement them. They talk about diversity all the time, but don’t actually take action. My favorite part of this interview was when Tinaye actually gave me an epiphany moment, when he explained the limitations of internal diversity and inclusion roles.

Tinaye or T.K (he/him) is the owner of Shumba Consulting a small business of diversity based in Halifax Nova Scotia whose mission, with a core lens of diversity and inclusion, is to work with businesses, organizations and groups to develop and deliver engaging and impactful workplace education and management solutions. Originally from Zimbabwe, he moved to Canada where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Behavior and Industrial Relations as well as a Bachelor of Arts and Community Studies from Cape Breton University. He is currently a member of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion as an Individual Practitioner and a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP).

Check out Shumba Consulting here: https://shumbaconsulting.ca/

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

5. How to build something bigger than yourself with Faten Alshazly, Chief Creative Officer of WeUsThem

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 03:00:00 +0000

Have you ever heard the saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”? About a year and a half ago I was looking around, and to be honest, I felt like I didn’t have enough female role models in the business world that were entrepreneurs building something bigger than themselves. Then I met Faten Alshazly, who is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-founder of WeUsThem, a global advertising agency who happens to be based in Halifax. Every time I saw her, I learned something new. She challenged me, she gave me a new idea, and she was so honest and vulnerable about what it really takes to start a business. In this episode we talked about diversity, and how WeUsThem is able to enter new markets and win business against very large advertising agencies from the traditional creative hubs like New York and London.

She is the winner of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada Award, the Women of Influence Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and also the winner of many creative awards.

Check out We Us Them here: https://weusthem.com/about.html

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

4. How to motivate your employees with a simple question

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 00:21:53 +0000

Why are my employees not taking initiative right now? Why are they not stepping up to the plate? Why are they not motivated? On this episode of the Ambition Theory Podcast I talk about my Forbes article where we discuss motvation and how to unlock your employee's hidden potential.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

3. How to capitalize on social capital with Amelia Merrick

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 05:07:48 +0000

Amelia Merrick is studying for her PhD at the University of Toronto. In her research, she is looking to answer these big questions: “How do we support young people’s transition into life-giving work?” “How do we learn to think critically about and for our work?” “What is the role of the workplace?” “What is the role of post-secondary institutions?” “What do we do to make it more likely that work enables us to do and be what we have reasons to value?”

In our conversation we discussed how social capital can give you opportunities others may not have access to, how to recognize your privilege, and how to create trust and pass on knowledge in your organization.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

2. How to bridge the education gap with Charles Milton, CEO of Bursity.org

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 03:12:55 +0000

I met Charles Milton about a year ago, and the thing that stood out to me about him was this desire that he has to help people. He wants other people to succeed, and to help them overcome whatever barriers are in the way of them moving forward in creating the success that they want. I am so honoured to consider him one of my friends and that he came on the podcast to share his story with you. He is the founder and CEO of Bursity, which is a company that is bridging the education gap, and getting more students the money they need to pursue higher learning.

Charles Milton is the founder of Bursity.org, and is a community advocate and social entrepreneur dedicated to helping marginalized demographics improve access to post secondary education. A recent graduate of Nova Scotia Community College, in the Data Analytics and Information Technology, he is the recipient of the 2019 Business Innovation, and Alumni Rising Star awards. He landed on the idea of Bursity, North America’s largest database of financial awards exclusively for marginalized students, when he realized he had the skills and life experience to address such a big problem.

Listen to Sylvia's interview here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-how-to-have-open-honest-conversation-around-blacklivesmatter/id1455263707?i=1000485213957

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

1. How to have an open and honest conversation around the #blacklivesmatter movement with Sylvia Parris-Drumond

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 16:24:55 +0000

In the inaugural episode of the Ambition Theory Podcast, I sit down with Sylvia Parris-Drummond, CEO of Delmore "Buddy Daye" Learning Institute. I am very grateful to have people like her in my life, as we had an open and honest conversation about the #blacklivesmatter movement and learned about the black community in Nova Scotia.

Previously the Diversity at Work Podcast, the Ambition Theory Podcast focuses on strategies and thought leadership around creating a workplace where everyone is welcome and everybody can thrive and we’re not going to shy away from the difficult conversations. The rebranding of the podcast reflects the rebranding of my company, which was previously Andrea Janzen Professional Coaching, and is now Ambition Theory.

To learn more about Sylvia's work and for resources: https://dbdli.ca/

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

19. How Fathers Can Give their Daughters a Better, Brighter, Fairer Future with Michelle Travis

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:37:48 +0000

On this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, we are sharing a special episode in honor of Father's Day. I sat down and talked with Michelle Travis, who is a law professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law, and the authour of the book, Dads for Daughters. In this interview we talked about practical things that fathers of daughters can do today to make the workplace better for women, so that when their daughters get to the workplace their daughters can thrive and can more easily get into a leadership postition if that's what they want.

Unfortunately, today in the workplace the gender gap is real, and the progress that we're making is very slow, and if we don't speed things up, things are not going to be different for the next generation. Today, even if you tell your daughter she can be anything she wants when she grows up, the truth is it will be harder for her, especially if she wants to be in a leadership role.

The reason I'm sharing this today is to give fathers very practical tools to take to their workplace right now and implement them in order to have an impact and create a place where everyone can thrive, including their daughters.

Learn more about Michelle's book: https://michelletravis.net/dads-for-daughters/

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-a-travis/

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

18. How to prepare for a job interview

Andrea Janzen — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 02:37:30 +0000

In this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, we are talking about preparing for a job interview. I actually started out as a career coach – I could see all of these amazing skills that they had, but they couldn’t see it for themselves let alone convince someone else in a job search process that they were capable of doing the job. A lot of the interview prep I saw online was very scripted. But when you’re rehearsed and just saying a script you can’t connect authentically with people. And let’s be honest that connection during an interview is what gets you the job. People decide based on feelings and then they justify their decision based on qualifications. The other problem was – no matter how many potential questions we brainstormed, there was always one that we never thought of that would stump someone.

Listen to this weeks epiosde to find out how to make yourself stand out from other candidates in an interview. If you want more resources or coaching contact me on our website: https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

17. What to do now if you lost your job

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 03:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, we're talking about building your resume and LinkedIn profile to help you get a new job, especially if you have been laid off during the pandemic.

So many people have gotten laid off that the unemployment rate in April in Canada was 13%. That means a LOT of people lost their jobs. And I know the ripple effects are not over. This is a REAL Problem. And it affects everyone. Even if you’re listening to this and have a job right now it doesn’t mean that you’re going to have one in 6 months. Unfortunately this is the reality we are facing today.

I started out as a career coach – The crazy part was is that people had very high success rates. They’d get the job. And they’d get jobs really fast. The challenge is these clients wouldn’t actually like their jobs. Because I didn’t ask the fundamental question: "What do you really want?" I realize now in hindsight that it’s because I missed the fundamental question: "What do you really want? What drives your ambition? What are you striving for?"

I went back and found my resume building template and have shared them in this episode. This actually got people the interview. But it also built confidence so that when they got an interview the wowed the interviewer and got the job. It also built up their confidence to negotiate a salary. And all those amazing things.

If you want more resources or coaching contact me on our website: https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Or on Instagram: @andreajanzen or @ambition.theory

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

16. What is the meaning of Ambition Theory?

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 28 May 2020 03:00:00 +0000

We recently re-branded the company! What does ambition theory mean? In a nutshell, it's Motivation + Strategy, it's the sweet spot between personal development and tactical strategies so that you can actually implement what you're learning.

The first question we ask all of our clients is 'What drives your ambition?'. The answer isn't always straightforward, but once you can answer this the path forward becomes clear. In this episode I'm sharing what it is and how I figured this out.

Buy an Ambitious Every Day Journal Here: https://ambitiontheory.ca/product/ambitious-every-day-journal/

Send me your feedback here https://ambitiontheory.ca/contact/

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

15. Why you still need to have goals and ambition right now

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 21 May 2020 11:28:49 +0000

You had all these grand plans for 2020, you were going to get that promotion, you were going to get new clients, you were going to make more money and you were going to be an amazing role model. But now things are different, and maybe you're wondering if it's still OK to have these goals. Today I'm sharing why being ambitious is more important than ever especially for women who are in leadership positions. I'm sharing one simple tool that you can implement right now that will help you to move your goals forward, contribute to your community and be a role model for others.

14. How I got out of my comfort zone with Trudy Dyer of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 08 May 2020 00:09:12 +0000

This episode of the Diversity at Work podcast is a bit different - I invited Trudy Dyer, Executive Director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on the podcast – but we’re not talking about her, we’re actually talking about me, and how she saw this potential in me that I did not see in myself. She offered me an opportunity, and immediately my reaction was to say no, and thoughts of imposter syndrome filed my head. I wanted to bring her on the podcast to really share how she stepped up to the plate, how she was able to get my thoughts in check, and allow me to see this opportunity for what it really was – a way for me to get out of my comfort zone and get into that zone where the magic happens.

Check out our campaign here: tinyurl.com/cancerisntcancelled

Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

13. The importantce of investing in yourself in uncertain times with Andrea Janzen

Andrea Janzen — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 22:34:38 +0000

On this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, we are talking about why you need to invest in yourself right now. The reasons why it is the best time today to spend time, money and energy on your professional development. Today I’ll be sharing strategies you can implement right now, and these are things that my clients have implemented in the past month to help them get new clients, get new jobs, and position themselves to be ready for a promotion and a raise. To make more money, have more influence, step into that leadership role, and be a role model for other people.

Grab a FREE copy of the Ambitious Every Day Journal HERE put this link: andreajanzen.com/journal

Book a Complimentary call with Andrea HERE. https://calendly.com/andreajanzen/30min?back=1&month=2020-04

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/09/09/women-stop-asking-for-career-advice-and-do-this-instead/#bab56717c8b4

12. How to lead in times of uncertainty with David Hudock

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 03:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, I interviewed David Hudock, who spent 32 years in senior leadership positions in the Canadian Navy. I sat down with him to talk about what it’s like to lead in crisis situations, as we are currently navigating uncertain times. I wanted to learn from someone who has experience leading big teams during really challenging times. I was looking for a perspective that is different from the typical business books on how to step up, how to be there for your team, and what it looks like to be a leader today.

Grab a FREE copy of the Ambitious Every Day Journal HERE

Book a Complimentary call with Andrea HERE.

11. How ambitious women thrive in uncertain times

Andrea Janzen — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 16:03:36 +0000

The world is a crazy place right now. I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing what I've learned one month into the Covid-19 pandemic and how I'm applying it to my life and my business. I'm talking about:

- Mindset hacks that can keep you positive so that you can use your creativity to find opportunities to move forward and take action.

- Why I'm investing in professional development right now and how it's helping me to move my career forward.

- How to reframe any fear or anxiety by asking one simple question.

- What I'm doing to fuel my ambition personally and professionally so that I can stay motivated.

Grab a FREE copy of the Ambitious Every Day Journal HERE

Book a Complimentary call with Andrea HERE.

10. How to thrive as a couple during times of crisis with author Jennifer Petriglieri

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 03:22:10 +0000

Get Jennifers book here: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MWDNZD3/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

9. How to persist through adversity with Dr. Vanessa Sweet

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 19:30:25 +0000

On this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, I sat down with Dr. Vanessa Sweet. She is preparing for the biggest challenge of her career, which is being on the front lines during the covid-19 pandemic. In this conversation we talked about how training your mindset has been a crucial part of her medical training. How to thrive in times of crisis and how imposter syndrome is showing up for her and the other doctors that she works with right now, and how they're overcoming it.

Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

8. Live episode: Why networking and leveraging relationships is the only way to move your career forward with Jodi Millen and Lindsay Reynolds

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 02:16:40 +0000

This episode of the Diversity at Work podcast is a very special episode. It is our first LIVE podcast recording that we did on March 4th to acknowledge International Women's Day. It was at an event called Celebrating Ambition, for diversity champions in the construction industry in Toronto. This event started because I was frustrated navigating the construction industry by myself. I met Jodi Millen back in January, and Lindsay Reynolds jumped on board soon after. We realized that trying to do something by ourselves was going to be hard and wee would have a bigger impact if we created something together. In this interview we talked about how to network, why leveraging relationships is the only way to move your career forward, and how to look at relationships in a positive way, and why you need to look for abundance instead of competing.

Thank you to our sponsors PCL Construction, Platform Insurance, Hancock & MacArthur and The Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association.

Check out Jodi's company here: https://meilimarketing.com/

Check out Lindsay's company here: http://hancockmacarthur.com/

Get a FREE PDF copy of Ambitious Every Day here: http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

7. What's happening in Italy, from a Canadian in Rome, with Tonia Szkurhan

Andrea Janzen — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 19:06:20 +0000

Have you ever heard that saying "When you’re looking for a leader, all you need is to find someone who is one chapter ahead of you"? On this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, I interview Tonia Szkurhan, who is a Canadian living in Rome, right now, in the middle of the covid-19 pandemic. We talked about how Tonia is pivoting her singing career, what its really like to be on lockdown for 18 days, and why Tonia was so disapointed when Candians turned up at the grocery stores hoarding toilet paper.

Tonia Szkurhan is a Canadian singer based in Rome. She has an impressive repertoire of musical theatre, jazz, pop, and rock music. Tonia has sung in many high profile clubs, theatres and events in Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom. If you would like to learn more about Tonia or listen to her music, please visit her website or YouTube channel and follow her on Instagram and Facebook:

Website: www.toniasings.com
Instagram: @toniasings8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toniasings
YouTube: Tonia Szkurhan

Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

6. How to cope with fear and anxiety with Olethea Pimenta, Registered Therapist

Andrea Janzen — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 20:34:55 +0000

On this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, I got to talk to Olethea Pimenta, a registered therapist who is the most innovative therapist I have ever met. We talked about fear in uncertain times and how the fear you are experiencing right now might be something you've already gone through before. She gave me a bunch of techniques to help reframe what is happening with your fear and anxiety so that you can move forward, stay positive, and see opportunities to really thrive in this time of uncertainty,

Olethea is a registered psychotherapist with a completely online practice. Her clients refer to her as their coach, performance coach or career coach! She works to take clients from panic to peak performance, helping clients struggling with anxiety and relationships level up in all areas of their life. Her services can be covered under most extended health plans or professional development budgets! Book a consult here: https://calendly.com/oletheap/consult

Visit her website here: https://opimenta.ca/

Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

5. How to stay connected with each other through food with Jamie Deveaux, food blogger and celebrity chef

Andrea Janzen — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 21:21:02 +0000

In this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, I got to interview Jamie Deveaux, who is a chef and was recently on the Food Network show, Wall of Chefs which he won! We talked about food, and how slowing down in times like these is a great way to ground yourself and connect with your family. We also discussed how foodis such a good way that humans connect with each other through, and when we are in this state of isolating ourselves, how we can actulally use food to keep our relationships going and find a bit of positivity in these times.

Jamie is a recipe blogger, reality cooking show winner, and upcoming personal chef/small event caterer. He has a passion for slow cooking and mindful food practices, including promotion of local food initiatives, food security, and a healthy, deliciously feed, community.

Check out his blog here: https://theslowbraise.com/

Find him on Instagram and Facebook: @theslowbraise

Spaghetti on the Ready

This pasta might seem complicated but I am confident even a novice cook can have it on the table, impressing their nearest and dearest (or just their isolated selves) within half an hour. This is a good time to learn the joys of "mise en place" which means "everything in its place". This is the concept of doing all of your cutting, trimming, measuring, pantry digging for that one ingredient that you know is there but doesn't want to be found, before you start to cook. it eliminates so much stress and frustration and will afford you the time to enjoy the process.

Ingredients:

1 box dry pasta (spaghetti, linguine, spaghettini)

3 vine tomatoes, medium dice

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 onion, small dice

2 cloves garlic, minced (we use 4 or 5!)

1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained (canned works)

2 Tbsp tomato paste

1/2 cup red wine (plus more for drinking)

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup torn fresh basil

2-3 large handfuls arugula or baby spinach

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

lots of fresh cracked black pepper

optional toppings:

parmigiano reggiano

chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Put a large pot of well salted water on to boil. This should be salty like seawater. Don't worry, most of the salt gets drained off.

2. In a large medium-hot skillet, add your olive oil, onions, and garlic and cook until translucent and aromatic, about 2 minutes.

3. Add tomato paste, lots of black pepper, nutmeg, and chickpeas. Cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes. It is perfectly find for things to be sticking to the pan at this point. The browning adds a lot of flavor.

4. Pour orange juice and half cup of wine into pan and use a wooden spoon to loosen and lift up all of the cooked on pieces from the pan.

5. When wine and juice have reduced and started to look like a thin syrup, add tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.

6. Toss pasta into the pot of boiling salt water and set a timer for one minute less than cooking time listed on the box.

7. While pasta is cooking, toss basil and arugula into your sauce and continue to reduce over medium-high heat. It should start looking too thick by the time the pasta is cooked but not sticking to the pan. Trust the process.

8. When pasta is cooked, using tongs, lift noodles from the boiling water directly into the pan of sauce. add 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, this is absolute liquid gold for pasta dishes.

9. Stir everything together until the sauce is thickened again and the pasta is well coated.

10. Remove from heat, top with tons of fresh parsley, grated parm, plack pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

11. Serve directly to the table in the skillet

4. Strategies to successfully work from home with Pat Sweet

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 16:12:04 -0100

On this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, I sat down with Pat Sweet from the Engineering and Leadership blog to talk about strategies around working from home. We talked about productivity methods and how to stay connected with people when you're working remotely. We also talked about stategies for both leaders and team members on how to show up for the people they work with and how to best support them where they need it right now. Pat also works at LockheedMartin, as a systems defense engineer and loves to work at the intersection between business and technology.

Read Pat's blog here: https://www.engineeringandleadership.com/

Join the Ambitious Everyday Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

3. How to have a conversation about the gender gap during self-isolation with Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann Woodward Berst

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:53:17 -0100

On this episode of the Diversity at Work podcast, I sat down with Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann Woodward Berst, a mother and daughter team who produced and directed the documentary Pioneers in Skirts. In this movie, they talk about women's ambition and the reasons why the gender gap really exists. If you've listened to my podcast for a while, you probably know that the gender gap is not a women's issue, it's a cultural issue. So if you want to have a conversation with your daughter, with your partner, with your coworkers of any gender, this is the movie that explains it. In this interview we talk about what you can do as a parent to promote gender equality for the next generation. How you can have conversations with both men and women and how you can have a conversation with your family. Watch the movie and get started to take action and figure out what your part can be in closing the gender gap.

To learn more about the Pioneers in Skirts documentary: https://www.pioneersinskirts.com/

Join the Ambitious Everyday Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

2. How to communicate with employees and customers in times of crisis

Andrea Janzen — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:42:13 -0100

On this episode I interviewed Natasha Compton, who is a PR expert and owner of Be Curious PR. She and I talked about strategies to communicate with your customers and your employees during times of crisis. Natasha shared some examples of what you can do if you want your customers to be excited and keep buying things from you during this time of uncertainty.

We also talked about how to communicate internally and what to do if your employees are actually not on board with the decision that has been made at the senior level. If you are an employee at a big company, if you own your own business or if you just want to communicate with your family and your community, sit back, relax and enjoy this episode, and learn strategies that can help you to be that leader and be the best role model that you can be during these uncertain times.

Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

1) How to cope in times of crisis with Andrea Janzen

Andrea Janzen — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 18:36:03 -0100

Welcome to the Diversity at Work podcast Season 2! Today we are taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming and are launching a special season on thriving in times of uncertainty. It is March 23rd today and we are right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a leadership coach, I have a ton of resources that can help people get through difficult times. People are working from home, people are losing their jobs. Things are pretty crazy right now. And I wanted to use the next couple of weeks to bring some guests on, share strategies on how to see opportunities, and how to stay positive in this time, where to be honest, there's a lot of fear and anxiety happening.

Today, I'm going to give you one tool that you can start with right now to feel grounded, not to set big goals, not to feel very ambitious, but so that you can start to try to be positive, start to see opportunities and really be in a place where you can serve others. You can be that role model, you can step up and be that leader in your family, with your coworkers, and in your community.

Sign up to get your gratitude journal here: https://mailchi.mp/f228d708410b/gratitude?fbclid=IwAR1j5v0uOvUSj908aR-yzRDNNiuPfRXZz_fFH8QwsrqRV98fhr2var8gii4

Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Find us on Instagram: @ambitiontheory or @andreajanzen

50. Opening doors for women in trades with Reva Bond Ramsden (repeat episode)

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 02:00:00 -0100

It's been a year since the Diversity at Work Podcast started, and to celebrate we're re-releasing our favourite and most popular episodes as we gear up for Season Two coming soon!!!

Reva Bond Ramsden is the Dean of Construction for the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). After learning that females represented only 2% of the student population in the School of Manufacturing, she got really curious about the the gender gap. This curiosity led Reva to become a trailblazer and advocate for getting more women into construction, trades and technology. Through the group called Women in Trades and Technology she is working to create role models for women interested in non-traditional careers. Her philosophy "Where you are in life, there's always someone ahead of you, and there's always someone behind you." She believes that you don't have to wait to be a role model and we all have the opportunity to be a role model for the next generation. In this episode, Reva also shares a story about what happened when there were 3 women in a 4th year auto body class (this had never happened before). Both genders shared their stories and the men in the class decided to take action about gender equality in the workplace. When women are included, amazing things really do happen. You don't want to miss this episode!

You can learn more about Women in Trades and Technology here.

You can learn about SAIT here.

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

49. How to negotiate and get what you want with Fotini Iconomopoulos (repeat episode)

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 02:27:59 -0100

It's been a year since the Diversity at Work Podcast started, and to celebrate we're re-releasing our favourite and most popular episodes as we gear up for Season Two coming soon!!!

In this episode I chat with Fotini Iconomopoulos, who shares negotiation strategies that you can implement right away to get what you want at work. Fotini is an MBA professor, a keynote speaker, a consultant to Fortune 500 companies and soon to be published author. We talked about the gender pay gap and how important it is for women to negotiate and advocate for themselves at work.

So many women avoid negotiating, but the truth is it doesn’t have to be that way. There are proven strategies that you can implement today to become a more confident negotiator. Fotini shares why hearing the word ‘NO’ is actually a good thing, because it’s actually the start of the negotiation process. If you’re looking to understand more about the gender pay gap, if you want to get promoted or are looking for a raise, this episode is for you.

Find her on Instagram: @fotiniicon

Connect with her on LinkedIn: Fotini Iconomopoulos

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

48. The science behind the Ambitious Every Day Journal with Darren Steeves

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 03:00:00 -0100

In this episode, I chat with Darren Steeves owner of Vendura Wellness. With a multifaceted background in exercise physiology with athletes and health consulting in organizations, Darren's focus is on resiliency and building mental strength whether you are an Olympic level high-performance athlete or just a regular human.

Vendura Wellness utilizes evidence based best practices within Multi-Disciplinary Total Health Teams to deliver unique strategic planning for your organization. This collaboration of health professionals working within all all aspects of health enables the Vendura team to maximize employee total health and performance.

To listen to Darren's TED Talk, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs_J9rK7oUQ

To learn about Vendura Wellness check out: http://vendurawellness.com/

OR Follow Vendura Wellness on Twitter: @vendurawellness

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal here http://andreajanzen.com/

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Sponsor: Duckish Natural Skincare

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

47. Discussing diversity in the African-Nova Scotian community with Sylvia Parris-Drumond, CEO of Delmore "Buddy Daye" Learning Institute

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 01:33:09 -0100

In this episode I sat down and chatted with Sylvia Parris-Drummond, CEO of Delmore "Buddy Daye" Learning Institute. In this conversation we discussed how to best facilitate diversity and learning both in the workplace and in schools, and how to create a welcoming atmosphere for diverse populations in these places. Through her I learned about the details of the African-Nova Scotian experience and how the repercussions of the colonial experience affect people in her community today.

Sylvia's work in education and the community is rooted in core Africentric Principles. She has a successful history of collaboration with the communities and stakeholders with whom she has worked. Through her extensive public sector involvement, Sylvia has gained a deep understanding and appreciation for what it takes to conduct policy analysis, oversee publishing projects, and develop and implement education, multicultural and diversity programs.

To learn more about Sylvia's work and for resources: https://dbdli.ca/

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal here http://andreajanzen.com/

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Sponsor: Duckish Natural Skincare

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

46. Flexible work increases productivity and bridges the talent gap with Jennifer Hargreaves

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 02:33:16 -0100

In this episode I sit down to chat with Jenifer Hargreaves, CEO and founder of Tellent, an organization that brings together experienced female professionals who have evolved beyond the 9 – 5 work model to connect, network and find meaningful and financially rewarding work so that they can lead, live and earn on their own terms. Jennifer is a business owner and master problem solver committed to connecting and bridging work opportunities for professional women in the new economy. In this conversation I learned how having flexible working conditions can lead to increased productivity while keeping workers happy, a value I am passionate about maintaining in my own company.

If you would like to join the tellent Community with a 10% discount, check out the links below:

For flexible job-seekers and freelancers - https://community.wearetellent.com/plans/37165?bundle_token=eb831e3846b9438b19d4d92531fce280&utm_source=manual

For talent seekers and entrepreneurs - https://community.wearetellent.com/plans/37164?bundle_token=592dc2f4c2831c0ab08f2c0bbb5486ce&utm_source=manual

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal here http://andreajanzen.com/

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Sponsor: Duckish Natural Skincare

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

45. Championing diversity in the pre-fabrication industry with CEO Amy Marks

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 16:43:25 -0100

In this episode I sit down and chat with Amy Marks, CEO of XSite Modular, one of the leading companies in prefabricated modular building and consulting. Amy created the position of prefabrication consultant, defining the language and concepts used throughout the industry. Amy is a thought leader in both domestic and international circles, and has served on many boards and been a keynote speaker at industry events. In all these opportunities, Amy has championed diversity in the prefabrication and construction industries.

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal here http://andreajanzen.com/

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Sponsor: Duckish Natural Skincare

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

44. Leveraging relationships and embracing sponsorship was the strategy that got my company big corporate clients.

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 18:32:26 -0100

On this episode we're pulling back the curtain and sharing how the concept of sponsorship is showing up in our company. I'm sharing the reasons why so many people said no to me in the early days of my business and the only way that I was able to land big corporate clients is by leveraging relationships.

A lot of people hate the word networking, and feel uncomfortable using the word sponsorship. It often brings up feelings of being inauthentic. The truth is, it's actually a lot of fun and one of the easiest ways to accelerate women and people with diverse backgrounds into leadership positions. I'm also sharing how you can embrace this concept as an entrepreneur or a small business.

I've recently partnered with two women entrepreneurs in Toronto to better understand how the construction industry works and I'm sharing the behind the scenes on how it happened.

Get tickets to the LIVE POCAST RECORDING in Toronto on March 4, 2020.

You can read the Forbes article here

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group Here.

Sponsor:

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal Here.

43. Gender diversity from a masculine perspective with Jake Stika Executive Director of Next Gen Men

Andrea Janzen — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 20:03:58 -0100

There are a lot of women who talk about gender and diversity in the workplace, but not a lot of men. Here's the truth about gender equality: it isn't about men vs. women. It's actually about creating workplaces where everyone can thrive and that means it's better for men too. Jake Stika AKA 'The guy that talks about gender' is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Next Gen Men. They create brave spaces to engage, educate, & empower men and boys on gender & equality. I found this conversation very informative and I learned a lot from his perspective. I'm really excited to be able to share this with you.

To learn more about Jake's work check out https://www.nextgenmen.ca/

You can also follow Next Gen Men on Instagram and Twitter: @nextgenmen

Some resources mentioned:

https://modernmanhood.org/

http://www.equityleaders.org/

https://www.ted.com/speakers/tony_porter

http://breakingtheboycode.com/

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal here http://andreajanzen.com/

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Sponsor: Duckish Natural Skincare

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

42. How to begin implementing sponsorship at your company

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 03:06:21 -0100

Sponsorship sounds amazing, but how do you actually implement it? How do you take this concept that nobody really talks about and use it as a tool to close the gender gap in the workplace? In this episode I’m talking about how you can get started and why the best place to start is at the top of the organization.

The article mentioned in this episode was originally published on Forbes.com. You can read the full article here https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/12/19/how-to-begin-implementing-sponsorship-at-your-company/#2b1bb6087e72

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal here http://andreajanzen.com/

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Sponsor: https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

41. Why women love working in the trades with Lorien Barlow, director Hard Hatted Woman.

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Lorien Barlow began developing the documentary Hard Hatted Woman in 2013 and has since then interviewed dozens of tradeswomen from all over the US. The film is currently in post production and will be making it’s debut later in 2020. In this interview we talked about what motivated Lorien to take on this project and what she learned filming women on construction sites all across the US. Her biggest ‘aha’ moment was when she started to explore the reasons why women go into the trades, because it’s not what you think. Working in the trades is a really great job, but today there are still very few women in the profession, and the numbers aren’t really changing. Lorien is going to leverage this film to change the narrative and start a different conversation about the trades.

You can learn more about hard hatted women here http://www.hardhattedwoman.com/

Follow the film’s progress on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hardhattedwoman/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HardHattedWoman

Twitter https://twitter.com/HardHattedWoman

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal here http://andreajanzen.com/

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Sponsor: https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

40. Shifting your mindset from surviving to thriving makes the workplace better for everybody with Steve Foran

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 03:00:00 -0100

Steve Foran is the grateful CEO of Gratitude at Work, a happiness company he founded in 2006. Steve has been on the leading edge of gratitude based research, writing and teaching for more than 15 years. He is the author of the book Surviving to Thriving: The 10 laws of Grateful Leadership.

In this conversation, we talk about mindset. It’s our default to see our situation from a place of scarcity with a survival mindset. If we really want to thrive we need to shift to a thriving mindset which takes us to a place of abundance. The simple way to do this, practice gratitude every day.

We also talk about how most organizations approach their diversity and inclusions strategies from a place of scarcity and a survival mindset. This approach invokes fear and resistance to change. It’s the idea that promoting diversity in the workplace will give opportunities to some, while taking away opportunities from others. If we can approach diversity and inclusion from a place of abundance, we can create better opportunities for everybody and a workplace where everybody has the opportunity to thrive.

Can can learn more about Steve and Gratitude at Work here https://www.gratitudeatwork.ca/

You can order Steve’s book here http://store.gratitudeatwork.ca/ . Use promo code Andrea to save 20%.

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal here http://andreajanzen.com/

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

Sponsor: https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

39. Do this before you set your 2020 goals.

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 18:23:17 -0100

Happy New Year! It's the start of a new decade, and everyone is talking about goals .The sad thing about this, is that most people won't actually achieve the goals the set for themselves this January.

Did you know that most people give up on their fitness resolutions by January 12?

And 80% of people give up on their non fitness resolutions by mid February.

I don't want this to be you.

In this episode I walk you through the steps you can take so that you can achieve your goals this year.

The first thing you need to do is answer the question: What drives your ambition?

I help you figure out what ambition means to you. I also walk you through how to face goal setting with abundance and positivity and why you need to write your goals down.

Get your Ambitious Every Day Journal here http://andreajanzen.com/

Join the Ambitious Every Day Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/592214311302369/

You can learn more about how Strava tracked people's fitness goals here https://nypost.com/2018/12/21/new-years-resolutions-last-exactly-this-long/

You can learn more about the 80% of people who give up on their resolutions by mid February https://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/why-set-yourself-up-for-failure-ditch-new-years-resolution-do-this-instead.html

Sponsor: https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

38. Diversity and Inclusion in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry with Danielle Civitillo

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 17:24:02 -0100

Danielle shares how she started a Diversity and Inclusion initiative at VHB. Danielle works in the AEC industry which stands for Architecture, Engineering and Construction. Danielle and I talk about what it takes to get a Diversity and Inclusion initiative off the ground in a traditionally male dominated industry. Danielle was really open about how change is happening slowly. The truth is, when you're the one doing the work it's hard to see progress. The truth is in 18 short months they've gotten almost 70% of their employees engaged in Pride initiatives, the existence of their diversity and inclusion Employee Resource Group helped VHB to attract a star employee and conversations are happening at the C level.

You can learn about VHB here http://www.vhb.com/

You can take the Harvard Implicit Association Test here https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/canada/takeatest.html

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal here https://go.andreajanzen.com/standalone-sales-page-ambitious-everyday-journal

37. Curiosity is the Secret Weapon for Closing the Gender Gap

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:14:23 -0100

The gender gap can be overwhelming. It's hard to know even where to get started. In this episode I'm reading my latest Forbes article explaining why not knowing the answer might be the best approach. The article was originally published in Forbes on October 11, 2019

You can read the article here https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/10/11/curiosity-is-the-secret-weapon-for-closing-the-gender-gap/#3fbfbd554e5b

You can see the Catalyst pyramid here https://www.catalyst.org/research/women-in-sp-500-companies

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal here https://go.andreajanzen.com/standalone-sales-page-ambitious-everyday-journal

36. Asking different questions and redefining your strengths with Don Bureaux President and CEO of Nova Scotia Community College

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 10:01:16 -0100

Don Bureaux is the President and CEO of Nova Scotia Community College. He successfully created a diverse leadership team by reframing one simple question. Instead of asking 'Do you have what it takes to be a leader at this organization?' He asked 'What kind of leader do you want to be?' This opened up new opportunities for people to play into their strengths, become better leaders and build a high performing team.

Don believes that your strengths are not the things you are good at, but instead the things that get you excited. In this interview we talked about celebrating diversity and how the college is preparing the next generation for the fourth industrial revolution.

You can find Don on linked in here. https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-bureaux-2043211a/

You can learn more about Marcus Buckingham here https://www.marcusbuckingham.com/

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor: https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

35. Authentic Leadership with Jenn Wicks

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:52:38 -0100

On today's podcast, I chat with Jenn Wicks of Jenn WIcks Coaching about her work overseas and her path to becoming an authentic leader, and how she shares her knowledge with others. Jenn works closely with senior leaders and technical experts in mature organizations who want to lead with greater impact, drive innovation, and foster healthy communication. One-on-one, she works with clients to identify their strengths so they can show up authentically and ethically, in alignment with their core values and the values of the organization. Jenn works together with clients to identify blind spots and opportunities, ask tough questions and build the relationships needed to support change and growth.

Check out Jenn's work here: https://www.jennwicks.com/

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor: https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

34. Being more creative with Melissa Lloyd of Doodle Lovely

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 12:00:00 -0100

Did you know doodling could help you retain information while on a phone call, or jog your memory for important tasks? In this episode I chat with Melissa Lloyd, a Senior Brand & Graphic Designer, at Lovely Studio, and founder of Doodle Lovely, a journalling and doodling tool designed to help you focus. Melissa and I chat about how doodling helps you focus, and how she helps corporate employees reconnect with their creative sides and become more productive in the process. She is dedicated to helping individuals, companies and organizations connect to the heart of ‘who’ they are, and combines her creative experience to grow businesses to influence personal, societal and global change.

Check out Melissa's work here: https://doodlelovely.com/

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor: https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

33. Why women don’t support other women

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 00:10:30 -0100

It’s unfortunate but true. Women don’t always support other women. In this episode I’m unpacking what the evidence says about this. I’m also sharing a story of when I fell into the trap of not supporting another woman’s success. This issue comes up a lot, and it’s easy for us to point the finger and blame others. The truth is, if we really want things to change, we need to start with ourselves.

You can read about the research here https://journals.aom.org/doi/10.5465/amj.2014.0538

You can read my first Forbes article here https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/09/09/women-stop-asking-for-career-advice-and-do-this-instead/#bd0906817c8b

You can read Natalie Doyle Oldfield’s first Forbes article here https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/08/21/10-steps-to-winning-customer-trust/#47e1551cf98e

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

32. How to be a better ally with Karen Catlin

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 02:25:19 -0100

We know that in order to create a workplace that truly supports diversity, women and minorities can’t take this on alone. Karen Catlin is a former Vice President at Adobe, author, keynote speaker and leadership coach. She coaches women to be stronger leaders and men to be better allies. Her client roster includes Airbnb, DoorDash, eBay, and Intuit, as well as entrepreneurs and individuals. This conversation is about how you can be a better ally in your workplace to women and minorities.

You can learn about Karen here https://karencatlin.com/

Learn about and purchase "Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces" https://betterallies.com/

Subscribe to Karen's weekly newsletter "5 Ally Actions" https://betterallies.com/more-content/

Follow @betterallies on Twitter and Instagram

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

31. EY’s women’s leadership training mistakes

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 10:00:00 -0100

The curriculum from EY’s women’s leadership training has been all over the news this week. A training program called Power Presence Purpose, pretty much reinforced every single gender stereotype that exists in the workplace. Many people are shocked, myself included. I actually thought it was fake news. In this episode I talk about what we can learn from this and why it’s time to stop trying to change women’s behaviours and look at organizational culture instead.

You can read the article here https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/women-ernst-young-how-to-dress-act-around-men_n_5da721eee4b002e33e78606a?ri18n=true

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

30. How to create opportunities for yourself with Gail Banack, Chief Kids Officer at Indigo

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 01:04:16 +0000

Gail Banack is the Vice President Kids AKA Chief Kids Officer at Indigo. I had the pleasure of working with Gail many years ago at Canadian Tire. The thing I admire about Gail the most is her ability to create opportunities for herself. She takes ownership of her own career, seizes every opportunity to move herself forward and also holds the door open for others. In this conversation we talk about risk and how sometimes career moves don’t always work out. Gail was a part of Target’s entry and exit from Canada, she also took a job and realized within the first week that the organization wasn’t a fit for her. She is on the board of Lean In Canada, a mother of 3 and a role model to many. I learned so much from this conversation and am excited to share it with you.

You can learn about Lean In Canada here http://leanincanada.com/

You can shop Indigo here: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/

You can connect with Gail on linked in here https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailbanack/

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

29. Women: Stop Asking For Career Advice And Do This Instead

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 18:32:51 +0000

The article mentioned in this episode was originally published on forbes.com on September 9, 2019. You can read the full article here.

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

28. How the City of Toronto is using procurement to support diversity with Mike Pacholok

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 01:22:07 +0000

Toronto is the most diverse city in Canada, but the city’s supply chain didn’t reflect this. In this conversation with Mike Pacholok we talk about how the City of Toronto is using their procurement spending to support diversely owned businesses. We talked about:

- How curiosity is the best approach to tackling diversity and inclusion strategies.

- Why change needs to come from the top.

- Why questioning assumptions can lead to better solutions.

- The ripple effects they are seeing across the city form this initiative.

- How you can get involved in supply chain diversity as a diversely owned business.

- How you can influence the procurement spending in your organization.

Learn more about WBE https://wbecanada.ca/

Learn more about CAMSC https://www.camsc.ca/

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

27. Why it's time for men to stand up with Jeffery Tobias Halter

Andrea Janzen — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:12:15 +0000

Jeffery Tobias Halter is a sought after speaker, author, and consultant. He is the President of YWomen, a strategic consulting company focused on engaging men in women’s leadership advancement. He is the country’s leading male expert on advancing women and engaging men.

In this episode we cover the things that you've probably thought about, but were too afraid to say out loud. We unpack the myth of meritocracy and we talk about unconscious bias. We even talk about the four barriers to getting men on board as diversity champions which are empathy, apathy, accountability and fear.

This interview offers some very practical tips on how to get men on board as diversity champions.

You can find Jeffery on linked in here https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyhalter/

You can visit Jefferey's website here https://ywomen.biz/

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

26. Accountability with Matt Wheaton from the Greatness Everyday Podcast

Andrea Janzen — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 01:05:28 +0000

This interview originally appeared on the Greatness Everyday Podcast. I'm being interviewed by my friend Matt Wheaton on the topic of accountability. We talk about what it's like to have an accountability partner who looks different than you do and why it's important to surround yourself with people who are going to push you forward and hold you to a higher standard.

You can listen to the Greatness Everyday Podcast here on Anchor https://anchor.fm/gr8nesseveryday .

You can visit Matt Wheaton's website here https://www.greatnesseveryday.online/

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

25. What the clean energy sector is doing to close the gender gap with Natalie Irwin

Andrea Janzen — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 17:01:09 +0000

Natalie is the Director of Stakeholder Engagement for Efficiency Canada and a champion for equality. Natalie's career has been accelerating rapidly over the past few years, but this wasn't always the case. In this conversation we talk about how advocating for yourself can bring you tremendous career growth. And more importantly, it opens the door for others and accelerates progress towards closing the gender gap.

We also talk about Equal by 30. The Equal by 30 Campaign is part of the Clean Energy, Education and Empowerment Initiative (C3E), which works to advance the participation of women in the clean energy transition, and close the gender gap. We talk about what Efficiency Canada is doing as part of this initiative and how other organizations can join. Today, women represent 25% of the clean energy workforce in Canada, and these numbers get smaller when you consider leadership roles. In the rest of the world, women represent 35% of the clean energy workforce, so Canada has some catching up to do.

Learn more about Equal by 30 here https://www.equalby30.org/en

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

Having goals makes you more strategic, increases your influence and helps you attract the right sponsor.

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 17:44:07 +0000

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

23. How to set goals

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 17:42:44 +0000

Did you know that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down? Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to actually do this? I'm going to show you how you can figure out what your goals are simply by writing them down. The truth is, writing down the wrong goals, simply getting them out of your head and onto a piece of paper will help you to figure out what the right goals are. I'm going to walk you through a process to help you figure out your goals and use them to move yourself forward. Having clear goals can help you feel less overwhelmed, more productive, get you ahead and experience more joy and fulfilment.

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

22. How I made journaling a habit and how you can too!

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 17:04:15 +0000

I'd be inspired at a book store and pick up a cute little journal, or I'd read an article about the benefits of journaling and order a gorgeous one online. I'd write it in for a few days and then it would sit on a shelf. I'd get motivated again and repeat. It got to the point where I had a stack of about 10 different journals sitting on a shelf in my office. Each one had only 1-2 pages filled out. Does this sound like you? Well this was me for many years until 2019 when I full on embraced journaling. Today I'm sharing how I finally made journaling a habit and how you can too!

Get your Ambitious Everyday Journal for FREE here http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsor:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

21. How to reset your mindset and build resilience with Raiyan Abu.

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 00:09:59 +0000

Raiyan Abu is one of the most positive people I've ever met. She recently moved to Halifax from Nigeria, started a seafood exporting business and is a mindset reset coach. Her focus is helping women become leaders in business and in their careers. Raiyan hasn't had an easy life. She's used every single challenge as an opportunity to build resilience, move forward and create bigger opportunities for herself.

She shares how you can do this by resetting your mindset. We also chatted about motherhood and Raiyan's perspective is not one I've heard very often in Canada. She believes in building a career for your family and she's built her business around this concept. She never feels like she has to choose work over family because of this perspective. This mindset reset was refreshing and one that all working mothers need to hear.

You can follow Raiyan on instagram here https://www.instagram.com/raiyan_inspires/

If you're ready to take action and get clear on what drives your ambition download your FREE Ambitious Everyday Journal at http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsors:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

20. What it feels like to get professional coaching with Elyse MacDonald

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode you get a taste of what it's like to work with a professional coach. Elyse MacDonald was one of my clients in the Re-ignite Your Ambition coaching program. She shares what the experience was like to work with a coach 1:1 and in a group setting.

Elyse was the inspiration for the brand new Ambitious Everyday Journal. We talk about how this happened and how the process of journaling is an ongoing tool to focus, take action and move forward. In this episode we talk about:

- The process of goal setting

- Why you need to get out of your comfort zone and try new things

- What results you can expect from coaching

If you're ready to take action you can download your FREE Ambitious Everyday Journal at http://andreajanzen.com/journal

Sponsors:

https://www.duckish.ca/discount/DIVERSITYATWORK

Enter promo code diversityatwork to get 15% off of your order. Duckish ships to the US and Canada.

19. Building Radical Conviction to scale your business with Eleanor Beaton

Andrea Janzen — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 13:33:28 +0000

The gender gap is big deal in the corporate world, women make less money and rise to leadership at a lesser rate than men. For entrepreneurs it isn't much different. The amount of women starting businesses each year is growing exponentially, however from a revenue and job creation perspective, the impact is lagging. On this episode Eleanor Beaton shares how the gender gap shows up for entrepreneurs and what you can do about it.

Eleanor and I talk about:

How to build radical conviction which is the next level of confidence that will push you and your career forward.
Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and collecting failures, so that you learn as quickly as possible.
The personal groundwork that you need to do in order to shift your mindset from business owner to CEO.
How to open doors for women led businesses so that we can accelerate change.

Eleanor is the host of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast: The success podcast for ambitious women. She's an award winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker and women's leadership development expert.

Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast: http://www.eleanorbeatonpodcast.com/

Eleanor's website: https://eleanorbeaton.com/

18. How to negotiate and get what you want with Fotini Iconomopoulos

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 21:00:00 +0000

Fotini Iconomopoulos shares negotiation strategies that you can implement right away to get what you want at work. Fotini is an MBA professor, a keynote speaker, a consultant to Fortune 500 companies and soon to be published author. We talked about the gender pay gap and how important it is for women to negotiate and advocate for themselves at work.

Follow Fotini on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fotiniicon/

Connect with Fotini on linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/fotiniiconomopoulos/

Register for her Toronto workshop here https://forwardfocusing.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/19-06-negotiation-workshop-oct-24-feature.pdf

17. Unpacking unconscious bias with Brian Duggan

Andrea Janzen — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 15:10:54 +0000

Brian Duggan is an executive coach who is passionate about diversity in the workplace. He is on a mission to start conversations about how unconscious bias shows up. In this episode I asked Brian some pretty loaded questions about unconscious bias. The truth is, we all have bias and the best way to get started is to hold up the mirror and start with ourselves. If we truly want to embrace diversity in the workplace we need to get curious and create space for conversations to happen. It sounds overly simple, but the best place to start is to listen, get curious and start a conversation. Listen in to find out how you can get started.

Brian's website is https://www.brianduggancoach.com/

You can get Brian's brand new book Coaching from the inside out here

16. Why we need to set targets and track diversity initiatives

Andrea Janzen — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 19:16:06 +0000

When it comes to gender diversity initiatives, the idea of setting goals or targets makes everybody really uncomfortable. We get images in our heads of people getting put into positions that they aren’t ready for, or of people getting jobs just because they are a woman. In reality, this just isn't the case. Think about it this way, having a goal gives you the opportunity to create a plan. It helps you to get curious and figure out how to achieve the goal. When you don't have a plan, you won't get results. This is one reason why progress towards gender equality in the workplace to date has been slow. Companies have been taking action, but many haven't been tracking the results of their initiatives. In this episode I explain why setting goals is crucial to the success of any gender diversity initiative and how to get the conversation started in your organization.

You can read the Women in the Workplace report here: https://womenintheworkplace.com/

You can read the World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report here: https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-global-gender-gap-report-2018

15. Building resilience in the next generation with Love Powered Co.

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 14:57:36 +0000

In this episode I interviewed Lindy Sood and Anna Lozano, the founders of Love Powered Co. We talk about self-confidence, self care and most importantly how to model these practices for the next generation. We all want our kids to be resilient and self-confident. It's easy to tell your kids to believe in themselves, but how do you actually model the way and show them how to do it? Lindy and Anna created a practical solution in the form of beautiful family friendly affirmation cards. This practice is so simple, my 5 year old daughter Kaia even joins in for a few minutes to demonstrate. This practice has helped me to stay grounded in difficult situations and come up with creative solutions when things aren't going well for me at work. If you're looking for a way to be more optimistic, stay positive and model these behaviours for others this is the episode for you.

You can learn more about Love Powered Co. here https://lovepoweredco.ca/

You can follow Love Powered Co. on instagram here https://www.instagram.com/lovepoweredco/

14. The Power of the pack: Leveraging other peoples motivation to help you achieve your goals.

Andrea Janzen — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 15:20:44 +0000

Have you ever heard the quote "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with"? I recently ran a 10km road race, and I really felt the impact of this. During the race, I was in a pack of people all striving to achieve a goal. The fact that everyone around me was putting in their best effort and was striving to achieve something brought out the best in me. It allowed me to run faster than I normally do because their motivation is contagious, the people ahead of me inspired me to run faster, and I hope that I was able to inspire the people behind me push through to the finish line. In this episode I share my journey in finding a pack of people to support me in my business. People who inspire me and can push me to the next level as an entrepreneur. You'll get a peak into what motivates me, and you can take this away and apply it to yourself as you create your own pack of people to support you in achieving your goals.

Opening doors for women in trades with Reva Bond Ramsden

Andrea Janzen — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 18:31:47 +0000

You can learn more about Women in Trades and Technology here.

You can learn about SAIT here.

12. How apologies kill confidence with Professor Maja

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 24 May 2019 17:39:53 +0000

Professor Maja Jovanovic is an author, TEDx speaker sociologist and apology-hater. Apologies are confidence killers. So, why are women apologizing all the time? Apologies matter, and with every unnecessary apology we give, we chip away at our confidence. In this episode I talk to Professor Maja about why women apologize all the time and what this does to our confidence and how other people perceive us. She shares strategies to help women to stop apologizing.

Watch the TEDx Talk here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8sYv_6uyss&t=342s

Buy her book here and the workbook here.

Follow her on instagram @professormaja

Social capital: Why hard work alone won't get you ahead

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 16 May 2019 18:00:00 +0000

One reason why women rise to leadership at a slower rate than men, is their lack of social capital. In this episode I explain why putting your head down and working hard just isn't enough to get ahead. What you really need to do is to understand the value of relationships in moving things forward. We talk about what the evidence says about social capital and what you can do to start leveraging yours.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Mary Bicknell

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 10 May 2019 00:51:06 +0000

Mary Bicknell helps women to regret proof their lives. She helps women to take chances and create opportunities for themselves. What she really wants is for women to be able to enjoy their success. She is sick and tired of women feeling like they aren't good enough or they don't deserve what they have. In this episode, we have a conversation about why imposter syndrome exists and what you can do to overcome it. The tools Mary shares will increase your confidence so that you can stop feeling like a fraud or an imposter.

Visit Mary's website here https://www.marybicknell.com/

Join Mary's Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOLDBRAVEWOMANreadytomakeshithappen/

The more you pay, the more you pay attention. Why I spent big bucks to gain access to a role model.

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 02 May 2019 19:20:53 +0000

One reason why there are fewer women in leadership positions is a lack of available role models. If you don't see someone like you already doing the job, you don't consider it a possibility for yourself. You may not even realize that you think this way, but it's the truth (and researchers have backed this up).

On this episode I'm having a conversation with one of my role models Madelaine Corke. We are both entrepreneurs and when we met neither of us had role models to look up to in business in our local community. Our solution was to become our own role models. Madelaine taught me what she knew, and I taught her what I knew. This was OK for a while, but then we faced a problem. We could only take each other so far, and we were feeling a bit stagnant.

To overcome this obstacle, we made the decision to pay for a role model. We invested in VIP tickets to Rachel Hollis' Rise conference. The conference is happening in June 2019. We talked about how investing in your own development always pays off, and how the investment in ourselves has already paid back - and we haven't gone to the conference yet. They say the more you pay, the more you pay attention and it's totally true.

Madelaine's Website is https://madelainecorke.com/

Embracing an abundance mindset with Debra Kasowski

Andrea Janzen — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 01:34:04 +0000

Debra Kasowski is an Executive Coach, Consultant, 3x Bestselling author and host of the Millionaire Woman Show Podcast. In this episode we talk about abundance mindset and how it is the key to unlocking your personal and professional potential. As women (myself included) we don't always support other women's success. Sometimes without even knowing it we adopt a scarcity mindset and we see other women's success as a threat to our own. In this episode Debra and I talked about how to stop doing this by embracing an abundance mindset and creating opportunities for yourself.

You can find Debra online here.

You can get her latest book here.

You can listen to her podcast here.

Embracing your personal brand

Andrea Janzen — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 16:48:12 +0000

Just be yourself. That's what everyone tells you to do, so why is it so hard? When you look around and see that people are different than you, is it your instinct to try to become more like them? When your path is different than everybody else's do you try to compensate to fit in? I spent 15 years as a marketing manager and know the power of branding, yet I still resisted the idea of embracing my own personal brand. I had believed that I needed to be like everybody else in order to be successful. The truth: the fact that I was a bit different made people want to work with me. On this episode I share my story.

When Lori took action, she got a trip to Costa Rica.

Andrea Janzen — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 19:19:32 +0000

It's nice to dream about opportunities to take your career to the next level. The thing is, so many people get stuck in the dreaming phase. People get frustrated because things just don't seem to happen. Lori Cadelli committed to one simple action: talking to her boss about how she appreciates their team meetings. That's it. In this episode, Lori shares how simply connecting with her boss led her to gain more exposure in her company and ultimately being selected to attend an exclusive invite only corporate trip to Costa Rica.

Finding your Genius Zone with Margo Jay. Part 2

Andrea Janzen — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Margo Jay had an amazing career as a marketer in the consumer packaged goods industry. She held Vice President level positions and later went on to start her own consumer insights and strategy consulting firm called 365 Integrated. She is a consultant to some of the largest brands like Weight Watchers, Maple Leaf, Kruger, Cara Foods, and The Source. In this episode we talk about how Margo was able to find her genius zone early in her career and leverage it to climb the corporate ladder. She later honed in on this zone and built a successful business by leveraging her genius to help make brands more profitable. We also talk about how she is able to sell her services to some of the largest companies in Canada and the US.

You can find Margo on linked in here. You can learn more about 365 Integrated here.

What sponsorship really looks like with Margo Jay. Part 1

Andrea Janzen — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 09:00:00 -0100

In my very first job, I was very fortunate to have a sponsor. Margo Jay advocated for me, she saw my potential and got me my first promotion. In this episode Margo Jay and I talk about the importance of building and maintaining relationships in the corporate world. Margo Jay is the President of 365 Integrated a marketing and consumer insights company that works with some of the largest consumer brands in North America and around the world. She's held senior level marketing positions in many consumer packaged goods companies. She also successfully interviewed for and got a Vice President role at Mars Canada while 8 months pregnant. In this episode we look back at the importance of building and maintaining relationships at work while being authentic and true to yourself.

You can find Margo on Linked in here .

You can learn more about 365 Integrated here.

What’s in it for you: Why men should be on board with gender diversity.

Andrea Janzen — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 15:37:28 -0100

I’ve read a lot of studies on gender and the workplace recently and they all seem to have one thing in common. In order for things to truly get better for women in the workplace, men need to get involved. A lot of companies are talking about gender diversity, and they want to make the workplace better for women, but, they don’t really know how to engage men. I know this, because most companies have an employee resource group for women, a lot of companies bring in a speaker for International Women’s Day and have women’s mentorship programs. Not a lot of companies have a gender diversity strategy that comes from the top that engages both genders. In this episode I'm talking about what's in it for men.

You can see the World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report here. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-global-gender-gap-report-2018

You can read my Medium article on this topic here. https://medium.com/@andrea_90330/whats-in-it-for-you-why-men-should-be-on-board-with-gender-diversity-290d0e271dba

Why are most companies buying their women's leadership initiatives from men?

Andrea Janzen — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 13:30:38 -0100

Last week I was reading the 2018 World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report. If we continue to make progress at the same pace, the gap for economic opportunity (i.e. gender parity in the workplace) will close in 167 years in Canada and the US. For the world as a whole it’s 202 years. Yikes! That’s a LONG time.

When I first started learning about this I was overwhelmed, I didn’t know where to start and I didn’t think I could make a difference. I got curious and started to learn more about the reasons why progress is happening so slowly. I believe that knowledge is power. You need to know where you are before you can actually do something about it. You need to understand the baseline before you can really change anything.

HERE’S THE BAD NEWS

Less than 1% of corporate procurement goes to women-led businesses. This stat is from SheEO, if you haven’t already heard about them, you should. They are an amazing organization that is making the world a better place by investing in women led businesses.

Corporate training and consulting is considered procurement – it’s a business buying services from another business. I am a very small business, but I do sell my services to large companies, so this is my playground. This also means that 99% of the available work in my industry is being done by male-led businesses.

On today's episode, I’m sharing my observations of my own industry which is coaching, corporate training and consulting. I'm also sharing some ideas on what you can do about this, regardless of your gender.

Women’s leadership programs aren’t actually making the workplace better for women.

Andrea Janzen — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 10:19:56 -0100

In the summer of 2017, I read an article about women's ambition and it wasn't pretty. It said that 83% of women were somewhat or not really ambitious and 2/3 of these women ages 35–45 wouldn’t take their bosses job even if it was offered to them. It was like looking in the mirror, I was a living breathing example of these statistics. The woman who has lost her ambition and has given up on the idea of a fulfilling career.

I decided to take action and started a women's leadership program so that I could do my part to close the gender gap in the workplace. I got clients and speaking engagements and one day I realized my approach was completely wrong.

In this episode I'm sharing the limitations of women's only leadership programs and what companies can do instead.

Here is the Chatelaine article that inspired me to take action.

Here is the World Economic Forum gender gap calculator.

You can join my newsletter here.