Shows
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauArlene Schilke, Learning Catalyst, Planner Gatherer, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textArlene Schilke, grew up in northern rural Manitoba. That upbringing led her to recognize at an early age the importance of being in community and building a network of support. She continues to thrive off connecting with people and connecting people to each other.Arlene founded her event agency, Timewise Event Management, over 25 years ago and has won several awards including SPIN’s Top 40 over 40, BizBash Top Canadian Event Professionals and MPI’s Mentor of the Year. It was in her involvement with MPI (Meeting Professionals International) her m...
2026-01-1537 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJoseph “JD” Dubois Hospitality Veteran, "Throttle Therapist", and Natural ConnectorSend us a textNever one to fit into any sort of mold, Joseph “JD” Dubois has always followed the urge to get out and see the world!JD’s been riding motorcycles since he was a young man and still loves to soak in the landscapes and experience other cultures from the seat of his bike. He’s always loved riding, referring to a good ride as “Throttle Therapy” but as he grew older, JD found a home in the biker brotherhood and culture. In researching and writing his Graduate...
2025-09-0543 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauGabrielle “Gabby” Austen-Browne, Game-changing Diversity Guide and Natural ConnectorSend us a textGabrielle Austen-Browne – or Gabby – is a multi-award-winning diversity and inclusion professional, and the founder of Diversity Alliance.Diversity Alliance is a female and Black owned leading consultancy that empowers organisations in the events, hospitality and creative industries to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility through education, training, workshops, and events.With a team of associates and experts who have lived and breathed inclusion and accessibility in the creative arts, the corporate setting and in event management, Gabby brings a unique perspective and industry-specific expertise to ou...
2025-09-0347 min
We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits624. Hold Fast: How ImpactUp Hosts Are Fostering Community IRL - Crystal Clark, Lisa Gareau, Bart Lillie and Keicy CabreraWe’re leaning into the theme Hold Fast—and exploring how community becomes our anchor in the midst of change. 💛In this heart-filled episode, we’re joined by four of our Impact Up meetup hosts who are building something special in their corners of the world—from Denver to DC, Calgary to Caracas. Together, they’re proving that authentic connection and intentional gatherings can create real, lasting impact.Through their stories, we explore what it means to lead with love, embrace vulnerability, and foster trust in community spaces. These leaders remind us that gatherings aren’t about numbers...
2025-06-0242 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauTim Truax, Pop Culture Enthusiast, Podcasting Leader, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textTim Truax is a multi-faceted professional who blends creativity with science, and storytelling with structure.Tim is a passionate pop culture enthusiast and the creative force behind The Nerd Room, a podcast that has been nerding out with listeners since 2015. With over 450 episodes under his belt, Tim has carved out a space as a trusted voice in the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, and beyond.His energetic commentary and sharp insights make him a standout pop culture commentator and a go-to for fans looking for...
2025-05-0642 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauLiz Lathan, CMP, Experiential Marketing Trailblazer, Fun Igniter, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textLiz Lathan, CMP, is a trailblazer in the experiential marketing arena and is the Co-Founder and head of community for Club Ichi, which is in Liz’s own words … a “friggin' awesome”, private membership community for Business to Business – or B2B – Event Marketers.Club Ichi isn’t like any other community. Dive in and you’ll experience conference sessions on inflatable unicorns, 2:30 a.m. exploding pajama parties, secret business trips, lots of hugs, and a whole lot of people just looking to help each other. Bu...
2025-02-2643 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauGabriella (Gabby) Robuccio, Emmy Award Winning Production Manager, Relationship Revolutionary, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textGabriella Robuccio – or Gabby as she has invited me to call her – has taken it on herself to put her event experience to work to empower event professionals, one relationship at a time.We all say relationships are one of the most – if not the most – important aspect of event planning. But how many of us are ready to get real about how we are creating, cultivating, and caring for those relationships?Gabby’s professional journey has spanned over a decade and has included projects of varying scopes wit...
2025-02-0344 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauMallory Erickson, Fundraising Disruptor, Alignment Advocate, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textMallory Erickson helps nonprofits feel better, do better, and raise more from the right funders so they can stop hounding people for money.As an Executive Director, Mallory turned an organization from a 300K to a 3-million-dollar one thanks to working 70 hours a week to keep everything afloat. She was driven by the dream to make a positive impact in this world, but she didn’t know how to get off the hamster wheel.Times have changed, but the best practices for the sector have stayed the sa...
2025-01-2741 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauChristian Ortiz, Artist, AI Ethicist, Tenacious Truth-teller, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textChristian Ortiz is a multifaceted American talent based out of Denver, Colorado, known for his groundbreaking work as a filmmaker, musician, photographer, artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.He has been bridging creativity and business for years, specializing in helping creatives build sustainable businesses while empowering companies to create meaningful, impactful brands.Through his innovative social media management company – Mod Atlas Media – Christian has helped hundreds of brands align their digital presence with their core values, fostering growth that is both innovative and socially responsible. Chri...
2025-01-1841 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauStacy Huston, Impactful Storyteller, Compassionate Changemaker, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textStacy Huston is a visionary leader in social impact, known for her innovative, purpose-driven approach to philanthropy. I first learned of Stacy in her work as the Executive Director of SixDegrees.Org, a nonprofit founded by actor and philanthropist Kevin Bacon that uses social networking to amplify the unsung heroes and causes in communities everywhere. With over eight years of experience in this role, she continues to lead the organization's mission to connect people to critical resources, sharing stories from changemakers, and leveraging the power of...
2024-12-2459 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauB. Jeffrey Madoff, Relationship Builder, Resourceful Creative, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textI feel I got to know author B. Jeffrey Madoff when reading his book "Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas”. It was one on my pile of library books I had gathered for an event planning course I’ve been developing for creatives.On the faculty at Parsons School for Design, Jeffrey taught a course he developed called “Creativity: Making a Living with Your Ideas”.I’m grateful he put many of the concepts and conversations from his course into his b...
2024-12-1646 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauCarolina Panoff, Authenticity Coach, Team Building Innovator, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textCarolina Panoff is a life coach specializing in authenticity and the visionary founder of Be You Disco, a groundbreaking team-building company that brings wellness and authenticity to the forefront through music, movement, and mindfulness.Passionate about breaking down barriers, Carolina helps transform company cultures to thrive relationally by boosting well-being and improving the bottom line.She focuses on fostering belonging, connection, and empathy within teams, drawing inspiration from the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni and Brené B...
2024-11-2837 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauMike Morrison, Playful Risk Taker, Unconventional Planner, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textMike Morrison is the leader and the founder of SocialNext, a premier digital marketing event organization that hosts some of Canada’s most influential conferences, including SocialWest, SocialEast, SocialPacific, and SocialNext: Toronto.With a passion for fostering community and professional growth, Mike has dedicated his career to curating events that bring together digital marketers, industry leaders, and innovators from across the country.Known for his keen insight into digital marketing trends, Mike's expertise lies in crafting immersive event experiences that blend cutting-edge content with inclusive networking opportunities.Hi...
2024-11-1657 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJan Keck, Connection Card Creator, Ice Melter, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textJan Keck is a recovering shy guy, people-loving introvert, and a deep connector.He is also is a Facilitation Skills Trainer, Workshop Facilitator, Experience Designer, TEDx Speaker.His mission is to teach empathetic leaders how to design group experiences that spark engagement, increase trust, and foster deep connections - so nobody feels left out.Jan believes that gatherings without intentional structure inadvertently perpetuate patterns of oppression, and it’s the responsibility of the leaders to ensure everyone feels seen and heard - especially th...
2024-10-2730 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJon McCoy, Social Impact Visionary, Ripple Maker, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textJon McCoy is a husband, father of two sets of twins, and a creative soul with a passion to make a positive impact in the world. With a background in design – Jon has spent more than 15 years in the nonprofit world, starting as a graphic design intern, then marketer, and ultimately a fundraiser. In 2020 alongside two like-minded friends, Jon jumped his nonprofit job opportunities to create We Are For Good, a media company for social impact leaders. With a goal to disrupt the status quo, create a bigge...
2024-09-1943 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauPete Bombaci Social Change Leader, Connection Visionary, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textPete Bombaci is a visionary business and social change leader who - in 2016 -launched The GenWell Project, Canada’s Human Connection Movement, which has recently become more relevant than ever.The mission of The GenWell Project is to make the world a happier and healthier place by educating, empowering, and catalyzing people around the importance of proactive face-to-face social connection as an action we can all take for our health, happiness, longevity, and the betterment of society.Pete’s experience in the not-for-profit field predates the founding of The GenW...
2024-09-1037 min
The Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauMaya Corona & David Schmeikal, Captivating Couple, Creators, Coaches, and Natural ConnectorsSend us a textMaya Corona and David Schmeikal are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, blending backgrounds in graphic design, painting, branding, and coaching to help humans create and be creative.Maya, with over two decades in graphic design, now explores the depths of her self-expression and joy through painting and creative initiatives focused on connecting communities together.David has worked as an entrepreneur and creative professional for 15 years and now guides others to unleash “who they truly are” into the world. He does this through improving the pragmatic performance side...
2024-06-2244 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauAshley Tedham, Global Visionary, Courageous Leader, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textAshley Tedham has leaned into her life with courage and has become a leader who embraces the “fear factor” in her leadership.A native Calgarian with a passion for international and community development, Ashley obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science at the University of Calgary in 2007, and a Master's Degree in 2012 in International Affairs at The Graduate Institute in Geneva, Switzerland.Over the last fifteen years, Ashley has worked with various International Organizations in Sierra Leone, Canada, and Switzerland, including the Canadian International Development Agency, the Permanent Mission of t...
2024-02-2941 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauLinda Joyce Jones, Speaker, Author, Accidental Event Planner, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textLinda Joyce Jones believes that gathering is essential to living a meaningful life. She’s a self-proclaimed obsessive organizer of people, places, and events – orchestrating special occasions in both her personal and professional life for more than 25 years!Her pragmatic approach and knack for sweating the small stuff has helped her organize successful corporate conferences, community events, retreats, fundraisers, and more. Something both Linda and I believe to be true - many have the skills to plan events, but they haven’t thought about how they can apply...
2024-02-1631 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJanice Cardinale, Mental Health Advocate, Fiery Founder, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textJanice Cardinale has been listed as one of the top 100 most influential people in events, she’s in the Smart Meetings Hall of Fame, is noted as one of the BizBash’s 15 over 50, is a Smart Meetings Entrepreneur, a Reiimagine Powerful Business Woman, aaaand is the fiery Founder of the Event Minds Matter community – which is where our lives intersected in the Fall of 2023.The community Janice ignited in 2022 grew out of a compassion and concern for the next generation of event, meeting, hospitality, and travel professionals. Event Minds Matter...
2024-01-2530 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauKent Patel, Workshop Host, Community Cultivator, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textI recently attended an innovation day to support a friend and colleague who was presenting. Hanging at the back of a room I found a seat – as it turns out – right where I was supposed to be that day.Sitting beside me was a high energy, business development and marketing professional, who seemed to be deeply engaged with his local community, and who was – clearly – a “natural connector”.Kent Patel is excellent at seeing the big picture, and drilling down to details, organizing projects, and inspiring people to achieve d...
2023-12-2137 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauCathy Derksen, Courage Catalyst, Publishing Coach, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textCathy Derksen is a catalyst and disruptor, supporting and inspiring midlife women to rediscover their brilliance and step into new possibilities.As the founder of her company Inspired Tenacity Global Solutions Inc, Cathy helps women take on the courage to face major changes in their life.Cathy is an international speaker and an 12x bestselling author who inspires her audience to dream big and take a leap of faith into reaching for their goals.She has created a platform supporting women to share their own inspiring stories...
2023-12-1431 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJoanne Toller, Nonprofit Coach, Committed Creator, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textWith three decades under her belt in the nonprofit sector, Joanne Toller has had the privilege of wearing many hats, primarily as a nonprofit coach. Joanne is the Founder of The Cause Charity Specialists, where she specializes in fundraising and nonprofit marketing consultation. Her expertise lies in strategic planning and the evolving digital landscape of fundraising and nonprofit marketing.As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Joanne has witnessed the sector's many changes and challenges, and she’s passionate about sharing her knowledge with others.Now, in se...
2023-12-0631 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJessica McBride, Innovative Founder, The Tech Savvy Assistant, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textJessica McBride is the The Tech Savvy Assistant and is committed to stay ahead of the curve in today's rapidly changing tech environment.As a former Executive Assistant, she now provides executive support and administrative training.A self-professed generalist, Jessica has spent a lot of time learning new skills and technologies just well enough so that they can make her life easier. Now it’s her goal to help others gain the confidence needed to to make their lives easier too!Sp...
2023-11-1338 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauWinnie Hsu, Business Builder, Vision Activator, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textWinnie Hsu came to Canada thirty years ago as a financially struggling student from China, working several low-paying jobs to sustain herself. Eventually, she started her own small accounting business. But that was 20 years ago. Today, she has a team of fifteen professionals serving over 200 small businesses in the greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley in B.C.Winnie never stops learning. Wanting to achieve more, she studied for an MBA with the Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI) in the USA by taking online classes during the pandemic. Us...
2023-11-0634 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauTim Gareau, Singer-Songwriter, Music Mentor, and my Hunky Hubby ;)Send us a textTim Gareau is a Calgary hometown lad, singer-songwriter who accompanies his originals with acoustic guitar and harmonica. His carefully crafted lyrics speak of relationships, past and present love, the joys of nature, social issues, spirituality, bees, owls, dogs and even crocodiles!His music is primarily influenced by folk - but he easily adds a slice of rock, a spatter of jazz, a smatter of blues, with a pinch of country. And I'll say, as his wife a whole lot of "tongue n/ cheek" along the way.
2023-10-2837 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauGrant Assenheimer, Executive Leader, Belonging Ambassador, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textGrant Assenheimer grew up as a farm kid, worked as an engineer, travelled the world as a humanitarian worker, and landed as an executive leader. His drive to find solutions is backed by a deep value of different perspectives and the patience to discover root causes, leading to sustainable, systems-level outcomes.Grant has had an outstanding career as a water engineer, previously worked with Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad and served as a Director on the MSF C...
2023-07-2542 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauTracy Folorunsho-Barry, Career Strategist, Nurturing Leader, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textTracy Folorunsho-Barry is a Career Strategist and Founder and CEO of Grow Women Leaders, helping immigrant women get hired and advance their careers.She is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, with a focus on immigrants and BIPOC women. In 2017, through GROW Foundation, she launched Project150: Accomplished Immigrant Women in Canada and the Speak Out Women series.Recognizing the gaps in empowerment, leadership, and career development services for immigrant women, she founded GROW Women Leaders in 2018.With the GROW Digital Platform, they connect women with lo...
2023-06-3039 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauRichard Lee-Thai, Connection Consultant, Loneliness Buster, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textRichard Lee-Thai, doesn’t feel he’s a “natural connector” but is fascinated by people and has learned - over some lonely years - how to connect in authentic, meaningful ways! These learned skills have helped him to both connect meaningfully with others and has helped him become an advocate and friend to those that want to learn to do the same.Richard Lee-Thai is a TEDx Speaker, Connection Consultant, and co-author of “Become Your Superself: Connect with Yourself to Connect with Others.” His TEDx talk: "How to Find Excus...
2023-06-1539 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauKarla Combres, Life-Cycle Celebrant, Ceremony Guide, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textKarla Combres is a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant, ceremony guide, facilitator, and speaker. She helps people to honour and celebrate life’s big moments – the joyful beginnings, difficult endings, and everything in between.She believes in the transformative power of meaningful, authentic, story-based ceremonies to connect and inspire us as we move through life’s transitions. After spending over a decade living, working, and studying in other cities and countries, Karla is grateful to make her home once more in Saskatoon - on Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the M...
2023-06-0229 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauSamantha Alexander, Festival President, Marketing Manager, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textI first heard of – and became curious about – Samantha Alexander in her role as the President of the Western Carnival Development Association, which produces the Cariwest Festival in Canada’s “Festival City”, Edmonton, Alberta.She integrates her life in Edmonton with her frequent travels to the Caribbean. The combination has made her a dynamic leader for this vibrant, long-running, family-friendly festival!Samantha says she excels best in collaborative environments that allow her to utilize her strong communications and project management skills.She shows up in her day to day as...
2023-05-1831 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauRiaz Meghji, Human Connection Speaker, Broadcaster, Author, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textRiaz Meghji is a human connection expert and author of the book “Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships”. After one conversation led him to take a dramatically different career path that changed his life for the better, he became dedicated to exploring the ways that authentic human connection can change lives and organizations.In addition to being a respected thought leader and author on the topic of human connection, Riaz is also an accomplished broadcaster with 17 years of television hosting experience; he has inte...
2023-05-1035 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauBrandi Morpurgo, Book Store Owner, Curious Curator, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textBrandi Morpurgo is the co-owner of Daisy Chain Book Co., and she runs two bookstores in Edmonton and Beaumont, Alberta and has worked hard to create a vibrant community of readers.In a previous life she was a Social Worker and Foster Parent who had the wild idea to start Alberta’s first book truck - a bookshop on wheels.That wild adventure took her all through central Alberta and gained attention around the world.Brandi reads a lot, delights in the calm task of doing a pu...
2023-04-2741 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa Gareau'Segun Olude, Graphic Designer, Design Educator, Storycrafter, and Natural ConnectorSend us a text'Segun Olude is a Graphic Design Professional, Design Educator, Storycrafter, Author, and my good friend.'Segun is a certified professional graphic designer who has developed brands and identities for professionals, businesses, and institutions. He is a Professional Member of Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (CGD Certified), with a range of skills in Graphic Design, Editorial Illustration, Editorial Design, Art Direction, Design Consulting, Design Education, and Design Seminar Facilitation. 'Segun has taught graphic design, design history, design theory and criticism, and other professional courses at th...
2023-04-2143 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJaclyn Falkenberg, Rockstar EA, AdminPro Coach, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textIt’s Jaclyn Falkenberg’s calling in life is to support people to be successful. This is most evident in her career that has stretched over 20 years working as an Administrative Professional in various sectors including youth justice, charity, and finance. As a Senior Executive Assistant, she has supported five C-Suite Executives at TriWest Capital Partners, one of Canada’s leading private equity firms, for the last 10 years. She’s an expert at juggling multiple and competing priorities, strategic planning, event coordination, and partnership building. To enhan...
2023-04-1438 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauDr. Victoria Burns, Associate Professor, Recovery Advocate, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textDr. Victoria Burns, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary. She lives in Calgary, Alberta with her husband Hervé and Pinot, their grumpy poodle-bichon.As a registered social worker, educator, researcher, and engaged activist she has invested her energy and expertise in the homelessness and addiction-recovery sphere for over 15 years. She comes to her work with lived experience of addiction, recovery, and disability.Even with all her accomplishments, accolades, and awards I didn’t know of Victoria – her brave story of recovery – until last summer.
2023-03-1633 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauDr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister, Collaborative, Evidence-based Chiropractor, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textDr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister is a lifelong learner who lives out her leadership through service to others. As an evidence-based chiropractor she provides exceptional and quality care to her patients through manual treatment, education, and rehabilitation exercises.Since we first met, I have been intrigued and inspired by Dr. Rebecca’s focus on collaboration with both patients and partners.She appreciates the role of all healthcare professionals within the healthcare system and fosters an inter-professional and collaborative approach to the care of each of her patients.Wh...
2023-02-2338 min
I AM A Feminine LeaderLisa Gareau - From Image To AuthenticityMeet Lisa Gareau, Founder of Candy Event Consulting and Connection Strategy Coach. Michelle and Lisa share a conversation about their experience together in Lisa's intimate pandemic community called "The Strategic Seven" and how surrounding yourself with "your people" can support anyone with a passion and vision for community in forming a holistic and authentic brand.To learn more about Lisa find her on social with the links below, and support her podcast by tuning in to "The Connector Next Door" on Apple Podcasts. You can listen to our conversation on The Connector Next Door here!...
2023-01-3130 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauA "Road Trip" Chat with My Girls, Sharayah & Journee DawoodSend us a textSharayah and Journee are deep thinkers, thoughtful connectors, and are sisters who have been through thick and thin together.They are two of the most intriguing and inspiring people I know ... and just happen to be my daughters.If you have been following my journey as I have built my business over the last 14 years, it’s almost guaranteed that you have seen snaps of my girls or heard my overwhelming gratitude that I get to be their Mom.I was so thankful when Sharayah (26) and Journee (22) ag...
2023-01-1856 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJessica McNaughton, Startup Founder, Keeper of Memories, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textJessica McNaughton has learned that by chasing the things that bring her joy and that help her feel fulfilled – more would come.She now spends her days following that positive energy and engaging with those that drive her purpose forward. As the CEO, and Founder of memoryKPR technologies, Jessica is joyfully building a company committed to connecting the world through story. She believes we all have more habits to capture media than ever before but fewer safe solutions to create and protect our stories for the future.
2022-12-2938 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJohn Rook, Social Justice Advocate aka "SJA", Servant Leader, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textDr. John Rook is a passionate servant leader who champions the belief that poverty can be solved. With a doctorate from Oxford University, he has spent years both at the front lines and in academia to gain both a theoretical and practical understanding of the issues facing people in poverty. It is this perspective that makes him a desired speaker at conferences – tackling topics related to poverty and prosperity and policy change. As the President & CEO of Simon House Recovery Centre, John builds trust with his practical, ha...
2022-12-2237 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauPreethi Balasubramanian, Award-winning Admin, Wonder EA Founder, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textPreethi Balasubramanian, MBA, ACEA, CCAP, PACE learned from an early age the value of connection.She soaked in the connection with her family growing up in India and naturally worked to bring friends together into that feeling of family as well!Preethi has grown into her life path as an award winning, certified experienced Administrative and Human Resources professional with 15 years of experience supporting senior and C-suite executives, Board of Directors, and leading HR initiatives at various organizations from start-ups to large Multi-National Corporations.Currently as the...
2022-12-0938 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJames Robilotta, Improv Comedian, Speaker, Author, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textI had been following James Robilotta, CSP – an accomplished author, speaker, coach, and emcee – on LinkedIn over the last couple of months but it wasn’t his credentials that caught my eye – it was his keen focus on authentic connections that made me curious.When inviting him to a conversation about connection (that I recorded for you all to share in) it was cool to hear how his definition of “Connection” was right in line with the foundation of our Candy Community – specifically that connection grows when all feel “seen, heard, and considered”...
2022-12-0244 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauLindsey Sinclair, Big Picture Brainstormer, Passionate Problem-Solver, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textLindsey Sinclair is an active listener, big picture brainstormer, passionate problem solver, energetic educator, and – yes – a natural connector. Lindsey happily puts all these skills – and her ability to show up authentically – to her work as the Business Development Manager at Tourism Canmore Kananaskis.Her background in events began over a decade ago from coordinating festivals to then working as a supplier in a Destination Management Company (DMC), to diving into the Destination Management Organization (DMO) world where she now is a resource for planners who look to host their ev...
2022-11-0145 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauKyle Craik, Martial Arts Black Belt, Wellness Community Builder, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textKyle Craik is a martial arts black belt, wellness community builder, and the Founder of The Wellness Dojo*.When Kyle thinks about connection he thinks about community. His journey to a black belt took patience, care, and an ability to embrace the journey. It also took a network that was ready to support him, push him, lift up him up, and – yes even knock him down (in a healthy way!) – so he could get stronger. With nearly 30 years in martial arts, he has brought the world...
2022-10-2135 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauLucy Brazier, Specialist Publisher, Voice for the Administrative Profession, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textEver since she was young, Lucy Brazier, OBE*, has been driven to drive people together to have conversations. As one of the world’s leading authorities on the administrative profession, CEO of Marcham Publishing, specialist publishers of Executive Support Magazine, Lucy’s passion is for the Assistant role to be truly recognized as a career and not just a job. With access to the most forward-thinking, passionate, and knowledgeable administrative business leaders in the world, as well as personally meeting and speaking to literally thousands of Assistants over the last...
2022-10-0637 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauTrish Tutton, Inspiring Speaker, Mindfulness Teacher, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textTrish Tutton helps organizations and individuals learn to use mindfulness to reduce stress and anxiety so that they can thrive in life and at work.After years working in cultures where stress and burnout were seemingly the only way to success, Trish suffered a shocking loss and things became clear: stress is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to dictate our lives. As a speaker and mindfulness teacher, Trish has taught the skills to live and work happier to thousands of professionals and has created positive change for her cl...
2022-09-2943 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauCaitlyn Hamblin, Executive Assistant, Creative Collaborator, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textCaitlyn Hamblin is a natural connector, creator, and podcast enthusiast. She learned from her mom – who she called the "Mayor of Truro, Nova Scotia" – how to walk up to anyone and make them feel seen, heard, and considered.Caitlyn is an Executive Assistant in Business Development and Marketing at Lindsay Construction based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia near Halifax, an Atlantic Ocean port in eastern Canada - the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. A leader in her profession, she now puts her “connection savvy” to work as the Presiden...
2022-09-2541 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauGrace Gee, Transformative Artist, Transitional Expert, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textMy long-time, dear friend, Grace Gee, is a Chinese Canadian who now resides in Louisville, Colorado. Grace has lived and worked in Canada, the US and Hong Kong and has traveled widely in Europe and Asia. It was over 25 years ago that we met in Calgary, working side by side at a postal plant conveyor belt sorting holiday packages to their final destinations. We both knew our time there would be short lived, but our friendship endured. Grace is an artist. Her life...
2022-03-2643 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauChrista Hiebert, Executive Assistant, Extreme Leader, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textChrista Hiebert is a soulful advocate who approaches life with open arms; no challenge is too mighty.As a community builder, Office Manager and Executive Assistant at Alaris Equity Partners, and a dedicated mom of two girls, she looks at every challenge as a chance to learn, grow, and thrive.She’s an igniter and inspiring leader who serves as the volunteer President of the Calgary Branch of The Association of Administrative Professionals. Since Christa and I met a couple of years ago I have admired her sa...
2022-02-2538 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauWakefield Brewster, Lyrical Pitbull, Humble Poet, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textWakefield Brewster – “Da Lyrical Pitbull” – is a proud, professional poet, spoken word artist, and Professional Poetic Interpreter™️.Since January 1999, Wakefield has been known as one of Canada’s most popular and prolific Performance Poets. He is a black man born and raised in Toronto, by parents hailing from the island of beautiful Barbados, and he has called Calgary home since 2006. In 2019, he was appointed as the very First Resident Poet & Spoken Word Artist of The Grand Theatre House in Calgary, Alberta and currently sits on the Board of Directors o...
2022-02-1747 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauEvan Babins, Event Industry Trendsetter, Adrenaline Junkie, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textEvan Babins is a self-proclaimed “adrenaline junkie”, a tech savvy event producer, and event industry trendsetter. He has managed event logistics and technical event production for many world class clients like: Nissan Canada, Equitable Bank, Kia Canada, Novartis, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, just to name a few. He continues his passion for events as the new Events & Marketing Manager for Klir. He has hard-won, long-time, experience in both the live, hybrid, and virtual event spaces. That experience has won him a reputation as someone to watch as the events grow and...
2022-02-1047 min
The Business B-SideDeep Cuts Series: The B-Side Story of Founder, Kim WestlundIn this first episode in the Deep Cuts series, Kim Westlund, Founder of The Business B-Side podcast shares her own real and raw B-Side story.
Kim spent many years navigating the challenges of single-parenting, building a successful career and trying to understand her own identity in the middle of it all. There were many rock-bottom moments to climb out of, from being divorced twice at a young age to dealing with bankruptcy, living on welfare and career loss. The feelings of shame, guilt and failure were enormous, but somewhere deep down, Kim's dream for a life of p...
2022-02-0734 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauNita Knapp, Mind Renewal Coach, Sunshine Sprinkler, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textNita Knapp has lived – and invested her ability to connect – in small rural communities all her life. She grew up in Evansburg, Alberta – a community of 700 people and then “moved up in the world” to a community 1500 people when she moved at 17 to Mayerthorpe, Alberta. In spring of 2021 I met Nita – and fell in love with her heart for people – as we both participated in a community for coaches that were learning to change the story in their minds and embracing new ways of creating connections and opportunities in their lives an...
2022-02-0437 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauVanisha Breault, Social Justice Crusader, Courageous Mom, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textVanisha Breault is a fighter. We all have our battles in life but Vanisha’s “war on addiction” has come from her fight for survival – for herself, her children, her family and their future. Over the last decade, her fight has gone beyond her own family as now she is on a “tour of duty” in the war on addiction and says, “we can NEVER give up on HOPE! If our kids are above ground, there is HOPE!”Vanisha’s fight and passion led her to start the Terminator Fou...
2022-01-2742 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauDawn O'Connor, Productivity Expert, Focus Champion, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textDawn O’Connor is the founder of Focus Bubbles and the facilitator of connection, community, and productivity! Focus Bubbles is a membership-based virtual coworking platform, supporting knowledge workers to be productive from home or wherever they chose to work. Dawn says, “Hosting Bubbles, and supporting our team of facilitators, is the most gratifying job of my entire career. Every day I am curious and excited to learn what people are working on.”She sees the enthusiasm, wisdom, and support that members share with each other and how – thanks t...
2022-01-1432 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauAre You Giving Gifts or Making Gaffes? What Inspired Level Four of The Connection Architect Program by Lisa Gareau • Event MarketingSend us a textMy Life Lessons Part Four & What Inspired Level Four of The Connection Architect Program by Lisa Gareau • Event MarketingLisa Gareau has lived a life that has both informed and inspired her work as a Connection Strategy Coach.Since founding Candy Event Consulting in 2008, she has helped guide 1000’s of planners and their teams to build more meaningful connections with their customers, clients, and community members.In this 4-part storytelling series, Lisa shares some of her life lessons and how those less...
2022-01-0813 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauAre You Building Walls Without Doors? What Inspired Level Three of The Connection Architect Program by Lisa Gareau • Event StakeholdersSend us a textMy Life Lessons Part Three & What Inspired Level Three of The Connection Architect Program by Lisa Gareau • Event StakeholdersLisa Gareau has lived a life that has both informed and inspired her work as a Connection Strategy Coach.Since founding Candy Event Consulting in 2008, she has helped guide 1000’s of planners and their teams to build more meaningful connections with their customers, clients, and community members. In this 4-part storytelling series, Lisa shares some of her life lessons and how those less...
2022-01-0611 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauAre You Building a House or a Home? What Inspired Level Two of The Connection Architect Program by Lisa Gareau • Event PlanningSend us a textMy Life Lessons Part Two & What Inspired Level Two of The Connection Architect Program by Lisa Gareau • Event Planning Lisa Gareau has lived a life that has both informed and inspired her work as a Connection Strategy Coach.Since founding Candy Event Consulting in 2008, she has helped guide 1000’s of planners and their teams to build more meaningful connections with their customers, clients, and community members. In this 4-part storytelling series, Lisa shares some of her life lessons and how t...
2022-01-0515 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauAre You Building with Blinders On? What Inspired Level One of The Connection Architect Program by Lisa Gareau • Event StrategySend us a textLisa's Life Lessons and What Inspired Level One of The Connection Architect Certificate Program Lisa Gareau has lived a life that has both informed and inspired her work as a Connection Strategy Coach.Since founding Candy Event Consulting in 2008, she has helped guide 1000’s of planners and their teams to build more meaningful connections with their customers, clients, and community members. In this 4-part storytelling series, Lisa shares some of her life lessons and how those lessons have set the f...
2022-01-0417 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauKim Westlund, Curious Storyteller, Business Story Coach, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textKim Westlund is an Entrepreneur, Speaker, Moderator and Podcast Host who is focused on connecting people with their purpose and helping them tell their unique life and business story. 2021 was a big year for her as she took the leap and launched her new entrepreneurial journey with Channel One Productions along with The Business B-side Podcast! Kim and I have been good friends for many years and our time together always consists of expansive conversations about life, relationships, and purposeful work.One reason I love chatting with K...
2021-12-3139 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauMary Bartel, Unstoppable Visionary, Lifelong, Natural Connector, and My MomSend us a textOn December 24, 2021 my Mom, Mary Bartel, turns 89. Her legacy of connection inspired and influenced my life and work like no other.Mary was the 10th child in a family of 11 kids. Her mom, my Grandma, loved to have guests in their home – no matter if there was food to feed them or a clean couch to sit on. Grandpa was always ready to feed the horses even if surprise guests would visit their farm. I have come to know this as “radical hospitality” and this is something I talk...
2021-12-2445 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauCandace Giesbrecht, HR Consultant, Remote Performance Coach, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textOn her Linkedin ProfileCandace Giesbrecht, CPHR, ACC describes herself as a Remote Performance Coach, Strategic HR Consultant, Mentally Healthy Workplaces Champion, Word Lover, and Community Builder. Candace is the Director of the Remote Performance Academy with Teamit.com, Teamit is the leader in modern talent strategy, helping growth-focused companies recruit, cultivate, and sustain high-performing remote teams.She is a Strategic HR coach and consultant with over 25 years of senior leadership experience in both the not-for-profit and private sectors. With expertise in social work, human resources, and organizational...
2021-12-2134 min
The Business B-SideLisa Gareau - The Art of ConnectionLisa Gareau, Founder at Candy Event Consulting and The Connection Architect, joins me for an impactful discussion on how she is trail-blazing a brand new program focused on next-level connections. This is for anyone looking to up-their-game and create more meaningful events!
Lisa starts by sharing how her journey into entrepreneurship began despite some challenging circumstances in her personal life. Lisa also gets candid about how 'Candy' was born, her passion for connection and how the changing landscape in the world in which we currently live is providing her an incredible niche opportunity to engage more deeply...
2021-12-2034 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauMichelle Hrycauk Nassif, Feminine Leader, Passionate Mentor, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textMichelle Hrycauk Nassif is the Founder of I AM A Feminine Leader, helping women “Identify, Articulate, and Embody” their unique feminine leadership style so they can project their leader's voice, transform lived experiences into powerful lessons, and take inspired action – all with the goal of creating a more meaningful lives for themselves and their families. As a stay-at-home mom turned Founder, Michelle transitioned back into the workforce during the pandemic and knows intimately the struggles all parents face with managing career and home life. Through coaching, mentorship, and he...
2021-12-1737 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauSkevi Constantinou, Assistant Believer, Dream Builder, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textSkevi Constantinou is a highly experienced former Executive Assistant who is a dream builder and a firm believer that, when in a supportive community, assistants and business support professionals really can level up.Skevi spoke to me from her home in Birmingham, England, UK and shared how connection to her means “community” and her experience of community is clearly the foundation for her award winning and global lifestyle platform, The PA Way.She ensures that her members feel valued, nurtured, and listened to by hosting fun and empowering in-person and...
2021-12-0725 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJason Bacon, Strategic Advisor, "Entrepreneur-ish" Author, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textJason Bacon is a coach, consultant, and champion of entrepreneurship.As the founder of Sunstone Strategic he works with startups, side hustlers, and solopreneurs. Sunstone was built with the mission of 'Moving Business Forward'. But it’s not all business for Jason. He’s written a book, called Entrepreneur-ish - Inspiration and Lesson’s in Entrepreneurship from Vikings, Pirates, and Samurai. With its December release he’s having some fun digging into history but is also challenging the current view of what it means to be an ent...
2021-12-0435 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJoel Olandesca, Tech Entrepreneur, Event Professional, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textJoel Olandeca is an Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Event Professional, Event Technology Innovator, and current Chair of Canada’s, International Live Events Association or “ILEA”. Joel is the creator and co-founder of SOS Charging Solutions and SOS Web.AR. SOS is known for providing mobile device charging at events across the globe, but for them it's more than just charging. Imagine an event where attendees are sitting on the floor next to a plug and are worried about how they are going to make their phones last until the en...
2021-11-2532 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauElan Marko, Online Coworking Pioneer, Fun Instigator, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textElan Marko is the founder of Deep Work Sprints, a virtual coworking world that helps entrepreneurs build a 2hr work day, so they can land more clients and get more work done … all from home!He started his first business when he was 10 years of age and moved on to formal education at the Richard Ivey School of Business. I first met Elan when I was invited to join his session to discuss how coaches, speakers, and leaders could better facilitate groups online. With COVID-19 shut-downs becoming the reality for...
2021-11-1641 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauVince Fowler, Military Veteran, Entrepreneur Coach, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textMy good friend Vince is one of those people that, when you start a conversation, you just want to keep going. There is always another idea, thought, or theory to discuss. Vince has lived a rich life in the military, in sales, and now works as a high performance coach to entrepreneurs. His investment in empowering other coaches has also made him the "coaches coach" as he brings Calgary and area coaches together to learn and get support! With Remembrance Day coming up this week on November 11, I asked Vi...
2021-11-0942 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauTollisha Joseph, Networking Strategist, Bond Builder, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textWhen I think of Tollisha Joseph, I get a smile on my face and the warm fuzzy feeling that comes from the give-and-take of a good relationship. My new friend from Florida has boundless energy, an appetite for meaningful conversation, and a kindness in making connections that emerges from her core. Tollisha teaches Founders & CEOs how to master the art of networking to get on the "YES" side of their business. She shows them how effective networking can increase your value potential and visibility which will increase their earnings. He...
2021-11-0538 min
Passion for ImpactConnections + Community with Lisa GareauIn this episode of Passion for Impact I am speaking the infectious Lisa Gareau. Lisa is a life-long event planner and has been a Connection Strategy Coach for over a decade. When founding Candy Event Consulting in 2008, she began her life's work to help in-house event planners and their teams to embrace their brilliance, activate their experience, and cultivate meaningful connections. She knows events can become energized connecting points where communities can gather and grow--and as leaders we can all leverage these connection points to nurture people and business! In 2022 Lisa’s goal is to grow a movement of im...
2021-10-2443 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauMy Journey from Burning Out to Burning Bright by Lisa Gareau • Mental Health for Event PlannersSend us a textA couple of years ago I was asked to give a presentation for event planners talking about mental health in the event planning industry. It was a daunting request as the topic was so personal to me but also because I had never felt free to share how the stress of event planning - that we often glorify - became an overwhelming weight, caused periods of breakdown, and created acute feelings of burnout in my work and eventually in my life. As event planners we often...
2021-10-1121 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauRivers Corbett, Serial Entrepreneur, Culinary Community Builder, and Natural ConnectorSend us a text Rivers Corbett was born to be an entrepreneur!As he says on his LinkedIn profile he was fortunate to discover this path in his early twenties and has been pursuing that path ever since.He’s a serial entrepreneur of numerous companies, TEDx speaker, Entrepreneur in Residence for the province of New Brunswick, video author of 13 Fears of Entrepreneurs, host of the Startup Canada Podcast, author of The Bootstrapper's Guide to Business Success, and now the CEO and Founder of ChefTorial.Together with his AskRivers team, he spe...
2021-09-2733 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJordan Guildford, Progressive Leader, Change Maker, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textJordan Guildford is a small-town Nova Scotian girl who moved to Calgary in 2014.It was getting close to the Christmas holiday – and she had a desire to help make survivors of domestic abuse feel seen. There were many steps that led her to this moment, but on this day she decided to jump in to do something about it.She initiated a jewellery drive – ultimately resulting in hundreds of pieces of jewellery given to over 400 women that Christmas!Through the experience she made a critical observation which would change ever...
2021-09-1334 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauSharleen Gatcha, Energy Industry Innovator, Women's Champion, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textSharleen Gatcha is an energy professional with over 25 years of experience in the electricity industry, recently joining Hardline Engineering as the Vice President, Business Development.I first met Sharleen in 2019 when she joined in on one of our Candy community workshops for in-house and do-it-yourself event planners called Planning with Vision : An Event Planners Vision Boarding Workshop. At the time Sharleen was in the middle of founding her new initiative called Women+Power.It was set to be a not-for-profit organization that would provide community-driven support to...
2021-09-0236 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauNancy Milton, Coach, Facilitator, Community Activator, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textNancy Milton is an international facilitator and executive coach who has been spearheading her leadership and communication organization, Nancy Milton Inc., for 13 years. Based out of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Nancy touches hearts through anything does, but she also puts her head and her hands to her work as well.I was introduced to Nancy a couple of months ago when I was searching for just the right Mentors for Candy Event Consulting's new Course and Community, The Connection Architect.Our first call was a meeting of the m...
2021-08-1340 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauTanya Koshowski, Collaborative Leader, Solution Activator, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textFor over a decade, Tanya Koshowski has led the team at Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids as the Executive Director. For 30 years Brown Bagging has inspired Calgarians to take meaningful action by feeding and caring for kids who would otherwise go hungry. As a leader who has walked the path of change and challenge, Tanya now also works to empower other leaders to listen to themselves, know their purpose, and care for others so that they can be impactful in their lives and work. With that belief, Tanya fo...
2021-08-0536 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauJay Baydala, Digital Social Impact Pioneer, Thought Leader, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textJay Baydala is a serial entrepreneur with 25 years’ experience in Corporate IT Project Management and is making his mark as a pioneer and thought leader with 18 years in the digital social impact space. Jay’s enthusiasm to shift the Corporate Social Responsibility landscape led him to create Goodpin 2011, a platform to help companies democratize their CSR efforts and truly engage the communities they are trying to serve.In true Jay fashion, he didn’t stop there, founding Evrywork in 2018, this time on a mission to connect both coworking spaces with ea...
2021-07-2934 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauKyle J. Mason, Indigenous Leader, Change Agent, Speaker, and Natural ConnectorSend us a textKyle J. Mason is an experienced award-winning Indigenous Leader, Change Agent, Speaker, and as you will hear today, a natural connector. The son of Indian Residential and Day School Survivors, Kyle grew up in the North End of Winnipeg in a single parent family. They often struggled to make ends meet, for secure housing, and had to make use of food banks and other social programs. Determined to succeed in life, Kyle avoided unhealthy life options and has built a career that has empowered thousands.
2021-07-2243 minThe Connector Next Door with Lisa GareauWelcome to The Connector Next Door with Lisa Gareau : The Podcast for Event PlannersSend us a textThe Connector Next Door is your invitation to meet the natural connectors all around us. They represent the everyday event planners who are energizing their communities every single day. Their stories are familiar, fun, and full of charm. Your host, Lisa Gareau, is a lifelong Event Planner and has been a Connection Strategy Coach for over a decade. She knows events can become energized connecting points where communities can gather and grow. Subscribe at www.CandyConsulting.ca to hear her conversations with Connectors...
2021-07-0100 min
Unlocking Business Growth - exploring achievements, challenges and what's interestingLisa Gareau| A Lighthouse for Event Planners Providing Connection Strategy and Making a Difference at Candy Event ConsultingLisa Gareau has been a connector for most of her life; more recently as a connection strategy coach rather than running her own events. She prefers to see the impact of her work on a wider scale as people connect authentically in person. Lisa finds inspiration in the grace given and received over the last year, the success by which the formerly behind-the-scenes aspects of events became front and centre, and the growth in content, technology and worldwide support. She does highlight that mistakes in the virtual format tend to be more apparent but also how event pla...
2021-04-2143 min
The Well with Mandy BalakLive Your Passion with Lisa GareauLisa Gareau is the Founder of Candy Event Consulting. A natural mentor with years of event planning joys and hard knocks, Lisa continues to share her lessons learned by creating and publishing Moments Magazine, instructing students in the Event Management Program at Mount Royal University, and speaking to business and community groups as an Event Coach and Strategist any chance she gets! Lisa believes in living a life of clarity and purpose. In this episode, Lisa shares her insight on how we can live in alignment with what lights us up while maintaining healthy boundaries and staying...
2020-11-2659 min