Shows
Building Your StoryEpisode 6 - Lisa LarondeSend us a textTrailblazing Women in Construction: A Candid Conversation with Lisa LarondeIn this insightful discussion, Diane interviews Lisa Laronde, Chief Transformation Officer for Ramudden Global, who shares her journey from finance to leading a major construction company. Lisa recounts her transition into the construction industry, the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and how she overcame workplace challenges. She opens up about building a supportive community, and the importance of networking and representation. Lisa also emphasizes the value of involving Gen Z in the workforce and advocates for...
2025-02-1946 min
The Powerhouse ProjectThe Boldest Conversations of 2024On the final episode of 2024, host Lisa Laronde revisits some of her favourite conversations from the inaugural year of The Powerhouse Project Podcast, celebrating bold moves, big wins, and the unstoppable drive of women change-makers.As we wrap up an incredible year, today’s episode is packed with highlights, expert advice, and practical takeaways as you step into the new year.A recurring theme on the podcast has been how women navigate the delicate balance of work, personal, and social lives, especially after having children. Robyn Patk, VP P&G Canada Sales, brought a fresh an...
2024-12-1130 minThe Powerhouse ProjectSabrina Fiorellino: Life of a Serial EntrepreneurHost Lisa LaRonde speaks with Sabrina Fiorellino, a remarkable entrepreneur who launched her first company at eighteen and has since made significant strides in both the construction and healthcare industries. Sabrina shares her journey from law to entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced during the pandemic, and her innovative solutions for disaster relief. The conversation also delves into the importance of women in leadership, mentorship, and resilience in overcoming obstacles. Sabrina emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the value of sharing stories to inspire future generations of women leaders.More About Sabrina:Sabrina is...
2024-11-2831 minThe Powerhouse ProjectLauren Fahey: Transforming the NexGen in ConstructionIn this episode of The Powerhouse Project, host Lisa Laronde speaks with Lauren Fahey, the Executive Director at NexGen in Australia, where she leads initiatives to inspire, educate and empower the next generation in the construction industry. With a strong commitment to gender equality and diversity, Lauren is dedicated to driving change and creating opportunities for young women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Before joining NexGen, Lauren served as the General Manager for a peak body for Women in Construction in Australia, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the participation and leadership of women in the industry. Her exten...
2024-11-1337 minThe Powerhouse ProjectTanya LaBuick: Forget What They SayIn this episode of The Powerhouse Project, host Lisa Laronde speaks with Tanya LaBuick, a certified project manager and business coach, about her journey in project management, sports, and entrepreneurship. Tanya shares her philosophy on overcoming outside opinions, the importance of trusting oneself, and the challenges women face in leadership roles. They discuss women's representation in business and the complexities of privilege and equality in the workplace. They also explore the complexities of privilege, oppression, and the evolution of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), reflecting on the importance of diverse perspectives in leadership. Tanya shares her insights on how...
2024-10-3035 minThe Powerhouse ProjectMinister Filomena Tassi: The Importance of Gender Equity in the WorkforceIn this episode, host Lisa Laronde sits down with Minister Filomena Tassi, head of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, for an insightful conversation.They explore Minister Tassi’s journey before politics, the challenges women face in leadership, and actionable ways to attract more women to positions of power. The discussion dives into the importance of gender equity and inclusive workplaces, stressing the need for supportive policies and structures to empower women.Together, they unpack the significance of gender balance across industries and the role it plays in driving economic growth. Minister Tassi sh...
2024-10-1640 minThe Powerhouse ProjectJulie Cafley: Gender Partnership in DEIThis week, host Lisa Laronde interviews Julie Cafley, a leader in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). They discuss the importance of inclusive leadership in advancing gender equity, emphasizing the need for both men and women to be involved in the conversation to effect meaningful change. They highlight the value of allies in the fight for gender equality and share their personal experiences on advocating for gender equity and inclusivity in leadership roles. Julie emphasizes the need for organizations to create inclusive systems and policies, support women as their careers grow, and promote empathic leadership. She also reflects on Catalyst Canada's...
2024-07-2333 minThe Powerhouse ProjectShelley Gray: Women Redefining Skilled TradesHost Lisa Laronde interviews Shelley Gray, the CEO of SkilledTradesBC about her journey in leadership as a woman in the trades. They dive into the significance of representation, the unique challenges women face in male-dominated fields, and effective strategies to attract and retain women in skilled trades.Shelley and Lisa discuss the crucial need for supportive policies and environments that foster inclusivity, emphasizing the roles of allyship and mentorship. They highlight how authenticity and empowerment in leadership can transform industries, stressing the importance of visibility and celebration of women's achievements. The discussion touches on the v...
2024-07-1030 minThe Powerhouse ProjectMiranda Steele: 'Ellevating' Women in LeadershipHost Lisa Laronde speaks with Miranda Steele, a strategic communications executive and president of the Ellevate Network Toronto.Lisa and Miranda discuss the role of strategic communications in shaping business culture and supporting women's leadership development to create authentic connections for women to support each other.Miranda shares her career journey working with global brands like McDonalds and discusses the challenges women face in leadership roles.Steele also mentions the benefits of external women's networks like Ellevate in providing a safe space for women to connect and share their stories outside of their...
2024-06-2638 minThe Powerhouse ProjectMelissa Alexander: Second ChancesHost Lisa Laronde speaks with Melissa Alexander, a floor-covering apprentice, peer worker, mentor, and activist. They explore what inspired her to enter the skilled trades, her experiences and challenges as a floor layer, and her role as a certified peer worker. Melissa also shares her advocacy efforts with organizations like 'Walls to Bridges.'A significant part of Melissa's story is her commitment to second chances. Having served time herself, Melissa brings a unique perspective to her advocacy for inmates. She passionately believes in the power of rehabilitation and the importance of providing opportunities for former inmates...
2024-06-1227 minThe Powerhouse ProjectMeg Mathes: Creating an Inclusive Workplace for Transgender IndividualsHost Lisa Laronde speaks with Meg Mathes, a Red Seal refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic and a Senior Manager of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). In this role, she nationally supports the people, clients, and Industry with DEI efforts.Meg shares her incredible journey in the skilled trades industry as a transgender woman. Meg opens up about her experiences in foster care and leaving home at fourteen years old. Meg discovered her innate mechanical skills at Burger King which eventually led her to pursue opportunities in the skilled trades.Meg discusses the challenges she faces as a tr...
2024-05-2932 minThe Powerhouse ProjectAdam Gaiser of Mark's Commercial: A Quest for PPE InclusivityHost Lisa Laronde interviews Adam Gaiser, the Associate Vice President of Sales for Mark’s Commercial. Adam boasts 30 years of dedicated expertise at Marks, where he serves as the Assistant Vice President of Sales for Marks Commercial, spearheading a nationwide sales force comprising 60 adept professionals and champions pivotal strategic alliances. Adam's enthusiasm resonates in fostering employee well-being, promoting skilled trades in Canada, and advocating for universal access to adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regardless of gender. His unwavering commitment centers on the overarching goal of ensuring every employee's safe return home daily. His advocacy for gender equality ext...
2024-05-1533 minThe Powerhouse ProjectBrandi Ferenc: Strategies for Retaining Women in the TradesJoin host Lisa Laronde and guest Brandi Ferenc for a conversation about retaining women in the trades. Brandi is a seasoned red seal refrigeration and air conditioning system mechanic and shares her remarkable journey within the skilled trades industry. With candor and insight, Brandi uncovers the hurdles encountered by women navigating male-dominated fields, shedding light on the pressing need for a profound cultural shift.Through her own experiences, Brandi underscores the importance of education and awareness in fostering a work environment that is not only inclusive but also respectful of diverse voices. She passionately advocates for change...
2024-05-0135 minThe Powerhouse ProjectMaggie Casey: In Pursuit of FairnessDuring this episode of The Powerhouse Project, we highlight Magdalena (Maggie) Casey, an up and coming civil litigator with a focus on employment, human rights, and labour law, shares insights into her background and professional journey. Drawing from her experiences living in diverse regions, Maggie recounts how these experiences shaped her commitment to human rights advocacy. She delves into the complexities surrounding the reporting of human rights violations and stresses the significance of unified efforts to address these issues.Maggie also explores the hurdles individuals face when seeking access to justice and emphasizes the necessity of speaking ou...
2024-04-1740 minThe Powerhouse ProjectVictoria LaBillois: Economic ReconciliationVictoria LaBillois, is a visionary Mi’gmaq entrepreneur from Listugui, Quebec who shares her inspiring journey and unwavering commitment to reshaping the narrative of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada.As the owner and president of Wejipeg Excavation and co-owner and president of Wejuseg Construction Inc., she's carving her path in the construction industry while championing economic reconciliation for Indigenous communities.Victoria's entrepreneurial journey began humbly, selling t-shirts, and swiftly evolved into ventures generating passive income, eventually leading to the acquisition of her first apartment building. After recognizing the potential in the wind energy sector, she founded We...
2024-04-0330 minThe Powerhouse ProjectOlympic Boxer Mandy Bujold: Fight Like a MotherMandy Bujold, an 11-time national champion and two-time Canadian Olympic boxer, shares her journey in both the construction industry and the world of boxing with host Lisa Laronde. Reflecting on her experiences, she candidly discusses the hurdles encountered as a female boxer and the strides made in advancing women's boxing, recounting her road to the Olympics, which included a legal battle against the world's largest sports organization, the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It was single-handedly the most important fight of her career, in which she waged to compete post-motherhood, underscoring the imperative for gender equality in sports and beyond...
2024-03-2031 minThe Powerhouse ProjectIronworker & Motivational Speaker Jamie McMillanIn this conversation, Jamie McMillan, a seasoned ironworker and champion for women in the skilled trades, delves into the myriad challenges and promising prospects within the industry. Host Lisa Laronde and Jamie discuss the critical significance of both recruiting and retaining women in the trades, advocating for the eradication of toxic work environments and the promotion of inclusivity at all levels. Jamie fearlessly shares her own harrowing experiences of harassment and discrimination, shedding light on the urgent need for accountability and systemic change. Moreover, she candidly recounts her personal evolution into a public speaker and advocate, reflecting on the...
2024-03-0830 minThe Powerhouse ProjectRobyn Ptak of Procter & GambleIn this captivating episode, Lisa Laronde engages in an insightful dialogue with Robyn Ptak, Vice President, Sales at Procter & Gamble Canada, to delve into her remarkable journey and passionate commitment to empowering women in leadership.Their conversation spans the significance of diversity and inclusion, the transformative influence of women's networks, and advancements made within the grocery retail sector. Robyn opens up about her personal experiences of empowerment and the challenges she encountered while navigating the complexities of being a working mother, underscoring the critical need for enhanced representation in leadership positions. The pair offer sage advice to y...
2024-03-0826 minThe Powerhouse ProjectMeet the Host, Lisa LarondeIn this episode of The Powerhouse Project, Lisa Laronde is joined by her colleague and public relations manager, Morganne Campbell. Together, the duo explores the facets of Lisa's groundbreaking journey as the first woman president of RSG International, shedding light on her experiences in a predominantly male-dominated sector. Lisa candidly explores the hurdles she has encountered professionally, emphasizing the value of authenticity and the pivotal distinction between sponsorship and mentorship in propelling women's careers forward. Additionally, Lisa underscores her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the construction industry through her involvement with organizations such as the Canadian Association...
2024-03-0843 minThe Powerhouse ProjectThe Powerhouse Project Podcast TrailerWelcome to The Powerhouse Project, a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Lisa Laronde, the first woman president of RSG International and the President of the Canadian Association for Women in Construction. As a leader in road safety infrastructure, Lisa operates with a no-filter policy and no-nonsense approach that surprises some but inspires many in a predominantly male industry. Lisa is known for her unwavering advocacy for women; she is committed to fostering connections, facilitating learning, and championing the advancement of women in leadership roles. Lisa will cover leadership from a variety of angles, inviting distinguished guests to speak about their...
2024-03-0601 min
People First PodcastWomen Leading The Way - Lisa LarondeSend us a textIn this episode, we're joined by Lisa Laronde, President of RSG International and the Canadian Women in Construction (CWIC). Lisa sheds light on the pivotal link between success and the leaders we collaborate with. She emphasizes the significance of shared goals when choosing business partners and employers, offering crucial insights for career growth.Lisa delves into the troubling statistics and trends in the trade and construction industry, and explains that if we don't make some big changes, and fast, we're going to have a crippling shortage of knowledgeable trade professionals.
2023-11-0159 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 293: U.S. immigration and construction with AEM's Kip EidebergOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor speaks with Association of Equipment Manufacturers senior vice-president of government and industry relations Kip Eideberg about the state of U.S. immigration and how it affects demand for skilled tradespeople. Eideberg recently wrote an op-ed for The Hill placing the blame for stalled immigration reform on both parties in Congress. He said with 85,000 job openings in the equipment manufacturing industry there are regions of the U.S. that simply don't have enough Americans to fill required positions. He added immigration can revitalize rural areas a...
2023-08-0925 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 292: CAWIC's Lisa LarondeOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) new president and board member Lisa Laronde. Laronde, who is also the first female president of the road safety group for the Powell Group of Companies addressed CAWIC's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as well as recent work with Habitat for Humanity and the association's push to establish a national presence. She also pointed out some of the continuing barriers to women in the trades and the need to focus on retention of...
2023-08-0417 min
Ambition Theory: Rethinking Leadership in ConstructionCareer Diversity Key to Addressing Talent ShortageLisa 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 co...
2022-02-1750 min
Rewatchability298- CLERKS with Tom McGeeCan I help you? This week we check out (on life) with CLERKS, the 1994 slacker comedy that launched Kevin Smith's foul mouthed career and introduced us to Jay & Silent Bob, cinema's most congenial small-time drug dealers. Starring Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghighliotti, Lisa Spoonhauer and Jason Mewes, this movie inspired a generation to make overly talky films about their crappy work places and dead end jobs, but how does it hold up now?Listen below to find out. Also, please Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher. Also, follow us on Twitter. And please consider supporting our Patreon campai...
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