I Am Unbreakable® Magazine Spring/Summer 2025

Hey Rockstars!

The Power of Showing Up

A girl walks into a room filled with trailblazers, changemakers, disruptors, female founders, women-led businesses, entrepreneurs, allies and leadership speakers who are sharing their unfiltered, raw, authentic journeys and whose words resonate to the core.

These rockstars tackle the tough topics we often avoid, but not them. Today, they spark conversations that matter, lead fearlessly, and boldly share their failures and intimate struggles. A girl listens to remarkable women speak about resilience, courage and grace while they share stories about challenging societal norms, breaking down barriers and inspiring change.

A girl walks out of a room with wings, ready to soar and follow her dreams. She is now connected to a community of ride-and-die, front-row sisters, who she will learn from and others she will offer to mentor.

A girl walks into the room. But what if she didn’t?

Get ready for an impactful issue celebrating women, female founders, women-led businesses, trailblazers, changemakers, disruptors, and supporters who walked into a room! Learn about the art of creating relationships, connections, and story sharing and its power to transform lives.

At I Am Unbreakable®, we are dedicated to empowering women while navigating their personal and professional journeys. Today, I want to spotlight two remarkable women who embody this spirit: Chris McMartin from The Scotiabank Women’s Initiative® and Deborah Rosati from Women Get On Board. Their unwavering friendship, genuine honesty, and steadfast belief in my potential have profoundly impacted my path, reminding me of the incredible strength found in your front-row sisters. Together, we celebrate the power of connection and the limitless possibilities that arise when we uplift one another. Embrace your journey in the I Am Unbreakable® community—a powerful collective of Rockstar Women united by passion, purpose, and the promise of limitless possibilities!

Remember my three favourite words…Yes You Can!

Building An Unbreakable Spirit CAROLINE CODSI

Walking through the war-torn streets of Lebanon as a child, I didn’t just witness chaos, I lived it. The crackle of gunfire, the uncertainty of each day, the silent resilience of women shouldering the weight of an unraveling world. Amidst the destruction, one thing became clear to me: survival wasn’t enough. Women deserved more than to endure; we deserved to lead, to shape the future, to be heard.

That belief became the fire that fueled my journey, first to Paris at 17, navigating a new world on my own, then to Canada, where I hoped to find the equity I had always dreamed of. But reality had other plans. Even in such an advanced country, the barriers were still there,

systemic, deeply ingrained, and resistant to change. If anything, the discrimination was more insidious, wrapped in polite words and glass ceilings so thick they felt impenetrable. So, I did what I’ve always done, I fought. Not with weapons, but with strategy, conviction, and an unshakable belief that a better world was possible. That fight led to the creation of “Women in Governance” in 2010, not just as an organization, but as a movement. A force dedicated to helping women shatter barriers, navigate the power structures of corporate life, and claim their rightful place at the decision-making table. I soon realized that empowering women alone wasn’t enough, the real battle was in changing the system itself.

That’s why Women in Governance launched “Parity Certification™” in 2017, a game-changer for organizations committed to closing the gender gap in the workplace. This isn’t a token gesture or a marketing tagline, it’s a rigorous, datadriven assessment based on 80 criteria. We dig deep, examining everything from talent attraction and retention, to succession planning, governance, compensation equity, workplace culture, inclusive leadership, and more. Companies don’t just get a grade, they get a roadmap for real, measurable progress.

Today, more than one million employees work for a company that has obtained our Parity Certification™, and our clients

span all industries, including many Fortune 500 companies and sectors traditionally dominated by men. The certification has become a benchmark for organizations willing to take accountability and build workplaces where both women and men can thrive equitably.

And because progress deserves recognition, we highlight these trailblazing companies at our prestigious galas in Toronto and Montreal, bringing together top

leaders, policymakers, and changemakers committed to gender equity. It’s about setting the bar higher, pushing the corporate world toward a future where talent, not gender, defines success.

My journey, from dodging bullets in Lebanon to sitting in the boardrooms of some of Canada’s largest corporations, has never been linear. I built my career from the ground up, led multi-million-dollar revenue streams, and climbed ladders that were never meant

for women like me. What truly defines me isn’t my career, it’s my relentless commitment to helping others navigate the same path.

That commitment goes beyond advocacy, it’s personal. Like so many, I’ve carried the invisible scars of war and displacement, the weight of starting over, the trauma buried beneath resilience. Therapy wasn’t just healing, it was an act of defiance, a refusal to let past wounds define my future. Speaking openly about it isn’t weakness, it’s power. True strength comes from confronting struggle, turning pain into purpose, and choosing to rise every single time.

Through it all, I raised two incredible children as a single mother, instilling in them the same values of courage, service, and unwavering integrity. They grew up immersed in activism, knowing that silence in the face of injustice is never an option. Today, as accomplished adults, they carry that legacy forward, proving that change starts at home.

Being unbreakable isn’t about never falling, it’s about rebuilding stronger every time. As I look ahead, I am energized by the women and allies who stand beside me, the organizations willing to evolve, and the next generation of leaders who refuse to accept the status quo.

This is more than my story, it’s OUR story. The story of every woman who refuses to be sidelined, every leader who chooses inclusion over indifference, every person who dares to dream of a world where opportunity isn’t defined by gender. I invite you to join me in this quest, because the future doesn’t just happen. We build it.

The Power Of Curiosity

CHRIS MCMARTIN

Curiosity is one of the most powerful forces in human development. It fuels innovation, drives progress, and deepens our understanding of the world. Yet, for many women, curiosity, specifically, the act of asking questions, is accompanied by hesitation. We second-guess ourselves, wondering if our question is valid, if we should already know the answer, or if speaking up will make us appear less competent. This hesitation isn’t accidental. Many of us have been conditioned from a young age to equate intelligence with already having the answers, rather than with the ability to seek them out. In professional settings, this hesitation can be amplified by perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and workplace cultures that subtly (or overtly) discourage women from taking up space. Asking questions is not a weakness, it is a strength. It is a tool for learning, for connecting, and for leading. If we want to create more equitable workplaces, communities, and industries, we must change the way we think about curiosity and encourage women to embrace it with confidence.

Breaking the Stigma: Why Women Hesitate to Ask Questions

Despite knowing that curiosity is key to success, many women still struggle with the fear of speaking up. Here’s why:

1.

Fear of Looking Uninformed:

In many professional and academic settings, there is an unspoken expectation that we should already know everything. Women, in particular, often feel additional pressure to prove their competence, especially in male-dominated industries. Asking a question can feel like admitting we don’t know

something, which some may perceive as a weakness. I know I have had that internal voice tell me “don’t say that out loud.”

2. Perfectionism: Many women feel that they must be fully prepared before entering a conversation or discussion. The idea of not having all the answers can feel uncomfortable, leading some to avoid asking questions altogether. We must remember that growth doesn’t happen in our comfort zone.

3. Social Conditioning: From a young age, girls are often encouraged to be agreeable and to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This conditioning can carry into adulthood, making some women hesitant to speak up in meetings, classrooms, or social settings.

4. Negative Past Experiences:

If a woman has ever been dismissed, ignored, or ridiculed for asking a question in the

past, she may be reluctant to put herself in that position again. I know I have those high school laugh tracks in my brain all too often. While these challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. The first step toward overcoming them is recognizing that they exist and making a conscious effort to push past them.

Reframing

Curiosity as a Strength

If we want to encourage women to ask more questions, we must start by changing the way we see questioning itself. Instead of viewing it as a sign of incompetence, we must recognize it as a demonstration of intelligence, engagement, and leadership.

Leaders Ask Questions

Some of the most successful people in the world attribute their achievements to their curiosity. Leaders, innovators, and change-makers don’t pretend to have all the answers,

they ask the right questions. By asking questions, they gather more information, challenge assumptions, and make better decisions.

Questions Drive Growth

Learning does not stop after formal education, it accelerates! The ability to ask insightful questions is what allows professionals to adapt, grow, and thrive in changing environments. Women who ask questions position themselves as individuals who are eager to learn and improve, which is a trait that any employer, mentor, or collaborator values.

Confidence Comes from Seeking Understanding

There is power in knowing what you don’t know and having the confidence to ask about it. When we reframe questioning as an act of self-empowerment rather than self-doubt, we allow ourselves to grow in ways we never imagined.

Creating a Culture That Encourages Questions

It’s not enough for individual women to push past their hesitation, we also need to create environments where women feel safe and supported in asking questions. Workplaces, classrooms, and social groups should foster an environment where asking questions is seen as a positive thing. Leaders and educators should model this behavior by openly asking questions themselves and praising curiosity in others.

How we respond to someone’s question matters. If a woman asks a question and is met with condescension or dismissal, she may be less likely to speak up in the future. A simple “that’s a great question” or “I’m glad you asked that” can make a world of difference. This simple act can empower a whole room of curious individuals.

Even the most knowledgeable experts don’t know everything. The more we normalize the idea that learning is a lifelong process, the easier it will be for people to feel comfortable asking questions. Women can play a crucial role in lifting each other up. If you notice a colleague hesitating to ask a question, encourage her. If you hear another woman, ask a question, back her up and validate her curiosity. By supporting one another, we make it easier for all of us to feel confident in seeking knowledge.

How to Build Your Confidence in Asking Questions

If you struggle with asking questions, you are not alone. Let’s discuss some strategies to help you become more comfortable sand confident in your curiosity. Start small. if speaking up in a meeting or large group feels overwhelming, start by asking questions in one-on-one settings. Build your confidence gradually.

Reframe your thinking, instead of asking yourself, “will I look stupid if I ask this?” try asking, “what will I gain by asking this?” Most of the time, the answer is clarity, understanding, and growth. Another great question to ask yourself is, “who else may have this question?” Typically, if you are curious about something you are not the only one and your question may spark the curiosity of others and bring more value to the conversation.

We all feel more confident when we are prepared. If you know you’ll be in a situation where you might need to ask questions, prepare a few in advance. This can help you feel more confident and ready to engage in the conversation.

Asking Questions is a Form of Power

At its core, curiosity is about more than just gathering information, it’s about empowerment. When women ask questions, they assert themselves in conversations, take charge of their learning, and make their voices heard. We must continue to challenge the outdated belief that questioning is a sign of weakness. Instead, we should celebrate it as a powerful act of intelligence and confidence. And as we do, we should encourage the women around us to do the same.

If we want to change the way women experience the workplace, education, and society at large, we need to start by making curiosity the norm. We need to ask more, learn more, and lift each other up along the way. Because the more questions we ask, the more doors we open, not just for ourselves, but for the generations of women who will come after us. So, the next time you hesitate to ask a question, remember this: The smartest people in the world are the ones who never stop asking.

The Power Of Self Agency, A Symphony Of

"I Am"

ROBYN K. THOMPSON

Have you ever heard the hauntingly cheerful jingle of an ice cream truck, the one that makes children sprint toward it with wideeyed joy? For me, it wasn’t an invitation to join in the fun, it was a jarring reminder of what I couldn’t have. That sound wasn’t flavoured with childhood innocence; it carried the heavy tones of financial struggle and whispered truths I couldn’t unhear.

I was the “poor kid.” You know, the one you’d glance at and immediately understand that their dreams were smaller because life had forced them to be. It wasn’t just about having less—it was about feeling less. Less seen, less secure, less like the world belonged to me. Poverty becomes a second skin you don’t shed easily; it knows how to latch on and burrow deep. But even as a child, standing on the wrong side of opportunity, I made a promise that ran louder than that ice cream truck’s jingle; I would not stay here.

What I couldn’t articulate then—and only grasp now, years later—is that vow was the quiet beginning of my self-agency. I would learn to own what life gave me, then reinvent it. I wouldn’t just walk a new path; I’d build the damn road myself.

Years later, I wasn’t simply looking at dreams. I was living in them. New shoes, a few years out of journalism school and many hours on regional television later, I’d hustled my way onto a national television show, co-hosting and producing a finance show that had my name under the lights and my ideas broadcast coast to coast. I remember standing behind the anchor desk during my debut segment, gripping papers that trembled in my hand not because I was

nervous, but because I made it! The little girl who once pinched pennies until they bled was now an authority in dollars and cents, advising audiences how to build wealth.

Triumph in journalism isn’t steady—it isn’t soft. That shimmer I stood in wasn’t permanent. One day, it flickered when the industry buckled beneath market changes. The show was cancelled. No one remembers the announcement. Yet I remember every word my executive producer spoke. That's because soon after, I was on the floor in my apartment, unemployment papers spread before me.

What no one tells you about hitting the floor is that it’s often littered with what comes next. You don’t see a hero stepping in; you don’t hear music that cues your rising phoenix moment. It’s silent. It’s raw. If someone comes for you, it is only you. You gather pieces, no matter how broken you feel. That’s what I did. I started applying endlessly—jobs, freelance gigs, anything.

When I landed a chase producer role for the only other financial newsroom in the country, I knew I made it. “Start here,” then back behind the anchor desk, then MSNBC or

CNN. And then, I failed. I got fired.

It’s here, in the small cracks of my plans, that I taught myself how to begin again. The ashes weren’t an ending; it was a damn rebirth. From that very place, I learned reinvention isn’t some grand throw of dice or a miracle waiting on a horizon, it’s messy. It’s answering emails you’re scared to send, calling contacts you’re embarrassed to lean on. It’s tying broken strings and weaving backup plans with grit you believe in only because failure left you without an alternative. Again.

Not long after my newsroom stumble, I did what felt like the smallest, most logical thing. I reached out to people I had interviewed on my shows. I was well respected, and I thought maybe there is a place for me at one of the financial firms. It was a stretch as I was never particularly good at math, but I knew people and I am a hustler. Then it came, a break, the owner and portfolio manager of a well-respected firm offered me an entry level role. My asks weren’t grand or desperate; they were honest. He didn’t owe me anything, and yet his belief in my potential offered an opportunity.

Overnight, I shifted industries entirely, from newsrooms talking about stocks to a wealth management firm buying and selling them. I didn’t just exist in this role; I thrived.

The thing about working your way into unfamiliar spaces— spaces you’ve never been trained for—isn’t that your inadequacies will show. It’s that your ability to learn transcends them. At the firm, every title upgrade meant more than the raise that came with it. It meant proving to myself, every damn day, I could conquer new rooms I hadn’t been invited into in

the first place, especially as a woman. This was a man’s world and there were not many skirts at the table.

I rose through the ranks, grinding through late nights filled with study marathons for financial certifications most people wouldn’t dream of attempting mid-career, Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Investment Manager, Associate Portfolio Manager, Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute and my Insurance licence. It took me almost ten years. Here’s the truth of it all—I didn’t climb because my will was extraordinary. I climbed because I refused to collapse.

Somewhere in there, I went from “managing relationships” at a firm to founding my own. By 2011, Castlemark Wealth Management Inc. was launched—not handed off, not borrowed; ownedbootstrapped. It was a name that housed clients who trusted me with millions and a brand synonymous with

female leadership in finance. Castlemark didn’t just survive—it thrived. We broke ceilings and did it while winning awards that cemented a legacy I never dared imagine as a child. I was back under the bright lights of television once again, this time as the expert, full circle. The thing about journeys is this—they don’t pause even when you blink back a trail of victories.

Life handed me a new card when cancer arrived at my doorstep to ask, “what now?” I recovered; I healed; but not without seeing that I had evolved again—a woman standing at a bridge between her “then” and her “next.”

It wasn’t easy to sell Castlemark. Handing over an empire you create feels unnatural, like letting loose a part of your identity. When I did, it wasn’t the end; it was a new beginning, the next best move. I became a self-made millionaire not just with a bank balance but from cashing in on almost two decades of sweat, late nights, and an endless refusal to crumble and an unwavering belief in myself.

Here’s the thing no one tells you about success, about grit, about anything truly delightful in life—it’s born in the smallest of decisions. It’s not the launch on television or the headline moment. It’s dragging yourself out of doubt to write another email. It’s knocking on the door of possibility that may not swing open but then trying five others anyway.

Everything I am—everything I’ve done—boils back down to those details. And those details root back to choices. To reclaim the smallest moments when you could quit but don’t. To build resilience when all you have is a flicker of strength.

Self-agency isn’t a word I used back when I started this mad climb. Now, standing where I do, I realize it’s not just a term—it’s a muscle. You grow it through ache, through trying, through sweat and many bitter tears. When you flex it to carve life into what you need, you don’t just grow stronger—you grow powerful.

If you’ve read this far, likely you’re standing at your own crossroads. Life doesn’t come without them—they’re inevitable as breathing and the blinking of your eyelids. Here’s what I hope you’ll take away from my story. You are already capable. Already more powerful than the sum of what’s behind you.

Looking back, I realize my life has been a symphony of “I am” statements. I am strong. I am resourceful. I am capable. I am enough.

Each step, each triumph, and even each failure was defined by one question: What will I do now and what is the next best step?

I didn’t always know the answer. Through grit, perseverance, and trust in my ability to figure things out, I kept asking that question. That’s the thread. You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need guarantees. What you need is belief in yourself. Belief that where you are today is not where you’ll stay. Belief that every step you take leads to something bigger, something better.

And maybe, just maybe, one day you’ll look back at the ice cream truck of your life, smile, and realize how far you’ve come. Until then, trust the power you already have within and take the next best step.

BOOKS WE LOVE

MEL ROBBINS

The High 5 Habit

Take control of your life with one simple habit. The High 5 Habit is a simple yet profound tool that changes your attitude, your mindset, and your behavior. $35

melrobbins.com

Tiny Habits

The Small Changes that Change Everything, readers will discover the landmark Tiny Habits method that has helped thousands of people build their ideal lives. | $19

tinyhabits.com

What Happened To You?

Our earliest experiences shape our lives far down the road, and What Happened to You? provides powerful scientific and emotional insights into the behavioral patterns so many of us struggle to understand. $36

oprah.com

Awaken The Giant Within

Self-mastery that will enable you to discover your true purpose, take control of your life, and harness the forces that shape your destiny. | $27

tonyrobbins.com

Do Hard Things

A radical rethinking of how we perceive toughness and what it means to achieve our high ambitions in the face of hard things.| $36

BJ FOGG

OPRAH WINFREY

STEVE MAGNESS

TONY ROBBINS

Women, Climate, And The Power of Collective Action

RONDA CARNEGIE

Leadership, at its core, is about connection. It’s about bringing people together—not just to talk about change, but to make it happen. I’ve spent my career amplifying the voices of women leaders across media, policy, and global advocacy, and one truth stands out: when women lead, action follows.

That’s why I am so deeply invested in Mrs. Robinson, a film that tells the story of one of the most courageous and visionary leaders of our time— Mary Robinson. As the first female president of Ireland and a fierce advocate for human rights and climate justice, Mary has spent decades proving that leadership isn’t about power; it’s about service. It’s about showing up, time and time again, to do the work, even when the path forward is uncertain.

This film isn’t just a tribute—it’s an invitation. This is an invitation to rethink leadership, strengthen collaboration, and take bold action in the face of our most significant challenges.

A Movement Fueled by Women Leading Change

I’ve seen firsthand how women are transforming the fight for climate justice. In every sector— finance, media, policy, activism— women are reimagining solutions, accelerating change, and ensuring that leadership is as inclusive as it is impactful.

That’s the spirit behind Project Dandelion, a global campaign mobilizing women to advocate for climate solutions that benefit everyone. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this movement in action—building networks, amplifying voices, and shifting entire systems. Now, we have an opportunity to use the power of storytelling to engage even more people in this movement.

Women-Led Leadership is Smart Business

Let’s be clear: investing in women-led climate solutions isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business. The data is indisputable. Womenled businesses deliver higher returns. Women leaders invest in their communities at a higher rate. Women entrepreneurs are solving some of the world’s most complex challenges with innovation, resourcefulness, and collaboration.

Yet only a fraction of global climate funding goes to womenpowered initiatives. That’s why Project Dandelion and the Mrs. Robinson campaign are not only calling for action but also providing a blueprint for how to do things differently. From funding models to policy influence, from boardrooms to grassroots movements, the future of leadership requires a fundamental shift in how we define risk, return, and impact.

From Inspiration to Action

There is no shortage of solutions. What’s needed now is acceleration.

This is where you come in.

We believe in the power of community-led conversations to ignite action. That’s why we invite you to bring Mrs. Robinson to your networks— whether through a screening, a dialogue, or a gathering that sparks deeper engagement around women's leadership in creating a climate-safe world. We know the solutions are out there, and women can lead the way as innovators and community leaders. It’s a storytelling initiative designed to inspire and mobilize. We’d love to provide you with our campaign toolkit to help you lead a discussion in your community, company, or network.

If you’re an entrepreneur, consider how your work intersects with climate justice and where your leadership can drive systemic change. If you’re a funder, examine where your investments are going and who is being left out. If you’re in media or storytelling, amplify the narratives that will shift culture and inspire action. And if you’re a business leader, ask yourself: Are we just talking about change, or are we embedding it into every aspect of what we do?

This is the moment to step up. The leaders of today and tomorrow are already building the future and helping others to imagine that world.

Be a Part of the Conversation: Host a Screening, Lead a Dialogue

Building Unbreakable Boundaries

DR. MONICA VERMANI

If you’re the go-to support system for family members, friends, or colleagues, this one’s for you! Let’s look at where unhealthy boundaries come from, why we need to create and maintain healthy boundaries, and how to put ourselves and our needs at the very top of our to-do lists.

Let’s get real! As women, many of us were raised to may have been brought up with role models and blueprints that resulted in life-long patterns of prioritizing the needs of our partners, families, and colleagues over our own, and putting ourselves last — if at all — on our to-do list. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Engrained people-pleasing

We want to be seen as nice, helpful, generous, and kind to our friends and family

members and want to do what we can to make their lives easier. At work, we want to be seen as a team player who pitches in when others need support, and a dedicated professional. What’s more, we don’t want to disappoint friends, family members, and associates by withholding support when they turn to us for help, even when doing so drains our finite resources of time and energy.

Entrenched and enmeshed: the high cost of yes

How often have you neglected your need to rest, sidelined your life tasks and responsibilities, or the need for a little downtime? Over time, saying yes when it is not in our best interest leaves us sick, tired, and depleted, and leaves us entrenched in negative patterns and behaviors. What’s

more, it keeps us stuck and enmeshed in other people’s problems. Doing so robs those who lean on us for support of opportunities to become more resourceful and self-reliant in their lives.

When

you’re

tired of being sick and tired

To break entrenched habits and patterns, we need to create, communicate, and reinforce healthy boundaries. Just as good fences make good neighbors, a healthy personal boundary is protection. Just as fences, doors, passwords, locks, and keys protect our homes, identities, and personal safety, healthy boundaries surround our finite resources of time and energy.

How to begin

Begin by reflecting on the people and situations in your life where, in the past, where helping out has left you tired and depleted of energy, or caused you to neglect your responsibilities or sacrifice spending time doing something you look forward to, love, and enjoy. Self-reflection will help you see where you want to start drawing lines around your time and energy. Once you’ve identified the lines you would like to draw, you will need to communicate these boundaries to the people in your life who turn to you for support and assistance.

How to proceed

For example, say you have a friend who regularly calls you at all hours of the night for emotional support. You may decide to create a reasonable boundary to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. You will need to communicate a cut-off time for those late-night calls. What’s more, when your friend inevitably tests your new boundary with a late-night call, you will need to reinforce this

new boundary by not engaging in an intrusive and disruptive late-night conversation. The above example embodies the building blocks of boundary-setting: creating a boundary, communicating, and reinforcing it.

Dealing with guilt

Especially for those of us who are life-long, chronic people-pleasers, reinforcing our boundaries will result in guilt! To this end, I would like to share my definition of guilt: it’s a sign that someone wants something from us that is different from what we want for ourselves. It’s a clash of intentions that presents you with a choice: ‘Should I put myself first, or should I neglect my needs and preferences to take care of someone else’s needs and preferences?

Of course, there may be times when we choose to lend a hand, but helping others at the expense of our limited time and energy needs to be a choice, rather than an obligation.

Working on that muscle

Building healthy boundaries is like building muscle! Just as when we begin a new exercise routine, and muscles we’ve neglected or never used will cause us temporary pain, over time we will get comfortable with saying no to a request that does not align with what we want and need for ourselves.

6 Steps To Setting Healthy Boundaries

Reflect on situations and people who repeatedly drain you of your time and energy.

Create boundaries — in the form of new rules — that prioritize your wants and needs.

Communicate these new rules with the people in your life who have become over-reliant on you.

Reinforce your new rules those who rely on you for support test your boundaries… because they will!

Remember what guilt is. It’s a red flag signally that someone wants something from you that does not align with what you want for yourself. Do not let guilt derail your priorities and preferences.

Revisit and renew: Revisit your rules. Add and revise these rules to build and refine your healthy boundaries.

CAMILLE BURNS

As women entrepreneurs, we navigate the unpredictable waves of business ownership. My journey as CEO of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) has truly highlighted the incredible power of community and resilience. At WPO, we've built a pioneering establishment that fosters growth and connection for women running multimilliondollar companies, and it's been an honor to witness firsthand the impact of this amazing network.

From the WPO's inception, we've been driven by a singular vision: to break through the barriers that hold women back in business. We are an organization of over 2,000 members, meeting monthly in 151+ chapters and across 9 countries. Statistics show that while women own a significant percentage of companies in the United States, far fewer generate over a million dollars in revenue. In fact, while women own approximately 42% of businesses in the US, they only account for about 2.3% of firms with revenues over $1 million. This stark reality underscores why organizations like the WPO are indispensable. We strive to create an environment where women can speak candidly about their unique struggles, challenges, and successes. It's about recognizing and addressing the specific hurdles women face in scaling their businesses.

One of the key issues we address at WPO is the loneliness that often accompanies leadership, especially for women at the top. It's a cliché, and it rings painfully true. It is all about creating camaraderie—connecting with fellow women entrepreneurs who understand the unique hurdles we face, beyond the typical operational challenges any leader grapples with. This shared experience is truly invaluable.

During the relentless storm of COVID-19, the power of the WPO community shone brightly. I witnessed our members rally around each other, innovating survival strategies and offering crucial support. This sisterhood was instrumental in preventing many businesses from succumbing to the pandemic's economic pressures. Stories emerged of members sharing resources, offering advice, and simply being there for each other during incredibly stressful times. Crying together, laughing together, and surmounting obstacles together became the norm within our groups –a testament to the profound bonds nurtured under the WPO's umbrella.

"This resilience is a hallmark of our community."

Networking is often misconstrued as a superficial exchange of business cards, a transaction devoid of genuine human connection. At WPO, we pivot back to the essential: depth and safety in relationships. We believe the foundation of any worthwhile network is the guarantee of a “safe space.” This concept is pivotal in the WPO's philosophy. Our peer advisory groups are designed to be exactly that - a confidential and supportive environment where vulnerability is welcomed, and lasting, meaningful relationships are cultivated. It's in this safe space that we can truly learn from one another and grow, both personally and professionally.

My own story is marked by candid confessions about dyslexia and perceived intellectual shortcomings and echoes the resilience which is integral to the WPO's ethos. Growing up, I struggled with reading and writing, and it wasn't until later in life that I

understood dyslexia was the cause. This experience has shaped my leadership and deepened my empathy for the challenges others face. It's a stark reminder that strength and leadership are often forged through life's adversities, not inborn traits. It's about embracing our vulnerabilities and learning to leverage them as strengths.

In a world where ambiguity is constant, the WPO stands as a lighthouse, guiding women entrepreneurs toward untapped prospects. It's not merely about surviving the storm, but also about recognizing the opportunities within it—an approach I wholeheartedly endorse as we plan the expansion of WPO's global footprint. We are committed to extending our reach and impact, supporting even more women leaders around the world. As of 2023, WPO had over 137 chapters internationally, and continues to grow.

What does it truly mean to be ‘unbreakable’? For me, it is an unyielding resolve to rise after every fall, to process pain and not be deterred by it. It's a call to move forward, embracing each day with determination and the unwavering support of a community that has weathered countless storms. It's about recognizing that setbacks are inevitable yet not insurmountable.

Through the lens of the WPO's journey, my story underlines that it's the unity among women, our shared tales of endurance, and our collective wisdom that weave an unbreakable tapestry of inspiration for entrepreneurs across the globe. We are stronger together, and the WPO is a testament to the transformative power of women supporting women in business.

The Power of Rebuilding

JENN HARPER

When I reflect on my journey with Cheekbone Beauty, I am reminded of the importance of community, in every stage of rebuilding— whether it’s on a personal level, professional journey, or even culturally. Rebuilding isn't just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about creating something more meaningful, more powerful, and more authentic than before. It’s about growth, resilience, and the courage to believe in yourself even when the world tries to tell you otherwise.

Rebuilding is something we all experience at some point in our lives. Whether it’s bouncing back from a setback, dealing with a challenge, or recovering after loss, rebuilding is not just about getting back to where we were; it’s about becoming better and stronger. It’s about reinventing ourselves, embracing change, and having the courage to start anew. The beauty of rebuilding, no matter the stage of life you’re in, is that it’s never too late to make a shift, follow your passion, or break free from the past.

For me, Cheekbone Beauty was never just about beauty products. It was about creating something that would have a deeper, more meaningful impact. As an Indigenous woman, I wanted to build a brand that celebrated my heritage, my culture, and my community while also disrupting the traditional beauty industry. But even more than that, I wanted to create a business that encouraged authenticity and transparency—one that wasn’t afraid to be real in a world that often prioritizes perfection. And along the way, I’ve learned that the most powerful ingredient in rebuilding is the belief that the future can be different—and better.

There’s a common misconception that rebuilding or reinventing yourself is something reserved for young, fresh entrepreneurs. That once you reach a certain age, it’s too late to start something new. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Rebuilding can happen at any stage in life. The beauty of it is that we can reinvent ourselves, no matter how old we are, as long as we have the courage to try and the belief that change is possible.

When I first launched Cheekbone Beauty, I didn’t have a roadmap. I didn’t have the capital, experience, or industry connections that some might say were necessary for success. But what I did have was a deep sense of purpose, a vision, and a commitment to creating something that felt right for me. There were moments of doubt and fear along the way, but I chose not to let those hold me back. Failure didn’t feel like the end of the road; it felt like a lesson—a part of the process. I understood that rebuilding wasn’t about perfection; it was about resilience and persistence.

There’s a certain magic that comes with starting over. It’s the freedom to rewrite your story, to design your future, and to build a life that reflects your truest self. No matter your age, your stage in life, or where you’re starting from, it’s never too late to rebuild and reinvent. The journey may not always be easy, but it is always worth it.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned along this journey is that we don’t rebuild alone. It’s impossible to do it all by ourselves. We need people who believe in us, who challenge us, and who support us through our setbacks. At Cheekbone Beauty, I’ve come to understand that community

is not just important—it’s everything. It’s the heart of my company. It’s what keeps me going when things get tough and what helps me stay grounded when success comes.

In our fast-paced, resultsdriven world, it’s easy to forget the power of connection. But the truth is, when we build and nurture communities, we create a space where growth can truly happen. Whether it’s the community of Indigenous people that I come from or the network of entrepreneurs and individuals I’ve met along the way, the strength of collaboration is undeniable.

One of the most powerful things about being an entrepreneur is the ability to bring people together for a common cause. My vision with Cheekbone Beauty has always been bigger than just making products—it’s been about creating a platform that celebrates culture, diversity, and authenticity. And this mission is stronger when we collaborate. Whether we’re partnering with other Indigenous artists or joining forces with other businesses that share our values, I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration can propel us toward something bigger.

When we support one another and work together, we create a ripple effect that transforms communities. We’re not just building businesses; we’re changing the narrative, breaking barriers, and opening doors for others to follow in our footsteps. And that’s something worth fighting for.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned on this journey is that authenticity is the key to everything. We cannot build something meaningful or sustainable if we aren’t true to who we are. I’ve

often faced doubts and fears, especially when navigating an industry that sometimes seems to favor conformity over individuality. But I’ve learned that showing up as myself, flaws and all, is what truly sets me apart. When you embrace your uniqueness, your authenticity becomes your strength.

Fearlessness, contrary to popular belief, doesn’t mean the absence of fear. It means moving forward in spite of it. There were countless moments during the early days of Cheekbone Beauty when I felt uncertain, when I feared failure, when I questioned my decisions. But I kept moving forward because I knew the mission mattered. I knew that by being authentic and fearless, I was creating a foundation for a brand that could inspire others.

Believing in yourself is not always easy. It requires trusting that, despite the challenges, you are capable of building something meaningful. But I’ve realized that when you show up for yourself—when you truly believe in your purpose—it makes all the difference. Your belief will fuel your progress, your resilience, and your impact.

Rebuilding is not just about fixing things that are broken; it’s about creating something more than what existed before. It’s about having the courage to try again, take risks and make a positive impact on the world around you. Rebuilding, especially in business, often means stepping outside of your comfort zone and trusting that the process will take you exactly where you need to go.

In the world of beauty, where the standards of success can often seem so superficial and unattainable, it’s easy to lose

sight of what really matters. For me, Cheekbone Beauty was always about something bigger. It was about creating a brand that reflects the richness of my culture, that honors my Indigenous roots, and that empowers people to be their most authentic selves. It was about creating a space where diversity is celebrated, and authenticity is valued above all else.

When we rebuild, we build with purpose. We create new foundations that allow us to dream bigger, be bolder, and make a lasting impact. I’ve always believed that business isn’t just about profits—it’s about purpose. The deeper the purpose, the stronger the impact. And that’s what keeps me motivated every single day.

No matter where you’re starting from or how many times you’ve had to start over, remember that rebuilding is a process. It takes time. It

takes courage. And most of all, it takes belief in yourself. You are worthy of the life and the success that you dream of. And when you embrace your authenticity, when you connect with others, and when you collaborate toward a common goal, anything is possible.

As I look back on my journey with Cheekbone Beauty, I’m filled with gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, and the impact we’ve made together. And I know this is only the beginning. There’s still so much more to rebuild, to create, and to share with the world.

To anyone out there who feels like they’re starting over or rebuilding, I want you to know that you are not alone. Believe in yourself, embrace your authenticity, and take that first step. Rebuilding might not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

From Hollywood To Purpose KELSEY IRVINE

Seven years ago, I was chasing a different dream. As a commercial producer in Toronto, I spent my days creating advertising campaigns for brands—many of which didn’t align with my deeper values. In my spare time, I worked on a documentary film, pouring my heart into something that truly mattered to me.

That film went on to be nominated for an Oscar and an Emmy. It was proof that I could create something with impact. But it also deepened the internal conflict I had always felt in commercial advertising—I wanted my work to stand for something bigger. I wanted to be part of something that aligned with my passion for health, sustainability, and making a real difference.

I just didn’t know what that looked like yet.

At the same time, my mom, Debbie, was setting out on one of the most fearless journeys of her life.

At 58, she embarked on a six-month solo hike from Patagonia to the northern tip of Chile. She returned home completely changed, determined to take better care of her body and the planet. At 60, she quit her corporate job, moved to a cottage, and started formulating safe, allnatural skincare—not to start a business, but because she wanted something she could trust.

She started making products for herself, then for friends and family, and eventually for farmers' markets. Without realizing it, she was creating exactly what I had been looking for—something built on passion, integrity, and purpose.

And then—life threw my sister Lindsay and me into the mix.

Losing

Everything to Build Something Real

In 2020, the pandemic hit. I lost a year’s worth of production jobs overnight. My sister, who had been working in the restaurant industry, was suddenly unemployed too. We both had a choice: scramble to find something safe and familiar, or take a risk on something unknown but deeply meaningful.

We invested our last $500 into rebranding what would become Birch Babe.

Neither of us had experience in skincare, but we had grit. More

than anything, we believed in the mission—to create something the entire family could trust.

A skincare brand that was safe, effective, and truly all-natural.

A brand that didn’t just talk about sustainability—but actually lived it.

A brand that made quality skincare accessible, without the toxins and greenwashing.

We worked tirelessly—days spent packing orders, nights spent cleaning houses just to fund the next batch of inventory. We took on second (and third) jobs. We made every mistake possible and figured it out as we went.

We also faced one of our toughest challenges early on—buying out a partner who didn’t align with our vision. With almost no money coming in, we took a huge financial risk, using our grandmother’s inheritance to regain control of our company. It was terrifying. But we knew that if we were going to build Birch Babe into something real, it had to be on our terms.

Turning Struggles into Strength

In just a few years, Birch Babe grew from a small farmers’ market brand to being stocked in over 300 stores across North America, including Whole Foods and Sobeys.

We launched Birch Baby to ensure that families—starting with newborns—had access to skincare that was safe, natural, and free from toxins. We stayed committed to our sustainability promise, using only ethically sourced ingredients, aluminum and glass packaging, and zerowaste formulations.

But growth wasn’t just about numbers. We were building something that mattered. Customers started reaching out, telling us how our products had transformed their skin, how they finally found a brand they could trust for their family, how we had helped them feel confident in their skin again. That’s when I knew we had created something special.

We took bold leaps, and people started noticing. We were featured in The Globe and Mail, FASHION Magazine, CTV’s The Social, NOW Toronto, and more.

But none of this was easy. Growth at this scale required resilience, trust, and an unbreakable commitment to our why.

The Reality of Running a Family Business

Running a family business comes with incredible challenges and unmatched rewards.

We fight hard, but we fight for the same goal.

We make mistakes, but we always learn together.

We take risks, but we do it knowing we’ll never let each other fall.

There were moments when tensions ran high. Mixing family and business means the boundaries aren’t always clear, and sometimes emotions took over. But at the end of the day, we knew that Birch Babe was bigger than any disagreement. We were building something that would outlast us, something that future generations could carry forward.

What This Journey Has Taught Me

If I could share one lesson from this journey, it would be this: the biggest risks hold the greatest rewards.

I walked away from a career that most people would never dream of leaving. But no award, no production credit, no Hollywood opportunity could ever compare to what I’ve built with my family.

Birch Babe is not just a business. It’s proof that when you lead with purpose, passion, and belief in something bigger than yourself, you can create something that truly matters.

So, if you’re standing at the edge of something uncertain—a career pivot, a big risk, a decision that makes no sense on paper but feels right in your gut—take the leap.

It might just change everything.

Cushy Corporate Executive To Poor Tech Founder DORI ADAMS

For most of my career, I had what many would call a “cushy” job. I was an advertising executive working with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. My days were filled with strategy meetings, creative sessions, and client presentations in sleek boardrooms. I had financial stability, a well-respected title, and the kind of career that, on paper, looked like success. But something inside me was restless.

I started to realize that my ambitions had shifted. It wasn’t that I felt disconnected from advertising; I had simply come to want something grander for myself and my family. In March of 2019, I had my daughter, and in that moment, everything changed. Holding her in my arms, I knew I could create a comfortable life for her. But beyond that, my ambitions grew in ways I hadn’t expected. I wanted to be her role model, to show her what’s possible in this world. I wanted to do more than just provide financially—I

wanted to lead by example, to teach her the power of chasing dreams and building something meaningful. That question led me to an idea, one that had been sitting loudly in the back of my mind for years. What if I could take my expertise in storytelling, branding, and content creation and use it to build something of my own? What if I could create a business that solved a real problem for people—changing the way people access content to tell their stories.

The answer had been in front of me all along - shutterb. The initial idea sparked when I was at a concert years ago, watching a friend and his dad share a beautiful, candid moment. At that time, I thought to myself, There needs to be a solution to capture these kinds of moments—affordably and discreetly, without the need for people to pull out their phones to take a blurry selfie. The idea kept resurfacing in my mind. I remember early in my relationship with my husband,

sitting on a patio in Muskoka and declaring, “One day, I’m going to build this.”. But it was my daughter’s arrival that finally pushed me to take the leap. Instead of spending all my maternity leave attending baby classes (though we did manage to get some baby shark singalongs in!), I began working on shutterb. I realized that this was my moment—without the distractions of a full-time job, I could finally lean in and make it happen.

The plan was to launch in March 2020, and well we all know what happened there (a story of resilience for another time) so let’s fast forward to what it looked like once we did launch! The Leap: Trading Security for Uncertainty It was now December 2022, I had a sabbatical from work, and instead of traveling I decided to throw myself fully into shutterb, once again. The world was reopening. Events were back on, and I knew more than ever it was our time. Gig work was starting to explode,

and everyone was looking to be a content creator. Perfect! This is exactly what we’re built for. A platform that connects event hosts with professional smartphone content creators to capture events affordably and conveniently. During my sabbatical I ended it with one sure bet. The time had come I needed to quit my job in advertising. So, I took the leap. Well, sort of. I quit my corporate job in March 2023, but I was scared. Really, really scared. So I didn’t do it without a safety net. I started by taking on a freelance gig at another ad agency for 20 hours a week— something to keep some financial stability while I figured things out.

I clung to that part-time gig for almost a year. Deep down, I knew it was holding me back, but the fear of letting go was overwhelming. I fully understood it was impossible to give half my brain away every week to someone else’s business, and still expect shutterb to receive the focus it needed. Leaving behind a steady paycheck and a predictable career wasn’t a decision I made lightly. I wrestled with the fear of failure, the self-doubt, the imposter syndrome. But at the same time, I couldn’t ignore the pull to do something bold and different. Finally, in January 2024, I let it go. And the most surprising thing happened—we started seeing serious traction!

The Reality Check: For The Time Being I’m Poor Speaking of money, one of the hardest parts of this journey has been the mental strain of finances. I recently sat through a keynote about how so many founders fail because they can’t escape the constraints money places on their minds. They’re so focused on how am I going to afford my life? that they can’t think clearly enough to grow.

That hit me hard. Because, honestly? The financial sacrifices are real. I’m 42 years old, and I am making some huge life adjustments. Right now, my we are renting out our home, and living with my in-laws. Vacations? Not on my dime. There are programs I’d love to put my daughter in, but I can’t say yes to everything. Shopping for myself, self-care routines—let’s just say I now own a wax pot from Amazon and have become a pretty decent aesthetician with the odd uneven eyebrow from time-to-time. And oh, the dinn

ers. The good restaurants. The nights out with friends. They’re still there, but now they look different. More house parties with pre-bought drinks and snacks instead of fancy nights out. But let’s be real— sometimes those nights are way more fun anyway. Have I cried over these sacrifices? Absolutely. Have there been moments where I’ve felt like a total loser? No doubt. But then I remind myself— these are choices I’m making to build something greater. If I wanted, I could go back to my old corporate job tomorrow. But that wouldn’t fulfill me. It

wouldn’t be mine.

The Unexpected Challenge: Strengthening My Mindset I’ve always been a resilient person. Unfortunately, a lot of that resilience was built from family hardships (a story for another time). And then there was corporate advertising—one of the most stressful career paths out there. Especially being in account services, where I was quite literally the punching bag for everyone— clients, creatives, production, strategy. I had always battled every one of these challenges with tenacity, grit, and what I called my zen.

But entrepreneurship? That was a new beast. A beast where failure took on a whole new meaning. And failure wasn’t something I was used to. However, what I was used to was action. As soon as I recognized the toll this new life was taking on my mental health, I got to work. I found a therapist— more specifically, a cognitive behavioural therapist—so I could equip myself with the tools I needed to tackle the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. I worked incredibly hard with my therapist throughout 2024.

In fact, he recently told me I don’t need him anymore (but I’m not letting him go that easily!).

As much as I needed focus, strategy, and smart business decisions, I learned that my personal well-being was just as critical to becoming unbreakable. The Breakthrough: Building a Support System One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that resilience doesn’t mean going at it alone. When I first started shutterb, I had no idea how much I’d need a team—not just in terms of cofounders or employees, but a network of people who truly get it. I’ve leaned hard into building a circle of business besties— other founders who are in the trenches with me. We share. We vent. We inspire one another. We remind each other that we got this and that, with the right mindset, we can do anything. These relationships have been a game-changer. On the hardest days, they remind me that I’m not crazy for doing this. That this is part of the process.

That success isn’t a straight line, but a messy, zigzagging, unpredictable road. A road better navigated with people who get what you’re going through and can provide some directions along the way.

So, Would I Do It Again? Without hesitation. Because I love what I am creating. Since launching shutterb in September 2023, we have done over 700 bookings. We hit six figures in our first year, and that was mostly through word of mouth. Yes, I have hustled and hustled— because that’s what it takes! And while it’s hard, I always choose to focus on the positive. To be forward-thinking. When a problem arises, I don’t let it stop me—I ask myself, What’s the solution?

I am constantly seeking out opportunities to learn and be trained on how to better myself as a CEO. I believe in myself more and more every single day, and I allow myself to be proud. Because I know we are

solving a huge problem for people. How do I know this? My incredible clients tell me. Recently, we covered an event for DJ Rachel Molenda. After her event, at 1:30 AM, after a night of putting her entire soul into creating and guiding an all female ecstatic dance party, she took the time to leave me a voice note.

She thanked me. Thanked me for creating shutterb. Because of shutterb, the magic of that night—the energy, the emotions, the moment—was captured. Because we exist. Because we provide an affordable solution that ensures no moment is ever missed. Because we are partners to our clients, helping them tell their stories through content. And in that moment, I knew. I knew that when I have those little seeds of doubt—when I wonder if I’m crazy for doing this—I need to remember that voice note. I need to remember all the texts, reviews, phone calls, and in-person conversations from clients who have validated that I am on the right path. I know that I just need to keep going.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

Resilience isn’t just about enduring hard times—it’s about growing through them. This first year of shutterb has pushed me in ways I never imagined. It has forced me to be creative, to be adaptable, and to trust myself in a way I never had to before. In 2025, I'm ready to take shutterb to the next level. Ready to lead my team. Ready to continue solving problems and serving our clients and our shutterbz in the best way possible. And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: I am unbreakable. And I’m just getting started.

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Embracing The Power Of Vulnerability CHANTAL MCNEILY

Like many women over the age of forty, I grew up believing that strength was forged in the battles I fought alone, and that asking for help was a sign of weakness. Vulnerability was never part of the success formula that women of our generation were taught to embrace. Raised in an era of “suck it up,” we learned to be independent, resilient, and strong—often at the cost of hiding our struggles.

In the workplace, we were often the only woman in the room, and in our personal lives, we juggled career, family, and societal expectations with an almost superhuman ability to hold it all together. Projecting the image of “I‘m fine,” is how we made it through the day. But deep down, we were not always fine. In her book “Braving The Wilderness”, Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston who studies shame, vulnerability, empathy and courage talks about the importance of belonging. She says,

“True belonging only happens when we present our authentic,

imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”

Reflecting on my past, I would have told you that I was incredibly open with people. Looking back now, I know that was not the truth. I hid the parts of myself that I deemed imperfect, out of fear of rejection.

I spent decades proving myself in a male-dominated industry, often feeling the pressure to work twice as hard to earn the same respect. Like other women who have forged a similar path, I spent decades putting up walls to protect myself from being seen as weak. Research shows that vulnerability is a key trait of great leaders. When we are open about challenges, we foster trust, collaboration, and innovation. As we enter midlife, many of us begin to realize that a shift is happening. That the armor we once relied on that may have served us well, has also kept us disconnected— from ourselves, from each other, and from the authentic power that comes with vulnerability.

In April of 2023, I attended my first women’s retreat. It was a small intimate group of about twelve women. We ranged in age from our early twenties to our mid-forties. It was on this retreat that I had one of the greatest personal breakthroughs surrounding my definition of “true belonging.”

Over the course of the retreat, we pushed ourselves to be vulnerable, raw and authentic. We shared parts of ourselves that up until that point had only been shared in the privacy of our own minds or in the confines of our journals.

In hearing the stories of these women, I had a revelation. Their struggles and imperfections did not make me “accept” them less, they made me accept them more. At some point, I had internalized a belief that to be accepted, I had to be perfect. I struggled with perfectionism in my work life and my personal life.

For years, I equated strength with never showing weakness, and handling everything on my own. But real strength is

not about perfection; it is about authenticity. Being vulnerable— admitting when we are struggling, asking for help, or sharing our fear. This requires far more courage than pretending everything is fine. It took years for me to learn this, and it is something that is a constant work in progress.

I learned that vulnerability allows us to build deeper connections. Think about the friendships that mean the most to you. They likely were not built on surface-level success stories but on shared struggles, honest conversations, and moments of being truly seen. The same applies to leadership, parenting, and our own personal growth. mbracing vulnerability does not mean oversharing or losing professional credibility. It means being authentic, acknowledging when we need support, creating space for real conversations, and allowing ourselves to be human.

Beyond the workplace, vulnerability is essential for personal growth. Many of us are at a stage where we are reflecting on our lives, questioning old narratives, and seeking deeper meaning. Vulnerability is the bridge to self-discovery. Like everything in life, it is a journey—a constant work in progress. On the retreat, something inside me shifted. I started to embrace the parts of myself that I deemed unworthy. Recognizing that we are all made up of light and dark parts. I accepted that perfection does not exist, and at the end of the day, we are all just “human” trying our best to navigate life without a roadmap.

For anyone seeking to embrace vulnerability, here are some key things to consider on your journey.

• Let go of perfectionism: Perfectionism has kept many of us in a cycle of overachievement

and self-criticism. Embracing vulnerability allows us to step off the exhausting hamster wheel and define success on our own terms. This can be scary at first as it forces us to address the route of the issue; who’s definition of success are we living? If it is not our own, how do we pivot?

• • Strengthening relationships: Whether with partners, children, friends, or colleagues, true intimacy comes from authenticity. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we give others permission to do the same. I have noticed in my own relationships that allowing myself to be vulnerable has strengthened the bonds, not weakened them. It does not happen overnight, and it may be difficult to open up, but it is worth it.

• Finding freedom in honesty: The more we embrace who we truly are—without the need to prove anything—the freer we become. Vulnerability is a gateway to confidence, not a threat to it. This is one I am still working on. Shedding the need to “prove myself” to be accepted vs embracing where I am right now, knowing that it is enough.

How can you cultivate vulnerability in your life?

• Start Small: Vulnerability does not mean opening up to everyone about everything. Begin with trusted people in your life—share something real, whether it is a challenge, an aspiration, or an insecurity.

• Reframe Failure: Instead of seeing mistakes as something to hide, view them as opportunities to grow. The more we normalize failure, the less power it has over us.

• • Ask for Help: Seeking support is not a

weakness, it is a sign of strength. Whether in career decisions, personal struggles, or health challenges, we do not have to do it alone.

• Be a Role Model: If you are in a leadership role, mentor younger women by showing them that vulnerability and success are not opposites. The more we model authenticity, the more we change the culture.

• Practice Self-Compassion: The way we talk to ourselves matters. Instead of criticism, practice speaking to yourself with the kindness you would offer a friend.

Many of us have spent years proving our strength. Now, we have the opportunity to redefine what that strength looks like. Vulnerability is not about being weak, it is about being real. And when we are real, we open ourselves up to deeper relationships, greater success, and a more fulfilling life.

As we continue growing within ourselves and shaping the next generation of leaders, I want to be a role model, inspiring young women that strength is not about never falling—it is about having the courage to rise, again and again, with authenticity and grace.

Tending To Our Emotional Well-Being

DR. ROBYNE HANLEY-DAFOE

Can you think back to what your walks home from school used to be like? Maybe you kicked a rock along the sidewalk, letting your mind wander as it quietly processed the events of the day. Perhaps you rode the bus, staring out the window on rainy days, watching as the raindrops raced each other down the glass. These little, unhurried moments gave us space—space to reflect, unpack the day, and process our emotions before stepping into the next part of our day.

Fast forward to today, where most of us are living full lives, juggling never-ending to-do lists, and constantly moving from one responsibility to another— and let’s not forget about all the invisible labour it takes to keep households running and nurture relationships, all while trying to manage our own emotional wellbeing (and often others’!). What were once small opportunities of stillness or reflection have now been replaced by constant “doing.” On top of this, at any moment, we can pick up our devices and scroll through content that sparks emotions we often don’t process in real time.

Our capacity to be resilient is deeply tied to how we tend to our emotional wellbeing. However, the pace and pressures of modern life make this increasingly difficult. While emotional health is discussed more openly now than ever before, many of us are not actually giving ourselves the time we need to process our emotions. In my opinion, this disconnect is a significant contributor to the rising struggles we are seeing with mental health and emotional overwhelm.

Emotions as Allies

In my book Stress Wisely: How to Be Well in an Unwell World, I write about how emotions are a multiplex mosaic that shapes

the lens through which we see the world. When we tune into the insight of our internal world with curiosity and compassion, emotions become allies that guide us toward greater resilience.

According to Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroanatomist, the physiological response to an intense emotion typically lasts just 90 seconds. This means that if you allow yourself to just sit with an unwanted emotion and let it run its course—without distracting yourself, pushing it away, or engaging it—it will pass within 90 seconds. Where we get stuck is in replaying the thought that restimulates the emotional loop. When we hold space for our emotions and notice how they dissipate within those 90 seconds, we take back the driver’s seat.

The challenge for many of us, however, lies in pausing long enough to tune into and process these emotions. Often, when we finally do slow down for long enough, we’re hit with a wave of feelings so overwhelming that it feels easier to keep moving than to face them. But leaving emotions unaddressed leads to dysregulation. The more we try to ignore them, the louder they become. To be able to work with

our emotions, we need to be present with what we feel, allow our emotions to exist without judgment, and get curious about what they might be trying to tell us.

Four things to improve your emotional self-awareness and well-being:

1. Explore your inner emotional ecosystem.

Many of us have learned to ignore, suppress, or conceal our emotions instead of leaning in. Growing up, we may have been taught that emotions are a sign of weakness or that there are certain emotions we should feel and others we should not.

Ask yourself:

• What emotions were discouraged when I was growing up?

• Which emotions were encouraged or welcomed when I was growing up?

• What emotions feel easy to express?

• What emotions feel difficult to express?

• What are the emotions I want to feel more of?

2. Get curious about your emotional home.

Each of us has an emotional home. This is our learned emotional state of being. It is the place we seek out and stay most of the time because it feels familiar. We will subconsciously make our way back to our emotional home, but that doesn’t mean that it’s what we want or what feels good.

For example, let’s say someone’s emotional home is anger. This person could be on vacation, looking out at the most beautiful vista in the world, and still find something to be angry about. Someone else’s emotional home may be chaotic and dysfunctional. This person may find themselves in workplaces or relationships that are chaotic and

dysfunctional because, on some deep level, this feels “normal.” Others might have lighter emotional homes of peace, ease, or joy.

Whatever your emotional home is today, know that it has served you well, it has gotten you to where you are, and it’s worth a gentle check-in on whether or not it’s still serving you today. Ask yourself:

• What is my emotional home? Where do I find myself emotionally most of the time?

• Are there renovations I’d like to make to cultivate my desired emotional home?

The beautiful thing is that you are the architect of creating an emotional home that is in alignment with how you truly wish to feel.

3. Practice being mindfully present. Being present on purpose allows us to tune into our emotional experiences with curiosity. As we have established, many are not particularly good at being in the present moment since we are busy multi-tasking our lives away! Yet, noticing how we feel as we move through our days is key to working effectively with our emotions. When we are truly aware of how we are feeling, we can give ourselves the attention we need to take care of our emotional state. Try this:

• Divide your days into meaningful chunks of time (e.g., morning, midday, afternoon, and evening) and pause to check in each time by asking, “how am I feeling right now?” or “what is it that I need right now?”

• Use each time you walk through a door frame as a mindful moment to check in with yourself. As you make the transition from one space to the next, ask yourself: what am I feeling right now? Did this feeling come from something earlier, or

is it tied to this moment? Is it a good time to tend to this feeling, or can I set it aside for later?

It’s okay that sometimes you can’t just drop and roll right into that big emotion, like if you’re about to walk into a meeting or pick your child up. Perhaps processing doesn’t make sense at that moment, but we don’t want to leave it unaddressed. If it does feel like the right moment, acknowledge the emotion before moving forward.

4. See it. Name it. Place it. Action it.

We don’t get to pick the emotions that show up for us, just like we cannot pick all the thoughts that pop into our minds. Where we do have control is in how we respond. Through identification and compassion, we can allow ourselves to feel the feelings and learn how to use the information from our emotions as guides, not directives that have complete power over us. This strategy helps us to do just that:

See it: Notice what you are feeling. Name it: Name the feeling as specifically as you can. Place it: Where is the feeling likely coming from? Action it: What are you going to do with it?

Making a subtle shift in language from “I am anxious” to “I notice I am feeling anxious” helps create a bit of spaciousness between you and the emotion, giving you the power to respond versus react.

Here are two examples of how this might work for you:

See it: I notice I am feeling sad. Name it: I see you, sadness. Place it: When I pause and rewind to think about where this sadness might have come from, I remember seeing a photo of friends celebrating a big milestone together while I

was scrolling earlier. It must have stirred up feelings of missing connection, even though I didn’t notice it in the moment.

Action it: I will send a message to a friend and see if they’d like to catch up over coffee soon. See it: I notice I am feeling anxious and have a tightness in my chest.

Name it: I see you, anxiety. Place it: This anxiety is likely coming from uncertainty about tomorrow’s meeting.

Action it: Thank you for reminding me that I need to feel safe. I will take my worries for a walk and prepare for the meeting as best as I can.

Our emotions are meant to trigger actions. The mind can let it go as soon as we see it, name it, place it, and action it.

We’re not meant to ignore, suppress, or distract ourselves from the full range of emotions that make us human. We are meant to feel our way through this life.

Cultivating emotional selfawareness isn’t easy, but by gaining insight into our emotional landscape, honouring our emotions as allies, and incorporating small practices into our lives that allow us to process emotions in real time, we can radically improve our well-being.

Aging Is The Goal Darlin' HEATHER BOLT

My first mother-in-law passed at the age of 51 from colon cancer. When I woke up on my 52nd birthday, put both feet on the floor, and got out of bed, all I could think about was her. She was the kind of woman everyone looked up to - she was tall and beautiful, super smart, had tons of friends, was incredibly kind and talented, and lit up every room she walked into. All I could think about was, how she would have given anything to have made it to her 52nd birthday.

It was at that moment, standing in my bedroom on my birthday, that I shifted my perception of aging. I literally started to change the story in my head about “getting older”. I know, for a fact, with my whole heart, that Judy would have embraced aging with grace and wonder. She would have wanted wrinkles around her eyes…she would have wanted to hold her grand babies and watch them grow up…she would have wanted to be present for her family and friends. I loved and adored Judy like she was my own mother, and I’ve missed her every day since she passed.

Changing my mindset on getting older, has helped me to embrace my own aging. Too many people pass before being able to experience aging. And that’s a real shame. There’s a beauty in aging. Yes, it can come with some health complications - yes, it can feel strange at times as your body shifts and creaks, but the mere fact that you’re here, experiencing life, is beautiful, and a real gift.

I’m about to turn 55, and every time I see those numbers written out, I have this weird sensation of, what the heck? Who is she talking about? I don’t FEEL 55. My hubby, my kiddies, and my friends would

tell you I don’t ACT 55. Even though I don’t feel or act 55, doesn’t mean I’m not 55. I am proud as hell to be turning 55 soon. I WANT to turn 55…I want to be here for my life. I want to build my fashion business - I want to see my three kids grow up - I want to travel with my husband. I want to be that eccentric old lady who has lots of tattoos, wears pearls with boho caftans, and drinks coffee while dancing in my kitchen first thing in the morning.

I see aging as a pure gift. I’m more confident in my fifties than I have been in my entire life. My life has been a series of ups and downs, with lots of changes and twists along the way, just like every other woman out there. I have never met a woman who hasn’t had ups and downs in her life - it just doesn’t work that way. Women are resilient, women are able to shift with unexpected changes, and women always find a way.

As I’m about to celebrate my 55th birthday, and I look back on my life, I feel so damn proud of myself. In my twenties, I

graduated university and then fashion college, worked for a New York fashion designer, and married my university sweetheart. In my thirties I started my own fashion wholesale business, had two kids, went through a divorce, lost my Dad to brain cancer, and met my soul mate. In my forties, I started my own fashion label, jointly raised our children with my ex-husband and his new wife who thankfully lived on the same street, had my third baby, and married my second husband. All in that order.

Life has been a lot, and it’s been messy at times, and it’s been so darn magical. I am proud of myself and what I’ve gone through. I’m proud of how I picked myself up and kept going. I’m proud of how us four parents have beautifully raised the kids together while enjoying a lovely friendship along the way. I’m proud of my fashion business, and all the women it’s helping. I’m proud that I get to age. Read that again…that I “get” to age. Aging is the GOAL ladies. Let’s get REALLY old…and

show ‘em what we’re made of!

One day, I want to build a big, giant compound with all our friends, so we can hang out, laugh, and get old together. Being social and being with community will keep us “young” and healthy. There’s an awful statistic that says many men have strokes or heart attacks within months of retiring. It’s because they have lost their purpose - their schedules change, and their bodies are used to a certain amount of stress. Once that schedule is gone, their bodies sometimes react in scary ways. It’s up to us to find our purpose again as we grow older. To take up hobbies or passion projects. We need something to “wake up for” (as awful as that sounds). Make sure you get yourself surrounded by great friends, put yourself out there to volunteer, make plans with family, and give every single day a purpose. Your life is what YOU make of it. No one else is coming to make your life great. This is totally up to YOU.

I gotta tell ya, I’ve really embraced this mantra, especially in my fifties. What I’ve realized is I’m only halfway in this thing called LIFE. I have a TONNE more living to do! Fingers crossed, I’ll have another 55 years. And holy s—t…I’m excited! And how I got to this excitement may shock you.

Have you ever heard of affirmations? Psychologists and every single personal development coach out there knows the power of affirmation. An affirmation is a positive statement you tell yourself over and over again to signal to your brain what’s being said in the affirmation is the truth. Sooo, every morning, I look in the mirror, and instead of telling myself, “holy crap Heather, look at the bags under your eyes”, or “wow, what happened

to your hair overnight”, I tell myself things like: “damnnn girl…you are looking hot and sexy this morning!”, or “hey beautiful, look at you…waking up gorgeous once again”. I’m not kidding…I ACTUALLY say these things to myself in the morning. Yup, it was weird at first…like, really weird to say those statements out loud as I’m looking at my reflection. But I gotta tell ya, it also felt really good. When I started with the mirror affirmations, I would say them out loud to my mirror and then burst out laughing. Like, what the heck am I doing? Ha! As I kept doing it, morning after morning, I started to really believe it, and as I believed it, I felt more confident, more beautiful, and more secure with myself. This stuff works darlings. I promise you. Give it a shot. Sometimes what I tell myself these days, is things like, “ooooo check it out! You got another laugh line! Whoohoo!” or “you

know Heather, I’m really proud of you for working out today” or “Heather, I just love how much you laugh”. This really does work wonders.

Here’s another way to think about it. Would you ever say the kinds of awful things you say to yourself to your best friend? Your daughter? No, you wouldn’t. You wouldn’t dream of it. So why are you telling the person you will be living with for the rest of your life such awful, mean things?

You will be living with YOU for the rest of your life. Be nice to her. Be positive to her. Show her how amazing life can be. Tell her she can do anything she sets her mind to. You got this darling. No matter your age or stage, you got this! As I said before, AGING IS THE GOAL… so embrace the badass you are and show her how beautiful the gift of aging can be.

Accessibility For Women PAMELA SHAINHOUSE

As an expert in accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and equity in corporate culture, I have perspectives to share. I am also a woman with a disability, a bone disease diagnosed at the age of five years of age. Women with disabilities have different perspectives on how they see the support of their workplace simply because they live with their disability, whether invisible or visible, with every breath that they take.

Diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of organizational priorities in the modern workplace. Businesses are increasingly aware of the value a diverse workforce brings in creativity, innovation and fostering an environment that reflects their communities. Among the most critical aspects of workplace diversity is ensuring that individuals with disabilities—particularly women—have the support, accommodations, and opportunities needed to thrive.

Women with disabilities face unique challenges which differ

from those experienced by men with disabilities or women without disabilities. Regarding workplace accessibility, the insights, and perspectives of women with disabilities are crucial to designing genuinely inclusive environments. These individuals bring lived experience that can help identify barriers and promote solutions beyond surface-level compliance, ensuring that accessibility is a vital component of an organization's culture, not a compliance check box.

A unique perspective on accessibility

While general accessibility guidelines address physical, digital, and environmental barriers, women with disabilities can pinpoint nuances in accessibility that are often unaddressed. These women often face a combination of physical, social, and cultural challenges that men with disabilities may not. For example, workplace policies, layouts, or communication systems

intended to be inclusive may inadvertently leave out the specific needs of women— particularly in male-dominated industries or leadership roles.

A woman with a disability shares firsthand how policies or environments affect her ability to work comfortably and productively. She can identify issues such as inadequate restroom facilities, the lack of assistive technologies, or unconscious biases in hiring and promotions that can hinder her advancement. By collaborating with individuals who have navigated these challenges personally, organizations can more effectively design solutions considering all these concerns.

Advocating for holistic solutions.

Too often, accessibility efforts focus on meeting the legal requirements of AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), upcoming ACA (Accessibility Canada Act) or ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or similar

regulations without considering the lived experiences of those with disabilities. As a result, accessibility measures may only address physical or technical aspects of the workplace without considering the broader social and emotional factors that contribute to an inclusive environment.

Women with disabilities, who are active in advocacy and inclusion efforts, can help organizations understand that accessibility is not just about ramps or accessible software. We ensure that workplace culture is supportive and free from ableism and discrimination. It addresses unconscious biases that may impact recruitment, hiring, and advancement. We promote accessible communication, including accessible meeting formats and training materials.

By collaborating with a woman with a disability who understands these interconnected challenges, an organization is more likely to develop comprehensive solutions that improve the workplace for everyone, not just those with physical impairments.

Empowering women with disabilities as leaders.

Including women with disabilities in leadership roles is about equity and is an important part to include in a business’ strategy. When women with disabilities are in positions of power, they can influence accessibility decisions as they can create changes that benefit a wider group of employees, especially those who may feel overlooked or marginalized.

Promoting women with disabilities to leadership roles sends a powerful message about the organization's

commitment to diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, their presence in leadership roles ensures that accessibility issues are considered at all levels of decision-making, from corporate policies to day-to-day operations. This can lead to more sustainable and meaningful changes, as these leaders can push for long-term cultural shifts and improvements in workplace design, technology, and resources.

Building a stronger organizational

culture.

Involving women with disabilities in discussions about accessibility fosters a more inclusive organizational culture. It signals to all employees that the organization values diverse perspectives and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, regardless of their abilities or gender.

This is particularly important when you consider that employees with disabilities— especially those who are women—may often feel invisible or marginalized in the workplace. Their voices are frequently underrepresented in decision-making about accessibility and inclusion despite being the ones who experience the day-to-day challenges of navigating inaccessible environments. By elevating their voices and experiences, businesses can build employee trust and loyalty, leading to excellent retention, job satisfaction, and overall productivity.

The bottom line, accessibility drives innovation and profitability.

There is a direct correlation between accessibility and innovation. When companies create accessible environments, they not only provide better

opportunities for people with disabilities but also open possibilities for a more diverse range of ideas, perspectives, and solutions. As women with disabilities bring unique insights into personal and professional accessibility, they can help guide businesses toward practices that promote better productivity, collaboration, and creativity.

Moreover, creating an accessible workplace isn't just the right thing to do—it's good for business. Studies show that companies prioritizing inclusion and accessibility often see improved performance, enhanced brand reputation, and greater employee retention. The benefits extend beyond the employees with disabilities themselves and positively affect the wider team, the customer base, and the organization's financial performance.

In the push for greater workplace inclusion, it is essential to recognize that women with disabilities are not just passive recipients of accommodations but active contributors to the design of accessible environments. By collaborating with these women to highlight the critical need for greater accessibility, organizations can create genuinely inclusive, innovative, and supportive workplaces. Their lived experiences offer invaluable insights that will shape a future where all employees are empowered to succeed regardless of their abilities.

When women with disabilities can share their expertise and lead conversations about accessibility, they play a crucial role in transforming the workplace into a space that values diversity, equity, and inclusion for everyone.

The Transformative Power Of Giving

DR. DEBORAH ROSATI

The power of giving is truly transformative, both for the giver and the receiver. It instills a sense of connection, compassion, and gratitude. When we give—whether it's our time, resources, or support— we gain a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Beyond the benefits to oneself, giving fosters more vital communities, promotes empathy, and inspires others to pass on goodwill, creating a ripple effect of kindness.

Giving Back to Your Life’s Work

Engineer and business leader Gina Cody writes that our lives are divided into three chapters: Preparing for Your Life’s Work, Doing Your Life’s Work, and Giving Back to Your Life’s Work.

I am fortunate to be in chapter three. I have always known that my life had a higher purpose— to serve. Throughout my career, I’ve always been drawn to roles where I could help others. I see myself as a community builder and a catalyst for change; I’m at my best when bringing people together to make a meaningful impact. And to secure an influential position where you can create the impact you desire, you must first elevate yourself. Think of it as putting on your oxygen mask before helping someone else with theirs.

To quote Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”

Giving Back to My Alma Mater

I have always felt immensely grateful for the great learnings and community that I experienced at Brock University as a co-op accounting student. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to give back to my alma mater by establishing two unique programs.

In 2014, I created The Deborah

E. Rosati Entrepreneurship Scholarship to support entrepreneurial ventures and startups. Over five years, it funded ten students to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Niagara region.

Similarly, in 2023, I had the great pleasure of establishing The Deborah Rosati Women in Leadership Mentorship Program at Brock University. Drawing upon a diverse community of leaders, the program matches mentees with experienced and insightful mentors who are committed to helping mentees succeed as leaders.

Giving Principles to Live By

In my 35 years as an executive, corporate director, and entrepreneur, I have observed that one of the most potent forces in the world is the power of giving. Giving motivates, delights, inspires, and moves people. I have learned never

to underestimate the value of giving with a generous heart. There are three principles I live by in my giving:

1. Giving and taking in business 2. Doing well by doing good 3. Giving generously and receiving graciously

1. Giving and taking in business In his landmark book Give and Take, Adam Grant explores the power of giving in the business landscape. Grant divides the world into Givers, Takers, and Matchers.

Takers are people who prioritize wealth, power, and pleasure, taking what they need to succeed. Matchers operate according to the principle of fairness; they give what they get.

Givers are different. They value helpfulness, responsibility, social justice and compassion,

and these principles drive their decisions regardless of what they expect to receive in return.

In business, there are times to give, take, and match. That said, Grant tells us that statistically, the most successful people in the world are givers. In the long term, giving pays off.

If you struggle to find time to give back, look for opportunities that require just one day a year of commitment or your time on an ad-hoc basis. For example, I have served on advisory boards for technology start-ups, making myself available for meetings and calls to provide specific advice. I also enjoyed serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council for Goodman School of Business, my alma mater, because I knew I could make an impact in an advisory capacity.

Similarly, I share my expertise and knowledge through speaking engagements on governance, diversity, and leadership to inspire future business leaders and corporate directors.

2. Doing well by doing good The principle of reciprocity

explains why those who do good also do well. When you give, the good you do eventually returns to you in one way or another.

I aspire to live by and do business according to this simple principle. In 2015, I founded Women Get On Board Inc. (WGOB), a social purpose company that connects, promotes, and empowers more women to get on corporate boards. With the support of a legion of accomplished corporate directors, partners, and governance advisors, I have built WGOB into an engaged community across Canada dedicated to elevating the next generation of women corporate directors.

Since the beginning, giving back has been central to what we do as a social purpose company. And I believe that our generous, mission-driven approach has led to our success. Over the past decade, our membership has increased to nearly 1,000 members nationwide, and it continues to grow.

3. Giving generously and receiving graciously

I grew up in a giving family, so generosity has always been a part of who I am and what I do. Over the years, the following principles have shaped my approach to giving and receiving.

Give Generously

1. Give with purpose and intent.

2. Give to what matters to you.

3. Be mindful that you can’t give to everyone.

4. Give from your heart and be genuine.

5. Give without expectation.

6. Give credit to others; life is more significant than oneself.

7. Protect your availability.

Receive Graciously

1. Accept praise for your generosity with grace and joy.

2. Do not undermine or second guess generosity.

3. Be grateful for the opportunity.

4. Your grace will inspire others.

5. Be open to accepting help from others.

6. Be respectful and timely in your receiving.

7. Be authentic.

With these principles, anyone can transform their lives and the lives of others with the power of giving.

IThe Magic Of People & Connection

ROSE MARIE GAGE

n the grand scheme of life, we are like individual threads that work with others to create amazing woven patterns through the bonds of relationships, connection, and collaboration. These united threads are the beauty of our connectedness, our individual lives, our communities, and our shared future.

From the point we enter the world as a baby, we are enveloped in the loving embrace of relationships. Our parents, loved ones, caretakers, and community form the first circle of connection, shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. As we grow, our circles expand to include friends, teachers, coaches, mentors, colleagues, and even strangers who touch our lives in unexpected ways. Each interaction, each shared experience, contributes to the richness of our lives.

Where would we be without each other? While there is a great deal to be said about individual strengths, grit, capability and personal impact, our relationships amplify who we are, present opportunities, and we can harness connection to empower our wellbeing and success.

My family consisted of my Mother, Father and brother in my early years. The church my parents helped build offered great connection through faith and with the other families, many of which became adopted aunts, uncles and cousins. This is one of the many instances where connection and support grew my sense of belonging.

My Godparents were role models and a safe haven for sharing ideas and opinions. They and others provided alternatives ideas and exposure that I cherish to this day. As many were immigrants to Canada

from the former Yugoslavia, I saw that grit, determination, community and a “can do spirit” helped overcome a lot of challenges.

The relationships we cultivate are great sources of comfort, companionship and are pathways to develop our individual resilience. Through connection, we learn to trust, to empathize, and to navigate the complexities of life. We discover the power of vulnerability, the beauty of shared laughter, and the solace of a listening ear. In times of adversity, these relationships become our anchors, providing the strength and support we need to weather life's storms.

If I think back to all the people who helped shape me, there are so many. There are my family, immediate, distant and by choice. There are the role models from school, community, work,

extracurricular, volunteerism or many other areas of influence. When I was twelve, our parish priest to a risk on me and sponsored me to get trained as a “heritage language teacher”. When I attended the provincial training sessions, I was a good decade younger than everyone else and questioned my reason for being there. He said that I had what it takes to teach, share and grow with others. Wow, talk about something that takes away any feeling of imposter syndrome.

Think about the people who have made a profound impact on your life. Maybe it’s a teacher who ignited your passion for learning, a friend who stood by you through thick and thin, a mentor who guided you on your path to success or a sponsor who believed in you when you questioned your capabilities. These individuals enrich your life, contribute to your growth, development and overall worth.

The importance of connection extends far beyond our personal lives. In the workplace, collaboration is essential for innovation, productivity, and success. When we work towards shared goals and are willing to learn together, we can achieve extraordinary things. By fostering a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and trust, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best ideas.

Think about a time when you collaborated with others on a project. Did you find that the synergy of your combined efforts led to a better outcome than you could have achieved alone? Collaboration allows us to leverage the diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences of others, leading to more creative solutions and a greater sense of shared accomplishment.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and neglect our relationships. We can often spend more time on social media than with those who matter most. We may prioritize work over family and friends, sacrificing our personal connections for professional success. When we are down in the trenches merely surviving, these key relationships help as a reprieve from the trenches or are hands helping us back to reality. They are a magical gift of perspective and support. Disconnectedness can have serious consequences for our mental, emotional, and

physical well-being. Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness are linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even premature death. In contrast, strong social connections have been associated with improved health outcomes, greater happiness, and a longer lifespan.

When times are tough, it is important to keep focussed on the things we need to do. It’s also critical to lean into your trusted few for help, support, open ears and strong arms for the ever-needed hugs. My family has had health emergencies that were game changers to our lives. Some had their independence taken away

and an inter-dependence on many for their day to day. Some instantly became caretakers, changing life as we knew it to be. When life throws us big curve balls, we need to take stock, do whatever is necessary, be vulnerable and be open to the support of those around us. During these times, I have been wildly fortunate to have an amazing family, close friends that I consider my family by choice, friends, peers, acquaintances and strangers to offer assistance and support. Looking back, I really don’t know what I would have done without their care and support.

When life has thrown these unexpected situations, I had to prioritize the must dos, what I needed support with and what was unnecessary. In these moments (and there have been a few), attempting to balance everything isn’t possible. It is about ensuring your health and well-being plus the other critical ones needing your immediate attention. It is also about saying no to the many demands that are unimportant in the moment and being open to help, in the many forms it presents itself.

So how do we set ourselves up for a magical life of connection? It starts with making conscious efforts to cultivate and nurture relationships – both existing, and new. We need to set aside time for the people we care about, actively listening to them, and showing them that we value their presence in our lives. It means being present in our interactions, putting away our phones, and truly engaging with the people around us. It also means expanding our connections to new areas so we can connect with others for our present and future.

You can take to strengthen your relationships and build deeper connections by:

Pebbling: Pebbling is the act of offering small yet meaningful gestures to reinforce social bonds. Let people know you are thinking about them, sharing something that they may appreciate, let them know you are thinking about them, basically take the time to care. If you think about them, send a note, LinkedIn, Facebook or text message or just pick up the phone and tell them you were thinking of them.

Prioritizing face-to-face interactions: While technology can be a useful tool for staying in touch, nothing can replace the intimacy and connection of face-to-face conversations. Make time to meet in person, even if it's just for a coffee or a walk in the park.

Active listening: When someone is speaking to you, give them your full attention. Put away your phone, make eye contact, and listen. Ask clarifying questions and reflect on what you've heard to show that you're truly engaged.

Expressing gratitude: Take the time to express your appreciation for the people in your life. Let them know how much you value their friendship, support, caring and love. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in strengthening your bonds.

Being present: When spending time, be fully present. Put aside your worries and distractions and focus on enjoying their company. If you have worries, let them know what is going on in your life so that they are in the know and can be there for you.

Offering support: Be there when they need you. Offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on. Knowing that they can count on you will strengthen your bonds and

deepen your connection.

Forgiveness and letting go: Holding onto grudges and resentment can poison relationships. Learn to forgive others and let go of past hurts. This doesn't mean condoning their behaviour, it frees yourself from the negativity that can weigh you down. You can’t control others, you can control your reaction or actions.

Joining a new community:

Find a group of people who share your interests and values. Whether it's a book club, a sports team, a volunteer organization, or another community, connecting with like-minded individuals can broaden your social circle and provide you with a sense of belonging.

Another facet of relationships is the impact it has on our professional or entrepreneurial success. Networking is impactful in identifying opportunities or connections to areas we may be considering for our future. It is important to stay in touch for many reasons. A LinkedIn survey found that 79% of professionals agree that networking is valuable for career progression, but only 48% consistently keep in touch with their network. This shows there is a real disconnect, people know networking is important and struggle to maintain connections.

Here are a few considerations: Networking is crucial: It's not just about who you know, but who knows you and your work.

Online and offline connections matter: LinkedIn is powerful, but in-person interactions are still highly valued.

Maintain your network: Don't just connect with people when you need them and then

disappear, nurture relationships over time and ensure there is mutual benefit.

Building strong relationships takes time and effort. It requires vulnerability, empathy, and a willingness to invest in others. When we do so, the rewards are immeasurable. When we surround ourselves with the right people, we create bonds that are long lasting. We are all interconnected, and our relationships are the threads that bind us together. By embracing the magic people and connection, we can create a world where everyone feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

Let us all strive to be the kind of friends, family members, colleagues, and community members who uplift and inspire others. Let’s create a world where relationships are valued, connections are nurtured, and collaboration is celebrated. While our individualism is important, it is through our relationships that we find true happiness, fulfillment, and the strength to overcome any obstacle. The I Am Unbreakable® community does just that, it fosters connection, growth and community, get involved and share for your growth and that of others.

SIOBHAN CALDERBANK

The Power Of Sisterhood

The idea of sisterhood as a foundation for strength and solidarity among women is deeply rooted in history. Emerging as a key concept during the second wave of feminism in the 1960s and 1970s, sisterhood was seen as a call to unite women by providing a sense of purpose and a shared mission. It was a declaration of unity in the fight against inequality, and an anthem to celebrate the strength that women draw from one another. This notion of women supporting women remains as vital today as it was decades ago and has evolved to reflect the challenges and triumphs of modern life.

Today, sisterhood is more than a historical movement or an abstract idea; it is a lifeline. Having a group of women in your life who uplift and encourage you can be transformative. I am privileged and honoured to be part of a sisterhood group called “Sisters Who Are Uplifters”, where we prioritize optimism, kindness, and unconditional support. Through this sisterhood, I’ve seen firsthand the courage, confidence, and connection that arise when women genuinely show up for one another.

Courage: Facing Life’s Challenges Together

Life throws its fair share of curveballs: breakups, divorces, child-rearing challenges, job stress, career transitions, medical diagnoses, and more. Facing these difficulties alone can be overwhelming. With a solid sisterhood, you gain the courage to navigate these storms.

When I went through my divorce, I was pregnant with my daughter and raising a five-year-old son. It was one of the most challenging periods

of my life, and the support of the women in my life made all the difference. They encouraged me not to see myself as a victim, but rather a victor – someone that is strong, talented, and capable of rebuilding my life and thriving. Whether it was through a kind word, a shared laugh, or simply their presence, their support gave me the strength to move forward with courage.

In a sisterhood, there’s an unspoken pact: I’ll be there for you, and you’ll be there for me. This promise builds a safety net, reminding you that no matter what challenges come your way, you don’t have to face them alone.

Confidence: Empowering One Another to Shine

Sisterhood fosters confidence, providing an environment where you are celebrated for

who you truly are. Women supporting women is a powerful force that affirms our value, talents, and uniqueness. There is no competition or judgment. We celebrate each other’s wins and encourage each other to shine.

In my sisterhood, we cheer each other on, whether it’s landing a dream job, starting a new business, or overcoming a personal challenge. When one of us achieves something remarkable, we all celebrate as though it were our own victory. That collective joy strengthens the individual, and the group as a whole.

Sometimes, confidence comes from the little things: sharing tips on what to wear (or what not to wear) for an important event, exchanging life hacks to make a process easier, building on ideas to make a presentation better, or trading

recipes for a weeknight dinner. These small acts of kindness and generosity remind us that we are seen, valued, and supported. Independently we can shine, but collectively we know how much more powerful we are.

Connection: Building Bonds

That

Last a Lifetime

Connection is the cornerstone of sisterhood. In a world where we often feel pulled in a million directions, having a group of women who ground you can be life changing. Sisterhood allows you to be your authentic self and free from the fear of judgment. You can show up as you are—whether that’s vulnerable, strong, joyful, or heartbroken—and know you’ll be met with empathy and love.

The women in “Sisters Who Are Uplifters” have become my extended family. We’ve walked through life’s milestones together—the highs of promotions, weddings, and children’s achievements, and the lows of loss, anxiety, and burnout. Our connection goes beyond surface-level friendship; it’s rooted in deep trust and mutual care.

A true sisterhood also provides space for growth. We challenge each other to be better, to push past fear, and to pursue our dreams. At the same time, we create a space for rest and rejuvenation—a sanctuary where we can breathe and recharge.

Why Sisterhood Matters

The importance of sisterhood cannot be overstated. It’s a source of unconditional love, a repository of advice, and a foundation of support. Women in sisterhood remind each other that they are never alone, even in the darkest of times.

They are your cheerleaders, your sounding board, and your safety net. Sisterhood doesn’t happen by accident. It requires effort, vulnerability, and a willingness to show up. It’s about more than just receiving support; it’s also about giving it. By being present for each other, we create a ripple effect of kindness and positivity that extends far beyond the group itself.

Creating Your Own Sisterhood

If you don’t already have a sisterhood, it’s never too late to create one. Start by reaching out to women you admire, trust, or connect with. Invite them for coffee or organize a small gathering. Be open, genuine, and consistent in your efforts to build these relationships.

A strong sisterhood doesn’t require perfection or constant

agreement; it thrives on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to uplifting one another. Whether it’s a group of two or twenty, the impact of having a supportive network of women in your life is immeasurable.

Unbreakable Together

In the end, sisterhood is about courage, confidence, and connection. It’s about walking through life’s challenges hand in hand, cheering each other on, and knowing you have a group of women who see you, celebrate you, and love you unconditionally. My “Sisters Who Are Uplifters” embody all these qualities and more, and for that, I am truly grateful to have them in my life.

Let’s continue to build and nurture sisterhoods that empower, inspire, and uplift. Together, we are truly unbreakable.

Feel Good, Look Great BRIAN COONES

I’ve been lifting weights since my teens. As a late bloomer— five feet tall and barely 100 pounds in ninth grade—I wasn’t exactly the first pick for sports teams. Humor and speed (to run away) became my defenses, but those tough years forged my resilience. The insecurity I carried fueled my drive to hit the gym with relentless dedication, a habit that’s stayed with me for life.

By the time I hit puberty, I had gained almost 80 pounds in a year. I looked strong and confident on the outside, but inside, I was still that hurt little boy. My physical transformation became a mask—a way to hide the pain and anger I didn’t yet know how to confront. I trained for appearance and toughness through my twenties and early thirties, but a series of lifealtering events eventually forced me to look inward. This was when I discovered mindfulness, and I began to train my mind with the same discipline I’d always reserved for my body.

Today, my approach is holistic— mind, body, and spirit working harmoniously. Synergy happens when your mind is centered, your body moves purposefully, and your soul feels nourished. This alignment unlocks new levels of strength, energy, and resilience.

The Formula for Looking and Feeling Your Best

The formula I’ve discovered is consistent, though the practices may vary depending on your goals. It’s not about one thing but all the things working together. Looking and feeling your best requires reframing your approach to a new way of living. Breaking old patterns, letting go of outdated stories, and sometimes even releasing relationships that no longer align with your intentions takes time and courage.

Start with intention. What does it mean to you to look and feel better? How does that feel? Reflect on when you looked and felt your best and lean into that feeling. Permit yourself to embrace it fully.

Then, connect with your why. Why do you want to look and feel better? Fatherhood became my reason for facing my shadows and doing the uncomfortable inner work daily. My children were why I changed my story about not being a morning person and started waking up early, before the sun rises, to honor the commitments I’ve made to myself.

Building Muscle Mass for Health and Longevity

Strength training isn’t just about looking good—it’s critical for long-term health and vitality. As we age, we lose muscle mass, which accelerates after age 60. This muscle loss, or sarcopenia, increases the risk of falls, frailty, and chronic illnesses. Strength training helps combat this, preserving muscle and bone health while improving metabolism and

overall function. This applies to both men and women. Women often worry about becoming “too muscular” when lifting weights, but this is a myth. Building muscle is challenging, especially as we age, and strength training is one of the best ways to maintain physical independence and vitality well into later years.

Hormesis: Harnessing Stress for Growth

A vital factor to consider when working to look and feel your best is hormesis—the concept that short, moderate doses of stress can improve health and longevity. Hormesis activates cellular processes that slow aging, enhance resilience, and strengthen the body’s adaptive response to stress. Examples of hormesis include:

• Exercise: Regular exercise is a classic form of hormesis. While it places stress on the body, this stress, in the right amounts, stimulates growth, strengthens muscles, and reduces oxidative stress. Too much exercise, however, can lead to harm.

• Cold Exposure: Cold showers, ice baths, or cold-water swims activate hormesis, enhancing circulation, boosting the immune system, and building mental resilience.

• Dietary Stress: Intermittent fasting and calorie restriction activate hormetic pathways, improving metabolism and promoting cellular repair. I have been doing this daily for years with excellent results. By embracing hormetic practices, you teach your body to adapt, grow stronger, and handle life's challenges better.

Actionable Steps to Elevate Your Health and Happiness

• Set Clear Goals: Write your goals down and program them into your subconscious mind through repetition and visualization. Long-term goals are essential, but start with small, actionable steps. Trying to change everything at once often leads to overwhelm. Focus on building one new habit at a time to create lasting change.

• Seek Support: A coach or mentor can save you valuable time by guiding you past common pitfalls. Likewise, finding a group with similar goals or training partners provides inspiration, accountability, and a sense of community. Some of my best memories involve overcoming challenges with others who pushed me to be my best.

• Commit to Daily Practices:

The magic lies in the mundane—those day-to-day rituals we stick to when no one is watching. Protecting time for self-care can feel like a hurdle, especially with endless to-do lists. But daily non-negotiables are critical for success. This means early morning training, breathwork, meditation, journaling, and cold exposure. The order and specific practices may vary, but the consistency does not. These rituals act as my armor, building resilience and unbreakable confidence.

• Prioritize Balance: Looking and feeling good isn’t a onetime event; it’s a lifestyle. It’s

how you show up daily and become part of yourself. Be kind to yourself when you miss the mark. It’s about patience over perfection. The journey never ends—keep stepping back onto the path when you fall off.

Mind, Body, and Spirit in Harmony

Mindful awareness is the foundation of transformation. It helps you tune into your body’s signals—how you respond to different foods, your need for rest, and your capacity for growth. Your thoughts can make you healthy or unwell, and science has shown that a positive, focused mindset can unlock your potential.

Consistency in physical health habits—sleep, nutrition, exercise—alongside mindfulness practices like meditation builds a strong foundation for vibrant energy. Together, these pillars create a balanced, resilient body and mind.

Embrace the Journey

At this point in my life, I value health span, peace, joy, and laughter. To achieve this, I protect time each day to move my body, still my mind, and fuel myself with clean, whole foods. Some days are better than others, but consistency creates momentum. Over time, you’ll be surprised at how good you can look and feel when prioritizing this balance.

Doing hard things is good, they sharpen the mind, strengthen the body, and deepen your connection to the timeless part of yourself. When you align your mind, body, and spirit, you don’t just survive—you thrive. And that’s how you truly feel good and look great.

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BIRCH BABE

CHEEKBONE

DEAN DAVIDSON

I

Am Unbreakable JOSHUA CASSIDY

IAm Unbreakable® What a name for a magazine. What a statement for one to make. What a state to actually achieve, physically or mentally; to be, ‘unbreakable’.

Much of the physical human condition is dependent on our emotional and mental state. Even though both are intertwined, so often our physical ailments manifest from metaphysical reasons.

If you were to ask those who know me to describe me in a single word, I am sure “resilient” would be one of the most common responses. I would consider myself very resilient, and I’m proud of that. Have I broken down? Yes, of course, who hasn’t? We are all human. It’s a part of what makes us human. But it’s how we respond to those tests, trials, ‘hard times’, that define our resilience. Even the times that we are pushed to the limit, in darkness… are also opportunities to go deeper, to learn something, to become stronger. It is easier said than done. About two or three times during my young adulthood, I felt on the edge of giving up and I don't think it's possible for me to ever feel that low again. The shift in my consciousness through my experiences, reframing and refocusing my perspective are the keys to what has given me resilience. And this makes me feel unbreakable.

Will I ever break down again? I am sure some experience will bring forth deep pain again, almost certainly. This is a universe of contrast: dark and light; positive and negative. The waters never remain still, there is always some external factor or force that can shift the tides. It's about our perspective and mindset in the storms that help us to get through them. By making the hard things

seem easy and taking our consciousness to another place, we find so much power within us.

When we dream, we feel emotions with such depth, often experiencing a physical reaction to stimuli that does not exist in our 3-D physical reality. It's all a matter of the mind, and the subconscious. We also have the power and ability to make ourselves feel

so happy and elated regardless of the present circumstances in our physical reality. It's all a matter of focus.

I believe that so much of finding peace and happiness comes through self-awareness and becoming conscious of the subconscious in order to transform it through dedicated practice. It is all about perspective and where we direct our focus.

Step one is the process of understanding our thoughts and feelings and examining where they originate from. Step two is undoing the conditioning that is a result of our experiences, particularly those most formative originating from childhood.

We come into this life perfect. Would anyone ever blame a baby for doing wrong? Of course not. Complete and pure innocence. We all began as those pure and innocent babies, who grew to be affected by our outer worlds. As children, it taught us things, for better or worse. That significantly formed who we are and our beliefs, our personalities, traits, interests, fears, coping mechanisms, and so on. In adulthood, we must undo the conditioning and heal the past trauma. The last step is rediscovering and finding our truest selves and reconnecting with who we really are.

In my opinion, this is the purpose of life. Having this

experience, to learn something, and to expand. In fact, I’d argue that the purpose of the whole Universe is ‘expansion’, and creating an experience of life. Planets experiencing life through the alignment of perfect conditions in nearly improbable circumstances during a blip of time in an infinite space that is billions of years old. And when we detach ourselves from our thoughts and emotions to a higher consciousness…everything is perceived differently. I’m in a place where I’ve never felt more like an observer of this human experience, in this body, in this life. For which I'm truly grateful.

It's part of my mission and purpose to play my role in raising the energy of the collective. Helping others remember who they are (perfect), and what they are truly capable of (anything). We can all empower and inspire each other in many ways. I’m happy to share my own stories…

especially the extremely challenging times, and how I rose higher to achieve things that I'm proud of. For example, rising from the lowest of lows in a downward spiral… to winning the Boston Marathon in a World Record time three months later.

I am passionate about sharing the tools and practices learned which help me to find my peace. My 3 R’s: recenter, refocus, and reframe. I’ve learned how to shift and redirect my energy and how to shift to a higher spiritual perspective which can see above the storm.

No matter the physical 3D reality. No matter the physical feelings or thoughts of the mind. My soul is unbreakable. There is nothing to break. There is only growing, expanding, and transforming through this experience. Brightening our light and igniting others’. That’s why we are here.

The Power Of Confidence

DR. PAUL FITZGERALD

Rock ‘n’ roll music has been a great joy throughout my life, and more than that, it has been an inspiration. When I say inspiration, I mean more than just the pick-me-up of singing along to a favorite song or the frenetic energy of a live show that gets you on your feet. While those are certainly true, rock ‘n’ roll, to me, has been a creed. It is a foundation of guiding principles and actions I carry with me in all aspects of my life.

Among my rock ‘n’ roll heroes, The Who have long served as a touchstone. From the first moment their music exploded from the speakers in my youth, it was raw and immediate.

Pete Townshend’s famous windmill guitar, Keith Moon’s bombastic drumming, John Entwistle’s steady foundation, and Roger Daltrey’s towering vocals fused every song into something unforgettable. They were distinct as individuals but created something greater through perfect harmony. Their shows were unpredictable, loud, and sometimes violent, with smashed guitars and shattered drum kits littering the stage by the final note.

Looking beyond the volume and spectacle, The Who came to represent something of intrinsic value to me. Staying still meant getting left behind. They changed because they had to, facing tragedy and upheaval without letting it define them. Their story is about momentum, refusing to fade, and understanding that success is never about staying in one place. Reinvention helped them become immortal titans of rock.

Baba O’Riley and Always Pushing Forward

The iconic opening of “Baba O’Riley” loops in with an urgent synthesizer. From the moment i

It starts, the song is in motion, and it never stops. That same urgency mirrors the way The Who approached their career.

In 1978, they faced their biggest test. Keith Moon’s death threatened to unravel everything they had built. The band had lost its most unpredictable force, and without him, the reckless energy that had been one of their most recognizable calling cards seemed impossible to replicate. Instead of trying to replace Moon, they adjusted. Kenny Jones took over on drums, bringing a tighter and more controlled style. Some fans resisted the shift, but the band knew that the alternative was stagnation or a pale imitation of what came before. Instead, they reinvented

themselves. Success in rock ‘n’ roll, business, and all aspects of life depends on momentum. In my own world of business, I have had professional and personal relationships fall apart, lost clients, and suffered other setbacks. At times, these obstacles seemed like insurmountable hurdles. But this is where you take stock of what you have at your disposal and use those skills and tools to chart a path forward. Remaining in motion and adapting is imperative to survival.

Who Are You and Establishing an Identity

The title of “Who Are You” poses a question The Who had to ask themselves in the wake of Moon’s death. They had

built an identity around chaos, which Moon embodied like no other. Moving forward required a version of the band that functioned with more stability. Their sound evolved during this period of change, leaning into stadium-filling anthems with more polish than ever before.

In business, personal branding, or any creative pursuit, reinvention is unavoidable. You may build an identity or a method of operation that you excel in, taking comfort in the familiar and hoping it will last forever. But circumstances change. Clients leave, industries shift, and personal setbacks force a reevaluation of what comes next. One month you may be booking new client after client and the next it dries up, seemingly, on a whim. The instinct to cling to what once worked can be a powerful

one. However, growth means embracing change, even when you have to step outside your comfort zone to do so.

The Who proved that identity is not about one defining moment. It is about how you handle transformation and what you choose to carry forward.

Won’t Get Fooled Again and the Confidence to Keep Moving

Among a band with a catalog full of personal mantras, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” stands out as a particularly bright guiding star for business ethos. It is a reminder to keep moving forward, learn from your pitfalls, and drive on triumphantly. That kind of conviction is what separates those who press on from those who let change defeat them.

The Who could have called it quits in 1978. They had already cemented themselves as one of the most influential rock bands in history. Reinvention is rarely immediate. There is an in-between phase where progress feels uncertain, and second-guessing becomes inevitable. But they understood that success is not about past accomplishments. Other rock bands have done the same, with AC/DC continuing their legacy after Bon Scott’s death, Genesis thriving without Peter Gabriel, and Van Halen reinventing themselves with Sammy Hagar after David Lee Roth’s departure. It is about continuing to push forward, even when the road ahead looks uncertain.

The same applies to any pursuit worth fighting for. Confidence is what turns setbacks into steppingstones instead of roadblocks. You must take into each situation a “Won’t Get Fooled Again” mindset. Whether that means rectifying your own mistakes or moving on from relationships or business angles that no longer benefit you, the path forward is paved by confidence and progress.

Those who keep going despite uncertainty are the ones who come out stronger on the other side.

Decades later, The Who are still performing with no reported plans to retire. They prove that reinvention is not about losing what made something great but about ensuring it remains vital. And they have marched forward with confidence –never looking back. Reinvention and confidence are key traits for success. If a rock band can overcome challenges and reach new successes, so can you.

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