Navigating career transitions can be daunting, but it’s also a chance to find purpose and joy in the workplace. In our last episode of the season, hosts Robin & Al sit down with Marlene Carrington, Practice Lead for People and Culture Solutions at CareerJoy, to explore how HR leaders can support employees through these pivotal moments. Marlene shares her inspiring journey to finding CareerJoy, the importance of outplacement services, and how mentorship and open conversations can transform workplace culture. From tackling challenges like menopause in the workplace to the impact of supportive leadership, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to thrive in times of change.

"You don't have to climb the ladder to be a leader." ~ Marlene Carrington

Key Takeaways:

1. Supporting Employee Well-Being: Managing stress, addressing menopause, and fostering morale during transitions are crucial for a healthy work environment.
2. The Evolving Role of HR: CHROs play a pivotal role in providing solutions like outplacement services and treating talent as a valuable asset.
3. The Power of Mentorship: Mentorship is a key driver of career development and meaningful work.
4. Finding Career Fulfillment: Taking time to discover passions can lead to a rewarding career journey, as shown in Marlene’s inspiring path to CareerJoy.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this captivating episode, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jon Shell, Chair of Social Capital Partners, for a compelling conversation about the transformative potential of employee ownership and the stakes involved. Jon takes us on his journey from the private sector to championing public policy changes that support Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) in Canada. Together, they explore how EOTs can preserve businesses, empower employees as owners, and create a more equitable economy. Tune in to discover the benefits, challenges, and profound impact employee ownership could have on wealth distribution and economic resilience in Canada.

"You can't salary your way to wealth." ~ Jon Shell

Key Takeaways:

1. Economic Resilience: Employee ownership enhances job security, loyalty, and company performance, particularly during economic downturns.
2. Public Policy and Wealth Distribution: Policy initiatives, like those supported by the Canadian Employee Ownership Coalition, are key to broadening access to wealth and fostering economic change.
3. Succession Planning with EOTs: Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) offer a tax-advantaged, sustainable succession option for business owners, with the first $10 million in capital gains being tax-free in Canada.
4. Ideal Candidates and Growing Interest: Stable, mature companies with strong cash flow are well-suited for EOTs, reflecting the growing interest in employee ownership across Canada.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

This conversation is packed with wisdom for leaders navigating transformation and growth. Ghassan Halazon, founder and CEO of Emerge Commerce, joins the Success Leaves Clues podcast to share his journey through the evolving e-commerce landscape post-pandemic. He offers candid insights on navigating challenges, building mental resilience, and how Emerge evolved from a diversified portfolio to a sharper focus with Emerge 2.0.

Ghassan delves into the importance of brand loyalty, customer relationships, and creating a 'sticky' experience to drive growth. He also explores his strategic approach to M&A versus organic growth, emphasizing synergy in acquisitions and the power of community. Through lessons learned, he highlights the value of seeing opportunities in challenges, nurturing talent, and the deep satisfaction of helping others succeed.

"I see opportunities, not problems." ~ Ghassan Halazon

Key Takeaways:

1. Evolving E-commerce Landscape: The dynamic nature of e-commerce demands adaptability, resilience, and a focus on building strong brands and strategic assets for growth.
2. Leadership and Well-Being: Mental health, physical fitness, and maintaining a long-term perspective are vital for leaders to sustain performance and navigate challenges.
3. Strategic Growth and Risk Management: Emerge 2.0 emphasizes fewer, larger opportunities, effective risk management, and strategic decision-making for navigating debt and volatile markets.
4. The Power of Community and Relationships: Community, brand loyalty, and strong networks are springboards for new opportunities and customer retention.
5. Nurturing Talent and Learning from Challenges: Investing in talent, fostering employee success, and seeing crises as opportunities to learn and grow are critical components of lasting success.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group