Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald A Starting with One Podcast

Join us for a conversation with Penny Farinha, VP of Human Resources at Ecobee, a company founded with the goal of offering people smart home solutions that enable planet-positive actions. Penny shares her upbringing on a dairy farm and how it shaped her work ethic and determination. She discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with people you can learn from and the impact of the products at Ecobee on the environment. Penny emphasizes the need to be nimble and adaptable in a high-growth environment and the value of giving people opportunities to learn and grow. The episode concludes with a discussion on the legacy of Ecobee and the impact it has had on energy consumption.

"The environmental impact that Ecobee has had is the legacy that makes me feel so proud." ~ Penny Farinha

Key Takeaways
Growing up on a dairy farm instills a strong work ethic and determination.Surrounding yourself with people you can learn from is crucial for personal and professional growth.Being nimble and adaptable is essential in a high-growth environment.Giving people opportunities to learn and grow fosters their confidence and success.Ecobee's products have had a significant positive impact on energy consumption and the environment.
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 

On a mission to change the way the world works, Joe O'Connor, CEO & co-founder of Work Time Reduction, joins Robin and Al in a discussion surrounding the concept of reduced employee work time and its potential benefits for individuals and organizations. Work Time Reduction is a consulting and research organization that specializes in reduced-hour, outcomes-focused work models. Joe shares his journey and how he became interested in this topic. He also talks about the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the four-day workweek and how it can be implemented in different organizations. The conversation touches on the role of technology, such as AI, in driving efficiency and productivity. Overall, the episode explores the future of work and the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life.

"If we can find these opportunities to improve productivity and efficiency, we're going to share that benefit with you in a very, very powerful currency, which is giving people time back to do the things that they love, to spend time with the people that they love." ~ Joe O'Connor

Key Takeaways
Reducing work time can lead to increased productivity and employee engagement.The four-day workweek is not a one-size-fits-all approach and can be implemented in various ways, such as half-day Fridays or nine-day fortnights.Successful implementation of a shorter workweek requires proper planning, a culture of trust, and addressing client expectations.AI and technology can drive efficiency and incentivize employees to adopt new tools and technologies.
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 

In this episode, Robin and Al chat with Michelle Brooks, Chief People and Culture Officer at Security Compass, an industry-leading information security firm. They discuss topics such as change management, creating great employee experiences, and the importance of transparency in organizations. Michelle shares her career journey and emphasizes the value of being open to career detours. She also talks about her passion for helping the next generation of HR leaders and supporting CEOs in building effective people operations. The episode concludes with Michelle sharing her vision of success and the impact she hopes to have through her work.

"There's nothing greater for a leader to realize that their team can survive without them." ~ Michelle Brooks

Key Takeaways
Change management is crucial for organizations to adapt and be successful, and it starts with transparent communication and involving employees in the processValuing and supporting employees creates great employee experiences and is essential for building a successful companyBeing open to career detours can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growthHR leaders play a vital role in supporting and mentoring the next generation of HR professionalsTransparency and collaboration are key in building effective people operations and supporting CEOs in leadership roles
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 

In this episode, we welcome Tessa Goudy, a Sales Development Professional at Dialogue, an integrated health platform designed to improve the overall health and wellness of your organization. Tessa understands the importance of building teams that deliver an exceptional client experience. She discusses her background in the group benefits insurance space and her journey to joining Dialogue. Tessa shares the challenges of the Canadian group benefits healthcare industry, including the confusion and low utilization rates of virtual care services. She highlights Dialogue's proactive approach to healthcare and its focus on member experience. Tessa expresses her excitement for the future of Dialogue and her personal goal of making a positive impact in the industry.

"I truly cannot wait until every single Canadian has access to Dialogue." ~ Tessa Goudy

Key Takeaways
The Canadian group benefits healthcare industry faces challenges such as confusion and low utilization rates of virtual care servicesDialogue takes a proactive approach to healthcare and focuses on the member experience
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In this episode, Robin and Al interview Dr. William Cherniak, an emergency physician and the founder and CEO of Rocket Doctor Inc, a virtual health platform that allows you to book an online doctor appointment in Canada. They discuss the importance of virtual care and its potential to improve access to healthcare. Bill shares his experiences working in underserved communities in Africa and how it inspired him to create Bridge to Health, a nonprofit organization. He also talks about the challenges and opportunities of running a healthcare company and the need for privacy and data security. The conversation highlights the potential of virtual care to transform the healthcare system and improve patient outcomes.

"Approximately 50-60%, if not more, of healthcare in an outpatient setting can be done virtually." ~ Dr. William Cherniak

Key Takeaways
Virtual care can potentially improve access to healthcare and provide more efficient and convenient care for patients.Bridge to Health is a nonprofit organization focused on building comprehensive care for rural communities.Running a healthcare company comes with unique challenges, such as ensuring privacy and data security, and prioritizing high-quality clinical care over profit.Virtual care can address a significant portion of outpatient primary care needs, reducing the burden on emergency departments and improving patient outcomes.Digital health and virtual care have the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered and improve access to care for millions of people worldwide.
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 

In this episode, Jodi Kovitz, CEO of HRPA (Human Resources Professional Association), shares her inspiring career journey with host Robin Bailey and guest host Deb Voorheis. She discusses the impact of Move the Dial, her transition to HRPA, and the future of HR and people leadership. The conversation delves into themes of entrepreneurship, equity and belonging, highlighting the significance of mentorship and paying it forward to the younger generation. Additionally, the discussion explores the strategic plan for the HRPA, focusing on delivering value to its members and creating a more relevant and impactful organization.

"I'm always actively trying to mentor, support, encourage, pull up a chair for folks trying to do amazing things in the world." ~ Jodi Kovitz

Key Takeaways
Jodi Kovitz's career journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and resilience.The impact of Move the Dial and its role in advancing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry is significant.The transformation of HRPA reflects a vision for empowering and inspiring HR professionals at all career stages.Belonging is about being seen for who you are and encouraged to thrive as your unique self.Mentors play a crucial role in recognizing and nurturing the potential of individuals, providing guidance and permission to pursue opportunities.Mentorship is a two-way street, requiring mutual benefit and commitment from both parties, and it is essential to pay it forward to the younger generation.
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group