Power of Why with Naomi Haile

Naomi Haile

The Power of Why podcast is here to help you strategically advance your mission in the world. Hosted by talent and business strategist Naomi Haile, each episode delves into the minds of leaders who are building purposeful organizations, creating employment opportunities, and using their gifts for good. Featuring a diverse lineup of guests, from the Chief Human Resources Officer at Netflix to actors and artists, tech founders and business owners, and champions of local movements, the Power of Why is here to help you live according to your purpose.

  1. How to Be Relentless Without Burning Out with Soji James, Breathwork Facilitator & Metta Club Founder

    Jun 11

    How to Be Relentless Without Burning Out with Soji James, Breathwork Facilitator & Metta Club Founder

    Soji James is a New York based strength and kettlebell coach, meditation teacher, breathwork facilitator and the founder of the Metta Club. The Metta Club is a mindfulness-based community built around making that inner work feel practical and human. His practice is built on a conviction most of the fitness industry ignores: that the body and the inner life are not separate projects, and that the people most in need of stillness are usually the ones moving too fast to notice. Soji grew up in the Bronx, raised by a mother who told him consistently that the pen was always his to hold - that he had the power to write his own story. He found strength training in college at SUNY New Paltz, where he studied biology and played basketball. During one of the most challenging seasons of his life, meditation and breathwork became the survival tools that helped him through it. After losing his father unexpectedly to a heart attack at 52, and discovering he had no framework to process the grief. That experience reshaped his understanding of what his clients actually need, and what he had needed long before he knew to ask for it All of his experiences are the foundation of everything he teaches. Soji believes most of us were taught how to go hard, but not how to be still. And his whole philosophy is that you don't have to choose. You can be driven and grounded. You can chase big goals and still know how to pause. He launched his coaching practice 13 years ago. Today, he works with clients across the country, ranging from executives, surgeons, founders, and parents, and he also leads breathwork and meditation sessions inside companies and organizations. Connect with Soji The Metta Club: www.sojijames.comWebsite: www.sojijames.comInstagram: @soji.james1  Connect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

    55 min
  2. Why the Women Who Give the Most Are the Last to Rebuild with Wellness Practitioner, Almeta Brown

    Apr 9

    Why the Women Who Give the Most Are the Last to Rebuild with Wellness Practitioner, Almeta Brown

    "When you're picking up heavy weights in life and you make the decision to face that weight, there is a confidence that you build." - Almeta Brown Almeta Brown is a strength coach, therapist in training, and wellness practitioner. Her work lives at the intersection of trauma-informed care, nervous system regulation, and sustainable strength building. Her approach begins with a question that reorients the entire conversation around health and performance. Not how much the body can endure — but what it means to feel safe, strong, and supported in your own body. Through trauma-informed strength training, Almeta helps her clients build physical muscle alongside something less often named: resilience, self-trust, and capacity. Everything she teaches comes from her own experience, including competing in bodybuilding shows, which grounds her practice in something beyond theory. Her framework is rooted in the values of intentionality, rest, love, service, community, and health as a lifelong practice — inviting people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build systems that work with their bodies and lives rather than against them. A central thread in her work is redefining what health looks like, particularly within Black communities, and restoring rest to its rightful place as a tool for regulation and sustenance — not a reward earned after exhaustion. She believes the way we care for our bodies mirrors the way we care for our lives and our communities. As a therapist in training, Almeta brings a treatment-plan mindset to every client relationship. Through an integrated wellness framework that blends strength training, coaching, and mental health–informed support, she works with clients to build personalized plans grounded in both physical and psychological needs — helping them develop capacity not just in their bodies, but in every area of their lives. Connect with Almeta LinkedIn: Almeta BrownWebsite: www.mindandbodymoves.comInstagram: @MindAndBodyMovesConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

    58 min
  3. "I'm Building Bougie Birch to Last 30+ Years" - On Reverse Engineering a Vision, Indigenous Economic Systems, and Why Starting Right Matters with Ashley Clark

    Mar 25

    "I'm Building Bougie Birch to Last 30+ Years" - On Reverse Engineering a Vision, Indigenous Economic Systems, and Why Starting Right Matters with Ashley Clark

    “Being able to discover entrepreneurship was revolutionary for finding my path.” - Katonhetsheriio Ashley Clark Ashley Clark is a Mohawk entrepreneur, founder of Bougie Birch, and an indigenous relations advisor whose work sits at the intersection of business, culture, and systems change. With an academic background in international relations, Ashley brings a systems-aware lens to entrepreneurship, leadership, and community development. Through Bougie Birch, Ashley creates immersive cultural experiences and workshops grounded in indigenous knowledge and relational ways of being. Her work emphasizes clarity over urgency, long-term thinking, and the intentional creation of culturally safe third spaces where innovation, learning, and relationship building can thrive. Ashley mentors early indigenous startup entrepreneurs through the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, and is currently in a deliberate foundation-building season toward a brick-and-mortar third space for Bougie Birch in Ottawa, on unceded Algonquin territory. Her leadership reflects a commitment to regenerative systems and building futures where economic growth and community well-being exist in relationship, not in tension. Connect with Ashley LinkedIn: Ashley ClarkWebsite: www.bougiebirch.ca Instagram: @BougieBirchFacebook: @BougieBirchConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis episode is brought to you in collaboration with ⁠⁠⁠Invest Ottawa⁠⁠⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month. In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit ⁠⁠⁠www.investottawa.ca/women⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

    36 min
  4. "Be a Good Comms Person, But Be a Better Business Person" — How to Unlock Strategic Value as a Communicator with Amy MacLeod

    Mar 18

    "Be a Good Comms Person, But Be a Better Business Person" — How to Unlock Strategic Value as a Communicator with Amy MacLeod

    "Be a good comms person, but be a better business person. That is the key to unlocking the strategic value as a comms person. When you can create an environment where people want to know what you think on a topic that's not necessarily related to comms, you have built a relationship of trust and respect." - Amy MacLeod Amy MacLeod is a senior communications executive with 25 years of experience shaping complex business, financial, and technical developments into strategic communications programs. She believes that good communication comes from connecting people with information that conveys passion and purpose — and that truth, simply told, is the best path to leadership, influence, and corporate credibility. Amy was named Vice President of Corporate Communications at MDA Space in 2021. Prior to that, she served as VP of Corporate Affairs and External Communications at Seaspan Shipyards and VP of Corporate Communications at Mitel, where in 2018 she was appointed as Mitel's first Corporate Diversity Officer, charged with driving cultural change across the company globally. Earlier in her career, Amy held progressively senior communications roles at General Dynamics Canada, Alcatel-Lucent, and Newbridge Networks Corporation. She began her career as a political staffer on Parliament Hill, an experience that grounded her in the fundamentals of writing, storytelling, and high-stakes real-time communications. Amy grew up in a small mining town in Northern Ontario and studied politics at the University of Waterloo. She has been deeply rooted in the Ottawa business and startup ecosystem for nearly four decades, and remains actively engaged as a mentor and advocate for women in leadership. Connect with Amy LinkedIn: Amy MacLeodWebsite: MDA SpaceLinkedIn: MDA SpaceConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis episode is brought to you in collaboration with ⁠⁠Invest Ottawa⁠⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month. In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit ⁠⁠www.investottawa.ca/women⁠⁠ to learn more!

    44 min
  5. "Saying Yes Changed My Life" - From HR Executive to COO, Thinking Like an Operator, and Leveraging AI in Business With Megan Paterson

    Mar 12

    "Saying Yes Changed My Life" - From HR Executive to COO, Thinking Like an Operator, and Leveraging AI in Business With Megan Paterson

    “When you're hiring your number two, your number three, your number four — make sure you're complementing your skills as a founder with somebody who does have an operational mindset.” - Megan Paterson Megan Paterson is the Chief Operating Officer of Kinaxis, a publicly traded SaaS company that manages some of the world’s largest supply chains. She has spent nearly 18 years at the organization, watching it grow from roughly $20M in revenue to over half a billion, and from a privately held company to a publicly traded one. Megan’s career began in recruiting at a consulting firm, and she steadily rose through the HR function, holding roles as HR Advisor, Director of Human Resources, VP, and Chief Human Resources Officer, before stepping into the COO role. The transition was unconventional, and by her own account, she spent five months saying no before eventually accepting. Her path has given her a rare vantage point on both the people side and the operational side of scaling a technology company. Her areas of expertise include international expansion, mergers and acquisitions, building and scaling teams, and operational systems. Megan is also an angel investor, working with startups and engaging with entrepreneurial communities, including Invest Ottawa. Connect with Megan LinkedIn: Megan PatersonLinkedIn: KinaxisKinaxis Website: KinaxisConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis episode is brought to you in collaboration with ⁠Invest Ottawa⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month. In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit ⁠www.investottawa.ca/women⁠ to learn more!

    35 min
  6. Why Some Businesses Thrive in Uncertainty and Others Don't with Sueling Ching

    Mar 10

    Why Some Businesses Thrive in Uncertainty and Others Don't with Sueling Ching

    “We own our future. We are not passive participants in our businesses or communities.” - Sueling Ching Sueling Ching is the President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, a unified and influential voice for businesses across the city of Ottawa. Sueling is a dedicated community builder with a passion for innovation and business advocacy, she has spent more than twenty years working at the intersection of business leadership and community development.  Sueling's connection to the Ottawa business ecosystem began in 2016, when she took on the role of CEO at the West Ottawa Board of Trade. In that role, she led the consolidation of three local chambers of commerce into the Ottawa Board of Trade, which was a landmark achievement that positioned the organization to advocate more effectively for business interests at every level of government. Prior to Ottawa, she served as CEO of the YMCA of Brockville and Area, and CEO of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the board of directors for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. A committed community advocate, Sueling has supported numerous volunteer and charitable initiatives, including 100 Women Who Care, Make-A-Wish, Rotary International, and The Royal Ottawa Foundation. Driven by a belief that communities are built intentionally, and that every act of leadership, collaboration, and connection compounds value over time, Sueling’s mission is to help build communities that are truly flourishing. Connect with Sueling LinkedIn: Sueling ChingLinkedIn: Ottawa Board of TradeOttawa Board of Trade Website: Ottawa Board of TradeConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis episode is brought to you in collaboration with Invest Ottawa, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month. In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit www.investottawa.ca/women to learn more!

    35 min
  7. A Cybersecurity Leader on Protecting Your Business, Your Data, and Your Purpose in the Age of AI with Diane Watson

    Mar 4

    A Cybersecurity Leader on Protecting Your Business, Your Data, and Your Purpose in the Age of AI with Diane Watson

    "In an abundance of water, only a fool is thirsty. And here it is that we're living in this great abundance, especially with technology. Everybody's connected. If you want to learn anything, it's right there. Now, how do you determine what is relevant to what you need to do?" Diane Watson is an illustrious technology leader with over two decades of experience in telecommunications, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity, Diane has held senior roles at global firms such as Nokia and Fujitsu, and is currently leading product security initiatives as a Product Security Program Manager at Ribbon Communications. Diane has been a driving force behind inclusive leadership in Canada’s tech ecosystem, serving on the Women in Communications and Technology National Capital Region board for seven years. Fun fact: this is how Diane and I officially crossed paths. Diane now serves in an advisory capacity as Past Chair, while also holding the role of Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships at Tech2Step Canada, a national nonprofit creating mentorship and networking opportunities. She also contributes her expertise as a member of Invest Ottawa’s Women Founders and Funders Subcommittee, supporting the advancement of women entrepreneurs.  Known for blending technical excellence with purpose-driven leadership, Diane is deeply committed to mentorship, community building, and creating pathways for underrepresented voices to thrive in Canada’s innovation economy.  Diane shares how curiosity, community, and a willingness to start over have shaped both her professional trajectory and her sense of purpose. Connect with Diane LinkedIn: Diane WatsonMarch 31, 2026 Tech2Step Event (Ottawa) Give to Gain - Restore, Reflect, ReconnectTech2Step OttawaTech2Step CanadaWomen in Communications and Technology NCRConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis episode is brought to you in collaboration with ⁠Invest Ottawa⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month. In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit ⁠www.investottawa.ca/women⁠ to learn more!

    55 min
  8. Stop Underselling Your Story & How To Strengthen Your Visibility Online with Chanel Cathey

    05/29/2025

    Stop Underselling Your Story & How To Strengthen Your Visibility Online with Chanel Cathey

    Chanel Cathey is the founder and CEO of CJC Insights, a strategic communications and public relations agency headquartered in New York City. Since launching the firm in 2018 with her savings and a bold mission, Chanel has built a powerhouse agency that partners with global companies, high-growth startups, mission-driven nonprofits, and private equity teams to craft narratives that resonate, build trust, and drive real impact. Looking for a specific gem? 00:00 Introducing Chanel 01:47 Editing newspapers at age 4 03:42 How growing up in a house of educators shaped her 04:54 Creating a goal list with her mom and grandma 05:22 Goal lists > checklists 05:56 Learning to read and phonetics changed her life trajectory (she went from not reading to reading in just one summer) 07:40 Why she switched from business to communications 08:20 Her first networking event and homemade sunflower business card 09:24 The bold ask that got her an internship at ABC News 13:41 What it was really like interning at a political news show 11:37 Discovering PR was her calling 16:05 Starting CJC Insights without a master plan 17:55 Why she was naïve about starting her business —and grateful for it 24:33 The realities of entrepreneurship that no one talks about 19:22 How she built her first client base without even realizing it 19:44 Defining her zone of genius (hint: it’s not social media) 21:54 Why most people undervalue their own stories 24:14 How she uncovers a founder’s “IT” factor 26:30 What confidence has to do with your brand strategy 27:44 I tell people and brands the same thing: Write it down. 28:48 Not everything is newsworthy. Take time to invest in messaging and strategy 29:10 When brands start to lose their way… 30:00 Reputation and trust are really hard to restore 33:52 Getting more funding into the hands of founders  40:46 How therapy helped her rebuild confidence 42:20 Why she hired a financial consultant for sanity and scale 43:35 Her advice for founders who feel overwhelmed 46:00 Final thoughts + where to connect with Chanel online Connect with Chanel LinkedIn: Chanel CatheyWebsite: cjcinsights.comCJC Instagram: @cjcinsightsBoard Member: Wellness in the SchoolsConnect with Naomi Website: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi Haile

    47 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Power of Why podcast is here to help you strategically advance your mission in the world. Hosted by talent and business strategist Naomi Haile, each episode delves into the minds of leaders who are building purposeful organizations, creating employment opportunities, and using their gifts for good. Featuring a diverse lineup of guests, from the Chief Human Resources Officer at Netflix to actors and artists, tech founders and business owners, and champions of local movements, the Power of Why is here to help you live according to your purpose.

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