ChangeMaker Leader Podcast

Leigh Mitchell
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  • Entrepreneurship
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For women who think, lead & work differently, and the people changing how we think about work, leadership and success.The ChangeMaker Leader Podcast with Leigh Mitchell explores what it means to build a meaningful career, lead authentically, and create impact without trying to fit yourself into someone else’s definition of success. Hosted by Leigh Mitchell, Trauma-Informed Career & Leadership Brand Strategist, University Educator, and Founder of Women in Biz Network and Women in Biz Job Board, the podcast brings together candid conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, creatives, community builders, and other ChangeMaker Leaders who aren’t afraid to question how things have always been done. Together, we get curious about:• Career and leadership transitions • Personal branding, visibility, and positioning • Inner leadership, identity, confidence, and self-trust • Women who think, lead, and work differently • ADHD, neurodiversity, and different ways of working • Women in business and leadership • Entrepreneurship and meaningful work • AI, technology, and the changing workplace • Community, connection, and social impact At the heart of ChangeMaker Leader is a simple belief: The best opportunities begin with curiosity. You don’t have to think, work, or lead like everyone else to make an impact. Understanding who you are, what you bring, what you believe, and how you want to contribute helps you create something much more powerful — your own Leadership Imprint. Whether you’re navigating what’s next, redefining success, building your personal brand, stepping into leadership, or wondering if there’s a different way to work and lead, this is a place to explore what’s possible. Get Curious. Own Your Career. Own Your Leadership Imprint. womeninbiznetwork.com | changemakerco.org | ownyourimprint.com

  1. 5d ago

    Creating Spaces where People Belong in Life & Sport

    How do leaders build communities where people truly feel they belong? In this conversation, host Leigh Mitchell and Douglas A. Jones (author of Loosen Your Grip) explain why belonging is critical in sports, leadership, and daily life. Discover actionable ways to cultivate psychological safety, reframe mistakes, and build inclusive spaces across sports, healthcare, and community initiatives. Key Topics Covered: Why "belonging is like oxygen" for community healthOvercoming feelings of exclusion in sports and professional leadershipHow to create judgment-free environments for personal growthLessons on vulnerability from tennis, music, and hospice volunteering What are Haikus? A haiku is a short, unrhymed form of Japanese poetry that traditionally consists of 17 phonetic units in a 5, 7, and 5 pattern. Core Structure and Meaning Line count: Three lines.Syllables (English): Five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.Traditional focus: Nature, seasonal changes, and capturing a specific, fleeting moment in time.Classic elements: Traditional Japanese haiku often include a kigo (seasonal word) and a kireji (cutting word that creates a pause or comparison). Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Douglas A. Jones & Loosen Your Grip 03:15 - Why is belonging essential for community leadership? 10:40 - Overcoming feeling out of place in sports and new pursuits 18:20 - Practical steps to build judgment-free spaces 26:10 - How small acts of connection impact community settings Featured Resources: Loosen Your Grip: For Your Wild, Precious Journey Through Life and Tennis by Douglas A. Jones Purchase Doug's Book - Perfect for Any Special Occasion and consider leaving a review on Amazon https://a.co/d/0hUh8rAV Doug Jones is a retired dentist who lives on the southern shore of Georgian Bay, Ontario, with his wife Diane. They have four children, their partners, and eight grandchildren. He's an avid tennis player and coach, and he sings and plays guitar for friends and family and at local churches and hospitals.

  2. Aug 3

    What Happens When You Finally Trust Your Own Voice with Advocate for the Blind, Karoline Bourdeau

    What happens when you stop performing the life other people planned for you and start trusting your own voice? For most women, that shift is the real leadership work. It is quiet, it is uncomfortable, and it changes everything. In this episode of the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast, I sit down with Karoline Bourdeau, founder of KRB Consulting and one of the most compelling voices in accessibility and inclusion in Canada. Karoline arrived in this country at age 12 as a blind immigrant with no formal education. She went on to earn two Arts degrees and a Law degree from Queen's University, build a career in accessibility and inclusion with organizations such as Fable Labs and Access Labs, and launch her own consulting company, designing training and educational programs that actually work for everyone. Karoline knows what it means to be handed a script for your life and to hand it back. In our conversation, we talk about how she learned to trust her own judgment when the world kept underestimating her, why resilience is built and not born, and how to tell the difference between what others want for you and what you actually want for yourself. If you have ever felt the pull between the path expected of you and the one calling you, this conversation is your permission slip. Connect with Karoline Bourdeau on LinkedIn and learn more about KRB Consulting. The ChangeMaker Leader Podcast is hosted by Leigh Mitchell, Founder of Women in Biz Network and creator of the Own Your Imprint leadership framework. We are Canada’s most welcoming community for women who love business and want to make positive change in the world together. We believe every woman deserves a place where she is welcomed before she is judged, encouraged before she is evaluated, and connected before she is expected to succeed on her own. Our job board is where opportunity meets belonging, with every employer vetted for benefits and culture that help women build a future they actually want.

  3. Jun 14

    From Side Hustle to Scale: How YSpace Helps Founders Build

    What does it actually take to go from a side hustle to a full time business? In this episode of the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast, Leigh Mitchell sits down with David Kwok of YSpace, York University's pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub, to talk about what real support for founders looks like at every stage of the journey. David has spent over a decade building the programs and partnerships that help entrepreneurs move from idea to mass retail, from local hustle to international opportunity. In this conversation, we get into what YSpace offers, who it is for, and how founders at any stage, including women stepping into business for the first time or scaling what they have already built, can access it. What you will learn in this conversation: What YSpace is and how it supports founders across every stage, from side hustle to scaled ventureHow equity driven programs like ELLA, powered by Desjardins, are creating real pathways for women led venturesWhat it takes for agri-food and product based businesses to break into mass retailHow sector focused initiatives like SmartTO are shaping innovation in mobility and automotiveWhy YSpace's three physical hubs across Toronto, Markham, and Georgina matter for entrepreneurs building locally and globallyThis conversation is for the woman who has an idea she has not acted on yet, the founder juggling a side hustle alongside a full time job, and the established business owner ready to scale with the right support behind her. Connect with David Kwok: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkwokk/ Learn more about YSpace: https://www.yorku.ca/yspace/ Leigh Mitchell is a Trauma-Informed Leadership Brand Strategist, Founder of Women in Biz Network (35,000+ members), and host of the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast. She helps Women+ ChangeMakers own their imprint, unapologetically. Learn more: https://changemakerco.org Join WIBN: https://womeninbiznetwork.com Subscribe for weekly leadership, branding, and AI insights for women in business.

  4. Jun 13

    The Art of the Possibility: Leading a Non-Linear Life with Christine Brooks-Cappadocia

    Welcome back to the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast. Today is for The Art of the Possibility: Leading a Non-Linear Life with Christine Brooks-Cappadocia  Your career was never supposed to look like a straight line. Women Changemakers are often rebuilding, pivoting, or finally giving themselves permission to lead differently. Here at Women in Biz Network, we support women in being themselves unapologetically and in leading from their strengths and values. In this episode of the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast, I sit down with Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, Vice-President of Continuing Studies at York University, to talk about what it really means to lead with curiosity, navigate a non-linear career path, and reclaim joy without sacrificing effectiveness. Christine went from a fine arts degree to running one of the largest continuing education schools in North America, and the through-line was never a plan. It was a mindset. What you will learn in this episode: Why a non-linear career path is a leadership advantage, not a liability How to stay connected to curiosity and creativity when institutional demands pull you toward conventionWhat reclaiming balance actually looks like for a senior woman leader, beyond the polished versionHow lifelong learning shows up in real life, not just on a resume Why the art of the possible is not optimism but a practiced leadership skill  Christine Brooks-Cappadocia is a social intrapreneur, educator, and community builder whose career spans healthcare, the arts, social services, and higher education. She leads York University's School of Continuing Studies, serving approximately 6,000 learners annually, and has spent her career building ecosystems where opportunity is the point. Christine hosts the Successfully Ambiguous Podcast across all major platforms. Connect With Leigh Mitchell and Women in Biz Network After 15 years of building Women in Biz Network (with 35,000+ supported and 1,500+ women mentored in Mentor Your Biz), I know this: visibility barriers are confidence barriers. The Own Your Imprint & Positioning Prism framework is trauma-informed for inner leadership and brand building, and the results are unapologetically real. Visit womeninbusinessnow.com to become a member today. #ChangeMakerLeaders #WomenInBusiness #OwnYourImprint #LeadershipDevelopment #PodcastForWomen #PersonalBranding #WomenEntrepreneurs #ImpactLeaders #MentorCulture #BusinessGrowth Suggested tags women in business, leadership podcast, non-linear career, women in leadership, lifelong learning, ChangeMaker Leader Podcast, Women in Biz Network, Leigh Mitchell, Own Your Imprint, Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, York University continuing studies, career pivot for women, how to lead with curiosity, reclaiming balance as a leader, how to navigate a non-linear career path

  5. May 19

    The Brave Move That Changes Everything

    The Brave Move That Changes Everything: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone to Unlock Your Purpose What if the thing you have been searching for is not ahead of you, but already inside you, waiting to be seen? In this episode of the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast, host Leigh Mitchell sits down with Jill Valentine, founder of Ugo Impact and creator of the Ugo Triple Change Effect Model, for a conversation about purpose, identity, and what it really means to do brave things before you know where they will lead. About This Episode Leigh shares her personal story of joining a transformational trip to Costa Rica nearly a decade ago, not fully knowing what she was looking for, and walking away with the discovery that would reshape her entire career. Jill walks us through the three pillars of her framework and explains why transformation is less about changing who you are and more about returning to who you have always been. What You Will Walk Away With A new understanding of why stepping away from the familiar is often the fastest path to clarityThe three pillars of the Ugo Triple Change Effect Model: Change Yourself, Change Your Community, and Change Your WorldHow purpose evolves across the decades of a woman's life and why that shift is something to lean intoWhy ego-driven ambition eventually gives way to something more meaningful, and what to do when it doesHow clarity about your values can reveal misalignments in your work and relationships you did not even know were there Leigh Also Opens Up About Her personal experience on a Ugo transformational trip and what it unlocked in herPerimenopause, brain rewiring, and the science behind why midlife can feel like a turning pointReleasing shame around failure and learning to roll with itRebuilding Women in Biz Network on her own terms and what that taught her about owning her imprint This Episode Is For You If You feel like you have drifted from yourselfYou are successful on paper but quietly wondering if there is moreYou need permission to say yes to yourself for once Connect With Our Guest Jill Valentine is the founder of Ugo Impact and creator of the Ugo Triple Change Effect Model. Visit ugoimact.com and follow Ugo Impact on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Nepal trip details for November are live on the website. Visit at: https://ugoimpact.com/ Connect With Leigh and Women in Biz Network Join a membership community built for women who are ready to grow with purpose. Visit womeninbusinessnow.com to become a member today.

  6. Apr 28

    I Was Terrified of Public Speaking for Years. Here Is What Finally Changed.

    Fifteen years ago, Leigh Mitchell was building a business that required her to stand in front of rooms full of people, and she could barely get through a sentence without wanting to disappear. She studied the speakers she admired. She tried to become them. It was a disaster. In this episode, Leigh gets personal about her journey from stage fright to keynote stages, university classrooms, and boardrooms. She breaks down the four decisions that changed how she shows up every time she speaks, and none of them have anything to do with faking confidence. In this episode you will hear about: Why trying to be a "great speaker" was the thing that held her backThe difference between performing and resonatingA one-sentence exercise that stops rambling and commands the roomWhy silence is authorityHow to shift your focus from self-consciousness to serviceThe nervous system truth about stage fright that nobody talks about This episode is for any woman who has ever held back from speaking up, stepping forward, or taking the stage because she thought she needed to be someone else first. You don't. Your voice, your story, and your lived experience are exactly what the room needs. Learn more about membership: changemakerco.org Read the full article and get the resources mentioned in this episode: changemakerbusiness.substack.com Subscribe to Own Your Imprint on Substack for weekly insights from Leigh.

  7. Apr 1

    Nervous System Reset: A 20-Minute Daily Practice for Stress, Burnout & Cortisol Relief

    Searches for "feel overwhelmed," "stress relief," and "burnout from life" are all at all-time highs in 2026 — and if you're feeling it too, you're not alone. This video gives you a science-backed, 20-minute nervous system reset routine you can do twice a day to regulate stress, reduce cortisol, and reclaim your calm. This routine integrates vestibular (balance/inner ear), visual (gaze/tracking), and limbic (emotional regulation) techniques — the same tools used in trauma therapy and nervous system rehabilitation. ⏱ IN THIS VIDEO — YOUR 20-MINUTE ROUTINE: Why your nervous system needs a daily reset Phase 1: Limbic Grounding & Centring (5 min) ↳ Orienting to Safety ↳ The Voo Breath (vagus nerve activation) ↳ Self-Soothing Touch Phase 2: Visual & Vestibular Coordination (10 min) ↳ Gaze Stabilization (VOR x1) ↳ Saccades — Rapid Eye Shifts ↳ Smooth Pursuit ↳ Head Nods & Turns (Eyes Closed) Phase 3: Dynamic Integration & Proprioception (5 min) ↳ The Arch and Flatten ↳ Heel-to-Toe Stance ↳ Shaking Out Tension Morning vs. Evening — how to use this routine 📊 WHY THIS MATTERS RIGHT NOW: Search interest in cortisol has nearly doubled since January 2026 and hit an all-time high for the third consecutive month. "Burnout at work" and "burnout from life" are also at all-time highs. "Emotional flooding" has doubled in searches this year. Your nervous system is under more pressure than ever — this routine is your daily antidote. 🔗 RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS: 📥 Download Exercise Card Set 🌐 Join the Women in Biz Network Community 📺 Watch on ChangeMaker Leader YouTube Channel

  8. Mar 19

    What happens When Ambitious Women Meet In-Person?

    What actually happens when ambitious women stop scrolling  and start showing up? In this episode, Leigh Mitchell sits down with Kim and Linda  of My Creative Break for a conversation about the magic that  unfolds when driven women gather in person — the spark, the  stories, and the sisterhood that no DM can replicate. "The most powerful thing we ever did was create a space where women felt safe enough to be ambitious out loud." If you've been craving connection that goes deeper than a LinkedIn comment — this episode is your sign to show up differently. Leigh Mitchell, Founder of Women in Biz Network, sits down with Kim and Linda, the creative duo behind My Creative Break, to explore what truly happens when ambitious women meet face-to-face. This is a conversation about more than networking. It's about what becomes possible when women feel seen, supported, and surrounded by others who get it. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 The story behind My Creative Break and why Kim & Linda knew women needed a different kind of space 🔹 What shifts emotionally when ambitious women gather in person versus online 🔹 Why creativity and community are deeply connected for women in business 🔹 The moments of belonging that neither of them expected — and never forgot 🔹 How to build a room where ambitious women actually feel free to be themselves 🔹 What Leigh, Kim & Linda have all learned about showing up — for others and for yourself This is the conversation you didn't know you needed. Pull up a chair. You belong here. ✨ Women in Biz Network has been creating spaces like this since 2010 — because community isn't a perk.

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About

For women who think, lead & work differently, and the people changing how we think about work, leadership and success.The ChangeMaker Leader Podcast with Leigh Mitchell explores what it means to build a meaningful career, lead authentically, and create impact without trying to fit yourself into someone else’s definition of success. Hosted by Leigh Mitchell, Trauma-Informed Career & Leadership Brand Strategist, University Educator, and Founder of Women in Biz Network and Women in Biz Job Board, the podcast brings together candid conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, creatives, community builders, and other ChangeMaker Leaders who aren’t afraid to question how things have always been done. Together, we get curious about:• Career and leadership transitions • Personal branding, visibility, and positioning • Inner leadership, identity, confidence, and self-trust • Women who think, lead, and work differently • ADHD, neurodiversity, and different ways of working • Women in business and leadership • Entrepreneurship and meaningful work • AI, technology, and the changing workplace • Community, connection, and social impact At the heart of ChangeMaker Leader is a simple belief: The best opportunities begin with curiosity. You don’t have to think, work, or lead like everyone else to make an impact. Understanding who you are, what you bring, what you believe, and how you want to contribute helps you create something much more powerful — your own Leadership Imprint. Whether you’re navigating what’s next, redefining success, building your personal brand, stepping into leadership, or wondering if there’s a different way to work and lead, this is a place to explore what’s possible. Get Curious. Own Your Career. Own Your Leadership Imprint. womeninbiznetwork.com | changemakerco.org | ownyourimprint.com

Information

  • Creator
    Leigh Mitchell
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © [2016]
  • Show Website
    ChangeMaker Leader Podcast