Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom

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🎙️ Ready to dive into "Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom," where we uncover the real stories, latest trends, and candid insights behind the corporate curtain—led by women who know the industry inside and out. With expert analysis, honest conversations with industry leaders, and unfiltered takes on everything from career growth to hiring challenges, we’re here to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to thrive in today’s job market. Whether you're looking to level up or stay informed, tune in for essential job market insights and empowering discussions led by women shaping the future of work.

  1. 4D AGO

    International Women's Day with special guests!

    International Women’s Day Special: Real Pathways for Women to Rise in Business In this special International Women’s Day episode of Hire Expectations, we sit down with three accomplished local leaders for an honest and insightful conversation about what it really takes for women to grow, lead, and create lasting impact in business. Joined by April-Dawn Blackwell, Gina Delle Rose-Ash, and Zoya Alam, this discussion goes far beyond titles and surface-level leadership talk. Together, they unpack the key decisions, risks, skills, and support systems that helped shape their careers, and share meaningful advice for young women who are just getting started. From building networks when the right spaces do not yet exist, to speaking up with confidence, taking strategic risks, finding real mentorship, and creating more flexible pathways for women to thrive, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone invested in leadership, talent, and the future of work. Featured Guests: April-Dawn BlackwellA leader passionate about community-building, allyship, and creating pathways for others through networking, education, and advocacy. Gina Delle Rose-AshA respected leader in logistics and maritime transportation who shares how education, confidence, and creating spaces like Women in Logistics helped shape her path. Zoya AlamA lawyer and leader whose career journey reflects the power of embracing opportunity, rejecting limitations, and mentoring the next generation with intention. Why this episode matters: This conversation is a reminder that career growth is rarely linear, and that real progress happens when women are supported not just with encouragement, but with access, opportunity, mentorship, and leadership that is willing to evolve. Whether you are early in your career, leading a team, or thinking about how to help more women rise in business, this episode offers practical insight and a lot of perspective worth sitting with.

  2. FEB 20

    Elect Respect with Mayor Meed Ward

    In this powerful episode of Hire Expectations, we sit down with Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward to talk about the growing rise of harassment, intimidation, and toxic behaviour in public life and why it’s becoming a serious barrier to leadership. During the pandemic, abuse toward elected officials escalated dramatically. What began as heated disagreement crossed the line into threats, hostility, and targeted attacks. The impact? Talented, community-minded individuals choosing not to run for office, and others stepping away entirely. That’s where Elect Respect comes in. Mayor Meed Ward shares how the movement began, what it aims to change, and why respectful civic engagement is not just about politics. It’s about protecting democracy, encouraging diverse leadership, and ensuring strong communities for the future. We explore: • Why toxic behaviour in public spaces is increasing• The real human cost of harassment in leadership• How it affects who is willing to step forward• What individuals and organizations can do to shift the culture• Why respect is foundational to healthy workplaces and communities This conversation goes beyond politics. It speaks to leadership, culture, accountability, and the environments we are creating for the next generation. If we want thoughtful, courageous leaders, we have to create conditions where they can lead safely. Listen now and join the conversation. Learn more, and sign up for the cause at www.electrespect.ca

  3. 12/12/2025

    Hire Expectations 2025 Year-In-Review

    This special Year in Review episode brings together the moments, insights, and conversations that made us pause, rethink, and grow. Throughout the year, we sat down with leaders, coaches, and experts who challenged how we approach work, leadership, money, mental health, and personal growth. In this recap, we revisit the themes that mattered most. The ones that didn’t just sound good in the moment, but stuck with us long after the recording stopped. In this episode, we explore: Why clarity, energy, courage, productivity, and influence are foundational to real growth What authentic allyship looks like in the workplace and how small actions create meaningful change The real risks behind cybersecurity complacency and why information security is a business issue, not just a tech one How passion is often discovered through opportunity, not something you need to have figured out from day one Why youth mental health conversations matter and how showing up authentically makes a difference How subconscious patterns can impact confidence, decision making, and job searches A fresh perspective on money and what it means to shift from a consumer mindset to a banker mindset This episode is a reminder that growth is rarely linear. It’s shaped by curiosity, courage, uncomfortable conversations, and the willingness to see things differently. Thank you for being part of the Hire Expectations community. We’re excited to keep the conversations going in the year ahead.Make sure you subscribe, and follow our socials @vpworkforcesolutions !

  4. 11/14/2025

    Mental Health Check-in with Nelson Borges

    This episode of Hire Expectations dives into a topic that does not get nearly enough attention. Men’s mental health. In honour of Men’s Mental Health Month, Nelson Borges joins us to talk about why safe spaces, real connection, and honest conversations matter more than ever. He breaks down the barriers that keep men silent and explains how peer support and community connection can completely change the game for emotional well being. Nelson shares practical steps men can take when they are struggling, including simple grounding strategies like the five second rule. We also explore how workplaces can build a culture that supports mental health year round rather than treating it like a once a year awareness campaign. For partners, friends, and family members, Nelson offers compassionate advice on how to show up for the men in your life without judgment or pressure. You will hear about helpful mental health resources, the role of technology in finding support, and the ripple effect that happens when one person chooses to reach out. At its core, this episode is about community support, courage, and breaking the stigma that still surrounds men asking for help. As Nelson says, it starts with compassion and it is absolutely okay to cry.

  5. 10/31/2025

    Passion or Opportunity?

    🎙️Passion vs. Opportunity: What Really Drives Career Success? What matters more for career success… passion or opportunity? In this episode of Hire Expectations, we unpack one of the biggest career debates in today’s evolving job market. Join Kelly and Kerri as they explore how career development has changed and why the path to professional growth isn’t as linear as it once was. From recruitment insights to real-world hiring strategies, this episode dives into how job seekers and employers alike can find the sweet spot between what inspires them and what the market demands. You’ll hear how passion can be discovered through unexpected opportunities, why visibility and execution matter more than ever, and how hiring for potential — not just qualifications — builds stronger teams. 💡 Key Takeaways: Passion and opportunity are both essential for long-term career success. The modern job market rewards adaptability and curiosity. Employers should nurture passion, not just expect it. Passion is a muscle that grows stronger with use. Visibility is everything, show your results, don’t just talk about them. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to align your passion with opportunity, build momentum in your career, and create a path that feels both purposeful and practical.

  6. 09/26/2025

    Re-Writing the Rules of Money with Rick Goldring

    What if you could become your own banker?   In this episode of Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom, we sit down with Rick Goldring — former Mayor of Burlington and financial advisor at Ascendant Financial. Rick shares his unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and the Infinite Banking Concept, a strategy that empowers individuals and business leaders to take back control of their financial future.  He discusses the pitfalls of traditional financial advice, the history of infinite banking, and why financial literacy is more critical than ever. Rick also highlights the importance of liquidity, stability, and long-term planning, encouraging leaders to rethink their approach to money and embrace the power of becoming their own banker. LISTENERS -  Learn more from the book Rick discusses, and access their preferred pricing:Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash: shop.ascendantfinancial.ca

  7. 07/25/2025

    Neurodiversity in the Workforce

    Neurodiversity in the Workforce: Building Inclusive Workplaces that Thrive In this episode of Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom, we’re joined by Carolyn and Jordan from the Centre for Diverse Learners for a powerful conversation about neurodiversity in the workplace. They share what inspired the organization's recent rebrand—from a focus on disability to a celebration of diverse strengths—and how that shift is impacting both the community and the corporate world. From legal obligations to leadership modeling, this episode dives into what it really means to create inclusive environments where neurodivergent talent can thrive. Whether you're an HR professional, a leader, or just curious about how to better support diverse minds at work, you'll walk away with actionable insights and new perspectives. 💡 Key Takeaways: Neurodiversity is gaining long-overdue recognition in today’s workforce conversations. The Centre for Diverse Learners rebrand reflects a shift from viewing individuals as disabled to recognizing their strengths. Inclusive workplaces benefit everyone—not just those who are neurodivergent. Accommodations shouldn’t require proof of disability; they should be accessible for all. Diversity of thought fuels innovation and long-term success. Employers have legal and ethical responsibilities to foster inclusivity. Documentation can be a powerful tool in advocating for workplace accommodations. Leadership must actively model inclusion to set the tone for culture. Community engagement can disrupt systemic barriers and cycles of poverty. Customized training is key to building truly neurodiverse-friendly organizations. Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation that challenges the status quo and offers a roadmap for change.

  8. 06/13/2025

    Leading with Purpose with Shaheryar Mian

    In this episode of Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom, we sit down with Shaheryar Mian, a visionary executive, director on the Burlington Chamber of Commerce board, and the kind of leader who turns ideas into action. Shaheryar shares how he has navigated a career across finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, and authorship, all while staying deeply rooted in community, purpose, and people-first leadership. We explore what it means to reinvent yourself, the underrated power of listening, how civic engagement shapes leadership, and why success is less about the title and more about the legacy you leave behind. From writing a novel to launching businesses in Canada and Dubai, Shaheryar brings bold insight, humility, and humour to the conversation. This is an episode about building the kind of career and life that actually fulfills you.🎧 Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom is powered by VP Workforce Solutions – a proudly Canadian recruiting firm connecting exceptional talent with outstanding opportunities. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook @VPWorkforceSolutions for more behind-the-scenes content and upcoming episodes. 💬 Got a topic you want us to cover? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you! #HireExpectationsPodcast #VPWorkforceSolutions #RecruitingExcellence #FutureOfWork

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🎙️ Ready to dive into "Hire Expectations: Beyond the Boardroom," where we uncover the real stories, latest trends, and candid insights behind the corporate curtain—led by women who know the industry inside and out. With expert analysis, honest conversations with industry leaders, and unfiltered takes on everything from career growth to hiring challenges, we’re here to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to thrive in today’s job market. Whether you're looking to level up or stay informed, tune in for essential job market insights and empowering discussions led by women shaping the future of work.

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