Blind Spots with Gail McDonald

Gail McDonald
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Blind Spots with Gail McDonald www.blindspotscoaching.ca See what you've been missing. We all have them—those hidden beliefs, unconscious patterns, or old narratives that quietly shape our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. In Blind Spots, host Gail McDonald helps you uncover the unseen barriers holding you back from the life, leadership, and impact you truly want. Whether it’s a limiting mindset, a bias you didn’t know you had, or a fear disguised as logic, Blind Spots is a space for radical self-awareness and transformation. Gail draws from decades of experience in leadership coaching and personal development to shine a light on the areas of unawareness that affect our decision-making, self-perception, and ability to grow. Each episode features honest, thought-provoking conversations—with everyday people, experts, and change-makers—paired with solo insights that challenge you to pause, reflect, and see with new eyes. If you're ready to: Get unstuck and move forward,Strengthen your relationships,Make clearer, more aligned decisions,And grow into the person you know you’re meant to be...Then you’re in the right place. This isn’t about blame. It’s about breakthrough. Because once you see a blind spot, it’s no longer in control. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe now and start seeing differently. www.blindspotscoaching.ca This podcast is for reflection and inspiration—not advice. We explore emotional intelligence, personal growth, and relational dynamics through stories and conversation. What’s shared is meant to spark curiosity, not serve as professional guidance. All views shared by the host or the guests are personal and do not represent affiliated organizations. By tuning in, you agree to engage with this content thoughtfully and with discernment.

  1. When Your Body Knows Something Is Wrong | Charles Young

    2D AGO

    When Your Body Knows Something Is Wrong | Charles Young

    Sometimes your body starts sending signals long before anyone can explain them. Dizziness. Disorientation. A sense that something is deeply wrong, even when tests come back “normal.” In this episode of Blind Spots, Charles Young shares what it was like to live inside that uncertainty, and how listening to his instincts ultimately saved his life. Host Gayle MacDonald sits down with Charles Young to explore his experience of living with a rare, benign brain tumor that went undiagnosed for years. What began as unexplained vertigo and nausea eventually escalated into psychosis, hospitalization, and emergency brain surgery. Charles reflects on navigating the healthcare system, losing his career overnight, and facing the emotional aftermath of survival. This is not a story about easy answers. It is a grounded conversation about self-advocacy, recovery, and how perspective can shift after trauma. What You’ll Hear or Learn What it feels like when your symptoms are real, but answers are slow to comeHow psychosis showed up and what awareness looked like from the insideThe moment Charles chose to actively participate in his recoveryLetting go of negative self-talk during illness and healingGrieving the loss of a career while building a different kind of lifeWhy connection matters more than isolation during long-term illnessHow sharing your story can help others feel less alone About Charles Charles Young is a former educator and senior leader in learning and development with the Government of Alberta. Raised on a family farm in rural Alberta, he built a career rooted in service, teaching at NorQuest College and Grant MacEwan College before moving into provincial leadership roles supporting staff development across multiple ministries. Charles’s life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with a rare colloid brain cyst that caused severe neurological and psychological symptoms. After a high‑risk seven‑hour brain surgery at the University of Alberta Hospital, he began a long recovery journey marked by resilience, determination, and what he calls his “great reset.” Now nearly two years post‑surgery, Charles embraces a healthier lifestyle, prioritizes mental well‑being, and openly shares his story to help others facing medical or mental health challenges. He is an active member of global colloid cyst support groups, offering hope and encouragement to people navigating similar diagnoses. Known by friends for his newfound gentleness, perspective, and gratitude, Charles advocates for connection, self‑advocacy, and the importance of strong health benefits and early life planning. Though legally disabled and unable to return to work, he describes his life today as meaningful, connected, and better than before. Connect With Charles Young LinkedInListen with curiosity. Reflect on where you may need to trust your instincts more deeply. And if this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who may be navigating illness or recovery quietly.

    55 min
  2. The CEO of Your Brain: How Self-Awareness Changes Everything

    JAN 20

    The CEO of Your Brain: How Self-Awareness Changes Everything

    What if the key to better leadership, emotional regulation, and resilience isn’t willpower but understanding how your brain actually works? In this episode of Blind Spots, host Gayle MacDonald sits down with Dr. Lisa Riegel to explore how self-awareness, brain biology, and perception shape the way we think, feel, and behave, often without us realizing it. Using a powerful “brain as a corporation” analogy, Dr. Riegel explains why so many of our reactions happen below conscious awareness, and how learning to lead your own brain can change everything from stress and anxiety to leadership effectiveness and personal fulfillment. This conversation bridges neuroscience, leadership, mental health, and everyday life, offering practical insight into why we react the way we do, how past experiences quietly influence the present, and what it really means to take control as the CEO of your own mind. In this conversation, they discuss: Why most of our thoughts and reactions happen unconsciouslyThe difference between reality and perception and how filters shape behaviorHow stress hijacks the brain and shuts down critical thinkingWhy self-awareness is the foundation of emotional regulation and resilienceHow understanding brain biology reduces shame and increases self-compassionWhat it means to lead yourself before leading othersPractical ways to retrain the brain for calmer, healthier responsesWhy intention, not perfection, is the key to lasting changeThis episode is a must-listen foranyone who wants to better understand their own patterns and learn how to work with their brain instead of fighting it. About Lisa: Dr. Lisa Riegel is deeply passionate about organizational reform across education, government, and the nonprofit sectors. She consults with organizations to strengthen human capital management, improve collaboration, and bring strategic plans to life. While many organizations have a strategy on paper, her work ensures those plans are implemented and monitored with genuine commitment rather than compliance. In the education sector, Lisa is recognized for her expertise in social and emotional learning, differentiation, and student engagement. She is a strong advocate for partnerships among schools, families, businesses, and communities. Her consulting includes facilitating strategic planning for diverse stakeholder groups, supporting data visualization, and developing effective communication strategies. Lisa is also the author of NeuroWell, a book that helps educators understand how academic and social behavior emerge from the interaction between biology and context. The book provides practical step-by-step guidance for creating a NeuroWell culture in schools. Contact Lisa: lisariegel@epinstitute.net | www.lisariegel.com Books & Resources: NeuroWell — by Dr. Lisa Riegel Aspirations to Operations — by Dr. Lisa Riegel The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk EP Institute When the Body Says No — Gabor Maté

    1h 1m
  3. From Nanny to the United Nations: Lisa Purcell's Career Journey

    JAN 6

    From Nanny to the United Nations: Lisa Purcell's Career Journey

    Gail McDonald sits down with Lisa Purcell to explore a career journey shaped by curiosity, courage, and a willingness to move forward without having everything figured out. From leaving Canada at 23 with a suitcase and a backpack, to working as a nanny and English teacher in Spain, joining the United Nations Development Programme in Geneva, navigating international banking in London, and eventually returning to Canada to raise a family and build a career in education and public service, Lisa’s story challenges the idea that careers must follow a straight line. Together, Gail and Lisa unpack the fears that stop people from making changes, the pressure to “pick one path,” and the freedom that comes from reframing uncertainty as possibility. They explore how values and priorities shift over time, how work-life balance looks different in each life stage, and why it’s never too late to return to school or change direction. This Conversation Covers: Trusting curiosity when you don’t have a clear plan Leaving without burning bridges The hidden pressure to settle into one identity or career Why fear often shows up right before growth Reframing nonlinear paths as strength, not failure Navigating career change across different life stages Balancing ambition, family, and personal valuesLisa’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful careers are often built through exploration, not certainty — and that sometimes the most important step is simply being willing to begin. Books & Resources Referenced • 17 Lies That Are Holding You Back & the Truth That Will Set You Free — Steve Chandler

    53 min
  4. Joy Over Perfection: Reflections Before the New Year

    12/23/2025

    Joy Over Perfection: Reflections Before the New Year

    In this special year-end episode of Blind Spots, host Gail McDonald offers an unscripted, reflective conversation about gratitude, boundaries, and easing the pressure we place on ourselves during the holidays. Recorded just days before Christmas, this episode isn’t about doing more — it’s about letting go. Gail reflects on the power of gratitude, the gift of time, and why perfection is often the biggest source of holiday stress. From family traditions and emotional triggers to intentions (instead of resolutions) and the freedom that comes from releasing control, this episode invites listeners to pause, breathe, and choose what truly matters. Gail also shares personal stories, practical mindset shifts, and gentle reminders that joy doesn’t require perfection — only presence. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, reflective, or simply in need of permission to slow down, this episode offers a grounding close to the year and a compassionate bridge into what comes next. As Blind Spots looks ahead to the new year, Gail invites you to be part of the conversation. If there’s a topic you’d love to hear explored in 2026 — a blind spot you’re curious about, a challenge you’re navigating, or a question you’d like unpacked — send an email and share your ideas. Your input helps shape the conversations to come.

    20 min
  5. Coaching vs. Therapy? Why the Line Isn’t as Clear as You Think — A Conversation with Dr. Joel Rothaizer, MCC, ABPP

    12/16/2025

    Coaching vs. Therapy? Why the Line Isn’t as Clear as You Think — A Conversation with Dr. Joel Rothaizer, MCC, ABPP

    Gail McDonald sits down with Dr. Joel Rothaizer, MCC, ABPP. He’s a Board Certified Psychologist, a Master Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, and a long-time executive coach. Together we explore the surprising overlap between coaching and psychology — and why coaches can safely borrow powerful techniques without crossing ethical lines. With more than 30 years of experience supporting leaders and organizations, Dr. Rothaizer shares practical, grounded insights that help coaches deepen their impact while staying firmly within scope. In this rich conversation, Gail and Dr. Rothaizer unpack the origins of the “coaching vs. therapy” divide, the false dichotomies that still influence the profession, and why the real foundation of both practices is the same: creating a safe, trusting environment where clients can be vulnerable, reflective, and open to change. They also explore developmental psychology, the Enneagram, emotional regulation, and how coaches can confidently navigate situations that may require referral. This Conversation Covers: The false historical divide between coaching and therapy — and why it still misleads coachesHow to create a strong “holding environment” that clients may describe as therapeuticThe four capabilities every great executive coach needs:A coaching modelUnderstanding of organizational cultureA framework for individual differencesA developmental model :Why clients struggle to take logical next steps — and how psychology explains those barriers• A clear, coach-appropriate explanation of the Enneagram and its use in understanding motivationWhen a client’s pattern points to a forward-focused coaching approach vs. a therapy referralHow to recognize your own “window of tolerance” during sessions and why it mattersThe ethical red flags coaches must not ignore — and how to handle referral conversations with careWhy mentor coaches are essential for self-reflection, ethics, and growthThis episode is a practical, eye-opening guide to the deeper layers of human behavior that shape coaching outcomes — and a reminder that powerful coaching doesn’t require stepping into therapy, only understanding people more fully. Dr. Joel Rothaizer, MCC, ABPP Clear Impact Leadership Book: Clear Impact: Building Your Leadership Capacity Books & Resources Referenced: Awareness to Action Enneagram PodcastInternal Family Systems (IFS)"Window of Tolerance” framework

    57 min
  6. It’s Just the Way I Am… Or Is It? Rethinking the Narratives That Shape Us

    12/09/2025

    It’s Just the Way I Am… Or Is It? Rethinking the Narratives That Shape Us

    Gail McDonald takes listeners inside one of her favourite personal-development books of all time: 17 Lies That Are Holding You Back and the Truth That Will Set You Free by Steve Chandler. In this reflective solo episode, Gail explores two powerful lies many of us repeat without realizing the impact they have on our confidence, our relationships, our habits, and our future: “That’s just the way I am” and “I’m too old for that.” Drawing from Chandler’s insights and her own lived experiences, Gail unpacks how the stories we tell ourselves—about aging, habits, personality, and capability—can quietly shape our identity and limit our growth. She also shares practical examples from her childhood, career, and daily life that illustrate how unconscious narratives form, how they keep us stuck, and how shifting them can lead to lasting change. This conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider: Which beliefs are truly yours, and which are old scripts you’ve outgrown? This Conversation Covers: Why “that’s just the way I am” is often a self-protective story—not a truthHow unconscious childhood programming shapes adult habitsThe difference between aging and feeling “too old,” and why perspective mattersReal stories of people who started new careers, projects, or education later in lifeWhy self-esteem is an inner practice—not something others can “hurt” or controlThe surprising emotional power of organization, habits, and early personality patternsHow doing something—even small steps—begins to shift long-held narrativesThis episode is a reminder that we are not fixed beings—we are always capable of learning, changing, and choosing differently at any age. Books & Resources Referenced: 17 Lies That Are Holding You Back and the Truth That Will Set You Free — Steve Chandler100 Ways to Motivate Yourself — Steve ChandlerAtomic Habits — James ClearFeel the Fear and Do It Anyway — Dr. Susan JeffersWork of Immanuel Kant (referenced in discussion)

    1h 4m
  7. Straightening Crowns: The Power of Women Supporting Women with SHE-Canada

    12/02/2025

    Straightening Crowns: The Power of Women Supporting Women with SHE-Canada

    Gail McDonald sits down with sisters Daria and Shawna Balas, the powerhouse founders behind SHE-Canada, a coast-to-coast platform built to support, celebrate, and elevate women-led businesses. What began as a simple acronym, Support Her Enterprise, has grown into a national movement giving women greater visibility, confidence, and community in entrepreneurship. In this heartfelt conversation, Gail, Daria, and Shawna explore the real experiences of women in business: navigating confidence gaps, strengthening self-esteem, finding belonging, and rising together through mutual support. They discuss the challenges women face in accessing funding, building networks, and being taken seriously, and how SHE-Canada is breaking down those barriers through co-op marketing, a national directory, digital magazines, and genuine community-building. This Conversation Covers: The meaning and origin of SHE—Support Her EnterpriseThe difference between confidence and self-esteem, and why both matterThe “crown straightening” philosophy of women helping women riseChallenges female entrepreneurs face in visibility, connection, and financingHow SHE-Canada’s co-op marketing model reduces costs and expands reachThe importance of inclusive support for all women, from makers to CEOsHow technology, community, and mentorship shape modern entrepreneurshipWhy networking remains essential for women in businessThis episode is a reminder that women rise higher when they rise together, through authenticity, collaboration, and community. SHE-Canada: Founded by Daria Balas and Shawna Balas Website: she-canada.com Books & Resources Referenced: The Tipping Point — Malcolm Gladwell Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway — Dr. Susan Jeffers Author Charles Darwin

    1h 1m
  8. Rethinking Leadership: Clarity, Kindness & Community with Ed Brenegar

    11/25/2025

    Rethinking Leadership: Clarity, Kindness & Community with Ed Brenegar

    Gail McDonald sits down with Ed Brenegar, leadership thought leader, writer, podcaster, and social catalyst, to explore what leadership really means in a time when old systems are breaking down and new models are emerging. Ed, author of eight books and writer of The Future of Leadership on Substack, shares why leadership has nothing to do with titles and everything to do with initiative, clarity, and community. Together, they unpack how great organizations are built—not through hierarchy—but through trust, human connection, and the willingness to empower people at every level. This conversation covers: Why most companies run their business but don’t truly leadHow clarity of values, purpose, and impact transforms organizationsThe hidden leadership already happening in the “lower” levels of every companyThe Five Actions of Gratitude and why they can shift an entire cultureWhy kindness is strategic—and how to embed it into daily workHow to help teams think clearly, innovate, and speak upWhy “saying no” is essential for leadersThe dangers of the Dunning–Kruger effect and how to stay curiousHow to believe in yourself without posturing or egoThe surprising sleep routine that helped Ed write his most impactful bookEd’s storytelling, insight, and lived experience offer a refreshing, human approach to leadership, rooted in dignity, community, and genuine impact. If you’re a leader, manager, or anyone who wants to make a difference, this episode will change how you see your role and your capacity. Ed Brenegar: edbrenegar.com LinkedIn YouTube Facebook X Books Referenced Moral Ambition by Rutger BregmanMay Your No Be a Yes by Ed BrenegarThe Circle of Impact by Ed BrenegarGenerational Memory: Restoring Community in the Continuity of Time (Ed’s forthcoming book; working title)

    1h 11m
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About

Blind Spots with Gail McDonald www.blindspotscoaching.ca See what you've been missing. We all have them—those hidden beliefs, unconscious patterns, or old narratives that quietly shape our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. In Blind Spots, host Gail McDonald helps you uncover the unseen barriers holding you back from the life, leadership, and impact you truly want. Whether it’s a limiting mindset, a bias you didn’t know you had, or a fear disguised as logic, Blind Spots is a space for radical self-awareness and transformation. Gail draws from decades of experience in leadership coaching and personal development to shine a light on the areas of unawareness that affect our decision-making, self-perception, and ability to grow. Each episode features honest, thought-provoking conversations—with everyday people, experts, and change-makers—paired with solo insights that challenge you to pause, reflect, and see with new eyes. If you're ready to: Get unstuck and move forward,Strengthen your relationships,Make clearer, more aligned decisions,And grow into the person you know you’re meant to be...Then you’re in the right place. This isn’t about blame. It’s about breakthrough. Because once you see a blind spot, it’s no longer in control. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe now and start seeing differently. www.blindspotscoaching.ca This podcast is for reflection and inspiration—not advice. We explore emotional intelligence, personal growth, and relational dynamics through stories and conversation. What’s shared is meant to spark curiosity, not serve as professional guidance. All views shared by the host or the guests are personal and do not represent affiliated organizations. By tuning in, you agree to engage with this content thoughtfully and with discernment.

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