Actualize

First Session
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Actualize

Actualize explores the journeys of high performers in a variety of fields, from sports to business to the arts and beyond. Join us as we delve into the mindset, sacrifices, and motivation of these successful individuals and learn how they achieved their goals. Through Actualize, we look beyond the highlights, and get curious about hardships endured and resilience built. Actualize is hosted by Rob Pintwala, the founder of First Session.

  1. JAN 23

    #25: Ania Wysocka, Founder of the Award-Winning App Rootd - Anxiety, Growth and Transformation

    This episode is with Ania Wysocka. She is the founder of Rootd, an award-winning anxiety and panic attack app that has been downloaded more than 3 million times. Ania started Rootd after she experienced a panic attack and did not find sufficient support. Rootd app is a culmination of everything Ania has learned about overcoming and coping with anxiety and panic attacks.  Ania talks about her work ethic and how that contributed to her experience with anxiety and panic attacks. We also discuss the concept of growth and transformation being multi-dimensional. Quote: “You've survived every panic attack to date and these do end. “This isn't going to last forever.” Things like that are extremely comforting to hear when you're in those moments.” - Ania Wysocka Rootd App on Instagram

    40 min

  2. JAN 2

    #24: Mary-Lyn Kieffer, Director of Made of Millions: OCD, Intrusive Thoughts and Community

    Join our chat with Mary-Lyn Kieffer, Director of Made of Millions and the Senior Manager for Togetherall. She shares her struggle with OCD and how she learned to cope with it, plus the power of community.  Trigger warning: In this episode, we will be discussing thoughts of suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with these feelings, please seek help from a mental health professional or a crisis helpline. Listener discretion is advised.    This episode is with Mary-Lyn Kieffer. Mary-Lyn Director of Made of Millions Canada, a mental health charity, she’s also the Senior Manager for Togetherall, a peer-to-peer mental health platform.  In this episode, we discuss Mary-Lyn’s personal experience with OCD, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks. We also chat about her coping strategies and what really worked for her.  Quote: “We can change what we believe in about anything in life and that's including ourselves.” - Mary-Lyn Kieffer  Follow:  Mary-Lyn Kieffer on LinkedIn  Made of Millions Togetherall

    48 min

  3. 12/19/2023

    #23: Dani Nelson - On Creating the Life of Your Dreams

    In this episode with Rob and Danica Nelson, a dynamic entrepreneur, marketer, financial educator, and international nomad, Dani shares the raw and unfiltered story of her burnout in what she once thought was her dream job. Following a necessary stress leave, she found herself in a mass layoff when she returned. Despite these setbacks, Dani unfolds a story of resilience and reinvention, transitioning from her corporate role to emerge as a content creator, initially in the realm of travel and later in the dynamic landscape of personal finance. As a second-generation Jamaican-Canadian, Dani unveils the profound sense of responsibility she carries—a commitment not only to her individual success but also to the well-being of her family. Her narrative transcends conventional boundaries, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her path. Prepare to be inspired with Dani Nelson, and don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to the podcast. "I called it a liberty leave because it's like stepping away from what doesn't bring you liberty for what does." Follow Dani: Instagram Offerings

    50 min

  4. 12/12/2023

    #22: Margaret Coons, Founder and CEO of Nuts for Cheese: Building a Sustainable, Inclusive Business while Maintaining Personal Wellness

    In this episode of Actualize, Rob catches up with Margaret, the founder of Nuts for Cheese. They discuss Margaret's journey from starting at a farmer's market to becoming a manufacturer of dairy-free and organic cashew-based products. Margaret shares about her flagship line of cashew-based cheese wedges, cream cheese spreads, and the recently launched Nuts for Butter. Tune in for an insightful conversation about Margaret's business and the growth of Nuts for Cheese. "The more folks can lead by example, be brave, and put themselves out there, the better." - Margaret Coons @NutsforCheese  [00:02:09] Becoming a vegetarian. [00:03:37] Eating less meat and animal products. [00:09:24] Challenges of scaling a business. [00:10:31] Hunger for growth. [00:14:07] Hiring and relinquishing responsibility. [00:17:58] Perfectionism and finding balance. [00:21:02] A rare mentorship experience. [00:24:06] A giant marketing war. [00:28:00] Inclusivity and prejudice. [00:31:17] Supporting employees with challenges. [00:36:17] Wellness routine. [00:39:07] Pursuit of feeling better. [00:43:23] Coaching vs. therapy distinction. [00:46:29] Innovation and new product launch. Follow Margaret:https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcoons/https://www.instagram.com/margaretecoons/ Follow Nuts for Cheese: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nutsforcheese/, https://www.instagram.com/nutsforcheese/ www.nutsforcheese.com

    49 min

  5. 12/05/2023

    #21: Tessa McLoughlin, Founder of KWENCH - Creating culture, cultivating wellness, and being a single mother founder

    On this episode of Actualize, host Rob interviews Tessa McLoughlin, the creator of Club Kwench, a culture club and co-working space in Victoria, B.C. Tessa shares her perspective on the importance of creating a sense of belonging and good culture in co-working spaces. She explains why she chose to start Kwench in Victoria and the challenging journey as a freshly divorced single mom of two, to launch this new business. Tune in to learn more about Tessa’s incredible journey and the impact she has made in her community. “It’s spelled K-W-E-N-C-H and it stands for Knowledge, Wellness, Experiences, Novelty, Curious and Connection, Bring Health and Happiness.” “…hitting that rock bottom that makes you go, oh, this could be so much better.” 00:01:07 Creating a healthy workplace culture. 00:06:39 Building a new life after divorce. 00:13:38 Resilience in the face of adversity. 00:23:37 Believe in yourself, take risks. 00:28:02 Entrepreneurship as art and impact. 00:32:07 Authenticity drives a purposeful coworking community. 00:38:29 Creating a sense of belonging. 00:45:33 Building a community-driven co-working space. Visit clubkwench.com Follow Tessa on Instagram and Club Kwench

    49 min

  6. 11/28/2023

    #20: Tina Luu - On Work Ethic, Burnout, Resilience, and Self-Care

    In this episode of Actualize featuring Tina Luu, co-founder of Fable, we talked about the multifaceted life of being a tech leader, mother, partner, daughter, and sister. Tina's remarkable work ethic, independence, and vulnerability shine through as she kindly discusses her recent encounter with stage five of burnout, a profound state of physical and mental overwhelm. Tina's resilience and resourcefulness, reveal how she navigated and emerged from burnout, along with the proactive measures she's adopting to prevent its recurrence. Enjoy a compelling and relatable exploration of balancing professional success with personal well-being in this episode with Tina Luu. “Don't be precious about an idea. Sharing it and iterating to make small tests can result in better outcomes.” - Tina Luu, co-founder of Fable.com  00:02:18 Balancing multiple roles is challenging. 00:08:03 Overcoming imposter syndrome through growth. 00:19:37 Burnout is a real challenge. 00:21:06 Recognize and address burnout symptoms. 00:26:18 Set boundaries to avoid burnout. 00:33:31 Be independent and self-reliant. 00:39:17 Iterate and share your work. Visit fable.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-luu/

    46 min

  7. 11/21/2023

    #19: Braden Handley - Humility, work ethic, and building a business with family and friends

    Join us for an insightful episode featuring Braden Handley, co-founder of Inkbox, the innovative temporary tattoo company. Braden shares the story behind Inkbox's success, from its inception in 2015 to its acquisition in 2022, taking it from $10,000 to $80 Million.  In our conversation, we explore Braden's entrepreneurial drive, the challenges of hiring and firing friends, and the significance of humility in leadership. Discover how Braden leaned into his superpowers to navigate the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.  Whether you're a business enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers a glimpse into the highs, lows, and valuable lessons of building and selling a company. Don't miss out on the wisdom and experiences shared by Braden Hanley in this engaging discussion.  "You do not need to work 18 hour days. If you do, then you're probably building the business wrong.” - Braden Handley 00:04:25 Entrepreneurship is a lifelong passion. 00:11:22 Humility is key in partnerships. 00:11:52 Confidence and consistency are key. 00:19:46 Hiring friends can be challenging. 00:23:32 Culture-driven hiring leads to success. 00:29:25 Develop confidence through experience and self-reflection. 00:34:25 Embrace vulnerability and bury emotions. 00:40:22 Balance and rest are essential.You can follow Braden on Instagram and LinkedIn

    47 min

  8. 11/07/2023

    #18: Jill Van Gyn - Addiction, Infertility, Building and Selling Fatso Peanut Butter

    In this episode, we feature Jill Van Gyn, CEO of Fatso Peanut Butter. Beyond her business success, Jill shares her deeply personal journey, including her battle with addiction, pregnancy loss, and infertility. We delve into the concept of feeling deserving, shedding light on her struggles and vulnerabilities. This open and candid conversation aims to inspire those dealing with substance abuse, infertility, and the challenges of balancing business and family. Listen for insight and inspiration from Jill's story.  "Not everybody has to know about your impact for it to be meaningful." You can follow Jill on Instagram and her website [00:01:20] Finding professional footing and sobriety. [00:08:10] Impact work and community support. [00:10:05] Taboo subjects and social impact. [00:15:31] Addiction and moment of clarity. [00:21:07] Repairing childhood through success. [00:27:42] Shifting expectations and entitlement. [00:30:07] Trying to get pregnant. [00:35:20] The pain of infertility. [00:43:19] Racing against time and COVID. [00:45:04] Growing up with an identical twin sister. [00:50:22] Letting go and finding peace. [00:55:07] Redefining Success and Fulfillment.

    57 min
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About

Actualize explores the journeys of high performers in a variety of fields, from sports to business to the arts and beyond. Join us as we delve into the mindset, sacrifices, and motivation of these successful individuals and learn how they achieved their goals. Through Actualize, we look beyond the highlights, and get curious about hardships endured and resilience built. Actualize is hosted by Rob Pintwala, the founder of First Session.

Information

  • Creator
    First Session
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © First Session
  • Show Website
    Actualize

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