Boldly Becoming with Angie

Angie Mercier

Why wait for a transition to start owning your truth? True leadership isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about the courage to evolve while you’re still in the arena. I’m Angie Mercier, an Executive Leadership Coach and former Superintendent of Education who has led at the highest levels. I’ve moved beyond being the "expert", with all the answers, to become the coach who helps you unlock the profound wisdom already sitting within you. Boldly Becoming is a podcast for leaders who are done hiding in plain sight. It is for those ready to trade the comfort of the status quo and the exhaustion of "performing" for unfiltered impact. This is about the courage to be bold and intentional, the forward-focused process of becoming. In each episode, I’ll bring you into the raw, exciting reality of leadership in 2026. Through my own reflections and unfiltered conversations with trailblazing guests, we’ll explore: • Identity Transformation: Moving from being a human, “doing”, defined by your output, to a human, "being and becoming", defined by your truth. • The Coaching Shift: Moving from the weight of constant problem-solving to a space of curiosity and internal empowerment. • Strategic Pivots: Navigating career evolutions and life transitions with power. • Unfiltered Leadership: Real conversations about what it actually takes to lead in 2026. If you’re feeling the pull to go bigger, speak louder, and lead with more truth, you’ve found your space. No more shrinking. No more waiting for a "someday" that never comes. Join me on Boldly Becoming—and let’s get started.

  1. 3d ago

    021: You’re Not Too Sensitive: The Power of Emotional Intelligence

    For most of my life, I’ve been told I’m “too sensitive.” I’ve been told I’m emotional, that I care too much, and that I can be easily moved to tears. For a long time, I saw my sensitivity as something I needed to fix, especially when I stepped into leadership. But what if being sensitive isn’t a weakness? In this episode of Boldly Becoming with Angie, I explore the connection between sensitivity, emotional intelligence, emotional regulation, and authentic leadership. I share a personal story from an early leadership interview where I tried so hard to appear less emotional and more “strong” that I actually came across as cold. That experience taught me something important: we can’t become more authentic by trying to become the opposite of who we are. I also break down the difference between self-control and self-regulation and why regulating our emotions doesn't mean suppressing them, hiding them, or becoming someone we’re not. In this episode, I explore: Why sensitivity isn't the same as emotional reactivityThe difference between self-control and self-regulationHow trying to “fix” a perceived weakness can lead to overcorrectingWhy emotional intelligence is such an important leadership skillHow curiosity can change the way we respond to difficult emotionsThe role our emotional awareness plays in the culture we createQuestions that can help us better understand what we're feelingWhy the part of ourselves we’re trying to change might actually be one of our greatest strengths If you’ve ever been told you’re too sensitive, too emotional, or that you care too much, I want to offer you a different invitation: Don’t rush to get rid of that part of yourself. Get curious about it. Because your sensitivity may not be something you need to overcome. It may be part of what makes you a powerful leader. Connect with Angie: Website: www.angiemercier.com Instagram: Angie Mercier (@angiemercier_) • Instagram profile Facebook: Thrive with Angie; Professional & Personal Coach | Cambridge ON LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-mercier-m-ed-54753135 Mentioned in this episode: Book a discovery call https://angiemercier.com

  2. Oct 1

    020: The Trust Recession: Why Leaders Need Safe Spaces

    In this episode of Boldly Becoming with Angie, I’m exploring the idea of a “trust recession” and what it means for leaders, employees, and organizations. When trust feels harder to find, people become more cautious about what they say, who they confide in, and where they can truly be themselves. But what if the answer isn’t simply finding more solutions? What if we need more spaces where we can pause, speak our truth, and take off the armor we wear to protect ourselves? We explore: What a “trust recession” means and how it shows up in the workplaceWhy carrying everything alone can make leadership incredibly lonelyHow confidential coaching can create space for reflection, clarity, and agencyThe difference between coaching and simply being given the answersWhy AI can provide information, but coaching helps us uncover what truly matters to usTaking off your “career armor” and creating space to be messy, uncertain, and authenticThe connection between trust, belonging, and meaningful leadershipHow Bloom Leadership Circle is creating a space for women to connect, be seen, and belong Trust isn’t just something we need from other people. It’s something we can intentionally create in the spaces we lead and the relationships we build. When people feel trusted, supported, and connected, they have a greater opportunity to bring the very best of themselves to the people and organizations they lead. Maybe the way forward isn’t about finding all the answers. Maybe it’s about creating more places where we can simply be, speak freely, and remember that we are capable. Let’s turn the trust recession around. Connect with Angie: Website: www.angiemercier.com Instagram: Angie Mercier (@angiemercier_) • Instagram profile Facebook: Thrive with Angie; Professional & Personal Coach | Cambridge ON LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-mercier-m-ed-54753135 Mentioned in this episode: Book a discovery call https://angiemercier.com

  3. Sep 17

    018: Becoming Your Own Best Asset with Urmi Hossain

    In this episode of Boldly Becoming with Angie, I’m joined by Urmi Hossain, an author, speaker, podcast host, finance professional, mentor, and advocate for women. Born in Italy to Bangladeshi parents and now living in Canada, Urmi shares how growing up between cultures shaped her relationship with identity, belonging, and authenticity. We talk about the journey from trying to fit in to embracing all the parts of who she is. We explore: Finding belonging when you feel caught between culturesLearning to embrace the parts of yourself you once tried to hideGiving yourself permission to be more than one thingRedefining success beyond external validationBalancing a traditional career with creative passionsWhy investing in yourself is one of the most important investments you can makeSetting boundaries and letting go of guiltFollowing your intuition instead of someone else’s timelineThe power of being a lifelong learner Urmi’s story is a beautiful reminder that we don't have to choose just one identity, one career, or one path. We can evolve, explore, learn, create, and become more of who we are along the way. You are never too late, too old, or too far along to try something new. The question is: What are you giving yourself permission to become? Urmi Hossain is an author, speaker, podcast host, and finance professional passionate about helping others embrace identity, belonging, and personal growth. Born in Italy to Bangladeshi parents and now based in Canada, her multicultural journey has shaped her perspective on navigating life across cultures and finding a place to call home. She is the author of *Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle* and the host of *Stories Beyond Borders*, a podcast that amplifies the voices of Third Culture Kids, immigrants, expats, and globally mobile individuals. Through authentic conversations, she explores themes of identity, resilience, culture, and reinvention. Professionally, Urmi holds the CFA and CAIA designations. She is the Co-Chair of the Women in Leadership Montreal Chapter and serves as a mentor with Dress for Success Montreal, where she supports women in building confidence, advancing their careers, and achieving economic independence through mentorship. Whether speaking about multicultural identity, career growth, personal branding, women's leadership, or turning ambition into action, Urmi brings authenticity, practical insights, and thought-provoking stories that inspire audiences to embrace their unique journeys with confidence. Connect with Urmi Hossain: https://linktr.ee/urmihossain YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@urmihossain?ra=m Connect with Angie: Website: www.angiemercier.com Bloom Leadership Circle: 25-26 Series Instagram: Angie Mercier (@angiemercier_) • Instagram profile Facebook: Thrive with Angie; Professional & Personal Coach | Cambridge ON LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-mercier-m-ed-54753135 Mentioned in this episode: Book a discovery call https://angiemercier.com

  4. Sep 10

    017: Birthday Reflections: What Do I Want More Of?

    In this special birthday episode of Boldly Becoming with Angie, I’m reflecting on turning 61, what age has taught me, and why I refuse to believe that getting older means winding down. I’m celebrating the woman who brought me here while also getting curious about everything that’s still possible. Because maybe this next season isn’t about doing less. Maybe it’s about becoming more of who we truly are. We explore: Challenging the story that we’re “too old” to try something newFinding new adventures and discovering what your “Everest” might beHonouring who you’ve been while embracing who you’re becomingLearning, growing, and reinventing yourself at any ageThe power of community, coaching, creativity, and new beginningsWhat aging has given me: perspective, confidence, courage, clarity, and freedomAsking yourself, What do I want more of?Letting go of other people’s expectations and opinionsGetting curious about what’s still calling youWhy we may not be winding down at all. We may just be getting started. If you’re in a season of transition, reinvention, or simply wondering what’s next, I hope this episode reminds you that you are allowed to want more. More purpose. More adventure. More creativity. More connection. More impact. More life. So, what’s still calling you? And what would you create if you stopped worrying about what you’re “supposed” to do? Connect with Angie: Website: www.angiemercier.com Instagram: Angie Mercier (@angiemercier_) • Instagram profile Facebook: Thrive with Angie; Professional & Personal Coach | Cambridge ON LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-mercier-m-ed-54753135 Mentioned in this episode: Book a discovery call https://angiemercier.com

  5. Sep 3

    016: Building Leadership Communities That Help Us Thrive with Dana Liebermann Finestone

    In this special episode of Boldly Becoming with Angie, I’m joined by Dana Liebermann Finestone for a conversation about leadership, community, personal growth, and the work we’re building together. Dana and I met through our coaching journey, and despite only knowing each other for a short time, there was an immediate sense of connection. In this conversation, you'll get to know Dana, hear more about her story, and discover why our shared vision for creating supportive spaces for leaders has become such an important part of our work. We explore: Getting to know Dana and the experiences that shaped her personal and professional journeyHow an unexpected connection through coaching became a meaningful friendship and partnershipWhy finding people who "speak your language" can be transformationalThe importance of community and belonging for leadersThe work behind Thrive, Rise, and Bloom Leadership CircleWhy leaders need spaces where they can show up authentically without carrying the weight aloneHow meaningful relationships can support both personal and professional growthThe importance of creating communities where leaders can connect, learn, and grow togetherWhat happens when we stop trying to figure everything out on our ownWhy the next chapter of leadership may be less about achievement and more about connection If you've ever felt like leadership can be lonely, wished you had a place to talk openly with people who truly understand, or wondered what could happen if you surrounded yourself with the right community, this conversation is for you. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do as leaders isn't find another strategy, take another course, or add another item to our already overflowing to-do list. Sometimes it's finding our people. The people who challenge us, support us, celebrate us, and remind us that we don't have to carry everything alone. I'm so excited for the conversations ahead and for the opportunity to continue exploring what it means to lead, grow, and become alongside others. Dana Liebermann Finestone is a strategist, facilitator and leader who helps people and organizations move from insight to meaningful action. With a PhD in Psychology and a career spanning public education and the charitable sector, Dana brings a unique combination of curiosity, evidence, systems thinking and a deeply people-centred approach to her work. She is the Vice President of Research, Strategy and Impact Measurement at the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford, where she helps turn data, research and diverse perspectives into clearer decisions and stronger organizational impact. Previously, Dana held senior leadership roles in two Ontario school boards, leading work in research, organizational transformation and system improvement. Dana is also the co-founder of Thrive & Rise Academy, where she creates spaces for leaders to connect, learn, reflect and grow. An experienced facilitator with Superintendent qualifications, she is especially interested in what helps people move beyond good ideas to changes that actually make a difference. Connect with Dana: Thrive & Rise Academy Instagram Connect with Angie: Website: Bloom Leadership Circle: 25-26 Series Instagram: Angie Mercier (@angiemercier_) • Instagram profile Facebook: Thrive with Angie; Professional & Personal Coach | Cambridge ON LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-mercier-m-ed-54753135 Mentioned in this episode: Book a discovery call https://angiemercier.com

  6. Aug 27

    015: Leading with Love

    What if love wasn't something we left at the door when we stepped into leadership? In this solo episode of Boldly Becoming, I explore one of my deepest core values: love. While leadership is often associated with strategy, accountability, and results, I invite you to consider a different perspective. What if love was a leadership strength rather than a weakness? This episode is an invitation to reflect on how your values show up in your leadership, your relationships, and the decisions you make every day. It challenges the idea that we must be different people at work and at home and encourages us to lead as whole, authentic human beings. In this episode, we explore: Why love belongs in leadershipThe difference between love and people-pleasingHow compassion, empathy, and understanding strengthen leadershipThe connection between authenticity and leading with loveWhy boundaries and accountability are acts of loveThe importance of bringing both your head and your heart to decision-makingHow core values shape leadership during difficult momentsThe tension between professional identity and personal identityThe role faith and personal beliefs can play in guiding leadershipWhat happens when leaders disconnect from their humanity Key questions: What does leading with love mean to you?Are your values visible in the way you lead and interact with others?How do you respond when you're overwhelmed, stressed, or disappointed?Who are you at work, and who are you at home?What would change if you viewed your heart as a leadership strength rather than a liability? Leadership is not about leaving your humanity behind. Love is not weakness. It's the courage to tell the truth, hold boundaries, have difficult conversations, and see the humanity in others. When leaders bring both their hearts and their heads to the work, they create workplaces where people can thrive. Connect with Angie: Website: Bloom Leadership Circle: 25-26 Series Instagram: Angie Mercier (@angiemercier_) • Instagram profile Facebook: Thrive with Angie; Professional & Personal Coach | Cambridge ON LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-mercier-m-ed-54753135 Mentioned in this episode: Book a discovery call https://angiemercier.com

  7. Aug 20

    014: Finding Your Voice: When Compassion Becomes Louder Than Fear

    In this solo episode of Boldly Becoming with Angie, I am talking about something that has been part of my story for as long as I can remember: finding my voice and learning to speak up for what feels fair and just. You might be surprised to learn that I was once an incredibly shy little girl who rarely raised her hand in class because I was terrified of getting the answer wrong. But somewhere around Grade 7 or 8, something shifted. I discovered that while I might be afraid to speak for myself, I couldn't stay quiet when I saw someone else being treated unfairly. That little girl who found her voice through compassion eventually became a leader in education, and that same strong sense of justice continued to guide me throughout my career. We explore:How being a shy child shaped my relationship with confidence and finding my voiceWhy compassion, rather than confidence, became the catalyst for speaking upHow advocating for my brothers, classmates, students, and colleagues shaped my leadershipThe difference between following the rules and asking what is truly fair and justWhy you don't have to love conflict to be willing to challenge injusticeThe lessons motherhood taught me about advocating for my children while also teaching them to advocate for themselvesWhy your silence can sometimes be interpreted as agreementHow to advocate for yourself, particularly when it comes to your own health and well-beingWhy justice doesn't have to be loud, aggressive, or confrontationalSimple ways to advocate for others, including asking one more question, checking in privately, refusing to gossip, giving someone credit, and inviting quieter voices into the conversationWhy making space for quieter people is an important part of leadershipThe realization that finding your voice isn't necessarily about becoming more confident or louderHow courage can mean speaking because someone or something is worth speaking up for If you've ever stayed quiet because you were afraid of being wrong, misunderstood, judged, or labelled as difficult, this episode is for you. You don't have to dominate the room to make a difference. You don't have to become the loudest person in the room to find your voice. Connect with Angie: Website: Bloom Leadership Circle: 25-26 Series Instagram: Angie Mercier (@angiemercier_) • Instagram profile Facebook: Thrive with Angie; Professional & Personal Coach | Cambridge ON LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-mercier-m-ed-54753135 Mentioned in this episode: Book a discovery call https://angiemercier.com

About

Why wait for a transition to start owning your truth? True leadership isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about the courage to evolve while you’re still in the arena. I’m Angie Mercier, an Executive Leadership Coach and former Superintendent of Education who has led at the highest levels. I’ve moved beyond being the "expert", with all the answers, to become the coach who helps you unlock the profound wisdom already sitting within you. Boldly Becoming is a podcast for leaders who are done hiding in plain sight. It is for those ready to trade the comfort of the status quo and the exhaustion of "performing" for unfiltered impact. This is about the courage to be bold and intentional, the forward-focused process of becoming. In each episode, I’ll bring you into the raw, exciting reality of leadership in 2026. Through my own reflections and unfiltered conversations with trailblazing guests, we’ll explore: • Identity Transformation: Moving from being a human, “doing”, defined by your output, to a human, "being and becoming", defined by your truth. • The Coaching Shift: Moving from the weight of constant problem-solving to a space of curiosity and internal empowerment. • Strategic Pivots: Navigating career evolutions and life transitions with power. • Unfiltered Leadership: Real conversations about what it actually takes to lead in 2026. If you’re feeling the pull to go bigger, speak louder, and lead with more truth, you’ve found your space. No more shrinking. No more waiting for a "someday" that never comes. Join me on Boldly Becoming—and let’s get started.