105 episodes

The Power of Why is a weekly show where Naomi Haile takes listeners into the lives of creatives and founders about their purpose. Naomi and her guests dive into the topics of personal awareness, intentional living and how they are exploring their creativity. Are we lost if we don’t have ONE ultimate why or can we be fulfilled following our curiosities … let’s find out.

Power of Why with Naomi Haile Naomi Haile

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 7 Ratings

The Power of Why is a weekly show where Naomi Haile takes listeners into the lives of creatives and founders about their purpose. Naomi and her guests dive into the topics of personal awareness, intentional living and how they are exploring their creativity. Are we lost if we don’t have ONE ultimate why or can we be fulfilled following our curiosities … let’s find out.

    How to Transform the World Into Your Classroom

    How to Transform the World Into Your Classroom

    When you plant a seed, you wait to reap the benefits.
    In some cases, you don't see it for years. But does that mean you shouldn't plant that seed? ⁠Jennifer⁠ disagrees.
    From her teenage years juggling multiple part-time jobs to studying accounting— though not her passion—it provided the exposure and access to creativity she lived for. At 18, she worked at the Biological Sciences Institute, immersing herself in labs with passionate scientists and researchers. Her curiosity drove her to continue learning despite understanding only a tiny fraction of their work.
    Today, Jennifer, CEO, and Co-founder Geoff MacKay are building ⁠The Aggressive Good⁠, a technology solution that revolutionizes how people stock their pantries. Their goal? Eliminate single-use plastic packaging.
    Jennifer is ideating and building for the long term, focused on advancing humanity and caring for our planet. 
    Here's how she keeps her 'why' at the center.
    This episode is for you if:

    You want to leverage your diverse portfolio of experiences to drive personal and professional growth.
    You love the intersection of technology, business and environmental conservation.
    You want to build meaningful partnerships and ventures with like-minded individuals.

    Connect with Jennifer
    LinkedIn – ⁠Jennifer Look-Hong⁠
    Website – ⁠The Aggressive Good (TAG)⁠
    Connect with BDC
    LinkedIn –⁠ BDC Capital⁠ (Canada)
    Twitter –⁠ @bdc_capital⁠
    This episode is brought to you in collaboration with⁠ Invest Ottawa⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries, and with the critical support of BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, the title sponsor of International Women’s Month. We teamed up to produce this special series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa for⁠ International Women’s Month⁠.
    In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit⁠ www.investottawa.ca/women⁠ to learn more!

    • 39 min
    Trauma Recovery is Possible with Angela Ashawasegai

    Trauma Recovery is Possible with Angela Ashawasegai

    “Never give up on yourself” – 
    These were the words Angela Ashawasegai repeated to herself for years. They became her mantra, helping her find and build her inner strength.
    Angela was removed from her mother at birth and was placed into the child welfare system. Throughout her tumultuous childhood, she had no safe place to call home. From surviving abuse and homelessness, Angela emerged as her hero, crediting her survival to education, spirituality, and art.
    Today, Angela leverages her decades of training and expertise to help others empower themselves. She consults with organizations on workplace wellness, puts pen to paper on her forthcoming book, and coaches individuals on overcoming their trauma. 
    Here is how she identified her inner strength and resilience in adversity.
    This episode is for you if:

    You want to reclaim your identity in the face of adversity.

    You’re looking for practical insights to navigate your own healing journey and empower others in their journey.

    You want to explore how creativity can be a tool for resilience.


    Connect with Angela

    LinkedIn – Angela Ashawasegai
    Website – coming soon.

    Connect with BDC

    LinkedIn –⁠⁠⁠⁠ BDC Capital⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Canada)
    Twitter –⁠⁠⁠⁠ @bdc_capital⁠⁠⁠⁠

     Connect with Naomi

    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠naomihaile.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@naomiahaile⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@naomiathaile⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Naomi Haile⁠⁠⁠⁠

    This episode is brought to you in collaboration with⁠⁠⁠⁠ Invest Ottawa⁠⁠⁠⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries, and with the critical support of BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, the title sponsor of International Women’s Month. We teamed up to produce this special series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa for⁠⁠⁠⁠ International Women’s Month⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.investottawa.ca/women⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

    • 50 min
    Chief of Getting It Done Through Service: Career Strategies for Building in a New Country

    Chief of Getting It Done Through Service: Career Strategies for Building in a New Country

    In a landscape where barriers often overshadow opportunities…

    Mary Yazdani is curious about impactful results.

    Drawing insights from those who have successfully carved paths before her, she studied their strategies and implemented the advice that worked. At the age of 32, she started a new life in Canada with her family.

    Leveraging her expertise and resourcefulness in navigating unfamiliar terrain, she established a business aimed at propelling others.

    Leading two innovative ventures – as the Founder and CEO of GenesisLink and Co-founder and CEO of RoboSafety –  Mary is committed to empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of transitioning to a new country, securing employment, and launching businesses.

    This episode is for you if:


    You want to apply results-driven strategies for job search as an immigrant in Canada.


    You want to formalise your business by leveraging what you already assist people with.


    You are a leader aiming to invest in people, potential and purpose.



    Connect with Mary


    Website – GenesisLink
    LinkedIn – ​​Mary Yazdani

    Connect with BDC


    LinkedIn –⁠⁠⁠ BDC Capital⁠⁠⁠ (Canada)
    Twitter –⁠⁠⁠ @bdc_capital⁠⁠⁠

     Connect with Naomi


    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠naomihaile.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@naomiahaile⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@naomiathaile⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Naomi Haile⁠⁠⁠

    This episode is brought to you in collaboration with⁠⁠⁠ Invest Ottawa⁠⁠⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries, and with the critical support of BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, the title sponsor of International Women’s Month. We teamed up to produce this special series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa for⁠⁠⁠ International Women’s Month⁠⁠⁠.

    In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit⁠⁠⁠ www.investottawa.ca/women⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

    • 41 min
    Keira Torkko on 'The Other Door': How Relationships Influence Your Non-Traditional Career

    Keira Torkko on 'The Other Door': How Relationships Influence Your Non-Traditional Career

    Relationships are key. Through experience, you've sharpened your problem-solving skills, infused love into your creative self, and deepened your leadership acumen. Yet, these strengths may not always be apparent on paper…

    It's about transforming your most vital skills to your next opportunity.

    Keira Torkko⁠ has consistently demonstrated this throughout her 25-year career across various sectors. When Keira least expected it, her relationships enabled her to navigate unconventional career paths and build a compelling narrative. How can you create your own non-traditional and extraordinary opportunities? Keira shares insights on where to begin.

    This episode is for you if:


    You want to improve how you give and receive feedback for maximum growth.
    You’re a leader looking to embed your values in everything you do.
    You want to position yourself as a problem-solver where you are today.

    People and Resources Mentioned in This Episode


    Breaking Career Growth Stereotypes
    Bonusly.com – Peer Recognition Tool
    Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA) Program

    Connect with Keira


    LinkedIn –⁠⁠ Keira Torkko

    Connect with BDC


    LinkedIn –⁠⁠ BDC Capital⁠⁠ (Canada)
    Twitter –⁠⁠ @bdc_capital⁠⁠

     Connect with Naomi


    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠naomihaile.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@naomiahaile⁠⁠⁠⁠
    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@naomiathaile⁠⁠⁠⁠
    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Naomi Haile⁠⁠

    This episode is brought to you in collaboration with⁠⁠ Invest Ottawa⁠⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries, and with the critical support of BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, the title sponsor of International Women’s Month. We teamed up to produce this special series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa for⁠⁠ International Women’s Month⁠⁠.

    In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit⁠⁠ www.investottawa.ca/women⁠⁠ to learn more!

    • 46 min
    Susan Odle on Being a 'Fixer' in Business and Building Your Self-Belief

    Susan Odle on Being a 'Fixer' in Business and Building Your Self-Belief

    Recognized as a “fixer” in the business world, ⁠Susan Odle⁠ has played a significant role in the lives of leaders grappling with complex problems through hands-on transformational change. How? By adopting the Successful Change Mindset. With a gift of discerning patterns in a business and amplifying what works, Susan’s latest entrepreneurial venture, ⁠8020CS⁠, and book, ⁠Successful Change⁠, are examples of her mission in action.



    Leading global channel teams, holding VP of Operations roles, working with PE teams in the U.S., navigating multiple M&A events, founding three advisory agencies, raising her daughter as a solo mom…



    Here’s how she earned the moniker of “fixer” and never lost her self-belief. 

    This episode is for you if:


    You’re an entrepreneur eager to learn the successful change mindset
    You’re seeking a robust framework for problem-solving
    You have personal or professional ambitions, but don’t know where to start
    You’re learning to build your self-belief even in times of adversity.

    People and Resources Mentioned in This Episode


    ⁠Order “Successful Change” by Susan Odle on Amazon.⁠
    ⁠Ottawa Music Industry Coalition⁠

    Connect with Susan


    Website –⁠ 8020CS⁠
    LinkedIn –⁠ Susan Odle⁠

    Connect with BDC


    LinkedIn –⁠ BDC Capital⁠ (Canada)
    Twitter –⁠ @bdc_capital⁠

     Connect with Naomi


    Website: ⁠⁠⁠naomihaile.com⁠⁠⁠
    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@naomiahaile⁠⁠⁠
    Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@naomiathaile⁠⁠⁠
    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Naomi Haile⁠

    This episode is brought to you in collaboration with⁠ Invest Ottawa⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries, and with the critical support of BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, the title sponsor of International Women’s Month. We teamed up to produce this special series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa for⁠ International Women’s Month⁠.

    In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit⁠ www.investottawa.ca/women⁠ to learn more!

    • 49 min
    Why You Need a Strategy, Not Just a Plan with Joanna Cooper

    Why You Need a Strategy, Not Just a Plan with Joanna Cooper

    Joanna Cooper began playing the cello in fourth grade, started reading at the age of two, perhaps her journey was destined to be great, as she curiously embraced intelligence of different forms.

    Today, Joanna is Daimler Truck North America's General Manager in Mount Holly. She leads an amazing team of over 1,700 staff to produce Freightliner M2 and SD Plus medium-duty trucks.

    As a transformative leader, Joanna serves a board member of the Women in Manufacturing Association, contributing to the evolution of executive leadership and business culture in her field and beyond. Her impact extends to being a featured speaker at Reuters Automotive Retail 2023 and a keynote and panel moderator at FABx at Fabtech 2023.

    Recognized by publications such as Forbes,  Chief, Authority Magazine, SHRM, Joanna shares her expertise on workforce development and digital transformation, offering valuable insights for leaders who are looking to move into more sustainable business solutions.

    Earning an MBA and bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy, Joanna is a leader to watch in the manufacturing industry and a possibility model for young people who are looking to make their mark.

    This episode is for you if:


    You’re exploring new industries to build a thriving career – why not manufacturing?


    You want to unlock the value of making your vision plain (clear)


    You want to go beyond just creating a plan, you want a clear strategy for your career.



    Connect with Joanna


    Joanna's LinkedIn



    Connect with Naomi


    Website: ⁠⁠naomihaile.com⁠⁠


    Instagram: ⁠⁠@naomiahaile⁠⁠


    Twitter: ⁠⁠@naomiathaile⁠⁠


    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Naomi Haile

    • 53 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

Zealous Advocate ,

Convo W/ Depth

Loved the fact that this was not just a convo to “inspire” but a convo that allowed folks to learn from inspirational people. I was able to take notes that I could apply to my life as a result of this episode!! Thank you for making an episode that was really worth listening to and reflecting upon; I’m going to reach out to Dhouha!! Great Job, Naomi!!

Top Podcasts In Business

The Ramsey Show
Ramsey Network
Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin
Money News Network
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
NerdWallet Personal Finance
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
DOAC
Planet Money
NPR
The Money Mondays
Dan Fleyshman