1d ago · Video

Powered by AWE, Episode 4: You Don't Have to Look Like a CEO With Guest Adriana Lopez Forero

Powered by AWE is a podcast where women building businesses in Alberta talk honestly about the decisions, trade-offs, and consequences that actually shape growth. What does it actually cost to lead when the room wasn't built for you? Adriana Lopez Forero — AI pioneer, EdTech founder, and CEO of Onlea — joins host Michelle Toner for an honest conversation about leadership identity, imposter syndrome, and why you don't have to fit a mold to lead well. Adriana studied artificial intelligence in the early 2000s before it was mainstream, spent over a decade at one of the world's top game studios, and now leads an Edmonton-based EdTech company changing how people learn. In this episode, she gets candid about teaching yourself confidence, letting go of the leadership styles that don't fit, and why real power comes from your mission. In this episode: - Why confidence before competence is a skill you can teach yourself - The moment someone believed in her before she believed in herself - What she had to let go of to become a better leader (her answer will surprise you) - Why your emotions are a signal system, not a liability - How AI is reshaping education and what it means for the future of human learning - Her experience with the AWE Strategic Leadership program Follow us on Instagram: @awebusiness Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-women-entrepreneurs/ Check out our website for more information: www.awebusiness.com #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #AlbertaEntrepreneurs #WomenInLeadership #EntrepreneurshipAlberta #WomenLedBusiness #AWEAlberta #PoweredByAWE #ImposterSyndrome #LeadershipDevelopment #EdTech #AILeadership #WomenInTech #BusinessGrowth #WomenMeanBusiness #ConfidenceCapitalCommunity #AlbertaWomenEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessAlberta #WomenFounders #BusinessMentorship

Aug 11 · Video

Powered by AWE, Episode 3: Money Changes Everything With Guest Alicia Fowler

Money is the conversation most women entrepreneurs are still having in private, in shame, or not at all. Alicia Fowler, feminist CPA and founder of MOD Accounting, is done with that. In this episode, she gets radically honest about underpricing, paying yourself first, and what it actually means to be in a relationship with your money. Check out our website for more information: www.awebusiness.com

Jul 7 · Video

Powered by AWE, Episode 2: The Messy Middle No One Talks About with Guest Kendall Barber

There's a version of building a business that nobody puts on the highlight reel. The part after the early wins, when momentum dips, decisions pile up, and you're not sure if what you built is going to hold. Kendall Barber co-founded Poppy Barley from Edmonton, scaled one of Canada's most beloved ethical fashion brands coast to coast, navigated a global pandemic mid-growth with a six-week-old baby, and has never once pretended it was easy. In this episode, she and Michelle Toner go deep on the stretch that doesn't make the Instagram feed and what it really takes to push through it. Check out our website for more information: www.awebusiness.com

Jun 9 · Video

Powered by AWE, Episode 1: Powered by Community with Guest Johanna Pagonis

You can have the best idea in the room, but without the right people around you, it stays an idea. Dr. Johanna Pagonis, founder of Sinogap Solutions, joins host Michelle Toner, CEO of AWE to talk about the role community plays at every stage of building a business, from the early days when everything feels uncertain, to the long haul when staying motivated gets hard. This is an honest conversation about what it actually takes to start and sustain something that lasts.

05/30/2025

Digital Transformation Success Stories: Entrepreneurs Who Have Paved the Way

In this episode of Digital Success Stories, host Marcela Mandeville, CEO of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, sits down with Tara Proskiw, president of Towne and Countree Kitchens, to discuss the transformative power of digital strategy for women-owned businesses. Tara shares her journey of embracing digital tools and resources, starting with the Bold Leadership program and continuing through Growth Catalyst and WPO. She candidly discusses the challenges of navigating the complex world of software, highlighting the importance of understanding your business goals and blind spots before investing in new technologies. Tara reveals how resources like AWE were instrumental in her success, and which specific platforms, like Monday.com, have had the most significant impact on Towne and Countree Kitchens. She offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of digital options available, emphasizing the necessity of digital transformation for long-term viability. Join Marcela and Tara for an insightful conversation packed with practical tips and real-world experiences to help you achieve digital success.

02/18/2025

Navigating Growth & the Digital World: Insights from Melanie Harris of Functional Therapy

Join us for an insightful conversation with Melanie Harris from Functional Therapy as she shares her unique entrepreneurial journey, particularly through periods of significant growth. Discover what motivated her to join the Bold Leadership program and the specific challenges she aimed to overcome. Melanie offers valuable perspectives on the power of community and networking for women entrepreneurs in the digital space and provides practical strategies for building meaningful online connections. She also openly discusses the hurdles faced when integrating digital tools, offering advice on how to push through moments of frustration and avoid common mistakes. Melanie highlights a crucial digital skill for women entrepreneurs today and reflects on the digital achievements she's most proud of at Functional Therapy, sharing how these strategies have shaped her business's success. Finally, she offers a powerful piece of advice to her pre-digital transformation self.

11/07/2024

Building Digital Equity with Cassandra Dorrington

In this episode of the AWE Podcast, we explore the critical issue of digital equity and its impact on Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada. Host Marcela Mandeville sits down with Cassandra Dorrington, President of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities in the digital age. Cassandra sheds light on CAMS's vital role in connecting Indigenous businesses with larger buyers and fostering economic growth. We delve into the meaning of digital equity, its impact on underrepresented communities, and the unique barriers faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs in accessing technology and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is dedicated to supporting women in business, and their Bold Leadership program is making strides in addressing these digital divides. Through mentorship, skills development, and networking opportunities, Bold Leadership gives entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge to overcome challenges and thrive in the digital era. The program's asynchronous learning model further enhances accessibility, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and on their own schedules, a crucial factor for women balancing business, family, and community commitments. Tune in for an insightful conversation that highlights the importance of digital equity in supporting all entrepreneurs to thrive in the modern economy.

10/24/2024

The Efficiency Revolution with Danielle Cherewyk

Join us for an insightful discussion with Danielle Cherewyk, CEO of The Headroom and a past participant in AWE's Bold Leadership and Strategic Edge programs. Danielle shares her valuable experiences and expertise on leveraging automation to drive business growth and efficiency. In this episode, we explore: The power of automation: Discover how automation can transform your business operations, freeing up time and resources to focus on strategic initiatives. Practical applications: Learn about real-world examples of how businesses are using automation to streamline processes, improve productivity, and enhance customer experiences. Danielle's journey: Hear firsthand how Danielle successfully implemented automation within her own business, The Headroom, and the positive impact it has had on her growth. AWE's role: Learn how AWE's programs, like Bold Leadership and Strategic Edge, can support entrepreneurs in their automation journey and provide the tools and resources needed for success. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Danielle Cherewyk and discover how automation can help you accelerate your business growth.

10/10/2024

Diversity in the Digital Arena with Erin Davis

In this episode of the AWE Podcast, we dive deep into the world of digital equity and its impact on women entrepreneurs. Join host Marcela Mandeville as she talks with Erin Davis, an expert in inclusive digital literacy, past Strategic Edge and Bold Leadership participant in addition to owning her company, Erin Davis Co., about the evolving digital landscape and the challenges women face in tech. They explore the systemic biases hindering women in business, the importance of digital literacy for entrepreneurial success, and the technology-fueled initiatives combating these inequalities. Erin shares her personal journey navigating the digital world, offering insights on how women can support themselves and their teams in overcoming bias. Finally, they discuss the crucial policy changes needed to create a truly inclusive digital economy and how partnerships are driving progress. Tune in to discover how we can collectively support entrepreneurs to thrive as leaders in the digital age. Is your business ready to take on digital leadership? Are you wondering what tools are available to save time and increase your revenue? Learn more about our programs at https://www.awebusiness.com/bold-leadership Follow us on Instagram: @awebusiness Find us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our YouTube Check out our website for more information: www.awebusiness.com

09/12/2024

Financial Frontiers: Expanding your Business Beyond Borders

Dive into the latest episode of the AWE Podcast with CEO of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, Marcela Mandeville, as she discusses how Bold Leadership helped international entrepreneur, Melissa Hozack, Founder and Owner of TruMe Whole Health. Melissa's international business was growing rapidly, but implementing a CRM and developing a digital strategist with her AWE advisor, Tina Kingstree, owner of Torch 7, has helped Melissa work on her business rather than in it. From streamlining her processes to developing an e-commerce storefront, Bold Leadership has helped Melissa increase her capacity and grow her business. All while gaining a valuable network of likeminded peers along the way. Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/B6MKRho7PMb Learn more about Bold Leadership here: www.awebusiness.com/bold-leadership

08/20/2024

Inside Digital Minds: Strategies for Entrepreneurs

Join AWE CEO Marcela Mandeville as she delves into the mind of a digital strategist. In this episode, she sits down with Lori Schmidt to uncover the secrets behind successful entrepreneurship. Discover actionable strategies and invaluable insights as these two industry leaders share their experiences and expertise. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and motivation to thrive in the digital age. Visit us at www.awebusiness.com to learn more! Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on all the latest episodes!

08/06/2024

The Supply Chain Evolution

In the very first episode of the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Podcast, CEO Marcela Mandeville discusses the evolution of supply chain as it relates to the digital landscape with special guest Melissa Martin, CEO of Wean Greene. Since 1995, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) has provided tools and resources to women across the province to help them achieve their entrepreneurial goals and to grow their businesses. For 29 years, AWE has built a network of successful educational and mentorship programs built around our core values: Capital, Connection, and Capacity. We have connected women with access to capital, training and workshops, business advising, and our loans programs. As the business landscape evolves, we have also added support to women looking to grow their businesses and how to expand into new markets through our progressive growth programs: BOLD Leadership, and Strategic Edge - Leadership For Growth we provide established entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to adapt to the digital landscape, grow their businesses and expand to new markets. We are also proud to provide specialized services and resources for local Indigenous entrepreneurs through our advising team as well as hosting training programs throughout the year. As a non-profit organization, we are proud to be recognized throughout the province as a reliable resource for both up-and-coming and established women entrepreneurs in the community. Our annual awards ceremony is one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies for women entrepreneurs with over 200 attendees annually. In 2022, we completed more than 1500 workshops and training sessions to date, in addition to over 120 advising sessions. As a team of diverse women with a wealth of unique experiences that we are passionate about sharing with the community, AWE is here to support and guide women entrepreneurs every step of the way.

Powered by AWE

Episodes

Powered by AWE, Episode 4: You Don't Have to Look Like a CEO With Guest Adriana Lopez Forero

Powered by AWE, Episode 3: Money Changes Everything With Guest Alicia Fowler

Powered by AWE, Episode 2: The Messy Middle No One Talks About with Guest Kendall Barber

Powered by AWE, Episode 1: Powered by Community with Guest Johanna Pagonis

Digital Transformation Success Stories: Entrepreneurs Who Have Paved the Way

Navigating Growth & the Digital World: Insights from Melanie Harris of Functional Therapy

Building Digital Equity with Cassandra Dorrington

The Efficiency Revolution with Danielle Cherewyk

Diversity in the Digital Arena with Erin Davis

Financial Frontiers: Expanding your Business Beyond Borders

Inside Digital Minds: Strategies for Entrepreneurs

The Supply Chain Evolution

About

Information