The Honest Talk

On this episode, we sit down with Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada’s Federal Minister of Indigenous Services – and a leader whose approach to politics is deeply rooted in community, tradition, and opening doors for the next generation.

We get into the realities of being a woman in politics, and how those challenges can be even more intense for Indigenous and diverse women. It’s an honest conversation about scrutiny, resilience, and what it really takes to lead when you’re not just representing a riding, but entire communities who see themselves in you.

But we also go beyon...

From championing women’s voices to shaping strategic growth at one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, RBC senior executive Sue Noble joins The Honest Talk for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose.

Sue shares how she built her career in finance by trusting her voice, advocating for women in business, and staying grounded in vision – offering real insight for anyone navigating their own path to leadership.

Feeling intimidated by money? You’re not alone. Today, we’re talking with Melissa Leong, a financial expert, author, and media personality who’s on a mission to help people talk about money without fear, judgment, or shame. Melissa breaks down complex financial conversations, challenges outdated ideas, and shows us that financial confidence isn’t about perfection – it’s about understanding your choices and owning them.

It’s a new year check-in with Jen and Catherine! They look back on a big year for The Honest Talk, talk honestly about what’s ahead, and share what they’re choosing to bring – and leave behind – in 2026.

Today we’re joined by Emma May, a founder who didn’t set out to build a company – but ended up creating one out of necessity. As CEO of SophieGrace, she’s grown a brand born from a deeply personal experience into a trusted name for women who want workwear that’s both stylish and incredibly comfortable.

Her journey shows what entrepreneurship really looks like: uncertainty, conviction, and the courage to build something before you feel fully ready. But the story goes far beyond products and profits. Emma shares the realities of scaling a business, raising capital, and steppi...

We’re thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse in leadership and community impact to the podcast – Devinder Gill. As RBC’s Regional President for Ontario North and East, Devinder brings both heart and strategy to everything she does. She’s a passionate advocate for diversity, empowerment, and breaking down the barriers that keep voices out of the room.

We’ve had the chance to experience her leadership firsthand here in Ottawa, and today we’re diving into her story – exploring the professional and personal insights that have shaped how she leads and how she makes space at the table for

In this episode, we sit down with someone who redefines what it means to be bold, brilliant, and unapologetically driven. You may know Manjit Minhas as the powerhouse investor on Dragons’ Den, but long before the cameras, she was disrupting an entire industry at just 19 years old – co-founding Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries and growing it into one of North America’s largest independent producers.

But Manjit isn’t just a business titan. She’s a champion for women in leadership, a devoted mom, and a fierce advocate for building a life on your own terms. She’s navigated...

Today we’re talking to Jill Heinerth – a world-renowned underwater explorer, filmmaker, author, and an accomplished cave diver. As an Explorer-in-Residence with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Jill has ventured into places no human has ever seen: iceberg caves in Antarctica, volcanic lava tubes beneath the ocean, and some of the planet’s deepest, most dangerous underwater caverns.

She’s not only an explorer, but also a storyteller, a scientist, and a passionate environmental advocate. She’s a trailblazer for women in extreme, traditionally male-dominated fields.

In this episode, we dive into Jill’s courage, what it takes to...

What does survival really mean – in the wilderness, in motherhood, and in life? In this episode, Claire Cameron, author of books like How to Survive a Bear Attack and The Last Neanderthal, shares the experiences that shaped her: from a bear attack in Algonquin Park to a cancer diagnosis and the life-changing intensity of childbirth. She talks about facing fear, finding strength in unexpected places, and learning the power of resilience, letting go, and community.

We’re thrilled to welcome Sinead King, president of Vancouver Rise FC, to the show! From leading one of the first clubs in the Northern Super League to advocating for inclusive spaces in sports, Sinead is driving real change in women’s soccer. Tune in as she shares her journey, what excites her about the future of the game, and how she’s helping shape a lasting legacy for women in sports.

Today on The Honest Talk, we’re joined by a woman who’s shaping the future of business in Canada: Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

From her roots on the Prairies to the boardrooms of some of Canada’s most influential organizations, Candace has built her career on a thoughtful, people-first approach to leadership. She’s a big-picture thinker with a deep understanding of what businesses need to not just survive – but thrive – in a rapidly changing world.

We talk with Candace about leading through turbulent times, bringing more women into decisio...

Today, we’re joined by Erin Elofson, President of Mastercard in Canada, and a powerhouse leader whose career spans major global companies like Pinterest, Meta, and Microsoft. She has built a remarkable path in industries where women are still underrepresented and has become a fierce advocate for women leading on their own terms.

We’ll dive into her passion for purpose-driven work, the mindsets that have helped her succeed, and her candid reflections on resilience, failure, and self-compassion. She also shares how embracing imperfection and making intentional trade-offs has shaped her career – and why those lessons can empower anyone...

Today’s guest is no stranger to making waves – both inside and outside the House of Commons. Melissa Lantsman, Member of Parliament for Thornhill and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, is known for her straight talk, quick wit, and unflagging energy.

Before stepping into the political spotlight, Melissa was a powerhouse behind the scenes, shaping national conversations as a top political strategist and noted communications expert.

In this episode, we dive into her journey in politics and leadership – but also explore the Melissa beyond the politics.

Today's guest is the kind of woman who doesn’t just break glass ceilings – she crushes them under her combat boots. Lieutenant-General Lise Bourgon is a trailblazer in uniform, and was one of the highest-ranking women in the Canadian Armed Forces.

She is a true pioneer, and her career is a testament to discipline, resilience, and the power of purposeful leadership. She has spent her life breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation of women in service – and beyond, and we are so excited she was able to join us on this episode of The Honest Talk p...

In this episode of The Honest Talk, we’re switching things up – no personality profile, no spotlight interview. Instead, we’re having a conversation about conversations.

It’s a delicate time in history. Tension, volatility, and change seem to surround us – at home, at work, and in our social circles. How do we stay connected when we disagree? And how do we bridge divides in ways that are respectful, thoughtful, and real? How can we have productive conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion?

To help us explore these questions, we’re joined by Mante Molepo – a leader, writer...

Today on the show, we’re joined by a trailblazer in Canadian politics – Christy Clark. Christy made history as the 35th premier of British Columbia and became the first woman in the province to be elected premier by the people.

Though she’s stepped away from active politics, she hasn’t stepped out of public life. In this episode, we dive into her journey through political leadership, what it was like raising her son in the public eye, the tough lessons she’s learned along the way – and yes, her secret to mixing a mean cocktail.

We're stepping into the sultry, smoky world of jazz in this episode — and who better to guide us than the incomparable Holly Cole? Known for her distinctive voice and unforgettable style, Holly has been captivating audiences in Canada and around the world for decades. Join us as we sit down with this iconic artist to talk music, creativity, and the magic of making a song your own.

Canada's Nicole Havrda is burning up the race track for F1 Academy here at home, but also right around the world. She is a rising force in motor sport, she's a young driver, she's very fast, and she is breaking expectations for women in racing. At just 19, she's already making headlines, and we're so excited to have Nicole joining us on The Honest Talk podcast!

From starting out at RBC to becoming Executive VP and Head of Private Banking, Kim Mason has climbed the corporate ladder with purpose – and more than a few reinventions along the way.

She’s been named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, a Top 50 CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine, and one of Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence.

In this episode, Kim joins us to talk about career growth, what reinvention really looks like – and the values that keep her grounded at the top.

Meghan Roach may just have one of the coolest jobs in Canada. She's the president and CEO of Roots, the iconic Canadian brand, which is known for its leather, its cabin vibes and the timeless sweats we all grew up loving.

But she is more than just a fashion CEO. She's actually a small town girl from Pembroke, Ontario who became one of the youngest female CEOs of a publicly traded company in Canada, and she's done it with purpose and with grit, and also a lot of heart.

Today, we talk to Megan about leading...

Today on the podcast, we're joined by a truly fascinating guest — Marcy Grossman, Canada’s first female Jewish ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Marcy’s career in diplomacy is impressive on its own, but what makes her story even more compelling is where it began — in a jail. And no, not in the way you might think.

We first met Marcy in Montreal and were immediately struck by her honesty, humour, and the bold way she’s carved out her own path. In this episode, she opens up about her unconventional journey, from working in corrections to navigating...

Jen and Catherine are back for another catch-up episode! In today’s chat, they reflect on a busy week in Toronto, from election night insights to attending a cut-throat Sens vs. Leafs hockey game. They also dive into the growing momentum behind women’s professional sports in Canada, shifting perceptions of women’s bodies in sport, and how cultural expectations are evolving for the next generation. You don’t want to miss it!

Women’s sports are having a moment – and in Canada, that momentum is only growing. From the rise of women’s hockey to the launch of a brand-new professional soccer league, the game is changing fast.

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Litz, president of the Northern Super League, who’s leading the charge to bring pro women’s soccer to cities across Canada.

Jen and Catherine are back — and it’s officially Women’s Summit season! In this episode, they chat about the thrill of launch day, big-name speakers, and why they’re so excited about this year’s event.

They also get candid about the upcoming Canadian election, what the polling says about the gender divide, and how they’re each navigating the emotional rollercoaster of today’s world (spoiler: quirky murder mysteries and rom-coms may be involved).

Today, we're having a conversation with a woman who had a trailblazing career in politics: Kathleen Wynne! She served as a school trustee and a Provincial Parliament and cabinet member before she was elected Ontario's first and only female Premier.

In her conversation with Jen and Catherine, she gets candid about setbacks, progress, and why she still believes in public service despite rising misogyny and political polarization. Tune in for a real, honest talk on resilience, leadership, and never giving up.

Our special guest for this episode is Demetra Streda, who has had a long career with RBC. In her discussion with Jen and Catherine, she opens up about the power of finding your passion, igniting your curiosity, and taking risks in your career.

She also talks about how she found herself working in finance, the importance of self-trust, and how she learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

The world feels especially unpredictable right now – wars, political shifts, financial instability. But even in this uncertainty, more women than ever are stepping up and launching businesses. So, what does it take to succeed as a woman founder today? How do you navigate challenges like being the only woman in the room during a pitch or securing funding in a male-dominated space?

To help answer these questions, we're joined by Sandi Gilbert – fintech CEO, founder, and former Board Chair of the National Angel Capital Organization. She's spent years helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow, and toda...

For so many of us, Jeanne Beker was our window into the world of high fashion. She took us behind the scenes at major runway shows, inside designer showrooms, and into conversations with the biggest names in the industry—both on the catwalk and in the front row.

Now, Jeanne is sharing her own personal stories in her new book, Heart on My Sleeve, a memoir told through the clothes and accessories in her closet. In this episode, we sit down with the legendary fashion journalist to talk about her extraordinary career, her deep connection to fashion, and th...

Jenna Sudds’ career has spanned public service, municipal leadership, and now federal politics. She’s been a dedicated advocate for families, economic growth, and building strong, inclusive communities. But as a woman in politics, she also faces the harsh realities of online hostility, intense scrutiny, and the disproportionate aggression directed at women in leadership.

In this conversation, we’ll explore what it really means to be a woman in politics in 2025 — how Jenna navigates the challenges of her role, the support systems that help her thrive, and what needs to change to ensure more women not only enter politics...

Arielle Meloul is Canada’s largest airline’s Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs. She’s been recognized as one of Canada’s 100 most powerful women in business and is responsible for over 35,000 employees at Air Canada, where she’s also helping to bolster the future of Women in Aviation. We are thrilled to have Arielle with us on The Honest Talk today!

How would you feel about living on Mars? For some, the idea of 300 days in isolation might sound daunting. For others, like today’s guest, it’s a challenge worth embracing.

Dr. Kelly Haston is no stranger to adventure. As the commander of NASA’s first Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog, or CHAPEA, she spent 378 days inside a 3D-printed habitat that mimicked life on Mars. Today, she’s sharing what it was like to step inside that simulated environment, close the door behind her, and leave Earth — mentally, if not physically — for over a year.

Today is going to be different here on The Honest Talk. Usually, you’re accustomed to hearing a guest on the podcast, but today, Jen and Catherine decided that they would end 2024 with a little conversation about the year that was – because it has been quite a year.

They also wanted to make sure that you – our audience and our listeners – know just how grateful we are that you are a part of this journey with us every step of the way as we’ve continued to build and evolve The Honest Talk.

As we wind down for t...

Kris Depencier has been immersed in the financial world for almost her entire career, working her way through the ranks at RBC to become Executive Vice President, Regional Banking, Personal. But Kris’ dedication to helping clients achieve financial stability and success is matched by her deep investment in making positive change for all.

She has consistently worked to create safe, inclusive workplaces within RBC and initiated tough internal conversations about women’s health that help generate progressive change.

Jenn has had quite a journey from starting the company as a side hustle in her basement to seeing her products sold in Sephora stores across Canada and JCPenney stores in the United States. She’s been on Dragon’s Den and has big plans for the future. She joined us for this exciting episode of The Honest Talk to tell us all about it.

It may come as a surprise that, in 2024, we are still having conversations about gender equality. But, the truth is that equality remains an illusion for many women.

In this latest episode of The Honest Talk podcast, best-selling author and award-winning journalist Elizabeth Renzetti joins Jen and Catherine to better understand why. For years, Liz worked for the Globe and Mail, where she was a reporter, an editor, and a columnist. Her latest book, What She Said: Conversations About Equality, has just been released, and we are really thrilled to have her on the podcast to tell us...

On this episode of The Honest Talk podcast, Jennifer and Catherine sit down with Chinyere Eni. Not only is she Head of RBC Origins, but she’s also had a really interesting career path, which has seen her embrace her own heritage while creating an inclusive professional space for others along the way.

She also has an incredible personal story. She’s overcome cancer and an amputation, and we all have a lot to learn from her courage and leadership.

Since she was a little girl, Mitzie Hunter has used her voice to make a big difference. Whether around the kitchen table with her three brothers, working with community organizations, or later at Ontario’s provincial cabinet table, Mitzie has always focused on solutions.

Recently, Mitzie was appointed president and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality, an organization we’re proud to call a partner here at The Honest Talk.

Mitzie spoke with Jen and Catherine about her new professional mission and how she’s helping other wome...

In this episode, Jen and Catherine chat with Vinita Savani, who has moved her way up the ranks at RBC since starting with Canada’s largest bank in 1997.

Not only has Vinita stayed with RBC ever since, but she’s now their Senior Vice President of Personal Lending and Auto Finance. Along the way, she’s learned how to use her voice, mentor others, and be mentored. She’s established boundaries that have allowed her to become a truly successful professional and a dedicated mom and spouse.

Penny Wise has had a truly distinguished career. From taking on the role of President of 3M Canada to returning to the U.S. to lead the organization’s global public policy and communications effort—and tirelessly advocating for women every step of the way—she is a force in the business community.

She joined us at The Honest Talk to discuss women in leadership, how empathy can create a better workforce and the importance of inspiring more women and girls to join STEM.

Our special guest for this episode is Natasha Holiday, Co-Head & Managing Director of Infrastructure (East) at RBC Capital Markets. Throughout our conversation, she offers invaluable insights on everything from navigating male-dominated industries to becoming a mom while maintaining a fast-paced, demanding career. 

Tune in to this latest episode of The Honest Talk to hear Natasha’s candid reflections on her near-win in a fiercely contested political race in New York State and the pivotal moment that led her to choose a career in finance.