Meet Kelsey Irvine - passionate leader and CEO of two Canadian all-natural skincare companies, Birch Babe and Birch Baby.

Her passion for health, sustainability, and ethical values inspired her and her sister to rebrand her mom's company, Birch Babe, during the pandemic, organically growing it from 30 stores to over 300 across North America.

Together with her sister Lindsay and mother/original founder Debbie, Kelsey has bootstrapped Birch Babe to become a key player in the sustainable skincare and clean beauty space, winning awards and being featured in major publications. The company is also set to launch in major retailers across Canada.

Join us for a conversation with Kelsey as she shares insights on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the power of family in building a thriving business.

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Meet Pete Estabrooks - one of Canada’s foremost experts in personal training and fitness. With over 45 years in the fitness industry, Pete’s journey is filled with passion, dedication, and an undeniable love for helping others achieve their fitness goals.

Pete’s journey began in 1979, running conditioning classes for boxers in exchange for a National Fitness Centre boxing membership. From amateur to professional boxing, Pete eventually earned a degree in Physical Education, transitioning from the ring to become a beloved aerobics instructor during the golden age of fitness.

Pete’s passion for fitness led him to create the TKO Sports Conditioning Program, a revolutionary training system inspired by his boxing career. His experience spans roles as a personal trainer, fitness center owner, and fitness writer. For over 30 years, Pete has contributed to publications like The Calgary Herald and Impact Magazine, where he serves as Fitness Editor.

Join us for a conversation with Pete as we dive into his incredible career, the creation of the TKO Sports Conditioning Program, and his unique approach to fitness that has inspired countless individuals to live healthier, more active lives.

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Meet Samantha Stilwell - a cultural anthropologist and HR professional with a passion for fostering strong company cultures and communities.

Samantha's journey into anthropology began with a childhood fascination in global cultures, flipping through the pages of her parents' old National Geographic magazines. This early passion led her to a career that blends her love for understanding people with the practicalities of business.

Samantha has worked across various industries, with teams spanning North America, South America, Asia, and Europe, making her a true global citizen in the world of People Operations. For Samantha, "workplace culture" isn't just a buzzword; it's a dynamic, ever-evolving force that, when understood and nurtured, can transform organizations.

Join us for a deep dive into Samantha's journey, her thoughts on culture in the workplace, and how she helps businesses foster environments where diversity and innovation thrive.

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Meet Jessica Culo - Entrepreneur, Owner, and President of Express Employment Professionals and Specialized Recruiting Group.

After graduating from the University of Alberta, Jessica launched Express Employment Professionals, a recruitment firm specializing in temporary and permanent placement of administrative, commercial, and skilled trades candidates. In 2011, she founded Specialized Recruiting Group, focusing on the recruitment and placement of senior-level professionals throughout Canada. She is currently the President and Owner of both companies.

In addition to her recruitment firms, Jessica operates a real estate investment company and sits on several boards, currently acting as Vice Chair with Junior Achievement Northern Alberta. Based in Edmonton, Jessica and her husband Branko are raising two busy teenagers.

Join us for a conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and balancing a multifaceted career with family life.

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Meet Matt Christopherson - lifelong athlete and Co-Founder of Opscotch, a modern health company.

Opscotch is redefining the health industry by providing access to cutting-edge tools, premium products, and unparalleled support to help individuals achieve their best health. With a vibrant community and a commitment to innovation, Opscotch sets a new standard for health and wellness. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, with a background in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University and experience as an international athlete with Canada's National Water Polo Team.

On September 6th, Matt will be running 125km from Vancouver to Whistler with his organization Project 125, building a legacy of support to help athletes facing health adversities. Partnering with the RBC GranFondo Whistler, Matt's first recipient is Krista Guloien, a two-time Olympian, Olympic medalist, and mother of two, who was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Join us for a conversation about Matt’s journey as an athlete and entrepreneur, the inspiration behind Opscotch, and the powerful legacy he's building through Project 125.

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Meet Allan Maki - a retired sports writer with an illustrious career spanning over four decades. A four-time National Newspaper Award finalist, Allan was named Sportswriter of the Year by Sports Media Canada in 2001.

Allan joined the Globe and Mail in 1997 with an extensive sports background, covering everything from the Stanley Cup finals and the Grey Cup to the Summer and Winter Olympics. He’s reported on major events like the 1980 Miracle on Ice, the 1989 Super Bowl riot, and the earthquake World Series.

After 41 years of covering sports, Allan is now retired and facing a new challenge - Parkinson's Disease. Despite this, he continues to write, with several books to his name and another project in the works. Allan finds joy in drumming on his electric drum kit and spending time with his grandchildren.

Join us for a conversation on resilience, the evolving landscape of sports journalism, and navigating life's challenges with grace and perspective.

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Meet Carrie Robinson - recent triathlete, musician, and Copywriter & AI Specialist at ZGM Modern Marketing Partners.

Carrie’s journey into triathlons began with a 60k bike ride at Gran Fondo, an experience that ignited her passion for race training. Embracing the physical and mental benefits of this challenge, she decided to dive into the world of triathlons and challenge her belief that this wasn’t something she could do.

Beyond her athletic pursuits, Carrie is also a talented writer and musician, performing with her band, Uncle Susan. As a versatile creative, Carrie explores various artistic avenues, including painting and experimenting with AI. Her passion for writing shines through both her personal and professional work, driving her to constantly push her creative boundaries.

Join us as we chat with Carrie about her diverse passions, the future of AI, and how embracing challenges can transform your mindset.

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Meet Linh - a professional motivational speaker, curiosity-igniter, award-winning writer, educator, and extreme non-athlete.

Linh’s remarkable journey began when her family fled Vietnam as Boat People refugees, shaping her resilient mindset. She has completed extraordinary feats, including the Antarctic Ice Marathon, North Pole Marathon, and the 4Deserts, a series of four ultra-marathons totalling 250km each in the world's most extreme deserts.

Linh’s mission is to inspire people to “think outside the blahs” and chase their big, audacious goals. She has delivered a TEDx talk called “Rethinking Limits” and is the author of the upcoming memoir "Luckpusher." Her story of becoming the first Canadian woman to complete the Four Deserts series as a Grand Slam in one calendar year offers a mix of humour, humility, and a phenomenal zest for life.

Join us for a conversation on resilience, pushing luck beyond limits, and creating a life less ordinary.

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