Best Boss Ever

Don’t pretend you don’t have a life

In Episode 41 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews Elise Steffe, Development Director at Special Gifts Theatre.  Elise currently works for a best boss in the non-profit space who embodies the 'family first' value, understands that people have a life and responsibilities, leaves time for the impossible ideas and makes her employees feel supported, connected and respected.  They discuss the benefits of proactive recognition especially when employees go above and beyond, how motivation impacts mental and emotional efficiency and Elise shares the Steve-isms she learned from a former great leader Stephen Falk, who lived and breathed these mantras.

Leaving positive cookies

In Episode 40 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews Christine Andrew, Managing Director of Strategy and Digital at KPMG.  Christine talks about her best boss who instilled confidence in her to do something different, was great at seeing people as people and not just employees - especially during the pandemic.  She listened and acknowledged everyone and their input, realizing that great ideas can come from anywhere.  They discuss the importance of democratic leadership, feeling valued and respected in the workplace, intentionally tapping into out of the box thinking and the idea of leaving positive cookies.

Taking the competition for talent seriously

In Episode 39 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews Jonathan Needham, VP, Director and Lead, ETF Distribution at TD Asset Management.  Jonathan speaks about his best boss Jason McIntyre, who has a relentless passion for the business, is an uplifting and authentic role model with a competitive but fun sports coach leadership style.  They discuss how great leaders are inspiring, spot talent and go after it, challenge you to push past your limits, have a winning mentality and lead best by example.

Ask for what you want

In Episode 38 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews Pam Allen, soon to be CEO at MD Management.  Pam talks about her best boss that thoughtfully reflected when she brought ideas and opportunities to the table.  When she asked for what she wanted, he gave her confidence, allowed her to play big and gave her the space to build her role and her team.  They discuss how leaders need to be curious about their people, the theory of scarcity vs abundance and how great leaders want the best for you and multiply those around them.

Lift heavily as you climb

In Episode 37 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews Jennifer Laidlaw, Country Head at 30% Club and Exec in Residence at Toronto Metropolitan University.  Jennifer speaks about the qualities best bosses have to inspire and enable greatness, specifically their passion to uncover, align and recommit to an organization's original purpose to have the impact they were designed to have.  They discuss how one person can spark a huge shift in culture and how resiliency, engagement and trust in leaders impacts retention - Jennifer also shares the 5 true marks of a great leader including 'lift heavily as you climb'.

Inclusiveness counts

In Episode 36 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews Atul Tiwari, CEO at Cult Wines Americas.  Atul shares his experience with his best boss who was a great mentor, found the good in anything and anyone, shared his knowledge and taught Atul about the obligation great leaders have to develop people.  They discuss the power of inclusiveness in social settings, building friendships and engagement at work, the importance of active listening and fostering an environment where people can express their opinion in a constructive way.

Encouraging my personality to shine

In Episode 35 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews Risa Crandall, SVP CPG Strategy & Sales at Aki Technologies.  Risa speaks about her experience working at the New York Times under her best boss Barbara Litrell, who thrived in a male dominated industry but was thoughtful, considerate and encouraged Risa to embrace her individuality and to bring in her personality, style and passion.  They discuss the value of storytelling, collaboration, how supportive leaders garner loyalty and talk about not losing yourself by conforming to a box that doesn't fit.

We are family

In Episode 34 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews Rick Renaud, President & CEO of Renaud Consulting.  Rick's best boss took him under his wing, was a father figure to him and has made him a better person and leader.  This boss left a lasting impression by bringing humour and fun into the workplace, treating his employees like family and making everyone feel individually important and appreciated.  They share stories about the value of a great customer experience, discuss the butterfly effect and how employees go the extra mile for a great boss.

Sending me on a new career path

In Episode 33 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews Mary Shannon, Inside Sales Manager at Manulife.  Mary shares stories about her best boss who changed her career path by taking a chance on her and led her on the track to sales.  Jasmina Garbus was invested in her team's development, recognized strengths in others and motivated and empowered her team.  They talk about the importance of networking, excellent communication, building culture and relationships as well as the best simple advice for all leaders. 

Fostering the next generation of leaders

In Episode 32 of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Christine interviews four leaders from Rangle - Cindy Diogo, Dawn Jardine, Cher Timmins and Catherine Marchand.  Each of them share stories, experiences and qualities they've seen in leaders such as radical candour, empathy, unwavering trust, authenticity, and leaders who meet you where you are.  They discuss the importance of psychological safety, being an advocate for other women especially in tech, fostering the next generation of leaders, having space to be creative as well as attracting and retaining the best people in this current war for talent.