Stephanie Mitton welcomes Nour Hachem, President and Founder of Build a Dream, for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and transforming the workforce. From overcoming the challenges of immigration and single motherhood to securing over $30 million in government funding, Nour shares how she became a national force advocating for women in male-dominated industries. With over 20 years of experience, Nour takes us behind the scenes of how Build a Dream grew from a local initiative ...
Jul 01, 2025•55 min•Ep. 197
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide and intrusive or negative thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a mental health professional or call a local crisis line. You are not alone. In this powerful episode, Pari Johnston, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), returns to the podcast to share a deeply personal and professional journey. As the national voice for publicly supported ...
Jun 24, 2025•52 min•Ep. 196
In this special vault episode of WOMENdontDOthat, Stephanie is joined by two of her closest friends, Sarah Luehof and Laura Hall, for a candid roundtable conversation on the messy, meaningful, and sometimes mysterious world of adult friendships. From making new friends in your 30s to keeping old ones close, they unpack the highs and lows of navigating connection as women, moms, and professionals. Expect laughs, honesty, and practical tips on how to show up for your people—even when life feels fu...
Jun 17, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1017
In this deeply personal solo episode, Stephanie opens up about her ongoing journey with ADHD—how a late diagnosis changed her perspective, the challenges of being a high performer with executive dysfunction, and her recent return to medication after a scary first experience. She shares the difference the right support, doctor, and dosage have made in her life, including improved focus, reduced procrastination, and greater self-compassion. Stephanie also reflects on the emotional clarity that cam...
Jun 10, 2025•18 min•Ep. 195
In this powerful and deeply relatable episode of WOMENdontDOthat, Stephanie Mitton sits down with political strategist, media commentator, and working mom Jordan Leichnitz, to explore the messy, meaningful intersections of career ambition, motherhood, and leadership. From her early days in activism to the adrenaline of Parliament Hill, Jordan shares how she carved out a purpose-driven career without losing sight of her values—or her kids. They discuss the myth of balance, the reality of raising ...
Jun 07, 2025•53 min•Ep. 194
In this heartfelt solo episode, Stephanie Mitton shares a personal story about periods, parenting, and breaking the silence around becoming a woman. She reflects on her own struggles with endometriosis and painful periods—and how she created a simple, joyful ritual for her daughter’s first period to replace shame with celebration. This episode is a powerful reminder that even small moments can reshape the narrative for the next generation. Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/womendontdothat Rec...
May 27, 2025•7 min•Ep. 193
In this powerful episode, Stephanie Mitton sits down with Suzanne Grant, Executive Director of the Capital Angel Network and a trailblazer in Canada's startup ecosystem. Suzanne shares her extraordinary career journey—from military leadership to entrepreneurship across 17 countries, including launching a women’s empowerment movement in Qatar and raising over $30 million in deals. She opens up about being underestimated, navigating bias, and the mantra that drives her: “The future is human.” If y...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 192
We often tell women they need more confidence. But what if confidence starts with borrowing someone else’s belief in you—until you can find your own? In this solo episode, Stephanie shares a personal story from the provincial basketball championships with her 14-year-old daughter. A moment of nerves turns into a turning point, and the lessons go far beyond the court. You’ll hear about how girls—and women—hold themselves back, and how we can push past imposter syndrome, doubt, and fear to take th...
May 13, 2025•9 min•Ep. 191
Leslie is Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Canada, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland. Leslie and host Stephanie dive into a conversation about careers and motherhood in this one of a kind episode from a woman at the top of the halls of power in Canada. We discuss Leslie’s path to success in politics, how she handles stress, work life “balance”, the challenges of motherhood (daycare, returning from maternity leave, emotional load), women in politics, and her t...
May 06, 2025•56 min•Ep. 1016
On this episode, we hear about: Chi Nguyen's journey from personal loss to political activism and leadership. The challenges and rewards of running for office and advocating for greater gender representation in politics. The vital role of organizations like Equal Voice in supporting and empowering women to overcome barriers in political engagement. How individuals can make a meaningful difference in their communities through political participation and advocacy. Chi Nguyen is the new Executive D...
Apr 29, 2025•40 min•Ep. 1015
In this solo episode, Stephanie Mitton dives into the viral AI Barbie trend—and what it gets wrong about real women. From chronic migraines and ADHD to parenting and leading a business, Stephanie unpacks the tension between celebrating our wins and feeling like we need to shrink ourselves to be accepted. She explores the discomfort many women feel when owning their stories, the cultural conditioning behind it, and why it’s time to stop playing small. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “too...
Apr 22, 2025•9 min•Ep. 190
What happens when a political insider becomes a mom and builds a thriving business during nap time? In this honest and empowering conversation, Melanie Paradis—founder, speechwriter, and mom of two—joins Stephanie to talk about launching and growing a business while raising young kids. From maternity leave misfires to scaling up fast, Melanie shares what’s real, what’s possible, and how motherhood shaped her leadership. If you’re a founder, a parent, or somewhere in between, this one’s for you. ...
Apr 17, 2025•44 min•Ep. 189
In this timely and energizing episode, political strategist Kim Wright joins host Stephanie Mitton to break down why women’s engagement in politics is essential—and how to actually get involved. Recorded during a federal election, the conversation explores everything from grassroots activism to running for office, all while demystifying party politics, strategic voting, and campaign life. With wit, wisdom, and a few behind-the-scenes stories, Kim offers tangible ways to make your voice count—whe...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 188
On this episode of WOMENdontDOthat, Stephanie Mitton sits down with Kathryn Marshall— founder of Marshall Law, fearless advocate, and fierce voice for justice in employment and human rights law. Katherine pulls back the curtain on what it takes to challenge power, advocate for survivors, and break the unspoken rules of law, leadership, and womanhood. They talk entrepreneurship, leading with authenticity, managing high-profile cases, and what every woman should know about their workplace rights. ...
Apr 01, 2025•39 min•Ep. 187
In this episode, we dive into the world of business partnerships, sharing valuable insights from personal experiences. The discussion explores the key components of successful partnerships, including complementary skills, trust, shared values, and clear communication. Learn about the importance of setting expectations upfront, handling conflicts, and knowing when to go solo or seek a partner. With stories from past and present ventures, including the evolution of the WOMENdon’tDOthat podcast and...
Mar 25, 2025•17 min•Ep. 186
In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie sits down with Kyla Thomson, mother of the inspiring Bella Brave, who passed away in 2024 at age 10. Kyla shares her journey of love, loss, and resilience, reflecting on Bella’s impact on social media and the challenges of navigating the medical system. Kyla discusses the power of vulnerability in advocacy, finding purpose through charity and podcasting, and balancing grief while honoring Bella’s legacy. She also highlights the support from unexpected figures...
Mar 18, 2025•53 min•Ep. 185
In this solo episode of Women Don't Do That, Stephanie opens up about her personal experience with chronic migraines and the challenges of managing her health while running a business, being a wife, and raising two teenagers. She shares insights on how she adapts her work schedule, leans on her support network, and practices self-compassion during tough times. Stephanie also discusses the mental toll of chronic pain, the importance of resilience, and how to push through difficult moments without...
Mar 11, 2025•22 min•Ep. 184
In this inspiring episode, Sonya Shorey, the first female President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, reflects on her remarkable journey to the top. With over 25 years of experience in economic development, technology, and investment, Sonya shares her approach to leadership, decision-making, and managing competing priorities. She discusses her work empowering women entrepreneurs, including co-founding SheBoot, which has helped raise over $300 million in public-private funding for founders, entrepreneurs...
Mar 04, 2025•50 min•Ep. 183
Discover the extraordinary journey of Camryn Rogers, Olympic gold medalist and world champion hammer thrower, as she shatters records and stereotypes in this gripping episode. From her humble beginnings to Olympic glory, Camryn shares the grit, passion, and unwavering determination that propelled her to the top of a male-dominated sport. Camryn Rogers graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2023, earning her B.A in Political Economy, B.S. in Society & Environment, and M.A. i...
Feb 25, 2025•58 min•Ep. 182
Amy Creyer Percifield is an American-Canadian creator, advertising specialist who works in the creator economy. She recently went viral on TikTok for her content about Canada and the U.S.. In this episode, we dive into the realities of moving from the U.S. to Canada—exploring cultural differences, stereotypes, women's experiences, maternity leave, and the evolving relationship between the two countries. At a time when Canada-U.S. relations are strained, this is a poignant conversation about what...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 181
In this episode of WOMENdon’tDOthat, Stephanie kicks off 2025 with a personal update and a glimpse into what’s ahead for the podcast. From navigating the challenges of motherhood with a 14-year-old to setting her intention for the year—focus—Stephanie shares her journey of balancing ADHD, chronic illness, and a busy career. Plus, get a sneak peek at some exciting upcoming episodes, featuring top guests from various fields, including employment law experts and an Olympic Gold Medalist. Tune in fo...
Feb 04, 2025•8 min•Ep. 180
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jen Hamilton, a labour and delivery nurse and TikTok sensation, as we delve into the world of motherhood myth-busting and empowerment. In this episode, Jen shares her unique journey, hilarious TikTok content, and honest insights on topics ranging from pregnancy and birth to postpartum experiences. Discover the truth behind common misconceptions, gain valuable tools to advocate for yourself in birth and motherhood, and debunk societal pressures surrou...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 1014
From the Vault, Host Stephanie and Stacey Keller discuss how Stacey transitioned from teacher to disruptor. How did Stacey take the accessories industry by storm? How did she find “the idea”? What barriers has Stacey faced in her career? What is it like to be on Dragon’s Den? Take a listen to find out how Stacey’s inspiring story will get you thinking about how to grow in your own life! More about Stacey Keller: Stacey Keller is the CEO and founder of Ponyback. A company that sells fashion acces...
Jan 21, 2025•47 min•Ep. 1013
In this special episode from the vault, cherished Canadian author Ann Douglas returns to WOMENdontDOthat for a powerful and timely conversation with host Stephanie about menopause, midlife, and Ann's latest book, Navigating the Messy Middle: A Fiercely Honest and Wildly Encouraging Guide for Midlife Women —a must-listen whether you're already living it, approaching it, or simply curious about the journey ahead!More about Ann: For decades, Ann Douglas was Canada’s most trusted writer on all thing...
Jan 14, 2025•42 min•Ep. 1012
In this special episode from the vault, Stephanie revisits her conversation with Naudia Banton, a powerhouse entrepreneur and talent management expert. With an impressive background spanning industries like publishing, healthcare, insurance, education, and manufacturing, Naudia has carved out a unique path in the business world. She played a key role in launching Waterloo Region’s first Women Entrepreneurs Bootcamp and currently advises startups through the Summer Company Program. In this episod...
Jan 07, 2025•57 min•Ep. 1011
As we close out 2024, we're bringing back one of the most popular and inspiring episodes of the year—our conversation with Ana Poilievre. In this powerful interview, Ana shares her incredible journey and insights on resilience, empowerment, and advocacy. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Ana’s inspiring story as a Venezuelan immigrant to Canada and the resilience it took to build a new life Her diverse roles as a mother, supportive wife, and passionate advocate for social change The entreprene...
Dec 31, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1010
🎄 Christmas Special: 5 Steps to a Confident New Year 🎄 In this special Christmas Day episode of Women. Don’t Do That, we're taking a moment to reflect, recharge, and get ready to step into 2024 with confidence. As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to set the tone for the months ahead. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or simply enjoying some quiet time, this episode is packed with 5 actionable steps to help you enter the New Year feeling strong, prepared, and unstoppable. ...
Dec 25, 2024•8 min•Ep. 179
In this annual reflection episode, Stephanie is joined by her close friend and podcast co-founder, Myrrhanda. They share personal and professional highlights from the past year, from Myrrhanda’s career shift at the University of Manitoba to her growth as a mom and professional. Stephanie reflects on launching the NextGen public affairs event and navigating life as a business owner and mother to teens. The episode explores challenges, growth, and the importance of balance, with both women offerin...
Dec 18, 2024•49 min•Ep. 178
In this episode, Lydia Di Francesco, CEO and Certified Workplace Health and Performance Practitioner at Fit + Healthy 365, shares her expertise on tackling the critical issue of burnout. With over 12 years of experience in the wellness industry, Lydia offers valuable insights on how to identify, recover from, and prevent burnout. Lydia holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences and an MBA from the University of Ottawa and is a regular TV guest expert, former radio show host, and contributor to national...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 177
Host Stephanie and former Premier Christy Clark discuss Christy's career, politics, parenting, and leadership. Find out why Christy tried to dress the same everyday, her thoughts on the sexualization of women and girls, her take on politics today, what she thinks holds women back, what Canada needs more of, and what keeps her hopeful today. I loved this raw and honest conversation. If you want to be inspired by an authentic leader, this is a must listen! More about Christy Clark: Christy Clark w...
Dec 03, 2024•58 min•Ep. 1009
