The WECAN Podcast

In today's episode, Stephanie sits down to talk corporate strategy with Kelly McGinnis, President of Thermo Fisher Scientific, powerhouse Corporate Strategist, Fortune 100 Executive & Author. Kelly pulls back the curtain on how she manages a global workforce of tens of thousands by focusing on what truly matters: People, Reflection, and Strategy Execution. She leads through complexity at the intersection of strategy, transformation, and where people collide. If you’ve ever felt like your career is "confining" or that work-life balance is an impossible myth, this conversation is for you. Kelly shares her philosophy on Work-Life Integration, the "Red Team" approach to business planning, and why she believes the future of leadership depends on mentorship. In this Episode, we cover: The "Red Team" Strategy: How to identify threats and stress-test your business plans before they fail. Beyond Work-Life Balance: Why Kelly chooses integration over balance (and how she brings her family into her professional world). The 30% Rule: Why every leader should dedicate 30% of their time to coaching and mentoring. Strategy vs. Execution: Navigating the complexities of leading a massive global organisation. Daily Reflection: The simple habit Kelly uses to stay aligned with her long-term priorities. Legacy of Leadership: How Kelly mentored 13 future CFOs and executives. "You can design a fulfilling career that doesn't feel confining. Leadership isn't just about the numbers; it's about the meaningful impact you leave on your team." — Kelly McGinnis Connect with her here: Website: https://kellymcginnis.com/ Subscribe to her Substack: https://substack.com/@leadwithkelly Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyamcginnis/ Thermo Fisher Scientific: https://www.thermofisher.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment below: What is one "key initiative" you are focusing on this month? ________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell for more interviews with role models!

Nearly 40% of executive transitions fail within the first 18 months because leaders are not set up to succeed. Executives fail when they ignore the human side. Transitioning into a C-suite or executive role is one of the most challenging leaps a leader can take. In this episode on WECAN, Stephanie welcomes Navid Nazemian, ranked the World's #1 Executive Coach, Bestselling Author of "Mastering Executive Transitions," Keynote Speaker and NED. His work focuses on helping high-level executives maximise their impact to avoid the common pitfalls of new roles, building high-performing teams and creating admired organisations. This episode provides a roadmap for navigating the high-stakes world of corporate leadership. Learn about his fascinating career pivot from Sales to HR, and the raw insights he gained along the way, why culture, relationships, and stakeholders matter more than technical ability! Above all, we should seek and accept mental feedback. We also explore: The Career Pivot: How Navid transitioned from a sales background into the heart of Human Resources. Mastering Transitions: The core themes of Navid’s book, why most executive transitions fail, and how to intervene successfully. The Power of the Last 90 Days: Why the end of your first three months is just as critical as the beginning. The 6 Qualities of Extraordinary Leaders: A deep dive into Confidence, Self-Awareness, Connection, Inspiration, Courage, and Clarity. A Framework for Growth: Navid’s personal strategy for continuous individual development and understanding customer needs. "Success is not measured by my own milestones, but by the achievements and growth of the clients I serve. Don’t just prepare for the role—prepare for the transition." — Navid Nazemian Connect with Navid: Website: https://www.masteringexecutivetransitions.com/ Book: Mastering Executive Transitions https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637308132 LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/navidnazemian/?originalSubdomain=ae #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #ExecutiveTransitions #NavidNazemian #CareerGrowth #WeCanInterview #CorporateLeadership ________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell for more interviews with role models! 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

Meet Parul Somani, author of the highly anticipated book, "The Path of Least Regret" (launching March 31st!). A cancer survivor, executive coach, and world-renowned speaker, Parul shares her evidence-based framework for making intentional decisions when the future feels anything but certain. After a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis at 31, right after the birth of her second child, Parul redefined how to make decisions when nothing is certain. In this interview, Parul and Stephanie explore: - The "Path of Least Regret" Framework: How to shift your brain from a reactive "survival" mode to a proactive, intentional state. - Redefining Success: Moving away from traditional markers of achievement toward a life of alignment, agency, and peace. - Navigating Non-Linear Journeys: Resilience strategies for when life doesn’t go according to plan. - A New Take on Ikigai: How to use this Japanese concept to find career sustainability and purpose in a rapidly changing world. - Public Speaking with Purpose: Parul’s expert advice on focusing on your message rather than your words. Whether you are a young professional entering the workforce or a high achiever facing a major life transition, Parul’s insights provide a roadmap to navigating uncertainty with grace and confidence. In a world obsessed with optimisation, performance, and “having it all figured out,” Parul asks a radically human question: Which choice will give me the most peace of mind? Parul Somani helps individuals and Fortune 500 companies build resilience. Her framework is rooted in her own journey through breast cancer survivorship, transforming a period of immense challenge into a global mission for intentional living. Don’t miss her new book, The Path of Least Regret, officially launching this Tuesday, March 31st. Pre-Order the Book here: https://www.parulsomani.com/book 0:00 – Introduction to Parul Somani 02:15 – The inspiration behind "The Path of Least Regret" 06:40 – Acknowledging emotions vs. taking action 12:10 – Navigating non-linear career paths 18:30 – Redefining Ikigai for the modern workforce 25:15 – Defining your values in your 20s 31:00 – Advice for public speakers 35:45 – Conclusion & Book Launch details #WeCan #ParulSomani #DecisionMaking #Resilience #PathofLeastRegret #IntentionalLiving #WomenInLeadership #CareerAdvice #Ikigai ________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

n this episode of the WeCan interview series, Stephanie welcomes Madeline Di Nonno, the President and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute, to discuss media representation. As a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, Madeline leads the only global research-driven advocacy organisation dedicated to transforming how content creators tell stories through authentic portrayals of our population. From her work as an Executive Producer on the Emmy-nominated Mission Unstoppable and the groundbreaking documentary This Changes Everything, to her previous executive roles at Universal Studios, Hallmark Channel, and Nielsen EDI, Madeline has spent her career at the intersection of media, data, and social change. In this interview, we discuss: The data behind gender and diversity in film and television. How the Geena Davis Institute uses research to inspire content creators. Madeline’s journey through executive leadership at major networks and studios. The future of authentic storytelling and inclusive media. Madeline Di Nonno is a recipient of the Lilly Ledbetter Lifetime Achievement Award and an Executive Producer for the Governor’s Award Emmy-winning Geena Davis Institute. Her career spans leadership roles at ABC, Universal, and Starz Media, where she pioneered digital platforms and global brand marketing for franchises like Jurassic Park. She is a sought-after speaker at global stages, including the UN, Cannes Lions, and Sundance. Geena Davis Institute: https://geenadavisinstitute.org/ #mediarepresentation #GeenaDavisInstitute #WeCan #MadelineDiNonno #DiversityinMedia ________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

Stephanie welcomes Sam Daley-Harris back to WECAN and discusses their shared commitment to promoting a political centre and supporting grassroots advocacy. With over 40 years of experience, Sam has pioneered the strategies that empower "everyday people" to influence high-level policy. As the founder of RESULTS and the RESULTS Educational Fund, Sam has built an international grassroots lobby dedicated to creating the political will to end hunger and poverty. Under his leadership, RESULTS has a four-decade track record of successfully mobilising billions in public funding for cost-effective, life-saving programs. In this video, they explore: Sam Daley-Harris shared positive examples of congressional pushback against President Trump's proposed budget cuts, including successful funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and maternal and child health programs. He emphasised the importance of transformational advocacy beyond elections, highlighting how grassroots efforts and constituent pressure can influence legislation. Sam discussed his own background in music and how it led to his advocacy work, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own stories and commitments. The conversation also touched on the need for basic information about government processes, the media's role in reporting those basic facts and the potential for individual action to make a difference, even in a time of political division and low voter turnout. Sam Daley-Harris discussed the importance of individuals and groups standing for humanity amidst political challenges in the U.S., urging listeners to engage in transformational advocacy to reclaim the political centre. Transformational Advocacy: How Sam’s organisation, Civic Courage, trains nonprofits to turn their members into powerful advocates who can move the needle in the media and the halls of government. Practical Activism: Proven strategies for anyone who wants to become an effective changemaker and create real legislative impact. "Advocacy isn't just about sending an email; it’s about building a relationship that creates a champion for your cause." Learn More About Sam’s Work: 🌐 Civic Courage: https://civiccourage.org/ 🌍 RESULTS: https://results.org/who-we-are 📚 Read "Reclaiming Our Democracy": https://reclaimingourdemocracy.com/ #SamDaleyHarris #CitizenAdvocacy #Microcredit #EndPoverty #GrassrootsLobbying #CivicCourage #SocialImpact #MuhammadYunus #PoliticalWill #WeCanSeries _______________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

Can a lawyer change the world from the top of a mountain? In today's episode, Stephanie welcomes back Anjali Mehta, a trailblazing human rights and law of war attorney, professional dancer, and elite athlete on a mission to shatter glass ceilings and scale the world’s highest peaks. Anjali is currently pursuing the Explorer’s Grand Slam, aiming to be the first Indian-American woman to reach the North and South Poles and summit the highest peak on every continent. From her recent expedition to Mount Vinson in Antarctica to her work representing survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), Anjali’s story is a masterclass in resilience and intersectional advocacy. In this video, you will learn about: Human rights and law; The Power of We and how her nonprofit combines art, law, and movement to combat gender-based violence globally; elite mountaineering and more. "I want to show young girls that no dream is too big to pursue." Anjali's website: https://www.anjalimehta.info/ Survivors to Summits: https://www.anjalimehta.info/general-clean Anjali's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanjlife What is The Power of We: https://www.instagram.com/whatisthepowerofwe/ #AnjaliMehta #HumanRightsLawyer #Mountaineering #SevenSummits #GenderBasedViolence #IndianAmerican #ExplorersGrandSlam #WomenWhoLead #MountVinson #WeCanSeries _______________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

We dive deep into the world of Leadership Development and Emotional Intelligence with the inspiring Lisa Gordon. If you’ve been looking for a roadmap for Career Advancement or wondering how to navigate Workplace Conflict without losing your cool, this interview is for you. Lisa Gordon, founder of Lisa Inspires, joins us to discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) serves as a superpower for the modern professional. Whether you are a mid-career professional seeking a Career Transition or an aspiring leader looking to increase your influence, Lisa’s insights on Women in Leadership and purposeful growth will give you the tools to transform your professional life. Named one of San Diego’s Top 50 Women over 50, Lisa shares her "superpower" secrets for improving workplace relationships, navigating inevitable conflict, and moving from perfectionism to self-acceptance. "Check yourself so you don't wreck yourself." — Lisa shares her mantra for managing emotions in high-pressure environments. In this interview, we discuss: - The EQ Superpower: Why emotional intelligence is the key to productivity and performance. - Leading with Purpose: How to identify what energises you and make a lasting impact. - Navigating Conflict: Moving away from "explosive" reactions toward collaboration and compromise. - Career Advancement: Lisa’s advice for mid-career women who feel stuck and how to take ownership of their professional journey. - Success Reimagined: Why true success requires a balance of emotional, spiritual, and financial well-being. Visit Lisa Inspires for more: https://www.lisainspires.com/ #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WomenInBusiness #CareerAdvancement #LisaInspires #WeCanPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #ConflictManagement ________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

In today's episode of WECAN, Stephanie chats with Becky Hunt to discuss finding joy after loss. Becky discusses her memoir, Joy Does Return. After the devastating loss of her daughter, Gracie, to a congenital heart defect, Becky embarked on a profound journey of healing that she now shares with the world. Becky opens up about the "messy middle" of grief, the role of faith in her recovery, and her mission to prove that joy and sorrow can coexist. Whether you are navigating your own loss or looking for ways to support a friend in the trenches, Becky’s insights offer a roadmap toward resilience. In this episode, we discuss the power of storytelling, where Becky shares the inspiration behind her memoir, Joy Does Return. We touch on the coexistence of emotions and holding space for both grief and joy at the same time. Becky Hunt is an author and speaker dedicated to helping others find hope after loss. Through her writing and public speaking, she continues to advocate for open conversations about grief, ensuring that no one has to walk the path of recovery alone. Visit Becky's website https://www.beckyhunt.net/ Joy Does Return https://www.beckyhunt.net/book #GriefSupport #Resilience #JoyDoesReturn #WeCanInterview #HealingJourney #InfantLossAwareness _______________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

Today's episode explores social entrepreneurship. What does it actually mean to "make money and do good" in 2026? Stephanie Ferrario chats with award-winning social entrepreneur and activist Joana Baptista to deconstruct the journey from student to global changemaker. Joana, an Oxford alumna and TEDx speaker, shares the raw reality of building ventures like She Dot and Unipier. From the intersection of Tech and Social Impact to the urgent need for Responsible AI, Joana explains why solving problems is more important than just building products. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a young professional looking to seize opportunities, Joana’s insights on privilege, education, and radical inclusion are a masterclass in purposeful living. #JoanaBaptista #SocialEntrepreneurship #TechForGood #WomenInTech #OxfordAlumni #SocialImpact #StephanieFerrario #EqualOpportunity #GenZLeadership ______________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c