The WECAN Podcast

In today's episode, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Jennifer Grandis, physician-scientist and distinguished professor at UC San Francisco, to discuss her vital new book, Harsh Medicine: Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Healthcare. Jennifer Grandis, MD is an otolaryngologist and associate vice chancellor for clinical and translational research at UCSF, combining hard data with personal narratives to expose why, despite high qualifications, women often face systemic roadblocks that their male counterparts do not. From the lack of meaningful mentorship to the persistence of workplace harassment and the exclusionary culture of academic "boys' clubs," we still cannot ignore the reality of navigating these high-stakes environments. There is a mentorship gap, and being a "role model" isn't enough to solve systemic disparity. In her book Harsh Medicine: Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Health Care, Jennifer examines the persistent challenges women face in science and healthcare, drawing on research, policy analysis, and firsthand accounts. Sexism in science and health care rarely announces itself as a single, dramatic event. More often, it appears as a steady accumulation of slights, exclusions, and unequal expectations that shape careers over time. Through the book, she describes this reality and examines its consequences for women working in academic medicine and biomedical research. Whether you are an aspiring clinician, a researcher, or an advocate for workplace equity, Dr. Jennifer offers a pragmatic look at the challenges ahead and how we can create a more transparent, supportive path forward. 00:00 – Introduction: Dr. Jennifer Grandis and the mission for gender equity 01:03 – Why the data matters: Moving beyond "role model" status 04:37 – The mentoring gap in science and medicine 06:25 – The reality of sexual harassment and reporting consequences 08:44 – Structural barriers: The overt meritocracy vs. the covert system 10:39 – The "Scientific Boys Club": Networking and exclusionary spaces 11:58 – Egregious examples: Academic retreats and operating room safety 14:44 – DEI in the U.S.: Addressing controversies and finding common ground 16:51 – Practical strategies: Inclusive scheduling and childcare 19:15 – Pivotal moments: Navigating career-altering challenges 23:37 – Supporting those who have been harmed by systemic bias 24:37 – How to respond to microaggressions in the workplace 28:13 – Advice for young women: Finding helpers and staying true to goals 31:02 – Why women move from investigators to educators 34:09 – Looking ahead: The future of gender equity and narrative voice 36:26 – Final takeaway: A story of hope and collective action Connect with Dr. Jennifer Grandis & Buy the Book: https://jennifergrandis.com/ #WomenInMedicine #GenderEquity #ScienceCareers #WorkplaceCulture #WECAN #DrJenniferGrandis #Mentorship #HarshMedicine _______________________________________________________________________ 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!

Belonging First, one of the most important aspects of everyday life, no matter in which environment we find ourselves: home, work, college, school, or between friends. We all want to feel that we belong, but what happens when belonging is missing? In today's episode, Andrea Carter, a global neuroscience-based consultant and expert in workplace cultural transformation and founder of Belonging First, introduces her "Belonging First" methodology, a data-backed framework that proves belonging is more than just a "feeling"; it is a measurable driver of human performance, health, and profitability. They give leaders the measurement that other tools miss and give every person the language to bring their 50%, so belonging becomes performance infrastructure, not another initiative. Traditional "fitting in" cultures are exhausting and a health hazard. Andrea breaks down the science of the 5 Indicators of Belonging (Comfort, Connection, Contribution, Psychological Safety, and Well-being) and shares real-world data, including how a manufacturing firm saw discretionary effort jump from 32% to 87% by shifting its cultural framework. Is your culture a driver of success or a hidden cost? The Science of Belonging means moving from "fitting in" to being seen, heard, and valued. We are so inspired by Andrea's work, how she drives change, and cannot wait for the release of her upcoming two books! 00:00:00 – Intro: The Neuroscience of Belonging 00:01:56 – Why Belonging Predicts Performance & Retention 00:02:41 – The 50/50 Rule: Rethinking Giving and Receiving \00:06:42 – The 5 Indicators of Belonging Explained 00:07:17 – Comfort: Lowering the Brain’s Threat Response 00:07:51 – Connection: Moving Beyond Transactions 00:08:56 – Contribution: The Science of Mattering 00:10:42 – Psychological Safety: Why Rejection Hurts Like Pain 00:12:06 – Well-being: Why Recovering Together Beats Solo Resilience 00:14:31 – Why Belonging is a System (Not a Feeling) 00:20:48 – Fitting In vs. Belonging: Understanding the Difference 00:23:44 – The "Liking Gap": Why We Underestimate Our Impact 00:28:51 – Real-World Data: Discretionary Effort & Productivity 00:32:20 – The Health Cost of "Fitting In" Environments 00:34:58 – Andrea’s Personal Story: Neurodiversity & Resilience 00:45:18 – How to Self-Regulate & Create Your Own Belonging 00:52:12 – Career Advice: Navigating Research, AI, and Curiosity 00:57:51 – What’s Next: Books, Workbooks, and Future Goals 01:00:07 – Final Takeaways: Reclaiming Your Honest 50% Take Andrea’s free "Belonging Breakdown" assessment to see where your organisation stands: https://belongingfirst.com/belongingbreakdown Subscribe to her Substack "Belonging First, Rethink Culture": https://substack.com/@andreadcarter #WorkplaceCulture #BelongingFirst #AndreaCarter #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanPerformance #WECAN #CompanyCulture #NeuroscienceAtWork _______________________________________________________________________ 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=003fe73047c

In today's episode of WECAN, Stephanie sits down with Tom Joseph, founder and treasurer of Wilson's Fountain and America's Main Street Party during retirement—NOT a Third Party! As a social activist, innovator, producer and true visionary, Tom is using his expertise to rebuild the foundation of our democracy through a new method for nominating members of Congress. But what does it take to actually change a political system that feels designed to keep us divided? Tom is an engineer who has spent his career challenging traditional models. From founding Bookminders, where he pioneered a remote-first, flexible work culture long before it was the norm, to his current work with America’s Main Street Party, he applies a brilliant, business-oriented approach to solving our biggest societal problems. The Main Street Party is citizen-centred, and an APP disrupting the market, helping us all see a future where our political system is transparent, fair, and accountable. He isn't just pointing out the gridlock; he is architecting a functional, technology-driven alternative that empowers voters over donor networks. WECAN leverage innovation to reclaim our voice in government, and that leaves us hopeful, but we have to figure out a system of fairness. Massive gratitude to Tom for his vision, execution, and action in playing a big role in changing a system that needs a serious overhaul. We all know that! We need people building viable alternatives! Learn More, Donate & Sign the Petition: https://www.mainstreetparty.org/ Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsjoseph/ #WECAN #PoliticalReform #TomJoseph #MainStreetParty #Democracy #CivicTech #EndPolarization #FutureOfPolitics #SocialActivism #Leadership

What does the future of democracy look like? Imagine if we didn't have to wait until the next election cycle to make our voices heard! The future of political reform and AI is here! Ramon Perez is the visionary founder of the Digital Democracy Project, a mobile voting app & online accountability system bridging the gap between citizens and Congress through mobile technology and AI. The current political system is often clouded by gerrymandering, campaign finance, and partisan gridlock, leaving many voters feeling irrelevant. Ramon’s bold vision approaches the future differently through a nonpartisan platform that uses secure mobile voting to let constituents share their preferences on legislation before it happens. By tracking how closely legislators align with their district’s values, this platform is turning "we the people" back into the primary stakeholders of our government. This technology is already being used by 24,000+ verified users to influence real-world policy and what the roadmap looks like for reaching all 50 states by 2027. I am so incredibly inspired by the work Ramon is doing with the Digital Democracy Project. He is a true visionary leader fighting for the greater good. It’s rare to find a solution that feels this hopeful and impactful. Let's build a vision of democracy that our children and grandchildren can be proud of, taking power in our hands. 00:00 Introduction: What is the Digital Democracy Project? 00:38 Using Mobile Voting Technology for Real-Time Accountability 03:06 Legislative Scorecards: How We Track Representatives 04:18 Moving Beyond the Two-Party Dichotomy 06:48 Educating Voters with AI-Powered Chatbots 09:19 Ramon’s Story: Why I Became a Democracy Reformer 11:22 The Structural Problems: Gerrymandering & Campaign Finance 16:03 The Reality of "Dialing for Dollars" in Congress 18:35 The Big Vision: Making Government "On-Demand" 20:50 Advice for Young Changemakers 22:48 Scaling the Movement: Challenges & The Need for Volunteers 27:18 Inspiration and Sacrifice: The Why Behind the Work 28:40 Future Goals: Scaling to All 50 States by 2027 30:11 The Role of AI in Scaling Democracy 34:52 How You Can Support: Getting Involved Join the Movement: https://digitaldemocracyproject.org/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramon-perez-97a87a41 Massive thanks to Ramon for everything that he is and does. We all need a big systems change. Thank you for leading with a serious alternative!#WECAN #DigitalDemocracy #TechForGood #PoliticalReform #Accountability #CivicEngagement #RamonPerez #AIinPolitics #GrassrootsChange #FutureOfDemocracy _______________________________________________________________________ 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

How do you supercharge your failures and turn it into a story of success? In today's episode, we sit down with the incredible Boaz Gilad, a powerhouse leader, performance coach, and speaker, to learn about his life story and how WECAN supercharge success after failure. From serving as a paratrooper in the Israeli army to navigating the painful collapse of his public company and total bankruptcy, Boaz didn't let failure define him; instead, he used it to build a bulletproof foundation of wisdom and resilience, unmasking the myth around success. Today, he is a premier executive coach, the founder of Zenith Clubhouse, and author of The Zenith Code, helping high-achievers stop waiting for "inspiration" and start building the commitment and structure needed to unlock extraordinary growth. Being a top performer is a state of mind, and high-performance skills will also flow from one area of your life into another. We love Boaz's no-nonsense and positive approach to life and business. If you are a leader navigating big changes or someone looking to break through a personal plateau, this episode will inspire you to take action. Thank you Boaz for leading by example x WECAN. We honour and celebrate you.Connect with Goaz: Visit his Website: https://boazgilad.com/ Listen to the "Unmasked" Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UnmaskPodcastOfficial Join the Zenith Clubhouse: https://www.zenithclubhouse.com/ #PerformanceCoaching #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #ZenithCode #WECANChannel #BusinessFailure #SuccessMindset #OvercomingObstacles #HighPerformance _______________________________________________________________________ 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

In today's episode, we uncover women's sports coaching challenges with Kathy Taylor, a Retired Collegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coach & Former IWLCA President. Katchy opens up about the evolving landscape of modern sports coaching and gender-based challenges. Named the head coach of Colgate women's lacrosse program in June 2019, during her tenure in Hamilton, she led the development of eight All-Patriot League honorees, along with a pair of Academic All-League selections and numerous IWLCA academic recognitions. After a celebrated 30-year career and her time at Colgate University, Kathy’s journey took a traumatic turn during the pandemic. She opens up about her personal experience facing unfounded allegations, the importance of due process, and why protecting our coaches is essential to the future of women’s sports. Colgate University ultimately moved to dismiss the final lawsuit against her, validating that the claims were unfounded. We’re navigating an era where anonymous complaints and public scrutiny can threaten the integrity of a lifelong career. Kathy's story is a masterclass in speaking your truth, true leadership, setting high standards, and fostering supportive environments where everyone, from athletes to coaches, and especially women in sports, can thrive. What is one boundary you’ve set that helped you maintain your integrity as a coach or leader? Let us know in the comments. We thank Kathy and honour her, her journey, and love nothing more than to support her truth.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-taylor-311b28318/ Learn more about Kathy's journey: https://colgateathletics.com/sports/womens-lacrosse/roster/coaches/kathy-taylor/2392 #WECAN #Coaching #Leadership #WomensSports #Lacrosse #CoachLife #SportsCulture #Resilience #IntegrityInSports #KathyTaylor _______________________________________________________________________ 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

Myrsini Aristidou, an award-winning filmmaker from Cyprus, whose debut feature film, Hold Onto Me, is capturing hearts worldwide. Her film recently won the Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. Myrsini shares her beautiful journey from studying painting to discovering a fierce passion for the collaborative, magical world of filmmaking. What does it take to make a film that goes all the way to the Sundance Film Festival and walks away with the Audience Award? The Hold Onto Me Film is a tender, emotionally complex father-daughter story centred on an 11-year-old girl named Iris, exploring reconnection with her Father, forgiveness, and human connection. Myrsini is the ultimate role model for resilience. She shares her beautifully grounded approach to handling rejection, why success is about personal growth and integrity rather than shiny trophies, and why every aspiring creator needs to start small, trust their voice, and fiercely believe in their vision. "I absolutely loved listening to this deeply beautiful, human-centred visionary who dreams up stories she feels viscerally need to be told. I am so incredibly excited to watch her journey unfold, and I just know that big things will keep happening for her." — Stephanie Ferrario Learn more about the film and support Myrsini's work: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrsiniaristidou/?hl=en #WECAN #MyrsiniAristidou #HoldOnto Me #SundanceFilmFestival #IndependentFilm #WomenInFilm #FilmmakingTips #DirectorInterview #FollowYourPassion #Mentorship ________________________________________________________________________ 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

Sue brings extraordinary stories to life on the world’s greatest stages, showing us exactly how she turned her childhood love for the stage and the theatre into a phenomenal career, bringing Broadway to the world. From her early days as a passionate theatre kid to producing massive Broadway hits like Moulin Rouge!, The Outsiders, and the highly anticipated upcoming production of Prince’s Purple Rain, Sue shares the raw, inspiring truth about her journey. She breaks down the gruelling 8-to-10 year timeline required to develop a musical from initial concept to opening night and opens up about how she navigates an industry where 80% of shows face commercial failure. Beyond the box office, Sue is deeply passionate about using theatre as a transformative art form to foster empathy, creativity, and community. She discusses her incredible philanthropic work with Broadway Cares and Broadway for Arts Education, as well as the Stay Gold Project, which provides free Broadway access to New York City public school students who lack art funding. Whether you are an aspiring performer, a future producer, an entrepreneur, or a theatre lover, Sue’s lessons on mentorship, handling rejection, building complementary partnerships (like her work with Larry Rogowski), and staying true to your artistic vision will leave you inspired. Thank you, Sue, for reminding us to follow our passion, embrace collaboration, and never let a "no" stop us from creating something extraordinary. Warning: Watching this will make you want to book tickets to a Broadway show immediately! 😊 If this conversation lit a spark in you, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to join the WECAN community! Tell us in the comments: What show are you booking tickets for next? Connect with Sue and see her past productions: Website: https://suegilad.com/ #WECAN #SueGilad #BroadwayProducer #TheOutsidersMusical #MoulinRouge #PurpleRain #Inspiration #ArtsEducation #WomenInBusiness #Mentorship #FollowYourPassion _______________________________________________________________________ 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