Uncorked: The Podcast

We have a very special episode of Uncorked coming at you this week. The man, the myth, the legend Mike Desjardins, CEo of ViRTUS, is joining us to celebrate a major milestone for us- the acquisition of the Corker Collective by ViRTUS. To commemorate this moment, Steph and Mike are hoping on the mic to riff on all things leadership and the future.This convo goes so many wonderful places including the importance of leadership development, and the incredible impact one transformed leader can have—affecting up to 25 people around them, ViRTUS's mission is to foster respectful, empathetic, and productive leaders, the need for leaders to understand the complexity and gray areas of the world, promoting empathy and curiosity, the habits that shape Mike, the power of feedback, and so much more goodness. We hope you will love this conversation and be inspired to lead with heart and purpose!Episode Resources:ViRTUS: WebsiteMike Desjardins: LinkedIn

This week on Uncorked we have a very special guest, Whistler's own Jackie Dickinson, a devoted mom, partner, and community leader in Whistler. Jackie shares her story, reflecting on her 15-year career at Whistler Community Services, a place she passionately believes in. She lets us in on how her initial struggle to feel at home in Whistler and reconnecting with familiar faces from her past helped her establish a sense of belonging in this mountain town. Steph and jackie dive into the importance of genuine human connections in an increasingly disconnected world, the need to bring back the sense of community and why asking for a cup of flour or help when times are tough should be the norm, the role of community services in addressing deep-rooted issues that scenic beauty alone cannot solve, how Jackie balances her demanding role with self-care, the impact running can have on your mental health and so much more goodness.Tune into this inspiring tale of community, resilience, and the quest for genuine connections,and let Jackie’s story fill your heart. And don't forget to leave us a review – your support means the world to us!LINKS TO TOPICS WE TALK ABOUT:Corkboard Newsletter: Sign UpJackie Dickinson: LinkedIn

This week on Uncorked we are so lucky to have the incredible Mariat Jibril, a woman with a truly inspiring story. Mariat currently works in the financial sector and runs her own consulting business, where she proudly calls herself the Chief Happiness Officer! This title could not be more fitting. In this episode, she opens up about her journey from Nigeria to Europe and finally to Canada. Through her experiences, including surviving cancer twice and overcoming immense personal challenges, she has learned to generate her own sunshine and spread it to others.Steph and Mariat also dive into identity and the significance of Mariat's name, overcoming challenges with hope and resilience, Self-Care practices that are vital for Mariat, how we can recognize our own worth and potential, and so much more goodness.Mariat's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of maintaining hope, no matter the circumstances. She is a living example of how embracing one’s true self and focusing on personal happiness can lead to a fulfilling life. We know you will love this one friends and don't forget to check out Mariat’s book, for more nuggets of wisdom and beautiful life lessons.Mariat: LinkedIn Book: Whispers of Hope

We are SO excited to welcome Lauren Kuntz to the pod today! Lauren is a dynamic and incredible human who is making waves not only in the world of energy and climate change but also in female sports! She is the CEO of an energy startup, a seasoned athlete and is driven to challenge the status quo in both fields. This woman does it all folks and it is down right inspiring.Steph and Lauren are diving into so many juicy topics including Lauren's journey from getting a PhD in climate science from Harvard to helping to solve the climate crisis, the necessity of a carbon-free electricity source. Lauren's athletic career from gymnastics at MIT to track and field, her passion for the decathlon, organizing the first USA Track and Field Women’s Decathlon National Championships, organizing the first Women's Decathlon World Championship in Geneva, historical sexism limiting women’s opportunities in track and field and so much more goodness.We are deeply inspired by Lauren's relentless pursuit of change and her vision for a future where women compete equally in all sports, and we know you will be to! So let this episode inspire you to create the hope for a better future and as Lauren so beautiful articulates it to "live in the world as you wish it to be."LINKS TO TOPICS WE TALK ABOUT:Corkboard Newsletter: Sign UpLauren Kuntz: LinkedIn Women's Decathlon World Championships: Website

Today, we're diving deep with Kathy Andrews, a leadership development guru based right here in the Pacific Northwest! Kathy brings a unique perspective to the world of leadership, infused with her South African roots and a deep emphasis on human connection.In this chat Steph and Kathy explore Kathy's journey from South Africa to the beauty of North Vancouver, driven by a desire for safety and opportunity. But Kathy's story isn't just about physical relocation—it's about finding that sense of safety and belonging within herself and her community. They dive into the world of leadership development, and Kathy highlights a crucial point: it's not just about ticking boxes or attending events. True leadership development requires a holistic approach, one that fosters a common language and culture of respect and connection within organizations. Kathy challenges the traditional HR mindset, advocating for a more human-centric approach. She emphasizes the importance of leaders connecting with their teams on a deeper level, moving beyond surface-level conversations to truly understand and support each individual.They also touch on the delicate balance between leadership and therapy, recognizing the need for boundaries while still creating space for authentic connection and support. and leading with empathy and compassion, while also staying focused on the task at hand. Kathy shares her personal strategies for staying grounded and healthy in both mind and body. From goal setting to meditation practices inspired by the likes of Dr. Joe Dispenza, Kathy prioritizes self-care as a cornerstone of effective leadership.So, here's to leading with heart, embracing connection, and scoring goals—both on and off the field. Thanks for joining us on this journey, and until next time, keep "uncorking" those possibilities!LINKS TO TOPICS WE TALK ABOUT:Corkboard Newsletter: Sign UpCinga Leadership : WebsiteKathy Andrews: LinkedIn

Today on Uncorked, we've got a real treat for you. Steph is chatting with Eric Pateman, the Chief Experience Officer at the Vancouver International Airport. And let me tell ya, if you haven't experienced landing in Vancouver, you're missing out big time!Eric's not your average exec. He's all about humanizing the airport experience while embracing the power of tech and innovation. Seriously, he's like the Willy Wonka of airports, making sure every traveler feels the love as soon as they touch down.In this episode Steph and Eric are diving into Eric's journey from being a culinary and adventure entrepreneur to landing his dream gig at YVR. Spoiler alert: it wasn't always smooth sailing. Eric opens up about his struggles with mental health and how it led him to reevaluate his priorities. They also chat about where Eric finds inspiration (hint: it's not at boring conferences) and what's got his heart racing these days.So grab your headphones, settle in, and join us for a chat that's equal parts inspiring and downright fascinating. And hey, if you dig what you hear, don't forget to show us some love with a review and five stars. It helps more than you know!LINKS TO TOPICS WE TALK ABOUT:Corkboard Newsletter: Sign UpEric Pateman: WebsiteUnreasonable Hospitality: Book Will Guidara on Uncorked: Podcast