Being a leader isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about making the right decisions when it matters most. Whether you’re leading a team of one, ten, or thousands, the way you lead determines whether you and your team thrive.

Today, we’re tackling challenges every leader might face at some point: Toxic Scenarios. My guest, Megan Smith, is the Head of Human Resources for SAP North America, where she helps guide a workforce of over 20,000 employees. She knows how toxic behaviours—whether it’s poor communication, distrust, or ineffective leadership—can derail teams and organizations.

In this episode, Megan breaks down three common toxic leadership scenarios, why they happen, and most importantly, how to fix them. If you’ve ever asked yourself, how can I do better? this conversation is for you.

Let’s dive in.

Welcome to another episode of For Leaders By Leaders, I’m thrilled to be joined by David Barrett, a visionary in internal communications and multimedia, who has spent nearly two decades at the World Health Organization, currently serving as the Internal Communications and Multimedia Manager at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

David’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a career that started in television production and evolved into crafting engaging internal communications, he’s a master at connecting people with purpose. He draws from a unique blend of experiences, including his lifelong passion for theatre as an actor, director, and producer. For David, leadership is not about a solo performance; it’s about rallying a team, fostering collaboration, and ensuring everyone plays their part in creating something extraordinary.

In this episode, David shares insights on how he inspired others through the challenging times of COVID-19, how his theatrical background shapes his leadership philosophy, and his passion for making information accessible and engaging within an organization as impactful as the WHO. His story will resonate with leaders looking to motivate teams, navigate crises, and build a shared vision that truly sings.

In this episode, we deep dive into the world of performance culture with Dr. Oliver Finlay. With over 23 years of experience as a performance director, coach, and physiotherapist, Dr. Finlay has worked with some of the most elite sports organizations in the world—including the English Premier League, NBA, Formula 1, and Team GB Athletics. His career spans a wide variety of sports, from soccer and basketball to motorsport and rugby, showcasing his unparalleled expertise in high-performance environments.

Dr. Finlay is also the founder of Beautiful Game Group, a modern sports investment company focused on driving growth and long-term success in professional sports organizations.

But this isn’t just about sports. Drawing from his impressive career and PhD research at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Finlay unpacks lessons that apply to any organization aiming for sustained success. From understanding the markers of high performance to managing change, creating a culture of excellence, and overcoming plateaus, his insights are invaluable for leaders across all fields.

Tune in to learn how to apply the principles of high-performance sports to your organization, unlock potential, and build a winning culture that thrives in any arena.

I’m thrilled to share this episode of For Leaders By Leaders!

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael J. Goldrich, the brilliant mind behind Too Many Hats, Too Little Time. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can actually help us work smarter (not just faster), Michael is the person to listen to.

In this episode, he takes us beyond the buzzwords and into the real, practical ways leaders can use AI to make work not just efficient but meaningful. He’s all about creating more joy and less toil—empowering teams to thrive by weaving AI into everyday tasks thoughtfully and intentionally.

Michael’s insights are fresh, grounded, and incredibly actionable—perfect for anyone curious about where AI fits in your workday or your team’s future.

Check it out, and let me know what resonated most with you. 🚀 Let’s navigate this AI journey together!

I’m excited to have Pamela Hampel join us for this episode. With 18 years of experience in Human Resources, Pamela currently serves as the VP of People and Culture at Bits in Glass. In her role, she’s redefined how workplace culture can drive personal and team success. Pamela has championed innovative practices in employee relations, strategic growth, and cultivating an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute and thrive. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes to share the tangible strategies and cultural principles that have shaped Bits in Glass into a standout workplace.

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Hamilton, a nationally recognized DEI leader, founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, and head of All Hands Group, a workplace culture consultancy. Denise has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, and her thought leadership has been featured in outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, and MIT Sloan Management Review. She is also the author of INDIVISIBLE, a powerful exploration of unity and equity in the workplace.

Denise’s passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the core of her work. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey, including the challenges she’s faced and the lessons learned along the way. Through powerful stories and real-life examples, Denise offers strategies to foster more inclusive workplace cultures, showing how leaders can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s dive in!

Today’s guest is someone who embodies the true essence of courage in leadership—Janelle Aaker, founder of Janelle Aaker Consulting. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate world ranging from Nike, lululemon and more recently at Vancity, Janelle has worked across all aspects of HR. She has spent the last five years specializing in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

In this episode, we’ll dive into how courage has shaped Janelle’s career and life, explore the role it plays in leadership, and uncover the ways in which courageous, inclusive leadership can foster authenticity and growth in teams. From challenging the status quo to leading with empathy, Janelle’s insights will inspire leaders to tap into their own bravery to make lasting impacts.

Get ready to learn how courage and leadership truly go hand-in-hand!

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Naz Kullar, an expert in Human Resources who brings decades of experience and deep insights into leadership and organizational culture. Naz joined the Insurance Council in 2023 as Director of People and Culture and has been a member of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) since 1988. Naz currently participates as member of the Board of Directors for CPHR BC & Yukon and currently serves as Board Chair.

Naz will share her career journey and provide practical advice on fostering connection within teams—especially in the new hybrid work model. As remote and hybrid work environments become more common, leaders face the challenge of maintaining a sense of connection, culture, and inclusivity across geographically dispersed teams. Naz will offer strategies for leaders and HR professionals to navigate these challenges, with a focus on helping new managers lead effectively in this changing landscape.

Tune in to hear from a true HR leader who’s here to help you build stronger, more connected teams in today’s hybrid world!