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Roberta Nickel shares insights with Mark about her 18-plus years in the Canadian Navy, as the only woman in her unit. Her time as her mom’s caregiver led to her discovering a love of belly dancing. Into the mix was embracing the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medieval live events group, which was interestingly paired with her entry as a practising Wiccan. She relates dancing for her commanding officer on his 40th birthday. There is the unique experience of guiding a blind friend through every ride at the Calgary Stampede.

Roberta Bio

Roberta was born in Calgary and did her schooling there. She is a second-generation Calgarian.

She is a railway brat as her father worked as a conductor for the CNR and she saw a lot of Western Canada from the window of a train. When she turned 17 and 6 months, she joined the RCNR and

Became a Communicator, which made her father proud. She spent 18 and a half years in the navy and saw much of Canada during that time. She can tell you a lot about that time. Just ask her.

After doing her time, she became her mother’s caregiver. She did that until 1998 when her mother passed away.

Roberta does Belly dancing and Square Dancing to relive stress. She also rides horses; can do

Archery; does Background acting; and enjoys Reading.

She is a witch and enjoys learning the many aspects of it.

She had always wanted to do a Playboy style photo shoot and that is when she met Mark and the rest is history. She has many photos that tell a story. Thank you Mark.

Roberta also likes to travel and has been to Scotland and Egypt. Would she return? In a heartbeat.

She also works for the Calgary Stampede in Catering . What’s next for this lady? Only time will tell.

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Jackie Rainforth is full of fresh insights and joy. She discusses her life, emphasizing her belief in living life to the fullest and her tendency to push boundaries. She is a disruptor and encourages it. She shares a story about defying her father's wishes to marry at 14, leading to a brief marriage and subsequent divorce. Jackie highlights her inspirations, particularly people who face fear and adversity. She values honesty, loyalty, transparency, and integrity. Jackie recounts her near-death diving experience and how it changed her life, making her more assertive. She also discusses the importance of effective communication in sales, using neuroscience and psychology to enhance customer interactions.

Jackie Rainforth Bio

Are you working hard in your business – but not getting results?

Jackie has helped companies grow revenue by up to 77%—because she knows what it’s like to be on the other side: working hard and winging it.

Meet Jackie Rainforth—internationally recognized Sales, Leadership, and Business Growth Expert, and the powerhouse behind The Rainmaker™ brand.

She’s an award-winning speaker, best-selling author of The Badass Guide to Superstar Selling, and creator of Selling Made Simple™—a proven system built from real-world experience.

But she didn’t start out as a natural at sales.
Like many, she was unsure of what to say, when to say it… and felt pushy, awkward, and uncomfortable.

What changed?
She realized scripts fall flat, and personality wasn’t enough. Selling without a system - is like driving a car blindfolded—too many wrong turns, time wasted, and missed opportunities.

Her gift?
Simplifying sales into clear, repeatable steps anyone can use.

She became the #1 sales rep at every company she worked for—for decades. And those she’s trained? They’ve done the same.

Her latest breakthrough—The Entrepreneurial Shift™ Series—empowers businesses and teams to future-proof by leading boldly, selling with strategic precision, and driving innovation, differentiation, and accelerated growth in today’s highly unpredictable world.

A LinkedIn Top Voice, Top 500 Global Professional, and Top 1% Social Selling Index, Jackie equips leaders and sales teams with the tools and confidence to

make it rain—results, revenue, and relentless growth.

About Mark Laurie - Host.
Mark has been transforming how women see themselves, enlarging their sense of sexy, and expanding their confidence in an exciting adventure that is transformational photography.
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Sound Production by:
Lee Ellis - myofficemedia@gmail.com

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In this episode, Erin shares her insights with Mark on how art mirrors society, the hidden influence of women’s history, and the importance of staying curious rather than judgmental. With heartfelt stories about her pioneering grandmothers, she illustrates the power of taking risks and finding true purpose. Erin’s thoughtful reflections on self-doubt, incremental progress, and the need for meaningful connection offer a refreshing perspective in a world often driven by surface-level interactions.

Erin McDonald is a visionary leader, cultural strategist, and captivating speaker based in Edmonton, Alberta, advocating for equity, imagination, and resilience across Alberta’s cultural landscape.

With an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business and a Master of Cultural Heritage from Deakin University, Erin brings sharp analysis and heartfelt commitment to every table they sit at. An Edmonton Top 40 Under 40 recipient, Toastmasters International-certified communicator, and neuroqueer creative, Erin navigates complex systems with grace, wit, and cinematic flair.

Known for their presence, expressive storytelling, and a blend of elegance and warmth, Erin is drawn to the quiet glamour of Old Hollywood and the grounded beauty of the lived experience. Whether reimagining funding models, curating inclusive celebrations, or championing underrepresented voices, Erin’s work radiates integrity and intentionality.

Erin founded EM Museum Consulting, bringing lived experience, humour, and fierce kindness to their leadership practice. Erin lives by the principle that reinvention is a form of resistance—and that true power lives in authenticity.

Image credit: Janice Saxon

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Better pass boldly into that other world,
in the full glory of some passion,
than fade and wither dismally with age
Joyce, Dubliners

About Mark Laurie - Host.
Mark has been transforming how women see themselves, enlarging their sense of sexy, and expanding their confidence in an exciting adventure that is transformational photography.
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Sound Production by:
Lee Ellis - myofficemedia@gmail.com