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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

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Mark’s chat with Krista where the values of authenticity and resilience has gotten her, how her curiosity from a young age shifted society’s momentum from fear and seriousness to lightness. She explains what being a big thinker is and how she got there. Krista shares how her value of lifelong learning gave her continuous personal growth.

Krista gets into her parenting style, part of which is letting her daughters make mistakes while freely exploring things. Branching into what their impact on the world might be. She shares her slowing down technique and how she controls her thoughts to tap into her valued gut instincts.

She gets into her definition of success- a feeling of accomplishment and failure, “My first attempt to learn something.”

We wander around her life, her revelations and her growth. This is a very fun and interesting conversation.

Krista Bio

Krista Rabidoux is a Partner at Andersen LLP with over 23 years of experience working across Canada. She specializes in leadership and executive coaching within family businesses, guiding them through complex transitions and ensuring their long-term success. Krista recently earned the FEA (Family Enterprise Advisor) designation, further enhancing her ability to provide specialized advice to family-owned businesses. Her deep understanding of business dynamics and cross-border transactions makes her an invaluable asset in managing and safeguarding the financial health of organizations.

Krista has guided businesses and individuals through the complexities of international tax obligations, ensuring compliance and optimizing tax positions across multiple jurisdictions. She continues to leverage her expertise in global mobility, assisting multinational corporations and their employees with the intricacies of working across borders. Her experience includes advising on employer and employee obligations, optimizing tax positions for expatriates, and addressing the unique challenges of international assignments.

Krista also serves on the Board of Directors at Family Enterprise Canada and Contemporary Calgary, where she chairs the Finance and Audit Committee. Additionally, she is the former Chairperson of AmCham Canada West Chapter, reflecting her leadership and dedication to fostering cross-border business relationships. Her involvement in these organizations underscores her commitment to supporting family businesses and contributing to her community.

Reach out to her
krista.rabidoux@ca.andersen.com
https://ca.andersen.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-rabidoux/

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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Mark’s chat with Holly reveals a dynamic woman whose big blended family, with all its drama, has shaped her into an inspiring, resilient, and intuitive leader. The universe shifted from a nursing to a bold candle business. Her rallying cry is progress over perfection.

Holly talks about experimenting with a four-day workweek and then moving it company-wide. She found that even short meditations for her busy mind changed her profoundly. She has learned to trust her instincts and act decisively. Yet, people call her lucky. (Hint: It's not that that is working for her!)

She challenges the idea of hustling, demonstrating that more can be achieved through trust, flexibility, and valuing everyone’s need for rest.

Holly shares how she turns failures into opportunities and how people can harness their energy to pursue their personal legend creation.

This conversation is heartfelt, unconventional, and fully authentic, revealing the powerful force of believing in your own path.

For example, she talks abour her plan to have a Praying Mantis as a pet, it is a thing.

Without apology, Holly says, “Yep, this is a millennial's sensibilities." She is not stereotypical, and she will change the world. Her passion business, Milk Jar, is the source of many of her revelations and growth.

This is a blast of fresh air conversation from a clearly fun-loving, passionate woman.

You will agree that this is a fascinating conversation.

Holly Singer Bio

Holly Singer is the founder and CEO of Milk Jar, an inclusive candle company that creates job opportunities for people with and without disabilities. Milk Jar also supports inclusive spaces by donating $1 from the sale of every product to organizations that support people with disabilities to learn and grow and initiatives that create inviting spaces. In 8 years, Milk Jar has raised over $350,000 for programs worldwide, from Alberta to Ontario to the U.S. and the U.K! All areas where Milk Jar purchases come from so we can support our customer's communities to be more inviting. Holly says her employees give Milk Jar a greater purpose and a positive work culture that she will be sharing with you today.

Holly plans to expand inclusive hiring in Calgary by starting a conversation around the benefits of an inclusive workplace and by connecting businesses to service providers and employees to support their inclusive hiring practices and create more inviting spaces.

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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Catherine Brownlee discusses her journey from a young introvert to a successful, extroverted professional. Influenced by her father's wisdom and mentorship, she entered the oil and gas industry through volunteering. Catherine emphasizes the importance of authenticity, networking, and constant learning. She shares her beliefs in optimism, human goodness, and the search for love. Catherine's pivotal moments include her father's accident, her sister's death, and her father's guidance posthumously. She advocates for disruption, health through diet and exercise, and the significance of deep, meaningful connections.

CATHERINE BROWNLEE Bio

Catherine Brownlee enjoys a wide variety of responsibilities and enjoys her work with Andersen in Canada, Alberta Enterprise Group and is the President and CEO of CBI Business Solutions. She brings over 30 years' experience in Search and marketing, and business development across all sectors. Catherine’s database of over 85,000 contacts demonstrates her capacity to motivate, build and achieve results. Her peers recognized her for her outstanding leadership with a Women of Influence Award and a Paul Harris Award through the Rotary Club of Calgary.

Catherine regularly presents seminars for those looking to find the job of their dreams or building their business.

Catherine is the co-author of three bestsellers. Want to Work in Oil and Gas?, Cat’s Tips to Get the Job of Your Dreams and How to Sell in Any Economy.

In her spare time, Catherine is committed to serving the community through the Rotary Club of Calgary Stampede Park. Her passions include business, politics, tech and AI, human rights, and serving children and disadvantaged communities.

Learn More: https://cbibusiness.ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinebrownlee/ https://www.facebook.com/catherine.brownlee.33 https://x.com/CBI_Rocks

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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The Rose of Tralee - shared by Katie Dooley the Western Canadian Chair.

Any Irish blood in your veins? Even if it is a small %, you can enter. Katie tells us about the event, from firsthand experience. It starts with a wild March weekend with the winner going to Ireland. It is a pretty big deal. Take a listen. Let anyone with some Irish blood know

About The Rose of Tralee,

As one of the Center Coordinators for the Western Canada Rose of Tralee, Katie Dooley is passionate about empowering young women and celebrating Irish heritage. Having applied for the role of Western Canada Rose herself in her 20s, she deeply understands the excitement and honour of being part of this tradition.

Katie is dedicated to creating opportunities for ambitious women to shine. She loves witnessing women connect with their culture and be recognized for their talents and achievements. Last year, she travelled to Tralee, Ireland, to experience the Rose of Tralee International Festival firsthand, a journey that deepened her appreciation for this global celebration of Irish culture.

Whether mentoring potential Roses or coordinating meaningful events, Katie champions the values of community, empowerment, and heritage. She brings boundless enthusiasm and a heartfelt commitment to ensuring this tradition continues to inspire and connect women across Western Canada and beyond.

https://roseoftralee.ie

https://roseoftralee.ie/apply-to-the-rose-of-tralee/

https://www.facebook.com/westerncanadarose

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

Send us a text

Jane Duncan, a 67-year-old dancer and educator, shares insights on her life and careers. She always knew she was a dancer, starting when she was 11. For her, dance was a healing and power source. While she cherished it, always seeing herself as a dancer, she changed careers, got degrees and flourished. She shares her mentors and how they changed her life. She now volunteers with an organization that accredits fire organizations. All her life lessons she lays out.

Jane Duncan: Dancer, Educator, Contributor

As is the case for most dancers, we have a knowing from an early age that we are dancers. The blessing with that knowing, is that we always know who we are no matter who old, fat, or infirm we may become. I stopped trying to make my living as a dancer in my mid to late twenties but since then, I have danced on the edges of my life. In addition to dance as a primary definer, so is education. I have been an educator of adults since I was barely an adult myself beginning as a dance educator at Mount Royal College. At that time one of my students said to me, “Jane, what you are is an educator.” I was mortally offended! I thought, “I am a dancer!!” The student was right, though. I am also an educator. This understanding culminated in earning a doctorate in adult education and higher education leadership and lead me from teaching in post-secondary to administering education in emergency services to fulfill the need for a new challenge. This experience resulted in an invitation to be appointed as a volunteer for an emergency services accreditation body. I have been contributing to that cause beginning in 2008. I have been given many gifts and giving back is what I am called to do.

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