Join us for a powerful finale with Al MacVicar on the Leadership Trademark Podcast, where we explore why great leaders don't avoid conflict–they embrace it.

Discover how trust, compassion, and honest communication can turn your toughest leadership moments into catalysts for growth. Al shares candid stories from his leadership experiences, revealing what he's learned about reading team dynamics, bringing diverse groups together around shared goals, and creating an environment where difficult conversations lead to meaningful results.

Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, this episode offers practical wisdom on building the kind of trust that makes open communication possible and the team cohesion that drives real results.

In this episode, we sit down with a veteran leader whose 31-year career in the Canadian Forces, including service with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and the Canadian Airborne Regiment, has shaped his deep understanding of leadership, trust, and accountability. A distinguished graduate of the U.S. Joint and Combined Forces Staff College, he has also served as a CEO, board chair, entrepreneur, and community builder, continuing a lifelong commitment to service and mentorship.

Together, we explore how true accountability begins with the leader, not through commands but by asking better questions, building trust, and helping others create their own path to shared goals. Drawing from decades of military and organizational experience, he shares practical insights on guiding teams toward ownership, commitment, and high performance, lessons that resonate in every field where leadership and integrity matter most.

In this episode, we explore the framework of perceptual positions as a powerful tool for leaders to navigate situations from multiple perspectives. By shifting between “my view,” “your view,” and the integrated “our view,” leaders can better understand dynamics, foster collaboration, and resolve challenges with greater clarity. To bring this to life, we’re joined by Gina Huston, a seasoned project manager from the City of Toronto, who has led complex initiatives and vendor collaborations across various municipal divisions. With expertise in project management, stakeholder relationships, and navigating high-pressure environments, Gina shares how applying perceptual positions can strengthen leadership and teamwork.

In this episode, we’re joined by Shira Yoskovitch, Strategic Advisor to global supply chain, retail, and tech organizations, to explore the art and science of setting priorities. Shira breaks down how to define what truly matters, align teams even amid disagreement, and keep priorities dynamic as things change. Whether you're leading a small team or a global function, Shira offers actionable advice to help you spark clarity, drive alignment, and move forward.

In this episode, Finn, Leslie, and Rosalind are joined by Shelly Anne Penner for a live demonstration of the Identity Matrix—a tool built around eight key questions designed to help people better understand themselves and develop the inner clarity and strength needed to navigate life.

Shelly’s story is a reflection of what it means to keep learning and growing. Born and raised in North Bay, Ontario, she began her nursing career at 18 as an RPN, unsure of what path she wanted to take. Over time, she worked her way toward becoming an RN and eventually moved to Toronto to work at one of the city’s largest teaching hospitals. Along the way, she experienced love, loss, motherhood, and the ongoing process of figuring out who she is and who she wants to become.

This conversation is an honest look at how the Identity Matrix can help make sense of those questions. It’s about pausing, reflecting, and choosing how we show up—for ourselves and for the people around us.

In this applied episode, we explore how understanding identity shapes the way we lead, connect, and grow. Using The Identity Matrix as our guide, we unpack how family traditions, childhood memories, and formative experiences contribute to a deeper sense of self. Through honest conversation and personal reflection, we examine the challenges of leadership, the power of self-awareness, and the importance of owning both our strengths and our shadow. Whether you're navigating a career decision, seeking greater connection, or simply asking “Who am I, really?”, this episode offers a practical path toward clarity, compassion, and authenticity.

John dives into real-world applications of the tool, discussing how it can improve team dynamics and help leaders focus on the areas that truly matter. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership clarity and actionable strategies for success.

Employee engagement isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept—and in the latest episode of the Leadership Trademarked Podcast, we’re exploring exactly why. After hours of deep discussion, we’ve introduced a framework to help clarify what “engagement” really means in the workplace. Along the way, we unpack practical leadership strategies, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on social behaviour, and explore new ways to navigate uncertainty in today’s workforce. Our big revelation? Genuine engagement truly flourishes when leaders bring their full humanity to the table. Tune in to hear how our featured leaders use tangible tools and rituals to foster a more interconnected, human-centric environment.