Valerie Fox is an expert in building thriving entrepreneurial communities, both locally and globally, by fostering partnerships and embracing intentional diversity.

Based in Toronto, Canada, she’s perhaps best known as the co-founder and former Executive Director of the DMZ, a leading innovation hub.

More recently, she founded The Pivotal Point, where she’s helping grow community-based incubators worldwide through coaching, mentoring, and co-creation.

With over 30 years of experience in the digital world, Val started by launching a graphic design business.

Her work caught the attention of IBM, where she joined their senior innovation network and led enterprise software design teams.

One of her standout projects was serving as the creative director for large online experiences like the Sydney Olympics.

Along the way, she earned five patents, including one for the Universal Shopping Cart for the Web—a key innovation that helped shape the e-commerce landscape.

She sits on 8 advisory boards, impacting business of all kinds through support of impact investing, women’s empowerment and community building.

She is a creative at heart, and has recently re-ignited her passion for art, carving out time to create, and collaborate with artists in her local Toronto neighbourhood.

Conversation Highlights:

1. Community Builder: Val Fox's journey is marked by her exceptional ability to build and connect communities, especially through the DMZ incubator in Toronto.
2. Career Evolution: From graphic design to IBM's creative director, Val's career showcases the power of lifelong learning and adaptability.
3. Resilience: Val's personal stories of overcoming setbacks, like post-Olympics challenges and injury recovery, highlight her resilience.
4. Artistic Revival: Recently, Val has embraced her artistic side, exploring painting and collaging, emphasizing personal growth and creativity.
5. Purposeful Living: Val focuses on health to continue serving others, with a strong commitment to social entrepreneurship and supporting women.
6. User-Centered Design: Val's work at IBM and beyond underscores the importance of designing with the user's perspective in mind.
7. Leadership and Mentorship: Val's leadership style encourages risk-taking and learning, fostering growth in her teams and community.

Amritpal Ghatora is a British-born Indian distance runner, coach, and inclusive community builder based in London. Amrit is the UK community and marketing manager for TrackSmith, shaping vibrant grassroots runs like speed workouts on the track and the famous TrackSmith Sunday Church of the Long Run.

He has completed an astounding 29 marathons to date and is a proud six star finisher of the Abbott World Marathon majors.

Amrit ran his first marathon in London back in 2008 with a time of four hours and 42 minutes and has since improved to a sub three hour marathon personal best of two hours and 51 minutes.

He is an impressive athlete with an ethos that is rooted in the message of empowerment.

He encourages representation in the running world and often reflects on being one of the few Asian faces in races and leading running communities.

Amrit’s community at TrackSmith will be a must-have in my training calendar leading into the Autumn.

Running has been a thread throughout Amrit's journey. And even if you are not a runner or an athlete, you will take away fabulous tools from today's conversation that can be applied to your life.

Conversation Highlights:

Career Shift from Engineering to Running Industry – Amritpal transitioned from a decade-long engineering career in aerospace and automotive to becoming Head of Marketing & Community at Tracksmith, merging his professional skills with his lifelong passion for running after redundancy during the pandemic.

Running Journey & Achievements – Starting in 2008 with the London Marathon, Amrit progressed from a 4:42 debut to a 2:59 PB, completing 29 marathons (28 as World Marathon Majors), qualifying for and running Boston, and setting new goals like breaking 2:50 and eventually 2:45.

Building Tracksmith’s London Community – Since 2022, he has grown Tracksmith’s UK presence, leading events, coaching, and creating a space that attracts local and global runners, focusing on connection, inclusivity, and the “amateur spirit” ethos.

Resilience & Reinvention – Facing two difficult years without a stable income post-redundancy, he pivoted into brand partnerships, coaching, and running content creation, leveraging persistence, adaptability, and a strong personal network to open new opportunities.

Purpose & Legacy – Amrit defines purpose as showing up with integrity, intention, and adaptability—aiming to leave a lasting community legacy in London’s running scene while pushing personal limits and inspiring others through consistency and connection.

Social Media:

Coaching Website: https://www.amritpalghatora.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amritpalghatora/reels/

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/37625515?oq=amri

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/amritpalghatora

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amritpalghatora

Rosemary is an entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience in wealth & tax advisory where she has been recognised with multiple awards and repeatedly in industry media for her business standards and quality of service.

Just a decade into her advisory career, Rosemary managed $220M in assets under management for her clients.

She is a published author of Practicing Hospitality: The Art and Science of Hosting in Your Home. She is an advocate of women, and lives by the philosophy – there are no stupid questions.

Rosemary is deeply passionate about agriculture and dedicates much of her time to Livingstone Farm 1860, a multifaceted agricultural property she owns and operates just an hour outside of the Greater Toronto Area.

The farm is home to a thriving luxury bed & breakfast, offering guests a peaceful escape in a rural setting. It is a hub for sustainable farming practices, lifestyle & corporate retreats.

Rosemary is deeply devoted to philanthropy and volunteerism, focused on faith-based causes close to home. She has served on the board of three non-profit organizations.

She and I know each other from volunteering in Toronto together and I really loved re-engaging her energy, and her passion for hospitality in this thought-provoking interview.

The interview highlights:

1. Inspiring Career Journey: Rosemary shares her path from university to managing $220 million in investments, highlighting her strategic focus and dedication.
2. Personal Transformation: She opens up about a mental health crisis that led to a significant lifestyle change, emphasizing the importance of self-care and balance.
3. Vision for the Future: Rosemary discusses her ambitious goal of owning 10,000 acres of farmland, driven by her passion for business and hospitality.
4. Mentorship and Influence: She reflects on the impact of her mentor, Jim Hunter, and the lessons she carries forward in her career.
5. Purpose and Legacy: Rosemary speaks about living with purpose, encouraging others to focus on making a significant impact in the world.

Social Links:

LinkedIn: Rosemary Horwood

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemaryhorwood/

Instagram: @rosemary.on.fire

Chantal Epp is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, 2x World Champion Cheerleader, and founder of ClicknClear, a music rights tech and licensing company solving copyright infringement issues across choreographed sports and performing arts worldwide.

ClicknClear was awarded a United Nations Innovation Award from the World Intellectual Property Organization, and Chantal has previously been featured in the Financial Times, named as one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in Tech in the UK.

Outside of Chantal's business achievements, she is also a global advocate for disability-inclusive Cheerleading and is working to bring the sport to the Paralympics.

Her work bridges music, tech, and sport to drive impact and innovation worldwide.

When I met her, and heard her story of trailblazing new paths in the sports industry, I was inspired to share her impact and ongoing advocacy for disability inclusion in sport.

I know you will be motivated and energised by her passion as a business leader, coach, mum and athlete.

1. Chantal Epp's journey from music enthusiast to entrepreneur showcases the power of passion and resilience in building a unique business in music licensing. #Entrepreneurship #MusicIndustry
2. Discover how Chantal Epp combines her love for cheerleading and music to create innovative solutions for sports licensing, paving the way for new opportunities. #Innovation #Sports
3. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Chantal Epp shares insights on maintaining work-life harmony while pursuing ambitious goals. #WorkLifeBalance #Motherhood
4. Chantal Epp's commitment to disability inclusion in cheerleading highlights the importance of adaptability and creating opportunities for all athletes. #Inclusion #Cheerleading
5. Explore Chantal Epp's vision of bringing cheerleading to the Paralympics, a journey filled with challenges and the drive to create a lasting legacy. #Paralympics #Legacy

Social Media:

Instagram: @chantal_arisha https://www.instagram.com/chantal_arisha/?hl=en

Instagram: @paracheer https://www.instagram.com/paracheer/?hl=en

LinkedIn: Chantal Epp https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-epp/

Website: https://www.clicknclear.com/

Facebook: Paracheer International : https://www.facebook.com/ParaCheerInternational/

WIPO Award: Winner ClicknClear: https://www.clicknclear.com/post/clicknclear-wins-2025-wipo-global-award

Lydia is a UK-based artist whose work embodies the power of athleticism and movement with a focus on the representation of women through figurative painting, printmaking, and drawing. She is particularly interested in how women have influenced the trajectory of Art.

Lydia holds an MFA in Painting from the Slade School of Fine Art at University College London and a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Goldsmiths College, University of London. She is also a fine art tutor at Open College of the Arts, in London.

In 2023, she was awarded a studio with Bow Arts for a year as part of the Almacantar Studio Award.

She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, from Manchester Metropolitan University where she has taught many aspiring artists as Lecturer in Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Foundation,

Lydia has lived and worked in London, Manchester, and more recently in the South of France - engaging international markets, and leveraging the inspiration of her surroundings to energise her artwork.

Her recent Solo Exhibitions include Changing States, with LKIF, in Seoul Korea and Afterglow, at Unit London.

I was personally drawn to her art when I first saw it on display at Unit in London’s West End, where as a runner I was drawn to the women athletes in her pieces. From canvases representing football players, divers and distance runners - to a unique set of self-portraiture her paintings are a nod to dedication and the collective energy of sport.

She is also a runner, and Lydia leverages the clarity and headspace on her long runs to inspire her creative process in her studio.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.lydiamerrett.com/

Instagram: @lydiamerrettpainting

Podcast Highlights:

Here are some key highlights from the conversation with Lydia Merritt:

• Lydia's career goal is to paint and lecture in fine art, which she has been working towards since a young age.
• She completed her MFA in painting at the Slade School of Fine Art and won a studio award with the Alma Cancer.
• Lydia's family background is not in the arts, but she was encouraged to pursue her passion for art due to her dyslexia.
• She is currently in the process of relocating her studio to a different country, which she finds exciting.
• Lydia's painting "Moving As One" is inspired by the collective silence and effort in a marathon.
• She faced a recent setback when a fixed-term contract was not extended, but she views it as a stepping stone.
• Lydia values teaching and finds inspiration in her students, which energizes her own work.
• She is starting a PhD focused on female embodiment, representation, and women in sport, which she finds both exciting and daunting.

Franke is a Partner and CEO of Anomaly, an internationally awarded creative marketing and advertising agency (named the “#1 Advertising Agency of the Year” in 2017 and 2022).

His current client list includes brands like: Amazon Ads, Albertsons, Bud Light, Celsius, Chevy, Diageo, Ferrero, Google Shopping, Starbucks, and Target.

Franke joined Anomaly 18 years ago starting in the New York office as a junior account person with the ability to span the traditional world and the digital world.
Five years after joining the agency, he became the youngest ever Partner & CEO in Anomaly, charged with relocating to open the Toronto office. In 2017 he took on leadership in the New York office as CEO as the agency grew.

Franke is actively involved in the community – he sits on the Board of Directors for “Children of the City” a not-for-profit that provides academic tutoring and educational services for at-risk youth. He also serves as a Board member for a local church in New York City.

Social Handles Links:

• Franke Insta here
• Franke LinkedIn here
• Anomaly Insta here
• Anomaly LinkedIn here
• Links to Articles / websites:
• Franke Hispanic Executive Magazine 2025 here
• Franke Hispanic Executive Magazine 2020 here
• Anomaly website here
• Anomaly is 2025 #3 On Best Agencies of the Year here
• Anomaly is 2022 Agency of the Year here
• Anomaly is 2017 Agency of the Year here
• Other business endeavours:
• Franke is Partner and co-owner of a new cocktail bar and restaurant in Brooklyn here
• Franke is Partner in a Boat Share and chartering business called Power Time here

This conversation includes:

1. Early Life and Education: Frankie shares his upbringing in New York and his journey through various schools, leading to his admission to Columbia University.
2. Career Beginnings: He discusses his initial foray into finance, working at Citigroup and Solomon Brothers.
3. Discovery of Advertising: Frankie recounts his first exposure to advertising and marketing during an internship
4. Growth at Anomaly: Frankie describes his rise within Anomaly, from starting as an account supervisor to becoming CEO of Anomaly New York, and expanding the Toronto office.
5. Challenges and Resilience: He reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on Anomaly, the strategic decisions made to navigate the crisis.
6. Personal Insights: Frankie shares personal stories about balancing work and family, the importance of community and faith.
7. Future Aspirations: He talks about his entrepreneurial ventures outside of Anomaly.

Natasha Wodak is a professional runner, 20 time Canadian national team member, Olympian and Canadian women's record holder in the marathon at (2:23:12).

Natasha is a 2 time olympian in (2016 in the 10,000m) and (2020 in the marathon)

She has been making a full time career in the sport of running for over 8 years and is a beacon of inspiration to athletes around the globe. Her journey has taken her from school races at the age of 7 to a professional career into her 30s and 40s.

She is the coach of all women's group Fierce Athletics based out of Vancouver BC.

In addition to her running, Natasha loves to give back. She is a long time volunteer and advocate for VOKRA (Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association), where she proudly volunteers on a regular basis.

This conversation includes:

1. Natasha’s journey from starting running at a young age to becoming a professional athlete, highlighting the importance of perseverance and passion.
2. Overcoming Challenges: She discusses significant challenges, including injuries and personal struggles, and how she overcame them to achieve success.
3. Importance of Community: The role of community and support systems in her career, emphasizing how relationships with coaches and peers have been pivotal.
4. Coaching Philosophy: Natasha's approach to coaching, focusing on understanding athletes as individuals and fostering a supportive and fun environment.
5. Balancing Life and Sport: Insights into how she balances her personal life with her professional running career, including the importance of self-care and nutrition.
6. Future Goals: Natasha talks about her future aspirations, including competing in upcoming World Championships and her desire to continue contributing to the sport through coaching.
7. Mental Resilience: The significance of mental toughness in athletics and how Natasha has developed resilience through her experiences.
8. Legacy and Purpose: Reflections on her purpose and legacy in the sport, aiming to inspire and mentor the next generation of female athletes.

Press:

https://olympic.ca/team-canada/natasha-wodak/

https://worldathletics.org/athletes/canada/natasha-wodak-14266948

https://athletics.ca/athlete/natasha-wodak/

World Championships 2025:

https://runningmagazine.ca/the-scene/athletics-canada-names-full-marathon-team-for-2025-world-championships/

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashawodak/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashawodak

X: https://x.com/tasha_wodak?lang=en

Blog:

https://lifeinthetashlane.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Pace & Purpose, a podcast hosted by Kirstyn DeVries—global connector, growth strategist, and distance runner.

In this podcast, you’ll hear from founders, leaders, and athletes who’ve gone all in, hit setbacks, recalibrated—and come back sharper, more grounded, and driven to succeed.

These are conversations about bold pivots, relentless ambition, and the mindset shifts behind sustained performance, setting you on the course to your highest potential.

Because whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or training for your next big race—there is one thing is common: Refining your purpose and finding your pace.