The Powerhouse Project

The Powerhouse Project

The Powerhouse Project is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Lisa Laronde, the first woman president of RSG International and the President of the Canadian Association for Women in Construction. As a leader in road safety infrastructure, Lisa operates with a no-filter policy and no-nonsense approach that surprises some but inspires many in a predominantly male industry. Lisa is known for her unwavering advocacy for women; she is committed to fostering connections, facilitating learning, and championing the advancement of women in leadership roles. Lisa will cover leadership from a variety of angles, inviting distinguished guests to speak about their experiences in tech, politics, construction and more. The Powerhouse Project will leave women from any generation and any background feeling empowered and motivated to lead with courage. Join the movement at thepowerhouse-project.com

Episodes

The Boldest Conversations of 2024

December 11, 2024 • 30 mins
On the final episode of 2024, host Lisa Laronde revisits some of her favourite conversations from the inaugural year of The Powerhouse Project Podcast, celebrating bold moves, big wins, and the unstoppable drive of women change-makers. As we wrap up an incredible year, today’s episode is packed with highlights, expert advice, and practical takeaways as you step into the new year. A recurring theme on the podcast has been how women ...
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Sabrina Fiorellino: Life of a Serial Entrepreneur

November 27, 2024 • 31 mins
Host Lisa LaRonde speaks with Sabrina Fiorellino, a remarkable entrepreneur who launched her first company at eighteen and has since made significant strides in both the construction and healthcare industries. Sabrina shares her journey from law to entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced during the pandemic, and her innovative solutions for disaster relief. The conversation also delves into the importance of women in leadership,...
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Lauren Fahey: Transforming the NexGen in Construction

November 13, 2024 • 37 mins
In this episode of The Powerhouse Project, host Lisa Laronde speaks with Lauren Fahey, the Executive Director at NexGen in Australia, where she leads initiatives to inspire, educate and empower the next generation in the construction industry. With a strong commitment to gender equality and diversity, Lauren is dedicated to driving change and creating opportunities for young women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Before join...
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Tanya LaBuick: Forget What They Say

October 30, 2024 • 35 mins
In this episode of The Powerhouse Project, host Lisa Laronde speaks with Tanya LaBuick, a certified project manager and business coach, about her journey in project management, sports, and entrepreneurship. Tanya shares her philosophy on overcoming outside opinions, the importance of trusting oneself, and the challenges women face in leadership roles. They discuss women's representation in business and the complexities of privilege...
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Minister Filomena Tassi: The Importance of Gender Equity in the Workforce

October 16, 2024 • 40 mins
In this episode, host Lisa Laronde sits down with Minister Filomena Tassi, head of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, for an insightful conversation. They explore Minister Tassi’s journey before politics, the challenges women face in leadership, and actionable ways to attract more women to positions of power. The discussion dives into the importance of gender equity and inclusive workplaces, stressing the...
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Julie Cafley: Gender Partnership in DEI

July 22, 2024 • 33 mins
This week, host Lisa Laronde interviews Julie Cafley, a leader in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). They discuss the importance of inclusive leadership in advancing gender equity, emphasizing the need for both men and women to be involved in the conversation to effect meaningful change. They highlight the value of allies in the fight for gender equality and share their personal experiences on advocating for gender equity and inc...
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Shelley Gray: Women Redefining Skilled Trades

July 10, 2024 • 30 mins
Host Lisa Laronde interviews Shelley Gray, the CEO of SkilledTradesBC about her journey in leadership as a woman in the trades. They dive into the significance of representation, the unique challenges women face in male-dominated fields, and effective strategies to attract and retain women in skilled trades. Shelley and Lisa discuss the crucial need for supportive policies and environments that foster inclusivity, emphasizing the r...
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Miranda Steele: 'Ellevating' Women in Leadership

June 25, 2024 • 38 mins
Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Miranda Steele, a strategic communications executive and president of the Ellevate Network Toronto. Lisa and Miranda discuss the role of strategic communications in shaping business culture and supporting women's leadership development to create authentic connections for women to support each other. Miranda shares her career journey working with global brands like McDonalds and discusses the challenges...
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Melissa Alexander: Second Chances

June 12, 2024 • 27 mins
Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Melissa Alexander, a floor-covering apprentice, peer worker, mentor, and activist. They explore what inspired her to enter the skilled trades, her experiences and challenges as a floor layer, and her role as a certified peer worker. Melissa also shares her advocacy efforts with organizations like 'Walls to Bridges.' A significant part of Melissa's story is her commitment to second chances. Having serve...
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Meg Mathes: Creating an Inclusive Workplace for Transgender Individuals

May 29, 2024 • 32 mins
Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Meg Mathes, a Red Seal refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic and a Senior Manager of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). In this role, she nationally supports the people, clients, and Industry with DEI efforts. Meg shares her incredible journey in the skilled trades industry as a transgender woman. Meg opens up about her experiences in foster care and leaving home at fourteen years old. Meg dis...
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Adam Gaiser of Mark's Commercial: A Quest for PPE Inclusivity

May 15, 2024 • 33 mins
Host Lisa Laronde interviews Adam Gaiser, the Associate Vice President of Sales for Mark’s Commercial. Adam boasts 30 years of dedicated expertise at Marks, where he serves as the Assistant Vice President of Sales for Marks Commercial, spearheading a nationwide sales force comprising 60 adept professionals and champions pivotal strategic alliances.  Adam's enthusiasm resonates in fostering employee well-being, promoting skilled tra...
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Brandi Ferenc: Retaining Women in the Trades

May 1, 2024 • 35 mins
Join host Lisa Laronde and guest Brandi Ferenc for a conversation about retaining women in the trades. Brandi is a seasoned red seal refrigeration and air conditioning system mechanic and shares her remarkable journey within the skilled trades industry. With candor and insight, Brandi uncovers the hurdles encountered by women navigating male-dominated fields, shedding light on the pressing need for a profound cultural shift. Throug...
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Maggie Casey: In Pursuit of Fairness

April 17, 2024 • 40 mins
During this episode of The Powerhouse Project, we highlight Magdalena (Maggie) Casey, an up and coming civil litigator with a focus on employment, human rights, and labour law, shares insights into her background and professional journey. Drawing from her experiences living in diverse regions, Maggie recounts how these experiences shaped her commitment to human rights advocacy. She delves into the complexities surrounding the repor...
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Victoria LaBillois: Economic Reconciliation

April 2, 2024 • 30 mins
Victoria LaBillois, is a visionary Mi’gmaq entrepreneur from Listugui, Quebec who shares her inspiring journey and unwavering commitment to reshaping the narrative of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada. As the owner and president of Wejipeg Excavation and co-owner and president of Wejuseg Construction Inc., she's carving her path in the construction industry while championing economic reconciliation for Indigenous communities. V...
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Olympic Boxer Mandy Bujold: Fight Like a Mother

March 20, 2024 • 31 mins
Mandy Bujold, an 11-time national champion and two-time Canadian Olympic boxer, shares her journey in both the construction industry and the world of boxing with host Lisa Laronde. Reflecting on her experiences, she candidly discusses the hurdles encountered as a female boxer and the strides made in advancing women's boxing, recounting her road to the Olympics, which included a legal battle against the world's largest sports organi...
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Ironworker & Motivational Speaker Jamie McMillan

March 8, 2024 • 30 mins
In this conversation, Jamie McMillan, a seasoned ironworker and champion for women in the skilled trades, delves into the myriad challenges and promising prospects within the industry. Host Lisa Laronde and Jamie discuss the critical significance of both recruiting and retaining women in the trades, advocating for the eradication of toxic work environments and the promotion of inclusivity at all levels. Jamie fearlessly shares her ...
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Robyn Ptak of Procter & Gamble

March 8, 2024 • 26 mins
In this captivating episode, Lisa Laronde engages in an insightful dialogue with Robyn Ptak, Vice President, Sales at Procter & Gamble Canada, to delve into her remarkable journey and passionate commitment to empowering women in leadership. Their conversation spans the significance of diversity and inclusion, the transformative influence of women's networks, and advancements made within the grocery retail sector. Robyn opens up abo...
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Meet the Host, Lisa Laronde

March 8, 2024 • 43 mins
In this episode of The Powerhouse Project, Lisa Laronde is joined by her colleague and public relations manager, Morganne Campbell. Together, the duo explores the facets of Lisa's groundbreaking journey as the first woman president of RSG International, shedding light on her experiences in a predominantly male-dominated sector. Lisa candidly explores the hurdles she has encountered professionally, emphasizing the value of authentic...
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The Powerhouse Project Podcast Trailer

March 5, 2024 • 1 min
Welcome to The Powerhouse Project, a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Lisa Laronde, the first woman president of RSG International and the President of the Canadian Association for Women in Construction. As a leader in road safety infrastructure, Lisa operates with a no-filter policy and no-nonsense approach that surprises some but inspires many in a predominantly male industry. Lisa is known for her unwavering advocacy for women; she i...
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