29. The One Where You Start Playing Big with Jenna Sudds

Too often, women shrink themselves—holding back opinions, avoiding risks, and staying small to keep others comfortable. But at what cost? In this episode, I sit down with MP Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development*, to talk about the exhaustion of playing small, and why stepping into our full potential—whether in leadership, work, or everyday life—is essential for women’s well-being.

We discuss why more women are needed in leadership (not just in politics), how to handle criticism when you take up space, and why speaking up and taking risks can actually be energizing. Whether you’re leading a team, advocating for change, or simply trying to show up more fully in your own life, this conversation is for you.

Key takeaways: 

• Why playing small is draining and how stepping into leadership can actually be energizing.
• The urgent need for more women in politics and the unique perspectives they bring.
• How Minister Sudds navigates public criticism and stays true to her values.
• What she’d tell her daughters if they aspired to a political career.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing courage, taking up space, and leading with confidence.

*Jenna Sudds is the former Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. She was minister at the time of this recording.

The Honourable Jenna Sudds was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Kanata—Carleton in 2021 where she currently serves as the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. She has previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.

Minister Sudds has worked as an economist, a municipal councillor, and a community advocate.

Minister Sudds has received several awards, including a Special Recognition Award from the Kanata Food Cupboard and a 40 Under 40 Award from the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce in 2015. She is a long-time resident of Ottawa, where she lives with her husband and their three daughters.

Visit Minister Sudds' website here: jennasuddsmp.ca

Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.