Collaborative Solutions, Montreal, QC (2026)

08/29/2024

Being “one of the guys” has always been seen as an achievement. A recognition of having made it. Oftentimes, ‘guy’ related phrases are thrown around, with the assumption that the noun covers the entire gender spectrum, just like most dictionaries define it.

But just who are the guys?

And why are we all forced to fit in as “one of the guys”?

Emily Nichols, Chief Connection Officer at Connect Better Inc., is on a mission to challenge the status quo by educating us on the importance of using inclusive language in the workplace. Through her experiences in never being able to be meet the “guy” criteria in male-dominated fields, Emily offers valuable insights into how our language and physical work environments can perpetuate gender inequities.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Emily shares her experiences and expertise on the changes we can all make in our use of language to foster a more equitable and supportive work environment.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/gq8EfJY

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

07/30/2024

From navigating a farm restaurant job as a teenager to leading soldiers in combat during his mid-20s with the British and Canadian armies, and eventually diving into the public service and corporate world, Phil Jewell has explored a multitude of leadership styles. Each chapter of his career has taught him something unique, forming the foundation of his belief in becoming an irrelevant leader.
After the pandemic, Phil took a step back to reassess his life’s purpose, combining insights from his diverse experiences as a soldier, restaurant worker, spouse, and father. This introspection led him to challenge conventional beliefs, as he discovered that true leadership is more focused on empowering others to make decisions and thrive independently.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we’re talking with Phil Jewell, Founder, Impact Leadership Development and Coaching at Impact Leadership about the concept of becoming an irrelevant leader. Phil explains how leaders can foster trust, delegation, and empowerment within their teams, ensuring that the team can thrive even in their absence.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Embracing servant leadership by prioritizing the growth of your team
🎙️ Building trust and psychological safety to foster team autonomy
🎙️ Letting go of your ego to create space for your team to thrive
🎙️ Encouraging team accountability by supporting and trusting their decisions

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://zurl.co/UDhS

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

07/01/2024

Leading a team where the focus on humanity and results seamlessly coexists may seem like an unattainable goal, doesn't it? For many leaders, striking that balance between driving performance and prioritizing their team's well-being is a daily struggle. So, how can you keep your team productive and engaged without neglecting either aspect?

Pierre Battah, an award-winning author and workplace leadership specialist, steps into this delicate terrain, offering insights honed through years of experience. With a background encompassing HR management, consulting, and academia, Pierre focuses on bridging the gap between people management and achieving exceptional outcomes.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Pierre shares practical tips on how leaders can engage employees, maintain work-life balance, and achieve outstanding results without sacrificing one for the other. Join us as we explore strategies to foster a culture that values both people and results.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Cultivating adaptability and resilience
🎙️ Recognizing and leveraging individual strengths
🎙️ Building strong relationships to enhance performance
🎙️ Implementing structured check-ins for better engagement

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/pierre-battah

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

06/10/2024

Marathons on their own are tough. But imagine running a marathon with someone else's heart and lungs. Mark Black, CSP is a living testament to the incredible power of resilience. Born with a congenital heart defect, Mark underwent life-saving open-heart surgery at just one day old. His journey of resilience began even before he took his first steps.

Against all odds, Mark not only survived but thrived, becoming the only man in history to complete a marathon with another person's heart and lungs. His remarkable story serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit's capacity to triumph over adversity.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we’re talking with Mark Black, CSP Speaker, Author, Coach at Resurgo Training Solutions Inc. about the roadmap to building inner resilience and its profound impact on personal and professional development. Mark's compelling narrative offers invaluable lessons on embracing adversity, fostering adaptability, and cultivating resilience in the face of life's trials.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth
🎙️ Fostering adaptability by cultivating a growth mindset
🎙️ Recognizing the power of resilience in overcoming obstacles
🎙️ Cultivating a supportive work environment that nurtures resilience
🎙️ Empowering your team to embrace change and navigate adversity with resilience

🎧 Listen to the episode here:

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

05/27/2024

From navigating tough conversations to redefining accountability, Watchen Nyanue Hampton sheds light on the elephants lurking in the boardroom that we can no longer afford to ignore.

Many of us navigate the complexities of corporate culture, tiptoeing around uncomfortable conversations and elusive accountability. From navigating tough conversations to redefining accountability, no longer afford to ignore.

Drawing from her expertise in talent management strategy, she emphasizes how embracing open dialogue can drive real change and foster a healthier workplace culture.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we’re talking with Watchen Nyanue Hampton, Founder & CEO at I Choose the Ladder about addressing the corporate culture "elephant in the room." Discover how to foster authentic dialogue, elevate accountability, and prioritize people over metrics to cultivate a healthier organizational environment.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙 Fostering a culture of open dialogue that transcends traditional boundaries
🎙 Elevating accountability to foster a culture of responsibility
🎙 Prioritizing the well-being of your team over metrics to promote a healthy workplace culture
🎙 Actively listening to your team to uncover hidden insights and cultivate a culture of trust and transparency

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://zurl.co/PwNO

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

03/21/2024

Whether or not we want to admit it, for many of us, leadership has been defined by authority and control.

However, now is the time to step into the future of leadership – one where effective leadership is defined by embarking on a journey of self-discovery. One that enables you to connect deeply with yourself and your team, while also guiding others.

According to Dan Owolabi, Founding Executive Director of Branches Worldwide, an authentic leader isn't someone who bosses others around, but rather someone who remains true to themselves while serving others in a similar capacity.

With over two decades of leadership development experience across multiple continents, Dan brings a wealth of wisdom and practical insights to the table. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Dan and I explore how to authenticity, cultivate effective communication, and leverage strategic transparency with your team members.

It’s high time we ditch the rulebook and discover how being yourself can transform your leadership style and supercharge your team's success!

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Engaging in active listening to foster better understanding and connection

🎙️ Embracing vulnerability as a strength to build trust and authenticity within your team

🎙️ Recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives to promote inclusivity and innovation

🎙 Cultivating empathy to enhance communication and foster stronger relationships

🎙️ Leveraging strategic transparency with your team members

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/dan-owolabi/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

02/26/2024

Ever tallied up the number of meetings you’ve been in since you stepped into the workforce?

How many of those have dragged on endlessly, achieving next to nothing?

Amidst tight deadlines, conflicting priorities and endless emails, meetings can either facilitate progress or be a total soul sucking adventure.

With over two decades of experience in nonprofit and community development, Jason Doiron is here to guide us through the chaos. Jason guides us as we uncover the secrets behind why effective communication is the key to untangling the mess and unlocking the potential of diverse teams.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Jason Doiron, Cocreator at O Strategies talks to us about how to leverage your time and efficiency in meetings by consciously crafting meetings to serve the purpose you most need, at each different point in time.

Say goodbye to wasted time, watch-checking, and doodling, and say hello to better conversations that will lead to innovation, clarity, and stronger team dynamics.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Designing meeting structures that align with desired outcomes
🎙️ Creating space for creativity and innovation in team meetings
🎙️ Balancing structured and organic conversation formats
🎙️ Leveraging diverse methodologies for idea generation and decision-making

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/jason-doiron

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

02/07/2024

Are you ever spending your profits on resolving conflicts that could have been solved with just a thoughtful 5-minute conversation early on?

Mediating conflicts often results in the loss of team efficiency, alongside and a significant financial investment. The challenge of balancing peace, productivity, and profit in the workplace is real.

As a Workplace Relationships Expert, seasoned professional speaker and coach, Penny Tremblay Theroux, helps teams and individuals through workplace relationship complexities, not only addressing surface-level issues but also uncovering the root causes of conflicts. This approach fosters an environment where communication flows effortlessly, creating a path to sustainable workplace harmony.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Penny shares elements of her Sandbox System, so you can unlock the secrets to a workplace where peace, productivity and profit can coexist harmoniously.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Cultivating a workplace where open communication is key to building a positive atmosphere

🎙 Resolving conflicts promptly by addressing issues head-on

🎙️ Actively listening to your team to foster a culture of empathy and collaboration

🎙️ Recognizing the power of empowerment in the workplace

🎙️ Embracing diversity to nurture an inclusive work environment

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/penny-tremblay/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

01/22/2024

In a world where work often feels like a routine, MMark Mears Founder & Chief Growth Officer at LLEAF Growth Ventures, LLCbrings a refreshing perspective. One that focuses on the transformative power of LOVE in leadership – learning to listen, observe, value and empower.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Mark brings his extensive background in conscious capitalism and purposeful growth to reshape how leaders can create meaningful and fulfilling environments.

Join us as we discuss how to reimagine the workplace together - Let's reimagine the workplace together – where purpose meets productivity and leadership is all about love.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Fostering a workplace culture that values individuality and diversity

🎙️ Actively listening to your team's needs to create a more engaged workforce

🎙️ Recognizing the whole person – not just the employee – to build genuine connections and relationships

🎙️ Cultivating a leadership style centered around LOVE – Listen, Observe, Value, and Empower

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/mark-mears/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

01/10/2024

Reflecting on what’s working, what is not, and adjusting path is second nature to me.

I don’t do New Years resolutions. I think they’re a bunch of garbage.

Yet here I am, with my very own version of annual reflections. Just call me a sheep ✔️

In this solo episode, I bring you beyond the polished facade and delve into some of the raw, unfiltered learnings from the past year.

This episode also offers a self-guided reflection for you, the listener, on your own successes and key learnings from 2023, alongside a wave of promise and inspiration for 2024.

Cause if we don’t believe in ourselves on January 1st right fresh off of vacation, when will we??? 🤔

All of this is of course served up alongside key business highlights because they’re all part and parcel of determining what worked and what didn’t.

Finally, you’ll get a sneak peek into our exciting plans for 2024 while hearing about the discovery that led us here. Strategy, innovation and discipline.

Join the conversation and engage in some deep self-reflective questions that will help you unveil your own professional and personal clarity for the year to come.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Embracing reality for heightened adaptability

🎙️ Building for stability amidst chronic illness

🎙️ Confronting deep-seated fear of disappointment

🎙️ Embracing vulnerability for greater business outcomes

🎙️ Bridging previous and current business passions with our new business vision

If you’ve ready for an aligned and purpose-driven 2024, then this episode is for you!

Listen to the full episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/getting-real-2023/

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

A written transcript of this podcast episode is available upon request. To request a copy, please send us an email.

12/21/2023

Yesterday marked Collaborative Solutions' first holiday team celebration 🎉

We came together for a virtual lunch, followed by an engaging virtual escape room that had us all on our toes.

There was one point where I had absolutely no clue what we needed to do.

Observing my team's expressions light up as they navigated the challenge, collaborating to unlock the mysteries of that specific step of the maze... it was pretty priceless.

It was a vivid reminder of just how fortunate I am to work with such an exceptional group of individuals. Their diverse skills and unique approaches complement one another perfectly, and their willingness to always jump in as needed is truly inspiring.

A special shoutout to Monica Blunt, Sydney Mudashi, Lucia Al-Zaiatova, and Jerome Lapaquette for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Your contributions make the journey of building a business not only successful, but thoroughly enjoyable ✨

Huge thanks also to Alyssa Twist Light for recommending Improbable Escapes - an excellent choice for a team-building adventure!

Stay tuned for some exciting expansion plans on the horizon for the upcoming year. I'll be sharing details in the next episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast. Don't miss out - you can subscribe via the link in the comments 🚀

Wishing everyone, from our valued clients to LinkedIn connections and beyond, a holiday season filled with whatever brings you joy and fulfillment - whether it's moments of peace, excitement, reflection or whatever else you each individually need.

Here's to a fantastic year ahead for each and every one of us 🥂

12/04/2023

Catherine Kontos, Empowerment Mentor, Speaker & Author showcased exceptional resilience as she confronted the harsh reality of stage 3 breast cancer amid a tumultuous divorce, all while running her own business.

Catherine faced these profound challenges by harnessing the extraordinary power of the human mind, employing techniques like meditation, visualization, and sheer determination to foster a triumphant, resilient spirit. Her journey stands as a testament to unyielding strength.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, as a seasoned entrepreneur and Founder of RetreatBoss, Catherine and I explore the transformative journey of regaining personal power through self-awareness and healing and how the lessons she learned through this journey can be applied to all facets of life.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Cultivating a culture of mindfulness for heightened self-awareness and resilience

🎙️ Fostering open communication to create a supportive team environment

🎙️ Prioritizing mental well-being for enhanced coping skills in the workplace

🎙️ Fostering a workplace culture that empowers vulnerability

🎙️ Creating a culture of constructive feedback for continuous team self-awareness and development

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/catherine-kontos/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

Collaborative Solutions

08/29/2024

07/30/2024

07/01/2024

06/10/2024

05/27/2024

03/21/2024

02/26/2024

02/07/2024

01/22/2024

01/10/2024

12/21/2023

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