Join. Converse. Inspire. - The JCI Canada Podcast!

In this conversation, I uncover what is a Sentorship in JCI.

This podcast episode features JCI Senator, and current President of the JCI Canada Senate Crispin Bottomley.

I learned in this interview that only 2% of JCI members receive this honour. This made me feel extra special to be a part of this high achieving group of people!

So, what is a Senatorship?

A Senatorship is the highest honour that can be bestowed on a member of the Junior Chamber International. It is a unique way to pay tribute to an individual for his or her dedication and outstanding service on either a local, national or international level.

Have you received a senatorship? I'd love to hear your story! If you'd like to be interviewed on this podcast, please email me at dandrews(at symbol)jcicanada.com

Uncover what is possible with Sue Solymosi! Discover her leadership journey where she takes us from humble Canadian beginnings to South American VIP experiences. Learn her 4 key steps to BRING IT when she as she shows up fully in everything she does.

We know that the opportunity of women becoming equal players in the Canadian Economy is over $150 Billion. In this episode, your host, Danielle Andrews interviews the CEO of WeBC, Shauna Harper to explore this huge opportunity. We uncover resources available to entrepreneurs across Canada, including the SMART program, which you can access this business skills training for free here: https://we-bc.ca/smart

Shauna also invites you all to celebrate International Women's Day! WeBC will be hosting a free virtual event on February 28th, and you are all invited!

https://we-bc.ca/event/virtual-event-in-honour-of-international-womens-day-a-community-of-opportunity-amplify-diverse-voices-of-women-in-business/

Welcome to the JCI Canada podcast, where host Danielle Andrews kicks off a year-long journey delving into entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. In this inaugural episode, Andrews interviews former host Francesca Amante, reflecting on her podcasting experience and the profound lessons she gained.

We explore the essence of being a JCI podcaster and engage in a meaningful discussion about life's complexities. Amante shares a deeply inspiring insight about finding fulfillment through introspection and grappling with life's tough questions, emphasizing the transformative power of embracing stillness.

Local President Jonah sits down with NVP Francesca to discuss the section of JCI Canada Bylaw review as part of our official THIRD episode on the Bylaw Education Series. Thank you Jonah for sharing your story with us today, and for inspiring us with your PASSION for JCI, your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and encourage others to do the same.

Welcome to our 2nd JCI Bylaw Education episode of our 'DID YOU KNOW series!" NVP Francesca sits down with EVP Jasper to interview him on his recent overview of the section he was delegated to review of the JCI Canada Bylaws. EVP Jasper also shares what he has been working on this year in his role and what he is looking forward to in the coming months! Thank you EVP for joining us!

Welcome to our 1st Bylaw Education episode of our 'DID YOU KNOW series!" NVP Francesca sits down with NVP Laura to interview her on her recent overview of the section she was delegated to review of the JCI Bylaws. Laura shares the two sections she reviewed and her thoughts and insights on what she learned and discovered through this.

TEDx speaker & Past JCI International President & JCI USA 2020 Deputy National President Jay Johnson sits down with NVP Franceaca Amante to speak on Jay's JCI journey as an International VP of Europe, his outlook on JCI, their reflections on North American Academy in DC, his powerful thoughts on leadership, influence and his expertise on behavioural intelligence. Jay and Franceaca bring nothing but a heartfelt message to the table which will leave you wanting more.

Our dear JCI Canada National President sits down with NVP Francesca as she asks our deal NP what his highlights have been thus far in 2023 in his role as National President.  As well, he teaches us a little French at the end of the episode!  Enjoy!

VP Francesca had the pleasure to sit down with JCI USA Past President and Senator Justin as he shared about what he is up to in JCI currently both in his involvement in the organization as well as in the USA Senate.  Justin shares what it's been like as he ages out, and how he can leave a legacy and impact on the younger leaders in JCI, and how we can carry forth what he learned in JCI and have that impact ripple out into his community and surrounding cities.

NVP Francesca sits down with JCI Edmonton's member David Demian as he shares his inspiring 17 year journey in JCI Canada. He also shares his life changing experience going to a JCI world congress, international conventions and more!  Thank you so much David for sharing your light today and sharing your story.

NVP Francesca sits down to interview EVP Jasper to talk about the 2023 year ahead as well as to reflect on 2022 and the experiences had in JCI.  EVP Jasper shares the origins of his JCI journey, his passion for the organization, and what drives him to accomplish his new goals and aspirations on the National board.  Thank you EVP Jasper for your time today and for your dedication to JCI!

NVP Francesca is honoured to be seated with her special guest 2023 Vice President of the JCI Canada Senate, Crispin Bottomley to speak about his highlights from 2022 and what is to come in 2023 - with a little insight lens into JCI Canada senate.  Thank you Crispin for your time with us today on the Join Converse Inspire podcast - as well as for your service and continued dedication to JCI & the Senate.

Happy new year listeners! Welcome BACK to the JCI Canada podcast! Your host NVP Francesca Amante reintroduces herself and shares an insight to what's to come this year in 2023.  We are so fortunate to have you along on the journey and to give you an insight to the incredible things happening in JCI Canada!  Thank you, yes YOU for being on this journey with us. We are so lucky to have you.

The very special episode you have all been waiting for! at our recent 2022 JCI National Convention, our NVP Francesca sits down with our dear NP and two very special esteemed surprise guests to share their JCI stories and touching words.  A moment that will be cherished for years to come.

Another 2022 National Convention Interview with NVP Francesca. She sits down with Senate President Matt and Incoming Senate President Obay as they talk about their JCI journeys and their appreciation for our International Organization.

2022 NATIONAL CONVENTION 1st interview of many to come! NVP Francesca had the pleasure to meet incredible guests that came all the way from the United States to share in our 2022 JCI Canada National Convention.  Francesca asked the JCI USA Senate President and USA senators to sit down with her for an interview to share their JCI journey stories, their WHY in JCI, and to share their joy in attending an in-person conference after so long with the pandemic state of the world.  Enjoy this heartfelt episode that reminds us how friends in JCI remain with you for a lifetime!

Our passionate EVP Medhi sits down with EVP Francesca to share about his JCI journey, his excitement for 2023 as he enters into his presidency and the honour he feels to go attend Japan Academy in two short weeks.

Dedicated JCI USA member Emily Smith joins NVP Francesca Amante to speak about how they met at the 2020 JCI North American Academy in D.C. for a life changing conference they will never forget in their JCI journey. Emily Smith shares her dedication and passion for being the 2022 Diversity Chair and 2022 Chapter president of the Wyoming Virtual chapter and the impact JCI has made on her life.

Senator + Past National President Jen Sencar sits down with NVP podcast host Francesca Amante to speak on her JCI journey, about resilience as a leader and how another leader seeing her value inspired her to lead a path of greatness within the global organization of JCI as well as leading JCI Canada.  Thank you Senator Jen for your beautiful words, inspiration and dedication to our organization.

National Vice President and Training officer Danielle Andrews sits down with NVP Francesca Amante to share her JCI journey with us, her road that led her to be the first female local president of JCI Kelowna and now he role as a National Vice President of JCI Canada.  Danielle gives us a sneak peek into our JCI Canada trainings upcoming and what to look forward to at our upcoming National convention.  Thank you Danielle for your dedication to JCI and we thank you for joining us on the podcast today!

NVP Francesca Amante had the honour to be joined by one of our esteemed Past National Presidents, Stefan Cherwoniak! Today we get to have the pleasure of Stefan sharing his JCI journey, and the special place JCI holds in his heart and life after his many continued years of service to all sectors of our international organization.   Our dear IPP Stefan,  Thank you for your presence today and for your ongoing dedication, commitment, encouragement, empowerment and leadership you share each and every day to us all.

NVP Francesca Amante, JCI Canada podcast host, shares an inside look at the exciting episodes ahead for July onward!   This month, July, you'll be hearing from 5 inspiring JCI members and leaders with insight to their journeys, JCI stories and how JCI has impacted their lives both personally and professionally to inspire impact in this changing world.  We look forward to you faithfully tuning in from all over the world.  STAY TUNED for so much to come, we are just getting started!

This week NVP Francesca Amante joins coach, speaker and entrepreneur, Brandon Archer, as they speak on the topic of leadership, personal development and mental health in the work place. Brandon was a keynote speaker at the JCl Canada 2020 Regional Convention and has been featured on 20+ podcasts all over the country and USA. We are honoured to have him back to highlight the key to growing as a leader and how his heart attack was the catalyst to him starting this journey as a coach and leader of young leaders in this changing world.

NVP Francesca Amante had the honour of sitting down with our dear senator, Past National President of JCI Canada and ISG Crispin Bottomley to have the pleasure of hearing insight on his JCI journey, why he joined JCI, as well as an inside look at the impact made while being a National president both personally and in the organization. Crispin shares about who helped him be where he is today in JCI, and a reminder of how powerful seeing the best in others goes.  Thank you Senator Crispin for your years of service in JCI and your true example of what a Jaycee has the potential of being. You inspire us daily. Thank you for being, you.

National Vice President Francesca Amante joins together with a local VP Sarah Tucker to share her JCI journey, what it was like to attend her very first Regional convention + why she joined the organization and how JCI has impacted her life.  Thank you Sarah for your continued dedication to JCI and for the wonderful work you continue to do in our organization both locally and regionally.

NVP Francesca Amante joins our current Regional BC/Yukon effective speaking winner Laura Sankey to speak about her speaking journey, why she became a JCI member and how her JCI journey has evolved over the last couple years.  Thank you Laura for your dedication, grace and passion for the organization. We look forward to witnessing your journey as it continues to unfold.

 Entrepreneur Richard Oostra joins NVP Francesca Amante all the way from Panama City to complete the third podcast episode this week to finish off our JCI super/series for April! They discuss his journey as an entrepreneur that led him to his great success as a leader Speaker and inspirational entrepreneur that continually gives back to his community and to others around him.  Richard taps into his key secrets to being an impactful leader and what other leaders in his life have inspired him to implement year after year.  Our super series included a record of 5 episodes this month! We welcome you to listen to all of them!

We were honoured to have young 22 year old entrepreneur Daniel Gray join us today to chat about his journey as a leader and entrepreneur at his young age. Danny shares about his incredible recent 100K donation to a local charity from a project he created and how he was able to create that inspiring impact. Danny talks about what has inspired him to be the leader he is today and what has driven him to give back to his community in this outstanding capacity. We learnt so much from his incredible journey and story and reminds us that no JCI member is too "young" to create massive impact in our world.

JCI USA Past National President Justin Wutzke joins NVP Francesca Amante to dive into Justin's journey as a National President in the midst of COVID-19, how he found JCI years ago, and what inspires him to continue to serve in our organization year after year. We are so thankful for Past National President Justin and the passion he brings to JCI in all he does.

The passionate JCI USA member Emily Smith joins NVP Francesca Amante to speak about how they met at the 2020 JCI North American Academy in D.C. for a life changing conference they will never forget in their JCI journey. Emily Smith shares her dedication and passion for being the 2022 Diversity Chair and 2022 Chapter president of the Wyoming Virtual chapter and the impact JCI has made on her life.  It was an honour to share this moment with Emily and look forward to seeing where her JCI journey takes her next.

BRING IT BACK SERIES!  We brought back this cherished episode for you to enjoy!  What does it mean to be a JCl Senator? Check out this episode featuring a number of Senators from JCl Canada, talking about their perspectives on senatorship. Enjoy!

Speaker, Keynote and Coach Brandon Archer returns on our JCI Canada podcast for part 2 to speak about vulnerability in leadership.  NVP Francesca and Brandon uncover the fears us humans have as we lead other leaders in this changing world and how to release the fear from within and tap into creating a safe space for leaders alike to be vulnerable, raw and real as they uncover new and challenging skills.  We hope you enjoy this impactful conversation from wherever you are listening in the world.   Merci and enjoy, from JCI Canada!

NVP Francesca Amante joins CEO & Founder, David Brennan of Safety Evolution as they discuss entrepreneurship and leadership in the workplace. David dives into the core attributes of growing a team that is built on trust, integrity and longevity. David speaks on the importance of embracing failure, and to ultimately allow your team to thrive by getting out of their way. Whether you are growing a board of directors such as in JCI , or building a team in the business world, being a leader that leads by example rather than with words, is so powerful. Enjoy this episode as we welcome this inspiring leader and CEO to our podcast stage.

This Week NVP Francesca Amante joins coach, speaker and entrepreneur, Brandon Archer, as they speak on the topic of leadership, personal development and mental health in the work place. Brandon was a keynote speaker at the JCI Canada 2020 Regional Convention and has been featured on 20+ podcasts all over the country and USA. We are honoured to have him back to highlight the key to growing as a leader and how his heart attack was the catalyst to him starting this journey as a coach and leader of young leaders in this changing world.

Enjoy!

We reflect back on this interview with Jen Sencar and Sir Joseph Enosch speaking about a convention in Montreal he holds dear and so much more! Enjoy!

NVP Francesca Amante, our new JCI Canada Podcast host comes together with her co-host IPP Stefan Cherwoniak to interview our one and only 2022 National President NP Sue Solymosi!

Our very own Senator Jen Sencar interviews Sue to speak on intriguing and inspiring topics.

This podcast features Outstanding Global Woman award winner Juliette Martinez Moreno from JCI Comayagua. Juliette is a 25 year old politician, journalist, presenter and actress. She is currently serving as President in her local chapter in Honduras.  Juliette is also a pre-candidate for  the position of Deputy to the National Congress of Honduras for Comayagua. She is the youngest candidate in the department, showing that women can occupy important positions as decision makers in the country. She is an inspiring role model to many young women.

The Outstanding Global Women Award Program honors women leaders who lead with a level of dedication that exceeds expectation and who have made outstanding contributions to their JCI organization and community for the advancement of women's rights, inclusion, and equity.

You can see the video interview athttps://youtu.be/k1zkESXctCk

This podcast features Outstanding Global Woman award winner  Josephine Eliane Ngo Ndehna Ndehna  from JCI Cameroon. Josephine has a Master’s Degree from the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, where she studied international relations, humanitarian action and sustainable development. She is an expert on the evaluation committee that grants aid to youth and women recovering post pandemic by the United Nations program for development. Josephine has been a JCI member since 2012 and has held various positions in her local chapter.

The Outstanding Global Women Award Program honors women leaders who lead with a level of dedication that exceeds expectation and who have made outstanding contributions to their JCI organization and community for the advancement of women's rights, inclusion, and equity. 

You can see the video interview at https://youtu.be/EmsQQiQDHiY

This podcast features highlights of the inspiring interview with Outstanding Global Women Award winner, Samantha Torindo. Samantha is a brand strategist, social entrepreneur, speaker, writer and a women empowerment and gender equality advocate. In 2017, Samantha founded Wakati Trust, an organization driven to support all African women by protecting them from physical abuse, removing barriers to education and empowering young girls through career building programs. She has a passion for building communities and impacting people’s lives, 

The Outstanding Global Women Award Program honors women leaders who lead with a level of dedication that exceeds expectation and who have made outstanding contributions to their JCI organization and community for the advancement of women's rights, inclusion, and equality.

Watch the full video interview here: https://youtu.be/UBZrbAK16UU

This podcast features highlights of the inspiring interview with Outstanding Global Women Award winner, Jessica Simon from JCI Belgium. Jessica is passionate about understanding human behavior. She is a postdoctoral researcher studying the behavioral changes that underlie the development of addictions. Jessica has been a JCI Belgium member for 10 years and has held various positions at the local, regional and national levels. Through her JCI experience, Jessica has developed the belief that by working passionately together, we can achieve great things.

The Outstanding Global Women Award Program honors women leaders who lead with a level of dedication that exceeds expectation and who have made outstanding contributions to their JCI organization and community for the advancement of women's rights, inclusion, and equality.

Watch the full video interview here: https://youtu.be/3gsJPpR-u_s

This podcast features highlights of the inspiring interview with Outstanding Global Women Award winner, Nicola Dent. Nicola has been a JCI member in Vernon, BC for over 10 years.  During her JCI career she has held many positions in her chapter including Social Director, Secretary, Communications Director and President. She has chaired numerous projects, and sat on the JCI Canada National Board as a National Vice President twice. She is the current President for the BC/Yukon Region. Her JCI experience has provided her many other local volunteer  opportunities to serve her community and make an impact. 

The Outstanding Global Women Award Program honors women leaders who lead with a level of dedication that exceeds expectation and who have made outstanding contributions to their JCI organization and community for the advancement of women's rights, inclusion, and equality.

Watch the full video interview here: https://youtu.be/nzkAavOcYG0

This podcast features highlights of the inspiring interview with Outstanding Global Women Award winner, Ritsuko Doi from JCI Takefu, Japan. Ritsuko shares her inspiring story about how she was forced to quit her job because she was pregnant. She challenged the narrative that once a woman has a child she could no longer work or have a career.  In 2019, she founded  Doi Production and works as an artist. Her work is based on the concept that it is the power of expression that enriches life.     

The Outstanding Global Women Award Program honors women leaders who lead with a level of dedication that exceeds expectation and who have made outstanding contributions to their JCI organization and community for the advancement of women's rights, inclusion, and equality.

Watch the full video interview here: https://youtu.be/qtJ7rLunTJY 

This podcast features highlights of the inspiring interview with Outstanding Global Women Award winner, Stephanie Wollard, OAM.  Stephanie is an International Keynote Speaker, Author, Social Entrepreneur & UN Award Winner for Responsible Business. She is the founder of Seven Women & Hands on Development Tours.  

The Outstanding Global Women Award Program honors women leaders who lead with a level of dedication that exceeds expectation and who have made outstanding contributions to their JCI organization and community for the advancement of women's rights, inclusion, and equality. 

Watch the full video interview here: https://youtu.be/HOnOccqmYXA

We are over half way through 2021, so we took the opportunity to check in with JCI Canada President Yvette Yende Ashiri.  Yvette shares her insights on the challenges and the successes that JCI Canada has had during the pandemic.  Take a listen to this fun and inspiring discussion about where our organization has been and where we will be going in 2021 and beyond! 

Be sure to check out JCI Canada's new website www.jcicanada.com!

If you were to choose attributes for an international leader you might say; humble, inspiring, friendly, a hard worker and relatable. IVP Neil Fitzgerald checks all the boxes and puts service to the organization above all else. However, being in a position where he can be in conferences and trainings around the world in a weekend from his spare room, Neil generously shares his wisdom on how to set boundaries and maintain a healthy JCI/life balance. We also discuss Neil's journey through JCI, his advice for those who are interested in becoming international leaders and what he still hopes to get from the remainder of his time in JCI. Some of his answers might surprise you. 

Having a chance to have a conversation with influential leaders can be powerfully motivating and send you into action. It can also be inspiring and thought provoking allowing you to see things from a different perspective. There is always something to be learned and that is certainly the case with my guest for Season 2 Episode 1 - Yvette Ashiri, 2021 JCI Canada National President. We explore what motivates Yvette, her inspiring journey through JCI, some of the best advice she's ever been given, how we can still elevate our organization through COVID as well as diversity and what it means to her to be the first black female National President for JCI Canada.  

What happens when you get a bunch of Past National Presidents together on a Zoom chat?? An epic conversation on the reality behind the JCI 'One Year to Lead' philosophy, and some great tidbits about how to effectively and efficiently harness your leadership skills. This episode is longer than normal, and so worth the listen. Not only will you find gems of wisdom throughout, if you actively listen, you will learn a bit about the evolution of JCI Canada from 2012 forward, through to the 2016 World Congress, and up to present day. For reference, here is the listing of JCI Canada National Presidents on this episode:
- 2012: François Bégin, JCCQ (Quebec City)
- 2013: Jason Ranchoux, JCI Kelowna
- 2014: Jen Sencar, JCI Okanagan
- 2015: Roger Pichette, JCCQ (Quebec City)
- 2016: Chris Curtola, JCI Edmonton
- 2017: Shawn McMillan, JCI Edmonton
- 2018: Mike Matejka, JCI Kootenay
- 2019: Crispin Bottomley, JCI St. Catharines
- 2020: Stefan Cherwoniak, JCI Edmonton

Check out this episode with a couple of well known JCI Canada families from Western Canada: The Matejka's, the Mulder's, and the Solymosi's. We chat about what it takes to find balance between family, career, and JCI... the theme being harmony, and extremely supportive spouses.

Join Stefan Cherwoniak in a one-on-one opportunity to meet and explore how your potential 2021 Candidates for our National Board of Office are going to make IMPACT for YOU next year.

Episode 16 highlights a few specials guests discussing their various perspectives on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus and passion for Goal # 4 - Quality Education. We hear from our 2019 IVP for JCI America, Nadja Maraite, the 2020 Chapter President of JCI Kelowna, Danielle Hofer, and we also showcase the winning team from JCI Kelowna's National Award winning project, the Sustainable Development Challenge. 

Listen to Episode 14.0 before starting the Senator Series... it will all make so much more sense that way ;)

Past local Chapter President of JCI Kelowna and co-host for the Senate Lounge, Jason Bouchard! **Recorded in the Senate Lounge at the 2020 JCI BC/Yukon Virtual Regional Convention.

Listen to Episode 14.0 before starting the Senator Series... it will all make so much more sense that way ;)

A new Senator for JCI Canada, and COC Chair for the 2020 JCI Canada National Convention, Obay Al Haj Ali! **Recorded in the Senate Lounge at the 2020 JCI BC/Yukon Virtual Regional Convention.

Listen to Episode 14.0 before starting the Senator Series... it will all make so much more sense that way ;)

JCI Canada's 2018 National President, also known as The Wizard... Senator Mike Matejka! **Recorded in the Senate Lounge at the 2020 JCI BC/Yukon Virtual Regional Convention.

Listen to Episode 14.0 before starting the Senator Series... it will all make so much more sense that way ;)

JCI Canada's 2014 National President, Senator Jen Sencar! **Recorded in the Senate Lounge at the 2020 JCI BC/Yukon Virtual Regional Convention.

Listen to Episode 14.0 before starting the Senator Series... it will all make so much more sense that way ;)

Secretary/Treasurer of the JCI Canada Senate, Senator Patti Auger! **Recorded in the Senate Lounge at the 2020 JCI BC/Yukon Virtual Regional Convention.

Listen to Episode 14.0 before starting the Senator Series... it will all make so much more sense that way ;)

President of the Canada Jaycee Foundation, Senator Matt Hutcheon! **Recorded in the Senate Lounge at the 2020 JCI BC/Yukon Virtual Regional Convention.

Listen to Episode 14.0 before starting the Senator Series... it will all make so much more sense that way ;)

JCI Canada's 2020 Immediate Past President, Senator Crispin Bottomley! **Recorded in the Senate Lounge at the 2020 JCI BC/Yukon Virtual Regional Convention.

Join JCI Canada and JCI USA podcast hosts, Sue Solymosi and Ross Ratliff, as they collaborate on a conversation with our IVP for JCI America, Shenella Govia. They chat about the path to National and International leadership, and discuss why each step along the way is important. It's a great time to put some thought into your JCI career!

Join NVP Sue Solymosi in an interview with your National President Stefan Cherwoniak, talking about JCI Canada's 2020 National Budget. Why do our Chapters pay a National Assessment to JCI Canada? Where else does the money come from? What do we spend it on? We dive into various line items and discuss the WHY behind those items, and how the use of the funds will translate into something meaningful for the members of our National Organization. Enjoy!