Run it like a girl with Lesley Gunn, head of marketing for Connor, Clark and Lunn Financial Group Ltd.

02/24/22 • 26 min

I had the great pleasure of working with Lesley Gunn for several years at a professional services firm in Toronto. I learned a lot from Lesley about leadership, advocating for my own career and to not be afraid of failure.
When Lesley first started her career like so many others she found herself in a job that she didn't find fulfilling. However, it ultimately helped her understand where she didn't want to focus her career. After some interesting job experience with a newspaper in London, England, Lesley returned to Canada and began working in the staffing business where she learned how to run a multi-million dollar business.

Lesley now works in financial services, as the Head of Marketing for Connor, Clark and Lunn Financial Group Ltd. in Toronto.

On this episode Lesley tells us communication and persistence are key when an organization is going through a period of transition and change. She talks about having a common vision and how to bring the best out of each individual.
The Fast Three
What is your favourite podcast or source of information? Ask Lisa
What are you currently reading? Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
Who is currently inspiring you? Teachers and students

Lesley now works in financial services, as the Head of Marketing for Connor, Clark and Lunn Financial Group Ltd. in Toronto.

Previous Episode

Run it like a girl with Chef Liz Thompson, owner of Liz Thompson Marketing

Liz Thompson’s life took an unexpected turn about six years ago. The California-based chef, with a MBA in marketing and culinary school under her belt, had recently started teaching and was working at a food show in San Francisco when she unexpectedly loss much of her vision.

After some time off learning to live with the loss of much of her vision, Chef Liz Thompson reinvented herself, and that’s when Liz Thompson Marketing was created.

On this episode of Run It Like a Girl, Liz talks about her passion for the restaurant and food industry. She talks about how to pick yourself up after a major set-back, and she has some advice for young up-and-comers - jump off that cliff and don’t feel bound by a life plan.

Learn more about Liz

Liz Thompson Marketing
The Fast Three
What is your favourite podcast or source of information? Women Beyond a Certain Age
What are you currently reading? James Taylor Autobiography, The Book of Joy by The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Who is currently inspiring you? Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr.

Next Episode

Run It Like a Girl with Liz Benditt, Multiple Cancer Survivor and CEO of The Balm Box

Liz Benditt is the definition of a survivor. Based in Kansas City, the mother of two discovered, about 10 years ago, that she had skin cancer. Just 11 months after that, Liz was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and then, in 2015 basal cell carcinoma - skin cancer was discovered on the bridge of Liz’s nose, requiring two surgeries to repair. And unbelievably, two years later, Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer.

To make use of an old adage - Liz took all of these lemons, and made lemonade.

In October of 2020, she took her health experiences and launched the Balm Box, offering practical self-care and gift boxes, with the first line focused on people breast cancer - essential oils and diffusers, burn balms, creams, support pillows and throw blankets as well as augmented clothing, such as wireless bras.

After all of her experiences, Liz has maintained a positive outlook, perhaps something gifted by her grandmother, a woman who survived the holocaust and was forever grateful for a second chance at life.

Learn more about Liz and The Balm Box
The Balm Box
The Balm Box Blog and News

The Fast ThreeWhat is your favourite podcast or source of information? The Daily, Pod Save AmericaWhat are you currently reading? An Ugly Truth by Sheera Frenkel, Cecilia Kang, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Who is currently inspiring you? My grandmother, a holocaust survivor who made a new life and chose to be happy after experiencing the most extreme trauma. She is my role model and any time I feel frustrated or face a setback I think about her perseverance and perspective.