Voted Least Likely

The Power of PIVOTING with Donna Bishop (RE-AIR)

This week I am re-airing the conversation I had with Donna Bishop: an accomplished interviewer/ moderator, dedicated producer of engaging content, and passionate advocate for Canadian fashion. Her background spans the fashion, beauty, lifestyle and media industries.Donna supports entrepreneurs and brand leaders with moderated, live streamed events that elevate their story and messaging with an engaging interview that always soars beyond anything a google search provides. She can be heard regularly on CBC radio discussing fashion. As the host and founder of the popular podcast FashionTalks, Donna holds meaningful conversations with leaders in the fashion and related industries on the personal and social impact of fashion. She is also the Director of Programming for CAFA (Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards), is a former board member of the Toronto Chapter of Fashion Group International, and is a mentor for the Toronto Fashion Incubator.In 2009 she founded Green Beauty, Canada’s first online boutique dedicated to skincare and cosmetics that were made with natural ingredients yet had the performance of professional products, which she moved on from in 2015. She has been featured as an expert in beauty or entrepreneurship in numerous media outlets including: The Marilyn Denis Show, E! Canada, Best Health Magazine, NOW Magazine, Green Heroes (TVO), Coming Clean (Smithsonian Channel), Cosmo TV, The Globe and Mail, InStyle Magazine, The MomShift (Random House) and numerous blogs.In this week's episode we talk about the power of pivoting in business, the myth of "finding balance", and the impact fashion has on our lives.Tune in to hear one of my favourite voices in the podcasting world:)Connect with Donna:Website: https://thisisdonnab.ca/On IG: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/FashionTalks Podcast: https://fashiontalks.ca/
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard

The Power of Community with Shannon Lorenz of Bespoke Market (RE-AIR)

This week on the Voted Least Likely podcast I am re-airing my conversation with Community Builder, Shannon Lorenz. Shannon runs Bespoke Market, an event designed to bring together creatives, designers, and local businesses.If you've been to one of Shannon's events, you know just how important community is to her. She's been a cheerleader for local brands for years, and I am thrilled to share her wisdom on the Voted Least Likely Podcast.In this episode we cover:
What it means to be"Ready for the Party", how adopting this mindset can dramatically shift your outlook if you're in a down season
How to leverage each opportunity and make the most out of events
How to push through when you'e suffering from Imposter Syndrome and lean into your intuition
Plus: what's next for Bespoke (psst: Shannon's got big plans for Vancouver!)Find Bespoke Market on Instagram Learn more about Bespoke Market here: https://www.bespokemarket.ca/
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard
 

5 Cringy Things I Do to Grow My Business

Let’s be real, building success isn’t always pretty. Sometimes it’s awkward, uncomfortable, and a little (or a lot) embarrassing.
In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m sharing the five cringe-worthy things I do to grow my business (and why I keep doing them anyway). These moves might make my stomach flip, but they also bring results.
Putting yourself out there (even when it’s uncomfortable) can actually be your business’s secret weapon.
If you’ve been holding back because you don’t want to look silly, grab your earbuds, this is your permission to embrace the cringe.
If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] and share your own business journey. 
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard

The Exit Strategy: How Vanessa Bucceri Built a Life on Her Own Terms

In this episode of the Voted Least Likely Podcast, I'm joined by Vanessa Bucceri, founder of Vanessa Bucceri Creative, who shares how she used her data skills to map out a thoughtful exit strategy from her corporate job and step confidently into entrepreneurship.
We talk about what it really takes to trust yourself in business, how intuition and strategy go hand in hand, and the reality of making a creative pivot in your career. Vanessa opens up about the early days of building her brand and web design studio, the lessons she’s learned working with over 90 clients around the world, and how she helps style-forward entrepreneurs show up with confidence online.
If you've ever felt stuck in a role that no longer fits, or you're craving a creative leap, this one’s for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
- How Vanessa blended her background in tech and design- How she used missing out on a $90,000 buyout from her corporate job as fuel to kickstart her business- Why trusting your own voice is key when stepping out on your own- The balance between structure and self-belief when making a major pivot
Connect with Vanessa:vanessabucceri.com@vanessabuccericreative on InstagramIf this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] and share your own business journey.
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard

The Myth of Overnight Success—How Long It REALLY Takes (RE-AIR)

This week’s episode is a re-air that couldn’t come at a better time. As we mark 12 years in business, we’re revisiting a conversation that pulls back the curtain on what “overnight success” really looks like.
RE-AIR:We’ve all heard the stories of “overnight success”—but let’s be real, that’s rarely how it actually happens. In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey and breaking down some of the key milestones I’ve reached in business… and how long they actually took. Spoiler: it wasn’t overnight.
From taking six years to become profitable, eight years to gain earned media, and the countless small wins (and setbacks) along the way, I’m sharing the truth about what it really takes to build something sustainable. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “behind” in your business, this episode is for you.
Tune in for:✨ A breakdown of my business milestones and the REAL timelines behind them (I have a feeling I might regret sharing these later)✨ Why the idea of overnight success is misleading (and damaging)✨ A reminder that slow growth is still growth—and often the most sustainable kind
If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard] and share your own business journey. Let’s break the myth of overnight success together.
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard
 

The Unplanned DETOUR That Built a Thriving Business with Jessica Peters

In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Peters, founder of the successful night-nannying business Cuddles and Care based in Vancouver. Jessica's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and surprising pivots.
She originally set out to become a doctor, but after facing serious health challenges, she was forced to change course. What followed was an unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, one she never imagined for herself.
We talk about:- How a major life detour led her to discover her true calling- The importance to being open to pivots- Why she spent the first two years of business "waiting for the other shoe to drop"- The impact of having ONE person believe in you
Jessica’s perspective is raw, refreshing, and deeply inspiring, especially for anyone navigating a big life shift or doubting their place in the entrepreneurial world.
Links & Resources:Follow Cuddles and Care on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuddlesandcareagencyLearn more about Cuddles and Care: https://cuddlesandcare.ca
Thoughts on today's episode? DM me on Instagram [@leahyard]
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard

The Power of Telling RELATABLE Stories: Tips from PR Powerhouse Jenn Wint (RE-AIR)

RE-AIR: As embarrassing as this is to admit, when I launched my brand (Leah Yard Designs), I thought the next step was to WAIT until I got noticed by a big publication (hello, Vogue!)
It's taken many years to fumble my way through the PR landscape and finally land some exciting features. Needless to say, I really wish I met today's guest 10 years ago!
This week I sat down with Jenn Wint of Wint Communications. Not only is Jenn a PR Pro, her approach to getting small businesses noticed is incredibly inspiring since she's driven by authentic connections. I believe Jenn's superpower is celebrating small brands doing big things.
Tune in to learn all about the dos and don'ts of PR, plus how you can start pitching yourself NOW.
About Jenn:
Jenn Wint (she/her) is a writer and public relations specialist passionate about sharing stories that connect people, communities, and local businesses. Jenn is the author of ‘Josie’s Busy Calendar,’ a self-care story for kids and a contributor to MomBabes: A Motherhood Anthology.
She lives in East Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter who support her quest to find her neighbourhood's best chocolate chip cookie.
Website: https://www.wintcommunications.com/Follow Jenn on Instagram @jenn_wint 
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard
 

The Truth Behind the Highlights: What I've been STRUGGLING with

In today's episode of the Voted Least Likely Podcast, I'm sharing a raw and honest update on what’s been going on behind the scenes-- both in business and in life.
From recent struggles in my creative process to personal challenges that have been affecting my energy and direction, this is one of those heart-to-heart episodes. If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling too much or quietly navigating a hard season, I hope this feels like a deep breath and a reminder that you’re not alone.
Whether you're here for the business insights or the real-life stuff in between-- I’m so grateful you're listening.
What I cover in this episode:
- The real life effects from the last 5 years of pressure
- How I’ve been managing feeling “off”
- Why vulnerability will always be a top value for me
- How I am navigating CHANGE
Did this episode spark something in you? DM me on Instagram [@leahyard]
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard

“What’s the Point?” Comparison, Progress & Showing Up Anyway

In this episode of The Voted Least Likely Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on a feeling most of us don’t talk about enough: the creeping doubt that comes with comparison—and that haunting question… “What’s the point?”
Whether it’s launching a podcast, growing a brand, or putting your creative work out there, it’s easy to feel miles behind. I’ve felt this way about both my jewellery business (Leah Yard Designs) and the podcast--and today, I’m being honest about those moments when it feels like everyone else is ahead.
But here’s the truth I’m learning: The point is the reps. The showing up. The growth that happens behind the scenes.
If you’ve ever stared at someone else’s success and felt like giving up, this episode is your reminder that progress doesn't always look flashy--and it's still worth it.
Did this episode spark something in you? DM me on Instagram [@leahyard]
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard

Avoiding BURNOUT & Minding Your Mindset with Jessica Frigon

In this episode of the Voted Least Likely podcast, I’m joined by systems and operations strategist, Jessica Frigon, for a much-needed conversation about burnout, boundaries, and building a business that actually works for you. We dive into the real talk behind social media—how it feeds into imposter syndrome, why it’s okay to mute people (even the ones you love), and the power of protecting your energy online.
Jessica also shares her experience helping female entrepreneurs build systems that support sustainability (because you shouldn’t need a nap every time you open your inbox). Whether you're in a season of hustle or healing, this episode is a reminder that you're allowed to slow down—and that structure doesn’t have to feel restrictive.
This is a conversation for anyone craving more ease, more intention, and more space to build the kind of business that supports your whole life.
CONNECT WITH JESSICA:Instagram: @jessicafrigonWebsite: www.projectloveco.com
Thoughts on today's episode? DM me on Instagram [@leahyard]
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:www.leahyard.comIG: @leahyardTikTok: @leahyard