In this episode, Nancy MacKay hosts Keith Ippel and Natalie Michael to discuss the challenges and triumphs of social purpose leadership. They explore the loneliness often felt by CEOs, the importance of health and well-being, and the transformative role of AI in business. Keith shares his journey as a social purpose entrepreneur and the impact of his co-CEO model, while Natalie discusses her work in supporting CEO transitions. Together, they emphasize the need for community, coaching, and innovation in leadership.

Keith Ippel is a serial entrepreneur and investor who has co-founded five ventures including Spring Activator, a Vancouver based incubator and accelerator that exists to change the world through innovation. A global company, Spring has supported over 3,300 purpose driven companies across Canada to launch and scale their impact, and 1,100+ Canadians to step into impact investing. Keith also co-founded Spring Impact Capital Fund, an early stage VC that focuses at the intersection of people and planetary health. Keith holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business.

Natalie Michael is a Master Certified MacKay CEO Forum chair, executive coach, and succession consultant who helps CEOs and executives grow their leadership and navigate C-suite transitions. She’s passionate about building socially responsible, high-quality businesses and believes personal fulfillment drives long-term success. Over the past decade, she has coached hundreds of leaders, led world-class development programs, and chairs multiple CEO groups. Natalie is a Partner at Waterfront Partners and co-author of Your CEO Succession Playbook and author of The Duck and The Butterfly. Natalie is known for connecting leaders who share goals and strengthening executive communities.

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MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more.

In this episode of the It's Lonely at the Top podcast, Nancy MacKay interviews Jay-Ann Gilfoy, CEO of Meridian Credit Union, discussing her journey from HR to CEO, the importance of peer groups, and the challenges of leadership. Jay-Ann shares insights on overcoming loneliness at the top, inspiring leadership practices, and the role of mental fitness and positive intelligence in her daily routine. The conversation also delves into the integration of AI in business and how to address workforce concerns regarding AI adoption.

Jay-Ann Gilfoy joined Meridian as President & CEO on January 3, 2022. She is focused on leveraging Meridian’s unique value proposition to transform the business, achieve its winning aspiration, and secure its future. In collaboration with the Board and senior management, she is responsible for articulating the organization’s strategy and delivering on its purpose of helping Members and customers achieve a better life, while growing the business.

Jay-Ann’s wealth of business transformation, social impact, and leadership expertise has been cultivated over more than 20 years as a senior executive in a broad range of roles and experiences in the private and public sector and co-operative financial services.

Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group

MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. www.mackayceoforums.com/members/

In this episode of 'It's Lonely at the Top,' Nancy MacKay hosts Sushant Trivedi and Nico Human, discussing the challenges and triumphs of leadership. They explore the loneliness that often accompanies high-level positions, the importance of peer support, and strategies for self-leadership and accountability. Sushant shares his journey from being an immigrant to becoming a successful CEO, while Nico reflects on his experiences and the significance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly digital world. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in business transformation and the necessity of prioritizing health and well-being as a leader.

Sushant Trivedi is the Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Tracks Canada, a leading travel company specializing in custom-designed Canadian travel experiences. As CEO, Sushant is responsible for setting the strategic vision, driving growth, and leading a values-driven organization that blends operational excellence with exceptional client experiences. He is known for his thoughtful, people-first leadership style and his ability to navigate complexity with clarity, balancing performance, culture, and long-term stewardship while guiding teams through change and scale.

Nico Human is a Master Certified Forum Chair with MacKay CEO Forums, where he facilitates confidential peer groups for CEOs and senior executives. In this role, Nico creates a trusted, high-performance environment that enables leaders to work through their most pressing business and personal challenges. He is widely respected for his calm presence, sharp listening skills, and ability to guide deep, practical conversations that lead to better decision-making, stronger leadership, and sustained impact both inside and outside the organization.

Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:

MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. www.mackayceoforums.com/members/