Kendal Netmaker, CSP®

✨ 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐞 𝐃’𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐨 ✨ As the Founder of 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬, psychologist, and executive coach, @Dr.Michele D’ Amico is on a mission to help women leaders transform toxic workplace environments into thriving, collaborative cultures. 🌟 In her 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞 weekly column on Community & Leadership, she shares actionable strategies for creating meaningful change — starting with how YOU lead. 🔥 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: it’s time for women leaders to shift the workplace culture, empower teams, and inspire lasting impact. 💡 Read her latest insights at https://lnkd.in/gQCBJCM #𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 #𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 #𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 #𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 #𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 #𝐓𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲

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Strengthening Municipal Leadership: Training for Councillors, CAOs, and Future Candidates Whether you’re currently serving on Council, working as a CAO, or considering a run in the next municipal election, a strong understanding of your legislated roles and responsibilities is essential. This webinar offers a clear, plain‑language overview of what the law expects from municipal Councils—and how those expectations shape effective, accountable decision‑making. In this session, we’ll cover: The legislated roles and responsibilities of Council How Council decisions must be made The authority Council has—and does not have What happens once you are sworn in Key concepts that support strong, compliant municipal leadership Two‑part format: Part 1: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Part 2: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM To register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gnMmdQWY This is a practical, accessible session designed to support better governance—whether you’re refreshing your knowledge or preparing for a future role at the Council table.

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CREDIT: Northern Ontario Business - @The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) has opened applications to its Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund. This marks the sixth year for the fund, which helps Indigenous women business owners who have faced systemic barriers access capital. “Indigenous women continue to lead with strength, innovation, and deep community roots — yet face persistent barriers to accessing capital and resources,” said Tabatha Bull ICD.D, CCIB's president and CEO, in a news release. “Through the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund, we are creating space for these leaders to thrive by providing meaningful support that recognizes their potential. We’re proud to work alongside partners like LNG Canada to help close these gaps and advance economic reconciliation.” The CCIB recently conducted a study into the early stages of women entrepreneurship, in collaboration with Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) through the Diversity Institute (DI) of Toronto Metropolitan University. Results found that many entrepreneurs face challenges accessing programs and financial support; in particular, the study noted the importance of mentorship and networking in the early stages of their career. To be eligible for the grant, businesses must be at least 51 per cent owned and controlled by an Indigenous woman, and must be registered in Canada. The deadline to apply is July 7. #indigenbiz #indigenous #business #funding #women #entrepreneurs https://lnkd.in/getvAUnQ

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The Writing Is On The Wall For Some of Ontario’s Public Colleges Ontario has 24 public colleges. Many are now facing serious financial pressure, and for some, the current model is simply not sustainable. This is not an easy conversation, and it’s certainly not one colleges want to have, but the reality is that a period of consolidation may be unavoidable. The cost of keeping every institution operating independently, with significant program duplication across the system, is becoming increasingly difficult to justify. In the short term, colleges will almost certainly see fewer international students. That means significantly less revenue, at a time when costs continue to rise. Waiting for government alone to resolve these challenges is not an effective strategy. The colleges that endure will be those that collaborate with other institutions, innovate beyond traditional delivery models, build deeper strategic partnerships with industry, and focus on differentiation rather than duplication. Some of this work is already underway, and there are strong examples across the province, but incremental change will not be enough. What’s required now is bold leadership. We need leaders in the sector willing to challenge the status quo and, in some cases, acknowledge that long-term survival may depend on working together in new and uncomfortable ways. This moment calls for courage, creativity, and collaboration. The status quo is not working, and pretending otherwise only delays the hard decisions that lie ahead. Hopefully, with Maureen Adamson as the President and CEO of Colleges Ontario, the colleges will be in a healthier position going forward. Public colleges in the Province of Ontario play an important role in the post secondary education sector and current and future students are depending on their success. The photo was AI generated. I didn't have a good photo of senior administrators from different colleges collaborating together, so I thought I would try AI. Not bad! 😊 #collegesontario #Collegevoice #postsecondaryeducation #leadership #FlemingCollege #collaboration #innovation

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There’s still a lot of misunderstanding in British Columbia about Aboriginal Title. I see it in boardrooms. I hear it in communities. And I feel it in the tension that shows up when people don’t have the same starting point of understanding. So I put this simple “Myths vs. Facts” together. Not to argue. Not to convince. But to help people start from the same place of truth. Aboriginal Title is not a new idea. It’s not special treatment. And it’s not about taking anything away from anyone. It’s about recognizing something that has always been there. In most of BC, the land was never ceded. That matters. The courts have been clear: First Nations are not just stakeholders. They are Title holders - with rights, responsibilities, and a role in decision-making about land and resources. When people understand this, the conversation shifts. From conflict → to collaboration. From uncertainty → to clarity. From “us vs. them” → to shared responsibility. We still have a long way to go in this province. But understanding is a good place to start. #Reconciliation #FourDirectionsManagement

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Ever tried to do something simple… and got hit with “access denied”? It sounds small, but it adds up fast. Time lost. Energy drained. Frustration builds. We focus so much on performance, but ignore the everyday barriers that slow people down. Good leadership is simple. Give people the access they need… so they can actually do their work. #accidentalboss #joelhilchey #workplaceculture #badboss #bullyboss

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Effective City and Regional Councillors in Ontario are expected to balance three primary legislated roles: representative, policy-maker, and steward. To be truly impactful, passionate, and accountable, they typically demonstrate a specific blend of interpersonal skills, technical acumen, and ethical commitment. Core Traits and Characteristics • Community-First Representation: o Passionate Advocate: They serve as a "bridge" between the community and council, representing local views and priorities while keeping residents informed. o Empathetic Listener: They actively seek public involvement, listen to diverse viewpoints—including dissent—and respond to citizen concerns (casework) diligently. o Strategic Balancer: They must weigh the specific interests of their ward against the well-being and long-term sustainability of the entire municipality. • Action and Accountability: o Transparent Decision-Maker: They uphold the Municipal Act requirements for accountability and transparency, ensuring that policies are accessible and operations are open to public trust. o Accountable to Results: They deliver results that contribute to "exceptional city-building," such as developing and evaluating policies that improve local services. o Ethical Integrity: They adhere strictly to a Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, avoiding any abuse of power or personal gain. • Effective Governance and Stewardship: o Financial Acumen: They possess the ability to evaluate budgets and understand the long-term tax and financial consequences of their decisions. o Constructive Team Player: While they may disagree during debates, they work respectfully with colleagues and staff toward common goals and support the final decision of the majority. o Prepared and Diligent: They "do their homework," researching complex background materials before meetings to participate meaningfully in discussions. o Critical Thinking: They maintain a forward-thinking perspective, considering how today's solutions might impact the community in the future. Key Professional Relationships An effective councillor understands the distinct boundary between governance (Council) and administration (Staff): • Relationship with Staff: They provide clear direction to municipal staff but do not interfere in day-to-day operations or "micro-manage". • Relationship with Regional Council: Regional councillors (often serving in a "double direct" capacity) must act in the best interest of the regional body when dealing with regional matters, even when balancing local ward priorities. Michael J. Gyovai Chief Executive Officer, BGC Peel Club (Boys and Girls Club) Ontario Social Justice Paralegal #inspire2lead #yeswewill2026

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An Ontario Nonprofit Network report on the progress of the transformation of Ontario's employment system. It doesn't take long to read and gets to the point, if you would like to understand what the new system means for front line providers and jobseekers.

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Indigenous Prosperity Foundation launches National Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Program to Scale Indigenous Entrepreneurship Across Turtle Island. 💜 🪶 #IndigenousProsperity #IndigenousEntrepreneurship #IndigenousBusiness #EconomicReconciliation #BusinessEducation #Training #Educate #Empower #Elevate #IndigenousEcosystem #EcDev

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🔍 FREE RESOURCE for Canadian Businesses | Corporate Reconciliation Starts with Knowledge 🔍 Are you ready to move beyond land acknowledgements and make meaningful change? “Reconciliation in Business: Ethical Partnerships with Indigenous Communities” is a free, essential guide for organizations committed to building respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous Peoples. This eBook provides practical insights into ethical supply chains, Indigenous-led impact assessments, legal frameworks, and community engagement strategies rooted in Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 92. Authored by Bear Standing Tall, a First Nations woman-led business, this resource empowers corporations to shift from performative gestures to purposeful action. If your company is on the path to reconciliation—this is your starting point. 📥 Download now and take your first step toward authentic reconciliation. https://lnkd.in/gf6FmDnv #ReconciliationInAction, #IndigenousPartnerships, #EconomicReconciliation, #CallToAction92, #TruthAndReconciliation, #CorporateResponsibility, #IndigenousRelations, #EthicalLeadership, #DiversityEquityInclusion, #IndigenousBusiness, #SustainableBusiness, #IndigenousVoices, #InclusiveEconomy, #BearStandingTall, #FreeResource, #CSRCanada, #IndigenousProsperity, #BusinessWithPurpose, #TRC92, #CorporateReconciliation, #IndigenousLedSolutions

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I’ve been feeling frustrated lately. Over the past few months, I’ve seen more pushback and backlash in conversations about Indigenous rights and land. Comments that are misinformed or at times outright harmful and it’s made me question if we're actually making progress. In moments like this, I find myself going back to someone I trust deeply. My friend and mentor Len Pierre. Every time we talk, I walk away with a deeper understanding of what’s happening and a clearer sense of how to respond in a way that is thoughtful and aligned with my values. That’s why I’m really glad we’re bringing this conversation to our community in partnership with Len. In the session, we're going to take time to reflect on what we’re seeing right now, why these dynamics are showing up, and how we can navigate these moments especially when harmful comments arise. Not because we have all the answers but because these are conversations we need to keep having. If this resonates with you, we’d love to have you join us.

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Moments like this remind me why the work we do matters. Seeing the energy and leadership from the young people at Chinguacousy SS during our Empower Up event was powerful. When youth are given the opportunity, mentorship, and support to lead, they step up in incredible ways. At One Voice One Team, we believe the next generation of leaders is already here. They just need the right environment, mentorship, and opportunities to grow. I’m grateful for partners like Tim Hortons Canada and the Pinball Foundation who continue to invest in our mission and help make these opportunities possible. If you believe in investing in the future of our communities, I invite you to walk alongside us. Whether through partnership, sponsorship, or support, your contribution helps us equip young people with the confidence, character, and leadership skills to change their communities for the better. Together we are building leaders who will lead with purpose, integrity, and impact. There’s no us and them. Only us.

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The reality check: I’ve been waiting a few months for today. March 4 is the first day of the pilot cohort of the Rooted & Rising Mental Wealth and Business Wellness initiative. This program is designed to be the first of many, and thanks to funding from the Government of Manitoba, this iteration is specifically engineered to meet the needs of Black Entrepreneurs and Small Business owners. I designed the program to remedy some of the gaps in entrepreneur mental health and small business ecosystem support. I saw these gaps firsthand as an entrepreneur and rural Manitoba founder and I learned about the many ways that they show up for the folks that I support and do business with — especially visible minorities and other equity deserving groups. We’ve seen tremendous uptake with our program launch. We accepted 24 people from our applicants’ list and are excited about the mix of experience, business interests, and identities we’re bringing together. For the next few weeks our group will be learning together about aligning mental health and wellbeing with business strategies and growth. And at the end of the program they walk away with two tangibles: 1. Wellbeing and operating systems and tools they can integrate into their business or strategic plans, and 2. Valuable connections to business supports that matter for their unique needs No more casting a wide net, cold calling, or asking if “someone knows someone who…” — our participants are going to be building that bridge themselves at our inaugural Entrepreneur Mental Wealth Forum on May 6. So the reality check: Sometimes a new and impactful thing takes time, energy, lots of research and a slow rollout. It will get lots of “No,”“That’s not how it’s supposed to be done” and “Are you sure you want to do that”responses. The key is to make sure that you aren’t the one saying those things to yourself. If you keep doing what you do intentionally and with purpose, your thing will find its way into the world. At Reyou Mindfulness Collective, we’re looking forward to assessing the impact of this program. We’re not just running a workshop or group coaching program. We are collecting valuable Action Research data about interventions and outcomes. If you are a mental health supporting organization, a business ecosystem partner or an experienced business leader, I invite you to connect with us to learn more about the Entrepreneur Mental Wealth Forum. Reach out to us at https://lnkd.in/gXCSBM5j

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🔥Leadership is being redefined in real time. Today’s leaders are expected to drive performance, navigate uncertainty, and support the well-being of their teams - all at once. That’s why conversations like the one happening at the HRPA Hamilton Conference, Leadership in Action matter so much. The focus on resilience, psychological safety, and human-centered leadership reflects the direction leadership must move in if organizations want to thrive in the years ahead. If you’re in HR or leadership and thinking about the future of how we lead, this event at Carmen’s Event Centre should be on your radar. Looking forward to the insights and discussions that will come out of this. #LeadershipInAction #HRPA #HumanCentredLeadership #FutureOfWork

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Strong organizations are built by healthy individuals. ✨ This #SelfCareAwarenessMonth, let’s commit to simple habits that support balance, energy, and wellbeing inside and outside of work. 💫 #SelfCareMatters #WellnessAtWork #MindfulLeadership #BalanceForSuccess #Galebal #CareCulture #WorldIsOurStage

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Not every inheritance should be immediate. When beneficiaries are minors or financially vulnerable adults, an outright gift can create consequences families may not have anticipated. Sometimes the issue is financial immaturity. In other cases, it may involve creditor exposure, relationship instability, or even the loss of provincial disability benefits. That is where trust planning can make an important difference. In this week’s article, I talk about why trusts are sometimes used for minors and vulnerable beneficiaries, how staged distributions can provide more structure over time, and why trustee responsibility deserves more attention than it often gets. Clear drafting protects beneficiaries, but it also helps protect the executor or trustee who may be left carrying long term responsibilities. If your estate plan includes minor children or vulnerable beneficiaries, this is an issue worth thinking through carefully. You can read the full article on my website here: https://lnkd.in/g5ngQXZ5 #nexsteps #trusts #estateplanning #executor #familyprotection

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