In this episode, Aveline Clarke welcomes Monica Pemberton, a pioneering leader with 30 years of experience in technology, who has dedicated her career to advocating for women and underrepresented groups in the tech space. Monica shares her journey from being the only Black woman in tech to mentoring the next generation, the power of mentorship, and overcoming workplace challenges with integrity and resilience. Tune in for inspiring stories, practical lessons on leadership, and Monica’s commitment to empowering young adults and women to thrive in technology and beyond.

Here’s a summary of what they discussed:

04:17 A chance elevator conversation sparked Monica’s tech journey.

10:14 The lack of diversity in professional associations—and how to change it.

15:31 The importance of owning your mistakes while leading others.

25:07 Dealing with adversity and “not nice people” in the workplace.

46:46 Monica’s vision: mentoring youth, writing a book, and inspiring the next generation.

…and much more.

enjoy!

YouTube episode: https://youtu.be/Xekl-lfC26w

Here's some information about our guest, Monica:

Monica Pemberton

VP, Educator, Mentor, Technology Leader

Monica Pemberton’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and purpose. As Vice President and CIO at the American Council on Education, she leverages technology to drive innovation and success. Beyond her career, Monica is a dedicated mentor, advocate for women in tech, and champion of strong leadership.

Looking ahead, Monica is driven by a vision to expand her impact in IT operations and technology. She is committed to writing a book on leadership to inspire and guide young adults and professionals as they navigate their careers. She also aims to promote technology careers as a viable and accessible pathway for economic empowerment, particularly in these ever-changing times.

Monica inspires others to dream big, work hard, and lead with impact and humanity.

Here’s how you can connect with Monica:

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicapemberton/

W: https://www.acenet.edu

The purpose of the Mission Activated podcast is to inspire people with the stories of those who are activated on their mission and living a life of purpose, passion, and alignment. Being in business is not just about money—it’s about bringing our genius and gifts to the world to impact others.

If you'd like to get in touch, please contact us at contact@6starleaders.com

In this inspiring episode, Aveline sits down with Douglas Pflug—elite coach, mentor, and retired police officer—to explore what it truly means to overcome adversity and live life on purpose. Doug shares powerful stories about conquering childhood illness, bullying, and PTSD, and reveals how finding his “granite” (core values) has enabled him to empower others to reclaim their voice. Tune in as they unpack vulnerability, resilience, leadership, and the life-changing impact of small acts of kindness for individuals and future generations.

Here’s a summary of what they discussed:

05:12 Childhood illness fostered early resilience.

09:58 Traumatic events shaped Doug’s service mindset.

13:06 The power of vulnerability in leadership and growth.

21:06 A single thank-you card reignited Doug’s purpose.

42:58 Advice for supporting youth through bullying and self-doubt.

…and so much more.

Enjoy! ✨

YouTube Episode:

Here's some information about our guest, Doug:

Douglas P. Pflug

Executive Leadership Coach | Author | Speaker | Mentor | Builder

Douglas P. Pflug is a nationally recognised leader, coach, and mentor with a distinguished career spanning over 35 years in leadership, law enforcement, and high-performance coaching. A retired Sergeant with the Guelph Police Service and former Provincial Coordinator at the Ontario Police College, Doug has shaped countless leaders through his unwavering commitment to excellence, resilience, and community service.

Doug is the founder of IRONWILL 360° Leadership, an executive coaching and mentorship platform empowering leaders to rise through the ranks by cultivating elite leadership traits. His expertise is captured in his acclaimed books, Finding Your Granite: My Four Cornerstones of Personal Leadership, Ironwill 360° Leadership: Moving Forward – 12 Emerging Trends for Forward-Thinking Leaders, and his latest release, A Blueprint to Level 5 Unicorn Leadership. Each book reflects Doug’s passion for developing resilient, authentic leaders who balance professional will with personal humility.

As an elite strength and conditioning coach, Doug has mentored athletes across the NHL, AHL, NCAA, OHL, and national and provincial levels. He served as the Guelph Storm Hockey Club’s Strength and Conditioning Coach for 27 years, winning four Ontario Hockey League Championships. His leadership extended to Wrestle Canada, the University of Guelph Gryphon Football Team, and the Guelph Wellington Buns Master Rollers Special Olympics Floor Hockey Team, achieving three consecutive Canadian Championships and three silver medals at the World Special Olympics Winter Games.

Doug’s dedication to service extends beyond the arena. He and his wife Michelle, an internationally recognised forensic expert, established the Gryphon Football Pflug Family Community Service Award, honouring athletes who exemplify leadership and community commitment. He has been a proud supporter of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Canada since 1989.

A Cornell-certified executive leader and McMaster-educated HR professional, Doug combines academic excellence with frontline experience. His accolades include being named one of Canada’s 123 Remarkable Canadians, the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Governor General’s Police Exemplary Medal, and the City of Guelph Mayor’s Award for outstanding contributions.

Today, Doug continues to inspire through keynote speaking, leadership development seminars, and his Mental Wisdom Podcast, where he explores resilience, mindfulness, and the intersection of technology and leadership. He splits his time between Boblo Island and Guelph with his wife Michelle and service dog Arizona “Zoe,” enjoying boating, exercise, and charitable work.

Doug’s leadership...

In this episode, Aveline sits down with Francois Lupien, coach, speaker, and former Tony Robbins and Stephen Covey facilitator, whose life and energy radiate purpose. With a background spanning martial arts, real estate, and high-performance coaching, Francois shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Canada to becoming the Executive Whisperer — a trusted guide to CEOs and leaders who carry the silent weight of responsibility.

His story is one of resilience, mentorship, and faith. From learning determination through his mother’s love, to winning a national gold medal in Taekwondo, to helping top executives find clarity and meaning, Francois’s life is a testament to what’s possible when you commit to growth and lead from the heart.

Dive in as Aveline and Francois explore courage, energy, and the true meaning of living on purpose — and why you should stop tiptoeing through life and fully own your potential.

Here’s a summary of what they discussed:

(03:37) Francois’s mission: sharing things that matter with people who care

(05:12) A mother’s lesson in belief — “you can do anything you want in life”

(10:08) Becoming a Canadian gold medalist in Taekwondo through discipline and coaching

(16:27) Landing a job with Tony Robbins by refusing to take no for an answer

(19:35) Choosing family over fame and finding alignment in values

(21:46) How Bob Proctor and Stephen Covey shaped his coaching philosophy

(25:06) The birth of “The Executive Whisperer” — helping CEOs overcome isolation at the top

(38:25) The power of energy, belief, and keeping promises made before we were born

…and much more.

Enjoy! ✨

YouTube Episode:

https://youtu.be/eeehRDXKj_s

Here’s some information about our guest, Francois:

Executive Coach & Mentor

Francois Lupien is a dynamic mentor, executive coach, speaker, and presenter whose experience includes working with Tony Robbins, Stephen Covey (7 Habits of Highly Effective People), and as a consultant with Bob Proctor (The Secret).

Achieving excellence in everything he puts his mind to, Francois has been a Tae Kwon Do Gold Medal Canadian Champion, a Top Real Estate Agent for 11 years with RE/MAX, and a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful six-figure businesses.

Happily married and father to six amazing children, Francois loves spending time at the beach with his family and drinking his beloved Vitamix juice every morning for energy!

Passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic, Francois shows others how to achieve real results that stick—because for him, mediocrity is never an option.

Here’s how you can connect with Francois:

Website – https://howtobecomemore.com

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoislupien/

The purpose of the Mission Activated podcast is to inspire people with the stories of those who are activated on their mission and living a life of purpose, passion, and alignment. Being in business is not just about money—it’s about bringing our genius and gifts to the world to impact others.

If you'd like to get in touch, please contact us at contact@6starleaders.com