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Mark chats with Sam Shackleton, a boldly independent woman. She talks about how travelling to Thailand and Australia fundamentally changed her. Nearly as much as being a mother of two. They talk about handling rejections, getting the nerve to charge what you are worth as an artist. It's a personal conversation as Sam exposes how personal turmoil made her resilient. She expresses her path of choosing self-awareness and grieving the version of herself she lost

Samantha Shackleton Bio

Samantha Shackleton is the creative heart behind Blue Orchid Creative, where she helps small businesses and entrepreneurs build brands and websites that truly feel like them. With over a decade of experience in branding, graphic design, and web design, she’s passionate about bringing strategy and style together, creating visuals and online experiences that not only look great but work hard for her clients.

Samantha loves diving into her clients’ stories and exploring how they show up online, from websites to social media, ensuring everything feels authentic, cohesive, and confident. Whether she’s developing a full visual identity, mapping out a user-friendly website, or refining the way a business presents itself across platforms, her goal is always to help entrepreneurs show up professionally and with confidence.

Outside of her design business, Samantha lives life with her partner and their four kids, embracing the joys and challenges of blended family life. She’s also trained in Capoeira for over ten years, a Brazilian martial art that blends movement, rhythm, and community, fueling her energy, creativity, and balance. When she’s not working or training, you’ll find her exploring Calgary’s food scene, supporting local music, or enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Warm, thoughtful, and endlessly curious, Samantha brings creativity and care to everything she does, helping business owners grow, thrive, and shine online.

Owner/Designer Blue Orchid Creative
PH: 403.901.5762
Blue-orchid.ca

https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-orchid-yyc/

https://www.instagram.com/blueorchidyyc/

https://www.facebook.com/BlueOrchidGraphicWeb/

About Mark Laurie - Host.
Mark has been transforming how women see themselves, expanding their sense of sexy, and building their confidence in an exciting, transformational adventure: photography.
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Sound Production by:
Lee Ellis - myofficemedia@gmail.com

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In this powerful special edition of Fascinating Women, host Mark Laurie sits down with Elizabeth Gil to walk through her unexpected journey with breast cancer. What started as routine blood work led to a life-altering discovery and a series of choices that challenge societal norms of femininity. Elizabeth shares the raw details of her diagnosis, the emotional anchor provided by her husband and children, and her firm decision to opt for a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction.

We explore the transition from "invincibility" to vulnerability, the practical wisdom of using "tomato paste cans" for physical therapy, and why Elizabeth refuses to let the label of "survivor" define her. This episode is a profound exploration of body ownership, the weight of the "guilt backpack," and the healing power of being seen and loved in your most exposed moments. It is an essential listen for anyone facing a health crisis or supporting a loved one through transformation.

3 Core Takeaways:

• Body Sovereignty: The importance of making medical choices based on personal peace rather than societal expectations.
• The Routine of Resilience: How maintaining a sense of normalcy and family routine provides a foundation during a crisis.
• Beyond the Label: Why identity must remain rooted in passion (like Elizabeth's archery) rather than the trauma of illness.

Elizabeth Gil Bio

My very exhibitionist boobs decided to drop into frame during a liver MRI in 2022, and they were keeping a secret; they harboured two spots of invasive lobular cancer on the right side. Since the age of 16, my breasts were the objects of criticism and unwanted attention; add that to witnessing my mom's ordeal with her cancer journey, and the decision became clear: take them both (I don't want to be lopsided) and do a flat aesthetic closure. I had an incredible surgeon (Dr. Mei), who listened to me, respected my wishes, and did an amazing job creating a body that I am comfortable in. I was also surrounded by the love of so many people, including the Rev Cythia and my mother-in-law, who stepped in to care for me and speed my recovery, bringing me to tears many times. The numbness from the surgery made me feel like I wore a piece of armour, which somehow made me feel stronger. My husband (Sean) was instrumental in my recovery, never putting a demand for new boobs, although we are open enough to speak about missing them sometimes. He also introduced me to the BoobblessBabe (Stephanie), who oozes sexiness thanks to her confidence and serves as a role model. I don't speak about this cancer or the PNET one because I don't want it to be my defining identity. I refuse to be called "a cancer survivor" because it makes me feel like I live in its shadow. Doing the pictures with Mark was another step to reaffirming my connection with this new body.

About Mark Laurie - Host.
Mark has been transforming how women see themselves, expanding their sense of sexy, and building their confidence in an exciting, transformational adventure: photography.
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Sound Production by:
Lee Ellis - myofficemedia@gmail.com

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Elizabeth is a leap first kinda woman. She is a granddaughter of Spanish refugees and an immigrant from Venezuela at 18, leaving her family behind. With no English but driven by a dream, her positive mindset makes it work. She is stubborn. Failure is “a first attempt in learning.” Strong women and gentle men shaped her view. Her North Star is always choosing kindness. Her story of misunderstanding her husband’s real name until he proposed is so her is a chuckle. Elizabeth shares her view on how empowerment through education works for her. Her parenting philosophy is that children are only “borrowed” for a while, which is unique.
You will feel the energy of personality in the audio.

Elizabeth Gil Bio
I was born and raised in Venezuela, and I have always felt like I belong to “the in between” as my family is from Spain originally, and the goal was to return there someday. I was raised by very strong women, which made me fearless, and I was protected by two incredibly strong men who showed me that the only limits were within myself. I came to Canada at 18 to learn English, and I keep arguing that I am still working at it, so I can’t leave. I met my soulmate soon after arriving, and he has been my rock and my refuge in sickness and in health; we have weathered fierce storms and have become a safe harbour for each other, and I would choose him again in any future lives. I have two courageous, funny, and authentic younger humans who let me walk beside them not only as a mom but also as a friend. I have two precious heirlooms: my grandmother’s ring and a pendant made by a friend’s dad that carried healing vibes. I am an amateur goldsmith, an avid reader, an archer, and I almost got arrested in Spain when I was pregnant for disrupting a police raid.

About Mark Laurie - Host.
Mark has been transforming how women see themselves, enlarging their sense of sexy, and expanding their confidence in an exciting adventure that is transformational photography.
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Sound Production by:
Lee Ellis - myofficemedia@gmail.com

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Roberta Nickel shares insights with Mark about her 18-plus years in the Canadian Navy, as the only woman in her unit. Her time as her mom’s caregiver led to her discovering a love of belly dancing. Into the mix was embracing the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medieval live events group, which was interestingly paired with her entry as a practising Wiccan. She relates dancing for her commanding officer on his 40th birthday. There is the unique experience of guiding a blind friend through every ride at the Calgary Stampede.

Roberta Bio

Roberta was born in Calgary and did her schooling there. She is a second-generation Calgarian.

She is a railway brat as her father worked as a conductor for the CNR and she saw a lot of Western Canada from the window of a train. When she turned 17 and 6 months, she joined the RCNR and

Became a Communicator, which made her father proud. She spent 18 and a half years in the navy and saw much of Canada during that time. She can tell you a lot about that time. Just ask her.

After doing her time, she became her mother’s caregiver. She did that until 1998 when her mother passed away.

Roberta does Belly dancing and Square Dancing to relive stress. She also rides horses; can do

Archery; does Background acting; and enjoys Reading.

She is a witch and enjoys learning the many aspects of it.

She had always wanted to do a Playboy style photo shoot and that is when she met Mark and the rest is history. She has many photos that tell a story. Thank you Mark.

Roberta also likes to travel and has been to Scotland and Egypt. Would she return? In a heartbeat.

She also works for the Calgary Stampede in Catering . What’s next for this lady? Only time will tell.

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Jackie Rainforth is full of fresh insights and joy. She discusses her life, emphasizing her belief in living life to the fullest and her tendency to push boundaries. She is a disruptor and encourages it. She shares a story about defying her father's wishes to marry at 14, leading to a brief marriage and subsequent divorce. Jackie highlights her inspirations, particularly people who face fear and adversity. She values honesty, loyalty, transparency, and integrity. Jackie recounts her near-death diving experience and how it changed her life, making her more assertive. She also discusses the importance of effective communication in sales, using neuroscience and psychology to enhance customer interactions.

Jackie Rainforth Bio

Are you working hard in your business – but not getting results?

Jackie has helped companies grow revenue by up to 77%—because she knows what it’s like to be on the other side: working hard and winging it.

Meet Jackie Rainforth—internationally recognized Sales, Leadership, and Business Growth Expert, and the powerhouse behind The Rainmaker™ brand.

She’s an award-winning speaker, best-selling author of The Badass Guide to Superstar Selling, and creator of Selling Made Simple™—a proven system built from real-world experience.

But she didn’t start out as a natural at sales.
Like many, she was unsure of what to say, when to say it… and felt pushy, awkward, and uncomfortable.

What changed?
She realized scripts fall flat, and personality wasn’t enough. Selling without a system - is like driving a car blindfolded—too many wrong turns, time wasted, and missed opportunities.

Her gift?
Simplifying sales into clear, repeatable steps anyone can use.

She became the #1 sales rep at every company she worked for—for decades. And those she’s trained? They’ve done the same.

Her latest breakthrough—The Entrepreneurial Shift™ Series—empowers businesses and teams to future-proof by leading boldly, selling with strategic precision, and driving innovation, differentiation, and accelerated growth in today’s highly unpredictable world.

A LinkedIn Top Voice, Top 500 Global Professional, and Top 1% Social Selling Index, Jackie equips leaders and sales teams with the tools and confidence to

make it rain—results, revenue, and relentless growth.

About Mark Laurie - Host.
Mark has been transforming how women see themselves, enlarging their sense of sexy, and expanding their confidence in an exciting adventure that is transformational photography.
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Sound Production by:
Lee Ellis - myofficemedia@gmail.com

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In this episode, Erin shares her insights with Mark on how art mirrors society, the hidden influence of women’s history, and the importance of staying curious rather than judgmental. With heartfelt stories about her pioneering grandmothers, she illustrates the power of taking risks and finding true purpose. Erin’s thoughtful reflections on self-doubt, incremental progress, and the need for meaningful connection offer a refreshing perspective in a world often driven by surface-level interactions.

Erin McDonald is a visionary leader, cultural strategist, and captivating speaker based in Edmonton, Alberta, advocating for equity, imagination, and resilience across Alberta’s cultural landscape.

With an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business and a Master of Cultural Heritage from Deakin University, Erin brings sharp analysis and heartfelt commitment to every table they sit at. An Edmonton Top 40 Under 40 recipient, Toastmasters International-certified communicator, and neuroqueer creative, Erin navigates complex systems with grace, wit, and cinematic flair.

Known for their presence, expressive storytelling, and a blend of elegance and warmth, Erin is drawn to the quiet glamour of Old Hollywood and the grounded beauty of the lived experience. Whether reimagining funding models, curating inclusive celebrations, or championing underrepresented voices, Erin’s work radiates integrity and intentionality.

Erin founded EM Museum Consulting, bringing lived experience, humour, and fierce kindness to their leadership practice. Erin lives by the principle that reinvention is a form of resistance—and that true power lives in authenticity.

Image credit: Janice Saxon

--

Better pass boldly into that other world,
in the full glory of some passion,
than fade and wither dismally with age
Joyce, Dubliners

About Mark Laurie - Host.
Mark has been transforming how women see themselves, enlarging their sense of sexy, and expanding their confidence in an exciting adventure that is transformational photography.
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Sound Production by:
Lee Ellis - myofficemedia@gmail.com

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Mark’s chat with Krista where the values of authenticity and resilience has gotten her, how her curiosity from a young age shifted society’s momentum from fear and seriousness to lightness. She explains what being a big thinker is and how she got there. Krista shares how her value of lifelong learning gave her continuous personal growth.

Krista gets into her parenting style, part of which is letting her daughters make mistakes while freely exploring things. Branching into what their impact on the world might be. She shares her slowing down technique and how she controls her thoughts to tap into her valued gut instincts.

She gets into her definition of success- a feeling of accomplishment and failure, “My first attempt to learn something.”

We wander around her life, her revelations and her growth. This is a very fun and interesting conversation.

Krista Bio

Krista Rabidoux is a Partner at Andersen LLP with over 23 years of experience working across Canada. She specializes in leadership and executive coaching within family businesses, guiding them through complex transitions and ensuring their long-term success. Krista recently earned the FEA (Family Enterprise Advisor) designation, further enhancing her ability to provide specialized advice to family-owned businesses. Her deep understanding of business dynamics and cross-border transactions makes her an invaluable asset in managing and safeguarding the financial health of organizations.

Krista has guided businesses and individuals through the complexities of international tax obligations, ensuring compliance and optimizing tax positions across multiple jurisdictions. She continues to leverage her expertise in global mobility, assisting multinational corporations and their employees with the intricacies of working across borders. Her experience includes advising on employer and employee obligations, optimizing tax positions for expatriates, and addressing the unique challenges of international assignments.

Krista also serves on the Board of Directors at Family Enterprise Canada and Contemporary Calgary, where she chairs the Finance and Audit Committee. Additionally, she is the former Chairperson of AmCham Canada West Chapter, reflecting her leadership and dedication to fostering cross-border business relationships. Her involvement in these organizations underscores her commitment to supporting family businesses and contributing to her community.

Reach out to her
krista.rabidoux@ca.andersen.com
https://ca.andersen.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-rabidoux/

About Mark Laurie - Host.
Mark has been transforming how women see themselves, enlarging their sense of sexy, and expanding their confidence in an exciting adventure that is transformational photography.
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Sound Production by:
Lee Ellis - myofficemedia@gmail.com

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Mark’s chat with Holly reveals a dynamic woman whose big blended family, with all its drama, has shaped her into an inspiring, resilient, and intuitive leader. The universe shifted from a nursing to a bold candle business. Her rallying cry is progress over perfection.

Holly talks about experimenting with a four-day workweek and then moving it company-wide. She found that even short meditations for her busy mind changed her profoundly. She has learned to trust her instincts and act decisively. Yet, people call her lucky. (Hint: It's not that that is working for her!)

She challenges the idea of hustling, demonstrating that more can be achieved through trust, flexibility, and valuing everyone’s need for rest.

Holly shares how she turns failures into opportunities and how people can harness their energy to pursue their personal legend creation.

This conversation is heartfelt, unconventional, and fully authentic, revealing the powerful force of believing in your own path.

For example, she talks abour her plan to have a Praying Mantis as a pet, it is a thing.

Without apology, Holly says, “Yep, this is a millennial's sensibilities." She is not stereotypical, and she will change the world. Her passion business, Milk Jar, is the source of many of her revelations and growth.

This is a blast of fresh air conversation from a clearly fun-loving, passionate woman.

You will agree that this is a fascinating conversation.

Holly Singer Bio

Holly Singer is the founder and CEO of Milk Jar, an inclusive candle company that creates job opportunities for people with and without disabilities. Milk Jar also supports inclusive spaces by donating $1 from the sale of every product to organizations that support people with disabilities to learn and grow and initiatives that create inviting spaces. In 8 years, Milk Jar has raised over $350,000 for programs worldwide, from Alberta to Ontario to the U.S. and the U.K! All areas where Milk Jar purchases come from so we can support our customer's communities to be more inviting. Holly says her employees give Milk Jar a greater purpose and a positive work culture that she will be sharing with you today.

Holly plans to expand inclusive hiring in Calgary by starting a conversation around the benefits of an inclusive workplace and by connecting businesses to service providers and employees to support their inclusive hiring practices and create more inviting spaces.

About Mark Laurie - Host.
Mark has been transforming how women see themselves, enlarging their sense of sexy, and expanding their confidence in an exciting adventure that is transformational photography.
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Sound Production by:
Lee Ellis - myofficemedia@gmail.com