To kick off the new year in style, this month’s guest is the founder of womenswear label SophieGrace – the chic Emma May. Emma is an entrepreneur, activist, real estate business leader and former lawyer and political staffer under Premier Jim Prentice – there’s not much she can’t do. Shauna sits down with Emma to discuss her unique entrepreneurial journey from corporate law to building her own fashion brand, as well as how she continues to uphold her civic duty despite exiting the world of politics. From divulging her thoughts on Kamala Harris’ controversial Vogue cover to how her brand continues to be a success despite the pandemic, this episode is full of insights into the mind of a serial entrepreneur – tune in!

While this podcast typically hosts guests from all walks of life to discuss topics that go Beyond PR, this episode is an exception. As the current global health crisis has highlighted the importance of communications, Shauna sits down with Negin Kamali, the Director of Public Relations at Princess Cruises, to discuss the events that ensued onboard the Diamond Princess ship right at the onset of the pandemic. Negin breaks down her experience in managing the crisis from the minute she received the news to where things are today. She also reflects on the lessons she learned during the pandemic and how far the world of PR has come – from faxing press releases to traversing the digital landscape of social media. Plus, she offers advice to anyone interested in pursuing crisis communications.

For this episode of Beyond PR, listeners get to enjoy a double dose of entertainment from not only one but two special guests. In the hot seat this month is none other than Calgary Flames left winger Milan Lucic and his lovely wife Brittany. Shauna was honoured to host the couple’s very first interview together to discuss the interesting year that 2020 has shaped up to be. From how they managed homeschooling at the onset of the pandemic with their children to describing what the NHL bubble experience was really like, this episode is full of insights into the Lucic household. Milan and Brittany also reflect on how they first met, what their favourite NHL city to live in has been, and the fun surprise that the Flames had for the team during their time in the bubble.

This month’s guest of honour is an international thought leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist, humanitarian, and the most-awarded male Canadian country music artist in history – you guessed it, it’s Paul Brandt! As a long-time friend and client, Shauna and Paul catch up on how life has changed since the pandemic started, how to embrace change and how difficult times always pay off. Paul reveals the side of himself that people don’t know about (Hint: it might surprise you!), as well as what he’s been up to while touring is on hold, including construction of his own ODR (outdoor rink). Plus, Paul shares insights on human trafficking and efforts against it through his organization #NotInMyCity. What’s next for PB? There’s only one way to find out – tune in!

Beyond PR podcast is back! Kicking off our second season, Shauna speaks with long-time client and friend Karen Stewart, Founder and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions. With a long history of entrepreneurial ventures and business success, Karen is a self-proclaimed ‘disruptor’ – approaching every industry she enters with a determination to leave it better than when she started. Speaking candidly with Shauna about her experiences that drove the launch of Fairway, Karen is a firm believer in understanding – and following – her ‘why’. From discussions about single parenthood, to what lessons COVID-19 has taught her – Karen shares her story and key learnings as a serial entrepreneur to inspire Canadians to keep going and find the silver lining in every situation.

Brookline Public Relations is a team of uniquely talented PR professionals who pride themselves on going #BPRBeyond. With this theme prominent in everything they do, the Beyond PR podcast, hosted by Brookline's Principal and Founder Shauna MacDonald, showcases how leaders throughout Canada go beyond in business, philanthropic endeavours, and their communities. Subscribe to catch season two (coming soon!) featuring special guests who are breaking boundaries and going ‘beyond’ the typical to inspire and make a lasting impact.

As season one of Beyond PR draws to a close, what better way to wrap up our series of incredible guests than with insight from veteran journalist, community leader and 14th Chancellor of the University of Calgary, Deborah Yedlin. From a career on Wall Street to becoming Alberta’s leading business and politics reporter, Deborah discusses how she held her own in largely male-dominated industries, how her position at the University of Calgary seemed like a natural fit, and how Albertans are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic amidst an already challenging energy crisis.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, long-time tech sector executive Patricia Kaiser sits down with Shauna to share her experience as a business leader and working mother, answering the question: can you really have it all? Reflecting on her career, Patricia gets candid about the glass ceiling, her role at the board table, and just how she became comfortable being uncomfortable, ultimately pushing herself to achieve more and go further. Evolving from an up-and-coming woman in tech to a dynamic, hands-on leader, Patricia Kaiser has proven she is a force to be reckoned with.  

Canadians likely know Tara Weber as a steadfast, reliable news source and BNN Bloomberg’s western correspondent. But in the first episode of the new year, Beyond PR host Shauna MacDonald goes deeper to uncover the real story behind Tara and her journey from a small town in British Columbia to becoming a national reporter. Listen in as Tara shares her insights on the era of fake news, tackling tough and sensitive stories, the discussion around Canada’s energy sector, and how to ensure your news tip doesn’t get lost in her inbox.

Katrina Olson-Mottahed is force of fashion, entrepreneur, mother of two and savvy social media influencer who is no stranger to viral moments (both the good and bad). On this month’s episode, the arts-advocate talks falling in love with fashion, influencer marketing do’s and don’ts, where to find Canadian designer labels, and her experience raising daughters in the digital age. Katrina shares her surprise at being named one of Canada’s Best Dressed in 2019 by the Globe and Mail and reveals that her husband actually owns more shoes than she does!