Women Don't Do That (WDDT)
Women Don't Do That (WDDT)
Stephanie Mitton
213: Running Like a Girl: Leading Without Losing Yourself with Catherine McKenna
57 minutes Posted Jan 27, 2026 at 12:33 pm.
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Show notes
Some guests come with headlines before they even speak. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Catherine McKenna, climate advocate, former cabinet minister, and author of Run Like a Girl, for a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and staying human in high-pressure roles. From motherhood and boundaries to climate advocacy and politics, Catherine shares what she learned the hard way and what she still believes is worth fighting for.
This episode covers:
Why Catherine wrote Run Like a Girl and what she hopes women and young people take from it
What it was really like being a woman in politics, including public scrutiny and staying authentic
How to protect your energy in demanding seasons, including the decision to turn off her phone at night
What perseverance looks like when the work is hard and progress feels fragile
Why advocacy takes time and teamwork, including the shared story behind Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve
A moment that shaped her perspective on platform and bravery, including lessons from the Obamas
If you are leading, parenting, advocating, or simply trying to get through the day, this episode is a reminder that you can do meaningful work without losing yourself and that you are allowed to do things your own way.