What begins as a conversation about global systems quickly unfolds into a much deeper discussion about curiosity, adaptability, leadership, trust, and the repetitive patterns humanity continues to revisit throughout history. Stephanie shares insights from her new book, Global Wealth, Local Impact, while offering a grounded and deeply human perspective on how systems break, why resilience matters, and what happens when people stop asking better questions.

Viewers can expect a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about:

• the hidden systems influencing our daily lives
• how uncertainty shapes innovation
• why relationships are becoming more important than ever
• what history teaches us about human nature
• how individuals and nations respond under pressure
• the connection between global resilience and personal resilience

This episode is for anyone curious about the forces quietly shaping the world around them — and how greater awareness, collaboration, and curiosity might help us navigate what comes next.

Connect with Stephanie Forbes:

Book — Global Wealth, Local Impact
https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Global-Wealth-Local-Impact/Stephanie-Forbes/9781637635162

LinkedIn
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/calgaryforbes

The Forbes Group Website
https://theforbesgroup.ca/

Order the Book Directly
https://theforbesgroup.ca/order-now/

Find & Contact Your Representative in Canadian Parliament:

Find Your Member of Parliament
https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en

Parliament of Canada
https://www.parl.ca/

This year on The Hey Alexa Podcast, we’re going deeper.

What started as a space for conversations with founders, leaders, and creators is evolving into something more expansive—because the truth is, the most meaningful perspective doesn’t always come from the most visible voices.

It comes from people.

From lived experience.
From quiet resilience.
From stories that don’t always make headlines—but shape the way we see the world.

In 2026, you can expect a blend of conversations that challenge, ground, and open you up.

We’re continuing to sit down with incredible leaders doing impactful work—but we’re also creating space for something just as important:

Hey Alexa: Everyone Has a Story.

A new series dedicated to everyday people—real, unfiltered conversations about perspective, adversity, growth, and what it means to be human in today’s world.

At its core, this podcast is built on one belief:

That curiosity is currency.

And when you lead with it, you don’t just learn more about others—
 you understand yourself more deeply too.

So whether you’re here to think differently, feel more connected, or simply listen in on honest conversations that remind you you’re not alone—

You’re in the right place.

Together, they examine why burnout is often misunderstood as a personal failure instead of what it truly is: a systemic pace problem. Drawing from over 25 years in higher education, leadership, and international work, Gino reframes slowness as a vital leadership and communication skill — not an opt-out, but a conscious choice.

This episode weaves together slow education, conscious communication, travel as a teacher, and the embodied wisdom of living at a human pace. Gino introduces his S.L.O.W. Framework — Savoring, Listening, Openness, and Wisdom — offering practical, immediately applicable ways to step out of distraction and back into meaning.

From post-pandemic burnout and hustle culture, to sabbaticals in Italy, to savouring a fleeting snowfall in New York City, this conversation invites listeners to reconsider their relationship with time, attention, and what it truly means to live well.

This isn’t about doing less.
It’s about doing what matters more, intentionally.

Shawn believes leadership isn’t a title—it’s a human practice.
And in our conversation, he breaks down why the most effective leaders aren’t the ones who follow a formula, but the ones who understand their Leadership Signature: the unique blend of strengths, tendencies, and presence that shape how they lead.

Together, we explore:
 ✨ The moment Shawn realized leadership is not one-size-fits-all
 ✨ Why traditional leadership advice often falls flat
 ✨ How understanding your strengths can transform the way you lead
 ✨ The most common blind spots leaders don’t realize they have
 ✨ How to approach change, team dynamics, and communication with more empathy and clarity
 ✨ What separates leaders who feel “mechanical” from those who are magnetic and deeply human
 ✨ Why delegation breaks down—and how to do it right
 ✨ How curiosity fuels innovation, team connection, and personal growth
 ✨ Shawn’s bold take on how AI won’t replace good leadership

This episode is packed with real-world stories, lightbulb moments, and the kind of reflective questions that help you understand yourself, not just as a leader, but as a human.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about your ability to lead… or wondered how to bring more clarity, confidence, and authenticity to your work… this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

Curiosity is the currency of every conversation — and this one is rich.

🔗 Connect with Shawn Richards:
🌐 Website – Blue Sky Business Consulting
Learn more about Shawn’s work, leadership development programs, and The Team Engagement Podcast:
👉 https://blueskybizconsulting.com
 
📘 Book – Rapid Fire Leadership: Insights from 401 Business Leaders
Grab Shawn’s book here:
👉 Book homepage: https://rapidfireleadership.com
👉 Amazon listing: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FNKQ9T51

 💼 Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn
Follow Shawn and his leadership insights:
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnjrichards