It’s International Women’s Day! Join the Canadian Securities Exchange’s Anna Serin as she’s joined by CSE CFO Mary Anne Palangio and CSE CLO Tracey Stern for a special edition of the Exchange for Entrepreneurs Podcast.
In this episode, Mary Anne and Tracey share perspectives earned through their unique journeys in the Canadian Capital Markets, including the specific challenges and opportunities they see for women building their careers in the legal, finance, and accounting sectors.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Chelsie Hodge, Founder and CEO, and Arinn Ryan, Director of Marketing at Blender Bites (CSE:BITE), for a special International Women’s Day episode. The group discusses nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, and the journey they took to bring their business to market. The conversation also addresses overcoming challenges experienced by women entrepreneurs in the capital markets.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington, Chelsie, and Arinn discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
00:00 – Background and introduction
02:35 – Arinn Ryan’s journey 04:10 – Chelsie Hodge’s journey
06:40 – Arinn’s decision to join Blender Bites
09:00 – Overcoming CEO hurdles 11:30 – Blender Bites’ special announcement
12:40 – The pros and cons of social media
17:00 – Where to find Blender Bites on social media
18:45 – Supporting other women entrepreneurs 20:05 – Advice to Chelsie’s and Arinn’s younger selves
About Chelsie Hodge Chelsie brings a unique skill set to the table with over a decade of working experience in the high-growth plant-based consumer packaged goods sector along with over fifteen years in capital market. Chelsie has held Sales and Business Development positions with industry disruptors such as VEGA along with Investor Relations roles for a variety of public company sectors.
About Arinn Ryan Arinn is an experienced marketing and communications professional with a strong background in retail-focused marketing activations and influencer relations. A people connector by nature, Arinn strives to cultivate meaningful networks and relations and aspire to do work that moves people.
About Blender Bites Ltd. Blender Bites is a Canadian company involved in the development and marketing of a line of premium frozen food products with a focus on functionality. Blender Bites was founded in 2016 and sell a pre-portioned “easy smoothie” product that is free of any unnecessary inner plastic packaging. Blender Bites products are organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. They contain no added sugars and are made in Canada. Blender Bites products are distributed nationally across Canada and are currently sold in over 800 stores, including Sobeys, Safeway, Save on Foods, Whole Foods Market, Buy-Low/Nesters, IGA, and Fresh Street, with a launch planned into the United States marketplace. Blender Bites anticipates expanding its plant-based footprint in North America through organic growth of the existing brand and through new acquisitions.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Erica Williams, Founder and CEO of The Yumy Candy Company (CSE:TYUM), for a special International Women’s Day episode to discuss being a woman entrepreneur in the capital markets, including seeking opportunities, overcoming hurdles, and finding and providing support. The conversation also addresses brand marketing via social media.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington and Erica discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
00:00 – Background and introduction
02:30 – The creation of The Yumy Candy Company
06:30 – Marketing your brand with social media
09:30 – Dealing with social media negativity
12:20 – What advice would you give to your younger self?
13:30 – Tackling hurdles related to your position
16:05 – Team and culture
18:20 – Supporting other women entrepreneurs
19:20 – Childhood role models
21:55 – Social media links and other information
About Erica Williams Erica is a serial entrepreneur and has a longstanding passion for health and wellness. She has always been a candy lover but couldn’t find a healthier option that was also affordable. Her health journey began years ago when she developed an unhealthy relationship with food and realized to live a healthier lifestyle, education was key. Erica undertook studies in Kinesiology at the University of Fraser Valley and even furthered her knowledge with personal training and nutritional certification. During her studies, Erica competed in fitness competitions across Canada and created a consistent, healthier lifestyle and positive attitude towards foods. The Yumy Candy Company Inc. is founded on the “Feel Good” philosophy Erica now follows in her day-to-day. From her experience with coaching clients, the number one thing on everyone’s agenda was searching for low-sugar, plant-based snack options.
About The Yumy Candy Company Inc. The Yumy Candy Company is an affordable health-conscious low-sugar plant-based confectionery company based in Vancouver, British Columbia and it has developed a portfolio of healthier gelatine-free candies made from Non-GMO ingredients with proprietary recipes. All of its products are free of gelatin, soy, gluten, nuts, dairy, eggs, sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, and genetically modified organisms.
On March 8, 2021, the CSE marked International Women’s Day with a special virtual Market Open featuring the talented women on the CSE team. This Market Open celebrated women’s achievements worldwide and acknowledged the ongoing work toward the goal of gender equality.
“At the CSE, we know that diversity and inclusion matter. We also recognize that the current environment reinforces that women bring different experience, perspectives and skills to the table, making irreplaceable contributions to decisions and policies that better the workplace for everyone,” said Mary Anne Palangio, Chief Financial Officer of the CSE. “This is not a one-day or a one-week focus for us. It’s part of our DNA,” she said.
The CSE is proud to play an important role in helping women entrepreneurs access the capital markets.
For more details about the CSE, including information on other Market Opens, please visit the CSE website or follow us on social media.
