Sara De Raaf - model - metal worker - mom - her own woman

In this captivating episode of "Fascinating Women" with host Mark Laurie, we journey through the life of Dana McIntosh, a woman whose story is as diverse as it is inspiring. Born in Winnipeg and raised in England, Dana's life took a turn when she visited Calgary during the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Years later, remembering how she fell in love with the city, she made a bold move, leaving her life in London to start anew in Canada. Dana shares her experiences of working in the high-octane world of advertising in London during the 80s, her transition to life in Calgary, and the stark contrasts between the two cities. She reflects on the influence of Margaret Thatcher, her core values of respect, continuous learning, and hard work, and the importance of kindness in her life. Kindness has always guided her.

Dana's journey is not just about professional success; it's about adapting to life's challenges, embracing opportunities, and the joy of retirement. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to follow one's heart.

Dana McIntosh Bio

‘Den Mother/Cat Herder’ – that’s me!  These endearing and apropos monikers were bestowed on me by colleagues years ago. As a career Executive Assistant supporting the highest echelons of international organizations, I became a self-styled ‘Moneypenney’ supporting entire C-suites and their Boards of Directors. My overarching performance objective was always to stay two steps ahead of the game - anticipate the need and have the solution(s) on hand, often before my execs themselves even realized what they needed.

My finely-honed administrative and management skills garnered over 4 decades were employed in high-profile international marketing and ad agencies (BBDO), in project and property management firms, and in the brewing(Big Rock), distilling (Eau Claire), and grocery (Co-op) industries. I additionally have served on Community Boards, Health & Safety Committees, and volunteered with the ‘Girl Guides of Canada’ for a 12-year period. 

Although Canadian-born, I was entirely educated in the UK, worked in central London for 8 years, then Calgary, which has now been my home these past 35 years. Away from the Boardroom, we hobby-farmed and later built our family-owned ‘Canal at Delacour Golf Club.’  Naturally, when the sun shines, golf is my ‘happy place’.  Fore!

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. His photo studio is Inner Spirit Photography.  
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

Join us on "Fascinating Women with Mark Laurie" as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Wendy Winder, a beacon of positivity and a master of marketing strategy. Wendy shares her life's guiding principles, including the power of positivity, the importance of giving generously, the pursuit of continuous learning, and the joy of collaboration. Discover how her mentors shaped her journey, the influence of her family, and her approach to overcoming challenges with a growth mindset.

Wendy's journey from corporate roles to entrepreneurship is a story of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment. She opens up about balancing work and family life, the impact of travel on her worldview, and her passion for helping businesses make an impact.

This episode is not just a narrative of success; it's a roadmap for anyone aspiring to blend optimism with practicality in their personal and professional lives. Wendy's insights into marketing, the evolving business landscape, and maintaining a work-life balance are invaluable.

 Tune in to this episode of "Fascinating Women" for an uplifting and enlightening conversation with Wendy Winder, where every story shared is a lesson learned.

Wendy Winder Bio

Wendy is a senior marketing leader with 25+ years of experience in all aspects of marketing, brand management and strategic planning. Her ‘let’s get it done’ attitude, creative vision and aptitude for building teams with a foundation of trust have served her and the wide variety of B2C and B2B companies she worked for with positive results. As Founder and Chief Strategist of Ray Strategic Marketing, she knows how to get to the heart of her client's business objectives, craft a strategy that works, pull out the unique talents of their team and set the plan into motion. Wendy has a passion for helping companies grow.

www.raystrategicmarketing.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendywinder/

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. His photo studio is inner Spirit Photography. 
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

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

Discover the captivating journey of Charmaine Muzyka on this week's episode of "Fascinating Women with Mark Laurie." Charmaine, an embodiment of creativity and resilience, shares her inspiring story from childhood challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur and designer. Raised by a single mother and influenced by entrepreneurial parents, she navigated through life with a blend of independence and creativity. From her early experiences on a Saskatchewan acreage to her adventures in art and design, Charmaine's story is a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere. Her insights into balancing personal life with a thriving design career are not just enlightening but deeply relatable. This episode is more than an interview; it's a narrative of empowerment, creativity, and the pursuit of passion. Tune in to hear how Charmaine Muzyka turned her dreams into a vivid reality. Listen now and be inspired to chase your own dreams.

Charmaine Muzyka is an independent Creative Strategist and Graphic Designer with 16+ years of experience helping businesses launch, grow and thrive with strategic design solutions. After a decade of working as an in-house designer by day and then freelancing for agencies and business owners by night, she decided to break out on her own and start CM Designs in 2019. Since then, she's been helping companies stand out, reach their target audiences and grow with strategic branding, high-performance websites and effective marketing material design. Her skills are vast, and her passion for design is clear in everything she touches, making her an excellent partner for companies that aren't ready for an in-house design team. Charmaine and her network of creative professionals set up businesses to reach that next level and elevate their company's impact.

Contact info:
charmuzyka@gmail.com | charmainemuzyka.com | FB & Instagram: @charmuzyka | LinkedIn: charmainemuzyka

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. His photo studio is inner Spirit Photography. 
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

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

This episode is sponsored by http://InnerSpiritPhoto.com Create your story with them.

Dive into the life of Angela Bain, a woman whose journey from a young hairdresser to a fitness expert embodies resilience and transformation. In this episode of 'Fascinating Women with Mark Laurie,' Angela shares her experiences of personal challenges, including motherhood at a young age, a bold move to California, and overcoming profound personal losses. Her story is a testament to the strength and adaptability of women. Tune in to be inspired by her journey of self-discovery and perseverance."

Angela Bain Bio
Angela Bain's life story is a remarkable tale of resilience and transformation. Starting as a young hairdresser, she pivoted to fitness after an injury, eventually working at the renowned Gold's Gym in California. Her journey has been shaped by profound personal challenges, including early motherhood at 16 and the heartbreaking loss of her son. These experiences have forged her into a figure of strength and adaptability.

Now a dedicated fitness instructor, Angela is passionate about empowering others through physical and emotional well-being. Her approach to fitness transcends the physical, embracing the healing and recovery aspects born from her own life's trials. Angela's story is not just about overcoming adversity but also about the relentless pursuit of personal growth and helping others on their wellness journeys. Her resilience and spirit are an inspiration, showcasing the profound capacity of the human spirit to adapt and thrive.

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. His photo studio is inner Spirit Photography. 
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

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

In this engaging episode of "Fascinating Women," host Mark Laurie sits down with Maggie Lam, a woman of diverse experiences and profound insights; Maggie is a risk taker in spite of her parents teaching her compliance.  Originally from Hong Kong, Maggie shares her journey of moving to Canada, embracing new challenges, and navigating life as a solo parent. Her story is a tapestry of resilience, adventure, and personal growth, offering listeners a unique perspective on embracing change and overcoming obstacles. 

She talks about her business failures and successes and challenges of being a widowed solo parent. Lots of amusing observations about herself. Including how dance helped raise her above abuse and to embrace men again.


Maggie Lam 
Maggie believes in the power of creating one's own life. She embarked on a journey to Canada in 1991 to explore new opportunities, leaving her family in Hong Kong. Shortly after a few years, she created her consignment store and ran it for 17 years. During this time, Maggie found love and became a mother to twins in 1999. Unfortunately, her husband's battle with cancer ended, leaving her to raise her young twins and run her business without any understanding of personal insurance.

Recognizing the need for a bold change, she decided to transition from fashion to the insurance industry. Maggie is driven by a passion for helping people and adding value to their lives. She realized there was more she could contribute. In 2015, she ventured into the insurance industry, partnering with a 100-year-old company to educate people on how to get paid promptly when faced with unexpected illness or injury from day 1 . 

Today, Maggie is committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses secure the peace of mind they need the most.

Contact Maggie Lam - independent Sales Representative  

(403) 617- 0852
maggielhlam@gmail.com
combinedinsurance.com
https://www.combinedinsurance.com/ca-en/agent-microsite/maggie-lam.htm

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. His photo studio is inner Spirit Photography. 
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

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

Mark and Patricia chat about 
Such a range,  from her clarity and boldness of walking into Costa Rica's Presidential Palace at 18 to ask for a job and getting one with the President through the journey of becoming a diplomat. In her soft-spoken way, she talks about what it takes, the shape of challenges, and the power of women.  The pride of her life, her sons and so much more. 


Patricia Hajali
Patricia has over 25 years of experience in international business and extensive knowledge in markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. 

Her charisma and public relations have enabled her to connect people around the world with her large global network, making her an extremely valuable asset to any client. Specializing in international branding and marketing with negotiations and strategic planning skills. 

She has been a leading negotiator in multi and bilateral international agreements. Her commercial and international experience has positioned her into a perfect balance where she can achieve effective and tangible results. Patricia has held diplomatic and governmental positions. Working closely with many Presidents, Ministers, and high-level government officials from different countries. 

 Patricia’s mission is clear to her, to be able to touch and connect in a positive way as many lives as possible in the world, creating a proactive change and growth through her experience and her input. Leaving behind a legacy of a better world based on an improved education system, different ways to connect and conduct business around the globe. 

* Consul Honorary of Costa Rica in the United Kingdom for five years (2002-2007) as well as Business Diplomatic Affairs at the Embassy of Costa Rica in the United Arab Emirates.(2017) 

 * Currently Senator at World Business Angel Forum representing the United Arab Emirates. 

 * Advisor board member to the European Women Association and country leader (UK) 

* Senator at World Business Angel Forum Public Relations, Protocol, Negotiations, Networking, Team Work, Public Speaking, Logistics, Management, Multi-Cultural Awareness, 

 Contact and more links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kQtPiw4GRU

This is a fun conversation with Victoria, as the unearths where her optimism was born from a tragedy. How she went from being an active athlete to emerging from a car accident that has her testing new limits. Her energy, enthusiasm, her desire to engage with anyone in interesting conversations and avoid filler conversations. You may well find some inspiration and admiration in this young woman's revelations.

Victoria Givlin is a Storyteller and a Community Builder. She is a 3-time magazine publisher and entrepreneur, running a business with her business partner - her mother. Their approach to marketing and long-term relationship building is effective and unlike any other option out there. She also hosts networking events, is an actor and a model while helping the actors and industry grow in Calgary. Currently producing a TV show and supporting local publishers in South Calgary, she's all about building great connections and finding out where she can help others.

vgivlin@bestversionmedia.com

www.instagram.com/viigivlin

825.484.4414

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. His photo studio is inner Spirit Photography. 
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

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

Joanne has an interesting arc; she has entwined her entrepreneurship into her love of helping people. More of a passion. She explains how that works, how she grew through the loss of a marriage—taking us on the road of avoiding being a biz person to finding a way to make it fit. She has some of her own personally created quotes to keep her focused.

Joanne Neweduk
Joanne Neweduk is the CEO and Podcast Host for Fabulous at 50 a community of women changing the aging narrative, and Founder of FabulousHealth.  

She’s a registered nurse, author, speaker, facilitator, and integrative health practitioner, certified in multiple healing methods, including Metabolic Balance, Belief Re-patterning, and Sound Wellness.

Joanne empowers women in midlife who want to feel fabulous at 50 and beyond by giving them the tools to navigate menopause with ease, lose unwanted weight and release the emotional stress that is weighing them down so that they can confidently enjoy life. 

Joanne is all about having the courage to choose adventure, accept support, and know you deserve to be cherished.  Nothing makes Joanne smile more than supporting a client to move from feeling stressed, wired and tired to relaxed, calm and energized.

You can contact Joanne: Joanne@fabulousat50.com
https://fabulousat50.com/
Website has live chat/text direct to Joanne. 

Free Gift: Make Mine Fabulous - 21 Ways to Energize Your Life https://lp2.fabulousat50.com/emailList
Podcast LinkTree. https://linktr.ee/_fabulousat50

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. His photo studio is Inner Spirit Photography. 
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

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

Special Podcast on Long-term Pain Management
Pain, what a pain pain is. Carol has had several life events that triggered long-term pain. It has been a lot for one person. That she is remarkably outgoing, positive and smiling speaks to what she has learned so tricks and approaches to living with pain, even overcoming it enough that she can live a life, laugh often and engage the world. 
This is a conversation you can apply to your pain now.

Carol Pedersen:
I was born and raised in Calgary. I grew up in an environment of sexual and emotional abuse.  I survived Ovarian Cancer at the age of 20. I had 11 more abdominal surgeries to remove scar tissue and adhesions. I was on Morphine for 20 years to manage my pain; it was a living death.  I have lived with debilitating illness and severe chronic pain for over 30 years. 

In my youth, I was a ballroom dancer and Ice dancer. I became a hairdresser at 18. In my 30's, I went back to school and earned my legal secretarial degree. 

At 50, I chose natural methods to combat my pain and CBD cannabis oil was my miracle. I was doing well, getting my life back. Then in 2020, I was sexually assaulted, which derailed my recovery and left me with permanent damage.

I have endured decades of severe chronic pain and illness, which will limit me for the rest of my life. No matter how many challenges I encounter, I conquer them with a never give up attitude. I face each day with gratitude, humour, courage, faith, love, compassion, happiness, joy, a positive attitude, a strong mindset, hope, and strength. God built me into a warrior.

I have been so blessed with so many gifts in my life. Mark Laurie, and my photoshoot with him was one of them. It changed my life. It helped me to remove years of trauma and shame. 

I hope by sharing my story I can help others out the darkness I was trapped in for so many years.

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. His photo studio is inner Spirit Photography. 
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

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

Hi, this is a very interesting conversation with Megan. She talks about how a chance encounter with a man changed her life 180 degrees instantly and how her youngest daughter's health issue changed her life direction again.  She talks about two women, complete opposites in most ways; role models gave her a template on how to shape her own character.  

There is a rare gem on building life long friendships.

Megan brings such enthusiasm and insights to our conversation. I think you will really enjoy listening in on our chat.  

About Megan Barefoot:
Megan graduated with a BSc. in Science from the University of Windsor and worked in downtown Calgary as a professional geologist for over ten years.

After having children, she discovered the power of nutrition to get herself and her family to optimal health. She attended and graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, where she learned innovative coaching methods, practical lifestyle management techniques and over 100 dietary theories. She also studied at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, the most established science-based Canadian natural health school, where she learned to connect the symptoms experienced to the systems of the body and then balance the systems through whole foods to help clients achieve their health goals. 

Megan was fortunate to train with Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to become a Certified Gut and Psychology Syndrome Practitioner. While studying and working with clients to change their intestinal health, Megan has become passionate about all foods that feed the microbiome and loves to introduce clients to “gut goodies”.

As a nutrition expert, mom and seasoned practitioner, Megan knows how difficult eating ‘healthy’ can be in real life. Megan strives to make the process of learning how to feed you and your body’s needs as simple as possible with small changes that make a BIG impact. When you start working with Megan at No Shoes Nutrition, she will do a full nutritional assessment and ask you question after question to learn as much as possible to get to the root of what might be holding you back from reaching your health and wellness goals.  

 Website - www.noshoesnutrition.com
Facebook/Instagram @noshoesnutrition
LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-barefoot-4576a164/ 

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. His photo studio is inner Spirit Photography. 
http://innerspiritphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/innerspiritphotography/

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