It’s Lonely at the Top Podcast

Hosted by Nancy MacKay

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Jun 2026

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About the show

How to be an Unstoppable CEO in an AI World. It’s Lonely at the Top is a reimagined leadership podcast for CEOs and senior leaders navigating an AI-driven world. Hosted by Nancy MacKay, Founder & CEO of MacKay CEO Forums, this podcast explores the MacKay Mastery Model and what it takes to lead with clarity, confidence, and resilience as technology reshapes business. Each episode features real conversations with CEOs, executives, Chairs, and AI-forward leaders on leadership mastery, decision-making, human connection, and practical AI, so leaders stay relevant, grounded, and unstoppable.

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42 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 1139 min

How to Foster Human Connection: Insights from Leaders in Community Engagement

In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, the importance of human connection has never been more critical. Many of us find ourselves feeling isolated, despite being more connected than ever online. In this podcast, Nancy MacKay speaks with Pete Bombacci, Founder of GenWell, and Joe Oswald, a former CEO and current MacKay CEO Forum Chair, on how to foster meaningful relationships that enhance our well-being. Pete Bombaci is a pioneering social change leader and the Founder and CEO of GenWell, a Canadian registered charity dedicated to fostering Canada’s Human Connection Movement since its inception in 2016. With an unwavering commitment to advancing social connection and social health, Pete leads GenWell’s mission to educate, empower, and catalyze Canadians around the critical role that social health plays in mental, physical, and societal well-being. GenWell’s work is grounded in growing global and public health evidence, and has been recognized by the World Health Organization, which identifies social connection as a foundational pillar of health and a powerful upstream solution to many of today’s most pressing challenges. Prior to founding GenWell, Pete served as Country Director of the Movember Canada Foundation, where, over five years, he helped raise $142 million for men’s health initiatives and led Canada to become Movember’s top fundraising country worldwide. Joe Oswald is an Executive Coach and MacKay CEO Forum Chair who believes in the importance of creating one’s own future. In his view, success requires a combination of strategic thinking and intentional action. He has firsthand experience leading a team of over 250 professionals through the global pandemic and making a mid-career pivot to pursue a new path. As an experienced global President, Joe understands the value of strong leadership. He specializes in helping individuals develop energized, highly engaged teams that are focused on achieving organizational goals. What sets Joe apart is his extensive lived experience. Now, as a certified coach, he helps leaders set ambitious goals and provides the support they need to navigate challenges effectively. Order Nancy’s New Book: Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

May 27, 2026Episode 1039 min

How to Overcome Loneliness as a CEO

The role of a CEO is often seen as glamorous, but it comes with a unique set of challenges that can lead to profound feelings of isolation. In this episode, Nancy MacKay speaks with Mark Becker, CEO of Dexterra Group, and Peter Aceto, a seasoned CEO and forum chair and strategic advisor at MacKay CEO Forums, discussing leadership, peer support, and the impact of AI on business. They share personal stories, strategies for overcoming loneliness at the top, and future trends shaping the industry. As CEO, Mark Becker guides the vision, culture, and performance of Dexterra Group in support of its strategy and growth objectives. He is passionate about people and enabling high-performance teams to succeed while delivering exemplary business outcomes. Prior to becoming CEO, Mark served as Dexterra Group’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). Before joining Dexterra Group, he held executive positions at Suncor Energy across operations, major projects, and corporate strategy. He began his career with Dow Chemical in a range of progressive roles throughout Canada and the United States. Peter Aceto is a three-time CEO, a MacKay CEO Forums Chair, and a Strategic Advisor to the CEO of MacKay CEO Forums. He works closely with CEOs navigating complexity, growth, and leadership inflection points. In parallel, he provides select CEO- and board-level advisory and consulting services through Aceto Leadership Performance, supporting organizations during periods of transformation, scale, and strategic reset. Peter was a founding member of Tangerine Bank’s (formerly ING Direct) senior leadership team and served as President and CEO from 2008 to 2017. Order Nancy’s New Book: Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

May 11, 2026Episode 1128 min

The Role of Leadership in Growth

In the latest episode of "It's Lonely at the Top," host Nancy MacKay engages in a captivating conversation with Iuliana Constantin, CFO of People Care Communities, and Anne Louise Bermingham, an esteemed Master Chair. Their discussion reveals not only the challenges faced by leaders in today’s business landscape but also the transformative journey of Iuliana from a small village in Romania to a significant leadership role in Canada. Iuliana Constantin is a strategic and purpose-driven finance leader with over two decades of experience in healthcare, real estate development, and multi-site operations. As Chief Financial Officer at peopleCareCommunities, she leads financial strategy, capital planning, and large-scale development initiatives. Iuliana believes that a leader’s responsibility is to bring innovation and collaboration to any successful enterprise. Recognized for her ability to bridge vision and execution, Iuliana builds empowered teams and drives organizational performance through accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. Her leadership philosophy combines analytical rigor with a deep belief in people development and well-being as catalysts for sustainable growth. Iuliana is passionate about shaping the future of senior living, mentoring emerging leaders, and contributing to organizations that make a lasting impact in their communities. Anne Bermingham is a Certified Master Forum Chair and Modern Trusted Advisor at MacKay CEO Forums. Anne graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Masters in Applied Social Psychology, with the intention on helping organizations thrive, by improving the performance of their people. She worked for a national outplacement firm before starting her own successful consultancy – 2WA Consulting. She has been an entrepreneur and business owner since 1996. Anne's work is primarily in the fields of leadership and performance, with an emphasis on how to ensure people actually change their behaviour and attitudes in order tobe more effective. Sometimes she works with teams and other times the work is to help change the culture within an organization. She has worked in the private, public and not for profit sectors, spread across the telecommunications, manufacturing, social services, municipal, provincial and federal government sectors. Order Nancy’s New Book: Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

May 6, 2026Episode 1030 min

Live from the Future of Business Summit: It’s Lonely at the Top

In this special live episode of It’s Lonely at the Top, recorded at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Future of Business Summit, Nancy MacKay leads a powerful breakout room conversation on the realities of leadership today.From navigating uncertainty and decision fatigue to building resilience and finding support at the top, this episode brings together honest insights from business leaders who understand the pressures of leadership firsthand.Recorded live in front of summit attendees, this conversation highlights why connection, vulnerability, and peer support matter more than ever for CEOs and executives leading through change.Order Nancy’s New Book: Drawing on two decades of experience with more than five thousand leaders, Nancy reveals how to prioritize health, strengthen relationships, reclaim time, and develop resilience. Order ‘It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team’ today: https://bit.ly/3OcBTQH Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

April 28, 2026Episode 838 min

Transforming Challenges into Triumphs

In the latest episode of the Lonely at the Top podcast, Nancy MacKay engages in a heartfelt conversation with Anand Inbasekaran and Laura Vaughan, two leaders who have navigated their own unique paths of personal and professional growth. Their stories remind us that even in the face of adversity, resilience, and a supportive community can pave the way to success. Anand Inbasekaran is a technology executive leading enterprise-scale Digital and AI transformation in complex, regulated environments. Anand is the VP, Process & Digital Transformation at CGA Group. With dual engineering degrees and an MBA in Strategy and Innovation from the Rotman School of Management, he combines systems thinking with disciplined execution. Anand is known for building resilient, high-performance teams and for turning bold ideas into scalable platforms that create real business impact. He brings an entrepreneurial mindset to large organizations—calm under pressure, clear in direction, and focused on long-term enterprise value. Laura Vaughan is the Ontario Regional Director and Chief Learning Officer at MacKay CEO Forums, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting and developing leaders. In these capacities, she is dedicated to fostering growth, collaboration, and continuous learning within the MacKay community. Beyond her leadership responsibilities, Laura chairs two CEO peer groups and one Executive peer group in Toronto, creating dynamic environments where senior leaders can connect, share insights, and accelerate both personal and organizational success. Laura is also the CEO of carrythe3 inc., enabling the world’s Managers and their CEOs to build and lead more abundant workplaces. Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

April 13, 2026Episode 731 min

How Top Leaders Overcome Loneliness in Leadership

In the latest episode of the "It's Lonely at the Top" podcast, host Nancy MacKay, alongside guests Dana Filippetto and Mike Joseph, discuss the challenges of leadership and the importance of building a supportive community. Their candid discussion reveals practical strategies for overcoming the isolation that often accompanies high-level positions. Mike Joseph is a big-picture individual who loves connecting with people. Working with CEO’s and executive teams to develop short and long-term strategies, he has a broad network of contacts in and out of multiple industries- both local and international. Over the past 20 years, Mike has built, owned and operated over 25 hospitality-related businesses. His expertise lies in mid-size entrepreneurial firms with a focus on growth, leadership, and building world-class cultures. Mike is authentic, dynamic, comedic, and intuitive – also impatient, impulsive, and self-deprecating. Self-awareness is front and center. Accountable and organized. Public speaker, avid student, and always looking to find a better way. In his free time, Mike enjoys travelling to interesting new places, cooking for friends and family, drinking red wine, and smoking the occasional Cuban cigar. Dania Filippetto is the founder and owner of a multi-location RV dealership and brings over three decades of experience in the RV and automotive industry. As the only woman founder and owner of an RV dealership in Canada, she has built and led teams across sales, finance, service, and operations in an environment where the responsibility — and the risk — ultimately stops with her. Known for her direct leadership style and focus on accountability, Dania has spent years turning complex, high-pressure operations into structured, sustainable businesses. She understands firsthand the isolation that comes with leadership — making difficult decisions, carrying financial and people risk, and navigating challenges few others see. Outside of work, Dania is a mother of twin boys, balancing the demands of leadership with family life, and openly acknowledges the personal weight that comes with being “at the top.” Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

April 1, 2026Episode 632 min

Navigating the CIO Journey: Insights from Industry Leaders

In an ever-evolving tech landscape, the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) has become increasingly complex and crucial for organizational success. Nancy MacKay interviews Jim Black and Tony Balasubramanian, exploring the challenges and triumphs faced by CIOs today. This conversation not only sheds light on their personal journeys but also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and peer support within the tech community. Jim Black serves as Chief Information Officer at FYihealth group, where he drives technological innovation as a senior technology and digital business executive. He is a member of FYihealth group’s Executive Committee and chairs the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Committee, which governs and prioritizes AI investments across the organization. Jim brings over 20 years of leadership experience spanning three industries at the CIO level, now focused on advancing technology in the vision care and optical industry. His company, FYihealth group, is Canada's largest optometric network with over 370 clinics and retail stores across the country. Doctor-led, professionally managed, and patient-focused, their organization delivers outstanding eye care with patient-centric products and services. Their brands include FYidoctors, Visique, BonLook, and Solis Optics. Tony Balasubramanian is a MacKay CEO Forums chair and a seasoned strategic executive and trusted advisor with over three decades of experience operating at the critical intersection of business and technology. With a global portfolio spanning Canada, the U.S., Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, mid-market firms, and public sector organizations, guiding them through complex transformations, technology integrations, and leadership development. Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

March 18, 2026Episode 537 min

From Immigrant Roots to Industry Leader: How CEOs Find Strength Through Peer Support

In this episode of "It's Lonely at the Top," host Nancy MacKay welcomes Kim Tofin and Sergey Poltev to discuss the unique challenges faced by CEOs and the importance of peer support. Sergey shares his journey as a first-generation immigrant from Russia, detailing how personal hardships shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and led him to establish three successful companies in IT and cybersecurity. Sergey emphasizes the significance of having a judgment-free space for leaders to connect and grow, which he found in Kim's CEO group. Kim, a seasoned executive and forum chair, highlights the value of peer group learning and the transformative power of mentorship in leadership roles. Sergey Poltev helps growth-minded entrepreneurs escape “CEO overload” by building delegation systems powered by full-time, dedicated virtual assistants. As the founder of VA Desk, based in Ottawa, Ontario, he equips business owners with the playbook to hire, train, and integrate Philippines-based Virtual EAs into daily operations, turning chaos into repeatable workflows and freeing up time for leadership, health, and growth. With a background in technology and cybersecurity, Sergey brings a systems-first approach to delegation that’s practical, measurable, and built to scale. Kim Tofin is a proud father, cultural explorer, and seasoned leader with nearly 40 years of global business experience spanning high-tech markets, major Canadian energy projects, and international consulting. Through BREAKOUTcx, Kim helps CEOs and executives move beyond the “go-it-alone” mindset into teamship — a collaborative leadership approach that transforms silos into strategic advantage. As a Forum Chair and team coach, Kim creates trusted spaces where leaders tackle complex challenges together. He’s known for bridging technical and non-technical worlds and guiding bold, possibility-driven leadership. Kim supports CEOs ready to evolve from soloists into courageous conductors. Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

March 3, 2026Episode 435 min

The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

In this episode of the podcast, Nancy MacKay hosts Conan Graham, Chief Business Officer and Certified Forum Chair at MacKay CEO Forums, and Brian Harris, President and CEO of Beem Credit Union, discussing their leadership journeys, the challenges of being a CEO, and the importance of community and vulnerability in leadership. They explore the significance of personal growth, mental fitness, and the transformative potential of AI in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the need for CEOs to surround themselves with supportive peers and to embrace new technologies to drive innovation and efficiency in their organizations. Conan Graham is an accomplished executive who thrives at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and impact. With a career spanning multiple sectors, including FinTech, SaaS/PaaS, real estate, healthcare, senior living, and emerging technologies, Conan has consistently helped organizations turn complex challenges into sustainable growth. His approach combines visionary thinking with practical execution, grounded in a global perspective and a deep commitment to meaningful outcomes. Brian Harris serves as President and CEO of Beem Credit Union, accountable to the Board of Directors for ensuring the ongoing success, strength, and long-term prosperity of the organization and its members. In this role, Brian Harris provides strategic leadership, direction, coordination, and planning to advance the credit union’s vision and deliver on the objectives outlined in Beem Credit Union’s corporate strategic plan. Born and raised in British Columbia, Brian Harris brings more than 20 years of global experience leading financial services organizations through periods of significant growth and transformation, helping them adapt to an increasingly fast-paced and evolving industry. Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

February 17, 2026Episode 333 min

The Journey of a Social Purpose Entrepreneur

In this episode, Nancy MacKay hosts Keith Ippel and Natalie Michael to discuss the challenges and triumphs of social purpose leadership. They explore the loneliness often felt by CEOs, the importance of health and well-being, and the transformative role of AI in business. Keith shares his journey as a social purpose entrepreneur and the impact of his co-CEO model, while Natalie discusses her work in supporting CEO transitions. Together, they emphasize the need for community, coaching, and innovation in leadership. Keith Ippel is a serial entrepreneur and investor who has co-founded five ventures including Spring Activator, a Vancouver based incubator and accelerator that exists to change the world through innovation. A global company, Spring has supported over 3,300 purpose driven companies across Canada to launch and scale their impact, and 1,100+ Canadians to step into impact investing. Keith also co-founded Spring Impact Capital Fund, an early stage VC that focuses at the intersection of people and planetary health. Keith holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business. Natalie Michael is a Master Certified MacKay CEO Forum chair, executive coach, and succession consultant who helps CEOs and executives grow their leadership and navigate C-suite transitions. She’s passionate about building socially responsible, high-quality businesses and believes personal fulfillment drives long-term success. Over the past decade, she has coached hundreds of leaders, led world-class development programs, and chairs multiple CEO groups. Natalie is a Partner at Waterfront Partners and co-author of Your CEO Succession Playbook and author of The Duck and The Butterfly. Natalie is known for connecting leaders who share goals and strengthening executive communities. Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group: MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more.