REVUP Your Leadership with Hilda Gan

Hosted by Hilda Gan

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154

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Mar 2026

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About the show

Welcome to REVUP Your Leadership with Hilda Gan (formerly REVUP Your Potential and REVUP Your Business) — the podcast for forward-thinking, proactive leaders who believe in a people-centric approach to business. Whether you’re an executive, a seasoned manager, business owner, or novice manager, this podcast is for those that know that putting people first drives real, lasting success. Each episode, we'll sit down with passionate guests — leaders who share real-world experiences, proven frameworks, and insights from their industries. Together, we explore what it takes to lead with impact, stay ahead of the curve, and build thriving, future-ready organizations. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, inspire your team, and think strategically — It’s time to REVUP Your Leadership and REVUP Your Success!

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March 17, 2026Episode 1343 min

S7E13: The Business of Impact - How CEO’s, Boards & Business Leaders Rethink Philanthropy w/ Rob Tonus

Nonprofits and businesses both want to make a difference, but they often approach partnerships from different starting points. Charities seek funding out of necessity, while businesses balance philanthropy with brand and community goals. When these priorities collide, partnerships can become transactional rather than transformational. What could happen if both sides worked together with greater trust and a shared focus on impact? In this episode, we sit down with Rob Tonus, President of The Fundraising Company and a nonprofit leader with more than three decades of experience in the charitable sector. Rob works closely with smaller organizations that may not have the resources for a full-time fundraiser but still need the strategy and expertise to achieve their goals and expand their impact.Rob shares why nonprofit leaders need a stronger business mindset when it comes to sustainability, fundraising, and partnerships, and discusses the challenges many charities face today, from limited resources and donor expectations to the growing role of technology. We also explore how businesses can support nonprofits beyond financial contributions by offering leadership, strategy, and operational expertise to build stronger, more effective collaborations.If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or business professional looking to build meaningful partnerships and increase your impact, this conversation offers practical insights on how to work together to create real change.0:00 - Intro02:13 - What is Impact?03:37 - Why nonprofits workers need to put on a business mentality05:33 - How Rob helps small organizations07:33 - Challenges faced by nonprofits today13:36 - Unique challenges with the charitable sector (cont.)17:37 - Philanthropy and the business sector20:25 - How businesses can build community & give back22:22 - Determining which organizations to support?23:32 - The impact of Rob’s work30:58 - Importance of knowing your donors34:45 - Nonprofits and technology 38:47 - What’s next or Rob41:54 - Where to find RobVisit Rob’s website - https://www.fundraising-co.ca/Connect with Rob - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/robtonusHosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightTwitter - twitter.com/pplbright Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#Fundraising #NonProfit #Business #Charity

March 3, 2026Episode 1250 min

S7E12: High-Tech, High-Touch Leadership: Unlocking Human Potential Through Transformation w/ Shveta Malhan

For years, organizations have aspired to deliver truly people-centered leadership, personalized development, meaningful internal mobility, and continuous performance enablement. Yet many transformation efforts stalled, not from lack of intent, but from limits in scale, visibility, and human capacity.In this episode, we are joined by Shveta Malhan – a people and transformation leader with over 20 years of experience helping organizations unlock human potential through better leadership, learning, and talent practices. As Managing Partner and Co-founder of Yenza3, she works with leaders to thoughtfully integrate AI into people systems, enabling personalized learning, internal mobility, and continuous performance, without losing judgment, trust, or human connection. Shveta is known for translating emerging technology into practical, people-centered transformation that actually works in the real world.Together, we explore how AI is now removing many of the barriers that once held leadership and talent transformation back. At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver change, true transformation still depends on leadership readiness, transparency, and trust.Tune in as we discuss how leaders can use AI to enhance, not replace, human potential, creating workplaces where performance, connection, and sound judgment reinforce each other. You’ll leave with practical use cases, frameworks, and actionable guidance to adopt AI responsibly and effectively in today’s evolving workplace.Chapters0:00 - Intro03:50 - Why leadership transformation experts get stalled in the past07:58 - How AI is enabling leaders 12:49 - The impact and fears of AI18:35 - Practical uses cases for AI Chatbots28:22 - Framework to integrate AI into your work31:45 - Advice for adopting AI today36:12 - Building trust, more than tools43:00 - Tips for leaders adopting AI45:03 - What’s next for Shveta47:24 - Where to find ShvetaVisit Shveta’s website - https://www.yenza3.com/Connect with Shveta - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shvetamalhan/ Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightTwitter - twitter.com/pplbright Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#AI #Leadership #DigitalTransformation

February 17, 2026Episode 1153 min

S7E11: The Quiet Achiever: Building Confidence, Communication & Leadership Presence with Linda Raynier

Quiet achievers are often the most capable people in the room, yet the most overlooked. In workplaces that reward visibility and self-promotion, their thoughtful leadership style can go unnoticed, leaving them struggling to be heard or recognized. So how can quiet professionals build confidence, communicate their value and lead with presence, without changing who they are?In this episode, we’re joined by Linda Raynier, author of The Quiet Achiever (Wiley, October 2025), keynote speaker, leadership and communication coach, and founder of the Quiet to Confident Leadership program. Linda shares practical insights on embracing quiet strengths, leading authentically, and making a meaningful impact at work.A former CPA turned recruiter, Linda has built a career coaching business, a YouTube community of over 1 million subscribers, and LinkedIn Learning courses with over 2.6 million learners worldwide. Named one of Canada’s Top 20 Career Coaches for 2025, she brings both personal experience and proven strategies to this conversation.In this conversation, Linda opens up about her own journey as a quiet achiever, the hidden strengths of quiet leadership, and how leaders can better support and engage quieter voices on their teams. Whether you’re a quiet professional or a leader looking to better support quieter voices, this episode offers a powerful reframe on confidence, communication, and leadership.Chapters0:00 - Intro3:06 - Why Linda is passionate about helping quiet quitters become successful in the workforce9:40 - The hidden strengths of quiet leaders (the QUIET framework)17:06 - Experience as a quiet achiever22:07 - Growing a YouTube channel with 1M subscribers29:55 - Connecting with the right audience30:28 - Who Linda works with36:07 - Advice for leaders to connect with quiet achievers45:11 - Linda’s book48:58 - What’s next for Linda 51:03 - Where to find LindaVisit Linda’s website - https://www.lindaraynier.com/ Subscribe to Linda on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LindaRaynier Connect with Linda - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/lindaraynierHosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightX - twitter.com/pplbright Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#Leadership #QuietAchievers

February 3, 2026Episode 1047 min

S7E10: From Capacity Strain to Capability Strength: Rethinking Nonprofit Transformation w/ Dianne Clarke

Nonprofits are facing rising demand, limited budgets and digital gaps, which can quickly become overwhelming without the right strategy and expertise.CharityVillage is partnering with Trendspire's ProEdVentures to launch a Nonprofit Transformation Partner Certification Program to train staff, consultants, and recent grads as in-house transformation leaders, blending strategy, data, process, and AI, including a real capstone project to deliver practical, sustainable change across the sectorIn this episode, we are joined by Dianne Clark, who has over 25 years of experience leading a consultancy in digital operations transformation, assisting nonprofit leaders to explore digital tools and strategies for continuous improvement. Growing capacity to manage employees, engage stakeholders, make informed decisions, and more. Dianne is vendor-neutral and fluent in hundreds of software products.In this episode, we explore Dianne’s journey, the CharityVillage collaboration, and how nonprofits can drive practical digital transformation with the program’s seven units, the role of AI and more.0:00 - Intro3:42 - Dianne’s journey / about the program11:03 - How organizations can benefit from Digital Transformation13:03 - Collaboration with Charity Village17:11 - 7 Units of Digital Transformation27:45 - AI and Nonprofits35:15 - Nonprofits and ROI43:35 - Where to find DianneVisit Dianne’s website - https://www.trendspire.com/Learn more about ProEdventures - https://www.proedventures.comHosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightTwitter - twitter.com/pplbright Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#DigitalTransformation #Nonprofit

December 2, 2025Episode 947 min

S7E9: The Power Paradox: How Leaders Lose Self-Awareness and How to Rebuild It w/ Ivan Palomino

Power can elevate a leader’s influence — but it can also quietly erode the very qualities that made them effective in the first place.In this episode of REVUP Your Leadership, we explore The Power Paradox with Ivan Palomino, behavioral science expert, culture transformation strategist, and founder of PeopleKult. Drawing on decades of research and his 25 years working with global corporations, Ivan breaks down how power subtly shifts the brain, dulls our ability to read others, and expands leadership blind spots.Together, we explore how leaders can rebuild self-awareness as a skill, counter the distortions of power, and stay grounded in the human side of leadership. If you want to lead with clarity, empathy, and impact, no matter how much influence you hold, this episode will challenge you, stretch you, and equip you.Chapters:0:00 - Intro4:00 - The Power Paradox09:45 - Losing your edge18:01 - How to help break the Power Paradox23:24 - Toxic work culture24:44 - The high cost of leadership blind spots26:45 - Self awareness and the importance of mentorship28:56 - Mental Models30:51 - REVUP Principles34:37 - Investing in people41:42 - What’s next for Ivan45:58 - Where to find IvanVisit Ivan’s website - https://www.ivanpalomino.net/ Connect with Ivan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipalomino/?originalSubdomain=ch Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightTwitter - twitter.com/pplbright Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#Leadership #WorkCulture

November 18, 2025Episode 843 min

S7E8: Workplace Etiquette: The Leadership Skill AI Can't Replace w/ Trina Boos

In a world obsessed with automation and efficiency, there’s one leadership skill AI will never replicate: the ability to build meaningful human connections.In this episode, we sit down with Trina Boos, Founder and CEO of Boost Academy of Excellence, to explore why workplace etiquette, emotional intelligence, and communication are more critical than ever in today’s hybrid and AI-driven world. Drawing from her extensive experience in marketing, digital, and creative industries — as well as her leadership roles at Boost Agents and Ad Lounge — Trina shares practical insights on developing professional presence, fostering trust, and navigating generational differences in the workplace.We dive into the “Others Focused” framework, the growing knowledge transfer gap, and how leaders can bridge the divide between generations while staying authentic and adaptable.If you’ve ever wondered what truly sets great leaders apart — or how to future-proof your career against AI — this episode offers thoughtful, actionable answers.Chapters0:00 - Intro2:13 - The knowledge transfer gap, impact of COVID and remote work8:03 - The anxious generation - advice for young leaders10:50 - The Others Focused framework13:22 - Challenges leaders are facing today17:37 - Generational gap in the workforce, adapting to different needs27:18 - Importance of communication and flexibility28:22 - AI-proof advantages, workplace etiquette, and human connection34:40 - Getting comfortable with networking and talking with others40:19 - What’s next for TrinaVisit Trina’s website - www.boostacademyofexcellence.comCheck out Trina’s podcast- https://boostacademyofexcellence.com/podcast/Connect with Trina - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/trinaboosHosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightTwitter - twitter.com/pplbright Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#WorkplaceEtiquette #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkCulture #Networking

November 4, 2025Episode 742 min

S7E7: Shared Language Isn’t Shared Meaning — Why Leaders Must Learn Cultural Fluency w/ John Edward McGraw

Have you ever felt misunderstood even when you were speaking the same language? In today’s global workplace, communication isn’t just about what we say, but how our words are understood through different cultural lenses.In this episode of REVUP Your Leadership, we are joined by John Edward McGraw, a Multicultural Workplace Expert and founder of Hiyaku Coaching (“Hiyaku” meaning leap forward in Japanese). With over fifteen years of experience bridging cultures in Japan and Canada, John helps leaders and teams develop cultural fluency, break down communication barriers, and collaborate with impact.We dive deep into why shared language doesn’t always mean shared meaning — and what inclusive leaders can do about it. We also explore why cultural awareness is critical to effective leadership, how the LEAP tool can help you reset and reconnect in moments of misunderstanding, ways to stay curious and aware of your own cultural lens, practical strategies to build more inclusive, high-performing teams, and more.If you lead across borders, backgrounds, or perspectives, this episode will help you make the LEAP forward toward more authentic connection and shared success.Chapters0:00 - Intro03:03 - Shared language isn’t shared meaning08:32 - How John helps others15:09 - Differences within same cultures17:23 - LEAP21:14 - Keeping curiosity open23:45 - Tips for showing curiosity in an open way28:00 - Being aware of your own cultural lens39:12 - What’s next for John40:48 - Where to find JohnVisit John’s website - https://johnedwardmcgraw.com/ Free cultural diagnostic tool - https://johnedwardmcgraw.com/get-your-checklistConnect with John - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnedwardmcgraw/Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightTwitter - twitter.com/pplbright Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#Communication #Culture #Inclusive #Leadership

October 21, 2025Episode 643 min

S7E6: Beyond HR Headaches – Strategies for Stronger Leadership w/ Christine Thrussell

Behind every great organization is a leader who knows that people—not policies—make the difference. In this episode, HR veteran Christine Thrussell shares two decades of hard-earned wisdom from leading recruitment, transformation, and leadership development across the U.S. and Canada.From the costs of poor leadership to the power of onboarding, retention, and appreciation, Christine breaks down what truly drives a healthy workplace culture. She also shares how leaders can move from transactional to transformational, build trust across teams, and recruit not just for skills—but for fit and belonging.Whether you’re a people manager, HR professional, or aspiring leader, this episode will help you navigate the human side of leadership with candour, empathy, and strategy.0:00 - Intro02:25 - From transactional to transformational08:28 - The costs of not having strong leadership10:42 - Importance of onboarding11:56 - Importance of employee retention13:37 - Succession planning24:27 - Valuing your entire team as a leader27:44 - How to show employees appreciation29:42 - Recruiting for skills, fit, and culture35:33 - Work culture and belonging39:47 - What’s next for ChristineVisit Christine’s website - https://ctchr.ca/Connect with Christine - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/christinethrussellHosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightTwitter - twitter.com/pplbright Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#Leadership #HRStrategy #WorkCulture

October 14, 2025Episode 536 min

S7E5: Staying Grounded When Leadership Above You Is Tough w/ Jill McPherson

When leadership above you creates a challenging environment, it can leave you feeling frustrated or powerless. But you have more influence than you think.In this episode, we are joined by educator and facilitator Jill McPherson, who shares how to use conscious, compassionate communication to stay grounded, build trust, and navigate difficult power dynamics with emotional intelligence. Drawing on her training in nonviolent communication, Jill offers practical strategies to help you learn by fostering connection instead of control.We’ll explore why empathy doesn’t mean agreement, how to separate what was said from the story you tell yourself, speaking from values instead of blame, ways to deal with micromanagers without taking things personally, and more.This conversation will give you tools to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion – while keeping your cool when the pressure’s on.0:00 - Intro02:33 - What is Power With, Not Power Over07:38 - Strategy 1: Empathy is not agreement11:09 - Dealing with micromanagers, not taking things personally15:23 - Strategy 2: Separating stimulus from story 27:00 - Strategy 3: Speak from values, not blame32:04 - What’s next for Jill34:06 - Where to find JillVisit Jill’s website - https://jillmcpherson.com/ Connect with Jill - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jill-mcpherson-keynote-speaker-facilitator-63480033Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightTwitter - twitter.com/pplbright Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#Leadership #CompassionateLeadership #WorkCulture

October 7, 2025Episode 436 min

S7E4: Creating Psychological Safety: How Conscious Communication Builds Strong Teams w/ Jill McPherson

Hard skills might get you into a leadership role – but it’s compassion that inspires trust, loyalty, and real collaboration.In this episode, we’re joined by Jill McPherson, an educator and facilitator who helps people communicate with more courage, compassion, and clarity. Trained in Nonviolent Communication, Jill works with leaders and teams to build trust, navigate conflict, and shift away from “power over” dynamics that quietly erode connection.Part 1 of our 2-part series focuses on leading your team. Jill shares how conscious, compassionate communication can strengthen emotional intelligence and transform leadership from a role of control to one of genuine connection. We explore how to stay grounded, build trust, and respond instead of react – especially in challenging situations.You’ll learn three practical strategies to lead with empathy:Lead with curiosity, not control – Ask before assuming; listen before directing.Name what’s alive – Normalize emotions at work without turning it into therapy.Create a repair culture – See conflict not as the enemy, but as an opportunity for growth.Whether you’re a seasoned leader or stepping into your first management role, this conversation will help you approach leadership with more humanity – and see your team thrive because of it.0:00 - Intro01:57 - Power With, Not Power Over05:23 - Strategy 1: Lead with curiosity, not control11:58 - Building trusts among managers and team members13:59 - Strategy 2: Name what's alive (normalizing emotions)19:24 - Navigating feedback21:24 - Leaders and lack of leadership training23:29 - Strategy 3: Create repair culture and reframe conflict33:06 - What’s next for Jill34:12 - Where to find JillVisit Jill’s website - https://jillmcpherson.com/ Connect with Jill - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jill-mcpherson-keynote-speaker-facilitator-63480033Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.comFollow usLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbrightTwitter - twitter.com/pplbright Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbrightInstagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.#Leadership #CompassionateLeadership #WorkCulture