Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Miranda Steele, a strategic communications executive and president of the Ellevate Network Toronto.
Lisa and Miranda discuss the role of strategic communications in shaping business culture and supporting women's leadership development to create authentic connections for women to support each other.
Miranda shares her career journey working with global brands like McDonalds and discusses the challenges women face in leadership roles.
Steele also mentions the benefits of external women's networks like Ellevate in providing a safe space for women to connect and share their stories outside of their company roles. They emphasize the importance of speaking up, setting boundaries, and normalizing conversations about gender equality in the workplace.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Career in Strategic Communications
(02:23) Working with McDonald's and Global Brands
(05:26) Cultural Differences in Business
(10:27) Challenges and Support for Women in Leadership
(20:23) Building Authentic Connections and Communities
(21:06) Challenges in Skilled Trades and Leadership Roles
(22:12) Inclusive Networks and Safe Spaces
(24:33) Speaking Up and Setting Boundaries
(29:59) Finding Your Tribe and Building a Supportive Network
More about Miranda Steele:
As Founder and Chief Strategist at Words of Steele Strategic Consulting, Miranda brings extensive expertise and strategic counsel to organizations worldwide, helping them strengthen their business and solve communication challenges. Her background includes leadership roles with some of the world's largest brands, where she enhanced and safeguarded brand reputation globally.
Before establishing Words of Steele, Miranda led Corporate Relations for McDonald’s Restaurants in Canada and then became Senior Director of International Corporate Relations. In this role, she managed McDonald’s brand reputation across over 80 countries in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Her prior experience in telecommunications at TELUS and Bell Mobility focused on Channel Communications and Event Marketing & Sponsorship.
As a consultant, Miranda works directly with clients and through global agency partners to offer corporate communications, business transformation, and global engagement services. Clients and colleagues, both near and far, recognize Miranda’s ability to create community, connect people and ideas, and drive positive change that leaves a lasting legacy.
When she’s not supporting clients, Miranda contributes to online and print publications, including Medium, the Toronto Star, and Chatelaine Magazine. She is a passionate advocate for women’s career development and serves as President of the Toronto Chapter of Ellevate Network. Miranda always makes time for an energizing networking chat!
