Business Real Talk: Redefining Failure as Fuel for Success - Meet our Panel

Real Conversations. Real Solutions. Real Connections.

Meet our Moderator:

Nogol Madani, Founder & CEO of Glee Factor

Nogol is the founder of Glee Factor, where she helps leaders enhance team performance through psychological safety and experiential learning. Her clients include organizations such as Google, CBC, and C2 Montreal. In addition to her work at Glee Factor, Nogol is a faculty member at the McGill Executive Institute and serves on the board of directors of YES.

Meet our Panel:

Lisa Barbusci, Partner at Fisika

After earning a Bachelor of Communications and Marketing from Concordia University, Lisa embarked on her journey in Healthcare Advertising at just 20 years old. Now with over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, Lisa stands as a natural leader with proven marketing instincts, a strong competitive streak, and a steadfast commitment to cultivating enduring partnerships.   

Fueled by an unwavering passion for Marketing and Advertising and a profound dedication to improving the quality of care and communication for Canadians, Lisa worked with the same agency in 2005 that she now owns with two other partners. At Fisika, their mission centers on bringing clarity to the complex world of healthcare, ensuring communication between patients and doctors fosters powerful connections.

Juliette Brun, Founder & Director of Juliette & Chocolat

Juliette Brun is the founder and director of the Juliette & Chocolat restaurant chain, a passionate chocolatier and entrepreneur with a well-defined sweet tooth. Born in Brazil and having lived all over the world, Juliette eventually settled in Montreal, where, at just 22 years old, she established Juliette & Chocolat—a haven dedicated to desserts and indulgence. 

Deeply rooted in her training as a pastry chef and chocolatier in France, Juliette envisioned her establishment as a warm refuge where customers can rediscover the innocence of childhood while indulging without restraint. Committed to offering high-quality products, she also opened the Labo Chocolat, a creative space where she tests and develops the pastries and desserts featured in her restaurants. 

Always ready for new challenges, Juliette masterfully balances the daily management of Juliette & Chocolat’s growth, the development of new creations, television appearances, book writing, and life as a mother of five children, with whom she shares her passion for chocolate. 

After having to close her restaurants last summer, Juliette is currently rebuilding and restarting Juliette & Chocolat. She firmly believes that challenges shape us and that adversity can become a springboard to new opportunities.

Kiana Gomes, Founder & CEO of Cocktail Bomb Shop

Kiana is the Founder and CEO of Cocktail Bomb Shop, a Montreal-based business revolutionizing the way we enjoy drinks. Her company specializes in cocktail bombs—fun, fizzy drink mixers available in over 30 delicious flavors.

What began during the pandemic with just $60 and a bold vision has grown into a thriving brand, thanks to Kiana’s hard work, creativity, and determination. She’s passionate about crafting products that transform every drink into a memorable experience and sharing her journey to inspire others to dream big and innovate.

Anie Rouleau, Founder & CEO of The Unscented Company

Anie Rouleau is a pioneering leader reshaping the future of sustainable business. As the founder of The Unscented Company, Anie redefines the notion of clean with innovative, natural home and body care products. With a dedication to sustainability and social impact, Anie champions refillable packaging and waterless products, combating single-use plastics and protecting waterways. An advocate for the B Corp model, she promotes local sourcing, ethical leadership, and equal opportunity employment. 

Anie’s achievements include appearances on Dragons’ Den Canada, Canada’s Top Growing Company for four consecutive years, and recognition with the Young Phoenix Prize and the Trudeau Medal. An influential speaker at institutions and organizations such as BDC, C2 Montreal, UQAM, Concordia, McGill, ETS, and the University of Ottawa, she’s committed to mentoring young female entrepreneurs. Anie leads a B Corp Certified and Women Owned business, a role she’s held since 2011.

Check out our ELLEvate Role Models series video spotlighting Anie Rouleau and her business!

Kim Sullivan, Anchor and Reporter for APTN

Kim Sullivan began her career as a teacher for the deaf, but her passion for storytelling and connection quickly led her to discover her true calling in broadcasting. With over a decade in radio, she brought her vibrant energy to community television, hosting engaging shows on a wide range of topics. From tackling bucket-list adventures on Rogers’ Before I Kick The… and MAtv’s The Checklist to celebrating local organizations and initiatives on Montreal Billboard, Kim has always been driven by a love for sharing meaningful stories. 

Kim then spent eight years as a familiar face to Montrealers, starting their mornings with them as the Weather Specialist and Community Reporter for Global News Morning. She also tackled weather on the late news for Global Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and New Brunswick. 

With proud Inuit heritage through her mother, Kim now takes immense pride in connecting with her roots and amplifying Indigenous stories as an anchor and reporter for APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network).

Meet our Guest Speaker:

Alexandra Shield, Founder & Principal Designer at Alex Shield Design

Alexandra Shield is the Founder & Principal Designer at Alex Shield Design, an interior design firm specializing in sustainable interiors. Her vision is to lead the transformative change in interior design by redefining the way homes are envisioned, created, and experienced.
Driven by her deep respect for the environment, unwavering commitment to sustainability, and health-conscious design, she is redefining the standards of excellence through innovative practices, responsible sourcing and thoughtful curation of materials to reduce the ecological impact.

Having completed her studies in Interior Design at Lasalle College, taken sustainability courses at Concordia University and NYC’s Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as served as a Sustainability Focal for Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Sustainability Department, Alexandra combines her knowledge of sustainability and design to educate, advocate, and inspire the global community to embrace sustainability as the foundation of modern design.

NEW SERIES: Business Real Talk

Ready to cut through the noise and get to the heart of being a founder? Business Real Talk is a new series featuring honest, practical conversations with industry experts and successful entrepreneurs who’ve been there. Just real-world insights, local connections, and tested strategies to help you tackle the challenges of your entrepreneurial journey. It’s time to stop guessing and start making decisions that move your business forward.

Redefining Failure as Fuel for Success

Failure is often seen as a roadblock, but what if it’s actually the key to unlocking your next big breakthrough? Whether you’re starting out or scaling your business, learning from failure can fuel your growth. In this session, we’ll explore how to shift your mindset—turning missteps into stepping stones for success. From ideation to expansion, learn how every failure holds the potential to spark creativity, drive innovation, and push your business forward with confidence.

Click here to learn more about our ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs program.

Check out our other Entrepreneurship workshops and events by browsing through our Entrepreneurship Calendar.