Katie Telford, former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, reflects on her extensive political career, the evolution of Canadian politics, and the challenges faced during her time as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister. The conversation includes the rise of Trudeau, the impact of the pandemic, and the political tensions surrounding the convoy protests. Telford shares insights on leadership, the importance of diversity in politics, and her personal reflections on navigating a demanding career in public service. Chapters 00:00 Reflections on a Year of Change 02:45 The Early Political Journey 05:28 Defining Values and Political Alignment 08:00 The Rise of Justin Trudeau 10:59 Navigating the 2015 Election 13:36 The Significance of Gender Parity in Cabinet 16:20 Cannabis Policy and Its Implications 19:20 Challenges and Controversies 21:51 Leading Through a Global Pandemic 37:29 Navigating Communication During the Pandemic 40:21 The Pressure of Vaccine Distribution 42:31 Addressing Vaccine Mandate Opposition 45:09 The Invocation of the Emergencies Act 48:12 Toxicity in Politics and Its Impact 55:37 Leadership Challenges and Political Dynamics 01:01:31 Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders 01:08:31 Reflections on Achievements and Future Directions Support the show Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/ Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!