• 15 May, 2025
• Lianne Laing

Lianne Laing: An Inspiring Conversation on How Storytelling and Purpose-Driven Philanthropy Lead to a Fulfilling Career

She spent two decades under the bright lights of broadcast television, living a fast-paced, sleep-deprived life. But a personal health scare—shingles in her early forties—and the devastating loss of her father to a heart attack became the undeniable wake-up calls. Lianne Laing listened. She took a terrifying leap of faith, jumping off a cliff with no parachute, guided by a gut feeling and a passion for health. Now, as President of the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, she harnesses the power of storytelling not just for fundraising, but to equip people with life-saving knowledge. This is a journey about transformation, purpose, and the profound impact one person can have by aligning skill set with passion.

Magazica: Dear readers and viewers, today we have with us a remarkable individual who has seamlessly transitioned from the dynamic world of broadcast television to a position of profound impact in the health sector. Lianne Laing spent two decades connecting with audiences through sports and morning television. Now, as the President of the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation and Vice President of Philanthropy, she brings the same passion and connection to advancing cardiac care. Lianne’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose and the drive to make a meaningful difference.

Lianne, welcome to Magazica.

Lianne Laing: Thank you. That’s quite the introduction—I feel very privileged.

Magazica: You had a successful 20-year career in broadcast television. What sparked your search for new adventures, better sleep, and the chance to pursue passion projects that ultimately led you to the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation?

Lianne Laing: It was a very different journey, but I’m so happy that my experiences collided the way they did. I spent 20 years working in television, the last ten of which I hosted a morning show. That meant a 3:30 AM wake-up call while raising two young kids—a fast-paced, sleep-deprived lifestyle.

In June 2017, I came down with shingles, which isn’t something you expect in your early forties. It was my body’s red flag, a warning sign that something needed to change. I listened. As I reflected, I realized my mind had already checked out—I had done my 20 years, reached as far as I was going to go, but I was stuck in Groundhog Day. My body’s way of saying “Wake up!” was a pivotal moment.

I simply couldn’t continue the cycle of waking up at 3:30 AM, working full days, parenting, managing competitive sports at night, going to bed at 10 PM, and repeating it indefinitely. That was my turning point—I recognized my body was exhausted, and I wanted the opportunity to build a second career. At 42, I had energy, passion, and the ability to rebrand, relearn, and use my skills in a different way.

So I left television, jumping off a cliff with no parachute. I had no idea what was next, just a gut feeling that there was more out there for me. The one certainty I had was my love for health and wellness—it had always been a theme in the interviews I conducted over the years. I loved talking to doctors, nutritionists, and health experts, so I knew that whatever I pursued next, it would have to incorporate that passion. A few years later, the Ottawa Heart Institute opportunity landed on my doorstep, and everything aligned.

Magazica: It’s great that you listened to that wake-up call, recognizing the signs your body was giving you. It was a leap of faith, and clearly a transformative one.

Lianne Laing: Absolutely—it was a terrifying leap of faith. I remember pacing my house at 2 AM, asking myself if I was truly ready to leave the only career I had ever known. It led to a lot of sleepless nights.

Once you make the decision, though, you have to trust in your skill set and work ethic. I knew I had the discipline—I had been an athlete all my life, and that meant being coachable, pushing myself, and embracing challenges. Those qualities helped me realize I could start fresh and succeed.

Many people get scared, second-guess themselves, and retreat to what’s familiar, but staying stuck leads to regret. I didn’t want to regret staying only to be laid off later. Television has changed drastically from when I started, and I knew I had to evolve.

Magazica: Speaking of your athletic background, what was your sport?

Lianne Laing: I was a gymnast from the age of six until 22. I competed for Canada at an elite level and eventually earned a scholarship to the U.S. That’s where I completed my university education before retiring from competition.

Magazica: Fantastic. Now, shifting back to your media experience—your podcast, Living Your Life with Lianne Laing, focused strongly on health, wellness, and lifestyle. How did your years in media shape your understanding of those topics and their importance for everyday people?

Lianne Laing: The first ten years of my television career were dedicated to sports. I was a sports anchor, covering professional athletes—Ottawa Senators, Ottawa Redblacks, Renegades, CFL, and more. I was deeply passionate about that world.

When I transitioned to the morning show, I wanted to bring my background into it, so I created a segment called Today’s The Day. It was a two-minute daily feature highlighting one actionable step to improve your life—whether for better health, longevity, or well-being. Each day featured different experts—a doctor, a nutritionist, a chiropractor, or a sports psychologist. Some tips were as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

I truly loved that part of the show. But the challenge in television, especially in sports reporting, is time constraints—the stories are short. Sports stories were only 90 seconds, and morning show segments maxed out at three-and-a-half to four minutes. Many of the incredible guests I interviewed had so much more to offer than a snippet.

When I left television, I remembered all my favorite guests—those whose knowledge and expertise couldn’t fit into a short segment. That realization led to the creation of my podcast, Living Your Life with Lianne Laing. It provided a long-form platform where guests could dive deeper—sometimes for an hour, even an hour and a half—into topics people cared about.

I often sat on set thinking, I could do so much more. I could help people better if we had more time. That’s why I started the podcast when I left television.

Magazica: Oh, fantastic! Now, your current role allows you to apply your communication and storytelling skills in new ways.

Could you share how you leverage those skills to connect with donors and raise awareness for the Ottawa Heart Institute’s crucial work?

Lianne Laing: That’s a great question. When the Heart Institute Foundation reached out to me—through a headhunter—I initially said no. My first instinct was, I’m not a fundraiser. I don’t want to ask people for money.

Having emceed hundreds of charity events and worked with every nonprofit in Ottawa, fundraising never personally appealed to me. So I turned down the offer. But later, I told my husband about the call, thinking it was a strange request.

He responded, You are so passionate about health and wellness. You know how to tell stories, and you understand the deeper narratives behind them. That changed my perspective.

I lost my dad to a heart attack two weeks before my wedding. Heart disease became personal. Now, I understand the role of family genetics and risk factors. I often wonder how many daughters still have their fathers walking them down the aisle—because they had the necessary preventative measures, recognized their symptoms, and sought treatment in time.

Looking back, I now recognize the warning signs my father missed. He passed away while golfing with my soon-to-be husband. Afterward, when sorting through his belongings, I found Pepto-Bismol, antacids—he had assumed his symptoms were just indigestion. In reality, they were red flags.

That realization became my pivotal turning point. I reframed the role into something more impactful—I would focus on storytelling, connection, prevention, and wellness rather than traditional fundraising. My goal became ensuring people never have to turn to the Heart Institute for treatment, because they’ve been equipped with the information to prevent heart disease in the first place.

I accomplish that through storytelling, collaborations, and education, usually without direct fundraising asks.

Once I said yes to the head-hunter and entered the role, I knew storytelling and collaborations would be the key. People connect when they see themselves in real stories. After 20 years of telling stories on television, I realized how powerful that skill would be in this new role.

And honestly, it worked. If you build something with authenticity, people will engage.

Storytelling isn’t just about fundraising—it applies to any business. Whether selling a product or offering a service, the narrative is what connects people to the mission, the solution, and the impact.

Magazica: Your father would be very proud, and he is watching over you.

Lianne Laing: Honestly, that is the biggest factor in why this job is so important. I don’t think I could be doing this for anyone else—it is so closely tied to who I am. Having lost him so young, I feel like I should have known better. I don’t want anyone else to go through that.

Now, when I see people coming through—especially the storytelling around women’s heart health—I recognize how under-researched, underdiagnosed, and undertreated we are as women. We started an event called “Jump In for Women’s Heart Health” to educate women about how our risk factors and symptoms differ.

If you’ve had complications during pregnancy—preeclampsia, low birth weight—there are factors that affect women that haven’t been widely discussed. By sharing our stories and bringing this information forward, we are saving lives and raising awareness in a different way. For me, it’s all about the stories.

Magazica: And we’ll touch a bit on that. Is it, in part, because women tend to focus on caring for others that they ignore their own health?

Lianne Laing: Oh, absolutely. We’ve heard stories of women who drove themselves to the hospital while having a heart attack—but only after they had finished hosting a dinner party and cleaning the dishes. One woman told us she knew she was experiencing symptoms, but she had just entertained company and wanted to make sure everything was tidy before going to the hospital.

Magazica: In some of your writings, you’ve highlighted that 80% of heart disease is preventable through education and lifestyle changes. What are some of the key factors?

Lianne Laing: 80% of heart disease cases are preventable with physical activity and a healthy diet.

A simple 30 minutes of movement a day—whether it’s walking, stretching, or breaking it up into three 10-minute walks—makes a significant difference. It doesn’t have to be a hardcore workout; it just needs to be consistent movement.

Beyond exercise, avoiding smoking or vaping, watching blood pressure levels, avoiding diabetes, and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial. Many people who suffer from cardiac-related conditions do so because they haven’t integrated these preventable measures into their daily lives.

Magazica: So even a brisk walk or time on a treadmill can help?

Lianne Laing: Absolutely! A brisk walk can be a life-saving measure. You’re significantly reducing your risk. Your heart is a muscle, I could shout this from the rooftops, I would.

Still, I recognize how difficult it can be for people to integrate movement into their routine. I was never in a job where I sat all day—working in media, I was constantly moving around. So, I never understood why people who sat all day wouldn’t feel the urge to get up and be active.

Then, when I left television and transitioned into work where I was sitting for long periods, I realized how exhausting it is to sit all day. You think, “This is what it’s like to feel tired and unmotivated to move,” because your body is fatigued from inactivity.

That realization helped drive “Jump In for Women’s Heart Health,” a 30-day challenge in September that encourages people to commit to 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

Magazica: That’s a great initiative!

Lianne Laing: I’ve worked out every day since I was six. I had four-hour training sessions, so getting in an hour or half an hour is nothing to me. It’s my favorite time of the day. This morning, I got up at 6:30, and my first thought was, “Get me to the gym.”

But for many people, incorporating regular exercise is a big challenge. That’s why we create initiatives and campaigns to provide support, offer guidance, and share the necessary tools to make physical activity accessible. At the end of the day, it’s truly a game-changer.

We’ve had participants in Jump In for Women’s Heart Health who couldn’t even walk around the block. It seemed impossible for them. Yet, many of these same individuals have gone on to run half-marathons and marathons.

Magazica: Wow!

Lianne Laing: Their entire lives have changed. People who were once on multiple medications—dealing with high blood pressure, obesity, and other risk factors—saw steady improvement with each step they took. They were literally walking themselves into better health, reducing their risk factors bit by bit. Eventually, some were able to stop their medications altogether.

It’s incredible to witness those transformations. That’s why this initiative is one of my favorites—it’s deeply personal to me.

Magazica: Yes, and now you’re working at the Heart Institute, which is at the forefront of innovation.

On your website, you mention “innovative discoveries, groundbreaking research, and precision medicine.” Could you explain, in simple terms, how these advancements are making tangible differences in the lives of cardiac patients and their families?

Lianne Laing: We focus heavily on prevention, which is a major piece in keeping people out of the hospital in the first place. The Ottawa Heart Institute is one of the leading cardiac centers in the world, treating over 241,000 patients annually and performing more than 2,000 catheter-based and open-heart surgeries.

It’s an incredibly busy cardiac center where life-saving work is happening every single day. Sitting at my desk in the office, I hear about three Code STEMIs called over the intercom daily—each of those announcements signals a patient in critical condition, where every second counts.

A full team—paramedics, cardiac specialists—is on standby to immediately assess and treat these patients, often placing stents within minutes. It’s a highly coordinated process, refined through years of research and trials.

Magazica: That sounds incredible.

Lianne Laing: It really is. Before I joined, the Institute completed a massive $100 million renovation just ahead of 2020. Now, we have brand-new towers, hybrid operating rooms, and cutting-edge imaging centers. These state-of-the-art facilities ensure top-tier patient care.

But beyond infrastructure, the real investment is in research—developing better protocols, treatments, and technologies.

What makes the Heart Institute unique is that our researchers and scientists work directly alongside the clinical staff. This bench-to-bedside model ensures that breakthroughs in research translate quickly into real-world patient care.

When we talk about “groundbreaking research and innovative patient care,” we mean that every case is approached by both a cardiac surgeon and a cardiologist. Together, they determine the best treatment plan for each patient, which isn’t always the standard approach at other institutions.

This team-based model was developed through research, proving that collaboration leads to better outcomes.

Magazica: And precision medicine?

Lianne Laing: Precision medicine is individualized care. In the past, treatment plans were more generalized, but now, thanks to our combined research and clinical expertise, we tailor treatments specifically to a patient’s needs.

For example, one of our researchers, Dr. Alarcon, spent years conducting thousands of chemical trials. His breakthrough? A nano-gold particle spray designed to be applied to the heart after surgery—like a Band-Aid—to aid healing.

Magazica: Wow!

Lianne Laing: That breakthrough—the nano-gold spray—is the result of meticulous research and science. It took over 2,000 attempts to refine the formula and reach the perfect combination.

Magazica: That’s a long process!

Lianne Laing: And it’s exactly why funding research is so critical. I can’t wait for the day when that spray is applied to a patient’s heart—when it speeds up recovery to the point where. The patient will have a shorter recovery and length of hospitalization.

Magazica: Incredible advancements.

Lianne Laing: Absolutely! Within the Heart Institute, we’re funding research that will shape the treatments of the future. That’s why I engage with donors—I talk to them about how their support directly contributes to medical advancements that could benefit them or their loved ones down the road.

Magazica: The specialists working on these projects are clearly deeply passionate about public health. You work closely with a generous donor base. As you share these insights with them, what motivates individuals to support the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation or similar organizations? What inspires philanthropy in people?

Lianne Laing: I’m going to give you an honest and transparent answer. The Heart Institute saves lives every single day. We give individuals and their families the gift of time.

When you speak to someone whose life has literally been saved by the Heart Institute, they live in a state of gratitude—a kind of appreciation that fuels their desire to give back.

It’s a different experience compared to other areas of healthcare. For example, mental health patients may leave treatment facing continued challenges, still struggling with the effects of their illness. Cancer patients undergo grueling treatments and often fight a long battle with uncertainty.

At the Heart Institute, a patient might go in for bypass surgery or have a stent placed, and then, suddenly, they’re given a new lease on life.

They are grateful. They feel hopeful.

Magazica: That must shape a lot of their perspective.

Lianne Laing: Exactly.

Additionally, our patient base is at a different stage of life compared to other healthcare institutions. Consider children’s hospitals—patients are young, their parents are just starting out, managing financial responsibilities like mortgages and education savings. Their focus is survival, making it through day-to-day life.

In contrast, Heart Institute patients are often more established in their lives. They’ve built careers, raised families, and they have the ability to donate back.

For me, as the head of this foundation, it often makes my conversations with donors easier. When I speak with someone whose life has been saved, they already feel a deep connection to our mission.

Some donate immediately, others reflect over time, but the impulse to give is there.

Magazica: That’s incredibly powerful.

Lianne Laing: Absolutely. Beyond major gifts, we also engage the community through Heart Month, which takes place in February. It’s a time when the entire Ottawa community comes together, proud to have one of the world’s leading cardiac centers right in their backyard. These donations—whether they’re large or small—allow people to feel connected to something bigger than themselves.

Magazica: Or something good, yeah.

Lianne Laing: I often have two very different conversations with people. Some are deeply interested in science, where the future is headed, and emerging fields like AI and data science. They see the potential of these advancements and want to invest in them.

For me, these discussions are fascinating, and in many ways, easier—because there is so much good happening, so much progress being made.

Magazica: That makes sense. And based on your close experience with people at the Institute, what would you say to our readers—or viewers—who are facing their own health challenges or supporting loved ones through them? What message of hope or encouragement can you share?

Lianne Laing: You know, heart disease is complex, and for many, family genetics plays a major role. It’s difficult to watch generations—grandfathers, fathers—go through the same struggles. That’s why prevention is so important.

We emphasize education—helping families understand how to best care for themselves and their loved ones. Having these conversations early is key.

Magazica: That’s an important perspective.

Lianne Laing: It is. But it’s also one of the hardest conversations to have.

People often want the magic pill—something simple to fix everything.

They think, “I’ll just get the surgery,” or “There has to be a pill to lower my blood pressure or fix my weight.” But the truth is, while life-saving surgery is there when it’s necessary, wouldn’t it be better to avoid needing it altogether?

Magazica: Right.

Lianne Laing: That’s the challenge—getting through to people before they reach that point.

If you see a pattern—your dad, your brother, your uncle all experiencing the same health issues—there’s a common denominator. Something needs to change.

It’s about making lifestyle shifts. Not smoking. Reducing stress. Managing blood pressure. These changes take effort, but they work.

Magazica: So people need to put in the work before it’s too late?

Lianne Laing: Exactly. And sometimes, it’s fear that drives change.

Lianne Laing: That’s exactly it. Fear can be a powerful motivator—in the best possible way.

Magazica: And in terms of lifestyle management, I think many people struggle because unhealthy habits—junk food, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking—create a comfort zone.

People don’t want to break that bubble. Their bodies adjust to it, so it feels normal.

Lianne Laing: Right. And they think, “If I stay in my comfort zone, maybe there’s a magic pill that will fix everything without requiring effort.”

Magazica: But that’s the hard conversation.

Lianne Laing: Exactly. That’s the conversation we try to have before people reach a crisis point. And it’s harder than I ever expected.

Magazica: Because changing habits isn’t easy.

Lianne Laing: Right. People convince themselves that things will always stay the same—but they won’t.

Just the other day at the gym, someone stopped me—he had been a patient at the Heart Institute. He looked healthy, full of energy.

He told me, “I’m feeling great. I’m 80 pounds lighter than when I had surgery.”

Magazica: Wow!

Lianne Laing: He had been overweight, in and out of hospitals, struggling. But when he realized that if he didn’t change, he would keep going back to the Institute, something clicked. He started making small changes—step by step. Now, he’s 80 pounds lighter, and his life has transformed. I asked him, “At 80 pounds lighter, what does life feel like?” He said: “It’s night and day. I wake up, and getting out of bed doesn’t hurt. I have energy. I feel purpose. I can make plans, I can be active with my child—because I’m finally healthy.”

Magazica: That’s an incredible transformation.

Lianne Laing: It is! And that’s what I wish people understood. If they take that first step, life will get so much better. But getting someone to take that step—that’s the hardest part.

Magazica: And for him, it took reaching the crisis point.

Lianne Laing: Exactly. He had known he was overweight. He knew he was at risk. But it wasn’t until he became a patient that he finally made the change. That’s the challenge—helping people act before it gets to that stage.

Magazica: The conversation you had with that person—sometimes psychology refers to it as negative visualization. The idea that if I continue down this path, I’ll end up back where I started—obese again, back at the Heart Institute, going through the same cycle of medication and surgery. I don’t want to go through that again.

Lianne Laing: Exactly. And then, because that’s how I approach these conversations, I ask, “Do you have children?”

I wait for the answer, and then I say, ” I lost my dad to a heart attack two weeks before my wedding. I think your daughter would really love to have you walk her down the aisle one day.”

Magazica: That’s powerful.

Lianne Laing: I didn’t get to have that moment. My dad wasn’t there to walk me down the aisle. That realization stays with me. So I ask, “What example do you need from me to understand how important this is?” That’s how we have these conversations—real, honest, emotional.

Magazica: What I did not have as a daughter, I want your daughter to have.

Lianne Laing: Exactly.

Magazica: That’s a powerful emotional touchpoint. At the end of the day, we are emotional people. We make decisions based on emotion—and sometimes, that’s a good thing. These deeper emotions can motivate people to take action—life-changing action—that benefits not just themselves, but their loved ones.

Lianne Laing: And that’s why we have programs in place. We’re not just saying, “Go do this.”

Magazica: Programs? Could you expand on that?

Lianne Laing: Yes. We understand how difficult it is for people to quit smoking. It’s an addiction—whether cigarettes or vaping. That’s why we offer smoking cessation programs.

Magazica: Please, tell me more about that.

Lianne Laing: There’s a wealth of resources available—people are not expected to figure it out alone. We don’t just say, “You need to make a change.” We say, “Here’s how. Here are the tools. Let us help you.” Some patients need to lose weight before surgery, because their current health puts them at high risk during the operation. We have prevention and wellness programs to support them. We provide guidance on healthy eating, safe ways to incorporate movement, and post-surgery rehabilitation. There’s never a moment where patients are left to navigate things alone—support is always available.

Magazica: That’s reassuring.

Lianne Laing: One of our biggest success stories at the Heart Institute is our smoking cessation program. The toolkit developed by our team has been adopted worldwide. Dr. Andrew Pipe and Dr. Robert Reid led the charge decades ago.

Magazica: You’ve been part of some incredible missions. It sounds like you’re on a mission with a vision. Looking ahead, what are the most exciting developments or initiatives at the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation that you believe will make a significant impact on cardiac health—both locally and beyond?

Lianne Laing: One of our biggest projects right now is our Mobile Valve Clinic.

Magazica: Oh, tell me more!

Lianne Laing: It started as a year-long pilot project, led by Dr. Messika and a nurse practitioner. They traveled to underserved communities, providing on-the-spot heart screenings. Many people today don’t have access to family doctors or struggle to get proper care. The Mobile Valve Clinic was designed to bridge that gap—offering blood testing, heart imaging, and risk assessments. For a year, we couldn’t talk publicly about the project. We knew it was happening, but we needed solid data first. What we found was staggering—30% of the patients screened had clear risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Magazica: That’s shocking.

Lianne Laing: It was eye-opening. Because of the clinic’s imaging capabilities, we could detect early signs of valvular heart disease, and more. Some people visited the clinic just to try it out, and were immediately referred to the Heart Institute—without previously knowing they had a problem.

Magazica: Incredible.

Lianne Laing: Once the pilot program ended, we realized the huge demand for this service. Now, we’re building a mobile clinic—rather than Dr. Messika and his team traveling by car and setting up makeshift spaces. The plan is to bring the Mobile Valve Clinic to underserved communities, retirement homes, community centers, and anywhere patients need access.

Magazica: What challenges have arisen?

Lianne Laing: With 30% of people being diagnosed with risk factors, we have a new issue—how do we manage this influx of patients without overwhelming an already strained healthcare system? It’s not enough to identify the risk—we need to ensure follow-up care is available.

Magazica: So, one success creates another challenge?

Lianne Laing: Exactly—it’s a domino effect. Every breakthrough comes with new obstacles to solve.

Magazica: Beyond the Mobile Clinic, what other major projects excite you?

Lianne Laing: Advanced imaging tools—we need more MRIs. There’s an enormous waitlist for MRIs in Canada. But cardiac patients need urgent imaging. That’s why we’re pushing for additional MRI machines—not just for patient needs, but to support cutting-edge research as well.

Magazica: What else?

Lianne Laing: We just launched a new Data Science Center—bringing together AI specialists and researchers to analyze data points from heart imaging. Imagine combining MRI results with AI models that can predict outcomes years in advance—helping doctors treat conditions proactively rather than reactively.

Magazica: That’s revolutionary.

Lianne Laing: It is! There’s never a shortage of groundbreaking work. That’s what makes my job exciting—and honestly, a little easier. And my role? Storytelling—sharing the incredible work happening here in a way that resonates with donors and the public.

Magazica: That’s a skill in itself.

Lianne Laing: Absolutely. It’s all about connection.

Magazica: Your excellent team and the AI and Data Science Center place you ahead in integrating artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Lianne Laing: I had to learn what a data scientist was! Can you believe it? One moment, we’re talking about traditional research, and suddenly—data science enters the picture.

Magazica: We’re all learning!

Lianne Laing: Exactly! And honestly, if my science teachers could see me now—they would be shocked. I was never the science type. My world was English, public speaking, marketing, and business. I wish I had paid more attention in science class! But now? I find it fascinating. Seeing how we’re creating hubs where experts collaborate, share knowledge, and drive medical breakthroughs—it’s incredible. And the infrastructure is already in place.

Magazica: That’s a key advantage.

Lianne Laing: Absolutely. And now it’s about partnerships. Having strong data points is great—but the more we collaborate across hospitals and countries, the better the research.

Expanding who we work with and sharing data is how we’ll make groundbreaking discoveries.

Magazica: Final question—for our readers. We’re living in economically uncertain times, and some people may be considering a career change or searching for more meaning in their professional lives. You’ve had an incredible journey—first a gymnast, then a business student followed by a career in television, and now, working alongside leading doctors and scientists at the Ottawa Heart Institute. For those contemplating a career shift or seeking purpose in their work, what advice would you give them?

Lianne Laing: There is so much possibility. But you have to understand—you’re going to face fear. You’re going to experience uncertainty. And you will definitely battle imposter syndrome—that voice in your head that says, “Do I even belong here?”

Magazica: That’s a common struggle.

Lianne Laing: Exactly. You’re stepping into the unknown. Some people say, “Fake it till you make it.” There’s some truth to that.

For me, there were three key factors that made all the difference:

1. Your skills are transferable. Whatever skills you’ve developed—they can be adapted to many industries. You might change the terminology, the conversation approach, but your core expertise remains valuable.

2. Be coachable. Coachability is one of the most underrated success factors outside of sports. If you can absorb feedback, learn, and adjust, you can thrive anywhere.

As a gymnast, my coach repeated the same instructions to me a thousand times—until I made the tiny adjustments that changed everything.

That’s exactly what happens when transitioning careers. You have to be willing to learn, take constructive criticism, and grow.

3. Trust your gut. If you’re entering a new field, your unique perspective is valuable—even if it’s different from the status quo.

When I entered fundraising, I didn’t want to follow traditional methods. People asked, “Do you want to take courses on philanthropy?” My answer was no. I already had a team of fundraising experts—they knew the technical aspects of the industry. But I had seen charities firsthand. I had interviewed organizations, hosted their events, and understood what resonated with donors. That gave me a fresh perspective—and I disrupted how things had always been done.

Magazica: That’s bold!

Lianne Laing: It is! Take direct mail, for example. I don’t open mail. My generation doesn’t open mail. So why would I push a fundraising campaign that people like me wouldn’t even read? I needed to change the approach—reach people where they actually engage. They’re on social media. They’re checking email. They’re on LinkedIn. So I adapted—and now, we connect differently.

Magazica: That’s an important insight.

Lianne Laing: Absolutely. And people need to trust that their past experiences can translate into a new field. I could have stayed in television until I was forced out. But why? My husband noticed the difference. In my 20 years in TV, he said he could count on one hand the times I came home truly excited about my day. Now? I come home inspired— every single day. I’m constantly telling stories, sharing discoveries, and learning something new. It’s daily. And that’s worth the risk.

Magazica: That’s incredibly motivating.

Lianne Laing: If I could tell people one thing—it’s worth taking the leap, even without a parachute. Because when you land in a place of passion, purpose, and gratitude, everything changes. You feel healthier. You wake up excited. I go to bed on Sunday nights, and I don’t dread Monday—I can’t wait to get started. By Friday, I reflect: “Did I accomplish enough this week? Am I proud of my work?” And if I can live like this for the next 20 years, I want that for others, too.

Magazica: That’s a powerful perspective.

Lianne Laing: People ask me all the time—how do you shift careers? The answer? You just jump. You trust your gut. And you know that you can do it.

Magazica: One of my professors at UofT once told me something similar. I asked him, “What makes a career successful?” He said, “When your skill set meets your passion.” That’s when work becomes your vocation—your true calling.

Magazica: One of my professors at UofT once told me something that stuck with me. I asked, “What makes a career truly successful?” He said, “When your skill set meets your passion.” When those two elements align, that’s when work becomes a vocation—a calling rather than just a job. And the way you answered my last question, Lianne, I think you cracked the code.

Lianne Laing: I live in a space of gratitude. My team often tells me, “You’re so positive—it’s like things just fall into place.” We’ve had great years, and people say, “Wow, you’re lucky.” But I always tell them—it’s not luck. We are in the right space, where everything is aligning. I’m deeply spiritual—I believe that the energy you put out is the energy that comes back. We are putting the right energy into our work, and in return, it’s coming back to us. And I believe that when all of us are deeply passionate about what we do, the universe finds a way to guide us toward success. It’s an incredible feeling to live and work in that space. And at the end of the day—I’m representing a winning organization. I’m representing the Ottawa Heart Institute—it’s a gem. A truly remarkable place.

Magazica: It is. Thank you, Lianne. On behalf of our readers and viewers—thank you so much for your time and for sharing your insights.

Lianne Laing: I truly appreciate it. Thank you. And I’m so glad that you have this platform to share these conversations.

Magazica: Thank you.

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Keywords: Philanthropy; Heart Health Prevention; Career Change; Ottawa Heart Institute.