Mar 11 2025 36 mins
Dr. Laura welcomes Hillary Rideout and Steve Brierley to Where Work Meets Life™ to talk about inspiring better humans and their new book on the subject. Hillary and Steve previously collaborated on “Being a Better Human Teenager” and that book and its reception led to their new follow-up book, “Inspiring Better Humans”. Dr. Laura explores why Steve and Hillary are drawn to inspiring young people, their thoughts on making a difference, and how having a purpose can change lives.
Steve and Hillary work together in the Better Human Group, a project that fuelled their first book, and one of the discoveries they share is that a common factor among the profiled teenagers was very involved parents. They discuss how having a purpose and believing in the ability to offer something to the world positively impacts everyone, not just teenagers. The message in their books resonates with teens and parents alike and has inspired purposeful action in classrooms, which is part of the solution to combating mental illness in young people. Dr. Laura’s conversation with Steve and Hillary opens a window into the lives of extraordinary teens and caring parents and how any one of us can tap into our ability to change the world for the better.
“These kids truly felt like they could have an impact on the world. And they did. And that was very motivating to the kids in the class who were reading the stories and then actually creating their own plan to do something similar” Hillary Rideout
“To me, the message is very clear. And I think it is that when you do something to help somebody, you also help yourself. And for me, if we can get this message out to others, I think it would be just an incredible impact.” Steve Brierley
About Steve Brierley:
Over the past 20 years, Steve has held progressive positions in corporate training, talent management and executive leadership development in corporate and post-secondary sectors.
While working in California, Steve was the General Manager of a multi-national corporate training organization that focused on delivering IT skills and leadership development for Fortune 100 organizations and government agencies.
After four years in the USA, Steve returned to Canada and joined SAIT’s corporate training department in the role of Corporate Learning Advisor, followed by the role of Director of Executive Education at the University of Alberta School of Business.
He then joined the energy sector as Group Lead, Corporate Training & Talent Management at Encana Inc., followed by Director of Executive Development & Talent Management at Enbridge, Steve then joined Canadian Tire as Associate Vice President of Talent Management. In his last corporate role, Steve was Vice President of Leadership Assessment and Development at Gallagher.
Currently, Steve teaches Leadership at SAIT in the BBA, BA and diploma programs. Also, he provides talent management and leadership consulting to corporations and non-profit organizations across Canada.
As a lifelong learner, Steve obtained a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University and is a Certified Executive Coach from the Royal Roads University graduate program and PCC accredited from the International Coach Federation.
In his spare time, Steve enjoys writing and publishing books. He released his first book, Being a Better Human Being at Work in 2020, his second book Being a Better Human Teenager in 2021 and his third book, Inspiring Better Humans will be coming out in fall 2024. Steve seeks adventure on his motorcycle, on the slopes or in the mountains. Steve’s motto is Live on Purpose!
About Hillary Rideout:
Hillary is a creative writer, designer, publisher, and website builder.
As Partner in The Better Human Group - an organization making the world a better place through storytelling and community building - she is a published author and book publisher.
As Founder of Inside Out Branding Inc., she thrives on uncovering the essence of individuals and businesses, identifying core values and unique narratives that reflect truth and value. Some call it branding, Hillary calls it pulling their insides out.
As Creative Associate with ViTreo Group - a non-profit leadership and development agency - Hillary brings life and attention to the stories and missions that deserve to be told.
Hillary also volunteers with BARC's Rescue - a Calgary-based dog rescue organization - lending her graphic design and communications expertise to get homeless dogs into loving, forever homes.
She is a University of Calgary alumni and holds several talent management and leadership development certifications - education she employed for 20+ years as she created and managed learning and development programs for leaders in various organizations.
Hillary lives near Calgary with her family, including her rescue dog, Roxy. She loves spending time at her family's cabin in the woods and finds joy in the simplest of things - music, quiet mornings, and dog walks.
Website: InsideOutBranding.ca
Resources:
Website: BetterHumanGroup.com
Instagram: Better Human Group Inc
“Inspiring Better Humans” by Hillary Rideout & Steve Brierley
“Being a Better Human Teenager” by Steve Brierley, Melissa From, Paul Lamoureux & Hillary Rideout
“But She Looks Fine: From Illness to Activism” by Olivia Goodreau
Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live
For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: