Women running for elected office is an important conversation. But what about the women who wield political power without ever appearing on a ballot?

Katie Telford spent nearly a decade at the centre of Canadian politics as chief of staff to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, helping steer the government through election victories, cabinet changes, a global pandemic and economic uncertainty. Now, looking back on those years, she’s reflecting on leadership, public service, growing political polarization and what it means to navigate power as a woman.

Jen and Catherine sit down with Telford to talk about life behind the scenes of the highest levels of government, the pressures of political leadership and what a decade in the thick of it taught her.