In this episode of The Fifth Wave, Avis Favaro uses Derek Sivers' famous "first follower" leadership talk as a lens for how change in women's health actually happens: not just through the person leading, but through the people willing to be the first to follow. Karla Bernard, MLA for Charlottetown-Victoria Park, PEI, is the first follower. Aimee Terrio, a reproductive health advocate in Nova Scotia, and Jason Urquhart, a benefits reform advocate with Hub International Canada, show what it looks like when a movement picks up more followers, one advocate, one employer and one kitchen table conversation at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• Movements start with a first follower, not just a leader. Karla Bernard's PEI motion linking a new Menopause Centre of Excellence to local care passed the legislature almost unanimously, part of her track record of unanimously-passed women's health motions.
• Personal advocacy matters. Aimee Terrio spent years navigating conflicting diagnoses, including premature ovarian insufficiency at age 37, before turning her experience into public advocacy for better access to care.
• Canadian women with full benefit plans spend three to three and a half times more out of pocket on healthcare than men under 40, because plans are still designed around a male default.
• Change happens in layers: at the kitchen table, in the legislature, and in how benefits are designed. All three matter, and none of them require waiting for someone else to go first.

The thing you really NEED to know:
You don't need a title or a platform to move the needle on women's health. You need to talk about it publicly, be easy to follow, and be willing to be the first person who shows up when someone else takes the risk of speaking first.
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Guest Info/Resources: 

• Karla Bernard, MLA, Charlottetown-Victoria Park, Prince Edward Island: Legislative Assembly Profile
• Aimee Terrio, reproductive health advocate, Nova Scotia: LinkedIn Profile
• Jason Urquhart, Vice President, Advanced Analytics and Decision Science, Hub International Canada: LinkedIn Profile
• Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation: LinkedIn Profile

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.