Jordan LeBel on Speaking with Impact, Living with Intention & Building Trust Through Teaching
Wed Jan 28 2026
💡 What does it mean to live with intention and speak with impact?
In this episode, Jordan LeBel, marketing professor and food industry expert, shares how his superpower — the spoken word — has shaped his career, his teaching, and his personal journey. From the legacy of his Grandmama to the wake-up call of surviving a widow maker heart attack, Jordan reflects on identity, resilience, and the joy of connecting with others.
He opens up about why “my words have impact” became his first superpower, how building trust and connection with students fuels his teaching, why self-care does not equal self-indulgence, and how taking stock led to growth, gratitude, and new boundaries. Whether you’re an academic, professional, or someone seeking clarity in life, this episode is filled with wisdom and inspiration.
🔑 Topics Covered:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Journey from Kitchen to Academic Career
06:09 First Superpower: My Words Have Impact
11:23 Grandmama’s Legacy
15:49 Gratifying Connections with Students
26:09 Speaking to an Aviation Industry Audience
31:51 Trust & Human Connection to Take the Leap
37:01 Overcoming Fear with Preparation & Support
42:18 Learning from Failure & Practicing Self-Kindness
46:53 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
49:48 Widow Maker Heart Attack: A Wake-Up Call
58:33 Self-Care vs. Self-Indulgence
01:08:11 Learning to Say No Without Guilt
01:12:51 Podcast as a Possible Superpower
01:15:54 Growth & Gratitude as Overarching Advice
01:20:09 Closing & Call to Action
🎯 Connect with Jordan LeBel:
Concordia Faculty Page: https://www.concordia.ca/faculty/jordan-lebel.html
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanlebel
Discover more episodes of *Making Your Mark Podcast* with Mark Bundang — real career stories, growth strategies, and lessons from professionals across industries.
📌 Discovery Optimization:
spoken word superpower, impactful teaching, Concordia University professor, widow maker heart attack recovery, self-care vs self-indulgence, building trust with students, overcoming imposter syndrome, gratitude and growth mindset, saying no without guilt, making your mark podcast
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💡 What does it mean to live with intention and speak with impact? In this episode, Jordan LeBel, marketing professor and food industry expert, shares how his superpower — the spoken word — has shaped his career, his teaching, and his personal journey. From the legacy of his Grandmama to the wake-up call of surviving a widow maker heart attack, Jordan reflects on identity, resilience, and the joy of connecting with others. He opens up about why “my words have impact” became his first superpower, how building trust and connection with students fuels his teaching, why self-care does not equal self-indulgence, and how taking stock led to growth, gratitude, and new boundaries. Whether you’re an academic, professional, or someone seeking clarity in life, this episode is filled with wisdom and inspiration. 🔑 Topics Covered: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Journey from Kitchen to Academic Career 06:09 First Superpower: My Words Have Impact 11:23 Grandmama’s Legacy 15:49 Gratifying Connections with Students 26:09 Speaking to an Aviation Industry Audience 31:51 Trust & Human Connection to Take the Leap 37:01 Overcoming Fear with Preparation & Support 42:18 Learning from Failure & Practicing Self-Kindness 46:53 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 49:48 Widow Maker Heart Attack: A Wake-Up Call 58:33 Self-Care vs. Self-Indulgence 01:08:11 Learning to Say No Without Guilt 01:12:51 Podcast as a Possible Superpower 01:15:54 Growth & Gratitude as Overarching Advice 01:20:09 Closing & Call to Action 🎯 Connect with Jordan LeBel: Concordia Faculty Page: https://www.concordia.ca/faculty/jordan-lebel.html LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanlebel Discover more episodes of *Making Your Mark Podcast* with Mark Bundang — real career stories, growth strategies, and lessons from professionals across industries. 📌 Discovery Optimization: spoken word superpower, impactful teaching, Concordia University professor, widow maker heart attack recovery, self-care vs self-indulgence, building trust with students, overcoming imposter syndrome, gratitude and growth mindset, saying no without guilt, making your mark podcast