The Splitting Atoms Podcast

What does it look like to align your actions with your values—and to stay true to that, even when it isn’t the easiest path forward?In this conversation with Darryl Spector, President of Promation, that question sits at the centre of his approach to leadership.Through his experiences, Darryl reflects on what it means to lead in a way that is consistent, intentional, and grounded in what you believe to be right. His perspective highlights the importance of trusting your instincts, taking ownership of your decisions, and showing up with a clear sense of responsibility—for yourself, for others, and for the industry you’re part of.His story makes one thing clear: leadership is not defined by moments of ease, but by the ability to stay aligned with your values over time.This is a conversation about accountability, self-awareness, and the discipline of leading in a way that holds steady.

What does it actually look like to lead with empathy while still making clear, strategic decisions?In this conversation with Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute, that balance sits at the centre of her story.From early lessons in confidence and self-acceptance, to the influence of competitive sports, to pivotal career moments where emotion and strategy were both present, Jessica’s journey highlights the discipline required to lead with intention.Her experience makes one thing clear: strong leadership isn’t about removing emotion—it’s about learning how to manage it. Emotion creates awareness and connection. Strategy provides clarity and direction. The ability to separate the two, and respond thoughtfully, is what builds trust over time.Today, Jessica brings that balance into her leadership through a thoughtful, consultative approach that prioritizes listening, alignment, and forward momentum.This is a conversation about self-awareness, discipline, and the kind of leadership that earns trust in complex environments.

How do the relationships in our lives shape the direction of our careers?In this conversation with Rachna Clavero, President and CEO of Conexus, that question sits at the centre of her story.From a childhood community that helped her rebuild confidence after experiencing racism, to the influence of her father, her husband, and the mentors who saw potential in her early on, Rachna’s journey makes one thing clear: the most pivotal moments in our careers are rarely shaped alone.The people around us influence our decisions, build our confidence, and help define how we lead.What makes this conversation especially meaningful is that Rachna now leads an organization built entirely around connection within the nuclear sector. In many ways, her work today reflects the very relationships that shaped her path.This is a thoughtful discussion on leadership, resilience, and the people who shape who we become.

In this chapter, host Caitlin Stone delves into the Native Bat Conservation Program, a collaboration between the Nuclear Waste Management Organization and the Toronto Zoo. This initiative seeks to deepen our understanding of the challenges and threats facing native bat species in South Bruce Peninsula and to bolster conservation efforts to support these species.Conservation is a collective effort, and a key aspect of this program is working with communities to dispel myths about bats and reintroduce these creatures to the public. Ensuring safe habitats and garnering community support are essential for the long-term protection of native species.Caitlin is joined by Toby Thorne of the Toronto Zoo as well as Melissa Mayhew from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. For more information, visit www.torontozoo.ca/bats. Be sure to follow The Toronto Zoo and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization on social media channels to stay up to date on this and other conservation efforts. @thetorontozoo @tzconservancy @nwmocanada

In this chapter, we discuss Canada's plan for safely and securely storing used fuel for today and tomorrow, as well as the relationships and exploratory work that goes into selecting communities to host our waste management facilities. Thank you to Laurie Swami, The Nuclear Waste Management Organization, and our chapter partners, PCL Nuclear. 

In Chapter One, we look at the overall state of nuclear within Canada. Our nation has always been a leader within the industry, and continues to lead the way into the future. We discuss how nuclear is delivering much needed consistent, cleaner, and affordable energy. We also look to new technologies that will allow nuclear to serve communities across the country, making clean, affordable, and consistent energy available to even the most remote communities. I am joined by John Gorman, President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association. With a extensive background in the energy sector, and served as Canada's Designate to the International Energy Agency's Executive Committee (PVPS) and was a Founder of the Canadian Council on Renewable Electricity (CanCORE). He’s using this experience to secure a leading role for nuclear energy at the heart of Canada’s energy transition. John has been recognized as one of Canada’s CLEAN50 and was awarded the designation of Climate Project Ambassador by Nobel Laureate Al Gore in 2008.The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) has been the national voice of the Canadian nuclear industry since 1960. Working with our members and all communities of interest, the CNA promotes the industry nationally and internationally, works with governments on policies affecting the sector and endeavours to increase awareness and understanding of the value nuclear technology brings to the environment, economy and daily lives of Canadians.