Explore every episode of the podcast Her CEO Journey™: The Business Finance Podcast for Mission-Driven Women Entrepreneurs
Dive into the complete episode list for Her CEO Journey™: The Business Finance Podcast for Mission-Driven Women Entrepreneurs. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Strategic Debt Financing with Sheena Brady, Founder of Tease Wellness
31 Oct 2024
00:46:55
Key Takeaways Finding Wellness in a Bustling World: How a high-stress career fueled Sheena's search for personal well-being, leading her to discover the power of tea.
More Than Just a Tea Company: Tease Wellness offers functional tea blends designed to seamlessly integrate into everyday life.
Overcoming Barriers as a Woman Entrepreneur: Sheena sheds light on the challenges women face in accessing capital.
Debt Financing for Growth: Sheena shares her experience using debt financing, an often-overlooked strategy, to scale Tease.
Strategic Debt Financing: Sheena shares the benefits of leveraging debt financing instead of giving up equity and highlights how timing and planning are key when securing business loans.
Financial Knowledge for Entrepreneurs: Understanding financial health through cash flow and balance sheets is crucial for avoiding pitfalls, especially when planning for an exit.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Sheena founded the Founders Fund to help women entrepreneurs access funding, mentorship, and education, focusing on financial literacy and business growth.
Episode Highlights
[03:50] Transition from Hospitality to Wellness: Sheena shares how unhealthy habits and burnout from her hospitality career led her to create Tease Wellness, a brand focused on wellness through tea.
[08:50] From Layoff to Launchpad: Sheena's experience of being let go from her corporate job became the catalyst for building Tease.
[12:45] Financial Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs: Sheena reflects on systemic barriers, particularly around debt and credit history, and how this shaped her path to growing Tease.
[19:20] Avoiding Equity Investment: Sheena discusses how she avoided equity investment for 11 years and strategically used debt financing to scale Tease, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to seek a loan.
[23:10] Factoring Financing Costs into Direct Product Costs: Sheena explains how businesses should treat financing costs as part of their direct costs when pricing products.
[25:50] The Role of Financial Literacy: Sheena and Christina discuss how cash flow management and understanding the balance sheet are key to preparing for a healthy exit and long-term business success.
[28:50] Plan an intentional Exit Plan: The importance of financial literacy for women founders not only to maintain healthy finances but to build an exit strategy with a strong foundation.
[33:20] The creation of Founders Fund: This organization supports women entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and education, with a focus on financial literacy, mental health, and business growth.
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Scaling a Mission-Driven Business: Lessons from Lisa Curtis, Founder of Kuli Kuli Foods
17 Oct 2024
00:40:44
In this episode of Her CEO Journey, we’re joined by Lisa Curtis, the dynamic founder and CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods. Lisa’s journey began during her Peace Corps service in Niger, where she struggled with finding nutritious food. A group of local women introduced her to moringa, a superfood that helped tackle malnutrition—and that simple solution later became the foundation of her thriving business.
Recognizing the potential of moringa as both a powerful source of nutrition and a way to support the livelihoods of small farmers, Lisa began her journey in partnership with these farmers. She set out on a mission to introduce this superfood to the global market. As Kuli Kuli grew from a grassroots effort to an international brand, Lisa Curtis faced challenges such as consumer education and fundraising for her mission-driven company.
Key Takeaways
Aligning your company's mission with both profit and purpose is crucial for long-term success, especially in the CPG industry.
Finding a product that resonates with your passion and values helps create a more meaningful and mission-driven business.
How Kuli Kuli collaborates with women farmers in developing countries to create positive change in the food industry.
Achieving scale in the CPG industry is essential to drive cashflow positivity and optimize economies of scale across supply chain and manufacturing.
Kuli Kuli leveraged a variety of financing strategies—crowdfunding, angel investors, grants, and customer loans—at different stages of growth, each tailored to the company's needs at the time.
Episode Highlights
[04:20] – Lisa’s Peace Corps journey and discovering the power of moringa to found Kuli Kuli Foods.
[10:05] – The early challenges of building Kuli Kuli and securing funding.
[14:45] – The challenges and rewards of introducing a new superfood to the U.S. market.
[17:20] – Developing a successful pricing and margin strategy to achieve growth and profitability while staying true to the mission.
[19:30] – Understanding each retailer's game and creating a pricing strategy for each one.
[20:30] – Unexpected direct costs that undermine the margin and Kuli Kuli’s ability to learn from experiences around distributor’s fees.
[25:00] – How to create and maintain an ethical and impactful supply change and the value of high-chain diversification to manage quality.
[28:15] – How Kuli Kuli integrates social impact into its business model working closely with each group of local farmers.
[29:50] - Expand and grow Kuli Kuli’s business model to other superfoods.
[31:20] - Lisa discusses the challenge of reaching profitability in the CPG sector, emphasizing how difficult it is to make money when you're a small business.
[31:48] - Lisa shares how Kuli Kuli navigated financing challenges by using a mix of different financing paths.
[36:20] - Negotiating loan terms and finding investors that align with your mission.
If you enjoyed today’s episode and want to dive deeper into how women entrepreneurs are creating sustainable and impactful businesses, make sure to subscribe to Her CEO Journey.
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Beyond Borders, Beyond Limits: Patrice Mousseau's Journey to Global Success.
07 Mar 2024
00:38:48
Patrice's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs, showcasing the profound impact of blending passion, purpose, and strategic planning to build a successful and meaningful business.
In this episode of Her CEO Journey, our host Christina Sjahli welcomes Patrice Mousseau, founder and CEO of Satya Organics, a company dedicated to creating effective and sustainable skincare products.
Patrice unfolds her inspiring journey from media personality to entrepreneur, driven by a personal need to find natural remedies for her daughter's eczema. She delves into Satya Organics' commitment to social good, building a diverse workforce, and navigating the dynamic world of international expansion.
Key Takeaways:
From passion to purpose: Patrice's journey underscores how personal experiences can ignite entrepreneurial ventures.
Values-driven business: Satya Organics prioritizes quality, sustainability, and social responsibility, demonstrating that businesses can be profitable while making a positive impact.
Building a diverse team: Patrice emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that empowers individuals from different backgrounds.
Going global: Expanding internationally comes with its own set of challenges, but Patrice believes it can be less daunting than expected by focusing on connecting with advisors and then finding the right partners and aligning with your values.
Strategic growth: Patrice's experience showcases the importance of a balanced and thoughtful approach to financial strategy, utilizing various resources to achieve sustainable growth.
Episode Highlights
[04:33] Patrice's journey from media personality to founder of Satya Organics.
[08:14] Cultivating a business culture centered on purpose, values and sustainability.
[10:14] Evolution of the product and packaging always at service of community and environment.
[14:19] Sourcing simple and high quality is the key.
[17:50] Prioritizing opportunities that align with your values while letting go of those that don't.
[21:32] The crucial role of advisors in business international expansion growth.
[24:51] Top recommendation: work on your margin for healthy finances
[30:20] Partnering with suppliers that align with the mission and values.
[33:10] Patrice's proudest moment on her impact journey.
[36:50] Returning to the community to drive innovation.
Resources
To learn more about their products and mission visit Satya Organic’s Instagram and Website
Explore Profit Reimagined and discover how you can turn purpose into profit: Website and LinkedIn
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Her CFO Tips: The Role of a Chief Financial Officer and 5 Benefits They Bring
08 Jul 2021
00:08:44
As business leaders, we bear the brunt of the stress and pressure that comes with running a company. So, many of us have the tendency to do everything on our own. However, running a business does not have to be this way. You won't be able to be an effective leader if you are overworked. Good thing you can ask for the help of a chief financial officer for your company.
Contrary to popular belief, the role of a chief financial officer or CFO entails more than just looking at your numbers. Beyond financial management, a modern CFO helps you evolve your business. For this episode, we go through five key tips on how a CFO can reimagine your company's finances and align them with your mission. We talk about what a CFO does and how they can help business owners like you. Hiring a CFO can help your business fluorish in more ways than you realize.
Listen to this episode to find out why you should hire a modern CFO for your business!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Understand the role of a chief financial officer.
Learn crucial tips on hiring the benefits of having a modern CFO as a trusted advisor.
Find out the areas and aspects beyond financial management that a CFO can examine.
Episode Highlights
[01:50] What is the Role of a Chief Financial Officer?
[03:16] Tip #1: Presents an Independent Viewpoint
[03:55] Tip #2: Spots Critical Issues in the Business Operation
[04:28] Tip #3: Provides a Business Plan and Strategy Aligned with Why You Founded the Business
[05:30] Tip #4: Assists with Setting Goals and Targets
[06:14] Tip #5: Brings Everything Together into Financial Results You Can Understand
[06:51] The Benefits of Having a Trusted Advisor
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources
Visit Christina Sjahli'’s website for more insights on business finance on the Her CEO Journey podcast.
Identify the financial gaps that can stop you from building a profitable and sustainable business. Download this quiz!
Her CFO Tips: 3 Steps to Impressing Your Investors with a Mid-Year Financial Review
01 Jul 2021
00:05:35
Your relationship with your investors shouldn’t end after you’ve successfully raised capital. It's vital to update them on the progress of your business. After all, they placed faith in you and your vision. Being proactive in letting your investors know where the money is going will build trust and strengthen investor relationships. You can do this by having a transparent and well-constructed mid-year financial review.
In this episode, we will talk about three steps you should take to successfully create a mid-year financial review. Aside from impressing your investors, doing so can also help you spot problems and solve them promptly.
If you want to build up your investor relationships and create accountability for yourself, then tune in to this episode!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Learn why doing a financial review after successfully raising capital can help you with investor relationships.
Find out the three steps you need to take to craft a well-thought-out mid-year financial review.
Understand the options that you, as a founder, have with regard to your business finance.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Maintaining Investor Relationships After Capital Raising
[02:18] Step 1: Review and update the assumptions in your financial model
[03:23] Step 2: Prepare a financial projection for the next 12 months
[03:40] Step 3: Review your working capital
[04:07] Partnering with a CFO
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Connect With Me
Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources
Are you getting ready to raise capital? Identify the financial gaps that can stop you from building a profitable and sustainable business first. Download this quiz!
Funding Your Business: When Should You Bootstrap or Raise Capital Externally? - The Journey of Michelle Eichner
24 Jun 2021
00:52:34
As a startup company, you may choose to bootstrap your funding. In fact, some business owners find it more comfortable to do so, as was the case for Michelle Eichner and her first company. From bootstrapping her company to success, she talks about her journey to creating a financial model that works. According to Michelle, it is important to make well-researched assumptions and reasonable predictions for business growth, such as when and where to increase or reduce your financial resources.
Michelle also talks about why she eventually chose to raise capital externally for her second company. Building her digital product was a more competitive venture than her previous emailing platform. She explains why bootstrapping was no longer an option in this case. Furthermore, Michelle tackles the benefits of attracting investors and using special purpose vehicles.
Do you want to know which type of funding is the best fit for your business? Listen to this episode to know more!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Learn how Michelle transitioned from bootstrapping her business to raising capital and seeking investors.
Explore how using special purpose vehicles can help you raise capital.
well-researched business projections are crucial for your financial model.
Episode Highlights
[04:53] Starting as an Entrepreneur
[06:44] Michelle’s Second Company
[12:14] Bootstrapping for Pivotal Veracity vs Raising Capital for Digitile
[15:24] What If Digitile Was Founded in the 2000s?
[18:46] Choosing to Raise Capital for Digitile
[20:32] Digitile’s Financial Model
[23:09] The Changing Model of Digitile
[27:39] The Benefits of SPVs
[33:01] Determining the Amount of Investment
[34:51] A Checklist for Capital Raising
[37:02] Understanding Your Financial Numbers for a Well-Thought Pitch Deck
[42:52] What Michelle Would Do Differently
[48:02] Hiring a CFO
Enjoyed This Podcast?
Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me
Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources
Are you getting ready to raise capital? Identify the financial gaps that can stop you from building a profitable and sustainable business first. Download this quiz!
Special Purpose Vehicles and You: Navigating the Legalities Surrounding SPVs - The Journey of McCall Harris
17 Jun 2021
00:46:13
There are lots of benefits to using a special purpose vehicle or SPV to raise capital. However, you undermine these advantages if you don’t familiarize yourself with its legal aspects. Handling legal affairs may be intimidating, but it is a necessary aspect of any business venture. If you want to utilize the full potential of an SPV, you need to know how to navigate its legalities.
In this episode, McCall Harris talks about the legal processes involved with SPVs. She also explains from a legal standpoint why it is a favourable alternative to venture capital funds. In addition, McCall talks about the steps involved in creating and dissolving an SPV. Finally, she provides details behind the legal documents essential in these processes.
If you are a mission-driven founder who wants to try SPVs for your business, this episode is for you!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Understand the step-by-step process of creating an SPV.
Learn the documents you need for an SPV.
Find out more about dissolving an SPV, whether in a successful or unsuccessful exit.
Episode Highlights
[05:24] Being a Lawyer and Specializing in SPV
[07:43] What Is a Special Purpose Vehicle?
[12:09] The Four-Step Process of Creating an SPV
[13:47] Benefits of SPVs
[15:29] Why Does a Cleaner Cap Table Matter?
[17:50] Legal Documents You Need to Know
[21:37] Drafting an Operating Agreement
[26:01] The Terms Included in an Operating Agreement
[28:03] Legal Aspects of Successful Business Exits
[34:42] Unsuccessful Business Exits
[38:44] Other Considerations
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me.
Resources
Visit Christina Sjahli’s for more insights on raising capital through equity crowdfunding on the Her CEO Journey podcast.
Are you getting ready for capital raising? Identify the financial gaps that can stop you from building a profitable and sustainable business. Download this quiz!
Assure — The Special Purpose Vehicle Specialist: Website | LinkedIn
Ensure Your Startup Growth: Tips on Capital Raising Using Special Purpose Vehicle and Strategic Deployment - The Journey of Tara Spalding
10 Jun 2021
01:01:01
As a founder, you need to be strategic about your plans for startup growth. Capital raising alone won’t be the solution to your cash flow problems. Instead of focusing on this, you need to know if you’re building a sustainable and profitable business. Because no matter how successful you are at capital raising, it’s pointless if you don’t know how to deploy these resources.
BoomStartup's Tara Spalding joins us to discuss the important things you need to keep in mind when raising capital to ensure startup growth. She emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency between BoomStartup and its clients. Through quarterly business surveys, they can track their clients' progress and suggest improvements along the way.
Tara also shares the programs they have to help founders accelerate their startup growth. We also touch upon the importance of intellectual property and high growth potential. Finally, we learn the value of SPVs in the pre-seed round and CFOs in the seed round.
If you want to know how an accelerator can be helpful to your startup growth, then this episode is for you.
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Discover how BoomStartUp helps startups grow by giving them guidance and expert advice.
Learn the different evaluation processes BoomStartup conducts to determine the progress and growth of its clients.
Find out tips and strategies for intellectual property, capital raising, and when to hire a CFO.
Episode Highlights
- [06:18] Tara’s Background - [10:28] What BoomStartup Does - [12:59] What Low Barrier Means - [16:20] How to Join the Accelerator for Startup Growth - [19:17] Programs at BoomStartup - [24:53] Building an Intellectual Property Strategy - [31:14] High Growth Potential for Startup Growth - [36:37] Assessing Capital and Progress - [40:59] Using SPVs at the Pre-Seed Round - [47:13] What to Look Out for in the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A Rounds - [50:15] Why it Makes Sense to Hire a Part-Time CFO Prior to and After the Seed Round
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources
Visit Christina Sjahli’s website for more stories on entrepreneurial journeys to success on the Her CEO Journey podcast.
Are you getting ready for capital raising? Identify the financial gaps that can stop you from building a profitable and sustainable business. Download this quiz!
Using a Special Purpose Vehicle as an Option for Capital Raising - The Journey of Katie Neilson (Alternative Capital Raising Series)
03 Jun 2021
00:34:52
As a business owner, you need to raise capital to grow and scale your business. I always believe there are many different ways to raise capital. However, it is easy to get lost because of the various options. If you want to raise capital and get the flexibility to control outcomes, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) may be your answer.
Today on Her CEO Journey, Katie Neilson discusses capital raising using a special purpose vehicle. She helps us understand this investment vehicle and the benefits this presents for founders and investors. Katie also shares some options you can explore if you’re thinking of using SPV to raise capital.
If you are a mission-driven founder who is looking for a different method of raising capital, this episode is for you.
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Determine the difference between a special purpose vehicle and venture capital.
Learn how a special purpose vehicle can help founders raise capital.
Find out the benefits of a special purpose vehicle in capital raising.
Episode Highlights
[05:47] Katie's Journey in Co-Founding Assure
[08:19] Katie and Her Co-Founder's Background
[08:57] What Is a Special Purpose Vehicle?
[11:50] What Is an Organizer?
[12:41] The Difference Between SPV and Venture Capital
[15:42] How Assure Managed to Lower the Cost of SPV
[18:03] Hybrid Fund: A Combination of SPV and Venture Capital
[23:51] The Benefits of Special Purpose Vehicle for Founders
[26:32] Preparation for Fundraising
[28:34] What Is a Syndication?
[30:34] Key Takeaways in Fundraising through SVP
[33:00] How to Set Up an SVP or Work with Assure
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources Visit Christina Sjahli’s website for more stories on entrepreneurial journeys to success on the Her CEO Journey podcast.
Her CFO Tips: Thinking of Capital Raising? Address These 5 Business Finance Misconceptions First
27 May 2021
00:24:14
It takes hard work to move your purpose-driven business closer to your goal while ensuring that it’s sustainable. As you scale your business, you’ll realize that you need to be profitable to amplify your social impact mission. But before you think about capital raising, first and foremost, you need to understand why you need the extra capital.
In this episode, I discuss five misconceptions — and a bonus sixth! — on business finance that can cloud your headspace. Clearing out these misconceptions can close gaps in your business finance process you may not even know you had. In doing so, you can make more strategic and informed business decisions for your company’s growth.
If you are a mission-driven founder who wants to make the best business finance decisions, then this episode is for you!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Find out five (plus a bonus one) business finance misconceptions that can cloud your business decisions.
Identify the gaps in your business and take steps to create solutions.
Clear your headspace and make the best decisions for you and your business as you look into capital raising.
Episode Highlights
[02:14] Know the Five Misconceptions in Business Finance First Before Going into Capital Raising
[05:10] #1: High Price and High Volume Equals High Revenue
[06:42] #2: Fast Growth Means a More Profitable Situation and More Cash Flow
[19:32] #3: Financing Resolves All Cash Flow Issues
[11:23] #4: Financial Knowledge Equals Bookkeeping and Taxes
[14:39] #5: Forecasts are Pointless
[19:06] Bonus: Getting a Business Loan Is Bad
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources
Visit Christina Sjahli’s website for more stories on entrepreneurial journeys to success on the Her CEO Journey podcast.
Getting ready for capital raising? Identify your financial gaps first by addressing these five business finance misconceptions. Download this quiz!
Her CFO Tips: Identify the Financial Story Behind Your Marketing Campaigns
20 May 2021
00:13:01
We all want what’s best for our company. However, our teams may execute things differently. Often, we see tension between our marketing and finance teams: our companies' creative and analytical branches, respectively. They may not see the eye-to-eye on the best way forward. Marketing may feel that finance is trying to cut their resources. In contrast, finance thinks that marketing is spending too much without measuring results. To resolve this conflict, we need to find a common language between the two sides.
In this episode, we talk about how you can bridge the gap between marketing and finance through the perspective of a CFO. We share five important questions to ask your marketing team so that you can identify the financial story behind your marketing campaigns. Knowing the answers to these questions is vital data that you need for future decisions.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to bridge the gap between marketing and finance, then this episode is for you! Start asking the right questions so you can get the results you want.
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Discover the five questions you need to ask about your marketing process from a CFO’s perspective!
Understand the importance of each metric and hear examples of how to apply them.
Learn the benefits of bridging your marketing and finance process.
Episode Highlights
[00:02] The Common Gap In Marketing And Finance
[02:45] Strengthening Your Marketing From a CFO Perspective
[04:09] The First Question: Business Analysis
[05:33] The Second Question: Number of Prospects
[06:31] The Third Question: Lead To Client Conversion Speed
[08:12] The Fourth Question: Conversion Rate Per Marketing Campaign
[09:35] The Fifth Question: Bringing the Right Audience
[10:24] Insights to Bridging Your Marketing And Finance
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources:
Visit Christina Sjahli’s website for more stories on entrepreneurial journeys to success on the Her CEO Journey podcast.
Download this Action Guide to help you understand the financial story behind your marketing campaigns in Toronto, Canada.
Growing Your Business through an Accessible and Sustainable Website - The Journey of Alisa Herr (Growth Marketing Series)
13 May 2021
00:44:26
A website can be a bridge between your business and a potential client despite miles of distance. But people come from various walks of life — their abilities, needs, and wants all differ from each other. How can you pique their interest in what you have to offer?
Joining us is Alisa Herr, CEO of Unity Web Agency. Alisa starts by sharing her journey and struggles to start Unity. She aims to show how important it is to create an accessible and sustainable website. Alisa also shares how her company implemented an equal-pay policy and what this means for her employees. Through all of this, you also need to remember that it’s vital to know your financial numbers so that you can make well-informed decisions for your company’s growth.
With Alisa’s knowledge, you can equip yourself to face these challenges head-on. You now have more tools to grow your business and still look out for people and the planet.
If you're in a position to make your business more accessible, this episode is for you.
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Gain valuable insights from Alisa’s journey to start her own web design business that promotes inclusivity.
Learn how you can have an accessible and sustainable website.
Find out what goals you can set to create a better and more inclusive environment for your team and your clients.
Episode Highlights
[05:50] Alisa’s Journey to Starting Unity Web Agency
[08:54] The Difference Between Unity and Other Website Agencies
[10:32] What an Accessible Website Means
[12:53] How to Make a Website More Accessible
[17:19] What a Sustainable Website Means
[20:59] Partnership with Ablr
[22:56] The Key Components of a Functional and Well-Designed Website
[29:14] Unity’s Equal Pay Policy
[34:30] Ensuring Business Profitability and Sustainability
[36:38] Setting Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
[40:07] Initial Struggles When Establishing the Agency
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Achieve Your Company’s Full Potential with Branding and a Partnership Strategy - The Journey of Shelley Mayer (Growth Marketing Series)
06 May 2021
00:37:12
Do you know what it takes to build a successful brand? Perhaps you're looking for some practical solutions, or maybe you're in the process of building a brand but have met roadblocks. However, if you're not actively thinking about building your brand, then it's time to start. In addition to meeting your sales goals, there's so much more you can do if you have a clear idea of your brand's identity.
Remember: your branding and marketing strategy evolves along with your financial strategy. Brand impact metrics help you forecast your revenue growth and make business decisions without making uneducated guesses. Your company’s brand reflects what you and your business believe in. Through it, you can strengthen your relationship with your customers, inspire and recruit talent, work with people whose vision is aligned with yours, and separate yourself from your competition.
In this episode, Shelley Mayer discusses the importance of building your brand as a foundation to reaching your company’s full potential. She talks about the value of understanding the core purpose of your organization. Adhering to this can promote growth in your business. Additionally, Shelley discusses the importance of a partnership strategy. Organizations with the same core values and objectives can elevate each other in a mutually beneficial partnership. If done well, a partnership strategy helps promote awareness and growth.
If you want more valuable tips on successful branding and partnership strategy, this episode is for you.
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Explore the fundamental strategies in building a successful brand and partnership strategy.
Discover how Shelley developed her company, Ramp, to elevate the field of brand marketing.
Learn more about Shelley’s partnership strategy and why business leaders need to consider acquiring one.
Episode Highlights
[07:18] Shelley’s Journey: Building Ramp
[11:10] Definition and Misconceptions on Branding
[13:42] Challenges in Building Ramp
[15:43] Ramp’s B Corp Certification
[18:48] Being Successful Without a Strong Brand
[19:25] Signs of Untapped Potential
[21:22] Benefits of Partnership Marketing
[23:08] Steps to Building a Successful Partnership Strategy
[30:05] Why a Partnership Strategy Might Not Work
[31:02] Financial Journey of Building Ramp
[34:16] Ramp Looking Forward
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Download this Action Guide to help you understand the value of building your brand and working with partners for growth.
Sustainable Growth: Deebee's Organics' Path to International Markets
22 Feb 2024
00:40:47
Dionne Laslo-Baker, the founder and CEO of Deebee’s Organics, is a fellow certified B Corp dedicated to revolutionizing snacks. With a background in medical science and as a mother, she embarked on a mission to provide organic, flavorful, and nutritious snacks for families.
In this episode, Dionne delves into the highs and lows of growing a business from scratch. She offers valuable insights into overcoming regulatory hurdles, embracing cultural diversity, and the pivotal role of advisors in business expansion.
But what truly sets Dionne's story apart is her unwavering commitment to a purpose-driven culture and sustainable business practices, which has not only propelled Deebee’s Organics to international success but also made a lasting impact on the industry.
Tune in to this episode of Her CEO Journey to discover more about Dionne’s path to building a sustainable global enterprise while staying true to her core values.
Here's what you'll discover:
Learn how advisors can influence your business in the long term and where to find the ones you need.
Explore the importance of fostering a purpose-driven culture in your business and how it can mitigate risks.
Discover strategies for managing your business on a global scale, especially when dealing with foreign markets.
Episode Highlights
[02:36] Dionne Laslo-Baker’s CEO Journey
[06:42] Creating a Culture
[12:14] From Science to Snacks to Scale
[16:17] The Critical Role of Advisors in Business
[23:12] Focusing on One Market
[28:23] Supplier Diversity
[34:59] Differing Challenges at Different Levels of Success
[38:26] Dionne’s Proudest Moment On Her Impact Journey
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Ready to turn purpose into profit? Transform your financial strategy and embark on a journey toward a sustainable and thriving business. Schedule a chat with the team today!
Paid Advertising with Ecosia: Grow Your Business and Increase Your Social Impact - The Journey of Ruby Au (Growth Marketing Series)
29 Apr 2021
00:54:21
Can social impact and profit go together? Balancing the two is challenging, and many companies find themselves choosing one or the other. However, Ecosia shows that it’s possible. Ecosia is a green search engine, and they found a way to get their paid advertising revenue work for their social impact goals — planting trees in some of the harshest places around the world.
In this episode, Ruby Au joins us to talk about Ecosia’s positive impacts on the environment and paid advertising. She shares the sustainable projects that the company has started. Along the way, they’re able to generate high revenue. Ruby also reveals the goals and measures that will guide a business towards or away from its mission. Finally, we discuss how to get paid advertising work and how people can start partnering with Ecosia.
This episode is part two of the Growth Marketing Series. It aims to show you that business finance and marketing come together to focus on your purpose. If you invest in paid advertising, your marketing team should look at traffic- and conversion-driven metrics. Furthermore, they should also examine how each campaign results in revenue. Through this, your team becomes financial ambassadors, and you’re better able to make sound data-driven decisions.
If you want to know more about how to get paid advertising work for profit and social impact, then this episode is for you!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Discover the way Ecosia balances profit and social impact.
Understand how your KPIs will always drive your decisions and investments.
Learn practical tips on how to get paid advertising to work for you.
Episode Highlights
[06:40] What Led Ruby to Work for Ecosia
[12:42] How Ecosia Works
[16:51] The Stakeholder vs. Shareholder Approaches
[19:52] The Main Mission of Ecosia
[23:09] Are Your Goals Aligned to Impact?
[32:21] Ecosia’s User Profile
[36:06] How Paid Advertising with the Syndicated Partner Network Works
[42:09] How to Get Paid Advertising to Work for You
[49:13] Mission and Profit Can Go Together
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Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me.
A Deep Dive into the Importance of an SEO Strategy - The Journey of Anna Colibri (Growth Marketing Series)
22 Apr 2021
00:48:47
As a business owner, you need to understand that finance is interconnected with other business activities. A holistic approach to business finance in Toronto, Canada offers significant returns to your business. Moreover, to maximize growth, everyone in your team should be a finance ambassador. Your marketing team should know the return of investment for the growth strategies that they use. Effective information management can help you determine future marketing spending.
Among these growth marketing strategies, your company may benefit from search engine optimization or SEO. However, an SEO strategy may intimidate some business owners. You may not know much about it, but don’t let this stop you from exploring its potential. An SEO strategy can help your company grow in the long term.
In this episode, Anna Colibri talks about the importance of a growth marketing strategy. She gives practical tips on developing an SEO strategy to generate more leads and achieve a higher conversion rate. Anna shares tips on what makes a good SEO strategy. She also talks about the necessity of financial knowledge in running a business.
If you are a mission-driven founder who wants to learn more about the importance of an SEO strategy, then this episode is for you!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Learn about the particulars behind SEO.
Discover the best way to develop an SEO strategy.
Appreciate the importance of financial knowledge.
Episode Highlights
[06:59] Why Anna Started Her Digital Marketing Company
[09:54] Prioritizing Marketing in a Business
[12:15] Anna’s Experience in Marketing
[14:29] Struggles Businesses Have with SEO
[19:03] New vs. Established Businesses
[23:03] Thinking Long-Term
[25:55] Essential SEO Components
[28:12] The Importance of Location
[29:40] Creating Backlinks
[32:51] Other Methods To Build Links
[34:35] Why an SEO Strategy Is Worth It
[36:41] How an SEO Strategy Relates to Sales
[39:47] SEO vs. Paid Marketing
[42:19] User Experience In SEO
[44:08] Changes in Anna’s Financial Knowledge
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Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources:
Download this Action Guide to help you understand the importance of and develop an SEO strategy for your business.
Reimagining Business Finance: How a Holistic Approach Can Help You Improve Your Business
15 Apr 2021
00:16:07
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term “business finance”? Is it money or getting revenue and sales? That’s what many people commonly think; however, finance is more than just numbers. It is deeply tied to our purpose and operations, so much that your financial statements can tell you if your purpose and profit are misaligned.
In this episode, we talk about viewing business finance in a holistic way. We also examine why we need everyone in our team to become finance ambassadors. Creating this change can bring huge returns to your business, including company culture, purpose, and more. Any mindset shift starts with you, so get out there and take action!
If you want to learn more about the holistic approach of business finance and finance ambassadors, then this episode is for you!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 1. Understand why we need to change the way we view business finance. 2. Learn how business finance is connected to everything in our business. 3. Discover the power of finance ambassadors.
Episode Highlights ➤ [02:10] Why We Need to See Business Finance Differently ➤ [04:55] The Golden Circle ➤ [06:42] Connect Business Finance to Your Purpose and Operations ➤ [09:24] Everyone in Your Team Needs to Be a Finance Ambassador ➤ [13:15] The First Step a Founder and CEO Can Take as a Finance Ambassador ➤ [14:04] Results of the Mindset Shift
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Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Pushing Boundaries as a Woman of Colour and Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with Financial Knowledge - The Journey of Stacey Martin (Equity Crowdfunding Series)
01 Apr 2021
00:46:08
Growing a company goes beyond passion and creativity. Women of colour, in particular, are at a disadvantage when it comes to raising capital, especially in Toronto, Canada. Pushing boundaries means having confidence in your vision and understanding of financial numbers to provide investors with concrete answers about funding.
Your financial numbers are not your enemy. By switching this mindset, you can push boundaries, empower, and pave the way for future minority leaders and entrepreneurs.
In this episode, Stacey Martin introduces her fashion brand, Stacey Martin Lifestyle. She shares her journey from building a business to growing it through equity crowdfunding. Stacey also shares the value of understanding your financial numbers. As a Black woman in the fashion industry, she understands that she’s at a disadvantage. Despite this, she acknowledges that her purpose is bigger than herself and persists in pushing boundaries.
If you’re an entrepreneur or investor of a business for good who wants to know more about pushing boundaries, then this episode is for you!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 1. Gain valuable insights from how Stacey is growing her business through equity crowdfunding. 2. Learn the importance of understanding the financials behind the company and hiring a dedicated CFO. 3. Discover how Stacey is pushing boundaries in the fashion industry as a woman of colour.
Episode Highlights ➤ [08:07] Stacey Martin on Building Her Brand ➤ [10:21] Why Stacey Needed to Rebrand Her Business ➤ [11:52] The Biggest Challenges Stacey Experienced When She Started ➤ [12:40] Using Her Background as a Performer to Become a Better Entrepreneur ➤ [16:17] Sustainability and Ethical Practices for Stacey Martin Lifestyle ➤ [17:37] Why Stacey Chose Equity Crowdfunding ➤ [19:28] How Stacey Will Use the Funds ➤ [21:08] Future Plans for Financing, Expanding, and Exit ➤ [24:16] How Stacey Understands Financial Numbers ➤ [28:15] The Benefits of Understanding Financial Numbers and Hiring a CFO ➤ [35:10] Looking Back ➤ [38:56] The Effect of COVID-19 on Stacey’s Business ➤ [41:05] Stacey’s Equity Crowdfunding Journey
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Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Create Your Financial Story Before Raising Capital - The Journey of Vivian Riley (Equity Crowdfunding Series)
25 Mar 2021
00:54:54
Do you know where your business is going in a few years? Answering this question is crucial in equity crowdfunding and any capital raising. It’s not enough to know the past story (bookkeeping) and comply to pay your taxes every year. Financial forecasts are vital to show your investors that your vision is profitable and sustainable. But here's the tricky part: it's dynamic. You need to consistently update your numbers and adapt to an ever-changing business environment.
In this episode, Vivian Riley talks about her preparations before raising capital with equity crowdfunding. She notes that having solid financial records, forward-looking view and marketing strategies helped her build her network of investors. We now have more opportunities and options when raising funds, and it’s important that we’re prepared every step of the way.
If you want to be ready to raise funds for your business, this episode is for you!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 1. Learn the benefits of hybrid financing that includes equity crowdfunding. 2. Discover how historical data, financial forecasts, and consistent reviews can help you prepare to raise capital. 3. Understand that investors need to be confident in both you and the business.
Episode Highlights ➤ [07:09] Vivian’s Experience and Business ➤ [14:47] Building Your Recurring Revenue ➤ [18:28] Hybrid Business Financing and Equity Crowdfunding ➤ [24:00] What to Do Before Raising Capital ➤ [28:47] How to Build Reasonable Financial Forecasts ➤ [31:19] Key Steps to Investor Relationships ➤ [33:13] Helpful Tools for Business Finance ➤ [39:33] Team Dynamics and Management in Times of Crisis ➤ [47:42] Vivian’s Advice on When and How to Raise Capital ➤ [49:57] Benefits of Creating Early Momentum and Strong Financials in Equity Crowdfunding
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Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources ➤ Visit Christina Sjahli’s website for more insights on raising capital through equity crowdfunding on the Her CEO Journey podcast. ➤ Download this Action Guide to help you create your financial story before raising capital in Toronto, Canada.
Making Your Way Through the Legal Side of Raising Capital - The Journey of Julie Bogle (Equity Crowdfunding Series)
18 Mar 2021
00:39:04
Are you planning to scale your business? Perhaps you consider equity crowdfunding as a way to raise capital. While equity crowdfunding can help your business grow, first understand if equity crowdfunding can benefit your business. Furthermore, you have to be knowledgeable of the different sides of this capital raising, including the legal side.
In this episode, Julie Bogle, an attorney from the Canadian law firm BLG joins us to discuss the different ways of raising capital. She notes the various exemptions and capital raising that will suit different kinds of investors. Julie encourages mission-driven female entrepreneurs and business owners to hire experts to fill in knowledge gaps in your team and lawyers to handle the legal side of your equity crowdfunding campaign. Learn to solve problems even before they appear!
If you want to know more about the benefits of hiring experts and lawyers to ensure the success of your equity crowdfunding campaign, then this episode is for you!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 1. Discover the different ways you can raise funds and the different kinds of investors available. 2. Learn the importance of rules and jurisdictions before you start your equity crowdfunding campaign. 3. Understand why it’s essential to hire experts and find a lawyer who’ll help you tend your crowdfunding campaign’s legalities.
Episode Highlights ➤ [06:34] Julie’s Background ➤ [09:35] Raising Capital as Women Entrepreneurs ➤ [12:22] Expand Your Focus ➤ [14:31] Types of Investors and Ways to Grow Your Business Finances ➤ [18:37] When Raising Capital through Equity Crowdfunding Makes Sense for Your Business ➤ [21:47] Why Rules and Jurisdiction Matter in Equity Crowdfunding ➤ [25:07] Know Your Exit Strategy and Cap Table ➤ [28:25] Things You Need to Know When Researching on Funding Platforms ➤ [33:44] Qualities of a Good Lawyer
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources ➤ Visit Christina Sjahli’s website to learn about managing your balance sheet on the Her CEO Journey podcast series.
➤ Download this Action Guide to help you navigate the legal side of raising capital through equity crowdfunding in Toronto, Canada.
➤ Learn more about equity crowdfunding from a marketing, business finance, and due diligence perspective by tuning into our previous interviews with Jaime McNally and Trieste Reading.
Raising Capital with FrontFundr: Due Diligence, Managing Finances, and Putting the Numbers Together - The Journey of Jaime McNally (Equity Crowdfunding Series)
11 Mar 2021
00:22:42
As mission-driven female entrepreneurs, we know our companies inside and out. But do we know everything we need for growth? How much is your business worth? Can you really do everything alone? Do you have all the data you need?
In this episode, FrontFundr's Jaime McNally joins us to share the processes FrontFundr's Venture team executes to help companies raise capital. She also discusses the role and importance of valuing a business in equity crowdfunding. We also touch on the best practices in managing finances and data and the process of raising capital through convertible debt.
Tune in to the episode to learn how to learn the best practices for achieving growth!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 1. Learn the role of valuing a business in raising capital. 2. Find out some of the best practices for business growth. 3. Identify the best deal structure and common struggles ventures experience when raising capital and how to deal with them.
Episode Highlights ➤ [02:55] Explaining key terminologies ➤ [04:15] Why knowing your business’s worth is important ➤ [05:26] Three processes to implement to determine the value of your business ➤ [07:26] How FrontFundr works ➤ [08:56] The benefits and risks involved in equity crowdfunding ➤ [09:54] Handling business finances with your CFO ➤ [11:03] Industries FrontFundr works with ➤ [11:37] The Due Diligence Processes ➤ [13:48] Where valuing a business comes in ➤ [16:43] Raising capital through convertible debt and/or hybrid financing with FrontFundr ➤ [18:10] Common struggles with ventures when raising capital ➤ [19:46] From equity crowdfunding to initial public offering (IPO)
Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends.
Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Resources ➤ Visit Christina Sjahli’s website to learn about managing your balance sheet on the Her CEO Journey podcast series.
➤ Download this Action Guide to help you do your due diligence, manage your finances in Toronto, Canada, and put the numbers together.
➤ Learn more about equity crowdfunding from a marketing perspective by tuning into our previous interview with Trieste Reading.
Creating Successful Marketing Campaign to Raise Capital - The Journey of Trieste Reading (Equity Crowdfunding Series)
04 Mar 2021
00:50:11
As frustrating as it may seem, the reality is female business founders are significantly underfunded compared to male founders. Equity crowdfunding helps build community and excitement around a business.
In this episode of Her CEO Journey, Trieste Reading talks about effective marketing for equity crowdfunding. She introduces FrontFundr, a platform you can use to raise capital for your mission-driven business. She also talks about creating a great pitch deck to attract investors.
If you’re a woman with a vision, aiming to create an effective market campaign for equity crowdfunding, then this episode is for you!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 1. Learn about FrontFundr as an online platform you can use to campaign for your business and raise capital. 2. Discover the critical marketing pillars for raising capital. 3. Know about the importance of a target capital raise as a predictor of a successful campaign.
Episode Highlights ➤ [07:08] How Trieste's journey with FrontFundr Started ➤ [10:35] How to get over risky investments ➤ [14:22] How the funding landscape changed in the past year ➤ [16:44] How FrontFundr helps in marketing your business ➤ [19:32] What steps to take next ➤ [22:42] Which companies can raise capital with FrontFundr? ➤ [25:49] Customer vs. investor acquisition ➤ [26:48] Easy and hard industries in raising capital ➤ [29:37] FrontFundr's role in raising capital ➤ [30:15] Marketing pillars to raise capital ➤ [33:45] The minimum following needed ➤ [36:57] Successful vs. unsuccessful campaigns ➤ [42:44] Creating a great pitch deck ➤ [46:08] Advice on marketing for equity crowdfunding for female founders
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Connect With Me Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
How Cultivating Capital is Empowering Businesses to Become More Sustainable - The Journey of Carolina Miranda (B-Corp Series)
25 Feb 2021
00:48:54
What does it take to turn your business into a force for good?
To start, you need to have a powerful mission.
You also need to offer services and products that help people.
And you need to make a profit to affect change.
But that’s not all.
You also need to incorporate sustainability into your business model and practices.
Making your business more sustainable isn’t easy, but it is possible—especially with help.
That’s where sustainability expert and B-corp consultant Carolina Miranda comes in. With her company, she helps businesses take the step from dreaming to action.
In our conversation today, Carolina explains in detail the process of becoming B-corp certified, what the impact assessment means, and how to begin incorporating sustainable practices into your work.
You’ll learn how service-based businesses can rethink their sustainability, what challenges you might face when conducting an impact assessment, and why it’s critical to prioritize profitability.
About my guest: Carolina Miranda is the founder and CEO of Cultivating Capital, a certified B-corp that helps small businesses implement more sustainable business practices. As an entrepreneur and certified green business, sustainability, and B-corp consultant, Miranda works with business leaders from the ground up to rethink their company practices, prioritize sustainability, and start the journey of becoming B-corp certified. Her company is currently in the process of launching the B Impact Collective, a membership community designed to unite business leaders who are passionate about B-corp certification.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ Why Carolina was drawn to the idea of B-corps (6:01) ➤ How to focus on sustainability in business (9:41) ➤ The best way to become a B-corp (12:53) ➤ How to take advantage of the impact assessment (16:07) ➤ The challenges you might face in assessing your business (19:38) ➤ How service-based businesses can score B-corp points (28:00) ➤ Rethinking your business model and practices (31:56) ➤ How to maintain your B-corp certification (37:00) ➤ Shifting your perspective on business finances (39:44) ➤ Balancing sustainability with profit (45:11)
What Grow Ensemble Learns in Becoming a B-Corp - The Journey of Annie Bright and Cory Ames (B-Corp Series)
18 Feb 2021
00:28:42
What qualities do you need to make a difference in the world?
Obviously, you need passion, motivation, and persistence, but you also need something else.
Adaptability.
To make a true impact with your business, you have to be prepared to adapt your mission and goals.
That’s what Cory Ames and Annie Bright did with their company, Grow Ensemble.
What started as a digital marketing agency for businesses turned into a global community dedicated to social and environmental change.
In our conversation today, we talk about how Cory and Annie built and adapted their business and why they’re so passionate about sustainability.
Along the way, you’ll gather insight on the challenges of becoming a B-corp certified business when your business is at a start-up stage and learn why it’s important to choose your customers and strategic partners with care.
About my guests: Cory Ames is the CEO and co-founder of Grow Ensemble, a company that shares resources and sustainable solutions for environmental and social causes. Annie Bright is the co-founder and director of partnerships at Grow Ensemble. With backgrounds in digital marketing and law, respectively, Cory and Annie have built Grow Ensemble into a global community of individuals and businesses eager to sustainable solutions to major problems. They have a podcast, blog, partnership program, and directory of impact-driven businesses to support.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Annie became interested in immigration and supporting refugees (5:48) ➤ How Cory learned about the B-Corp community (7:11) ➤ How Grow Ensemble evolved from digital marketing services to impact solutions (10:02) ➤ The process of preparing to become a B-Corp (12:01) ➤ Managing your finances as an aspiring B-Corp (15:52) ➤ How Annie and Cory choose the people they work with (17:55) ➤ Balancing profit and impact (22:04)
Inside Export Development Canada Mission for Global Trade with Amanda Klucowicz
08 Feb 2024
00:38:05
Amanda Klucowicz serves as a Senior Relationship Manager at Export Development Canada. She is dedicated to helping Canadian businesses break into international markets. With EDC's tailored tools and solutions, navigating global waters becomes more manageable, ensuring not only profitability but also the long-term security of your company.
In this episode, Amanda delves into crucial topics such as EDC's criteria for Canadian companies, the customized solutions they offer, and essential preparations for business owners venturing into international markets.
Customized solutions are especially vital for businesses committed to social impact or seeking B Corp certification, as their challenges often differ significantly from traditional businesses.
Join us on Her CEO Journey to explore EDC's strategies for global market entry.
Here's what you'll discover:
Discover how EDC tailors assistance specifically for your Canadian business.
Prepare effectively for partnering with EDC to enter international markets.
Explore which of EDC's solution buckets is the right fit for you.
Episode Highlights
[02:20]Amanda Klucowicz’ Journey
[05:21] What EDC Does for Canadian Businesses
[09:10] The EDC Experience
[12:59] EDC’s Solutions
[24:08] What a Business Should Know Before Approaching EDC
Each review you write helps us reach more women in business. Your insights are invaluable—share this with your friends and amplify the impact!
Connect With the Profit Reimagined
Ready to turn purpose into profit? Transform your financial strategy and embark on a journey toward a sustainable and thriving business. Schedule a chat with the team today!
How a B-Corp Marketing Agency Builds a Better Future - The Journey of Kim Fuller (B-Corp Series)
11 Feb 2021
00:45:27
Business owners are told we can’t have it all.
You can’t give back and increase your profits.
You can’t devote your attention to your customers and take good care of your employees.
You can’t have a socially-driven business that actually makes good money.
Right?
Wrong.
The truth is: your business can do it all. You can be a force for good and still grow your profits.
All it takes is a little extra strategy and dedication.
No one knows that better than Kim Fuller, a social entrepreneur who made it her mission to work exclusively with clients who are making a positive difference in the world.
In our chat today, Kim talks about her journey as a business owner, how she infuses social impact into every aspect of her work, and what it took to improve her company’s revenue by 175%.
You’ll learn the importance of creating a bottom-up budget, why it’s crucial to get your team inspired by your goals, and what it takes to become B-corp certified.
About my guest: Kim Fuller is the founder and CEO of Phil, a Montreal-based marketing agency that specializes in serving non-profit organizations. Kim got her start in advertising as a graphic designer, then eventually got the entrepreneurial bug and opened her own agency. Over the past 20 years, Kim has doubled her team, tripled her company profits, and become B-corp certified. Through her company work, Kim and her team are dedicated to five critical UN sustainable development goals: health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, reducing inequalities, and climate action.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Kim started her agency (6:17) ➤ How to advertise social impact businesses (10:41) ➤ The challenges of getting certified as a B-corp (16:03) ➤ What Kim learned about business financing and growth (21:05) ➤ Working with a B-corp bank versus a traditional bank (25:16) ➤ How to incorporate social impact into your financial projections (29:13) ➤ Aligning your finances with ambitious goals (32:33) ➤ Choosing a UN sustainable development goal (34:12) ➤ Kim’s advice for entrepreneurs who want to become B-corp certified (41:47)
Embracing Purpose Entrepreneurship and Becoming a B-Corp - The Journey of Carla Heim and Kasha Huk (B-Corp Series)
04 Feb 2021
00:48:43
Why did you start your business?
Were you motivated to make more money? Were you eager to explore a new career path?
Or were you driven by a powerful purpose?
If you built your business with the goal of creating positive change, becoming a certified B-Corp could help you on your mission.
B-Corp companies are businesses founded on a larger purpose. They’re businesses that care about their impact.
And we’re not just talking about the impact of a single product or service.
We’re talking about the way your business is run, how you treat your employees, and how you impact the communities you serve.
Today, I sat down with Carla Heim and Kasha Huk, two B-Corp experts who’ve made it their mission to spread awareness about B-Corp and encourage interested entrepreneurs to undergo the certification process.
In our conversation, you’ll learn what a B-Corp is, how you can become B-Corp certified, and why socially responsible businesses are actually more likely to make a profit.
About my guests: Carla Heim is the senior advisor of purpose entrepreneurship at the Business Development Bank of Canada, a B-Corp certified company. Kasha Huk is the country manager of B Lab Canada, the nonprofit organization that created the B-Corp certification for companies. Both Carla and Kasha are passionate about helping entrepreneurs join the B-Corp movement and build businesses that do good—for their customers, employees, and communities.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Carla and Kasha got involved with the B-Corp movement (6:57) ➤ What a B-Corp is and how it’s different (10:09) ➤ How to become certified as a B-Corp (14:32) ➤ How you score your impact as a B-Corp (17:23) ➤ What types of businesses can become B-Corp (23:26) ➤ The challenges you might face getting certified (26:12) ➤ Strategies to start improving your company organization (29:06) ➤ How to set and measure KPIs (35:23) ➤ How to manage your profit as a B-Corp (37:12) ➤ Shifting the definition of “doing good” (42:26) ➤ The challenges of running a socially responsible business (43:20)
100 Episodes: Building Businesses for Good and Creating Financially Literate Women Entrepreneurs
28 Jan 2021
00:37:54
There’s one tool every entrepreneur needs to maintain growth and success.
It’s not a special skill or an expensive product or even a team of amazing people.
It’s accessible to everyone—at any time.
The tool is simply the willingness to keep learning.
After creating 100 episodes for this podcast, I’ve learned an enormous amount about what it takes to succeed in business while also creating a powerful social impact.
But what it all comes down to is learning.
Staying open to new ideas, furthering your knowledge on certain topics, and taking advice and lessons from your peers and mentors is critical to business success.
I’m so grateful for all the incredible things I’ve learned from my guests over the course of 100 episodes, and I hope you’ve learned a lot, too.
If not, it’s never too late to start!
In today’s episode, I’m outlining the top five episodes that helped change my understanding or perspective on business and finance.
In this episode I share: ➤ The origin of the podcast (1:08) ➤ What I’ve learned curating and compiling 100 episodes (6:00) ➤ How my podcast and business visions have shifted (10:00) ➤ My top 5 favorite episodes and what I learned, including the value of debt, using different types of financing, the importance of empathy, how to create sustainable impact, and how to balance profit and mission (13:35)
How One Entrepreneur Started an Ethical Marketing Movement - The Journey of Sian Conway (The Gift of Giving More Social Impacts)
21 Jan 2021
01:04:19
When you think about your business’s impact, you’re probably focused on the services or products you provide.
But that’s not the only area where you have the power to make a difference.
How you brand and market your business matters just as much as what you offer your customers.
No one knows that better than Sian Conway, an ethical marketing strategist and founder of Ethical Hour, who’s changing the way businesses think about their growth strategies.
By adopting ethical marketing practices, you can serve your customers better, increase your social impact, and boost revenue.
In our conversation today, Sian breaks down the importance of ethical marketing and shares her strategies for appealing to customers, effectively giving back, and meeting your financial goals.
You’ll learn how to set smart goals, how to evaluate your business’s sustainability efforts, and how to get started with giving back in your business.
About my guest: Sian Conway is an ethical marketing strategist and the founder of Ethical Hour, a global online community for ethically-focused business owners. Sian worked in startup incubation and corporate marketing before starting her own business and community of impact-driven entrepreneurs. Now, she helps business owners around the world figure out how to market their companies more ethically and match their social impact to their profit.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ Sian’s pathway to accidental entrepreneurship (7:35) ➤ Creating a community around the ethical business (11:08) ➤ How Sian approach ethical marketing (14:37) ➤ How to create a marketing plan that caters to your customers (20:41) ➤ How to introduce new ideas to your audience (27:51) ➤ How Sian gives back (35:29) ➤ Talking about your business impact effectively (41:22) ➤ Why Sian has a climate change disclosure for her business (46:25) ➤ The financial tools and processes Sian relies on (54:31) ➤ Sian’s advice for other entrepreneurs (59:54)
Keep Listening How these women founders and CEOs built a start-up later in life — listen to Start-UpAfterMid-Life Podcast Series.
Contact Me Ready to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Get the R.E.S.U.L.T.S RoadMap - email to christina@christinasjahli.com with a subject line: Yes, Christina. Please do send me that RoadMap – it sounds interesting.
How One Marketing Agency is Addressing Global Inequality - The Journey of Stacey Kehoe (The Gift of Giving More Social Impacts)
14 Jan 2021
00:40:48
Does your business have a global impact?
No matter how small your operation is—or how local—you have the power to make a difference on a global scale.
You don’t have to change your mission, your customers, or even your location.
You just have to be intentional about what you do with your time and money.
That’s what Stacey Kehoe realized when she started her company nearly a decade ago with a goal to give back.
Today, her company is 20% finished with their goal of giving 1 million days to combat global inequality.
In our conversation today, you’ll learn About Stacey’s background and how she balances profit and impact in her business.
You’ll also gain insights on how to analyze your finances, why it’s important to set ambitious goals, and how to encourage your team to get excited about giving.
About my guest: Entrepreneur and marketing expert Stacey Kehoe is the founder of Brandlective, a digital marketing agency based in London. Originally from New Zealand, Stacey worked in the travel industry with a handful of global brands before starting her own marketing agency. Over eight years, she’s built her company into a giving powerhouse that focuses on tackling the United Nations’ sustainable development goal of inequality.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Stacey started her company (6:57) ➤ The UN goal Stacey chose to work toward and why (10:37) ➤ How Stacey’s travel experience influenced her work (13:42) ➤ The various charitable projects she’s worked on (17:57) ➤ How to promote your business contributions gracefully (22:02) ➤ Stacey’s one million days initiative (26:24) ➤ Setting specific goals (28:44) ➤ How to balance impact and profit (31:48) ➤ The value of good financial advice (34:31) ➤ Stacey’s advice to other women entrepreneurs (36:05)
Keep Listening How these women founders and CEOs built a start-up later in life — listen to Start-UpAfterMid-Life Podcast Series.
Contact Me Ready to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Get the R.E.S.U.L.T.S RoadMap - email to christina@christinasjahli.com with a subject line: Yes, Christina. Please do send me that RoadMap – it sounds interesting.
How Small Acts of Generosity Create a Circular Giving Economy - The Journey of Helen Campbell (The Gift of Giving More Social Impacts)
07 Jan 2021
00:28:22
Have you ever thought of your business as one single domino in a long line of dominos?
No matter how it might feel, the truth is that your business doesn’t operate alone.
Your company is part of a larger ecosystem and economy, one that thrives on mutual support and generosity.
That’s how CEO Helen Campbell runs her company.
She believes in compassion and kindness over profit and bottom line.
That’s why she created a circular economy of giving within her company, one that has a global reach.
In our conversation today, Helen talks about her business philosophy, healthcare background, and financial goals.
As you listen, you’ll learn how great leadership can help empower employees to do their jobs better; why small impacts make a massive difference; and how to balance financial success with achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals.
About my guest: Helen Campbell is the CEO of Knox Audiology in Melbourne. A former nurse and lover of travel, Helen eventually moved to Australia where she began working in a medical-surgical hospital and later became fascinated with hearing. Now, as the CEO of an audiology business, Helen travels the world giving back through her work.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ Helen’s background in nursing (6:32) ➤ What Helen wanted to change within her company (8:14) ➤ The power of making small changes (11:13) ➤ How to help support other small businesses (17:18) ➤ The importance of creating financial systems (19:41) ➤ Supporting your employees in doing what they love (22:29) ➤ Helen’s advice to other women entrepreneurs (24:58)
Keep Listening How these women founders and CEOs built a start-up later in life — listen to Start-UpAfterMid-Life Podcast Series.
Contact Me Ready to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Get the R.E.S.U.L.T.S RoadMap - email to christina@christinasjahli.com with a subject line: Yes, Christina. Please do send me that RoadMap – it sounds interesting.
How One CEO Created a Company Culture Focused on People and Giving - The Journey of Victoria Sylvester (The Gift of Giving More Social Impacts)
31 Dec 2020
00:29:38
How can you create a company culture that prioritizes giving back?
After all, it’s hard enough to build a positive company culture, let alone one that centers around helping others.
However, with the right attitude and resources, it’s completely possible.
That’s the thinking that fueled entrepreneur and former nurse Victoria Sylvester to develop and scale her company.
The first thing Victoria did to lay the foundation for a culture of giving was to put her employees first.
Creating a people-centered business helped her employees feel empowered to give back.
Today, Victoria and I discuss her people-first mentality and the road that led to her becoming a CEO.
You’ll learn why profit and loss isn’t the end-all-be-all when it comes to business success; Victoria’s philosophy on delivering value in business; and how to give back as part of your daily operations.
About my guest: Victoria Sylvester is the CEO of Acacia Training, a UK company that provides specialized educational training to people in the health and wellness sector. Victoria started her career in nursing, where she began training student nurses and healthcare support nurses. After seeing a market for career guidance, she started Acacia with her mom, who worked in the private healthcare sector. Victoria has since transformed Acacia Training into a publicly listed company that focuses on education as one of the UN’s sustainable development goals.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ Victoria’s background in nursing (5:53) ➤ Why people are the center of Victoria’s business (7:14) ➤ Why Victoria partners with B1G1 (13:27) ➤ How Victoria used giving to help improve the company (15:24) ➤ A trick to keep employees incentivized (17:57) ➤ The UN sustainable development goals Acacia focuses on (20:05) ➤ How to value your business beyond profit and loss (22:59) ➤ Victoria’s advice to other business owners (27:16)
Keep Listening How these women founders and CEOs built a start-up later in life — listen to Start-UpAfterMid-Life Podcast Series.
Contact Me Ready to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Get the R.E.S.U.L.T.S RoadMap - email to christina@christinasjahli.com with a subject line: Yes, Christina. Please do send me that RoadMap – it sounds interesting.
How One Business Coach Built Giving Into Her Work - The Journey of Jody Johnson (The Gift of Giving More Social Impacts)
24 Dec 2020
00:33:58
Every small business needs help.
Some business owners need financial assistance, some need resources and exposure, and others need mentorship.
But no matter how much help you need, you always have room to give, too.
Because at the end of the day, the small business ecosystem can only thrive when small businesses help each other.
That’s part of business coach and philanthropist Jody Johnson’s ethos. She knows small businesses are the backbone of the economy—and small business owners need support.
In our conversation, we discuss how Jody transitioned from the medical field to the business coaching world, her philosophy on giving, and how she got involved with B1G1.
You’ll learn how small impacts can go so far, why cash flow projection is the key to stability, and why women entrepreneurs have an edge when it comes to giving.
About my guest: Jody Johnson is a business and executive coach at ActionCoach in Miami, a global business coaching franchise dedicated to helping small business owners grow their operations. As a clinical manager in the emergency department of a teaching hospital, Jody started a nonprofit called Healing Through Art, a program designed for at-risk populations. After taking a few business coaching courses, she eventually transitioned to becoming a coach full time. Now, she uses her coaching to empower small business owners and to give back through B1G1 contributions.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Jody became a business coach (6:36) ➤ The strategy Jody used to get her first client (11:57) ➤ Why Jody is passionate about small business coaching (13:05) ➤ How Jody started giving back with her business (14:47) ➤ The difference between performative giving and authentic giving (21:15) ➤ The number one financial tool every business owner needs (24:01) ➤ How Jody stays on track with her financial and giving goals (28:05) ➤ Jody’s advice for other women entrepreneurs (30:27)
Keep Listening How these women founders and CEOs built a start-up later in life — listen to Start-UpAfterMid-Life Podcast Series.
Contact Me Ready to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Get the R.E.S.U.L.T.S RoadMap - email to christina@christinasjahli.com with a subject line: Yes, Christina. Please do send me that RoadMap – it sounds interesting.
How to Build Sustainable Development Goals Into Your Business - The Journey of Aisling Graham (The Gift of Giving More Social Impacts)
17 Dec 2020
00:23:24
Is giving back part of your company’s business model?
If it is, great! If it’s not, what’s stopping you?
Building social impact into your business may seem tricky, but it’s totally doable.
All it takes is a willingness to try.
That’s what Aisling Graham realized when she started her promotional marketing agency over a decade ago.
Giving back was a part of her personal life, but she wanted to make it part of her business’s mission, too.
In our chat today, you’ll learn how Aisling took a profit-driven business model and turned it into a giving machine.
She also shares her philosophy on creating change; why tiny impacts help turn the tide for good; and the cash flow strategy that helps her business stay profitable.
About my guest: Aisling Graham is the founder of Over the Top Promotions, a boutique promotional marketing agency that provides branding merchandise to IT businesses looking to stand out. With a strong marketing background, Aisling started her company in 2008. Over the years, she’s steadily grown it into a company that prioritizes sustainability and social impact just as much as it does client success.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ What Aisling’s company does for her clients (7:28) ➤ How Aisling invests in sustainability through her work (9:35) ➤ How she learned about global impacts (12:50) ➤ Why splitting impact on global and local efforts is effective (14:57) ➤ Aisling’s smart cash flow strategy (18:20)
Keep Listening How these women founders and CEOs built a start-up later in life — listen to Start-UpAfterMid-Life Podcast Series.
Small Decisions in Your Business Make a Big Impact Globally - The Journey of Judit Banhegyi (The Gift of Giving More Social Impacts)
10 Dec 2020
00:33:05
When you’re building a company, it’s normal to have a lot of goals.
You probably want to put out a high-quality product or service, create happy customers, and turn a profit.
But you probably also want to make a positive difference in the world.
So, how do you do it?
Building a business that has a strong social impact comes down to the small choices.
Think: where you source your materials, how you package products, and how you brand your company.
You can give back and make a difference by being intentional about your business’s processes and operations.
That was Judit Banhegyi’s goal when she purchased her skincare company from a local business owner.
In our conversation today, we discuss Judit’s immigration story, how her personal health journey inspired her to become a business owner, and what her social impact goals are.
You’ll learn how to create a new kind of customer loyalty program, what it takes to stay profitable when you’re small, and why it’s important to start giving back now—no matter how much money you have.
About my guest: Judit Banhegyi is the owner of Glowing Orchid Organics, a Canadian company that makes personal care products using organically sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. After moving to Canada from Hungary and experiencing health issues, Judit began changing her diet and reexamining the products she was using. Her interest in natural products eventually led her to purchase her company from a local business owner. Since then, she’s grown it into a sustainable organization with a strong social impact mission.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ Why Judit started to change her health and daily habits (7:02) ➤ How Judit came to own her business (11:05) ➤ The importance of creating systems within your business (15:10) ➤ The strategy Judit used to approach wholesalers (17:02) ➤ How Judit made her company profitable (19:45) ➤ Judit’s business sustainability goals (23:22) ➤ Creating a loyalty program for customers to give back (25:36) ➤ How other business owners can increase their social impact (29:12)
Keep Listening How these women founders and CEOs built a start-up later in life — listen to Start-UpAfterMid-Life Podcast Series.
Contact Me Ready to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
Navigating International Business Contracts with Ashlee Froese
25 Jan 2024
00:38:53
Meet Ashlee Froese, the driving force behind Froese Law, serving as its Founder and CEO. Leading this cross-border legal firm, Ashlee adeptly steers through diverse industries, specializing in key areas like branding, corporate, and commercial law.
Ashlee embarked on her legal journey with a clear mission: to empower clients with comprehensive information for informed business decisions and to demystify the legal space, making it accessible to a broader audience.
In this episode of Her CEO Journey, Ashlee Froese delves into the intricacies of contract writing for international business. While local contracts might seem straightforward with all parties governed by local laws, the international landscape introduces complexities such as:
Which laws apply?
How does culture come into play?
Does ethical approach vary between countries?
Join us in this episode of Her CEO Journey to learn the nuances behind contract writing on the international stage.
Here's what you'll discover:
Learn the essential elements that go into writing contracts for international business.
Discover the several factors a company must contemplate before venturing onto the global stage.
Understand the nuanced approach required for negotiations and drafting a business contract with international counterparts.
Episode Highlights
[03:01] Ashlee Froese's CEO Journey
[08:18] Fundamental Requirements for International Operations
[12:53] Nuances in Domestic Vs International Contracts
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How Small Businesses Can Create Sustainable Impact in the World - The Journey of Masami Sato (The Gift of Giving More Social Impacts)
03 Dec 2020
00:37:31
How can you create a positive social impact with your business?
Making a difference might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
In fact, it’s easier than you might think.
You don’t have to change your entire business model to give back.
And you don’t have to stop doing the work you do.
You just have to commit to caring about a cause.
That’s the philosophy that fuels entrepreneur Masami Sato’s global business movement. She realized you don’t have to do something drastic to make a big impact. You just have to be intentional with your time, money, and resources.
In our chat today, Masami explains the revolutionary idea behind her business and shares how she got started as an entrepreneur.
You’ll learn about the importance of giving back, why networking events are crucial to business growth, and how even the smallest changes to your operations can make a massive difference in people’s daily lives.
About my guest: A longtime entrepreneur, Masami Sato is the founder and CEO of BUY1GIVE1, a global business giving initiative that helps companies create a stronger social impact with their work. After starting a food business 20 years ago and running several commercial enterprises, Masami had the idea for B1G1 in 2007. Since then, she’s turned the simple business concept into a global movement centered on giving back.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ Masami’s social impact food business (7:43) ➤ How Masami created her business concept (11:15) ➤ Her decision to make it a global business (14:28) ➤ How to create value with a one-to-one model (17:40) ➤ Masami’s two biggest struggles in growing her business (21:56) ➤ The process of choosing charities to partner with (26:51) ➤ How businesses can partner with Masami’s company (29:58)
Keep Listening How these women founders and CEOs build a start-up later in life - listen to Start-UpAfterMid-Life Podcast Series
Contact Me Ready to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.
How to Bounce Back From Near Bankruptcy and Become Profitable - The Journey of Leslie Bradford-Scott (Start-Up After Mid-Life)
26 Nov 2020
00:39:19
Is it possible to bounce back from near-bankruptcy in business?
The short answer, of course, is yes.
The longer answer is that it takes an incredible amount of persistence and strategy to recover from financial instability and become profitable again.
That’s what Leslie Bradford-Scott learned when she brought her company back from the brink of bankruptcy.
In our conversation today, Leslie and I talk about why she started her company at 49 years old, what led to her perilous financial situation, and how she scaled her business.
You’ll gather insights on running a mission-driven business and pricing products correctly; learn how hiring a CFO and third-party logistics company can revolutionize your company; and discover why revenue isn’t the best metric of financial success.
About my guest: Leslie Bradford-Scott is the founder and CEO of Walton Wood Farm, a company that makes bath and body products that have natural ingredients and funny messaging. After years of nighttime baths and experimenting with non-toxic beauty recipes, Leslie decided to create her own products. She has since grown Walton Wood Farm into a seven-figure company with personal values at its core, namely preserving the local history where she lives and bringing jobs back to her rural community.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ The inspiration behind Walton Wood Farm (7:08) ➤ How Leslie started scaling her business (10:56) ➤ Using personal funds to finance your business (15:18) ➤ Why revenue isn’t the most important metric (17:17) ➤ The importance of pricing products right (19:53) ➤ How Leslie’s company almost went bankrupt (26:07) ➤ The value of using a CFO (30:20) ➤ How the pandemic affected her business (34:57) ➤ Leslie’s tough-love advice to other entrepreneurs (36:49)
How to Ramp Up Profits By Taking a ‘Less is More’ Approach - The Journey of Leslie Polizzotto (Start-Up After Mid-Life)
19 Nov 2020
00:39:20
How do you maintain profitability in a business?
You might think the key is simply to bring in more revenue than you spend.
Or limit your overhead costs.
Or hike up your pricing.
Or widen your customer base.
While all those strategies are helpful, achieving consistent profitability comes down to something much more fundamental.
Specialization.
To run a profitable business, you have to do something unique and do it well.
That’s what Leslie Polizzotto has done with her business, The Doughnut Project. Instead of trying to mimic her competition or recreate a success story, Leslie decided to carve out her own unique niche.
In my conversation with Leslie today, we discuss the career transition she made in her 40s, how she grew her business through influencer marketing, and what she did to survive the pandemic.
You’ll learn the importance of regular financial analysis and review, why it’s crucial to price your goods correctly, and how communicating with your employees can lead to higher profit and retention.
About my guest: Leslie Polizzotto is the co-founder and owner of The Doughnut Project in New York City, a hand-crafted, small-batch doughnut shop that prides itself on unique flavors and alcohol-infused glazes. A former attorney and lifelong foodie, Leslie moved to New York and left her career in law to throw herself into entrepreneurship. Now, she works at the doughnut shop full-time and has grown it into a beloved local establishment.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ Leslie’s career before starting her company (6:38) ➤ What makes Leslie’s donuts unique (8:01) ➤ The benefit of starting a business in your 40s (10:21) ➤ What to know before opening a brick and mortar (15:02) ➤ Figuring out how to price your products (19:21) ➤ How business changed during the pandemic (25:23) ➤ Why your finances determine the success of your business (28:36) ➤ The key to business growth (31:14) ➤ Leslie’s philosophy on teamwork and communication (33:00) ➤ Leslie’s advice to other women entrepreneurs (36:20)
Finding the Courage to Build a Social Impact Start-Up After Mid-Life - The Journey of Leeza Zurwick
12 Nov 2020
00:35:13
How do you successfully transition between two entirely different career paths?
There are a few smart ways, including taking time off or educating yourself.
But one often-overlooked strategy doesn’t require making any big changes.
It just requires combining your interests.
That’s what Leeza Zurwick did when she transitioned from her job as a special education teacher to the CEO of a mission-driven company.
In our chat today, Leeza and I discuss the power of starting a company in your forties, and how you can balance social impact with profit as a business owner.
You’ll learn why it’s important to maintain multiple streams of revenue, how planning ahead financially can help you grow faster, and what it takes to persevere through tough times.
About my guest: Leeza Zurwick is the CEO and founder of Happy Gut, a company that produces and sells water kefir products designed to help improve gut imbalances and issues. Leeza was a special education teacher for over 20 years before starting her company out of pure curiosity and passion in 2017. After a successful trial run, Leeza quit her full-time teaching job and dedicated herself to growing Happy Gut. Today, she sells her water kefir products in stores and online to customers in Canada and the U.S. Her newest product is a flavor infusion water kefir.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Leeza became interested in water kefir (7:26) ➤ What encouraged Leeza to take the leap into entrepreneurship (11:51) ➤ What it means to run a social impact business (13:32) ➤ The transition from domestic selling to international (18:05) ➤ The difference between selling wholesale versus online (21:34) ➤ Leeza’s key to successful growth (24:52) ➤ The financial strategies that keep Leeza on track (28:23) ➤ Leeza’s advice for other women entrepreneurs (33:13)
Why It’s Never Too Late to Start a Business - The Journey of Nita Tandon (Start-Up After Mid-Life)
05 Nov 2020
00:36:01
When is the best time to start your own business?
Is it when you’re straight out of college, when you’re entering your first job, or when you turn 30?
You may think the opportune time is when you’re early on in your career, but the truth is: it’s never too late to start your own business.
That’s what Nita Tandon realized when she had an idea for a product that would revolutionize her life.
Though Nita had already built a successful career in health and pharmaceuticals, she decided to switch gears and become an entrepreneur.
Today, Nita and I discuss how she started her company, why she’s such a proponent of asking for help, and what financial strategies led to her success.
You’ll gather insight on building a passionate audience, tweaking your product, debt for business growth, paying off debt, and becoming even more financially savvy.
About my guest: Nita Tandon is the founder and CEO of Dalcini Stainless, a company that makes chemical-free stainless steel housewares. After working in nursing homes and the pharmaceutical industry for years, Nita became curious about BPA and its widespread use in household products. After realizing there wasn’t a market for non-plastic chemical-free containers, she decided to try her hand at creating the product she wanted. Now, her company manufactures and sells award-winning safe, simple, and sustainable housewares.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ Nita’s journey to becoming an entrepreneur (6:10) ➤ The benefit of starting a business in your 40s (10:14) ➤ Nita’s unique approach to growing her business (12:36) ➤ The financial lessons Nita learned (16:21) ➤ The different factors to consider when pricing products (20:10) ➤ How the pandemic has affected Nita’s business (24:47) ➤ Why you should rethink your idea of debt (29:06) ➤ The importance of understanding your financial statements (31:39)
How Business Failure Can Make You More Successful - The Journey of Laura Wright (Humility and Resilience)
29 Oct 2020
00:28:22
How do you turn a business disaster into a successful new career?
You need humility, resilience, and drive, but you also need something else:
Passion.
Passion for your business’s mission and the work you do.
That’s what Laura Wright figured out when she paid off the debt from her failed real estate business, and decided to change course.
Today, Laura and I discuss her entrepreneurial background, her business philosophies, and her approach to financial management.
You’ll learn how to sell your services better, why long-term forecasting is helpful, and how listening to your intuition can make all the difference to your success.
About my guest: Entrepreneur Laura Wright is the Master Coach and founder behind Epic at Sales, a program that helps women business owners improve their sales skills. Before starting her company, Laura worked in real estate buying, renovating, and selling properties. When the 2008 financial crash shuttered her business, Laura had to figure out a way to pay off her debt and rebuild. Now, she gets to use her passion for negotiation and relationship-building to coach people on sales techniques that result in greater income and stronger impact.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Laura got started in real estate (6:13) ➤ Laura’s experience with the 2008 financial crash (10:16) ➤ How she unintentionally got into debt (13:49) ➤ How Laura began paying off her debt (17:12) ➤ Laura’s approach to managing her finances (21:02) ➤ The revenue model Laura uses for Epic at Sales (23:15) ➤ Laura’s advice to other women entrepreneurs (24:54)
Keep Listening Curious to learn more about financing your growing business?
How to Overcome Business Debt and Grow - The Journey of Kathleen Black (Humility and Resilience)
22 Oct 2020
00:27:26
What does it take to turn a company saddled with debt into a profitable powerhouse?
It takes patience, resilience, and careful planning, of course.
But the most important quality is financial knowledge.
That’s what real estate coach Kathleen Black realized when she became a 50% owner of a company drowning in debt.
To pay off the company’s debt and start earning money, she needed to get her financial ducks in a row—and create a realistic growth plan.
In our conversation today, Kathleen and I talk about her background, her approach to debt, and the financial lessons she’s learned. You’ll pick up tips on how to improve cash flow, how to get on the same page as your business partners, and what to do to build a five-year profit plan.
About my guest: Entrepreneur, author, and speaker, Kathleen Black is one of Canada’s leading real estate coaches and trainers. She started her company, Kathleen Black Coaching, and Consulting, in 2015 after spending years in both real estate and coaching. Now, she mentors real estate agents and teams across Canada and the U.S. and leads the Ultimate Team Sumit, which is the largest team-specific real estate event in North America.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Kathleen got into coaching (4:51) ➤ Why it’s important to share a similar business strategy with a business partner (7:21) ➤ The 3 factors Kathleen looks at for business success (8:45) ➤ The strategy Kathleen used to get her company out of the red (11:23) ➤ The different financials you should review each month and why (15:15) ➤ How the right team can help you get ahead (21:30) ➤ Kathleen’s advice for women entrepreneurs (23:00)
Keep Listening Curious to learn more about financing your growing business?
What it Takes to Rebuild Your Business After Tough Times - The Journey of Cristy Nickel (Humility and Resilience)
15 Oct 2020
00:28:23
In business—as in life—setbacks are inevitable.
But it’s how you recover from setbacks that determine whether or not you’ll be successful.
That’s what entrepreneur and author Cristy Nickel realized after she lost all her personal training clients during the 2008 market crash.
After paying off her debt, Cristy had to start from scratch to rebuild her clientele, but within one year, she earned her first million dollars in revenue.
Today, Cristy and I talk about failure, resilience, determination, and growth as an entrepreneur. You’ll learn how to face your biggest business fears, how to persist in the face of difficulty, and why it’s important to ask for help.
About my guest: Cristy Nickel is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and the founder of Code Red, a nutrition program that helps people lose weight by eating real food. A longtime elite athlete, Cristy was the number two world-ranked boxer before becoming a personal trainer and celebrity nutritionist. Now, she coaches millions of people around the world on how they can lose 10% of their body weight each month without resorting to shakes, diet pills, fads, or diet foods.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Cristy paid for her college (6:10) ➤ How Cristy became a personal trainer (9:36) ➤ What happened to Cristy during the 2008 market crash (11:02) ➤ How Cristy scaled her business (15:29) ➤ The importance of asking for help (18:42) ➤ What Cristy learned about managing her business’s finances (22:00) ➤ Why it’s important to face your fears in business (24:55)
Keep Listening Curious to learn more about financing your growing business?
Recovering From Economic Hardship Takes Humility - The Journey of Keri Murphy (Humility and Resilience)
08 Oct 2020
00:23:12
How do you pick up the pieces when financial hardship hits your business?
There’s no perfect answer, but one thing is certain.
You need a hefty dose of humility and resilience to rebuild and recover.
That’s what entrepreneur Keri Murphy realized after she was forced to shutter her business during the 2008 recession.
Once she made the decision, Keri started reflecting on what went wrong with her business—and what she needed to change moving forward.
In our conversation today, Keri tells me about her background, her successful business coaching company, and her experience getting back on her feet after declaring personal bankruptcy.
You’ll learn why it’s important to acknowledge your mistakes as a business owner, how you can pivot your business during hard times, and why it’s so crucial to take a proactive approach to managing your business finances.
About my guest: Keri Murphy is the CEO and founder of Inspired Living, a company that helps entrepreneurs harness the power of video to grow their businesses. Prior to starting Inspired Living, Keri owned a modeling agency that she grew to nearly $1 million in revenue before shutting it down after the 2008 recession. Now, she’s an international speaker, media expert, and business mentor who coaches people on how to grow their businesses.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Keri became an entrepreneur (6:30) ➤ How she felt when the recession hit (9:06) ➤ Keri’s financial missteps (10:42) ➤ How Inspired Living grew to its current success (13:34) ➤ The changes Keri made to her business finances (17:26) ➤ Keri’s advice for other women entrepreneurs on overcoming challenges (19:50)
Keep Listening Curious to learn more about financing your growing business?
Improve Your Leadership Skills With 3 Mindset Shifts - The Journey of Kim Ades (Level-Up)
01 Oct 2020
00:16:13
What does it take to become an effective leader and scale a company?
It’s not money or authority or drive. It’s not even intelligence or skill.
In fact, it’s something much more unexpected: emotional resilience.
The degree to which you can bounce back from adversity plays a big role in your level of success in business.
Kim Ades, an entrepreneur and business coach, knows this to be true.
In our short and sweet conversation today, Kim breaks down the three perspective shifts that shape effective leaders. You’ll learn about the power of resourcefulness, why delegation is key to getting stuff done, and how to challenge your own beliefs.
About my guest: Kim Ades is the President and Founder of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine Software, which helps companies make hiring decisions using simulation-based assessment software. Kim’s fascination with all things leadership and performance eventually led her to start Frame of Mind Coaching, where she advises business owners, C-suite executives, and company leaders from all industries. Her work focuses on teaching others how to change their outlook and thinking patterns to get better results.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Kim went from founding a software company to coaching (4:22) ➤ The one trait all highly successful people have in common (6:10) ➤ The three beliefs you need to possess to grow a company (7:55) ➤ Kim’s coaching process (10:50) ➤ The financial lessons Kim has learned (12:51) ➤ Kim’s advice for women entrepreneurs (14:30)
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Scaling your Business Into Global Markets with Chief Trade Commissioner, Sara Wilshaw
11 Jan 2024
00:38:09
Navigating the global landscape is crucial for Canadian businesses due to the country's relatively small population — which means that most of your customers and clients are outside the country.
In this episode, Sara Wilshaw, Chief Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada, shares her expertise in guiding local companies towards international success. She sheds light on leveraging the Trade Commission Service for market entry beyond Canada.
Whether you're a Canadian or international company, Sara's insights in this Her CEO Journey episode offer valuable guidance for those venturing into international business.
Tune in to discover key considerations for companies transitioning from local to global markets.
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Gain insights into the role of Canada's Trade Commission Service in supporting international business.
Understand what your company needs to know before entering markets abroad.
Explore the specific challenges faced by women-owned businesses when operating globally.
Episode Highlights
[03:37] Sara Wilshaw's Journey to Becoming Chief Trade Commissioner
[07:34] Taking Businesses to the International Stage
[11:16] What the Trade Commission Does to Support Businesses
[15:04] Entering the International Market
[18:34] Challenges Women-Owned Businesses Face When Going International
Ready to transform your purpose into an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with the team at any time.
FLIK: Advancing Womxn in Business - The Journey of Michelle Kwok (Level-Up)
24 Sep 2020
00:22:59
What roadblocks keep womxn from advancing in business?
It’s not a lack of intelligence, ambition, or creativity—it’s a lack of access.
Having access to the right opportunities can make all the difference in someone’s career trajectory and social impact.
That’s why entrepreneur Michelle Kwok built her company, FLIK. In our conversation, we discuss what FLIK is, how the platform helps advance womxn in business, and why community support is crucial to both professional growth and global progress.
Beyond discovering the ins and outs of the FLIK portal, you’ll also learn the value of picking up different skills and why it’s important to recruit the right team when building a company.
About my guest: Michelle Kwok is the co-founder and CEO of FLIK, a community that connects ambitious young womxn looking for mentors with female founders looking for apprentices. Before starting FLIK, Michelle was making brand marketing videos while attending medical school. After getting accepted to Next 36’s entrepreneurship program, she met her co-founder and began building the foundation for the FLIK portal.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Michelle’s entrepreneur journey began (4:16) ➤ Why Michelle started seeking out other female founders (9:31) ➤ How Michelle and her co-founder funded FLIK (13:25) ➤ How the FLIK platform works (15:50) ➤ How to scale your business with FLIK (18:48) ➤ Michelle’s message to female founders (21:44)
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Scale Your Company With One Powerful Tool: Empathy - The Journey of Sherry Deutschmann (Level-Up)
17 Sep 2020
00:47:20
Building a successful company can’t be done alone.
It doesn’t matter how brilliant your idea is or how determined you are as a founder—to scale sustainably, you need a passionate, driven team.
But how do you get your team to invest in your company’s growth?
It all comes down to one often overlooked factor: empathy.
Empathy is what Sherry Stewart Deutschmann used to build her $40 million company, LetterLogic Inc. In our conversation today, we dive into Sherry’s background, leadership philosophy, and unique take on profit sharing.
You’ll pick up tips for hiring smarter, engaging employees, and learning how to evaluate your business finances and progress.
About my guest: Sherry Stewart Deutschmann is a serial entrepreneur and author of the bestselling book, “Lunch with Lucy: How to Maximize Profits by Investing in Your People.” Sherry was also the CEO of LetterLogic Inc., a company she founded and grew to $40 million as a result of her revolutionary approach to leadership and profit-sharing. Now, Sherry advocates for other women entrepreneurs with her company, BrainTrust.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Sherry got started in entrepreneurship (4:46) ➤ How she began building Lateral Logic (7:51) ➤ Sherry’s profit-sharing strategy (10:05) ➤ Why she does monthly financial discussions with employees (14:06) ➤ Sherry’s advice for implementing a profit-sharing system (19:05) ➤ Why criticism is crucial to growth (22:00) ➤ How to build an effective leadership team (27:27) ➤ The biggest business mistake Sherry made (30:47) ➤ What surprised Sherry about business finance (34:30) ➤ How sexism pervades the venture capital system (39:34) ➤ Sherry’s advice for women entrepreneurs (43:04)
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Fund Your Start-Up by Partnering With Family Offices - The Journey of Marcia Nelson (Level-Up)
10 Sep 2020
00:31:14
Growing a company requires capital—and the right investor can make all the difference.
But who is the right type of investor?
Someone who will contribute more than just money.
After all, investing is a relationship at its core.
As a founder, you need someone who can champion your idea, expand your network, and write a check.
That’s what Marcia Nelson has come to realize in her career as a professional board member and advisor to family investment offices around the country. In our conversation, Marcia shares her background and talks all about impact investing.
You’ll learn about family offices, partnering with family offices, the importance of cultivating a strong investor-founder relationship, why impact investing is taking off, and how to keep your investors happy as you grow.
About my guest: Marcia Nelson is a family office professional board member and advisor. After working in education and women’s fashion magazines at the beginning of her career, Marcia got a job working as an executive assistant for a business management firm. Eventually, she decided to pursue her MBA. Now, Marcia works with family offices across the United States in impact investing.
In this episode we talk about: ➤ How Marcia’s CEO journey began (4:22) ➤ The concept of a “family office” (8:00) ➤ What social impact investing means (10:32) ➤ How to measure the impact of a certain investment (14:51) ➤ The importance of finding the right investor (17:09) ➤ The number one mistake entrepreneurs make when investing (19:13) ➤ The purpose of a financial projection for investors (21:23) ➤ The value of non-equity investments (23:46) ➤ How bottom-up investment works (27:46) ➤ Marcia’s advice for women entrepreneurs (29:12)
Keep Listening Curious to learn more about financing your growing business?