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Business mentorship featuring entrepreneurs who are passionate about their buisness and participate in the ShareYourStories.online guest blog series. We are Keepin’ It Real as we share lightbulb moments and 3 words of advice. Our mission is to increase the visibility of each business, encourage collaboration and build connections in the community through storytelling. The primary purpose of this podcast is to introduce the person behind the logo - entrepreneurs and their great ideas. The views and opinions shared are those of the guests and their participation does not imply any endorsement of them, their products or services. ” We create a buzz about your biz”
Episodes
60 minutes ago
60 minutes ago
Business Mentorship; “Discover Your Untapped Potential”
Keepin' It Real with Cindy Stradling
Season 7 Episode #259
Cindy Stradling is the founder of Cindy Stradling, the Power of Positive Change as a sales coach, trainer, author and speaker. Cindy brings a breadth of experience that clients say provides a level of understanding for what it takes to create breakthrough sales results.
Cindy is going to share her story on entrepreneurship and give us a look behind the scenes as a small business owner.
Our guest joins us from Toronto Ontario.
“Cindy Stradling’s career includes 25+ years in sales, coaching, and training, where I’ve helped individuals move past fear and resistance to make confident, empowered decisions. I’m known for being a warm, clear communicator and a trusted guide—someone who listens deeply and responds with care. Whether it’s answering questions after a presentation or ensuring a smooth participant experience, I bring a calm, professional, and people-centered approach to every interaction. I love helping clients develop a new perspective on selling, along with great tools to be more effective in sales.”
A few of the highlights:
1. Everyone is in sales
2. Trust is the number one driver
3. Get comfortable with the ask
Read Cindy Stradling's story in our guest blog and connect here.
Cindy, thank you for joining us and sharing the mic, we wish you continued success.
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Business Mentorship; “From Invisible to Invincible”
Keepin' It Real with Deena Kordt
Season 7 Episode #258
Deena Kordt is the founder of her own firm as an author, publisher, speaker and advocate for women. Her podcast “Shift Happens” shares stories of resilience with discussions on how to navigate life's changes with more ease and less drama.
Deena is going to share her story on entrepreneurship and give us a look behind the scenes as a small business owner.
Our guest joins us from Red Deer, Alberta
“Deena Kordt is a Podcaster, Publisher, Advocate and Author, it’s not just about sharing stories but transforming lives. She thrives on connecting curious caring humans with those in need, instilling hope and fostering genuine heart-centered communities. Her multimedia platforms offer many opportunities for people navigating the challenges of life changes, including divorce and abuse, to find the support they need to be informed, empowered and encouraged.I’m curious to know what your story is!”
A few of the highlights:
1. Manifesting your dreams
2. Compassionate Curiosity
3. Serendipity and new opportunities
Read Deena Kordt's story in our guest blog and connect here.
Deena, thank you for joining us and sharing the mic, we wish you continued success.
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"
Friday Dec 26, 2025
Friday Dec 26, 2025
Business Mentorship; “Shifting Perspectives on Disability”
Keepin' It Real with Becky Jackson Curran
Season 6 Episode #257
Becky Jackson Curran is a disability inclusion advocate, speaker, and media consultant. She has delivered 600+ talks on 3 continents, including two TEDx shifting perspective on disability.
Let’s hear how Becky invites everyone to join the journey toward acceptance and belonging through our own identity.
Our guest joins us from Boston, Massachusetts.
“Becky Jackson Curran, a disability inclusion advocate, speaker, and media consultant. Born with achondroplasia, I’ve dedicated my career to advancing authentic disability representation in media and society. I’ve worked at CAA, CBS, and SAG-AFTRA, founded DisABILITY In Media, and delivered 600+ talks worldwide, including two TEDx Talks. My mission is to create inclusive spaces where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.”
A few of the tips Becky shared:
1. We shift our perspective through lived experience
2. Be visible
3. Turn challenges into opportunities
Read Becky Jackson Curran's story in our guest blog and connect here.
Becky, thank you for joining us and sharing the mic, we wish you peace and prosperity in the coming year.
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Business Mentorship; “A Franchise Story”
Keepin' It Real with Kara Kennish
Season 6 Episode #256
Welcome to a special edition of of Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real where we introduce you to the person behind the logo featuring corporate leaders who have shared their story in this years digital magazine “Celebrating Great Ideas.”
Our guest joins us from Hamilton , Ontario
Kara Kennish is a third-generation franchisee. Tim Hortons is a beloved coffee brand originating in Canada known for its premium coffee, fresh donuts and rich heritage. Kara and her team proudly uphold its traditions while focusing on relationships within the community. She fosters an empowered environment for her team, while building connections that have lasting impact.
Kara joins us today to share her experience not only as a franchisee, but business leader. She’s going to discuss a few ideas on how we too may impact our communities through local partnerships, fundraising efforts, and grassroots initiatives.
A few of the tips Kara shared:
1. Align the brand with your values
2. A passion for the work
3. Building Your Legacy
Read Kara's story in our digital magazine.
Kara, thank you for joining us and sharing the mic, we look forward to keeping in touch.
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Business Mentorship; “Let’s Get Real Programs”
Keepin' It Real with Dr. Teri Rouse
Season 6 Episode #255
Dr Teri Rouse is an international best-selling author, educator, early and behaviour interventionist, speaker and creator of the Let’s Get Real Programs.
Let’s find out how Dr Teri Rouse kicks chaos to the curb to improve communication, calmly resolve conflicts, and create peace in your home!
Our guest joins us from Dresher, Pennsylvania.
“Dr. Teri Rouse is an international speaker, best-selling author, early & behavior interventionist, and autism specialist. Creator of the Let’s Get REAL programs and Snuggle Bunny Story Time, she equips parents, educators, and children with tools to communicate better, resolve conflict, and restore peace. Known for blending humor, heart, and proven strategies, she brings lived experience and expertise to every stage and page.
A few of the tips Dr. Teri shared:
1. Create a space for dialogue
2. From page to stage
3. Everyone loves a story
Read Dr. Teri's story in our guest blog and connect here.
Teri, thank you for joining us and sharing the mic, we look forward to keeping in touch.
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Business Mentorship; “Building Emotionally Intelligent Leaders”
Keepin' It Real with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller
Season 6 Episode #254
Dr Melissa Robinson-Winemiller is an author, TEDx international speaker and coach flipping the script on what leadership really means. The power of empathy; small shifts big impact.
Let’s find out how Dr Melissa is using empathy to create an understanding for effective communication which helps unlock better productivity, higher levels of innovation and bigger profits.
Our guest joins us from Stillwater, Oklahoma
"Dr. Melissa is flipping the script on what leadership really means. With over 20 years of cross-industry experience, she helps leaders build emotionally intelligent cultures that don’t just feel good, they get results. A TEDx speaker, EQ coach, and soon-to-be author of The Empathic Leader (out July 15), she brings lived experience, research, and real-world tools to the table. Her mission? To move empathy from the sidelines to center stage (where it belongs) and help leaders lead like humans.”
A few of the tips Dr. Melissa shared:
1. Self empathy
2. Role models
3. Wave of connection
Read Dr. Melissa's story in our guest blog and connect here.
Interested in the TEDX: https://youtu.be/IaoXSEWeILo?si=NW_BowdHl-Skx9NM
Melissa, thank you for joining us and sharing the mic. We look forward to keeping in touch and love your saying: "Money is currency, currency is energy, and for energy to have power, it has to flow."
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"
Friday Nov 28, 2025
Friday Nov 28, 2025
Business Mentorship; “Founder, Grow Zone Layer”
Keepin' It Real with Vicki Tyler.
Season 6 Episode #253
Vicki Tyler is a speaker, facilitator and coach, who teaches a unique .045% Fearless Mindset — blending corporate leadership, near-death perspective, and behavioural science — as a catalyst for rapid life and career transformation. The Growzone Layer is a concept that represents that thin slice in our minds where “event meets opportunity” and meaningful growth occurs
Let’s find out why Vicki is working with individuals who are “standing on the edge, you’re exactly where leadership begins”.
Our guest joins us from Auckland, New Zealand.
“Vicki Tyler is a Kiwi/US dual citizen, former President of Flight Centre USA, and survivor of two near-death experiences that shaped my belief in fearless leadership. Today, I help ambitious women lead themselves with clarity, courage, and conviction.Through my .045% Mindset and leadership programs, I show women how to overcome fear, grow their impact, and create a life and career they’re proud of — without waiting for permission or a wake-up call.”
A few of the things Vicki shared:
1. You need a game plan
2. Pay it forward philosophy
3. Be curious
Read Vicki's story in our guest blog and connect here..
Vicki, thank you for joining us and sharing the mic. We look forward to keeping in touch.
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Business Mentorship; “Motivational Keynote Speaker”
Keepin’ It Real with Vynny Hick
Season 6 Episode #252
Vynny Hick is on stage as a motivational bi-lingual speaker sharing life’s experience as a retired Ontario Provincial Police Officer, reinventing himself while sharing life’s stories.
Let’s find out why Vynny has decided to share not only the vulnerabilities but resilience in life, taking those lessons to the stage, inspiring organizations to rethink their approach to leadership, recruitment, and resilience.
Our guest joins us from Orillia, Ontario
“Vynny Hick is a retired police officer who served 30 years with the Ontario provincial Police. My journey went from leaving home at 15, being homeless for a while, loosing a child, to becoming a flight paramedic and a decorated police officer. I have worked undercover, on ERT (Emergency Response Team), as a K9 handler, and as a senior recruiter speaking on hundreds of stages across Canada; I now share keynote talk seasoned from my life experience.”
A few of the tips Vynny shared:
1. Resilience is built through time
2. Contagious Motivation
3. Take the wins with you every season
Read Vynny's story in our guest blog and connect here..
Vynny, thank you for joining us and sharing the mic. We look forward to keeping in touch.
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Special Edition of Business Mentorship Keepin' It Real
Finalist Panel Discussion - "Entrepreneurship In A Digital World"
Season 6 Episode #251
Welcome to a special edition of Keepin’ It Real, panel discussions with entrepreneurs who have shared their stories in our guest blog and join us to discuss topics trending in business…
Each of our guests is a finalist in the SYS Micro Marketing Grant and in the spirit of collaboration over competition they join us to discuss:
“Entrepreneurship in a Digital World ”
Each of our guests will share their expertise as business owners who are not only increasing their visibility but credibility as thought leaders and experts in their field.
To help us explore the topic, we have an international panel with representation from Australia, Canada and the United States
In no particular order, I’d like take this opportunity to introduce you to our expert panel:
Kathy Baldwin, is the founder of Kathy Baldwin
Wendy is the parent behind child author Gabriela Dias
Jamie Perez is the founder of Beyond Words Productions
Kelly Ryan is the founder Nurdy, Nutrition
Juliana Leamen is the founder of Naturally Joyous
I’d like to thank each of you for joining me today and giving us a glimpse into some of the issues behind the scenes….
We appreciate your contributions as business owners and wish you continued success as you lead by example as both role models and mentors in your communities.
If you’d like to connect with one of our panel guests you’ll find their story and contact information in the links above
Kathy, Wendy, Jamie, Kelly, Juliana, Gaby and I thank you for joining us and we look forward to meeting you next time with another special edition of Keepin’ It Real
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Business Mentorship; “Hawaiian Kahuna”
Keepin' It Real with James Kawainui
Season 6 Episode #250
James Kawainui is a Hawaiian healer going back 20 generations in Hawaii. He uses ancient wisdom to connect with business executives, practitioners, and individuals to build confidence, clear boundaries and improve communication skills.
Let’s find out how James was able to shift his focus from corporate boardroom to finding his ancestral roots and sharing ancient wisdom mentoring for modern living.
Our guest joins us from Sedona, Arizona.
“James Keali‘pii‘lani Kawainui is a Native Hawaiian Healer and Spiritual Counselor with family roots going back over 20 generations in Hawaii. Healing literally runs in my blood. Sharing that ancient wisdom with all my clients is my purpose and passion. I help people release trauma and pain—body, mind, and spirit by sharing simple tools to support their healing so they can find balance and overcome the stresses of modern life.”
A few of the tips James shared:
1. Stories are the wisdom that we share
2. As humans, we are all looking for the same things
3. The power of words
Read James's story in our guest blog and connect here..
James, thank you for joining us and sharing the mic. We look forward to keeping in touch.
Don’t miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
"Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time"