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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
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real, Building A Community through “Pawsitive Perspectives” with Carrie Lehtonen
Season 6 Episode #216
We meet a business owner with a Masters degree in Organizational Development who has made the transition to Holistic Health Practitioner, Yoga Instructor and Author leading wellness retreats and workshops around the world to help her clients tap into their passion and purpose.
Let's find out how Carrie went from corporate leader to business owner after surviving a heart attack, reinventing herself to build a wellness community and hosting retreats around the world to help you tap into your passion and purpose.
Our guest joins us from Evergreen, Colorado
"I’m an entrepreneur and storyteller. I earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and spent over 18 years working in Human Resources. After surviving a heart attack, I attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Holistic Health Practitioner. I also trained to become a Registered Yoga Teacher and Educator and started my own business, Firefly Community LLC. I published my first book, "Pawsitive Perspectives", in 2024."
A few of the tips Carrie shared:
1. Things in life we learn from our pets
2. Look for the signs and signals to change
3. One ingredient for success - determination
Read Carrie's story and connect here...
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.
Thank you for joining us…
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “The Street Cat" with Craig Colby
Season 6, Episode #215
We meet a business owner with an impressive award winning-career as an executive producer, showrunner, director, and writer with a roster of highly rated television programs who now has his own consulting practise and video production company, colbyvision. He is also the author of the award-winning book ALL CAPS.
Craig joins us to discuss how he went from a “House Cat” to a “Street Cat” and found himself not only as a freelancer but consultant and author.
Our guest joins us from Toronto, Ontario
“Craig Colby is an award winning-executive producer, showrunner, director, and writer who makes highly rated television programs, seen around the world. His work has been seen on Discovery Channel, BBC Earth, Smithsonian Channel, CTV, and TSN, to name a few. Currently, Craig owns colbyvision, a video production and consulting company and is the author of the multiple award-winning book ALL CAPS: Stories That Justify an Outrageous Hat Collection. ”
A few of the tips Craig shared:
1. Know, Like, Trust theory
2. Copyright - get permission
3. Take the chance
Read Craig's story and connect here...
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.
Thank you for joining us…
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Sustainable Stylist - Eco-Chic Fashion” with Shannon
Season 6, Episode #214
We’ll meet a business owner who has made it her mission to empower individuals to rediscover the joy in their wardrobe and embrace a sustainable approach to style. Make choices that echo beyond the mirror, positively impacting the planet and your own sense of purpose. You’ll find you're not just dressing well; you're dressing with a conscience.
Shannon and I discuss not only how she helps clients create stunning, fresh looks from the clothes you already own, but how what we wear affects our mood and how we show up in the world.
Our guest joins us from Hamilton, Ontario
“Shannon is a busy mom of 3.5 (one on the way) I love what I do. I love seeing peoples confidence come back to life. And showing them they can wear more than 20% of their wardrobe. ”
A few of the tips Shannon shared:
1. What you wear changes how you feel
2. Thrift - its a great way to expand your budget
3. Clothes = Emotion = How we show up in the world
Read Shannon's story and connect here...
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.
Thank you for joining us…
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Level Up Your Meetings” with Kristy Hissa
Season 6 Episode #213
We’ll meet an enterprise leader who wants you to accelerate organizational momentum and create inclusive decision-making in your meetings. Leveraging AI, this platform helps meeting organizers by automating preparation, providing tailored recommendations, and continuously optimizing time across teams.
Let’s find out how this tech expert is using a digital mentor to help businesses run best-in-class meetings that inspire and empower.
Our guest joins us from Ottawa, Ontario
“Following a successful B2B SaaS exit, Kristy Hissa is now leading meeting performance startup Kairos. Kristy boasts over 7+ years of executive leadership and is known for her commitment to integrity, cross-functional success, and operational excellence. She is also dedicated to giving back and actively supporting initiatives like the Women In Tech and local non-profits.”
A few of the tips Kristy shared:
1. Lean into what’s exciting
2. Find the right people
3. Change in marketing
Read Kristy's story and connect here...
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.
Thank you for joining us…
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Business Mentorship; “Entrepreneurship; Sharing Our Great Ideas”Keepin' It Real with Our Expert Panel
Episode #212
Welcome to a special edition of Keepin’ It Real, panel discussions with entrepreneurs who join us to discuss topics trending in business…
Our guests join us as small business owners, innovators and collaborators who have taken their great ideas from incubator to success, serving their clients and customers while making positive contributions in their communities.
We’re going to discuss a few tips from behind the scenes
"Good, Bad, Ugly"
To help us explore the topic, I’d like to introduce you to our expert panel:
Heather Brekelmans ,2 Steps Ahead Zorra, Ontario
Komlanvi Dodero, Dodjivi Gatineau, Quebec
Marian Egan, Transformational Health Kildare, Ireland
Taren White, Taren White Gallery Paris, Ontario
A few of the things we discuss:
1) Did you have a formal business plan as part of your start up?
2) We talk about passion, vision and purpose when planning our business strategy….but as a small business owners what personal quality do you think contributes to our success?
3) We all have defining moments, things that we celebrate,
Is there one event that has been pivotal in your business so far?
4) Have you ever had a mentor or someone who inspires you?
5) Do you have any big plans for the next year?
I’d like to thank Heather, Komlanvi, Marian and Taren for sharing their stories and point of view with our viewing and listening audience.
We appreciate your service to both customers and clients as well as contributions to your communities. We wish you continued success
Connect with our panel guests:
Heather Brekelmans, 2 Steps Ahead Zorra, Ontario
Komlanvi Dodero, Dodjivi Gatineau, Quebec
Marian Egan, Transformational Health Kildare, Ireland
Taren White, Taren White Gallery Paris, Ontario
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 Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music
We thank all of our guests for participating in the series and look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “The Message Therapist” with Hersh Rephun
Episode #211
We’ll meet the Message Therapist, a master communicator who is a creative, author, and podcast host.
Let’s find our how he helps 7-figure+ Founders and CEOs find their “next-figure brand voice.”
Our guest joins us from Iowa City, Iowa
“I have led teams in PR, Creative, Brand Strategy, Global Partner & Franchisee Relations, and now I help 7-figure+ Founders and CEOs find their “next-figure brand voice.” My mantra is, “Sell the Truth with Humor and Humanity.” Having played standup gigs across the country (Comedy Store, Comic Strip, Funny Bone, The Ice House…), I bring my stage presence to keynote talks and host two interview shows ranked in the Top 2% of Apple Podcasts globally.’
A few of the amazing things Hersh shared:
1. What is a “semoir”?
2. Solve your brand crisis
3. Create a feedback loop
Read Hersh's story and connect here...
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.
Thank you for joining us…
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Get Your Design Without the Overhead” with Jen Spinner
Episode #210
We’ll meet an entrepreneur with a full service design agency who believes your marketing assets should do more than look great.
Let’s hear how your brand image should start new conversations that drive results to help your business thrive.
Our guest joins us from Hamilton, Ontario
“I am a experienced creative director with over 10 years experience serving clients across industries. You get my skills in strategy, project management, art direction, graphic design and illustration baked into everything I do. All without the agency overhead. Your project benefits from my strategic knowledge working with brands like Air Canada, Kate Spade New York, Etsy, and Human Rights Watch. My client, I-Think, was so impressed with my performance that my “expertise and collaborative spirit earned [me] the honorary title of our ‘Clarity Director.’”
A few of the amazing things Jen shared:
1. Serendipity - pivotal moments
2. Network for success
3. Space for everyone
Read Jen's story and connect here...
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.
Thank you for joining us…
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Creating Digital Content that Converts” with Joanna Track.
Episode #209
Joanna is one of the first 100 businesses we featured in the series and a lot has changed since we posted her story.
We’ll meet an entrepreneur who is leveraging her extensive experience in both publishing and marketing to develop a valuable partnership model for small and medium sized businesses.
Let’s hear how this serial entrepreneur is creating content that drives engaging results.
Our guest joins us from Toronto, Ontario
“Joanna Track is a serial entrepreneur. She is the founder of some of Canada’s most well-known digital destinations, including Sweetspot.ca, Eluxe and Bullet. She is a frequent guest speaker, media personality and has been an instructor at York University teaching Digital Marketing. ”
A few of the practical things Joanna shared:
1. Surround yourself with experts
2. Find Your Lane
3. Everything comes to an end
Read Joanna's story and connect here...
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.
Thank you for joining us…
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Taking Your Virtual Business On the Road” with Salma Burney.
Episode #208
We'll meet a virtual assistant, meeting producer and all round adventurer who during COVID changed her life and is now living off the grid.
Let’s hear how Salma has turned an adventure into a new revenue stream while continuing to be a “Girl Friday.”
Our guest joins us from Anagance,New Brunswick
“Salma Burney is a versatile virtual assistant, producer, and entrepreneur. She founded Virtual Girl Friday in 2004 to offer administrative support to professionals. Her clients span various industries, including accounting, business development, writing, safety consulting, valuation, and nutraceuticals. In 2021, she and her husband, Mike, created and built Off Grid Adventure, a back-to-nature campground with off-grid horse boarding facilities. ”
A few of the amazing things Salma shared:
1. Be adventurous
2. Manifest your outcomes
3. Knowledge has value
Read Salma's story and connect here...
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.
Thank you for joining us…
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.
“Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Using Video to Create Brand Advocates” with Chynna Morgan
Episode #207
We meet a tech savvy entrepreneur offering a turnkey solution for launching user-generated video campaigns to help brands capture video testimonials and content from their customers.
Let’s hear how Chynna is using video to amplify your brand driving sales that create brand advocates.
Our guest joins us from San Francisco, California
“Chynna Morgan is a trailblazer in the marketing and music technology industry. A 2x Tech Founder, she has worked with several companies worldwide, helping them grow their brands using video content. She is on the cutting edge of adtech with her company Vidlo. Vidlo is the turnkey solution for launching user-generated video campaigns to help brands capture video testimonials and content from their customers. She is dedicated to sharing innovative ideas using video.”
A few of the amazing things Chynna shared:
1. Share the voice of your brand
2. Incentives engage customers
3. Create brand advocates
Read Chynna's story and connect here...
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.
Thank you for joining us…
We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin’ It Real.