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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 Jun 07, 2024
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Business Mentorship; Panel Discussion Part 1 of 2
Small Business and Community Impact
Keepin’ It Real - Are These Business Relationships Symbiotic?
Episode #192
Welcome to this 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… Our guests are innovators, collaborators and small business owners who have successfully made the transition from corporate leader to business owner.
To help us explore the topic, I’d like to introduce you to our expert panel:
Susan Crossman Book Editor, Speaker, Oakville, Ontario
Hilda Gan Work Culture Expert, Podcast Host, Speaker Toronto, Ontario
Alexis Gladstone Leadership Coach and Speaker Chicago, Illinois
Darren Sanger-Smith Architectural Designer, Burlington, Ontario
We explore the following questions:
1) How have you strengthened connections in your community?
2) Is your community within your geographic area, part of a global network or both?
3) What has been your most rewarding collaboration?
4) What impacts your decision when community groups ask for support?5) What do you feel will be an opportunity for growth in the future?
I’d like to thank Susan, Alexis, Hilda and Darren for sharing their stories and point of view with our viewing and listening audience. We appreciate your contributions as business owners and wish you continued success as you lead by example and leave an impact in your communities.
We invite to you to connect with our panel guests:
Susan Crossman:
Hilda Gan
Alexis Gladstone
Darren Sanger-Smith
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
Thank you for joining us!

Friday May 24, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Be Visible”with Danielle Joworski
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Be Visible”with Danielle Joworski
Episode #191
We will meet a business owner who's jumped in and out of entrepreneurship with a new mission “be visible.”
Let’s find out why this corporate leader became a business coach and TV host working with women 40+ to elevate their presence and create the impact, influence and income they imagine.
Meet our guest who joins us from Kitchener, Ontario
“Danielle Joworski’s failure to be visible in her first business is the catalyst for her work today helping female entrepreneurs conquer their fears of being visible so they accelerate their business growth and impact. She’s an award-winning businesswoman, a TV Host (The C-Suite on Rogers tv), a Business Mentor, and in 2023 was nicknamed the “visibility queen” by Exeleon Magazine. Danielle is dedicated to sharing #visibilitytruths, normalizing what it means to become more visible. Danielle lives in Ontario with her husband and kids with 2 and 4 legs.”
A few of the amazing things Danielle shared:
1) Jumping in and out of entrepreneurship
2) Confidence boosters
3) Becoming seen and heard, found and hired
Read Danielle'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.

Friday May 17, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real "Unlock the Magic" with Amy Pons
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Unlock The Magic” with Amy Pons
Episode #190
We will meet a business owner who’s mission includes social impact - helping women unlock their own brand of magic.
Let’s find out why this Master Certifed Life Coach, made the transition from a 20 year marketing career in corporate America to start her own business.
Meet our guest from Chicago, Illinois
“I’m a ~20 year corporate survivor that pivoted to coaching women in 2023. I’m a master certified life coach specializing in helping women remember who the F*** they are after a lifetime of conditioning from environments that no longer serve them. Meet and greet conversations with me are always free and you can schedule via my website. I help you unlock your magic, that unique brilliance that has been tampered down to conform – no more! Queens, let’s do this, you deserve better.”
A few of the amazing things Amy shared:
1) Pulling the thread of change
2) Balance the masculine and feminine
3) Serve your community
Read Amy'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.

Friday May 10, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real "Finding Fortitude" with Layne
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real "Finding Fortitude" with Layne
Episode #189.
We will meet a business owner who is an advocate for social impact, works as The Auctionista and raised over $40 million for charity.
Let’s find out why this speaker, auctioneer and workshop facilitator made a pivot from Financial Advisor to take the stage.
Meet our guest who joins us from Burlington, Ontario:
“An advocate for social impact, Layne’s work as The Auctionista has raised over $40 million for charity. Prior to becoming Canada’s Top Fundraising Auctioneer and creating a powerhouse company, Layne successfully pivoted from working as a Financial Advisor to Director of Development at an Ontario-based charity. Now, Layne is one of the most coveted and respected auctioneers and keynote speakers, with a sparkling reputation for personal storytelling that connects. Layne is continually moving the dial on philanthropy and making communities stronger.”
A few of the amazing things Layne shared:
1) Because they said “no”
2) Mentors who inspire
3) DEIB Workshops
Read Layne'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 May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real Episode #188.
We will meet a business owner who has developed an interactive learning program for children through “play.”
Let’s find out why this writer, director and workshop leader has published her first picture book in the series.
Meet our guest who joins us from Melbourne, Australia
“Cathrin Blickling is a director and writer and while I mainly work in the film industry, I have always loved working with children and adults giving workshops. I work in all sorts of settings focusing on the development of SEL (social and emotional learning) and communication skills. I have worked in Europe, the UK, America and Australia.”
A few of the amazing things Cathrin shared:
1) The power of the “ask”
2) Inclusive learning and breaking barriers
3) Best learning environment - Having “fun”
Read Cathrin'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.

Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real Episode #187.
We will meet a business owner who is committed to helping you enjoy an “Awesome” Life.
Let’s find out why this podcast host, positive psychology coach and NLP Master is working with outside the box entrepreneurs.
Meet our guest who joins us from Whitefield, Maine
“Since 2001, Karen J. Stultz has been coaching, studying, and designing programs and retreats for solution-focused entrepreneurs. Armed with a degree in hypnotherapy and certifications as a Master Coach and Integrative Wellness Coach, she has empowered women worldwide to reclaim their energy, time, money, and freedom without relying on pharmaceuticals, ensuring there’s more of YOU available for YOU. As the host of the Awesome Life Podcast, Karen continues to inspire and uplift countless listeners. She resides with her husband of over 50 years in rural Maine.”
A few of the amazing things Karen shared:
- 3 “F”s for Success
- Success is a choice
- Family impact - 50 years of marriage
Read Karen'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.

Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real Episode #186.
We will meet a business owner who has a commitment to bridging the literacy gap.
Let’s find out why this speaker, high-five facilitator and physical literacy instructor has a passion for equality in education.
Meet our guest who joins us from Hamilton, Ontario:
“Sonia Macaluso, a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and self-help enthusiast, fearlessly inspires thousands with her zest for life. Passionate about empowering others, she holds designations in Leadership, Health, and Wellness, and serves her community as a Public Speaker, High Five Facilitator, and Physical Literacy Instructor. Sonia’s advocacy extends to youth and equality in francophone and indigenous services.”
A few of the amazing things Sonia shared:
- Role models and inclusivity
- Planting seeds for the future
- Education and community Impact
Read Sonia'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.

Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real Episode #185.
We will meet a business owner who is taking her own life experience to assist others with their own self-improvement journey.
Let’s find out why this Naturopath, Soul Coach and Speaker is using multi-disciplinary techniques to assist others from burnout to balance.
Meet our guest who joins us from Toronto, Ontario:
“Alexia Georgousis is Naturopath and Soul Coach. She has always had a deep connection to ancient wisdom, energy, spirituality, and conscious awareness. Alexia has studied with a variety of innovative spiritual teachers to whom she is eternally grateful. She is passionate about helping others embody their aliveness in order to live as their authentic, creative selves, and most importantly – to know they have always been enough.”
A few of the amazing things Alexia shared:
1) Definition of burnout
2) 3 Practical Tips for Your health and wellness
3) Clarity and entrepreneurship
Read Alexia'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.

Friday Mar 22, 2024
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real Episode #184.
We will meet a business owner who walks the walk and talks the talk, sharing a toolkit of useful tips for lifelong success.
Let’s find out why this certified teacher, holistic health coach and energy healer has started a business with a focus on building confidence with teens.
Meet our guest who joins us from Windsor, Ontario:
Kristi Simons is a wife and a mother of two. As a certified teacher, holistic health coach, and energy healer. She is deeply passionate about teaching TEENS methods to heal their body, mind, and soul. Kristi loves sharing her gifts through various channels, including her podcast “Confident Teen,” her book “Body Bliss 2,” and her teen life and confidence coaching business, Teach with Love.”
A few of the amazing things Kristi shared:
- Why she started her business
- Greatest joy and biggest challenge as a new entrepreneur
- Definition of confidence
Read Kristi'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.

Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real Episode #183.
We reconnect with one of the business owners from the first 100 stories we featured when I started the series who has built a business with a fair trade product, premium organic and Grade A. With a wonderful tag line “Spreading the Shea Butter Love” she also gives back to the local community by sponsoring girls education in Uganda.
Let’s find out why this business owner is recalibrating her business model to accommodate new lifestyle choices.
Meet our guest, who joins us from LowBanks, Ontario:
“Debbie van Grieken is a mother of 5 sons and after a Melanoma diagnosis and treatment that required surgery she began looking for Natural alternatives to skin care for herself and her family. With a passion for Fair Trade and a desire to help others Debbie launched her Brand Moyaa Shea Products in 2016. Debbie lives in Lowbanks with her husband and enjoys playdates with her 2 grandsons.”
A few of the amazing things Debbie shared:
1) Changing your business model is a great idea
2) Check your profit picture
3) Decisions based on your values builds win-win relationships
Read Debbie'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.