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Passion meets purpose in this fascinating conversation with Shella Mithani, franchise owner of Oxford Learning. Having pivoted from a successful corporate career, Shella shares the moment she discovered her true calling in education - when her husband pointed out how energized she looked after teaching evening classes, despite working 12-hour days. This observation sparked a journey that would transform both her life and the educational landscape in her community.

Shella breaks down the misconception that Oxford Learning is just another tutoring centre. Instead, she reveals how their unique cognitive approach focuses on teaching children how to learn rather than simply what to learn. Through comprehensive assessments and interactive coaching methods, Oxford Learning equips students with critical thinking skills and learning techniques that serve them throughout their entire academic journey and beyond.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Shella recounts opening her third location right before COVID-19 hit - leaving her with zero students but ongoing expenses. Rather than giving up, she pivoted to online learning, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Her powerful reflection that "life is a struggle, but the resilience and grit you develop navigating difficult times builds character" offers wisdom applicable far beyond business.

As a mother of two daughters, a volunteer with the Aga khan Foundation, and a successful female entrepreneur, Shella embodies the values she hopes to instill in her students. Her story reminds us that finding work that genuinely energizes you is a powerful compass for career decisions, and that teaching children not just academic content but how to think and learn creates lasting impact. Ready to discover how cognitive learning approaches might benefit the students in your life? Listen now and share your thoughts!

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Drew Klein is revolutionizing men's health care with his Focus Wave Clinic, tackling sexual dysfunction and chronic pain through advanced electromagnetic shockwave therapy. This isn't your standard medical treatment – it's a painless, side-effect-free approach sending waves at 1500 meters per second directly to affected tissues, promoting new blood vessel growth and reducing inflammation with remarkable 70-80% success rates.

The reality of men's sexual health presents a troubling paradox: half of men over 50 experience erectile dysfunction, one in ten develop Peyronie's disease (curved penis), yet most suffer silently due to stigma and embarrassment. Drew's mission extends beyond treatment to breaking down these barriers of silence that prevent men from seeking help. "Women get sicker, men die quicker," he notes, highlighting how men's reluctance to see doctors impacts their overall health outcomes.

Drew's path to founding Focus Wave Clinic weaves together his University of Waterloo biology degree with decade-long careers in both finance and high tech. When COVID hit, he seized the opportunity to build something combining his scientific knowledge with practical business experience, addressing a critically underserved market. Now with locations in Ottawa and Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto on the horizon, Drew continues expanding while maintaining balance through family time, sports, and DIY cottage projects. Discover how electromagnetic technology is changing lives – visit focuswaveclinic.com or call 888-558-WAVE for a free consultation with their professional nursing staff.

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What does true craftsmanship look like in today's world? Joe Baker of b-sharp Ottawa provides a compelling answer with his approach to skate sharpening that has customers traveling across provinces—and even flying in from the West Coast—just to experience his service.

Baker's journey from competitive figure skater to sought-after skate sharpening expert reveals how specialized knowledge, uncompromising standards, and a mechanical engineer's precision combine to create something extraordinary. "It's got to be right and it's got to be always so," he explains, capturing the philosophy that has built his reputation throughout Canada's skating community. When people are willing to drive hours or even board planes for your service, you know you're offering something special.

The conversation delves into fascinating aspects of skate maintenance that most people never consider, including the surprising truth about rubber mats at ice rinks and why your freshly sharpened skates might dull faster than expected. Beyond technical expertise, Baker shares his evolution as a business owner, from operating out of his garage to managing a thriving shop with multiple technicians servicing hundreds of skates daily during peak season. His story of finding work-life balance while maintaining his exacting standards offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs in any field.

Whether you're a hockey parent, figure skater, recreational ice enthusiast, or simply appreciate stories of passion-driven excellence, this episode demonstrates how specialized craftsmanship still thrives in our mass-produced world. Connect with b-sharp Ottawa at bsharpottawa.com or through their social media channels to experience their exceptional service firsthand.

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What if martial arts training was less about combat and more about character building? This compelling question forms the heart of our conversation with Ben Clarke, the remarkable 26-year-old entrepreneur who owns two thriving Douvris Martial Arts locations in Ottawa's east end.

Ben's story is nothing short of inspirational. Beginning karate at just five years old, he earned his black belt by age ten, started teaching at fourteen, and took the extraordinary leap to business ownership at nineteen when most of his peers were still figuring out their university majors. This bold decision to drop out of business school when opportunity knocked has paid off magnificently – his Orleans location now boasts 430 members, while his newer Rockland school has grown to 97 members in just eight months.

Beyond the impressive business metrics lies a deeper philosophy that drives everything at Douvris Martial Arts. "Any martial art, it's not always about fighting," Ben emphasizes repeatedly throughout our conversation. "We teach things like discipline, focus, perseverance... I think that's more important than learning how to fight." This approach makes his dojos particularly valuable for children struggling with attention challenges or those whose social development was affected by pandemic isolation. Having faced his own childhood struggles with focus and shyness, Ben brings authentic understanding to his teaching approach, creating an environment where every student can thrive regardless of their starting point.

The COVID-19 pandemic tested Ben's entrepreneurial mettle as he pivoted to online instruction – a particularly difficult transition for teaching physical skills to young children. Yet this challenge merely demonstrated the very resilience and adaptability that martial arts training instills. Listening to Ben's journey reminds us that true success comes not just from physical prowess but from developing the mental discipline to persist through challenges. Ready to discover how martial arts might transform your life or your child's development? Visit douvrismartialsarts.com to learn more about their programs and approach.

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Sally Kader, owner of Kanata South Kumon Centre, shares how her learning centre's unique approach assesses each student individually rather than grouping by age or grade. The Japanese-based system builds academic foundations and essential life skills through consistent practice and discipline, benefiting children from age three through high school.

The Kanata South Kumon Centre enjoys:
* Multiple perfromance and recognition awards.
* Multilingual instructor with teaching/training experience in Canada and internationally.
* Instructor with 15+ years experience as a Kumon Instructor.
* Instructor with 20+ years of experience as a Kumon parent of three program completers.
* Full bilingual administration and instruction of the Kumon Math program.
* Highly trained and dedicated staff.
* Three weekdays of in class sessions to choose from (8 time slots per class).
* Spacious, bright and clean classroom.
* Ample parking and close to many surrounding amenities.
* Central location in Kanata.

• Kumon offers a flexible, student-centric method that focuses on individual learning styles and abilities
• Sally's journey began as a Kumon parent in 2002 before purchasing the centre in 2009
• The program complements school by focusing on technical aspects like calculation, grammar, and vocabulary
• Three common misconceptions: Kumon isn't just remedial, doesn't compete with school, and builds healthy discipline
• Structure and consistency are key components for success in the program
• Both struggling and gifted students benefit from Kumon's personalized approach
• The program operates year-round, not following the school calendar
• Free consultations, assessments, and meetings available before enrollment

For more information www.kumon.com/kanata-south or call 613-963-0362.

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Tyler Puier, owner of Real Personal Training in Ottawa, shares his journey from competitive hockey player to fitness entrepreneur after career-ending concussions taught him the profound mental health benefits of exercise. His holistic approach focuses on the four pillars of health: exercise, nutrition, sleep, and social life, helping clients achieve both physical results and improved mental wellbeing.

• Former junior hockey and lacrosse player whose athletic career ended due to multiple concussions
• Discovered exercise was more effective than medication for managing anxiety and depression
• Established Real Personal Training in 2016 with a focus on total health, not just physical appearance
• REAL stands for Results, Exercise, Active, and Lifestyle - the core principles of his training philosophy
• Emphasizes consistency and finding exercise routines that fit into clients' unique lifestyles
• Offers both in-person and virtual training options to accommodate different schedules and needs
• Believes health is fundamental: "without it you really don't have anything"

To learn more about Real Personal Training or book a free consultation, visit www.realpt.ca or contact Tyler directly through the website.

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Van and Maria Sheppard share how they built a successful real estate development business focused on micro suites for one and two-person households, now managing over 50 units across multiple properties.

• Started their development business in 2012 after Maria immigrated from Russia to Canada
• Discovered their niche when realizing 50% of their student housing tenants weren't students
• Identified that one and two-person households increased from 33% to over 60% of Canadian households between 1961-2011
• Focus on infill development, converting outdated properties on main streets into micro suites
• Operate with clear division of responsibilities - Van handles structural elements ("from the paint back") while Maria manages aesthetics ("from the paint out")
• Build properties to hold and operate long-term rather than sell
• Currently have 50 units in development across seven different projects
• Balance work responsibilities with family life, raising four boys while growing their business
• Find greatest satisfaction when tenants express delight at their finished spaces

Connect with Sheppard Development at https://shepparddevelopment.ca/ or sheppard_development on Instagram.

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Dustin Beach shares how Positive Movement Fitness goes beyond typical gym experiences to create transformational changes for busy professionals, parents, and retirees through coach-led programs and personalized attention to each client's unique goals.

• Coach-led fitness facility in Kanata Lakes working with busy professionals, parents, and retirees
• Focuses on helping clients regain energy, improve posture, and address specific health concerns
• Named "Positive Movement" because they aim to help clients make progress toward their intrinsic goals
• Dustin's fitness journey began when his friend's firefighter father got cancer, motivating him to prioritize health
• Transitioned from marathon running to strength training after being called "skinny fat"
• Client success stories include regaining independence (starting lawnmowers without help) and pain reduction
• Debunks fitness myths: 30-day transformations aren't sustainable; women won't get bulky from strength training
• Emphasizes that consistency matters more than intensity for long-term results
• Strength training especially important for women over 40 experiencing hormonal changes
• Building muscle improves metabolism since muscle requires more energy to maintain

For more information about Positive Movement Fitness, call 613-806-7157.

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Tina's journey to founding MindSpa Mental Health Centre exemplifies courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles. After discovering her passion for psychology, she found herself stuck in an unfulfilling government job that left her struggling to even get out of bed each morning. At 30, with two young children, Tina made the bold decision to pursue a Master's in counseling – only to receive her acceptance letter while her husband lay in a coma following surgical complications.

Her story unfolds as a powerful testament to perseverance as she navigated full-time work, full-time studies, and caring for both her children and recovering husband. "If it's not life or death, it's not that big a deal," Tina reflects, sharing how facing true crisis gave her perspective to take calculated risks in building her life's work. This philosophy eventually led her to partner with Michelle to create MindSpa, a unique mental health center designed to feel like "taking care of yourself" rather than clinical treatment.

MindSpa offers a comprehensive approach to mental wellness through psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and innovative neurofeedback technology. Tina particularly highlights neurofeedback as a breakthrough for clients experiencing seemingly contradictory symptoms like simultaneous depression and anxiety. By examining brainwave patterns, practitioners can identify specific areas of over or under-production and tailor treatments to regulate different parts of the brain independently – something medications cannot accomplish. 

Beyond clinical innovations, Tina challenges the persistent stigma around therapy, emphasizing that seeking support isn't an admission of something "wrong," but rather a resourceful approach to processing life's complexities. "You don't fix grief, you sit with it," she explains, highlighting how professional guidance can be particularly valuable when friends and family are experiencing their own parallel grief journeys. Ready to experience a different approach to mental wellness? Visit MindSpa at www.themindspa.ca with locations in both East and West Ottawa.