Careers don’t always follow a straight line and that’s where the learning happens. In this episode, we hear from Reisha Knott of Qalipu Holdings and Ray Brake of Digital Advertising Solutions. Reisha reflects on her journey as a CNA alumna who transitioned from finance to marketing and shares honest advice about discovering your strengths through real-world experience. Ray discusses the self-belief necessary to thrive. He highlights the wealth of local funding resources and explains why skepticism from others is often the best motivation to succeed. Tune in for a masterclass on networking, community giving, and professional pivoting.

Find out more about Digital Advertising Solutions at digitaladvertisingsolutions.ca

Community, collaboration, and a shared vision for business growth. This episode features Jonah Rowsell of Qalipu Business Network and Rob Thomas of Saltbox and Everoutdoor Adventures. From supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs with business planning and partnerships to building tourism experiences rooted in culture, place, and sustainability, these conversations highlight the power of working together. Tune in to hear practical advice for aspiring business owners.

Want to learn more or get involved? Visit the Qalipu Business Network and Everoutdoor Adventures

 Join us for a deep dive with Adam Rowe of SubC Imaging! Discover how this Newfoundland-based company, co-founded by two CNA grads, has innovated to become a leader in underwater imaging for marine research, offshore energy, and defense across 30+ countries. Adam shares insights on building a tech business from the ground up, navigating international markets, and the vital role of community support.

Kayla Stride of Miawpukek First Nation never planned on becoming a ceramic artist. After being waitlisted for flight school, she enrolled in Visual Arts and discovered pottery. In her words, the clay chose her. Since then, her journey has wound between full-time teaching, performing with the all-nations drum group Eastern Owl, and building her business Red Fire Ceramics. In this episode, Kayla reflects on embracing unexpected turns, making space for art on her own terms, and discovering new ways to create by drawing on available tools and supportive communities. 

Josh Taylor’s business, TxtSquad, simplifies communication for clients. He says making services more accessible can be a game-changer. Josh also shares why pacing growth matters in long-term markets and how strong relationships can open doors that speed alone cannot. Along the way, hear about TxtSquad co-founder Tim Bonnell, a CNA alum and recent winner of CNA’s Alumni Acclaim Award for Innovation. Tune in for practical insights on designing solutions that put people first. 

 In this episode, we sit down with Tera McDonald of Kalawikk Diversity Inc. Dive into her unique path from educator to entrepreneur, exploring how she's building inclusive spaces and empowering Indigenous women. Tera reveals the transformative power of storytelling, the critical role of transparency in business, and invaluable lessons learned from real-world challenges. A must-listen for anyone looking to lead with purpose and make a genuine impact.

Welding isn’t just a trade—it’s a launchpad for entrepreneurship. In this episode, we meet the founder of DWS Mobile Welding, Dennis W. Shelley, who turned 18 years of experience into a business built on skill, patience, and grit. He grew his company from scratch, one job at a time. Hear how trusting his instincts, solving tough problems on-site, and building strong client relationships helped him go from employee to business owner in the heart of Newfoundland.

Chocolate-covered strawberries, charcuterie cups, and a whole lot of hustle—this episode features Jacqueline Burke who turned her love for making sweets into a profitable small business. From getting certified and licensed to hosting pop-ups at Marble Mountain, she’s building a brand that’s as creative as it is delicious. Tune in to hear how she juggles full-time work, entrepreneurship, and making her customers smile—one handcrafted treat at a time.

Want to taste the magic? Follow Make It Sweet on Facebook to order or learn more.

Mentorship and Meaningful Connection: What role do mentorship and communication play in entrepreneurial success? Jason McDonald from Futurpreneur breaks it down. He emphasizes the importance of face-to-face communication, a skill he calls a lost art. He also highlights how building genuine relationships can make a lasting difference for both mentors and entrepreneurs. Whether you're looking to start or grow your business, this episode will inspire you to start by building connections. Access Futurpreneur's services at futurpreneur.ca. 

Truth Behind Success: Baker. Teacher. Competitor. Author. TV Host. There’s not much Aaron McInnis hasn’t done. Unemployed at 23, Aaron dove into entrepreneurship with zero experience and zero regrets. Since then, he’s competed on the Food Network, launched his own show on Bell Fibe TV, and released a cookbook Happy Belly: The Cake Book. In this episode, Aaron shares how he built his business through organic social media. His advice? Be real. To order a delicious custom cake, you can find Happy Belly Cakery on Facebook.