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. 

Shifting Your Perception: Entrepreneurship often feels fast paced, but Sharon Evans encourages us to embrace stillness. When she stopped trying to be a meditation teacher in a traditional business sense, she began embodying her authentic self. For Sharon, every challenge holds a lesson. Reframing setbacks transforms them into opportunities. She highlights the power of cultivating calm and building growth through mindfulness. Discover your stillness at sevameditation.com 

Strategy Meets Creativity: Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Dee Higdon has spent seven years building a successful business working with small to mid-size companies. She credits her background in journalism for instilling the diligence and versatility needed for entrepreneurship. Dee emphasizes the importance of aligning goals with tactics, defining a strong brand identity, and choosing clients based on mutual understanding. Discover how to create strategies that attract and retain the right audience while driving long-term success. Learn more at deehigdon.com. 

Owning Your Ideas: Have an idea? Then it’s time to talk about intellectual property! In this episode, Andre Gallant, an IP Advisor with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, joins our host Ian to break down the essentials of protecting your ideas. Recorded live at the 2024 NLOWE Conference, this conversation is full of practical advice for entrepreneurs in any industry. Andre shares why IP matters, how to connect with experts early, and ways to minimize risk as you bring your ideas to life. Tune in and visit canada.ca/ip-advisors to learn more! 

Reap What You Sow: This episode we’re joined by Kim Fequet, owner of Root Awakenings and Tasteful Gatherings, based in Western Newfoundland. A proud alumni of CNA's Agricultural Technician program, Kim shares her journey in the agri-food industry. She highlights the Provincial Vegetable Transplant Program and how it helped her business thrive by reducing costs and boosting recognition. Kim also emphasizes the importance of having a solid business plan. Tune in for practical advice on growing a successful business from the ground up. 

Propelled by Purpose: What happens when you turn your passion into a business at just 14 years old? Meet Alex Hennifent, owner of VOLTFUSE, a rider-owned headwear and apparel brand for snowboarders, skiers, skateboarders, and adventure-seekers. In this episode, Alex shares how he built a global brand rooted in community, quality, and creativity. Alex’s story is packed with advice for anyone dreaming big: learn the importance of knowing your “why,” building a reputation for quality, and seeking feedback to grow. Whether you’re into outdoor sports or starting a business, this episode will inspire you to carve your own path. Check out VOLTFUSE at voltfuse.com 

NL Pride, Global Impact: From health care aide to CEO of an international telemedicine company, Charlene Brophy shares her inspiring journey in our Season 3 finale. Charlene is the CEO of Fonemed and a proud CNA alumni. She joins host Ian MacDonald to discuss the strengths of running Fonemed from Newfoundland and Labrador, how the company supported families affected by 9/11, and why embracing where you’re from can be your greatest asset. Tune in for invaluable advice on diversity in leadership, learning from failure, and leveraging technology to improve services.  

Find out more about Fonemed at https://www.fonemed.com/. 

Season 3 of Best in the Biz is brought to you in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). NLOWE offers a wide range of services to members across the province. Find out how you can grow with NLOWE at nlowe.org.  

Hydroponics to Haircuts: Emily Bland, Seed-EO of SucSeed, and April Penney, owner of Refined Barbershop, prove that trusting your gut can pay off. Emily transformed a student project into a social enterprise tackling food security. And April is elevating the barbershop game and building a loyal clientele in the process. These two driven entrepreneurs offer fresh insights into building impactful, customer-focused businesses. 

Check out SucSeed at https://sucseed.ca/ and visit Refined Barbershop at www.refinedbarbershop.ca.  

Season 3 of Best in the Biz is brought to you in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). NLOWE offers a wide range of services to members across the province. Find out how you can grow with NLOWE at nlowe.org.  

Harnessing Networks and Hard Work: Denise Goodyear, owner of Intuitive Media, and Alicia Barrett, owner of A2Z Photography, share their entrepreneurial insights. Denise, a CNA alum, explains how hiring CNA work-term students has helped her business grow. She also discusses her commitment to leveling the playing field for all entrepreneurs through accessible marketing expertise and the power of leveraging networks like NLOWE. Alicia brings passion and dedication to her craft, emphasizing the hard work it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. With her industry accreditation giving her an edge, she continues to put her clients first.  

Learn more at https://intuitivemedia.ca/ and https://www.imagesbya2z.ca/. 

Season 3 of Best in the Biz is brought to you in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). NLOWE offers a wide range of services to members across the province. Find out how you can grow with NLOWE at nlowe.org.