Evolving Entrepreneurship

Episode Duration: 49 minutes

This week on the Evolving Entrepreneurship podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Cranla Warren, Leadership & Team Coach, Educator, and Organizational Psychologist who brings over 30 years of leadership experience to the mic.

In this powerful conversation, Cranla shares how leaders can move beyond simply surviving and start truly thriving. Drawing on her background in psychotherapy, neuroscience, and executive coaching, Cranla explores what it takes to lead with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and purpose in today’s high-pressure world.

Dr Cranla Warren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cranla-warren/

Dr. Cranla Warren holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, and is a Leadership & Team Coach, Educator, and community builder who’s passionate about helping people move from simply surviving to truly thriving. With a background as a psychotherapist specializing in adult mental health, Cranlahas 30 years of formal leadership experience, which she draws on, in addition to evidence-based practice, in her efforts to help others move the needle on their business success. Before launching her private practice and coaching leaders around the world, Cranla served as Vice President of Leadership Development at the Institute for Health and Human Potential, where she oversaw teams that worked with executives navigating high-stakes leadership challenges.

Today, Cranla is an external facilitator at Toronto Metropolitan University, designing and delivering leadership and professional development programs for staff. She’s also the Co-Founder of The Iris Collective, a grassroots initiative in Stratford, Ontario, dedicated to connection, community, and contribution among women, and the Co-Lead and Faculty Member of Sojourn: An Offsite for Women in Leadership, a transformative retreat for women ready to lead with greater fullness, self-awareness, and purpose. Known for blending psychology, neuroscience, leadership science, and customer/client-focused best practices, Cranla helps leaders—and especially women entrepreneurs—cultivate emotional intelligence, resilience, and lasting impact.

In this conversation, Holly and Janis discuss the essential transition from merely surviving to thriving, particularly for small business owners. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, aligning actions with personal values, and focusing on high-value tasks rather than simply doing more. This approach not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters effective leadership.

Moving from surviving to thriving involves a mindset shift.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Cranla Warren

Episode Duration: 52 minutes

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Emily van Straten, HR consultant, speaker, and author of We’re Human. Not Resources., for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build people-first workplaces. 🌍

From Gen Z expectations to rethinking toxic norms, Emily shares how empathy, individuality, and trust are shaping the new era of work and why it’s time to stop shrinking ourselves to fit outdated systems.

Through her business Think HR, her workshops, and her podcast Your Gen Z Co-Worker, Emily is redefining what leadership looks like in a world that values humans over handbooks. 🎙️

Think HR

https://www.thinkhr.ca/

Woodstock, ON

Emily van Straten is a bold voice in the future of work. As an HR consultant, speaker, and author of We’re Human. Not Resources., she challenges outdated systems and advocates for workplaces where people don’t have to shrink themselves to succeed.

Through her business, Think HR, Emily helps creative, mission-driven teams build cultures rooted in well-being, individuality, and trust. Her podcast, Your Gen Z Co-Worker, and her signature workshops make space for honest conversations about life, work, and everything in between. With equal parts empathy and audacity, Emily is redefining what it means to be human at work – and helping others do the same.

Show Notes:

Summary

In this episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, hosts Holly and Janis engage with Emily VanStraten, an HR consultant, to discuss the evolving landscape of work, particularly focusing on the Gen Z workforce. They explore the implications of back-to-office mandates, the importance of flexibility, and the need for human-centered workplace policies. Emily shares insights from her experiences in HR, emphasizing the significance of trust, respect, and communication in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges small businesses face in hiring and the potential of AI in shaping HR policies. Ultimately, the episode highlights the necessity for businesses to adapt to the changing needs of employees to thrive in the modern economy.

The back-to-office mandate may lead to increased turnover.

00:00 Introduction to Evolving Entrepreneurship

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

In today's podcast, we interview Katie DeBlock Boersma of KDB Law to explore what it means to build a modern workplace inside a traditional profession.

From growing up on a farm near Mitchell to launching a thriving rural law practice and leading community organizations, Katie shares:

✨ How listening to your team and clients builds stronger outcomes.

Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation with a lawyer, leader, and changemaker redefining what’s possible in the legal world.

KDB Law

https://www.kdb.law/

14 Erie Street

Katie’s ambition to become a lawyer took root at the age of 7 while growing up on a farm near Mitchell, Ontario. She attended law school at Osgoode Hall, and then moved back to the family farm where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Katie enjoys the unique opportunity afforded by practicing law in rural Ontario. Balancing the complexities of a diverse and challenging legal practice, she has fostered deep connections with her community. 

She is Chair of the Local Community Food Centre and Chair of the Stratford Perth Museum. She is also a certified Mediator, specializing in mediating workplace and farm succession conflict. In addition, she formerly sat as a Vice Chair on the Ontario Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal. Katie is a firm believer in creating the world we want to live in with every move we make.

Show Notes:

In this episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, hosts Holly and Janis interview Katie DeBlock Boersma, a lawyer and owner of KDB Law in Stratford, Ontario. Katie shares her journey from practicing law in Toronto to establishing her own law firm in a small town, emphasizing the importance of community, flexibility in the workplace, and creating a supportive environment for her team. The conversation explores innovative practices in the legal industry, the significance of giving back to the community, and the evolving perceptions of lawyers. Katie's insights highlight the potential for change in the legal profession, particularly in how law firms can operate in a more human-centered and flexible manner.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Evolving Entrepreneurship

Episode Duration: 30 minutes

We sat down with two rising entrepreneurs from this year’s Summer Company program Navan Simmons of N7slens and Michael Ewing of Media by Michael on the Evolving Entrepreneurship podcast to talk business, creativity, and the hustle behind the highlights.

From capturing sports action to creating standout visuals for athletes and brands, these student founders are already making big waves in Southwestern Ontario.

About Our Guests:

Michael Ewing- Designs by Michael:

Designs by Michael specializes in dynamic sports photography and bold graphic design that captures the energy and emotion of every moment. From game-day action shots to custom visuals for athletes and teams, Michael delivers high-impact content tailored to elevate your brand. Perfect for those looking to stand out with powerful, professional visuals. Michael operates his business from Perth South, Ontario.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/media.by.michael/

Navan Simmons - N7slens:

Navan, residing in Stratford, focuses on sports photography as well as sports events specializing in capturing photos and videos for social media marketing in the sports industry. Navan offers game and team photography, highlight reels, and tailored social media content for youth and college athletes in Southwestern Ontario. With a unique perspective as both athletes and photographers, they provide dynamic, marketable content that helps athletes get noticed by scouts and programs.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n7slens/

Stratford Perth Centre for Business

The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:

In this episode, we sit down with Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford and former Stratford Business Leader of the Year. From her early days working in the family business to steering Stratford through economic uncertainty, Joani shares powerful lessons on:

Her message is clear: leadership means lifting others. As Joani puts it, "When your rocket ship is on the way to the moon, you don’t shut the doors—you jam in as many people as possible so everyone gets the same shot at success."

Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts practical and inspiring.

Episode Duration: 35 minutes

In this bonus episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, we chat with Cindy Teknedjian about her internship at the Stratford Perth Centre for Business, her Change Management studies, and what she thinks about the world of entrepreneurship.

Stratford Perth Centre for Business

The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:

Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) 

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

Nia Bright shares her transformative journey from experiencing a severe health crisis to becoming the owner of Good Vibrations Rock Shop, a vibrant crystal shop and event space in downtown Stratford, Ontario.

Nia Bright is the majority owner of Good Vibrations Rock Shop, a crystal shop and event space in downtown Stratford. Her journey into entrepreneurship began following a life-altering thyroid condition in 2016 that led her to explore holistic wellness. Today, she's an expert in the metaphysical properties of stones, curating rare and high-quality crystals from around the world. Beyond retail, Nia has developed online crystal courses, making crystal education accessible to a broader audience.

Stratford Perth Centre for Business

The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:

Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) 

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

Jacqueline Martin shares her unique experience as a young female entrepreneur co-running Kampkreek Dairies with her brothers, while also managing Pastoral Pond, an artisanal cider company, with her husband.

Jacqueline Martin is a co-owner of Kampkreek Dairies Ltd., a family-operated dairy farm bringing farm-fresh products directly to the community. Along with three of her brothers, she's revolutionizing traditional farming practices with modern approaches. She's also the co-founder of Pastoral Pond, a boutique cider company specializing in small-batch artisanal ciders, which she runs with her husband.

Stratford Perth Centre for Business

The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:

Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) 

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

Please note that there were technical difficulties on the audio side, so turn it up once Kelly and Mel start to chat. This episode contains 20 years of knowledge that you don't want to miss!

Kelly Ballantyne, chef and owner of Sirkel Foods, along with her wife Mel Lang, share their remarkable journey of building and sustaining a successful restaurant in downtown Stratford, Ontario for two decades.

Kelly Ballantyne is the chef and owner of Sirkel Foods, a beloved café in the heart of downtown Stratford. Known for its made-from-scratch menu and commitment to quality, Sirkel Foods has become a staple of the local dining scene under Kelly's leadership. Joining the conversation is Mel Lang, Kelly's wife and supporter in her business journey and genius in the Sirkel Foods' kitchen.

Stratford Perth Centre for Business

The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:

Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) 

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

Virginia Ehrlich shares her journey of creating Acre75, a subscription box service that celebrates small-town Canadian makers and captures the essence of local community spirit.

Virginia Ehrlich is the founder of Acre75 Gathered, a subscription box service that brings the charm and craftsmanship of small-town Canada to subscribers' doorsteps. Her business model not only celebrates local artisans but also captures the authentic, comforting essence of small-town life through carefully curated Canadian-made products.

https://acre75.ca/

Stratford Perth Centre for Business

The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:

Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) 

Books Mentioned:

Throughout our podcasts, we will occasionally mention books as a resource to dive deeper into the conversation. Please note that we provide a link to our local independent bookstore, Fanfare Books, to make it easy for you to buy. We also recommend checking your local library for a copy of the books we love.

Stolen Focus

The War of Art

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