In this inspiring episode, host Sharon DeKoning welcomes Lisa Dublin, executive coach, speaker, founder of Optimum Success Strategies, host of Basement Chronicles, and performance poet. Lisa shares her journey from Saint Lucia to Edmonton and how she combined coaching, speaking, writing, and entrepreneurship into a career centred around helping people live and lead with confidence. Together, Sharon and Lisa explore the realities of entrepreneurship, including imposter syndrome, failure, making money, finding your strengths, and having the courage to keep going when something doesn’t work the first time.

Lisa introduces her powerful three-question postmortem framework: What worked? What didn’t work? What will I do differently next time? She explains how this simple process turns mistakes into practical learning opportunities while preserving what is already working. The conversation then moves into public speaking and commanding a room, where Lisa encourages entrepreneurs to shift their attention away from themselves and toward the people they are there to serve. From sales calls and presentations to podcasts and social media, she reminds listeners that speaking is ultimately a conversation and that confidence grows when you focus on your message, your audience, and the value you can provide.

Sharon and Lisa also dig into the authentic advantage and why filtering your personality can limit your influence. Lisa explains that authenticity reveals your values, naturally attracting people who connect with what you stand for while repelling those who don’t, and that can be a good thing. They discuss finding your unique voice, accepting yourself without placing yourself above or beneath others, building relationships through the principle of “know + like + trust = buy,” and finding work that sits in your zone of genius. Lisa’s message for entrepreneurs is clear: learn from what doesn’t work, communicate with confidence, embrace what makes you uniquely you, and pursue the work you genuinely love.

About Lisa Dublin

Lisa Dublin is an executive coach, speaker, trainer, certified life coach, founder of Optimum Success Strategies, host of Basement Chronicles, author, and performance poet. Originally from Saint Lucia, Lisa moved to Edmonton in 2013 and has built her work around helping people live and lead with confidence. Through coaching, speaking engagements, writing, and her signature Speak with Confidence program, she helps individuals strengthen their communication skills and step more confidently into their leadership.

Lisa describes her approach as rooted in “cringey honesty”—the belief that the vulnerable, uncomfortable, and imperfect parts of our stories can become some of our greatest assets. Her work combines communication, personal development, authenticity, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping people discover and pursue their calling.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Master of One by Jordan Raynor

Key Moments:

[00:02:12] Lisa Dublin’s Story & Entrepreneurial Journey

[00:06:25] Learning from Failure: The Three-Question Postmortem Framework

[00:10:04] Knowing Your Strengths & Learning What to Delegate

[00:11:25] How to Command a Room with Confidence

[00:17:36] Shift the Focus from Selling to Serving Your Customer

[00:19:01] “Know + Like + Trust = Buy”

[00:20:10] The Authentic Advantage: Why Being Yourself Builds Influence

[00:27:24] Finding Your Unique Voice & Owning Your Values

[00:40:09] Creativity, Performance Poetry & Returning to What You Love

[00:45:27] Speak with Confidence, Getting Unstuck & Lisa’s Coaching Approach

Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions

Contact Lisa Dublin | Optimum Success Strategies : 

• Website: lisadublin.com 
• LinkedIn: Lisa Dublin
• Podcast: Basement Chronicles

In this inspiring episode, Sharon sits down with Chanelle Chalazan, a young entrepreneur who started her jewelry business at just 13 years old. What began as a hobby and a few listings on Facebook Marketplace quickly gained traction, leading Chanelle into trade shows, e-commerce, billboard campaigns, media appearances, and a Canada-wide tour, all while attending high school full-time. She shares how passion, affordability, product quality, and a willingness to put herself out there helped turn a small idea into a growing Canadian brand.

Chanelle gets practical about the realities of entrepreneurship, from bootstrapping and testing customer demand to choosing social media platforms, building a professional website, working with suppliers, and deciding where to invest in advertising. She explains why entrepreneurs can’t simply wait for opportunities to find them and shares her experiences reaching out to media outlets, pursuing trade shows, experimenting with radio and billboard advertising, and overcoming assumptions about her age. Throughout her journey, networking, consistency, and building credibility have been essential to continued growth.

The conversation also highlights the importance of mentorship and having the right people in your corner. Chanelle credits her dad as her biggest mentor and supporter while emphasizing the value of surrounding yourself with knowledgeable professionals and learning from other business owners—even your competitors. With ambitious plans to continue expanding her brand across Canada and beyond, Chanelle’s message to entrepreneurs of any age is clear: start small, know your goals, keep learning, build a strong support system, and don’t be afraid to ask, “What’s next?”

About Chanelle Chalazan

Chanelle Chalazan is the young entrepreneur behind Chic & Charmed Boutique, a Canadian jewelry brand she began at just 13 years old. Starting by making jewelry herself and selling through Facebook Marketplace, Chanelle quickly discovered demand for affordable, waterproof jewelry and began expanding the business through trade shows, e-commerce, advertising, and media exposure. Her entrepreneurial journey has since taken her to events across Canada, while her story and business have attracted attention from major media outlets.

Now 16, Chanelle continues to manage much of the business herself—from online orders and customer communication to social media, advertising, product design, and trade show planning—all while attending high school. With plans to grow the brand throughout Canada and potentially into international markets, Chanelle brings an impressive combination of ambition, curiosity, confidence, and a commitment to continuous learning.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

00:00 – Meet Chanelle Chalazan: Building a Business at 16
02:39 – From a Love of Jewelry to a Growing Business
04:21 – Trade Shows, Customer Demand & Expanding Across Canada
06:45 – Networking, Media Exposure & Building Brand Awareness
13:34 – Mentorship, Family Support & Learning from Competition
15:45 – Scaling Production & Finding the Right Suppliers
19:32 – Social Media Strategies for Growing a Business
21:25 – E-Commerce, WordPress & When to Invest in a Website
24:14 – Bootstrapping, Reinvesting & Building a Business Team
27:38 – Overcoming Age Assumptions & Building Credibility
29:42 – Billboards, Radio & Marketing That Gets Attention
34:07 – Balancing School, Future Growth & Chanelle’s Advice for Entrepreneurs

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Facebook Marketplace
• WordPress (WordPress.org)
• WooCommerce (WooCommerce)
• Zeal Media — this is the Saskatoon-based agency Chanelle referenced. (Zeal Media Inc)
• PATTISON Outdoor Advertising (Pattison Outdoor)
• Global News
• CTV News
• CityNews
• Retail Insider

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Chanelle | Chic & Charmed Boutique: 

• Website: chicncharmedjewelry.com 
• Instagram: @chicandcharmedbychanelle
• Facebook: Chic & Charmed Boutique by Chanelle
  
  

In this energizing episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, host Sharon DeKoning sits down with high-performance coach and author Jill Payne to explore one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs and high achievers: managing their energy. Jill explains why constantly working harder isn’t necessarily the answer and introduces her “Be a Dime” philosophy, using a scale of zero to ten to become more aware of the energy you bring into your work and life. Through her practical BFD framework (Body, Focus, and Dialogue) Jill shows how small shifts in posture, attention, and self-talk can change how we experience even the most stressful situations.

Jill and Sharon dig into the pressure business owners put on themselves, from worrying about payroll and deadlines to feeling responsible for employees, customers, and everyone around them. Jill explains why high achievers can also be their own harshest critics and how negative self-talk quietly drains capacity. They discuss shifting from worry toward the ideal outcome, validating difficult emotions before trying to solve them, and replacing the constant internal urgency of “hurry up” with a calmer, more sustainable approach. Jill also explores self-regard and why caring for yourself means not only knowing what you need, but actually responding to those needs.

The conversation expands into leadership, relationships, and workplace culture as Jill explains that “how you lead yourself is how you lead others.” Rather than lowering your own energy to meet someone on a negative channel, she encourages leaders to manage their own energy first and give others the tools and space to manage theirs. For entrepreneurs who are used to running at full speed, this episode offers a practical reminder that feeling better isn’t something you earn after the work is finished. Taking care of your energy can help you become a more resourceful, confident, positive, and effective business owner, and enjoy the life and business you’re working so hard to build.

About Jill Payne

Jill Payne is a high-performance coach, speaker, author of Be a Dime, and creator of an energy management framework designed to help people intentionally shift how they feel and show up. Originally from Nova Scotia and now based in Victoria, Jill has spent approximately 15 years coaching and speaking about performance, energy, and personal development.

Her work has reached high performers ranging from Olympic athletes to organizations including Google and NASA. Through her “Be a Dime” philosophy, Jill teaches people to evaluate their energy on a scale of zero to ten and use their Body, Focus, and Dialogue to consciously move toward a better channel. Her approach combines self-awareness, self-regard, emotional intelligence, and practical energy management strategies that can be applied in business, leadership, relationships, and everyday life.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Be a Dime by Jill Payne

Key Moments:

[00:01:20] Meet Jill Payne: Why Energy Matters for Business Owners

[00:03:35] Be a Dime: The 1–10 Energy Scale

[00:05:04] Body, Focus & Dialogue: The BFD Energy Framework

[00:09:55] How Your Energy Changes the Way You See Problems

[00:13:59] Feeling Drained? Tend to Yourself Before Your Work

[00:18:33] Stop Outsourcing Your Self-Worth

[00:23:34] Bringing Better Energy to Stress, Sales & Financial Pressure

[00:29:34] Managing Other People’s Energy Without Losing Your Own

[00:39:15] Redefining Your Personal Marker of Success

[00:41:27] Managing the Noise, Staying in Your Lane & Protecting Your Energy

[00:48:36] Are You Actually Tired—or Just Low on Energy? 

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Jill Payne | Be a Dime: 

• Website: jillpayne.ca 
• Instagram: @be_a_dime
• YouTube: Jill Payne
• LinkedIn: Jill Payne
  
  

What happens to your business when you're ready to walk away? Whether retirement is years down the road or an unexpected life event changes your plans, having an exit strategy is something you begin planning years in advance, not building at the last minute. 

In this insightful episode, Sharon welcomes Jeffrey Cullen, an Accredited Senior Business Broker with Sunbelt Business Brokers and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor. Jeffrey explains why most businesses aren't actually ready to sell, why confidentiality is critical during the selling process, and why waiting until you're burned out can significantly reduce the value of everything you've worked so hard to build. He also shares what buyers truly look for, how business brokers determine a realistic selling price, and why understanding your financials, customer concentration, and operational systems can dramatically impact your company's value.

Throughout the conversation, Sharon and Jeffrey dive into the importance of building a business that can thrive without the owner. They discuss creating documented systems, developing strong leadership teams, reducing owner dependence, diversifying customers and suppliers, and preparing financially and personally for life after business ownership. Whether your exit is five years away or fifteen, this episode provides practical guidance to help you build a stronger business today while preparing for a more successful transition tomorrow.

About Jeffrey Cullen

Jeffrey Cullen is an Accredited Senior Business Broker with Sunbelt Business Brokers in Edmonton and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). With a background as a mechanical engineer, MBA graduate, management consultant, and university business instructor, Jeffrey has spent decades helping entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, navigate succession planning, and successfully transition ownership.

Today, Jeffrey specializes in confidential business sales, business valuations, and exit planning strategies. He works with owners across Alberta to maximize the value of their businesses, avoid common selling mistakes, and guide buyers and sellers through the complex process of business transitions with confidence and professionalism.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Sunbelt Business Brokers – Edmonton
• Exit Planning Institute (EPI)
• Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)
• Business Valuation Services – Sunbelt Edmonton
• Finish Big by Bo Burlingham 
• Your Baby's Ugly by Justin Goodbread 

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Jeffrey D. Cullen, MBA, CEPA | Accredited Senior Business Broker: 

• Website: sunbeltcanada.com
• Instagram: @bizbrokerjeff
• Facebook: Jeffrey Cullen
• LinkedIn: Jeffrey Cullen
• Phone: (780) 469-3535 

What happens when a former Fortune 500 executive decides to dedicate her expertise to helping small businesses succeed? In this insightful episode, Sharon DeKoning welcomes Gretchen Richards, founder of Dynamic Business Capabilities LLC, to explore the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face as they grow. Gretchen shares why she left the corporate world behind and why she believes small businesses are the true backbone of our communities and economies. Together, they discuss the importance of avoiding burnout, maintaining energy as a leader, celebrating wins, and creating intentional habits that support long-term success.

The conversation dives into strategic planning for entrepreneurs, highlighting the difference between setting long-term goals and creating short-term action plans. Gretchen explains how business owners can stay focused without becoming overwhelmed by uncertainty, emphasizing the value of quarterly planning, continuous learning, and building a personal growth plan. Sharon and Gretchen also discuss accountability, target dates versus deadlines, and how entrepreneurs can stay motivated while pushing beyond their comfort zones.

The episode wraps up with a practical discussion on systems, delegation, process improvement, and creating repeatable workflows that support business growth. Gretchen shares why systems are essential for scalability, how leaders can empower their teams through mentorship and accountability, and why measuring key metrics is critical for making informed decisions. Whether you're a startup founder, small business owner, or leader looking to improve operations, this episode offers actionable insights to help you build a stronger, more sustainable business.

About Gretchen Richards

Gretchen Richards is the Founder of Dynamic Business Capabilities LLC and a seasoned business strategist with more than 35 years of experience helping organizations improve operational performance, scale effectively, and increase profitability. Beginning her career as a software engineer, Gretchen worked with major telecommunications companies and Fortune 500 organizations, gaining extensive expertise in systems, operations, leadership, and business growth.

Today, Gretchen dedicates her work to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners. Through coaching, consulting, and operational strategy, she helps businesses implement practical systems, improve accountability, avoid burnout, and create sustainable growth plans. Her passion lies in helping business owners build companies that run more efficiently while allowing them to focus on what matters most.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Draw.io (Process Mapping Tool)
• EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System)
• Loom (Video Tool)
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• High Performance Habits by Brendon Bouchard 
• BNI Lloydminster

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Gretchen Richards | Dynamic Business Capabilities: 

• Website: dynamicbusinesscapabilities.com
• LinkedIn: Gretchen Richards

In this insightful episode, Sharon welcomes financial advisor and entrepreneur Melanie Cheek for a candid conversation about the financial habits, mindset shifts, and planning strategies that can transform an entrepreneur’s future. Melanie shares her personal journey from financial stress and debt to becoming a trusted advisor helping others orchestrate their wealth. Together, they explore why so many Canadians grow up without financial education, how our beliefs about money impact our decisions, and why replacing phrases like “I can’t afford that” with more empowering language can create meaningful change.

The discussion dives into practical tools entrepreneurs can use to keep more of their hard-earned money, including Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), First Home Savings Accounts, business deductions, health spending accounts, and retirement planning strategies. Melanie explains why entrepreneurs should think differently about saving, how to create a spending plan instead of a budget, and why even small contributions can build significant wealth over time. She also shares valuable insights on reducing taxes legally, understanding financial products, and making informed decisions about RRSPs, TFSAs, and other investment vehicles.

Sharon and Melanie also discuss protecting what you’ve built through life insurance, succession planning, and business continuity strategies. The conversation expands into entrepreneurship, delegation, networking, hiring experts, investing in coaches, and creating a business that supports your life rather than consumes it. Whether you’re building your first business, preparing for retirement, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, this episode offers practical advice and powerful mindset shifts to help you move forward with confidence.

About Melanie Cheek
Melanie Cheek is a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and educator who has been helping Canadians build wealth and create financial confidence since 2013. Drawing from her own experiences overcoming debt, financial stress, and entrepreneurship challenges, Melanie is passionate about teaching practical financial strategies that are often missing from traditional education.

Through Melanie Cheek Financial, she works with individuals, families, and entrepreneurs to develop customized financial plans, reduce taxes, protect their assets, and create sustainable wealth-building strategies. Melanie is known for her approachable style, commitment to financial education, and dedication to helping people make informed decisions about their money and future.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA)
• First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
• Health Spending Accounts (HSA) for incorporated business owners
• BNI Networking Groups
• Reset Collective Mastermind Community
• Startup Lloydminster
• Mile IQ
• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
• Womanition
• The Secret
• The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success  by Deepak Chopra
• Talk Money to Me by Kelley Keehn

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Melanie Cheek | Melanie Cheek Financial: 

• Website: www.melaniecheekfinancial.com 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Facebook: Melanie Cheek Financial
• Phone: (780) 604-3711

Many business owners invest significant time and money into their websites, yet struggle to generate consistent leads or sales. In this insightful episode, Sharon DeKoning sits down with website revenue architect Gerry Black to uncover why most websites underperform and what business owners can do to fix them. Gerry shares his journey from journalism and sales into marketing strategy, where he discovered a passion for helping entrepreneurs avoid costly website mistakes and turn their online presence into a true business asset.

Gerry explains one of the most important statistics in online marketing: only 5% of first-time website visitors are ready to buy immediately. The remaining 95% are researching, comparing options, and looking for solutions. This reality changes how business owners should approach their websites. Rather than focusing solely on attracting traffic, Gerry emphasizes the importance of creating clear messaging, communicating a unique value proposition, and answering the critical question every prospect asks: “Why should I choose you over all my other options?”

The conversation dives into Gerry’s three-part Website Revenue Architecture framework: capturing attention, generating engagement, and creating conversion opportunities. He shares practical strategies, including lead magnets, email nurturing sequences, testimonials, educational content, blogs, videos, webinars, and LinkedIn optimization. Gerry also discusses how trust is built online through consistent communication and authentic customer success stories, allowing businesses to nurture prospects until they are ready to buy. Whether you’re a small business owner, service provider, or entrepreneur looking to improve your website results, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help turn your website into a predictable revenue-generating system.

About Gerry Black

Gerry Black is a website strategist, marketing consultant, and creator of the Website Revenue Architecture framework. With a background in journalism, advertising sales, and telecommunications, Gerry combines persuasive copywriting skills with real-world sales expertise to help entrepreneurs and service-based businesses improve their marketing results.

Today, Gerry specializes in helping business owners identify the hidden weaknesses in their websites, strengthen their messaging, and build systems that consistently generate leads and revenue. Based in Barrie, Ontario, he works with businesses across North America, helping them create websites that do more than look good. They actively contribute to business growth.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini
• Gerry Black's free guide: Seven Website Leaks That Are Costing You Sales
• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Gerry Black | Marketing Writer: 

• Website: mareketingwriter.ca 
• LinkedIn: Gerry Black

In this insightful episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, Sharon welcomes back John Stevens, Managing Director of Camilla Advisory Group, for a powerful conversation about fractional CFO services and why they’ve become a game-changer for growing businesses. Drawing on decades of experience as a CFO, CEO, and advisor involved in more than 100 acquisitions, John explains the difference between traditional accounting and strategic financial leadership. He shares how fractional CFOs help entrepreneurs move beyond simply reviewing historical numbers and instead focus on forecasting, cash flow management, profitability, financing, operational efficiency, and long-term business strategy.

Throughout the conversation, Sharon openly shares the real-life struggles many entrepreneurs face—seasonal cash flow swings, uncertainty around expansion decisions, and the overwhelming nature of financial statements. John explains how fractional CFOs provide clarity, guidance, and confidence by helping owners understand their numbers, build forecasts, prepare for growth, and make informed decisions around scaling locations, hiring, acquisitions, and succession planning. He also discusses how AI is rapidly changing forecasting and financial modelling, making strategic financial guidance more accessible and efficient than ever before.

The episode also dives into mergers and acquisitions, employee ownership, and preparing a business for eventual succession or sale. John explains how his team helps businesses navigate acquisitions, due diligence, strategic buyers, and growth opportunities across Western Canada. Whether you’re a small business owner trying to gain control of your finances or an entrepreneur preparing to scale, this episode is packed with practical insights on how the right financial strategy can reduce stress, improve profitability, and position your business for long-term success.

About John Stevens

John Stevens is the Managing Director of Camilla Advisory Group and a seasoned executive with extensive experience in financial leadership, mergers and acquisitions, employee ownership, and strategic business growth. Throughout his career as both a CFO and CEO, John has participated in more than 100 acquisitions across Western Canada and has developed a deep passion for helping businesses scale sustainably while preparing for long-term success.

Through Camilla Advisory Group, John and his team provide fractional CFO services, employee ownership advisory, and M&A support to businesses of all sizes. Known for his practical, forward-thinking approach, John helps entrepreneurs move beyond day-to-day operations and focus on strategic financial planning, profitability, forecasting, succession planning, and growth opportunities. His mission is to help business owners build healthier, stronger businesses that can thrive well into the future.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Poor Charlie’s Almanack - Charles T. Munger

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact John Stevens | Camilla Advisory Group:

• Website: camillaadvisory.com 
• LinkedIn: John Stevens
• LinkedIn: Camilla Advisory Group
  
  

In this episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, Sharon DeKoning sits down with business mentor and growth strategist Christine Campbell Rapin for an honest and energizing conversation about what it really takes to grow a successful business. Christine shares her powerful perspective on building a “growth engine” — the simple but effective system of generating leads, making offers, and consistently creating momentum in your business.

Together, Sharon and Christine unpack the difference between followers and buyers, why networking and relationships still matter in an AI-driven world, and how entrepreneurs can stop overcomplicating growth. They discuss marketing strategies that create curiosity, the importance of human connection, and why introverts can still thrive in networking and speaking environments. Christine also shares practical advice on social media, websites, business development, and how to create sustainable systems without relying on expensive tech or complicated funnels.

This episode is packed with actionable business insights for entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or unsure how to scale. From the power of clarity breaks and CEO days to the importance of mentorship, accountability, and giving back, Sharon and Christine deliver a conversation that feels both motivating and refreshingly real.

About Christine Campbell Rapin

Christine Campbell Rapin is a business mentor, speaker, and growth strategist who helps entrepreneurs commercialize their ideas, attract dream clients, and build profitable businesses with clarity and confidence. Known for combining practical strategy with honest accountability, Christine works with business owners to simplify growth, strengthen relationships, and create sustainable business engines that actually work.

With decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs and generating measurable business growth, Christine is passionate about helping business owners stop spinning their wheels and start creating momentum. Through speaking, mentorship, events, and her podcast, she empowers entrepreneurs to think bigger, act boldly, and build businesses that align with both their goals and their lifestyle.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington
• OpusClip
• EOS Worldwide
• BNI
  
  

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Christine Campbell Rapin | CLEAR Acceleration Inc.:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Podcast
  
  

Sharon welcomes Ian Chisholm, co-founder of Roy Group, for a deep conversation about the evolution from entrepreneur to leader. Ian shares how failing to become a doctor unexpectedly led him into the world of executive education and leadership development, where he discovered a passion for helping organizations build future leaders. Together, Sharon and Ian unpack the difference between managing tasks and developing people, exploring how mentorship, delegation, emotional intelligence, and intentional leadership shape successful businesses.

Ian explains that leadership is not simply about getting work done—it’s about creating the capacity for others to grow. He introduces powerful concepts like “attention over intention,” the idea that leaders must slow down enough to truly observe, coach, and develop their teams instead of constantly reacting and hustling. Through stories, practical examples, and leadership tools like LOFT (Lit, Open, Focused, Transparent) and the “Third Chair” method, Ian demonstrates how leaders can improve communication, foster ownership, and build stronger workplace cultures where employees feel valued and inspired.

Sharon and Ian also dive into company culture, employee fulfillment, delegation, succession planning, and the emotional atmosphere leaders create in the workplace. They talk about the importance of building businesses people actually want to work in, the dangers of burnout culture, and why leadership must become something others aspire to rather than avoid. Whether you’re a small business owner, manager, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode is packed with actionable leadership insights, mentorship strategies, and mindset shifts to help you grow both your business and your people.

About Ian Chisholm 

Ian Chisholm is the co-founder of Roy Group, a leadership development organization dedicated to helping individuals and organizations discover purpose-driven leadership. Ian has spent decades working with senior leaders, executive teams, and emerging leaders across North America and internationally. His work focuses on mentorship, coaching, succession planning, and helping organizations build cultures where leadership can thrive.

Ian has played a significant role in executive education initiatives, including work with the award-winning Columba 1400 Leadership Centre in Scotland. Known for his engaging storytelling and practical leadership tools, Ian helps organizations move beyond traditional management toward mentorship-centered leadership that develops future generations of leaders with integrity, awareness, and purpose.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Columba 1400 Leadership Centre
• Strategic Coach by Dan Sullivan
• The Official BNI Podcast with Dr. Ivan Misner
• Quiet Champions: A Way Forward for Mentors in Turbulent Times by Ian Chisholm

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: 

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Ian Chisholm | Roy Group: 

• Website
• LinkedIn
• LinkedIn: Roy Group