Raise The Anchor

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Five years ago, photographer Jay Fisher joined Raise the Anchor to share how an unexpected life change and a spontaneous “yes” to moving across the country transformed his world.

Back then, he had just landed in Nova Scotia, building Capture It Photography from the ground up. Today, Jay returns to reflect on what’s happened since that bold leap: from growing his business and opening his own studios to releasing his breathtaking book, Come From Away, a visual love letter to Nova Scotia and the people who inspire his work.

In this episode, we talk about collaboration vs. competition, why networking rooted in friendship matters more than sales, and the power of following your gut when life invites you to make a big move.

 Plus, Jay’s got the sweetest source of inspiration that keeps his creativity flowing. 

You can find Jay's websites here: captureit.photography and www.comefromawaywithacamera.ca

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Sometimes the best thing that can happen… is failing.

 In this solo episode of Raise the Anchor, I’m diving into the powerful concept of Failing Forward by John Maxwell and how one of my biggest failures (losing a business I poured my heart into) became the catalyst for a stronger comeback.

I open up about what it looked like to feel like everything was falling apart, and how that moment forced me to slow down, reevaluate, and reconnect with my true passion and purpose. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. And it gave me a completely new lens on what success really means.

Inside this episode:

• A real and raw story of failure in business
• How the concept of Failing Forward helped shift my mindset
• 3 reflection questions to help you move forward when things don’t go to plan

If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt like you’ve “messed it up,” or wondered if you’ll ever bounce back, this episode is for you.

🎧 Press play and let’s talk about what it really means to raise the anchor… and keep moving, even when it feels like you’ve hit bottom.

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Jenna Ross, serial entrepreneur and founder of the Nova Scotian Cookie Company, shares her journey from IT professional to managing three thriving businesses while raising teenagers and maintaining work-life balance.

• Nova Scotian Cookie Company began after a human design reading gave Jenna "permission" to be a serial entrepreneur
• Lighthouse-shaped shortbread cookies represent Nova Scotia and have taken Jenna to LA, Italy, Germany and beyond
• Attended the Golden Globes and Emmys gifting suite in Los Angeles where her cookies were gifted to nominees
• Connected indigenous designer Tracy Metallic with Cheekbone Beauty's Jen Harper for Halifax Fashion Week
• Models walked the runway wearing Nova Scotian Cookie Company aprons during fashion week
• Built strong teams across all businesses to handle day-to-day operations while she focuses on vision
• Manages property management company, real estate investments, and cookie company simultaneously
• Emphasizes the importance of "just getting started" rather than waiting for perfect conditions
• Learning to trust the universe rather than forcing outcomes
• Developing a new podcast focused on entrepreneurial mindset and balancing business with life

Follow Jenna on LinkedIn or on Instagram @happyplacepropertymanagement and @nscookieco to stay connected with her entrepreneurial journey.

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In nursing and management, I’ve made hundreds of hard calls, often without enough time or perfect answers. In this episode of Raise the Anchor, I’m sharing the decision-making tools I lean on when the stakes are high, and how those same tools supported me through a recent emotional moment in my personal life.

Whether you’re in a leadership role or just facing a decision you didn’t see coming, this episode will help you:
 ✔️ slow the mental chaos
 ✔️ trust your gut and logic
✔️ make a call without knowing the outcome

It’s not about being fearless. It’s about leading yourself through it anyway.

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In this powerful follow-up episode, we reconnect with Raise the Anchor guest Jen Vey—an unstoppable force navigating life with brain tumors, dystonia, and the lasting impacts. Jen shares an honest update on her health, the realities of living with chronic illness, and how she’s transforming pain into purpose through her new platform: Temporary Experts.

This innovative business is built for people who can’t work traditional 9–5 jobs but have incredible knowledge to offer. Whether you live with disability, chronic illness, or are simply forging your own path—this conversation is for you.

*Don’t miss the surprise laugh-out-loud moment at the end if you're watching on YouTube!

-Learn more about Temporary Experts
--Health, hustle, and hope—this one hits deep.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of resilience and reinvention.

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For years, Laura Wheeler battled chronic symptoms, only to be told it was “just allergies” or that her labs looked fine. But deep down, she knew something wasn’t right. In this powerful episode of Raise the Anchor, Laura shares how she uncovered the root cause: her gut and took her healing into her own hands.

From misdiagnosis to full-body restoration, Laura opens up about the steps she took to support her digestive health, the mindset shift that changed everything, and how a product line from the MLM Amare played a key role in her journey. If you've ever felt dismissed or stuck in your health journey, this is a story you don’t want to miss.

We talk about:

• Listening to your body when doctors won’t
• Gut health and emotional well-being
• Healing through natural products and perseverance
• What to look for in gut-supportive supplements
• The power of community in wellness journeys

✨ Tune in and let Laura’s story remind you: you’re not crazy—you’re intuitive.

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Being good at something doesn’t mean it’s meant for you. In this episode of Raise the Anchor, we dive into what to do when your skills don’t align with your passion.

We talk about:

• How to set boundaries
• Ways to reframe tasks you don’t enjoy
• Cultivating gratitude without settling
• Making space for what truly matters

Listen now here on buzzsprout or watch the full episode on YouTube.

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In this episode of Raise the Anchor, Jess Clerke shares her incredible transformation—from a digital marketer who relocated to Barbados during the pandemic and felt isolated and unsure, to becoming a confidence coach helping women rediscover their voice. 

After returning to Canada, Jess tapped into her true superpower: guiding others to stand tall in their confidence. Now, she’s the powerhouse behind soul-nourishing retreats, women-led conferences, and a thriving sisterhood where community and courage go hand in hand.

We discuss motherhood, business, self-worth, and the magic that happens when women support one another.

Tune in to feel seen, inspired, and maybe even called to anchor into your next chapter.

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In this powerful solo episode, I flip the mic and interview myself, sharing the raw, unfiltered story of leaving my business and going back into nursing, burning out, and finding my way back. 

Now, as a Nursing Services Manager, I reflect on the crash that changed everything, the rise that followed, and the unshakable support of my family that anchored me along the way. 

This episode sets the tone for what's to come, and let me tell you, the guest interviews already recorded are nothing short of inspiring.

If you’ve ever questioned your path or felt like you were starting over, this one’s for you.

In this special edition episode we dive into the Evolution Blueprint, why it was created and who it's for.

In the Evolution Blueprint, you'll learn:

-1-

Who you really are, what you value, and what you feel truly passionate about

Believe it or not, most people don't do a deep dive to assess if their career matches WHO they are and what ignites them.

We get into the nitty gritty of how you are designed as an individual, and what best suits your values. 

How to break down limiting beliefs that are holding you back from making a change

Feeling a little scared? Don't worry, that's totally normal.

We do an in-depth exploration of which deep-seated beliefs you hold that are limiting you from living in alignment with your core self. 

What action steps are needed and how to start putting them into place - right now

With the tools in place, we strategize a complete roadmap to achieve what you really want and ALL of the action steps required.

Then we start putting them into place well ahead of program completion.