The Finance Cafe

What if your banker could be more than just someone you call when you need financing? What if they were a true partner—someone who understands your vision and helps you bring it to life?

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon sits down with Alla Brisky, Regional Manager Prairies, Women in Enterprise at TD, for a conversation every woman entrepreneur needs to hear. Whether you're just getting started or growing a successful business, building the right relationship with your banker can be a game-changer.

Alla brings over a decade of experience in personal and business banking, and as an entrepreneur herself, she gets what it’s like to be on both sides of the table. She shares why it’s so important to start building that banking relationship early, and how having someone in your corner who understands your business can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Shannon and Alla talk about the power of understanding your numbers - especially your cash flow - before walking into a lender’s office. It’s not just about the numbers themselves, but about being able to tell a compelling story about your business. Alla shares how approaching this conversation with confidence can make all the difference when it comes to securing the support you need.

This is a great reminder that your financial journey doesn’t have to be transactional. When you shift your mindset and build a relationship based on openness and trust, your bank can become a strategic ally in your growth. The more you understand your finances, the more empowered you become to make decisions that truly serve your business.

TD Women in Enterprise

Linkedin:

On this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shauna is joined by Patricia Yun, Head of Digital Commerce at TD Bank, for a conversation about building stronger, safer small businesses through the power of digital commerce.

With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Patricia brings a deep understanding of how entrepreneurs can use the right tools to support, grow, and protect their businesses in today’s fast-moving digital economy. At TD, she leads the development of eCommerce and payment solutions that serve small business, commercial, and corporate clients - solutions that are designed to integrate seamlessly and simplify the day-to-day realities of running a business.

Shauna and Patricia explore how TD Merchant Solutions—Canada’s only payment processor directly owned and operated by a major bank—is helping entrepreneurs manage everything from payment processing to banking, all in one place. They discuss how a unified platform can free up time and resources for small business owners, giving them more room to focus on what matters most: building meaningful relationships with customers and creating value in their communities.

But it’s not just about convenience, it’s also about protection. Small businesses are facing key threats when it comes to fraud, including “friendly fraud” and more sophisticated schemes that can put a business at risk. However, there are ways business owners can spot the red flags and take proactive steps to keep their businesses safe.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciacyun/

Website: https://www.td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/payment-options/processing-solutions
TD Insights and Advice: https://www.td.com/ca/en/business-banking/how-to/merchant-solutions/resource-centre/advice

TD Payment Solutions

English: https://www.td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/payment-options/processing-solutions

French: https://www.td.com/ca/fr/entreprises/petite-entreprise/options-paiement/solutions-traitement

On this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon is joined by decolonial facilitator, speaker, and connector Vanessa Lesperance for an eye-opening conversation about what it means to challenge the systems we’ve inherited, and imagine new ways of doing business that center humanity, relationships, and sustainability.

Vanessa is a proud mixed heritage Métis woman reclaiming her Red River roots and reshaping the way we think about entrepreneurship and leadership. As the co-founder of Decolonize and Rize, Vanessa works at the intersection of reconciliation and well-being, supporting Indigenous women and youth entrepreneurs across Turtle Island.

Shannon and Vanessa explore how colonized systems have shaped our beliefs around work, productivity, and success, and why it’s time to unlearn those narratives. Decolonizing business is not only about rejecting profit, but about approaching money and entrepreneurship in a way that is ethical, human-centered, and spiritually aligned. 

They discuss how shifting away from hustle culture opens the door to living a life that feels full and free, one where people are paid a living wage, are respected as individuals, and are empowered to live in a way that supports their whole selves. Vanessa also invites us to consider how business can be more relational than transactional, how slowing down can be a strategy, and how each interaction can be rooted in care, connection, and community.

Website: https://www.decolonizeandrize.com/home 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-lesperance-vancouver/

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

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shauna is joined by transformational coach and entrepreneur Kate Hanson, founder of Kate Hanson Co. and RaisCo Coaching, for a deeply honest conversation about why success should never come at the cost of your health, happiness, or peace of mind.

Known for helping high-performing entrepreneurs and professionals design businesses that support their whole lives, not just their bottom line, Kate brings grounded wisdom and powerful insight to the table. Drawing from her own experience of burnout and reinvention, she offers a refreshing perspective on what it really means to thrive.

Shauna and Kate explore the hidden beliefs that keep us stuck in hustle mode and challenge the cultural narrative that success has to be hard, fast, and all-consuming. They discuss the importance of prioritizing wellbeing as a business strategy, the value of unlearning, and how we can give ourselves permission to build in ways that feel aligned, joyful, and sustainable.

Tune in to learn why redefining success on your own terms isn’t just possible, it’s essential. This episode is your invitation to question the rules, reclaim your energy, and create a path that honors who you are and how you want to live.

Linkedin

Linkedin Kate Hanson Co

Instagram

Facebook
Website: https://www.kate-hanson.co/

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shauna is joined by Shulamit Ber Levtov—The Entrepreneurs’ Therapist—for a powerful conversation about the money narratives that hold women back, and how reclaiming financial power can be a pathway to healing, confidence, and control.

Known for her work at the intersection of mental health, entrepreneurship, and financial psychology, Shula is a bold voice challenging the cultural messages that tell women they’re bad with money. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience and more than two decades working professionally in the field of women's personal growth and mental health, she brings a unique lens to conversations about money, mindset, and emotional wellbeing in business.

Shauna and Shula dive into the myths and stereotypes that shape women’s financial identities—often without us even realizing it. They explore how survival-based decisions can be misread as poor financial habits, and how internalizing these harmful messages can impact self-worth, limit financial confidence, and even make women more vulnerable to financial abuse.

Tune in to learn how breaking free from these limiting beliefs isn’t just empowering—it’s a vital step toward building a healthy relationship with money, protecting your peace of mind, and showing up fully in your business and life.

www.shulamitberlevtov.com

Instagram: @shulamit_ber_levtov

LinkedIn: Shulamit Ber Levtov

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon is joined by Elise Ahenkorah—award-winning strategist, global inclusion expert, and founder of Inclusion Factor—for a compelling conversation on what it really means to create inclusive environments where people and performance thrive.

Elise is a bold voice in redefining workplace inclusion. As the Lead Strategist at Inclusion Factor, she has worked with over 100 clients across three continents—including Bayer, IBM, and the World Bank—helping organizations build cultures rooted in fairness, access, and representation. Backed by a background in law, international relations, and change management, Elise turns complex talent challenges into actionable, data-driven solutions that drive retention and performance.

In this episode, Elise and Shannon explore how inclusive workplaces not only benefit individuals, but also fuel economic growth. They discuss the importance of intersectionality, why inclusion must be more than a checkbox, and how truly valuing people leads to stronger, healthier organizations. Elise also shares insights on why lifting women up economically—and making sure they feel empowered to price and profit confidently—is critical for equity and long-term success.

Tune in to hear why inclusive leadership is key to organizational success, how intersectionality can transform workplace culture, and what it takes to build environments where people feel empowered to show up fully and do their best work. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliseahenkorah/

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

Website: www.inclusionfactor.ca

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon sits down with Vanessa Aegirsdottir, internationally acclaimed jewelry designer, entrepreneur, and business coach, to discuss how women entrepreneurs can build resilience and scale their businesses with confidence. Vanessa is the co-founder and CEO of her award-winning brand, Vanessa Aegirsdottir, which specializes in premium fur jewelry that honors Indigenous traditions and ethical sourcing. Her designs have been featured in Vogue, Esquire, and Forbes, establishing her as a leader in sustainable luxury.

With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Vanessa has helped women-owned product businesses grow with profitability and confidence. Through her coaching, she equips business owners with the tools to price for profit, navigate growth, and reach global audiences. In this episode, Vanessa shares how overcoming fear, embracing risks, and developing resilience were key to her success. She also dives into how she overcame imposter syndrome and learned to properly value her work and art.

If you're a business owner looking to scale with confidence, this conversation is a must-listen. Vanessa's approach to entrepreneurship is all about trusting yourself, taking risks, and building a strong foundation—both mentally and financially. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how to break through barriers and reach your business’s full potential.

Website: https://www.aegirsdottir.com/
Instagram: @vanessa.aegirsdottir

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon is joined by Alicia Fowler, founder of MOD Accounting & Tax, to discuss how women entrepreneurs can navigate financial uncertainty. In an ever-changing economic climate, understanding your profit and cash flow is crucial to keeping your business on track.

Alicia brings nearly 20 years of experience in the accounting industry, holding a CPA, CA designation and a Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan. Originally from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, she now calls Edmonton home. As a dedicated mom, entrepreneur, and community builder, Alicia believes in the power of financial wellness and supporting women in business. Her passion lies in helping entrepreneurs who are making a social impact and ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to succeed.

In this episode, Alicia and Shannon discuss how reading and analyzing financial statements can reveal what’s working in your business - and what needs to change. She emphasizes the importance of having an accountant on your side to ensure you're always aware of where your money is going, helping you avoid financial pitfalls and stay ahead of challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, make sure to tune into this episode to get some tips and tricks to navigate financial uncertainty with confidence.

Website: https://modaccountingtax.ca/

Linkedin

Instagram  @alicia_fowler.cpa

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please consider reaching out to a trusted resource or support service.

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, host Shauna Frederick joins Christina Owczarek, founder of XhAle Brew Co., a brewing brand that creates provocative beer for conscious thinkers and drinkers. Christina’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and breaking barriers as an immigrant, an Australian expat, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Christina shares the highs and lows of launching and growing XhAle, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to business. She opens up about the trials and triumphs of starting a brewery, how challenges have shaped her mindset and leadership style, and the financial habits that helped her build a sustainable business. She also discusses the importance of breaking barriers for immigrant women entrepreneurs and the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and have access to funding and opportunities.

This episode is a powerful reminder that resilience and adaptability are essential in business. Tune in to hear Christina’s inspiring story on entrepreneurship, finance, and making space for underrepresented voices in the industry.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-owczarek-9ab925193/

Instagram: @xhalebrewco

Facebook: @xhalebrewco

Bluesky: @xhalebrewco.bsky.social

Website: www.xhalebrewco.ca

If any listeners who are of diverse representation and are doing good work in their communities would like their brand, business, and/or organization featured they can fill out our Queen Bee Campaign form to apply to be featured on our socials to highlight and lift up other diverse leaders. 

XhAle Brew Co. Queen Bee Campaign

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, host Shauna Frederick is joined by Brenda Beckedorf, a distinguished ecosystem builder, strategic thinker, and champion of technology-driven growth. As the co-founder of Society 5.0, board director of the Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC) and Vice Chair of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), Brenda has dedicated her career to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and driving positive societal change through technology and collaboration.

As a co-founder of Society 5.0, Brenda is committed to helping leaders integrate advanced technology into their businesses. She highlights how Society 5.0 is working to revolutionize Alberta’s tech and business landscape by engaging C-level executives, fostering collaboration, and addressing the challenges that scale-up companies face.

Brenda shares her insights on the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and why small businesses need to start embracing this ever-evolving technology. She discusses how AI is revolutionizing industries at an unprecedented pace and explains how business owners can leverage AI to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and drive profitability. From accounting and marketing to customer service and decision-making, AI presents ample opportunities for small businesses willing to adapt and innovate.

Tune in to this great conversation to learn how you can harness the power of AI and position your business, however big, for long-term success. Don't miss this episode packed with expert advice from one of Canada’s leading voices in tech innovation.

Websites

Society 5.0

Digital Solutioning Course

AI Tools and Information

Canadian companies are using AI in financial reporting - KPMG Canada

Two years after the launch of ChatGPT, how has generative AI helped businesses? - The Globe and Mail

AI Tools

Social Media

Linkedin

Instagram: @b.beckedorf