The Road to Seven

In this episode of The Road to Seven, Shelagh Cummins dives into six common mistakes that women entrepreneurs make that can hold them back from scaling their businesses. 

From refining offers to delegating tasks, charging what you’re worth, and embracing visibility, Shelagh provides actionable insights to help entrepreneurs unlock their next level of success. 

She also discusses how strategic investments and focusing on your zone of genius can pave the way for sustainable growth. If you're ready to identify and overcome the roadblocks in your business, this episode is a must-listen!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why refining your offer is key to sustainable growth.
• How spending time on non-genius tasks holds you back.
• The importance of pricing in alignment with your value.
• Why waiting for perfection to be visible is a costly mistake.
• How strategic investments can transform your business.

Sound Bites:

• "The market isn’t the problem—it’s the simple mistakes we make."
• "Stop tripping over pennies and start focusing on the bigger picture."
• "Your next level of success is waiting for you to step into it."

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Common Scaling Mistakes
03:45 Mistake #1: Not Refining Your Offer
08:12 Mistake #2: Spending Time on Non-Genius Tasks
12:30 Mistake #3: Undercharging for Your Work
16:20 Mistake #4: Waiting for Perfection Before Being Visible
21:10 Mistake #5: Misaligned Value and Pricing
25:15 Mistake #6: Not Investing Strategically

This episode will empower you to step into your next level of success by recognizing and correcting the mistakes holding you back. 

Success isn't just about strategies - Shelagh Cummins

In this reflective episode of The Road to Seven, Shelagh Cummins dives into the pivotal lessons she learned throughout 2024. From embracing community to prioritizing self-care, Shelagh highlights how creating space for clarity and fostering deeper connections can lead to transformative breakthroughs in business and life. Drawing on her own experiences, she inspires listeners to embrace humanity in their entrepreneurial journeys and invites them to reflect on their own lessons as they prepare for 2025.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why community is a cornerstone for growth and support.
• How creating space in your schedule can lead to clarity and breakthroughs.
• Why self-care is essential for sustainable success.
• The power of listening to your inner call and embracing transformative opportunities.
• How emphasizing human connection can create lasting impact in business.

Links

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:
https://theroadtoseven.com 

   ‌

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

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Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

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"Let's distribute the wealth." - Jennifer Williams

In this episode of The Road to Seven, Shelagh Cummins is joined by Jennifer Williams, founder of Firefly Insights now Ownership Design Group, to discuss the transformative concept of employee ownership as a viable succession plan. With recent legislative changes in Canada supporting employee ownership trusts, Jennifer explores how this model not only enhances business performance but also addresses economic inequities. 

She shares her journey from nonprofit work to becoming a passionate advocate for equitable ownership, emphasizing the impact on communities and wealth redistribution. This insightful conversation also highlights the unique challenges women face in business, the importance of self-care, and how community support fuels success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How employee ownership can serve as a transformative succession plan.
• The benefits of wealth redistribution for businesses and communities.
• Challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in finance and leadership.
• Why self-care is essential for sustaining growth and balance.
• Insights on creating a more equitable and high-performing workplace.

This episode will inspire you to think differently about succession planning, wealth redistribution, and creating a legacy that benefits both your business and your community. 

Links

Website: https://ownershipdesigngroup.com/

Connect with Firefly Insights on LinkedIn 

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:
https://theroadtoseven.com 

   ‌

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

https://facebook.com/ShelaghCummins  

https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins 

In this episode of The Road to Seven, Shelagh Cummins shares the 10 C's every woman entrepreneur needs to thrive in 2025. Reflecting on the lessons of 2024, she dives into key areas such as clarity, cash flow, and confidence to help you create sustainable success. Whether it's building consistency, leveraging community, or mastering delegation, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you align your vision with your actions and take bold steps toward growth.

Whether you're refining your plans or scaling your business, this episode is packed with tools and insights to help you start the year with focus and purpose.

Listen to discover:

• Why clarity in your goals is essential for effective decision-making.
• How consistency builds trust, reliability, and long-term success.
• The importance of community for support, partnerships, and growth.
• Confidence as a driver for bold decision-making and business leadership.
• How to master cash flow to ensure your business thrives sustainably.

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Download the worksheet here!

Visit The Road to Seven for more resources, tools, and inspiration.

Ready to take action in 2025? Join Shelagh’s community of women entrepreneurs and start building your path to sustainable success today!

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

https://facebook.com/ShelaghCummins  

https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins 

Scaling is messy, but the rewards are worth it—time freedom, flexibility, and the ability to dream big. - Laura Tolhoek

In this inspiring episode of The Road to Seven, host Shelagh Cummins sits down with Laura Tolhoek, founder of Essential HR, to explore the journey of scaling a business. Laura reveals how she built a team of passionate and skilled professionals, emphasizing the importance of letting go of tasks that don’t spark joy to focus on her strengths. She shares how scaling has brought her not only exponential growth but also flexibility and time freedom to pursue her passions and side hustles. Laura encourages entrepreneurs to embrace an abundance mindset and believe in the possibilities of scaling.

Key Takeaways

• Surround yourself with brilliant individuals who love what they do.
• Let go of responsibilities that don’t align with your strengths and focus on what lights you up.
• Scaling a business can unlock flexibility and time freedom.
• An abundance mindset is essential to believe in the potential for growth.

Highlights

• 00:00 Introduction and Concerns about Notifications
• 01:03 Congratulating Laura on Exponential Growth
• 02:20 The Shift from Growing to Scaling
• 04:23 Hiring Passionate and Skilled Team Members
• 06:20 Shifting Focus to Sales and Building Relationships
• 08:09 Letting Go of Responsibilities and Finding Joy in Sales
• 09:35 The Messy Middle of Hiring High-Caliber Employees
• 14:25 The Benefits of Scale in Providing Time Flexibility
• 20:26 Embracing the Spontaneity and Flexibility of Scaling
• 23:03 Believing in the Possibility of Scaling

Links

• Connect with Laura Tolhoek: Essential HR
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/essentialhr.ca

"Small actions create large success." - Shelagh Cummins

In this episode of The Road to Seven, Shelagh Cummins unpacks the difference between business growth and scaling, two essential stages for entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses. Shelagh emphasizes the unique challenges women face as they transition from growth to scale, diving into the mindset shifts, financial strategies, and team-building investments necessary for true scalability. 

Listen in as she explores how embracing vulnerability and understanding cash flow can help leaders maintain focus on impact while managing the risks that come with expansion. If you’re looking to build a business that serves both your goals and legacy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The Difference Between Growth and Scaling: Why recognizing the shift from growth to scale is crucial for long-term business success.
• Building a Resilient Team: How to invest in team members who bring time flexibility and strengthen your business’s foundation.
• Risk Management for Entrepreneurs: Embracing vulnerability and calculated risks can unlock the next level of growth.
• Financial Strategies for Sustainable Scaling: The importance of understanding cash flow and viewing profit as an investment in growth, especially for women entrepreneurs.
• The Power of Consistent Action: Small, intentional actions over time are the key to scaling your business impact.

Ready to deepen your understanding of scaling and take actionable steps toward sustainable growth? Tune in to this week’s episode on The Road to Seven.

Links:‌ ‌

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com 

   ‌

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

https://facebook.com/ShelaghCummins  

https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins 

"Get out of your office. Go out and talk to people, talk to as many people as you can. Get as much feedback as you can. That's gold." - Maria Plummer

In this inspiring episode of The Road to Seven, Shelagh Cummins speaks with Maria Plummer, an oncology nurse turned entrepreneur, who created Yewtwist, a medical device aimed at transforming IV procedures by making them safer and more efficient. 

Maria shares her journey from identifying a critical need in her field to developing a viable solution, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community support, and trusting one's instincts. From ideation to product development and beyond, Maria’s journey reveals the value of perseverance, listening to customer feedback, and creating a product that addresses real challenges in healthcare.

Join us as we dive into Maria’s entrepreneurial story and learn valuable lessons on growth, resilience, and the impact of creating solutions that truly make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust Your Instincts: Believing in yourself and trusting your ideas is essential when building a business.
2. Seek Customer Feedback: Listening to feedback is invaluable for developing a product that genuinely meets customer needs.
3. Find Capital Options: Accessing capital can be challenging, but there are grants, loans, and accelerators available for entrepreneurs.
4. Build a Strong Team: Delegating tasks and surrounding yourself with supportive people are essential for long-term growth.
5. Embrace the Journey: Success doesn't happen overnight—be patient, keep learning, and stay dedicated.

Links:‌ ‌

• www.yewtwist.com
• LinkedIn - Yewtwist & Maria Plummer
• Yestwist on Facebook
• Yewtwist on Instagram

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com 

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

https://facebook.com/ShelaghCummins  

https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins 

In this episode of The Road to Seven, Shelagh Cummins dives deep into the art of selling with integrity, helping entrepreneurs overcome common sales pitfalls and unlock their revenue potential. 

Shelagh explores why so many entrepreneurs tend to "bury the sale"—hiding their offers and undervaluing their impact. She shares practical strategies for aligning your integrity with your business values, communicating your offer clearly, and building client trust through transparency. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on redefining the sales process, embracing your unique value, and confidently putting your offers out into the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Stop Burying the Sale: Your offers are valuable—make them clear and accessible to clients.
• Align Integrity and Value: When your values align with what you offer, clients feel it.
• Overcome Fear of Being 'Salesy': Embrace sales as part of your mission, not as a negative.
• Clarity is Essential: Your clients need to understand your offer to engage fully.
• Embrace Rejection: It’s a natural part of business and opens doors for growth.
• Consistency in Revenue: Regular, genuine sales help build business sustainability.
• Build Genuine Connections: Real engagement fosters trust and long-term client loyalty.
• Be Transparent: Clear, honest offers create trust with your audience.
• The World Needs Your Offer: Your solutions matter—don’t hold back from making them available.

Links:‌ ‌

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com 

   ‌

Stay Connected

Like what you’re hearing? Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it! 

I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!

Follow me!  

Instagram: @shelaghcummins  

Twitter: @shelaghcummins  

https://facebook.com/ShelaghCummins  

https://linkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins

In this episode of The Road to Seven, we welcome Staci Millard, founder of Thrive Accounting, as she takes us on her entrepreneurial journey. From navigating the intricacies of building an accounting firm to selling it, Staci shares valuable insights on thinking like an entrepreneur, pricing for scalability, and developing leadership skills to grow a successful business. She also gives us a sneak peek into her future plans—developing a software solution to simplify bookkeeping and deliver more strategic financial advice to small business owners.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset in Accounting: Staci emphasizes the importance of thinking like an entrepreneur while working as an accountant, not just focusing on the numbers but helping businesses truly thrive.
• Delegation for Scalability: To build a scalable business and achieve time freedom, it’s critical to delegate tasks and not take everything on yourself.
• Pricing for Growth: Pricing your services properly is essential for scaling, and Staci discusses the hidden costs you need to consider when running a business.
• Leadership Skills Matter: Developing strong leadership skills is key to managing a team and fostering business growth.
• Tech Solutions for Small Businesses: Staci's next venture? A software solution that will streamline bookkeeping and provide better financial advice to help small businesses thrive.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/staci.millard/
https://www.instagram.com/thriveaccounting/
https://www.thriveaccounting.co

To work with me and make your next power move, visit:

https://theroadtoseven.com 

In this episode of The Road to Seven, Shelagh Cummins dives into a crucial topic for every entrepreneur: setting boundaries in your business. Shelagh explores the fine line between keeping clients happy and over-committing, revealing how people-pleasing can lead to burnout. Drawing on her personal experience and insights from coaching women entrepreneurs, she explains how setting clear boundaries isn’t just important—it’s essential for sustainable business growth.

Shelagh breaks down practical ways to set boundaries, train clients on your availability, and create processes that protect both your well-being and your business. She emphasizes that success doesn’t require sacrificing your health or personal life. Instead, it’s about building a business that works for you while still delivering great results for clients.

Key Takeaways:

• Keeping clients happy is vital, but not at the expense of your own health.
• Over-delivering can cause burnout and dissatisfaction.
• Boundaries are key to sustainable growth and success.
• Effective processes support both your business and client satisfaction.
• You don't have to be available 24/7 to run a successful business.
• Establishing boundaries allows you to serve more clients without sacrificing well-being.
• Teaching clients how you work is essential for maintaining professional relationships.
• A business should serve you, not the other way around.

Tune in to learn how you can set up healthy boundaries that lead to happier clients—and a happier, more balanced life for you!