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In this episode of "Business is F*cking Hard," Darren Jacklin shares his incredible journey from facing adversity in his childhood, including being misdiagnosed with a learning disability, to becoming a successful corporate trainer and investor. Darren opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, from making 400 cold calls a day to overcoming personal and financial hardships. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, consistent action, and building strong relationships, which have been key to his success. Darren also touches on the power of vision, the value of integrity, and how mentorship and continuous self-improvement have shaped his entrepreneurial path.
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In this episode of "Business is Fcking Hard," Shawna Miller shares her entrepreneurial journey from working in finance to owning multiple Subway franchises and an oilfield service company in Alberta. Shawna discusses the importance of building strong teams and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of business. She opens up about the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining work-life balance, especially in service industries where operations depend heavily on access to labor. Shawna’s experience is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the value of leveraging family support in entrepreneurship.
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In this episode of "Business is Fcking Hard," Sharad Khare shares his journey from a secure career in media to the uncertain but fulfilling world of entrepreneurship. He opens up about the emotional and mental challenges of leaving stability behind to pursue his passion for storytelling through content creation. Sharad emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's purpose and the power of building genuine, meaningful relationships with clients. His insights into navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, especially in a field that blends creativity with emotional intelligence, provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to turn their passion into a thriving business.
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Anna Solnickova, a CPA and founder of CFO Consulting, shares her transition from a long-standing corporate role to starting her own business. Anna discusses the importance of aligning with core values such as integrity, transparency, and kindness, which guided her decision to leave a well-paying job that no longer fulfilled her. She dives into the challenges of being a new entrepreneur, including the financial adjustments and the need for a strong support network. Anna also explores the value of forward-thinking financial strategies for small and medium-sized businesses and how focusing on both costs and revenue is crucial for sustainable growth.
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In this episode of "Business is Fcking Hard," host Trevor Koot welcomes Greg Stewart, a multifaceted individual who owns Para Metals Contracting, is a motivational speaker, and a Paralympic shot put athlete. The conversation delves into the intersection of business and sport, exploring how Greg's experiences in both arenas have shaped his journey. Greg shares his transition from a corporate employee to an entrepreneur during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges and perceptions he faced in the automotive recycling industry. The discussion also touches on the importance of balancing business identity with personal life, and the parallels between the dedication required in sports and business. Greg candidly discusses societal perceptions of Paralympic athletes and the progress towards equal recognition with Olympic athletes. The episode is a deep dive into the themes of identity, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence, both in business and athletics, offering listeners an inspiring look at overcoming challenges and redefining success.
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Summary: Susie Bishop shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to launching a business that helps clients organize and optimize their homes, particularly during challenging life transitions. Starting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Susie’s business grew from a one-woman operation to a small team spread across two cities. She emphasizes the therapeutic aspect of her work, not just for her clients but for herself, as she navigates personal challenges while helping others create order in their lives. Susie’s story highlights the emotional and practical aspects of entrepreneurship, particularly in a business that is deeply personal and service-oriented.
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Summary: Jason Moore, known as "The Water Guy," talks about his entrepreneurial journey in the UAE, where he launched a business focused on importing and distributing natural mineral water. He reflects on the challenges of navigating business regulations in a foreign country and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his operations. Despite these challenges, Jason remains optimistic about the future and emphasizes the importance of innovation and creativity in overcoming obstacles. His experience highlights the unique opportunities and difficulties of doing business in an international market.
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Summary: Emma May discusses her transition from law to real estate and how her involvement in community advocacy after a major flood in Calgary led her to start her own brokerage. Emma emphasizes the importance of customer service and strong branding in creating a successful business. She draws on her parents’ entrepreneurial spirit and stresses the need to stay connected with customers to justify the risks involved in entrepreneurship.
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Summary: Garry Koebel’s entrepreneurial journey began with his family’s candy and ice cream shop. After a long career in financial services, he and his wife opened an independent toy store in Swift Current. They were initially anxious about the risks, but their thorough market research and understanding of local consumer needs helped them launch successfully. Garry highlights the benefits of being a small business, particularly the ability to adapt quickly to changes in customer preferences and market conditions.
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Summary: Tracy Dueck shares the highs and lows of her journey in the bakery business, from the excitement of opening her first location to the challenges of managing multiple sites. She discusses the financial and emotional toll of keeping her business afloat during difficult times and the tough decisions she had to make along the way. Tracy’s story is one of resilience, learning from failures, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and advisors.
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Summary: Bailey Parnell’s entrepreneurial journey began when she identified a gap in the education system—students lacked essential soft skills needed for success. This realization led her to create a business focused on teaching these skills, which are often overlooked in traditional education. Bailey shares her experiences of organic growth and the challenges of scaling a business without significant initial funding. Her story underscores the importance of addressing unmet needs and the value of gradually expanding a business based on demand and capability.
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Summary: Mahfuz Chowdhury discusses his path from struggling in school to becoming a successful entrepreneur, speaker, and author. He reflects on his failures, like a misguided attempt to build a community on Clubhouse, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of what it means to be resilient. Mahfuz emphasizes the importance of balancing creativity with business acumen, and how each failure has taught him valuable lessons that contributed to his eventual success.
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Summary: Declan Edwards, founder of BU Happiness College, discusses his path to creating a social enterprise focused on mental health and well-being. He reflects on the challenges of running a business with a social mission and the importance of aligning business practices with personal values. Declan talks about the balance between financial success and social impact, and how he has integrated purpose into every aspect of his business. His story is a powerful example of how businesses can be both profitable and purpose-driven.
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Summary: Teresa Grobecker reflects on her journey in the real estate and tech industries, discussing the emotional toll of entrepreneurship and the importance of finding a supportive community. She talks about the challenges of maintaining her business during turbulent times and the significance of staying true to her purpose. Teresa also emphasizes the need for mental health awareness among entrepreneurs and the value of having a strong support system.
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Summary: Jim McMahon shares his intense and often challenging journey in the business world, discussing the importance of resilience, a strong work ethic, and accountability. He recounts the difficulties of running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he had to make tough decisions to keep his company afloat. Jim emphasizes that while leadership requires making hard choices, it's crucial to maintain integrity and take responsibility for the outcomes of those decisions.
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Summary: Carla Browne’s journey from financial services to entrepreneurship was influenced by her early exposure to business through her family’s candy store. After nearly two decades in finance, she and her wife opened a toy store in Swift Current, taking a calculated risk based on thorough market research. Carla emphasizes the importance of understanding the local market and being prepared before making significant business decisions. Her story is one of taking a leap of faith, supported by careful planning and a deep understanding of the business environment.
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Summary: Tara Black discusses her journey in the food industry, particularly the challenges of scaling her business and adapting to customer demands. She talks about the trial and error involved in replicating her business model across different locations and the eventual shift towards a more streamlined approach. Tara emphasizes the importance of listening to customer feedback and the need for flexibility in business operations.
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Summary: Robert Mittelman shares his unconventional journey from working in biotech in Mexico to running a small candy business in Canada, and eventually transitioning into academia. He reflects on the challenges of operating a micro-business with his uncle, navigating the complexities of the tourism industry, and dealing with the impact of geopolitical events like 9/11 and the SARS epidemic. Robert discusses how these experiences shaped his understanding of entrepreneurship and led him to pursue an MBA, where he discovered social entrepreneurship. He now uses his diverse background to influence the next generation of business leaders as the acting dean of a business school.
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Summary: Jess Tetu recounts her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. After buying a struggling spa business at a young age, she worked tirelessly to turn it around, significantly increasing sales in the first year. Jess emphasizes the importance of hard work, community involvement, and giving back, which have been central to her success. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the desire to create a positive impact on her community.
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Summary: Matt Pasut reflects on the realities of entrepreneurship, particularly the mental and emotional challenges that come with the territory. He discusses the concept of work-life integration, rejecting the idea of a perfect work-life balance. Matt shares his views on the importance of having a strong support system and mentors who can provide guidance and help navigate the complexities of running a business.
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