When every woman at a book club immediately buys a product after trying it once, you know something's working.    The latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs features Deborah Coggles, founder of Esther's Essentials, who turned a sister's severe arthritis pain into a thriving small-batch skincare and healthcare business.  What started as a homemade pain relief formula that had her sister walking without a limp became a word-of-mouth sensation built entirely on customer transformations.  Deborah shares how she built a product line using rooftop-grown herbs and Canadian-sourced ingredients, why she customizes formulations at no cost for customers with sensitivities, and the personal pivot that made this business possible after two hip replacements and her role as a caregiver for her grandson.  This episode delivers real insights on starting a product-based business from scratch, building through authentic customer relationships, and the critical business decisions required to scale beyond the startup phase. Tune in for another episode with our Serenity Sisters. Click below.

Most managers don't realize they're creating their own turnover problem until it's too late. If you're still managing your team with a one-size-fits-all approach, you're already losing the battle for talent.   In the latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, HR consultant Cissy Pau reveals why the cookie-cutter approach to managing people is driving employees out the door—and shares the specific strategies that keep them engaged instead.    With three decades of HR experience, Cissy explains how to turn your standard annual bonus into personalized incentives (an orthodontics fund for one employee, a first-time homebuyer account for another), why 30-minute monthly check-ins eliminate awkward performance reviews, and how to manage a generation that considers phone calls intrusive.    The episode addresses real scenarios such as the employee who responds "TLDR" to your emails, the new manager who needs an agenda with "kids, pets, family" in brackets as a reminder to ask, and the business owner who talks to their team daily but never discusses career aspirations.    Cissy's "one size fits none" philosophy isn't about making HR complicated; it's about making it work. If you're spending six months training employees only to lose them, or dreading termination conversations because you've never given real feedback, this episode gives you the framework to fix it.

When political uncertainty forced a simultaneous pause on every client contract in late 2024, Tara Latham made a decision that reshaped her entire business model.  In the latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, the founder of Sugarhouse Creative (now Formative Group) reveals how she turned what could have been a devastating blow into the catalyst for building a more focused, rewarding business.   Tara walks through her pivot from running a full-service product creation agency with physical R&D facilities and extensive overhead to a lean strategic consultancy working directly with founders and design leaders. Her candid insights on shedding everything non-essential and moving upstream in the product creation cycle offer a powerful blueprint for adaptive business strategy for anyone facing industry disruption.   Beyond her own pivot story, Tara provides a fascinating deep dive into the realities of North American manufacturing, particularly in technical apparel. Her perspective on why "Made in China" doesn't tell the whole story and what it would actually take to bring specialized manufacturing back to Canada challenges the oversimplified narratives dominating current trade discussions.   For entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, product creators rethinking their operations, or anyone interested in the future of Canadian manufacturing, this conversation delivers actionable wisdom on finding opportunity in disruption.   Listen now to discover how embracing uncertainty can lead to your best work yet.

Remote work was supposed to be the dream - sweatpants, no commute, freedom. Yet one in five employees now report workplace loneliness, costing businesses a staggering $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.    In our latest Serenity Now episode, leadership coach and connection catalyst Andrea Welling reveals how isolation silently erodes team performance and shares her game-changing "Connection First" methodology. Andrea explains why social connection isn't just a nice-to-have but essential for business results, especially in hybrid environments. She offers practical strategies leaders can implement immediately, including creating "agenda-free" team gatherings that transform workplace culture.   For entrepreneurs navigating today's complex work landscape, this conversation delivers actionable tools to boost engagement, strengthen mental health, and drive productivity through meaningful connection.         

The latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs delivers strategic insights on Web3, blockchain, and NFTs through practical business applications. The Serenity Sisters systematically break down smart contracts, tokenization, and decentralized data ownership, translating technical concepts into actionable intelligence. The episode features compelling case studies, including the implementation of smart contracts that reduced billing operations by 0.7 FTE while enhancing the client experience. The discussion examines NFT-based loyalty programs, cryptocurrency payment infrastructure, and operational efficiency improvements through real-world examples. The Serenity Sisters address security protocols, environmental sustainability, and regulatory positioning within the Canadian market. Their analysis strikes a balance between technological opportunity and risk assessment, offering measured perspectives on adoption strategies. A topic that can be overwhelming, this is essential listening for entrepreneurs evaluating Web3 integration, understanding competitive positioning in evolving digital markets, or developing technology adoption strategies for sustainable growth. As we wrap up our interviews for the summer, the conversations continue. Join us weekly for conversations around entrepreneurship and more at @serenitynowforentrepreneurs. Thanks for being part of our community.  

"I will crush you with my negotiation" is the OLD way of doing business. The Serenity Sisters discuss a better approach, and it's transforming how entrepreneurs handle deals. In the latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, the Serenity Sisters tackle the art of negotiation with insights from Stanford Business School research that will change your approach forever. What you'll discover in this episode: Why the most successful negotiations are actually collaborative problem-solving exercises The exact definition of a true win-win (hint: both parties should feel a little disappointed!) How packaging your requests together creates better outcomes than negotiating piece by piece The #1 technique that makes people more likely to say "yes" to your asks As Rita Kim shares in the episode, "There's always a way to figure out a win-win. Always." Stop dreading negotiations and start using them to build long-term business relationships that last decades. Our hosts share real examples of clients they've retained for 25+ years through fair negotiation practices. Listen now and bring some Serenity to your next business deal! Click below.

On the latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, the Serenity Sisters examine how one of entertainment's biggest franchises can inspire entrepreneurs of all sizes. They break down how Star Wars revolutionized business by carving out a unique niche in the sci-fi genre when drama films dominated the landscape.   What can your business learn from the force? Start with rock-solid storytelling as your foundation. The Sisters highlight how Star Wars' exceptional narrative structure is still taught in film writing classes today, proving that product quality must come first.   Then, think differently about your market approach. Star Wars pioneered the summer blockbuster concept when conventional wisdom said holiday releases were the only path to success. They continuously pivoted and expanded their franchise, revolutionizing the toy industry through character merchandising that created entirely new revenue streams.   Did you know the original screening received no applause, and George Lucas had to use his own money when funding ran out? The sisters remind us that entrepreneurship requires passion, calculated risk-taking, and persistence even when nobody applauds your vision.   Tune in to this unique episode from the Serenity Sisters for more insights on building an empire from humble beginnings, no matter what galaxy your business calls home.

"We're creating little micro markets and it's not serving us anymore." - A frank conversation about Canada's interprovincial trade barriers that could unlock billions in economic growth. In the latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, hosts Candace and Peggy dive into a timely discussion about interprovincial trade barriers in Canada. While these barriers rarely make headlines, they're costing our economy billions and limiting Canadian businesses' potential scale. Key insights from the conversation: Canada's provincial autonomy has created a patchwork of trade restrictions between provinces Despite having a population similar to California, we've fragmented our domestic market From professional services (like CPAs) to products (like wine), these barriers limit mobility and growth Recent international trade tensions are forcing Canadians to look inward at our own economic structure   As the hosts note, they're not experts but everyday entrepreneurs raising important questions: Should we protect businesses that might otherwise fail? Could removing interprovincial barriers help Canada become more self-reliant and innovative? Listen to this thought-provoking episode that challenges us to reconsider how Canada's internal trade policies impact entrepreneurs coast to coast. As Candace says, "Maybe it takes Canadians to think differently and to ask that question for these things to change."  

"Five years of patience, 90 days of listening, and 10 years of success." Josh Rottenberg's journey from corporate executive to business owner offers invaluable lessons for anyone considering buying an established business. In this intriguing episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, Josh shares how he waited five years to find the right business, then spent his first three months doing "nothing" but asking questions and observing—a strategy that proved remarkably effective. Josh reveals his practical criteria for acquisition (including his memorable "one bridge" rule for commuting), discusses how firing two employees established his leadership, and shares his biggest mistake: over-relying on engineers for product development. His "happy, humble, hungry" framework for evaluating talent and his advice on due diligence are worth their weight in gold for prospective business buyers. Whether you're considering buying a business or leading through a transition, this episode offers honest insights from someone who's successfully navigated the journey.  

In long-term care homes owned by private equity firms, there's a 50% increased likelihood of patient sedation alongside higher mortality rates and costs. Yikes! This eye-opening episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs features Rachel Wasserman, whose background in law, investment banking, and M&A gives her unique insight into how private equity operates and impacts our communities. What makes this conversation essential listening: Learn how PE firms use leveraged buyouts that saddle businesses with crushing debt  Discover which industries are being rapidly consolidated (dental practices, vet clinics, daycares, and more)  Understand how your Canadian pension funds are heavily invested in PE firms  Explore alternatives like Employee Ownership Trusts for business owners considering exits As Rachel points out: "Who owns our companies, who owns our economic engines matters for our country, for our economy." Who owns the businesses you are spending your money with?  Entrepreneurs, consumers, and professionals —this affects us all. Awareness is the first step toward better choices. Don't miss the latest episode. 

The middle of a marathon is where dreams go to die. Startups are exactly the same. Serial entrepreneur Craig Martin has launched 6 tech startups over two decades, and his candid insights on the recent Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs podcast are pure gold for founders. While everyone loves the excitement of launch day, Craig reveals the often-overlooked fundamentals that determine whether you'll make it to the finish line: The first call you make matters: Most founders race to product development, but Craig insists your first two calls should be to a corporate lawyer and accountant. The structure you choose on day one determines your freedom years later. The unconventional funding roadmap: Before approaching VCs, Craig leveraged creative grant programs that required zero equity dilution to fund his MVPs. Only then did he approach larger investors with proof of concept. The question that saved his companies was, "What's your number?" Craig asked every potential co-founder for their specific selling price before partnering. This "philosophical alignment" prevented countless founder disputes when acquisition offers arrived. The silent saboteur: "People go crazy when there's money on the table." Craig's most valuable advice? Keep potential acquisitions completely confidential, even from your team, until the paperwork is signed. For every founder who's felt the mid-journey exhaustion of building something from nothing, this conversation offers both tactical wisdom and the reassurance that yes, there is a finish line. Listen to the full Serenity Now podcast episode to hear Craig's unfiltered reality of startup life—from protecting your IP to knowing exactly when it's time to move on to your next venture.

Michelle Hordal, founder of Adapt Abilities, transformed a teacher's side hustle into a $6.8M organization serving families with diverse abilities and shared all the details on Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs. What makes this conversation different? Michelle tackles the uncomfortable truths about nonprofit leadership that nobody talks about:   •     Why she hates the term "not-for-profit" and what she calls it instead •     How she went from making $3/hour margins to building a sustainable   enterprise •     The reality check about overhead costs and why paying competitive salaries matters •     Her bold move: offering performance add-ons as a charitable organization   This isn't your typical nonprofit story. It's a conversation in social entrepreneurship that challenges everything we think we know about running mission-driven organizations.   Whether you're in the social impact space or running a traditional business, this episode offers fresh perspectives on sustainable growth, talent retention, and authentic leadership.

"After building someone's company for 16 years, we had nothing to show for it. So six of us made a bold move that changed everything."   That's how Kingsley Leung begins to share his unconventional path to business ownership on the latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs.   Rather than rage-quitting or starting from scratch, Kingsley and his team engineered one of the most elegant business transitions we’ve heard. Their solution? Moving as a unified team of six to Agility Forex, negotiating not just jobs but ownership stakes.   The result? The original owners now call it "the best decision they could have made." Talk about validation.   Key insights from Kingsley's journey:   •     Why 'buying in' can be smarter than 'starting up' •     How a team transition can multiply your negotiating power •     The importance of having growth-aligned vision between buyers and sellers •     The power of bringing proven systems and expertise to the table   What's fascinating is how they've since doubled their sales force and expanded across Canada, from Vancouver to Montreal.   For anyone thinking about business succession or transition, this episode is required listening. With 76% of Canadian businesses set to transition in the next decade, the timing couldn't be better

The "$2 Trillion Business Succession Tsunami" is coming to Canada - are you ready? A staggering 76% of Canadian small business owners plan to exit within the next decade. Whether you're a potential buyer looking for opportunity or an owner planning your exit, this episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs is packed with insider insights from our Serenity Sisters who've navigated these waters.   Key takeaways:   •     Why most sales fail (and how to avoid common pitfalls) •     The surprising truth about business valuation •     Creative strategies for employee buy-ins •     Real stories from business owners who've "dated" potential buyers •     Why starting your exit planning 5 years early is the new standard   Plus, discover why one expert says: "You're trying to sell a car, but nobody can see the car" - and what that means for your business's future. Don't miss this candid conversation about one of the biggest wealth transfers in Canadian history. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or just stay informed, this episode is your roadmap to navigating the coming succession wave.  

"2.5 million people drive past my store each year. The name makes 80% of them turn around." Every business has a story, but few are as authentic and inspiring as Kasha Thomson's journey. In our latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, this fourth-generation farmer shares how she transformed a recovery hobby into a thriving Western lifestyle brand. What started with making hemp necklaces during knee injury recovery evolved into a mission to empower others. The name "Knotty Cowgirl" (with a K for knots!) has become more than clever wordplay – it's a rallying cry for resilience. Key moments from our conversation: Building a business while battling self-doubt Creating a safe space beyond retail Transforming personal loss into purposeful growth The courage to pivot and prioritize your own vision A powerful quote from Kasha: "Vulnerability is so scary until you realize it's a strength." Whether you're an entrepreneur, building a family business, or navigating personal challenges, Kasha's story reminds us that sometimes we all need to "knotty up" and keep pushing forward. Click below to check out the episode.   Click here  to check out the Knotty Cowgirl 

Writing a book is a daunting task… but it’s worth the effort. Robert Puharich, associate producer of the Specified Growth Podcast, had access to unique insights and wanted to condense the knowledge to help others, so he wrote his first book.   In this episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, Robert discusses why you should consider writing a book, breaks down the process into simple and attainable steps, gives tips on how to be successful in your journey, and more.   From marketing content to personal development, Robert describes the value in going through the process, creating marginal gains for yourself, and having a product to further your business. This may be the inspiration you need to get started, don’t miss it.

LLM, AGI, and prompt are terms we hear daily, but what in the world do they mean? Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing our lives without many of us understanding how. We brought on an expert, Nafaa Haddou of Nu Terra Labs, to bring us up to date with the technology.   On the latest episode of Serenity Sisters, Nafaa breaks down AI terms into simple language, describes how AI can help us grow, provides practical uses for AI in business, and more.   The future is changing very quickly. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about this fascinating technology.

Documenting is crucial to a business’s growth, yet it often doesn’t get done. Why? There are many reasons a company can give, but it’s not done in the end. How can you fix this problem? On the latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, the Sisters discuss how to overcome issues around systems and documentation, share the impact of implementing technology to assist the process, discuss change management, and more. Change is never easy, but sometimes it builds the foundation for the future. Listen to how it worked out for our Serenity Sister.   

What do you know about non-dilutive funding? How do you get it? Bhavik Chauhan has been involved in deploying over $400 million in funding and joined us to share his knowledge.   On the latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, Bhavik breaks down non-dilutive funding, discusses SR&ED vs. government grants, describes where funding is available, and more.   A masterclass in government funding, don’t miss this episode with Bhavik.     

We all face big decisions when starting our career. What to do? Where to do it? And most importantly, how to get there. Our Serenity Sisters have covered a lot of ground over the past decades and have knowledge that can help any aspiring entrepreneur. On the latest episode of Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs, our hosts are joined by special guests Melissa Gladue and Holly Atjecoutay from Futurepreneur. This chat shares stories of success, tips for a successful future, covers advice for the new generation looking to get into business, and more. An episode packed with many years of experience, this is a discussion you don’t want to miss.