Welcome to our final episode of The Finance Cafe for 2025! In this special year-end wrap-up, co-founders Shauna Frederick and Shannon Pestun reflect on the lessons of the past year and share practical habits to bring into the year ahead.
In this episode, Shauna and Shannon dive into a topic every entrepreneur can relate to: you don’t have to go it alone. Entrepreneurship is often celebrated as independence, being your own boss, doing it all, but that can make it feel heavy when it comes to managing your finances. As they discuss, it’s completely normal to feel confused or overwhelmed, especially when many of us were never taught how to navigate business finances in the first place.
They also explore the importance of building a strong inner circle to support your business, including relationships with bankers, bookkeepers, accountants, and lawyers. Using the FLOW framework, they break down how to evaluate these relationships to ensure they are:
F – Relationship Friendly
L – Learning Centered
O – Ongoing
W – Without Judgment
Through relatable stories and real-life examples from their work with entrepreneurs, Shauna and Shannon encourage listeners to lean on trusted advisors and peers, ask questions, and embrace learning as an ongoing process.
Whether you’re reflecting on your 2025 wins or planning for a financially confident 2026, this episode is packed with insights to help you strengthen your support system and make your business thrive.
Tune in and finish the year strong!
In this episode of The Finance Cafe, Shauna Frederick sits down with Julie Dimitri, Regional Manager for TD Women in Enterprise, to explore how women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses can thrive with the right banking support.
Julie brings over 20 years of professional experience spanning business development, sales leadership, startup operations, and talent management. After moving from Montreal to Toronto to open the Ontario operations of a business she co-founded, Julie quickly became known for her passion for professional development and networking, founding a women’s group to connect like-minded professional women early in her career. For the past seven years at TD, she has been instrumental in empowering sales teams, coaching for performance, and now leads the Women in Enterprise segment in Business Banking.
During the conversation, Julie shares how TD Women in Enterprise supports women-led businesses of all sizes, from startups to corporations, and emphasizes the importance of building strong, trusting relationships between entrepreneurs and their bankers. She discusses how women founders can feel confident approaching their banker for guidance that goes beyond financial products, including support for scaling their business, a concern many women now prioritize even more than funding. Julie also highlights how TD takes a holistic approach to empowering women, providing opportunities outside of finance that contribute to professional growth and long-term success.
Tune in to learn how women entrepreneurs can leverage strong banking partnerships to elevate their business, and why cultivating that relationship can be a game-changer for growth and confidence.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedimitri/
Website: https://www.td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business
Thinking about incorporating your business? Before you file the paperwork, make sure you understand what’s really at stake. The decision between a sole proprietorship, partnership, or incorporation can shape everything from your taxes and liability to your long-term financial success.
In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, we sit down with Ronke Omorodion, principal lawyer at Lexion Legal and widely known as “the entrepreneur’s lawyer.” With more than 13 years of experience supporting founders and startups, she breaks down what every business owner should know before choosing a legal structure — and why this decision is one of the most important you’ll make as an entrepreneur.
The conversation explores the pros and cons of each business type and what those choices mean for your personal protection, taxes, and growth potential. You’ll hear how the right structure can set your business up for success — and how the wrong one can create legal and financial challenges down the road. She also emphasizes the importance of getting legal advice early, reminding founders that they don’t have to figure it all out on their own. The right guidance can save time, money, and unnecessary stress while giving you confidence in the path ahead.
At Lexion Legal, the team helps Alberta entrepreneurs tackle their legal needs with energy, innovation, and authenticity. They’re not just a law firm — they’re trusted partners committed to getting things done, and getting them done right.
Beyond her practice, Ronke holds leadership roles with the Canadian Bar Association Alberta Branch and dedicates her time to mentoring teens and supporting not-for-profit organizations. When she’s not advocating for business owners, she’s enjoying family adventures, nature walks, or a good crime movie with her partner and sons.
Whether you’re launching your first venture or thinking about restructuring your business, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make informed legal and financial decisions that align with your goals.
Website:https://lexionlegal.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronke-omorodion-56b68370/
Financial literacy means more than understanding spreadsheets and statements. It’s about seeing the full picture of your financial health and how it connects to the life and business you’re building.
In this special Financial Literacy Month episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, co-founders Shauna Frederick and Shannon Pestun invite you to talk money and explore why the term financial literacy sometimes misses the mark. They’re reframing the conversation toward financial wellness, because it’s not just about learning the language of finance; it’s about feeling confident using it.
Financial wellness recognizes that our relationship with money is emotional, cultural, and deeply personal. It’s about aligning financial understanding with purpose, values, and well-being, not just profit. Shauna and Shannon dive into what this mindset shift means for women entrepreneurs, why it’s critical to see beyond the numbers, and how The Finance Cafe is helping women gain both the confidence and clarity to lead their businesses with intention. When we view money through the lens of wellness, we give ourselves permission to grow in knowledge, confidence, and courage.
What if the next generation of entrepreneurs didn’t have to unlearn bad money habits, but instead grew up confident in their financial choices?
In this episode of The Finance Café Podcast, Shannon Pestun sits down with 12-year-old entrepreneur Abby Adams, whose curiosity, drive, and financial awareness are far beyond her years.
At just twelve, Abby has built her own dog walking and care business, balancing the demands of clients, scheduling, and marketing with the same determination as a seasoned entrepreneur. What began as a way to help her community has become a lesson in responsibility, resilience, and financial knowledge—showing that age is no barrier to ambition.
Guided by her mom, Tara Adams, founder of Abridge Consulting, Abby is learning what it means to run a business with purpose—from earning and saving to investing for her future. She’s even met with a financial advisor to understand how to make her money work for her, proving that financial empowerment can start early.
In their conversation, Shannon and Abby explore what it means to take ownership of your finances, how confidence grows through experience, and why the fundamentals of business—relationship-building, curiosity, and hard work—are universal, no matter your age.
What if access to capital wasn’t the biggest barrier for women entrepreneurs? What if the system itself was designed to recognize your potential, your innovation, and the impact you’re already creating?
In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon sits down with Arielle Land, Director of Operations at Movement51, to explore how the organization is rewriting the story of venture capital—one woman founder at a time. Through initiatives like the Founders Lab, and their ongoing work in education and investment readiness, Movement51 is creating pathways for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs to grow, scale, and lead with confidence.
Arielle shares how Movement51 is tackling the equity gap in funding, helping founders understand the language of investors, and building an ecosystem that supports inclusive, sustainable entrepreneurship. She also talks about what makes a business truly investment-ready, how to align your values with your growth strategy, and why understanding venture capital doesn’t mean losing sight of your mission.
Whether you’re an early-stage founder curious about funding or a seasoned entrepreneur ready to scale, this conversation reminds us that venture capital doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be empowering. When women have access to the right knowledge, networks, and capital, the possibilities for impact are endless.
Arielle Land, Director of Op @Movement51LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielleland/
Instagram @arielleland
Corporate socials
@Movement51
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/movement51/posts/?feedView=all
Website: https://www.movement51.org/
What if the end of your year didn’t feel rushed or overwhelming? What if, instead of stressing about budgets, taxes, and unfinished goals, you could pause, reflect, and take intentional action to finish the year with clarity and confidence?
In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, co-founders Shauna Frederick and Shannon Pestun guide entrepreneurs through five powerful questions to reconnect with both their business and personal goals before year-end. Rather than hustling toward the finish line, they invite you to slow down, reflect on your progress, and align your numbers with your values in a way that feels empowering.
Through honest reflections and practical insights, they explore what success looks like right now, which numbers truly matter, what tasks or ideas need attention before year-end, and how to celebrate your wins while also asking for the support you need to move forward. Think of this conversation as a money date with yourself—a chance to pause, check in, and create the clarity you need for the season ahead.
This episode is a reminder that financial wellness isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the confidence and peace of mind that comes when your goals, values, and actions align.
Explore online programs at The Finance Cafe to learn how to read financial statements, understand cash flow, and connect your numbers to your values. Use code PODCAST10 for an exclusive listener discount.
What if your business finances didn’t feel overwhelming? What if, instead of losing sleep over bookkeeping and cash flow, you had a trusted partner helping you make confident decisions about growth?
In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shauna sits down with Sukhanpreet Dhanotta, Partner at Grewal Guyatt LLP, to talk about why building the right financial support team is one of the smartest moves a business owner can make. Sukhanpreet shares how accountants can do so much more than balance the books—they can provide clarity, uncover opportunities, and guide you through the decisions that shape your company’s future.
With more than 15 years of experience as an auditor and advisor, Sukhanpreet has worked with businesses ranging from early-stage startups to multi-million-dollar international companies. At Grewal Guyatt LLP, one of the fastest-growing mid-sized CPA firms in the GTA, she leads the assurance division and brings deep expertise in accounting, tax, and strategy. Outside of her career, she’s a proud mom of two young kids and embraces the everyday adventure of balancing family and work.
Shauna and Sukhanpreet dive into the signs that it’s time to bring on financial support, how to find an advisor who truly understands your business, and why investing in the right partner allows you to step into your role as CEO with confidence. This conversation is a reminder that financial management isn’t just about keeping the numbers straight—it’s about giving you the clarity and freedom to focus on growth, strategy, and building the business you envision.
Linkedin: Sukhanpreet Dhanotta, CPA, CA
Website: https://www.grewalguyatt.ca/
What if running your business didn’t feel like a constant juggling act? What if, instead of being tied to the day-to-day, you could focus on growth, strategy, and thriving as a CEO?
In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shauna sits down with Melanie Seneviratne, founder of Your Fractional COO Inc., to talk about how small business owners can implement systems and processes that actually work—for their business and for their sanity. Melanie shares how thoughtful operations, smart delegation, and repeatable systems can free business owners from overwhelm, giving them clarity, control, and the ability to focus on what truly matters: growing their company.
Melanie knows what it takes to build businesses that run efficiently. With over 25 years of experience in legal, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, she has quadrupled revenue in a law firm and now helps entrepreneurs scale sustainably while reclaiming their time. Through her hands-on approach, she works directly with business owners and teams to put processes into place that simplify operations, strengthen decision-making, and reduce stress.
Shauna and Melanie dive into practical strategies for business owners ready to take control of their operations—from cleaning up cash flow and automating repetitive tasks, to building repeatable systems, simplifying sales and client onboarding, and prioritizing CEO time. This conversation is a reminder that operational systems are not just behind-the-scenes tasks—they are essential tools that allow your business to thrive while giving you the space to step back and lead with intention.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieseneviratne/
Instagram: @yourfcoo
Facebook:@yourfcoo
Website: https://yourfcoo.com
What if your marketing wasn’t just a series of campaigns, but one of the most valuable assets your business owns? What if, instead of chasing quick wins, you focused on building something that would keep working for you years from now?
In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon sits down with Sarah Carmichael, Founder & CEO of Bees and Honey Creative, to talk about the long game in marketing, why consistency matters, how brand equity is built, and the small, intentional actions that can move the needle over time.
Sarah knows what it takes to create strategies that work. She has led marketing from startup launch to acquisition, doubled lead generation for a technology investment firm, and now runs a fractional marketing agency helping businesses without in-house teams get results. As Calgary Co-Ambassador for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization, she is also passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs and building strong business communities.
Shannon and Sarah dig into the myths that can hold entrepreneurs back, such as thinking you need to post daily on social media or that one big campaign can carry you for the year. They explore how marketing and finance intersect, why diversifying your platforms is essential, and how leaders can show up authentically in their brand.
This conversation is a reminder that marketing is not a side task, it is part of your corporate strategy. When you align it with your business goals and commit to showing up consistently, you create an asset that grows with you, supports your vision, and keeps your business top of mind in any market.
Website: https://www.beesandhoneycreative.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcarmichaelyyc/
Instagram: @beesandhoneycreative @miss.sarahcarmichael
What if the value of your business wasn’t just in the products you sell or the clients you serve, but in what you’ve built behind the scenes? What if creating a business that could run without you was the key to building lasting value?
In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shauna sits down with Candice Hartwell, Partner at VEER Business Advisors, to talk about business goodwill, sweat equity, and what it really takes to build a business that holds value beyond the founder.
Candice brings deep experience in sell-side advisory and internal ownership transitions, working with small- and medium-sized business owners to help them plan for what comes next. She’s an award-winning accountant, a former commercial lender with BDC, and a passionate advocate for financial wellness, especially for entrepreneurs navigating big decisions.
Shauna and Candice unpack the difference between personal goodwill and business goodwill, and why it matters more than you might think. They talk about how to start shifting value away from the founder and into the systems, people, and structures that make a business scalable, sellable, and sustainable.
This is a reminder that your business is more than just your day-to-day hustle. When you start thinking long-term - about legacy, transitions, and the ability to step away (even just for a vacation!) - you begin building something that can truly last.
What if small mindset shifts could change the way you show up in your business—and unlock the clarity and confidence you’ve been craving in your financial decisions?
In this empowering episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, co-founders Shannon and Shauna explore five simple yet powerful shifts that can help women entrepreneurs feel more in control of their finances and more connected to their business. Inspired by a participant who described the experience of learning to read her financial statements as unlocking a “superpower,” this episode is a reminder that financial confidence isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about knowing what matters and taking intentional steps forward.
From turning uncertainty into curiosity and replacing overwhelm with small habits, to pricing with clarity and building a support system, we walk through the real, actionable shifts that have transformed the experiences of women entrepreneurs across the country. These aren’t lofty strategies, they’re everyday mindset changes that create real impact.
Along the way, they reflect on some of the most insightful moments from past episodes, including conversations with Katy Baker, Alicia Fowler, and Alla Brisky, that continue to inspire and support women on their path to financial wellness.
This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they needed to have it all figured out before starting. You don’t need perfection to lead your business with purpose. You just need the right tools, a little curiosity, and the belief that you are more capable than you think.
Previous Episodes:
Navigating Through Financial Uncertainty with Alicia Fowler
2025: A Year of Financial Wellness
Pricing for Profit with Katy Baker
5 Tips on Managing Your Cash Flow
Behind the Vault: Business Advice from a Business Banker with Alla Brisky
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.
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, and contributing to the growing $100 billion Indigenous economy through her work with the Indigenomics Institute.
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.
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 as a trauma therapist, 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.
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/
Instagram @alicia_fowler.cpa