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The Finance Cafe
The Finance Cafe
140 episodes
21 hours ago
Welcome to The Finance Cafe, Canada's leading business podcast for women entrepreneurs that breaks through the money taboo and explores what’s behind the numbers. Join your hosts, Shannon Pestun, Financial Expert and Shauna Frederick, Chartered Professional Accountant and CFO On the Go, founders of the financial learning platform designed by women entrepreneurs, for women entrepreneurs as they dive into conversations about business and finance with women entrepreneurs and the experts that support them. Thank you to our sponsors Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and TD Women in Enterprise
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Entrepreneurship
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All content for The Finance Cafe is the property of The Finance Cafe and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to The Finance Cafe, Canada's leading business podcast for women entrepreneurs that breaks through the money taboo and explores what’s behind the numbers. Join your hosts, Shannon Pestun, Financial Expert and Shauna Frederick, Chartered Professional Accountant and CFO On the Go, founders of the financial learning platform designed by women entrepreneurs, for women entrepreneurs as they dive into conversations about business and finance with women entrepreneurs and the experts that support them. Thank you to our sponsors Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and TD Women in Enterprise
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Entrepreneurship
Business
Episodes (20/140)
The Finance Cafe
What the Youngest Entrepreneurs Can Teach Us About Business and Money

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.


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2 weeks ago
38 minutes 33 seconds

The Finance Cafe
How the M51 Founder Lab Supports Early-Stage Women Founders to Become Venture Ready

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/

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4 weeks ago
46 minutes 17 seconds

The Finance Cafe
5 Questions to Reconnect With Your Business Financial Goals Before Year-End

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.

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1 month ago
53 minutes 12 seconds

The Finance Cafe
From DIY to CFO: Growing Your Finance Team

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/


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1 month ago
49 minutes 44 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Actionable Ways to Streamline Operations, Reclaim Time & Boost Profitability

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 


Efficiency Checklist


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2 months ago
45 minutes 4 seconds

The Finance Cafe
How Women Founders Turn Marketing into Measurable ROI

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

Show more...
2 months ago
35 minutes 7 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Beyond the Hustle: Turning Sweat Equity into Business Value

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.



https://www.veeradvisors.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicehartwell/

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3 months ago
54 minutes 19 seconds

The Finance Cafe
5 Financial Shifts That Feel Like a Superpower

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


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3 months ago
30 minutes 11 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Behind the Vault: Business Advice from a Business Banker

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:



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4 months ago
1 hour 4 minutes 52 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Payment Peace of Mind

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

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4 months ago
53 minutes 34 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Decolonizing Business: Rethinking Profit, Culture, And Leadership

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/

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5 months ago
49 minutes 2 seconds

The Finance Cafe
You Don't Have to Burn Out to Succeed: Aligning Financial Wellness & Mental Health

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/


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5 months ago
49 minutes 5 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Financial Abuse in Entrepreneurship

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.

www.shulamitberlevtov.com

Instagram: @shulamit_ber_levtov

LinkedIn: Shulamit Ber Levtov

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6 months ago
47 minutes 49 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Strategies That Create Inclusive Environments Where People and Performance Thrive

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


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6 months ago
55 minutes 31 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Growth and Diversification

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

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7 months ago
46 minutes 2 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Navigating Through Financial Uncertainty

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

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7 months ago
49 minutes 47 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Breaking Barriers: Brewing Success as a Queer Immigrant Entrepreneur

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


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7 months ago
49 minutes 35 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Profit Meets Innovation: How AI Tranforms Small Businesses

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


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8 months ago
49 minutes 51 seconds

The Finance Cafe
3 Steps to Financial Wellness for Women Entrepreneurs

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, host Shauna Frederick sits down with Sue Derlago, a seasoned financial expert with over 25 years of experience in the investment and financial planning industry. Sue is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals and navigate the complexities of financial planning, investment strategies, and tax management. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), and Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS), Sue is passionate about helping women entrepreneurs gain financial clarity and confidence.


Together, Shauna and Sue dive into the essential steps women entrepreneurs can take to achieve financial wellness in their business. Sue shares three actionable strategies to help women entrepreneurs and business owners take control of their financial future. She emphasizes the importance of building a cash reserve to provide financial stability, investing in their future to strategically grow wealth and set themselves up for long-term success, and mastering their tax strategy to understand how taxes impact their business while planning proactively to maximize efficiency. Sue also discusses some of the most common financial mistakes she sees women entrepreneurs make, articularly the importance of tracking the numbers and ensuring financial decisions are driving the business in the right direction.


No matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, this episode offers practical advice to help you make confident financial decisions and build a strong foundation for success.


Websites:

https://derlagowealth.ca/


Linkedin Sue Derlago


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8 months ago
51 minutes 53 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Unwritten Rules: Breaking Free to Define Success on Your Own Terms

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, we are joined by Moirae Choquette, founder of Tomato Wheels, a company specializing in importing high-quality Lambrusco wine from Italy. As a proud Indigenous entrepreneur from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Moirae has built a career in marketing and communications, using her expertise to bring unique and carefully curated wines to the Canadian market.


Moirae’s entrepreneurial journey has been anything but conventional. Like many business owners, she once found herself caught in the pressures of external expectations, trying to fit into traditional definitions of success. But as her business evolved, so did her perspective. In this episode, she shares how she broke free from the self-imposed rules that dictated what success should look like and instead redefined it on her own terms.


She also explores what financial wellness means to her, not just from a numbers perspective, but as a deeper sense of alignment between financial stability and personal fulfillment. Moirae opens up about how she built a business that supports both her financial goals and her values, proving that success is about more than just profit margins, it’s about creating a life and business that feel right for you.


This conversation is a powerful reminder that success is personal, ever-evolving, and different for everyone.



Tomato Wheels

Abraham Hicks Podcast


Social Media

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9 months ago
42 minutes 15 seconds

The Finance Cafe
Welcome to The Finance Cafe, Canada's leading business podcast for women entrepreneurs that breaks through the money taboo and explores what’s behind the numbers. Join your hosts, Shannon Pestun, Financial Expert and Shauna Frederick, Chartered Professional Accountant and CFO On the Go, founders of the financial learning platform designed by women entrepreneurs, for women entrepreneurs as they dive into conversations about business and finance with women entrepreneurs and the experts that support them. Thank you to our sponsors Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and TD Women in Enterprise