The Real Bottom Line

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredibly insightful Lissa Daub, founder of Strong Impact Academy. We met online through a couple of mutual groups, and it was a meeting that just felt like kismet. Lissa hails from Edmonton, Alberta, and she’s a force to be reckoned with. Lissa and I dive into some of the most critical topics for business owners, from the mindset shifts of moving from corporate to entrepreneurship, to the surprising truth about owning a restaurant (it's not always sexy!). We talk about how the pandemic actually opened up new opportunities and simplified things for business owners, and Lissa shares her biggest lesson: you can’t just build it and expect them to come. The heart of our conversation is all about the end game. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Lissa is passionate about helping entrepreneurs understand that a profitable business isn't always a sellable one. We explore why it's so important to think about the value of your business as a key performance indicator and how to avoid the "owner's trap," where you build a job for yourself instead of a sellable asset. We also talk about The Exit Lab, a workshop that helps business owners intentionally prepare for their future. In this episode, Lissa and I discuss: Connect with Lissa: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lissadaub

150 episodes. Honestly, when I started this podcast, I wasn’t thinking about milestones. I just wanted to have conversations with entrepreneurs and share the lessons hidden inside their journeys. And yet here we are....150 episodes later. In this solo episode, I step back from the usual interviews to reflect on what I’ve learned along the way, about business, freedom, resilience, and legacy. Here’s what I dig into: fromtoAs I share my reflections, I also talk about my own journey, like how giving up alcohol five years ago became an unexpected lesson in consistency and compound results. The real bottom line? Freedom of time opens the door to freedom in every other area of life and business. And that’s what I wish for you.

Some entrepreneurs build one business and call it a day. Dalene Allen has built — and sold — more than one… and kept right on making powerful connections. In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Dalene to unpack her journey from direct sales leader earning pink Cadillacs, to running and selling the largest business referral network in Atlantic Canada, to launching her own networking company. Dalene opens up about how she navigated each exit, why she believes human connection will always beat automation, and the simple habits that keep her network alive and thriving. You’ll hear: Whether you’re building a business to sell or looking for better ways to meet the right people, Dalene’s story is packed with ideas you can put to work right away. Connect with Dalene Allen Email: dalene@networkingnaturally.ca Website: networkingnaturally.ca

In a world obsessed with algorithms, trends, and going viral, what if the true key to social media success was simpler and more human? This week's guest, Ingrid Deon, founder of the organic social media agency Word-Craft, makes a powerful case for ditching the algorithm-chasing and focusing on what truly matters: authentic conversations. Ingrid shares her inspiring and unconventional path to entrepreneurship—from her roots in journalism to becoming a single mom working three jobs, to a pay dispute that ultimately led her to launch her own agency with major national clients. This episode is a masterclass in the "social" part of social media. Ingrid explains why genuine, two-way conversations are more critical than ever in the age of AI, how to create content that sparks real engagement, and why you don't need to be on every platform to succeed. In this episode, you will learn: Connect with Ingrid Dion: Website:word-craft.ca

In this episode, I chat with Gord Stevens, former owner of Uncommon Grounds, Rum Runners, Sugar, and more. Now the COO at Halifax Partnership, Gord shares what it was like to build multiple businesses with heart — and how he eventually transitioned out of ownership without losing what made those businesses meaningful. We cover: The Real Bottom Line? Your business can be a reflection of your values and a valuable asset — but only if you start building with the end in mind.

On this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Justin Goodbread, serial entrepreneur, value coach, and author of Your Baby’s Ugly. He’s started and sold seven companies and now helps business owners build scalable businesses that buyers actually want. We dig into what makes a business attractive to a buyer, how to mentally prepare for a sale, and why your exit should start long before you want out. We talk about: Justin shares hard-won lessons from the trenches – and how a coach helped him shift from technician to true business owner. Links & Resources: Relentless Value CoachingBlack Star WealthWhat would your life after business look like? Let's talk about it.

Guest: M. Shannon Hernandez, Messaging & Marketing Strategist and Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™ Episode Summary: Feeling drained by social media? Struggling to see real business results from all your posts? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with M. Shannon Hernandez to talk about a more sustainable, joyful approach to marketing—one that doesn’t leave you glued to an algorithm. Shannon is the Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™, where she helps business owners create organic marketing strategies that align with their values and bring in revenue. With over 25 years in curriculum design and work featured on CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC, Shannon knows how to craft messaging that connects and converts. We dive into: Quotes from the Episode: Connect with Shannon: Website: www.joyfulbusinessrevolution.com LinkedIn: M. Shannon Hernandez Resources & Links: 65 Story Ideas for Better Email MarketingThe Real Bottom Line Podcasttherealbottomline.caJoin us for our Renew & Recharge Retreat: https://bit.ly/4c53OYKOur Tuscan Retreat is May 2-8, 2026. We don’t quite have the registration page ready yet, but if you are interested in more info, please email us. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more valuable conversations to business owners like you. What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let’s continue the conversation—connect with me on LinkedIn and share your thoughts!

Your business has a story—are you telling it in a way that connects, engages, and drives sales? In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, Wendy Brookhouse sits down with Andrea Sampson, storytelling expert and CEO of Talk Boutique, to break down the art and science of storytelling in business. Whether you're pitching investors, marketing to customers, or leading a team, a compelling story can make all the difference. Andrea shares insights from her career in advertising, branding, and coaching TEDx speakers—revealing how entrepreneurs can transform dry facts into powerful narratives that inspire action. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The Power of Storytelling in Business – Why storytelling is more than just marketing; it’s a business essential. ✅ What Makes a Story Effective? – The key elements every great story must have. ✅ How to Find Your Brand’s Core Story – A step-by-step approach to defining your what, how, and why to craft a powerful brand message. ✅ How Storytelling Helps You Sell – How to position your product or service so that customers see themselves in your story. ✅ The Common Storytelling Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make – And how to avoid them. ✅ Lessons from TEDx – What working with TEDx speakers taught Andrea about crafting short, high-impact stories. ✅ AI & Storytelling – How artificial intelligence can help refine your brand story (but why it should never replace human connection). Why This Matters: If you don’t control your brand’s story, your customers will create their own. A strong, well-crafted narrative builds trust, engages your audience, and helps your business stand out in a crowded market. Want to sharpen your storytelling skills? Download Andrea’s Storytelling Toolkit at blackstarwealth.com/storytelling-toolkit. 🎧 Tune in now and start telling a story that sells!

Welcome to The Real Bottom Line with Wendy Brookhouse. In this episode, Wendy sits down with April Roberts, a high-performance coach for female entrepreneurs, to explore her incredible journey from practising law to building and selling a successful financial planning business. What You’ll Learn: Memorable Moments: Resources and Links: Vixen GatheringBusiness Value Amplifier Programhttps://www.businessvalueamplifier.com/Black Star WealthTune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories!

What makes a story truly unforgettable? It’s the humanity and emotions behind it. In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I chat with Crystal Adair-Benning, a prolific ghostwriter and storytelling expert, about why the most impactful content comes from real, human experiences. Crystal opens up about her journey, from ghostwriting her first New York Times bestseller at just 14 to redefining her career during COVID. We dive into: Crystal also shares her belief that emotion is the currency of the future and offers insights into how writers and business owners can stand out by focusing on their unique human experiences. Key Takeaways: Authenticity Wins:Marketing with Heart:Human Creativity Matters:Connect with Crystal: www.writewordmagic.com@writewordmagicResources Mentioned: Real Bottom Line: Emotions are the ultimate currency. When you tap into the heart of your story, you unlock the power to connect, inspire, and drive impact.

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Christine Tolton, CEO of Red Cat Marketing, as she celebrates 20 years in business. Christine shares her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, the lessons she’s learned, and her top marketing insights for 2025. Discover how to adapt to changing trends, harness creativity, and build a business that thrives.

Success is rarely a straight line—it’s more like a bowl of spaghetti! In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I chat with Jackie Dinsmore, a lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur and investor, about her unconventional journey. Jackie shares how she built two successful businesses, navigated high-stakes exits, and disrupted the legal industry with her innovative approach at Caravel Law. We dive into the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned, covering everything from cash flow struggles in retail to the art of negotiating business sales. Plus, Jackie offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs on staying resilient, surrounding yourself with the right team, and knowing when to pivot or push through. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to grow, sell, or reinvent a business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and candid stories you won’t want to miss! Topics Covered: Subscribe for more insights from entrepreneurs who’ve been there, done that, and are ready to share the real bottom line! 📌 Links Mentioned: Caravel Law Website

In this special edition of The Real Bottom Line, we’re diving deep into the world of live events and how they’ve evolved since the pandemic. Wendy sits down with three incredible guests—Menna Riley, founder of Leading Ladies Networking, Tyler Hayden, a renowned keynote speaker and author, and Ravi Tangri, a facilitator and expert in soul engineering—to explore how live events can boost your business, the shifts in event structuring, and why connection remains key in the post-pandemic world. Our guests share their personal stories of how they had to pivot during COVID, from taking in-person events online to blending virtual and live experiences. The group also discusses the upcoming Turning Tides Conference and why this event is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to learn, grow, and connect in new ways. This is an episode packed with actionable insights, expert advice, and a unique look at the future of live events. Key Takeaways: Pivoting in a Pandemic:The Importance of Connection:Engagement is Everything:Turning Tides Conference:Memorable Quotes: Special Offer: Listeners of The Real Bottom Line can get an exclusive discount for the upcoming Turning Tides Conference. Tune in for details and learn how to attend this unique event designed for entrepreneurs. Resources Mentioned: Turning Tides ConferenceConnect with Us: Website:blackstarwealth.comFacebook:Black Star WealthLinkedIn:Wendy BrookhouseInstagram:@BlackStarWealth

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Talmar Anderson, founder of Boss HQ, to discuss one of the most crucial aspects of scaling any business—building the right team. Talmar shares her journey from being the "number two" in law firms to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and she breaks down the key difference between your Dream Team and your Freedom Team. We dive into the mindset shifts business owners need to make, how to stop hiring for potential, and why building a team that works without you is essential for growing—and selling—your business. If you're an entrepreneur looking to step into the CEO role and create a business that runs smoothly without being dependent on you, this episode is for you. Key Topics:

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Julie Ellis, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, to discuss her incredible journey from corporate life to building an eight-figure business and ultimately selling it. Julie shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of speed in a competitive market, and the emotional complexity of selling a business. Key Topics Discussed: Transition from Corporate to EntrepreneurshipNavigating PartnershipsFirst to Market and the Need for SpeedCorporate Lessons Applied to EntrepreneurshipThe Emotional and Practical Aspects of Selling a BusinessLife After Mabel’s Labels Top Takeaways: Clear Roles and CommunicationMove Quickly, Stay AheadPrepare for the Emotional Impact of Selling How to Connect with Julie Ellis:

Insights from Selling a 35-Year Business: A Conversation with Donna Alteen In this episode of 'The Real Bottom Line,' host Wendy welcomes her guest Donna Alteen, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares her extensive experience in running and eventually selling her business after 35 years. Donna emphasizes the importance of early planning, setting up a leadership team, and engaging financial advisors and other professionals well in advance of the sale. She candidly discusses the emotional and procedural aspects of the transition, including the due diligence process and maintaining company culture post-sale. The episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs contemplating the sale of their own businesses. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:14 Starting to Think About Selling 02:13 Preparing the Business for Sale 04:13 Engaging the Leadership Team 06:31 Finding the Right Buyer 14:43 Due Diligence Process 18:40 Post-Sale Reflections and Advice 33:29 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Find Donna on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-alteen-icd-d-6209483/ Websites timespacemedia.com facebook.com/TimeSpaceMediaLtd

John Keel's Entrepreneurial Journey and Mastering LinkedIn In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, host Wendy interviews John Keel about his diverse entrepreneurial journey and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. At 77, John shares his experiences from his three vastly different careers, including the launch and sale of a successful water treatment business. He discusses his transition into the internet business and becoming a pioneer in online marketing before turning his expertise to LinkedIn. John delves into the importance of a well-structured LinkedIn profile, consistent engagement, and the significance of relationship-building over selling. He offers practical tips for small business owners and entrepreneurs to leverage LinkedIn effectively, highlighting the need for patience, consistency, and providing value. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:18 John Keel's Entrepreneurial Journey 02:03 Transition to Online Marketing 03:20 Building a Successful Online Business 04:14 Impact of the Pandemic and Pivot to LinkedIn 05:07 Deep Dive into LinkedIn Strategies 09:54 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned 17:18 Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles 20:43 Effective LinkedIn Engagement 24:09 Consistency and ROI on LinkedIn 31:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, Wendy Brookhouse sits down with Darryl Cresswell, a cybersecurity expert and founder of MyDWare. They discuss the critical issues of data privacy and cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Darryl shares valuable insights into why small and medium-sized businesses are targets for cybercriminals, the misconceptions about AI and data security, and practical steps business owners can take to protect their sensitive information. Tune in to learn about the importance of hardware, software, and continuous monitoring in safeguarding your business. Key Takeaways:

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I chat with Alexis, the founder of Dovetail Summit and Two Roads Team Building. We dive into her journey from a babysitting empire inspired by The Babysitters Club to becoming a teacher, consultant, and ultimately a multi-entrepreneur. We explore how personal experiences and life events shaped her path, the importance of building community, and why psychological safety is crucial for team success. Plus, we discuss the challenges and rewards of working with a spouse in business and the importance of answering the call of our lives. Join us for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and finding purpose beyond the numbers.

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with the fabulous Kim Skermer, who transitioned from a high-ranking corporate position to the world of entrepreneurship. Kim shares her unique story of being laid off during a Zoom call at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and how she turned that experience into a powerful journey of growth and learning. Join us as we discuss: The importance of gratitude and accountability in navigating career changes How to determine if someone is coachable The concept of finding calm in the chaos of entrepreneurship The mindset shifts necessary for leaving corporate life and starting your own business Kim's insights are invaluable for anyone considering a move to self-employment or looking to enhance their entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss this inspiring and informative conversation! For more information on Kim Skermer and her coaching methods, visit The Approach Coaching Method. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more content on wealth management, financial planning, and entrepreneurship. #Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #BusinessCoaching #CorporateToEntrepreneur #MindsetMatters #FindingCalm #KimSkermer