The Real Bottom Line

This episode takes a turn. Wendy’s not in the host chair. I slide in to interview her and Kelsey as we wrap up 2025 and look straight into 2026. We cover what surprised them about business owners this year, where owners are getting stuck, why so many people are tired, and why resilience and action suddenly matter more than ever. We dig into the myths that refuse to die, the habits that make a business sellable, and the blind spots that can wipe out value overnight. We also talk about life after the sale. The identity stuff. The what now moment. If you’re planning to sell in five years or you’re nowhere near ready but want the option, this one will get you thinking. Join The Freedom Files Tired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch? Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

AI is showing up everywhere in business. And a lot of owners are turning it on without realizing what they just gave access to. In this episode, Wendy sits down with Darryl Cresswell, CEO and founder of myDWARE, to talk about why cybersecurity has to come before any AI rollout. They dig into real world examples entrepreneurs can actually relate to. AI agents running under owner level access. Sensitive data leaking through email, CRM systems, and shadow AI tools. And why flashy automation without guardrails can quietly destroy trust, value, and deal readiness. Darryl breaks down the difference between AI bots, AI agents, and agentic AI in plain language. They talk about shadow AI, third party tools, and how employees accidentally create risk. And why buyers and auditors are now paying close attention to cybersecurity when valuing a business. If you are experimenting with AI, thinking about automation, or planning to sell your business one day, this conversation will change how you think about “just turning it on.” Cybersecurity first. AI second. Always. Join The Freedom Files Tired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch? Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

I invited Graham Barlow onto The Real Bottom Line because his founder journey is one of the wildest I’ve ever heard. He started out as a teenager selling virtual game items on eBay, scaled that “hobby” into almost six figures a month, and eventually went on to build and exit multiple companies. In our conversation, Graham and I dig into We also talk about Founder Link, the community he never planned to build, and why so many founders desperately need a place where they can ask real questions, drop the armour, and get guidance from people who’ve already walked the path. If you’ve ever hit a ceiling, questioned your next move, or wondered what it actually takes to build something someone would buy, you’ll get a lot from this conversation. Join The Freedom Files Tired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch? Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

FinTech leader Carrie Forbes, CEO of Rockstar Advisory, joins Wendy to unpack the shift from startup energy to running energy, the corporate habits worth keeping, and how to make AI projects succeed with tiny, low risk wins. Human skills remain the moat... and that’s the optimistic bottom line. Join The Freedom Files Tired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch? Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Wendy talks with Dr. Susan Reid, revisioning specialist, author, and keynote speaker, about designing life after work. They explore identity beyond titles, why meaning matters in retirement, and how a simple “being vision” guides the next chapter. Susan shares research, lived lessons from building and selling businesses, and practical tools like journaling push/pull factors and building a “retirement team” of strong and weak ties. Show Notes (light timestamps) Key Takeaways Join The Freedom Files Tired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch? Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Episode: The Real Bottom Line with Wendy Brookhouse Guest: Jennifer Williams, Founder of Firefly Insights In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Williams, founder and partial owner of Firefly Insights, to unpack one of the most exciting developments for Canadian entrepreneurs — Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). If you’re a business owner starting to think about succession, exit planning, or legacy, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way to transition your business — one that rewards your team, sustains your community, and can even save you millions in taxes. We talk about: scaleMy favorite moment: when Jennifer breaks down how profit can amplify your mission rather than distract from it. If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s next for my business when I step away?”, this conversation might just change the way you think about exit planning. Connect with Jennifer: fireflyinsights.ca Email: jennifer@fireflyinsights.ca

Guest: Ray Samuels, Growth Advisor and Founder, Cer Capital Episode in a sentence: Ray shares how “done beats perfect,” why relationships are the real currency, and how a simple idea plus disciplined iteration can create momentum, funding, and valuation growth. What we cover Key takeaways Timestamps Connect with Ray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-samuels-a20165/ Like this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a founder who needs a nudge to ship.

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