Business is Fcking Hard

In this episode we dive into the adventurous world of entrepreneurship with Steve Jagger, a serial entrepreneur who’s all about scaling businesses and thinking globally. Steve shares how he grew multiple companies, from tech startups to real estate software, by tapping into off-shore opportunities and building a team overseas. He talks about the ins and outs of expanding internationally, managing...

Kevin Skipworth’s journey into the world of business is one shaped by curiosity, hard work, and a desire for independence. Kevin has built a successful career in real estate, transitioning from a stable union job to owning and managing a brokerage in Vancouver. Throughout the episode, Kevin dives into the challenges of managing a small business, the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic, a...

Darren Jacklin shares his inspiring journey from struggling with a misdiagnosed learning disability as a kid to becoming a successful entrepreneur, corporate trainer, and investor. Darren doesn’t sugarcoat the hard work it took to get there, from making 400 cold calls a day to overcoming financial setbacks. He dives into the importance of being resilient, taking consistent action, and staying true...

 Shawna Miller’s entrepreneurial journey is one of unexpected turns, resilience, and growth. Starting in finance and accounting, Shawna never envisioned running a business until a chance encounter led her and her husband to own multiple Subway franchises. Throughout the episode, Shawna dives into the realities of running a family business, scaling from a few stores to over 20 at one point, and lea...

Building a business is one thing, but building a business rooted in purpose and passion is something entirely different. Sharad Khare knows this all too well. Throughout this episode, we explore Sharad’s transition from a stable media career to the uncertain world of entrepreneurship. He opens up about the emotional and mental challenges that come with stepping into the unknown, and how staying tr...

Throughout the episode, we cover the significance of mental health and well-being in entrepreneurship, with Anna Solnickova ( cfoconsulting.ca ) opening up about her own journey to maintain balance and fulfillment in her new role. She shares about the growing demand for fractional expertise in the business world, highlighting how her services fill a crucial gap for companies that need C-suite supp...

Greg Stewart joins us to share his incredible journey of being an entrepreneur and Paralympic shot put athlete. Greg dives deep into the emotional challenges he's faced, highlighting the power of vulnerability and resilience in both business and sport. With insights on balancing his dual identities and lessons learned from his unique experiences, Greg's story is a testament to the streng...

On this episode we chat with Susie Bishop, founder of 74 Doors Professional Organizing. Susie shares her story of starting her business during the pandemic and how she overcame personal challenges to help others find peace in their spaces. It's an inspiring episode about resilience and the power of organization. Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/b...

Jason Moore is a master at connecting with people and connecting people with each other. He leveraged this mastery to begin a business journey, after retiring as an American Naval Officer, that would take him to the middle east. Now a business owner and advisor in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Jason not only shares the story of his journey but highlights the challenges of starting a business in...

Jason Moore is a master at connecting with people and connecting people with each other. He leveraged this mastery to begin a business journey, after retiring as an American Naval Officer, that would take him to the middle east. Now a business owner and advisor in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Jason not only shares the story of his journey but highlights the challenges of starting a business in...

Before Emma May found herself staring into the abyss that was her walk-in closet, prompting her to start a women's workwear brand, she had a habit of seeing a gap in an industry (or government) and filling it. The evolution of Emma's business journey is evident in her story and will provide some great insights for the listener. Whether you are in retail, considering launching a brand or...

There is creating a business plan and sticking to it, and then there is Garry Koebel. At some point, the launch of every small business requires a deep breath and jumping in with both feet, but the outcome can definitely hinge on the due diligence that happens before the jumping. Garry's story is the blueprint any prospective or new business owner should follow (or those contemplating expansi...

As Tracy Dueck's kids grew into young adults, she found herself wondering what her next challenge would be. Then, it came to her, share her baking with her community. Immediately successful, Tracy's bakery was bound for growth, until it wasn't. Opening and closing locations and learning about business along the way, Tracy shares the story of her journey, which so many business owner...

Managing the transition between employment and business ownership is not an easy one. Bailey Parnell shares her journey to self-employment that required some appetite for risk, some self-confidence and a conversation about conflict-of-interest. We dive into the soft skills of business owners and leaders and get a glimpse into the thesis Bailey is doing for her PhD, which explores how AI can aid in...

We've used the saying, "the art of business" on the podcast before but Mahfuz Chowdry takes it a step further when he looks at business ideas from a creativity perspective first, an enterprise perspective second. This episode is packed with great stories and lessons from a marketing expert, author and entrepreneur. Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https:...

Let's talk happiness and business. Declan Edwards is a happiness researcher that has had his own path in business. Now the founder and CEO of a social enterprise, Declan openly shares his story about the challenges that come with managing a business through near bankruptcy, while struggling to maintain a commitment to his own core values.  Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our...

From finance to real estate to technology, Teresa has made her impact through her entire business journey. Not shy to take on the status quo and encourage others to think bigger, change their ways and challenge the norm, Teresa inspires the listener by sharing her story and experiences. Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard Like, Share...

Jim doesn't hold back as he shares his story of navigating the ups and downs of his business journey. From a juice bar in a fitness facility to creating a global sport supplement company approaching 2 billion dollars in sales. Jim has been near bankrupt, battled through a pandemic and, through it all, was driven by purpose over profits. Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our web...

Carla Browne was instrumental in choreographing the takeover of a group of real estate brokerages by a larger corporate entity only to find herself leading the un-merger of those same businesses just a few short years later. Carla will share her experience of being in both the small business and the corporate worlds before finding herself applying lessons learned to a new start-up venture. Find Bu...

Tara Black, owner and founder of Origin Gluten Free Bakery is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to her motivation for starting a business - she wanted to work less hours than her executive position was requiring of her. She also gets real about the unrealistic demands that come with trying to keep employees happy and opens up about the breakdown in her business partnership before making the decisi...

Matt is candid about his business journey. Sharing his story about how he grew his business from a start-up in his basement to the advertising firm it is today. There were days that required multiple lay-offs and others that saw business growth through acquisition. Matt's passion for business shines through as he opens up about the good days and bad. Find Business is Fcking Hard on social med...

Through the stories she shares in this episode, Jess demonstrates how hard work and perseverance pay off when it comes to owning a business. With a no quit attitude and driven by her desire to provide a better life for her kids than she had growing up, Jess walks us through how she turned an unlikely business purchase into a multi-business enterprise.  Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media...

International business, to small start-up, to social enterprise, to academia, Robert has done it all. And with that much business experience, there tends to be some pretty good stories. Robert discusses the challenges of being in business with family, balancing social impact with business self-interest and how education can impact a business journey. Every path through business is different, there...