It's Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast

In this powerful episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, host Sharon sits down with Kevin Ramsay to explore what it truly means to shift from having a job to building a meaningful career. They begin by unpacking the mindset differences between simply earning a paycheck and intentionally growing in your profession. Kevin, who started as a farmhand in Saskatchewan and rose t...

In this insightful and practical episode, Sharon sits down with Jennifer Steckly, a seasoned CPA and fractional CFO, to unpack the key financial KPIs that every entrepreneur and business owner should know. Jennifer shares how she helps clients use their numbers not just for reporting, but for making smart, timely decisions throughout the year. Jennifer covers essential metrics like gross profit ma...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, host Sharon DeKoning interviews her son, Ashton DeKoning, in a vulnerable conversation about overcoming adversity and embracing the unique strengths of ADHD. Ashton opens up about the challenges of growing up as an outcast, dealing with bullying, and feeling different from his peers—yet how those exper...

In this eye-opening episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, host Sharon DeKoning sits down with Joni Bahm , an experienced mortgage broker and trusted financial advisor who’s quietly transformed the financial lives of countless families and entrepreneurs. From helping first-time buyers navigate home ownership to breaking down the mystery of credit scores, Joni shares pract...

Sharon talks with respected business leader Dick Vokins as he shares his philosophy on leadership, integrity, and doing business the right way—even when no one’s watching. With decades of experience behind him, Dick offers candid insights into the role of humility, high standards, and trustworthiness in customer relationships. He talks about the dangers of overselling and highlights the value of p...

Get ready to simplify your everyday business tasks! Sharon de Koning dives into the seven powerhouse tools that help streamline business operations and drive growth, from accounting and HR to communication and AI-driven productivity. She explains why QuickBooks Online is her go-to cloud-based accounting software, how DEXT eliminates the headache of manual receipt management, and the many ways Chat...

Jarrod Stanton returns to the Business Insights podcast with host Sharon de Koning for another high-impact episode, diving into the next three crucial steps of his nine-step business systemization process. This time, it’s all about setting powerful goals, creating a functional organizational chart, and putting key performance indicators (KPIs) to work. If your business has ever suffered from fuzzy...

In this inspiring episode, Sharon DeKoning dives deep into the mindset and grit it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur. Drawing from her own journey and her previous conversation with Jeff Mulligan, COO of ASTEC Safety, Sharon explores what it really means to outwork the competition. It's not just about clocking long hours—it’s about doing what others won’t, staying disciplined, and learning consta...

Note: This episode originally aired on November 28, 2024 Host Sharon DeKoning and Matt Peck, Director of Innovation at Startup Lloydminster, discuss how artificial intelligence can support small businesses and startups. Matt highlights the practical uses of AI, from creating social media strategies and writing business plans to providing mentorship. He shares insights on leveraging tools like Chat...

Host Sharon DeKoning sits down with Robin Ross, owner of Sabre Communications Inc. in Lloydminster. With decades of experience in communication technology, Robin shares insights into the evolution of phones—from the Motorola brick to today's smartphones—and how we can use them as productivity tools instead of distractions. She discusses practical strategies for managing notifications, organizing a...

In this episode, host Sharon DeKoning welcomes Jeff Mulligan, the COO of Astec Safety and a managing partner at AMI Group Astec Leadership Development, to share his extensive leadership journey on It's Time for Success . Jeff played a key role in founding the Bank of Alberta and was instrumental in launching the Interac network early in his career. He talks with Sharon about how his later transfor...

In this episode, host Sharon DeKoning sits down with Jamie Soucy, franchise owner of Pet Planet in Lloydminster, to discuss the ins and outs of franchise ownership. Jamie shares her journey into the business, starting from her daughter’s employment at the store to making the leap into franchise ownership. She highlights the benefits of running a franchise, including a proven business model, market...

In this inspiring episode, entrepreneur and author Pak Wong shares his remarkable journey from Hong Kong to Canada and the lessons he's learned along the way. Pak tells Sharon his story of arriving at 19, building success on adaptability, integrity, and perseverance. He recounts how community trust and strong relationships helped him launch his first business venture, despite financial hurdles. Th...

In this episode, Sharon de Koning shares her insights on the transformative power of building strong relationships in business. Sharon highlights the value of connecting with suppliers, competitors, and the local community to drive business growth and credibility. She offers actionable advice on engaging with community groups like local chapters of BNI, the Chamber of Commerce, and local trade sho...

In this episode, Sharon chats with Patti Johnston from Core Dynamics as she shares her inspiring journey from dancing on her grandfather's feet to founding a successful dance studio rooted in strong core values. Patti emphasizes the critical role of core values like healthy development, customer care, professional integrity, innovation, and community in shaping a positive business culture. She hig...

In this episode, Sharon dives into the transformative impact of Community Futures, a nationwide program supporting rural Canadian entrepreneurs since 1989. Her guest, Corinne McGirr—General Manager at Community Futures Lloydminster & Region—explains how the organization goes beyond traditional banking with developmental lending that considers factors like capacity, character, and community imp...

In this episode, Jill Kelly, owner of Red Bicycle Communications, takes us through her career journey, from her early days at a top advertising agency in Halifax to founding her own marketing firm in Lloydminster in 2014. Jill shares insights into how the marketing landscape has evolved, emphasizing the importance of building a strong brand identity, maintaining consistent messaging, and utilizing...

Host Sharon DeKoning and Matt Peck, Director of Innovation at Startup Lloydminster, discuss how artificial intelligence can support small businesses and startups. Matt highlights the practical uses of AI, from creating social media strategies and writing business plans to providing mentorship. He shares insights on leveraging tools like ChatGPT for generating emails, targeting social media audienc...

Ever wish you could take a day trip to see the amazing attractions in your own backyard? In this episode, Sharon DeKoning talks with Lindsay Heisler, who created a business to do just that! Whisk’d Away with Lindsay is a local travel company that gives participants the opportunity to take a day trip and explore the amazing local businesses and attractions in their local area. Lindsay shares her in...

In this episode, Sharon DeKoning talks with Aanand Mehta from BNI Alberta North. Their conversation delves into the critical role networking plays in business success. Aanand explains how networking serves as the foundation for building relationships, resources, and referrals. He shares a story of two BNI members whose networking efforts led them to secure major clients for each other, emphasizing...

In this episode, Sharon DeKoning and business coach Jarrod Stanton explore the critical first steps to systemizing a business, focusing on creating clear and impactful vision, mission, and culture statements. Jarrod, who has been coaching businesses since 2006, emphasizes that these foundational elements are essential for guiding a company’s growth and attracting the right team members and custome...

Unlock the secrets to business success and gain valuable insights from local industry leaders. Join us as we delve into the strategies, triumphs, and lessons learned of thriving companies, empowering entrepreneurs to elevate their businesses to new heights. — Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.ca LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning Facebook: It’s Time Promotions Google: It’s T...