The Number

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 c...

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...

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 busin...

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 min...

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 s...

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 an...

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 transi...

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 securit...

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 psycholo...

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...

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line , host Wendy Brookhouse welcomes back Michael Devenney for an in-depth discussion on a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the mental health of entrepreneurs. Michael shares insights from his groundbreaking 2017 Mindset Project survey, which revealed that 68.3% of entrepreneurs experience mental health issues, with a depression rate nearly four times higher...

Building Effective Teams: Insights from Erin Long Moon, CEO of Zephyr Connects In this episode of The Real Bottom Line podcast, Wendy interviews Erin Longmoon, the founder and CEO of Zephyr Connects, a company that helps businesses build effective teams. Erin shares her journey into entrepreneurship and the importance of building a valuable company that is not dependent on the founder. She also di...

Welcome to "The Real Bottom Line," the essential podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs gearing up for a future business transition. In this unique episode, we take a tongue-in-cheek approach to explore the pitfalls that can make a business unsellable. Drawing inspiration from Rob Normandeau's engaging presentation at the Business Transitions Forum, we dive into the top 11 missteps that could lock th...

In this inspiring episode of "The Real Bottom Line," host Wendy Brookhouse is joined by serial entrepreneur Cathy Bennett, whose extensive career ranges from successfully running the largest female joint venture in Canada within the McDonald's franchise system to serving as the Finance Minister of Newfoundland. Cathy shares invaluable insights into the lessons learned from her time in the fast-foo...

In this episode of "The Real Bottom Line," host Wendy welcomes Sandra Reimer, an experienced entrepreneur and founder of CoLabourNation. The discussion delves into the nuances of entrepreneurship, storytelling in marketing, and the burgeoning world of freelance talent.   Key Points: The Evolution of Storytelling: Sandra discusses how storytelling in marketing has evolved with new tools, stressing...

In this insightful episode of The Real Bottom Line, host Wendy delves into the entrepreneurial journey of Sophia Hoareau, a seasoned entrepreneur who successfully built and sold her business. Sophia's story is a rich tapestry of ambition, strategic growth, and adaptability, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at various stages of their business lifecycle. Sophia's entrepreneurial spirit wa...

Today, we're going on a journey back in time, revisiting an interview that struck a powerful chord with our audience - a conversation I had with the incredible Michael DeVenney about a year or so ago. So, you might be wondering why this rewind is so important. Well, it all ties into a hot topic we've been discussing recently - breaking out of the business prison we often find ourselves trapped in....

In this entrepreneurial podcast, the host delves into how business leaders often feel trapped in their own enterprises and offers 11 strategies to escape this 'business prison.' The strategies include creating a query diary for the team, listing team members alphabetically rather than by title, taking a teammate along for client meetings, simulating parental leaves to identify gaps, communicating...

Introduction : Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Real Bottom Line". In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the entrepreneurial wisdom of Dr. Angela Mulrooney, a multifaceted professional who transitioned from dentistry to become an extraordinary business coach and consultant. Angela brings forth a treasure trove of practical lessons that she has garnered through her rich and...

What steps would one take to construct a life that resonates with their utmost passion and potential? Angela Mulrooney didn't just ponder this; she actively sculpted her destiny, turning challenges into stepping stones to her dream life.  In our latest episode titled "Crafting Her Ideal Life: The Inspirational Odyssey of Angela Mulrooney," she delves into how she transitioned from a renowned denti...

In this enlightening episode of "The Real Bottom Line," we delve deep into the concept of the 'end game' in business. What are your ultimate goals as an entrepreneur, and how do these objectives shape the strategies you employ in growing your business? Our host categorizes entrepreneurs into three types: those replacing a job, those funding a lifestyle, and the ambitious growth-seekers. We explore...

Welcome to Season 4 of "The Real Bottom Line"! In this episode, we dive deep into the "Hub and Spoke" model, exploring the challenges many business owners face when they become the sole linchpin of their organization. If you've ever felt trapped, overwhelmed, or on the brink of burnout, this episode is for you. We discuss: The dangers of being too entrenched in your business. The importance of cra...

In this episode, we explore the true essence of wealth and the freedoms that come along with it. While staying at a dream lakeside home in Ontario, our host delves into the enriching experiences and lessons from Anthea, a successful businesswoman. Together, they demystify the concept of wealth, pondering whether it's just about money or if there's more to it. Drawing inspiration from figures like...

Welcome to the latest episode where we unpack the key drivers that make your business more valuable. We dive deep into the inspiring journey of Stephanie Breedlove, an accountant turned entrepreneur who capitalized on a gap in the U.S. nanny payroll system and grew her business to a staggering value. Through her story, we uncover the magic of monopoly control and how businesses can leverage their...