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 wi...
Aug 14, 2025•36 min
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 dispu...
Aug 05, 2025•34 min
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: Gord’s journey from finance to food and retail Why creativity and storytelling are business superpowers The personal challenges of selling a business you love Key steps t...
Jul 07, 2025•32 min
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: Why grit isn’t enough – and what you need instead The three types of re...
May 07, 2025•30 min
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 o...
Mar 17, 2025•29 min
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...
Feb 07, 2025•34 min
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: How April transitioned careers and built her financial planning firm from the ground up. Insights into selling a business while maintaining client and team trust. The power of intentional planning and t...
Jan 23, 2025•31 min
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: Why human-written stories resonate more deeply than AI-generated c...
Jan 13, 2025•43 min
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.
Dec 09, 2024•35 min
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 ...
Nov 20, 2024•35 min
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...
Oct 07, 2024•30 min
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 ...
Sep 12, 2024•29 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 selling a business. Key Topics Discussed: Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship Julie’s shift...
Sep 03, 2024•29 min
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 procedur...
Aug 27, 2024•36 min
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 expert...
Aug 20, 2024•33 min
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 l...
Aug 07, 2024•23 min
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 wit...
Jul 30, 2024•42 min
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 ...
Jul 16, 2024•26 min
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 than the general population. Michael get into his personal journey with depression, which motivated ...
Jul 09, 2024•31 min
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 discusses the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when hiring and provides valuable tips for onboarding...
May 12, 2024•37 min
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 the doors on your business's marketability. From the perils of dictatorial leadership to the financial...
Apr 17, 2024•8 min
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-food industry and how these experiences propelled her into a diverse array of business ventures, includ...
Mar 13, 2024•34 min
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 the need for authenticity and considering the audience's perspective. Launching CoLabourNation: Sandra...
Jan 30, 2024•25 min
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 was ignited at a young age, influenced by her family and her early business ventures. Her professional...
Jan 16, 2024•41 min
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. You see, this interview with Michael, it wasn't just any interview; it was one of our most popular ...
Nov 15, 2023•50 min
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 company values frequently, documenting the sales and onboarding processes, and simplifying business ...
Nov 07, 2023•9 min
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 diverse journey of entrepreneurship. Key Takeaways : Resilience is a Skill : Resilience doesn’t alwa...
Oct 31, 2023•9 min
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 dentist to a dynamic entrepreneur. When faced with an unexpected central nervous system challenge, Angela ...
Oct 24, 2023•31 min
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 five potential 'end games' or exit strategies that every entrepreneur should contemplate. From scal...
Oct 17, 2023•7 min
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 crafting your ideal day. Unlocking your unique genius and focusing on what you do best. Strategies for ...
Oct 10, 2023•7 min
