It's Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast

Sharon welcomes Ian Chisholm, co-founder of Roy Group, for a deep conversation about the evolution from entrepreneur to leader. Ian shares how failing to become a doctor unexpectedly led him into the world of executive education and leadership development, where he discovered a passion for helping organizations build future leaders. Together, Sharon and Ian unpack the difference between managing tasks and developing people, exploring how mentorship, delegation, emotional intelligence, and intentional leadership shape successful businesses.Ian explains that leadership is not simply about getting work done—it’s about creating the capacity for others to grow. He introduces powerful concepts like “attention over intention,” the idea that leaders must slow down enough to truly observe, coach, and develop their teams instead of constantly reacting and hustling. Through stories, practical examples, and leadership tools like LOFT (Lit, Open, Focused, Transparent) and the “Third Chair” method, Ian demonstrates how leaders can improve communication, foster ownership, and build stronger workplace cultures where employees feel valued and inspired.Sharon and Ian also dive into company culture, employee fulfillment, delegation, succession planning, and the emotional atmosphere leaders create in the workplace. They talk about the importance of building businesses people actually want to work in, the dangers of burnout culture, and why leadership must become something others aspire to rather than avoid. Whether you’re a small business owner, manager, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode is packed with actionable leadership insights, mentorship strategies, and mindset shifts to help you grow both your business and your people.About Ian Chisholm Ian Chisholm is the co-founder of Roy Group, a leadership development organization dedicated to helping individuals and organizations discover purpose-driven leadership. Ian has spent decades working with senior leaders, executive teams, and emerging leaders across North America and internationally. His work focuses on mentorship, coaching, succession planning, and helping organizations build cultures where leadership can thrive.Ian has played a significant role in executive education initiatives, including work with the award-winning Columba 1400 Leadership Centre in Scotland. Known for his engaging storytelling and practical leadership tools, Ian helps organizations move beyond traditional management toward mentorship-centered leadership that develops future generations of leaders with integrity, awareness, and purpose.Resources discussed in this episode:Columba 1400 Leadership CentreStrategic Coach by Dan SullivanThe Official BNI Podcast with Dr. Ivan MisnerQuiet Champions: A Way Forward for Mentors in Turbulent Times by Ian Chisholm—Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Ian Chisholm | Roy Group: WebsiteLinkedInLinkedIn: Roy Group

This episode dives deep into the human side of leadership with special guest Susan Power, founder of PowerUp Leadership. Susan shares her perspective that leadership isn’t about titles or tenure; it’s about how you show up and the impact you make. She and Sharon talk through the value of authenticity, tackle myths about introverted leaders, and explore how leaders can build trust by showing up authentically in every situation. Susan’s “Three C’s of Leadership”: Clarity, Courage, and Connection act as core principles that can elevate teams and organizations. From giving difficult feedback with empathy to navigating imposter syndrome and burnout, Susan offers practical insights on how to stay grounded through uncertainty and scale leadership with integrity.About Susan PowerSusan Power is the founder and CEO of PowerUp Leadership, a consultancy focused on transforming individuals and organizations through leadership development. A certified executive coach with over 20 years of experience, Susan works with high-growth companies and leaders across North America. She specializes in helping leaders gain clarity, show up with courage, and build meaningful connections within their teams.She is also the co-host of the Inspired Leadership podcast and a strong advocate for values-based leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal growth. Susan and her team of highly-trained coaches provide one-on-one coaching, 360 assessments, and customized leadership development programs, all built to help businesses and leaders achieve greater success.Resources discussed in this episode: Leadership Circle Profile 360“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero John Maxwell’s Law of the Lid —Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Susan Power | PowerUp Leadership: Website: PowerUp LeadershipInspired Leadership PodcastInstagram: PowerUp LeadershipTwitter: PowerUp LeadershipFacebook: PowerUp LeadershipLinkedin: PowerUp LeadershipLinkedIn: Susan Power

In this episode, Sharon opens up about purchasing the Lloydminster location of It's Time Promotions in 2014 just before the oil crash), turning a dream business move into the hardest season of her career. She shares the painful realities of misreading financials, underestimating the gap between markup and margin, and stepping into a team that didn’t accept new leadership. These issues led to lost customers, frozen cash flow, maxed credit, and, of course, a ton of stress.Sharon walks through the turning points, including getting brutally honest with the numbers, letting go to reset culture, and finding the right help. A mindset shift, a business coach, a financial dashboard, and a lot of resilience were the tools she used to turn things around, even when it seemed impossible. Out of the struggle came innovation, clarity, and, of course, business success.This is a must-listen episode for any owner eyeing an acquisition or fighting through an industry or economic downturn.Resources discussed in this episode:You Are a Badass by Jen SinceroActionCOACH (Calgary) with Jarrod StantonClaris FileMakerPrevious It’s Time for Success episode with Gary Kulak—Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time Promotions

In this episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, Sharon sits down with Kyle Dillon, CEO of Onion Lake Cree Nation, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of Indigenous entrepreneurship and leadership. Kyle shares how he helped restructure the Nation’s operations into a C-suite model, bringing stronger communication, oversight, and collaboration across governance, economic development, community services, and infrastructure.Listeners will hear how Onion Lake is investing in self-sufficiency through Nation-owned companies, trade development, and entrepreneurial support. Kyle also talks about the importance of trust in long-term partnerships, the role of culture and Cree language revitalization, and the opportunities for entrepreneurs to step outside their comfort zones. From addressing systemic barriers under the Indian Act to fostering local trades and supporting the next generation, this conversation highlights the intersection of community, culture, and economic growth.About Kyle DillonKyle Dillon is the Chief Executive Officer of Onion Lake Cree Nation, a community of over 7,400 band members located on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. Reporting directly to Chief and Council, Kyle leads a C-suite team overseeing governance, economic services, community services, and infrastructure. With a background in organizational leadership and a vision for sustainable growth, he has spearheaded initiatives to modernize infrastructure, expand Nation-owned businesses, and support Indigenous entrepreneurship through the Onion Lake Community Development Center.A strong advocate for trust, collaboration, and cultural revitalization, Kyle emphasizes balancing modern governance with traditional values. His work focuses on building a self-sufficient Nation, fostering trades and business ownership within the community, and ensuring that future generations are equipped with both entrepreneurial opportunities and a strong cultural foundation.Resources discussed in this episode:Onion Lake Community Development Center (CDC) – Entrepreneur support and trainingSaskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation (SIEF) – Financing for Indigenous entrepreneurs—Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Kyle Dillon | Onion Lake First Nation: Linkedin: Kyle Dillon

In this episode of It’s Time for Success, Sharon sits down with Gary Kulak, a banking leader who has spent 30 years with ATB. Gary shares what drew him into the world of finance, how his career evolved from branch management to business banking, and why alignment between personal values and company culture has kept him loyal for three decades.The conversation explores the difference between a job and a career, the importance of purpose and fulfillment, and how entrepreneurs can build environments that inspire loyalty from both employees and clients. Gary’s wisdom, summed up in his mantra to “water the grass on your side,” offers timeless lessons for leaders on cultivating trust, values, and genuine relationships.Sharon and Gary also discuss adaptability in an age of rapid technological change, the importance of cybersecurity awareness, and how compassion and support during personal challenges strengthen workplace culture. Whether you’re leading a business, building a career, or seeking to retain top talent, this episode is filled with practical takeaways on leadership, trust, and long-term success.About Gary KulakGary Kulak has dedicated 30 years to building meaningful relationships in the banking industry with ATB. Starting his career shortly after completing his studies at NAIT, Gary rose through the ranks to become a branch manager by the age of 27, a milestone that helped him see banking as more than just a job, but a lifelong career.Today, Gary works in business banking, where he helps entrepreneurs and organizations achieve their goals through trusted advice, financial insight, and genuine support. Known for his integrity, commitment, and people-first leadership style, Gary’s career reflects the power of aligning personal values with organizational purpose.Resources discussed in this episode:It’s Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff —Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Gary Kulak | ATB Financial: Linkedin: Gary KulakWebsite: ATB FinancialLinkedIn: ATB Financial

In this episode, host Sharon DeKoning chats with her personal lawyer and respected legal expert, A.J. Fox of Fox Wakefield, about navigating the legal landscape of entrepreneurship. With a reputation for cutting through legal jargon and offering clear, relatable advice, A.J. explains the foundational legal steps every entrepreneur should consider when launching a business. They explore the pros and cons of different business structures—sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations—and discuss when and why each may be the right fit. Liability protection, registering a GST number, and working with an accountant and banker are emphasized as early key decisions.The conversation also dives into often-overlooked legal documents like unanimous shareholder agreements and minute books, and why these tools are essential for clarity and compliance. Whether you're planning a long-term succession plan or approaching the final chapter of your business journey, A.J. unpacks the legal considerations of exit strategies and the formal process of business dissolution. Sharon and A.J. highlight how proactive legal guidance can help avoid costly mistakes and give you peace of mind at every stage of your business.About A.J. FoxA.J. Fox is a partner at Fox Wakefield, where she serves clients across Alberta and Saskatchewan in estates, estate planning, corporate/commercial matters, and real estate. She has extensive mediation experience and has recently added arbitration to her practice, helping clients resolve complex disputes effectively. A.J. is known for her ability to explain legal topics in a way that’s relatable and easy to understand.She was appointed King’s Counsel in Alberta in March 2024 and earned her Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall in June 2024. A.J. will begin a second Master of Laws in Privacy and Cybersecurity Law at Osgoode Hall in January 2025. Her leadership extends beyond her practice—she has served on the Environmental Appeals Board and the Public Lands Appeal Board of Alberta and is currently the Law Society of Saskatchewan’s representative on the University of Saskatchewan Senate.A.J. is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, the Law Society of Saskatchewan, and the ADR Institute of Canada.—Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact A.J. Fox: Website: foxwakefield.com

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 margin, net profit, customer acquisition cost, and cash flow planning. She shares common financial blind spots (like relying solely on the cash in your bank) and emphasizes how internal financial reporting should be structured for operational insights—not just tax filings. She also offers guidance on setting up profit accounts, understanding throughput, and building better financial habits into your leadership routine.Entrepreneurs can walk away from this episode with actionable strategies to take control of their business finances, understand seasonal patterns, and even prepare for funding or rapid growth. Whether you’re in startup mode or scaling up, this episode delivers financial clarity and empowerment.About Jennifer StecklyJennifer Steckly is a CPA and Partner at Crowe MacKay LLP, a firm that supports businesses across Western Canada. With a passion for helping entrepreneurs understand and act on the numbers that matter most, Jennifer offers fractional CFO services that go beyond basic tax prep. She works closely with her clients to implement systems, track the right KPIs, and build sustainable, profitable operations.Beyond her advisory work, Jennifer is a sought-after speaker and co-host of a podcast geared toward early-stage female entrepreneurs. Her engaging, practical approach makes financial conversations feel empowering rather than overwhelming.Resources discussed in this episode:Profit First by Mike MichalowiczTraction by Gino WickmanScientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Credit Info - Canada Revenue Agency—Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Jennifer Steckly| Crowe MacKay LLP: Website: crowemackay.ca Email: jennifer.steckly@crowemackay.caLinkedIn: Jennifer Steckly LinkedIn: Crowe MacKay LLP

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 practical, no-nonsense advice that everyone—especially young adults and entrepreneurs—needs to hear. Sharon and Joni talk candidly about real-life examples, including how Joni helped Sharon’s own son, Ashton, reduce his debt ratio and qualify for his first home.They unpack how credit scores actually work in Canada, what common mistakes tank your score, and how to start rebuilding today, whether you’re 18 or 58. You’ll also learn about:The truth behind phone bills, store credit cards, and their unexpected impact.The difference between TransUnion and Equifax, and which lenders use which.How auto loans, business purchases, and even co-signing can affect your mortgage eligibility.Why not having credit can be just as damaging as having bad credit.And how mortgage brokers like Joni offer way more flexibility than the big banks with no cost to you.This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering home ownership, growing their business, or simply wanting to take better control of their financial health. Packed with relatable stories, digestible strategies, and expert-level knowledge, Joni makes personal finance feel less scary and a lot more doable.About Joni BahmWith over 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Joni Bahm is a seasoned mortgage professional who blends technical knowledge with a deep passion for helping people achieve financial clarity and home ownership. Based in Lloydminster, Alberta, Joni works with a wide range of lenders across Canada, helping clients find tailored solutions that fit their unique needs.Her commitment goes far beyond paperwork—Joni is known for educating her clients, mentoring young adults on credit health, and sticking with people through every step of their mortgage or credit repair journey. She’s especially skilled at helping first-time buyers and self-employed individuals navigate the challenges of financing.As a long-standing member of the BNI Lakeland Leaders chapter and active community supporter, Joni believes in building lasting relationships and empowering people with the knowledge to make confident decisions.Resources discussed in this episode:Credit Karma (TransUnion)Borrowell (Equifax)The Credit Game by Richard Moxley—Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions: Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Joni Bahm, Indi MortgageWebsite: jonibahm.caLinkedIn: Joni Bahm