It's Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast

Sharon DeKoning
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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.

  1. How to Turn Followers Into Buyers with Christine Campbell Rapin

    May 28

    How to Turn Followers Into Buyers with Christine Campbell Rapin

    In this episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, Sharon DeKoning sits down with business mentor and growth strategist Christine Campbell Rapin for an honest and energizing conversation about what it really takes to grow a successful business. Christine shares her powerful perspective on building a “growth engine” — the simple but effective system of generating leads, making offers, and consistently creating momentum in your business. Together, Sharon and Christine unpack the difference between followers and buyers, why networking and relationships still matter in an AI-driven world, and how entrepreneurs can stop overcomplicating growth. They discuss marketing strategies that create curiosity, the importance of human connection, and why introverts can still thrive in networking and speaking environments. Christine also shares practical advice on social media, websites, business development, and how to create sustainable systems without relying on expensive tech or complicated funnels. This episode is packed with actionable business insights for entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or unsure how to scale. From the power of clarity breaks and CEO days to the importance of mentorship, accountability, and giving back, Sharon and Christine deliver a conversation that feels both motivating and refreshingly real. About Christine Campbell Rapin Christine Campbell Rapin is a business mentor, speaker, and growth strategist who helps entrepreneurs commercialize their ideas, attract dream clients, and build profitable businesses with clarity and confidence. Known for combining practical strategy with honest accountability, Christine works with business owners to simplify growth, strengthen relationships, and create sustainable business engines that actually work. With decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs and generating measurable business growth, Christine is passionate about helping business owners stop spinning their wheels and start creating momentum. Through speaking, mentorship, events, and her podcast, she empowers entrepreneurs to think bigger, act boldly, and build businesses that align with both their goals and their lifestyle. Resources discussed in this episode: The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Michael LenningtonOpusClipEOS WorldwideBNI— Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Christine Campbell Rapin | CLEAR Acceleration Inc.: WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubePodcast

    1h 2m
  2. Building Capacity, Culture, and Future Leaders with Ian Chisholm

    May 14

    Building Capacity, Culture, and Future Leaders with Ian Chisholm

    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

    48 min
  3. The Financial Habits That Give You Control Over Your Business with Sarah Silver

    Apr 30

    The Financial Habits That Give You Control Over Your Business with Sarah Silver

    In this episode, Sharon is joined by Sarah Silver, owner of Profits and Coffee, to unpack the real value of bookkeeping and why it should never be treated as just a tax-season task. Sarah explains how too many business owners start off doing their own books, only to fall behind as the demands of running the business grow. This lands them deep into missed insights, unnecessary stress, and financial decisions being made without the full story. Sarah shares why accurate bookkeeping gives business owners the clarity they need to pivot, grow, and plan ahead. From setting up the chart of accounts properly to understanding assets, expenses, and the importance of monthly reconciliations, she highlights how clean books can uncover trends, show seasonal shifts, and reveal what’s actually making money.  The conversation dives into the software and systems making bookkeeping easier than ever. Sarah discusses tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, Hubdoc, and Pluto, and explains how cloud-based systems allow business owners, bookkeepers, and accountants to work together seamlessly. This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs who want less stress, better numbers, and more confidence in the financial side of their business. About Sarah Silver Sarah Silver is the owner of Profits and Coffee, a bookkeeping business focused on helping entrepreneurs stop guessing and start growing. With a natural love for systems, organization, and problem-solving, Sarah built her career by turning financial chaos into clarity. She works with business owners across Canada to create strong bookkeeping foundations that support better decisions, cleaner reporting, and long-term growth. Known for her calm and approachable style, Sarah helps clients feel more confident and less overwhelmed when it comes to their numbers. From monthly bookkeeping and reconciliations to payroll, job costing, cleanup projects, and financial reporting, she believes bookkeeping should do more than keep a business compliant; it should help business owners feel informed, in control, and supported. Resources discussed in this episode: QuickBooks OnlineXeroHubdocPlootoDextHumi / Employment HeroKajabiShopifyMicrojoys by Cyndie Spiegel— Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Sarah Silver | Profits and Coffee:  WebsiteInstagram

    54 min
  4. Janet Sawatzky on Building a Business That Doesn’t Break Without You

    Apr 16

    Janet Sawatzky on Building a Business That Doesn’t Break Without You

    Sharon welcomes Janet Sawatzky, founder of 7 Point Trends, for a practical conversation about building a business that doesn’t rely on the owner being “on” every minute of every day. Janet works with entrepreneurs who have often built successful businesses through hustle and hard work, but now find themselves stuck, overwhelmed, and unable to step away. Together, Sharon and Janet unpack why vision, values, and long-term strategy matter so much, especially for business owners who feel buried in the day-to-day. Janet explains how many entrepreneurs create what she calls “accidental success,” only to realize years later that they have built themselves a job instead of a business that supports the life they want. She shares why stepping back to revisit your values, vision, and mission is essential for sustainable growth, better decision-making, and stronger leadership.  Sharon and Janet also dive into practical solutions business owners can implement right away, including documenting systems with video, improving onboarding, delegating to virtual assistants and project managers, and creating support structures that allow the business to keep moving even when the owner needs to step away.  About Janet Sawatzky Janet Sawatzky is the founder of 7 Point Trends and a strategic consultant who helps business owners organize their businesses with greater structure, clarity, and purpose. She works with entrepreneurs who have built success through grit and determination, then helps them step back, define what they truly want, and create practical plans to achieve it.  With a strong background in strategy and leadership, Janet helps clients identify the gaps between where they are and where they want to be. She supports them in creating businesses that are more sustainable, more scalable, and less dependent on the owner doing everything themselves.  Resources discussed in this episode: The Pumpkin Plan by Mike MichalowiczEssentialism by Greg McKeownThe E-Myth by Michael GerberContact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Janet Sawatzky | 7 Point Trends:  WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn: 7 Point TrendsLinkedIn: Janet Sawatzky

    38 min
  5. How Employee Ownership Can Strengthen Your Business with John Stevens

    Apr 2

    How Employee Ownership Can Strengthen Your Business with John Stevens

    Most business owners think selling is their only exit—but what if there was a way to pass your business on to your team instead? Sharon sits down with John Stevens, co-founder of Camilla Group, to unpack the growing conversation around employee ownership in Canada. John shares his deep experience helping small and medium-sized businesses explore succession planning through employee ownership trusts (EOTs) and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Together, they discuss how these models can help business owners reward loyal employees, preserve their legacy, and create stronger long-term business stability. John explains the differences between EOTs and ESOPs, including who they are best suited for, what financial benchmarks businesses should consider, and why employee ownership can lead to stronger engagement, better retention, and greater operational care. He also highlights the new Canadian tax incentives around employee ownership trusts, including the significant capital gains exemption currently available, and why this could be a major opportunity for the right business. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for business owners thinking about succession, employee engagement, leadership development, and building a lasting legacy in their communities. About John Stevens John Stevens is the co-founder of Camilla Group and a seasoned executive with decades of experience in financial leadership, operations, mergers and acquisitions, and employee ownership. He began his career at Deloitte and later held senior leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer, where he helped implement employee ownership models across multiple organizations. His long-standing passion for employee ownership was shaped early in his career and has continued through both hands-on business leadership and involvement in industry associations. Based in Edmonton, John now works with business owners across Canada to design and implement employee share plans, advise on succession strategies, and support companies through major transitions. Through Camilla Group, he helps entrepreneurs explore practical ways to improve employee engagement, create tax-efficient ownership structures, and build businesses that can survive and thrive for the long term. Resources discussed in this episode: First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham— Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact John Stevens | Camilla Group: Website: Camilla GroupLinkedIn: Camilla GroupLinkedIn: John Stevens

    45 min
  6. Lissa Daub on Building a Sellable Business and Escaping the Owner’s Trap

    Mar 19

    Lissa Daub on Building a Sellable Business and Escaping the Owner’s Trap

    Sharon sits down with Lissa Daub, founder of Strong Impact Academy, certified Value Builder and Business Freedom Strategist, to unpack what makes a business truly valuable—not just profitable. Lissa shares how many entrepreneurs unknowingly fall into the “owner’s trap,” where the business becomes so dependent on them that they can never fully step away. Together, Sharon and Lissa why building with the end in mind matters whether you plan to sell in three years or thirty. Throughout the conversation, Lissa breaks down the key drivers behind a sellable business, including recurring revenue, customer diversification, reduced owner dependence, customer satisfaction, strong reputation, and clear differentiation in the marketplace. They talk about why knowing your sellability score matters, how Google reviews and customer surveys can impact business value, and why waiting until you are ready to sell is often too late to start thinking strategically. This episode is filled with valuable takeaways for business owners who are tired of being the bottleneck in their company and want to create a healthier, more sustainable business. If you have ever felt like you built yourself a job instead of a business, this conversation will challenge your thinking and give you actionable ideas to start building a business that creates freedom, not burnout. About Lissa Daub Lissa Daub is the founder of Strong Impact Academy. As a certified Value Builder and Business Freedom Strategist, she helps entrepreneurs build businesses that are both profitable and sellable. Her work is rooted in personal experience, having grown up in a family business and later witnessing her parents sell their businesses after decades of hard work with little financial return. That experience shaped her mission to help owners create real value from the years they invest in their companies. Today, Lissa works with ambitious business owners across Canada and beyond to help them understand what their business is worth, improve the key drivers of business value, and reduce the risks that can hold them back from growth or future sale. Her approach combines strategy, education, and practical tools that help entrepreneurs move from owning a job to owning an asset. Resources discussed in this episode: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell— Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Lissa Daub | Strong Impact Academy Website: Strong Impact AcademyLinkedIn: Strong Impact AcademyLinkedIn: Lissa DaubInstagramFacebook

    52 min
  7. The Strategic Exit, with Lori Power

    Mar 5

    The Strategic Exit, with Lori Power

    If your business can’t function without you, it may not be sellable, and that’s exactly what host Sharon DeKoning explores in this episode with Lori Power, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, CPA, and founder of MP Benefits. Together, they dive into what it truly means to build a business with value beyond the owner. Lori shares why the first step isn’t financial; it’s personal. Business owners need to be emotionally and mentally ready to let go, and have a clear vision of what life looks like after the exit. From there, Lori breaks down the practical foundations of a sellable business: strong systems and processes, leadership delegation (no micromanaging), and a business model that isn’t dependent on one or two major customers or industries. They discuss why risk mitigation creates value (from insurance to regulation to cash flow and banking relationships), and why most transitions fail when the people and culture aren’t protected through the handoff. This conversation is a powerful reminder that exit planning isn’t something you do “later.” It’s a business strategy that protects your employees, preserves your community impact, and gives you more options—whether that’s selling to a competitor, transitioning to family, or exploring employee ownership. Lori encourages entrepreneurs to start early, bring the right advisors into the room, and build an exit plan that’s as unique as a fingerprint. About Lori Power Lori Power is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), CPA, and the founder of MP Benefits. She supports business owners across Canada with strategic exit planning, helping them build businesses that are sustainable, valuable, and prepared for transition. With deep experience in business advisory and human-capital strategy, Lori focuses on the often-overlooked truth behind business value: people, culture, and leadership continuity. She collaborates with exit-focused professionals to help entrepreneurs protect what they’ve built, create real options for succession, and confidently step into their next chapter. Book: "Succession Planning for Insurance Professionals" by Tami Romanchuk, CFP, CLU, and Lori Power — Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Lori Power | MP Benefits:  Website: mpbenefits.comLinkedIn: Lori PowerLinkedIn: MP BenefitsFacebook: MP BenefitsInstagram: MP Benefits

    59 min
  8. The Legal Lens: Seeing Your Business Through the Eyes of the Law, with Amy Bassili

    Feb 19

    The Legal Lens: Seeing Your Business Through the Eyes of the Law, with Amy Bassili

    Employment law can feel like walking through a field of landmines for business owners, especially when you’re hiring fast, growing a team, or dealing with a tough termination. In this episode, Sharon DeKoning sits down with Amy Bassili, founder of Bassili Law, to break down the biggest employment-law risks that catch employers off guard. They walk through the simple, proactive steps that can prevent expensive conflict later. Amy explains why having the right employment contracts and policies isn’t about being “formal” or “complicated”; it’s about creating clarity and certainty for both sides. They dive into what employers must think about when it comes to termination terms, reasonable notice, and how the law can apply differently when there’s no clear, enforceable agreement in place. Amy also shares why “copy/paste contracts” and generic templates can create risk, and how a solid legal advisor should function like insurance, saving you time, stress, and money by helping you avoid problems before they happen. About Amy Bassili Amy Bassili is the founder of Bassili Law and an Edmonton-based lawyer with nearly two decades of experience in employment and workplace matters. She represents both employers and employees, giving her a rare, balanced perspective on where workplace friction starts, and how it can be prevented before it becomes costly conflict. Amy built her career in downtown practice before launching her own firm to focus on values-driven, strategic legal support. Bassili Law operates fully remotely, making it easy for business owners to access practical guidance quickly, without the hassle of in-person meetings. Amy’s approach is clear: build the right legal foundation early, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence. Resources discussed in this episode: Alberta Employment Standards— Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Amy Bassili | Bassili Law:  WebsiteFacebookLinkedin: AmyLinkedIn: Bassili Law

    45 min
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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.

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