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. Making HR Human: Hiring, Culture, and Clarity with Lyndsay Seafoot

    2D AGO

    Making HR Human: Hiring, Culture, and Clarity with Lyndsay Seafoot

    Today’s episode dives deep into one of the most overlooked and misunderstood areas of business: human resources. Sharon welcomes Lyndsay Seafoot, an HR expert and founder of Curbridge, an outsourced HR consultancy; Stand Out Staff, a modern resume platform; and Director’s Desk, an HR tool for child care facilities. Lyndsay simplifies what HR really is (managing your people well) and explains why even businesses with just one employee need HR systems to protect their growth and culture. Together, Sharon and Lyndsay discuss real-world examples of preventable HR disasters, the critical importance of employee handbooks, how to build an employer brand that attracts top talent, and the surprising ROI of investing in leadership and culture. Lyndsay also shares the origin story of Stand Out Staff, why resumes are broken, and how her platform helps employers find better hires faster. If you’ve ever said, “I don’t need HR,” this episode is a must-listen. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or leading a growing team, Lyndsay’s insights on retention, recruitment, and reality checks will help you build a business where people thrive (and stay!) This episode is packed with practical HR advice, personal stories, and powerful takeaways for entrepreneurs at every stage. About Lyndsay Seafoot, CPHR Lyndsay Seafoot doesn’t just talk about fixing HR; she builds the tools to do it. As a longtime HR consultant and entrepreneur, she’s seen firsthand how small business owners are often overwhelmed, under-resourced, and left guessing when it comes to managing people. So she set out to change that. When clients needed structure but couldn’t afford in-house HR, she built Curbridge, a consulting service that brings expert systems, handbooks, pay plans, and support to growing teams. When hiring became a nightmare of unreadable resumes and wasted interviews, she launched Stand Out Staff, a digital resume platform that gives employers instant clarity on candidates and helps job seekers shine. And when she saw how overwhelmed child care directors were, she developed Director’s Desk, an all-in-one HR support portal built just for them. Lyndsay’s work is rooted in one clear mission: to make HR feel doable, valuable, and human, especially for the business owners who never thought they needed it. Resources discussed in this episode: Start with Why by Simon SinekThe 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. MaxwellGary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) – Entrepreneur and leadership expert— Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Lyndsay Seafoot | Curbridge Consulting: Website: curbridge.caWebsite: standoutstaff.comLinkedIn: Lyndsay SeafootLinkedIn: Stand Out StaffLinkedIn: Curbridge Consulting

    49 min
  2. Leadership that Lasts: How to build Trust, Resilience and Impact, with Susan Power

    NOV 27

    Leadership that Lasts: How to build Trust, Resilience and Impact, with Susan Power

    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 Power Susan 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

    46 min
  3. Beyond Benefits: Building Businesses Where People Thrive with Lori Power

    NOV 13

    Beyond Benefits: Building Businesses Where People Thrive with Lori Power

    In this high-energy conversation, Sharon and Lori explore how leadership, employee well-being, and workplace culture work together. Lori Power, founder of MP Benefits, urges leaders to stop viewing benefits as a cost and start treating them as a strategic investment in health, engagement, and productivity. Drawing on work with companies like Boeing, she shows that when benefits are aligned with safety, performance, and clear communication, teams become happier and more effective. Sharon and Lori’s conversation also delves deep into leadership, team alignment, and the role of mental health at work. Lori’s stories bring these ideas to life, from reshaping law firm benefits to helping construction companies reduce turnover from 75% to zero. As the conversation turns to mindset, succession planning, and community, Lori shares practical wisdom for entrepreneurs: lead with empathy, invest in people, plan your exit early, and never stop learning. Her insights make this episode a must-listen for business owners seeking to build resilient, people-first organizations where both employees and employers thrive. About Lori Power Lori Power is the founder of MP Benefits and an expert in execution—in other words, she gets things done. Known for transforming employee benefits from a cost into a measurable investment, Lori helps businesses align their benefit plans with safety, productivity, and performance. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor and published author, Lori also holds a Workplace Mental Health Leadership Certificate from Queen’s University. Her insights on leadership, succession, and the culture of engagement in the modern workplace have been featured on Global News, CBC, and the HR Reporter. Resources discussed in this episode: Queen’s University Workplace Mental Health Leadership CertificateDisney Institute Leadership ProgramsHumor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker & Naomi BagdonasSteal Like an Artist by Austin KleonLet’s Get Real or Let’s Not Play by Mahan KhalsaThe Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel — 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

    57 min
  4. From Financial Freefall to Clear Framework: The Mess That Built Me

    OCT 30

    From Financial Freefall to Clear Framework: The Mess That Built Me

    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

    24 min
  5. Babies, Business, and Big Dreams: The Balancing Act with Chantelle Moncrief

    OCT 16

    Babies, Business, and Big Dreams: The Balancing Act with Chantelle Moncrief

    In this heartfelt episode, Sharon chats with Chantelle, owner of Provost Pets & Livestock Supply. Chantelle shares how her love for animals sparked her business idea and how motherhood changed the way she ran the business. We dig into startup realities, working through economic swings and life changes, and why community support (and a great mother-in-law!) can be the difference-maker for entrepreneurs. Chantelle opens up about her own challenges over the years, including several months spent in the NICU after her first child was born and running a growing shop while parenting (and homeschooling) two busy kids—often right from the store’s playroom. While we talk about boundaries, trade-offs, and scheduling, it always comes back to what keeps her going through the challenges: helping people and their animals every single day.  About Chantelle Chantelle is the owner of Provost Pets & Livestock Supply. A lifelong animal lover raised and living on a farm, she launched her store a decade ago to bring quality pet nutrition, livestock essentials, and practical expertise to the community of Provost. She’s also a mom of two, a homeschooler, and an active community member who believes business is built with the help of family, friends, and neighbours. For Chantelle, the best thing about entrepreneurship is that it’s equal parts challenging and rewarding. — Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Chantelle Moncrief | Provost Pets & Livestock Supply:  Website: https://provostpet.com/InstagramFacebook

    41 min
  6. From Community to Commerce: Lessons in Leadership with Onion Lake Cree Nation, with CEO Kyle Dillon

    OCT 2

    From Community to Commerce: Lessons in Leadership with Onion Lake Cree Nation, with CEO Kyle Dillon

    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 Dillon Kyle 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

    37 min
  7. From Tough Calls to a Thriving Business: Leadership That Lasts with Luke Williamson

    SEP 18

    From Tough Calls to a Thriving Business: Leadership That Lasts with Luke Williamson

    After losing his IT director role at a high-growth insurance company, Luke Williamson turned adversity into opportunity by founding Accurate Network Systems. Eighteen years later, the Edmonton- and Calgary-based firm has grown to 50+ team members, all powered by Luke’s people-first philosophy and a commitment to “radical collaboration.” In this conversation, Luke walks us through the leadership framework that guides his decisions: clarity of vision, certainty of intention (AKA discipline), and prioritizing according to your values and goals.  We dig into how to make tough calls in business, why leaders need to zoom out to serve the greater whole, and how to scale a business by bringing in the right people (at the right time). Luke opens up about a humbling season where he overbuilt a leadership team too soon, including what it cost, how he reset, and the lessons he still uses to build endurance and culture in the business.  Luke also shares some practical habits for staying grounded (starting with sleep!), advice for new founders moving from the “craftsperson” role to company builder, and how purpose is the ultimate goal of any business.  About Luke Williamson Luke Williamson is the founder of Accurate Network Systems, an Alberta-based managed IT and cybersecurity provider recognized for people-centric leadership and community impact. His approach emphasizes authenticity, radical collaboration, and developing team members through meaningful opportunity. A Leaders in Edmonton honouree and two-time Alberta Philanthropy Award recipient, Luke is as passionate about endurance sports as he is about entrepreneurship and channels that passion into a unique charitable initiative called Climbing for Change. Resources discussed in this episode: Traction by Gino Wickman (EOS / Entrepreneurial Operating System)Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)The Big Leap by Gay HendricksClimbing for Change (nonprofit endurance event)— Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  Website: itpromo.caLinkedIn: Sharon DeKoningFacebook: It’s Time PromotionsGoogle: It’s Time PromotionsContact Luke Williamson | Accurate Network Systems:  Website: Accurate Network SystemsLinkedIn: Luke WilliamsonLinkedIn: Accurate Network SystemsInstagram

    30 min
  8. The Power of Commitment: 30 Years of Wisdom in Business and Leadership with Gary Kulak

    SEP 4

    The Power of Commitment: 30 Years of Wisdom in Business and Leadership with Gary Kulak

    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 Kulak Gary 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

    38 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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