Elevating Women in Business

Host Guelda Redman interviews Monica Hawkins on Elevating Women in Business about her entrepreneurship journey, leadership in networking groups, and current work supporting women—especially around age 45 whose children have left home—who have spent years prioritizing others and want to reclaim their health and lives. Monica shares that after the company she built with closed a year ago, she focused on healing and growth and now helps clients through individualized, conversation-based support, emphasizing being heard, consistent follow-up, and long-term change rather than quick fixes. She discusses habits like committing to 7,500 daily steps for 100 days, meal prepping, and setting boundaries with a day job, along with using walks for content ideas and inspiration. Monica highlights networking as relationship-building, learning, collaboration, and joint ventures, and advises women in business not to do it alone and to show up because they may inspire someone.00:00 Meet the Host and Guest00:43 Who Is Monica01:23 Business Reset and Mission03:16 Ideal Client and Niche04:05 What Makes Her Different07:13 Habits for Health Success10:18 Authenticity and Progress13:07 Work Life Balance Routines17:00 Advice for Wellness Entrepreneurs18:47 Why Networking Matters22:17 Networking Impact and Growth24:19 Final Advice and Wrap Up

Join Guelda Redman from the BC Women's Business Network as she shares essential business tips to help you grow your business in Season 2 of 'Elevating Women in Business'. Episodes will include discussions focusing on practical strategies for taking action, serving clients effectively, scaling a sustainable business, and the benefits of networking and collaborations. Discover how to cultivate success habits within your entrepreneurship journey, especially for women in business. Host Guelda Redman welcomes listeners to season two of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast and explains why women entrepreneurs should stop trying to grow their business alone and instead build community through groups like the BC Women’s Business Network. She outlines how isolation slows growth through self-criticism, limited options, and lack of accountability, while community provides support, shared experience, faster problem-solving, and encouragement. Redman discusses how networking groups can help women outsource non-revenue tasks, collaborate, trade services, and build trust-based referrals, and she advises evaluating groups for relationship-building versus transactional intent and joining more than one. She shares examples of members gaining confidence, leadership, clarity on ideal clients, resilience after setbacks, and stronger personal branding. She addresses barriers like family expectations, fear, anxiety, and competition, then invites listeners to attend a free first meeting using promo code “FREEMEETING” and download her ebook, The Power of Networking. 00:00 Welcome to Season Two 00:39 Why Community Matters 03:08 Isolation and Accountability 05:33 Collaborate and Delegate08:14 Find the Right Room 10:59 Choosing Networking Groups 15:03 Real Transformations 21:08 Why Women Go Solo 24:04 Steps to Find Support 25:39 Invitation and Wrap Up Download: https://www.bcwomensbusinessnetwork.com/the-power-of-networking

Host Guelda Redman welcomes listeners to season two of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast and shares the “truth about networking” based on her experience founding the BC Women’s Business Network (est. January 2017). She addresses common fears women feel when attending networking for the first time—social anxiety, not knowing expectations, and feeling like an outsider—and emphasizes that everyone has felt this way and that entrepreneurship can be isolating. Redman offers practical preparation tips: create 30-second, 1-minute, and 3-minute elevator pitches (reading is okay at first), bring a written list of current business struggles to spark supportive “mini mastermind” conversations, and identify complementary businesses for referrals and collaboration. She explains networking is relationship-based, not transactional, and encourages finding the right group, showing up consistently, giving more than taking, and celebrating others’ wins. She invites viewers to try a meeting via bcwomensbusinessnetwork.com with promo code FREEMEETING.00:00 Welcome to Season Two00:45 Why Networking Feels Scary04:48 You Belong in the Room08:03 Craft Your Elevator Pitch10:45 Find Referrals and Partners13:40 Relationships Over Transactions15:40 Success Stories and Insights17:55 Choose Your Tribe Wisely19:31 Join and Stay Consistent21:25 Invitation and Final Message

Join Guelda Redman from the BC Women's Business Network as she shares essential "business tips" for "grow your business" in Season 2 of 'Elevating Women in Business'. This discussion focuses on practical strategies for taking action and serving clients effectively. Discover how to cultivate "success habits" within your "entrepreneurship" journey, especially for "women in business." Subscribe for weekly conversations about building a business with clarity, confidence, and community.Season 2 Episode 2: Your Business Isn't Growing (Even Though You're Trying)Host Guelda Redman introduces season two of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast and explains it will include member spotlight interviews plus conversational tips and strategies, inviting viewers to ask questions and share insights. She addresses why many women feel busy but see little business growth, pointing to unclear vision, mission, values, ideal client, marketing plan, and measurable goals, as well as doing too much non-revenue “busy work” and over-preparing instead of taking action to build confidence. She encourages investing in learning, seeking mentors, coaches, and supportive groups to grow faster by learning from others’ mistakes, and prioritizing evergreen visibility (blogs, podcasts, articles, newsletters) over short-lived social media posts. Guelda promotes the BC Women’s Business Network as a safe space for relationship-building, accountability, collaboration, referrals, and shared problem-solving.00:00 Welcome to Season Two00:43 New Format and Engagement02:13 Why Growth Stalls05:35 Clarify Vision and Client08:48 Get Help and Mentors16:48 Confidence Comes From Doing18:28 Goals Over Busywork25:25 Evergreen Marketing Moves30:35 Networking and Community36:57 Join the BC NetworkContact Info:[email protected]

Host Guelda Redman interviews Sarah Enright, owner-operator of Abby Bubba Pet Care with a Gentle Touch, about her shift from a 27-year graphics career to full-time pet sitting and dog walking starting in January 2018. Sarah, originally from Ontario and now in the Fraser Valley, explains the business name—Bubba was her dog, and Abby was her first Rover client—and describes her niche serving rescue pets, nervous/reactive dogs, senior animals, and pets needing medication or in-home care. She shares a story about caring for Maggie and her anxious “brothers” Joe and Hank, building trust through calm support, and discusses using the Tellington TTouch method to communicate with an animal’s nervous system and promote calm. Sarah highlights business strategies including word of mouth, testimonials, networking, in-person meet-and-greets, and requiring upfront payment, and recommends professional associations and training for new pet-care entrepreneurs while emphasizing the value of supportive women’s networking communities.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:50 Sarah’s Background Story02:57 How Abby Bubba Began05:17 Niche Caring for Sensitive Pets10:05 A Nervous Dog Success Story13:43 Tellington TTouch Explained17:06 Getting Clients and Systems20:40 Starting a Pet Care Business23:42 Power of Women’s Networking29:15 Final Thanks and Call to ActionContact Linkwww.bcwomensbusinessnetwork.com/sarah-enright

In this episode of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast,host Guelda Redman invites Amanda Holt, the founder of The Digital Crew, toshare her entrepreneurial journey. Amanda discusses the creation and evolutionof her business, The Digital Crew, a full-service marketing agency, and theunique strategies that have propelled her success. She reflects on thechallenges and lessons learned from starting multiple businesses, theimportance of a collaborative team, and the pivotal role of passion in sustaininga service-based business. Amanda also shares personal insights into maintaininga work-life balance, the value of continuous learning, and the power ofnetworking in building a supportive community for women entrepreneurs. Closingthe episode, Amanda offers encouraging advice to aspiring women entrepreneursto trust in their unique vision and connect with a strong network of supportivepeers.00:00 Welcome to Elevating Women in Business00:23 Introducing Amanda Holt00:40 Amanda's Journey to Entrepreneurship02:52 The Birth of The Digital Crew05:49 Building a Strong Team10:07 Strategies for Success12:12 Balancing Work and Life15:05 The Power of Networking18:34 Final Thoughts and Advice19:05 Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast,host Guelda Redman interviews Tara James, a BC licensed mortgage broker withCitadel Mortgages. Tara shares her journey from an accounting background tobecoming a full-time mortgage broker. She discusses her passion for helpingclients, particularly self-employed individuals, navigate the complexities ofmortgages. Tara emphasizes the importance of consistency, follow-up, andbuilding strong relationships with other professionals in the industry. Shealso offers valuable advice for women considering a career in mortgagebrokering, highlighting the importance of having a financial safety net and asupport system. The discussion touches on networking strategies, the challengesof transitioning to entrepreneurship, and the significance of building trustwith clients.00:00 Welcome to Elevating Women in Business00:21 Meet Tara James: From Office Manager to MortgageBroker01:25 Tara's Journey into the Mortgage Industry02:48 Specializing in Self-Employed Clients05:19 Challenges and Rewards of the Job06:34 What Sets Tara Apart07:53 Building Successful Business Habits11:32 Advice for Aspiring Mortgage Brokers16:24 The Importance of Networking22:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement27:42 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast,Guelda Redman interviews Mary Pichette from Ask Pichette Training andConsulting. Mary shares her journey and experiences in leadership training andconsulting, helping companies with identity and data protection. She delvesinto her passion for justice that spans from opening transition houses tosupporting survivors of human trafficking. Mary emphasizes empowering women torecognize and harness their leadership potential, both in professional andpersonal realms. She discusses key strategies for business success, like the'Go For No' approach, and the importance of networking effectively. Mary alsoprovides advice for women contemplating starting their own businesses,highlighting the significance of serving others and building genuineconnections.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:03 Meet Mary Pichette: A Journey of Justice and Leadership03:26 Empowering Women in Leadership08:40 Transforming Hobbies into Businesses12:36 Overcoming Sales Challenges24:18 Networking for Business Growth30:43 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In this episode of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast,hosted by Guelda Redman, mortgage broker Shannon Owen from Mortgages by ShannonOwen shares her journey and insights. Shannon discusses her path into themortgage industry, the importance of merging her passion for math and realestate, and the significant role of family and mentorship in her career. Shehighlights the advantages of being an independent broker, the importance ofrelationship-based business practices, and how she handles pivotal careermoments. Shannon also talks about her personal strategies for balancing workand personal life, especially with her first child on the way. She adviseswomen interested in the mortgage industry to prepare mentally and financially,emphasizing the benefits of showing up authentically and seeking support innon-passionate business areas. Shannon's story is an inspirational look at thechallenges and rewards of being a woman in business.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:47 Shannon Owen's Background and Passion for Real Estate02:32 The Role and Benefits of Being a Mortgage Broker04:09 Client Success Stories and Unique Approaches07:38 Pivotal Moments and Personal Growth17:32 Balancing Business and Personal Life21:11 The Importance of Networking and Community31:02 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast,host Guelda Redman interviews Chana Riley, a realtor with Home Life AdvantageRealty. Chana shares her journey in the real estate industry spanning 17 years,starting from her career beginnings in Coquitlam to her move to Abbotsford fora better family life. She discusses what inspired her to transition fromaccounting to real estate, emphasizing the importance of community networkingand a desire to help others. Chana talks about the significance of having astructured business system, specifically customer asset management (CAM), andhow it has been crucial for her success. She also dives into the importance ofnetworking, mentorship, and building a reliable professional network. Finally,Chana offers valuable advice to women starting in the real estate field or anyother business, focusing on the importance of setting goals, seeking help whenneeded, and surrounding oneself with supportive and encouraging people.00:00 Welcome to Elevating Women in Business00:48 Meet Chana Riley: A Realtor's Journey02:03 Starting a Real Estate Career04:12 Balancing Family and Career09:03 Challenges and Pivotal Moments12:53 Key Strategies for Success15:31 Mentorship and Networking17:07 Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs18:30 The Importance of Networking21:47 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of 'Elevating Women in Business,' hostGuelda Redman welcomes Jacqueline LaPlante, an entrepreneur in the essentialoils industry. Jacqueline shares her journey from witnessing the adverseeffects of opioids on her mother to finding healing through holistic methods.She discusses her focus on therapeutic-grade essential oils, particularly formenopausal women, as well as the benefits of alternative natural options. Theconversation also touches on her certification in the raindrop technique, theimportance of networking, and key strategies that have contributed to herbusiness success. Jacqueline offers candid insights and advice for womenlooking to start similar businesses, emphasizing the importance of self-careand the value of supportive networks.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:43 Jacqueline's Journey into Essential Oils01:55 Building a Business from Personal Experience03:50 Targeting the Ideal Client05:59 Raindrop Technique and Certification08:03 Strategies for Success and Networking10:51 Mentorship and Accountability15:07 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs16:21 Navigating the Challenges of Solo Entrepreneurship17:17 The Power of Networking and Mentorship18:20 Personal Experiences and Overcoming Obstacles19:24 The Importance of Networking for Business Growth22:49 Advice for New Women Entrepreneurs25:10 The Value of Networking in Personal and ProfessionalLife28:32 Concluding Thoughts and EncouragementContact:Website: www.aromablossomnhw.comEmail: [email protected]: 778-886-4441

In this episode of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast,host Guelda Redman speaks with Cheryl Cook, a mortgage specialist with RBC.Cheryl shares her journey from retail management and pursuing a degree ineducation to becoming a mortgage specialist with RBC. She discusses herbackground in finance, starting from a client advisor all the way to branchmanagement, before transitioning to a role that allows her to have directcontact with clients. Cheryl explains her passion for working with first-timehome buyers, downsizers, and those seeking to refinance their homes. Sheemphasizes the importance of having a strong network, continuous learning, andresilience in business. Cheryl also highlights the support and collaborationwithin the BC Women's Business Network and offers advice for women looking toenter the mortgage industry or any business field.00:00 Introduction to Elevating Women in Business00:26 Meet Cheryl Cook: Mortgage Specialist01:05 Cheryl's Journey into Finance04:34 Ideal Clients and Unique Solutions08:54 Strategies for Success in Mortgage Specialization13:41 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship16:16 Advice for Aspiring Mortgage Specialists26:35 The Role of Networking in Business Growth31:21 Encouragement for Women in Business41:25 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast,host Guelda Redman interviews Denise Nickel, owner of Energy Healing withDenise. Denise shares her background as a retired nurse and her journey intoenergy healing inspired by her twin sister. She discusses the impact of energyhealing on her own chronic pain and explains how she uses Body Code techniquesto help clients release trapped energies causing emotional and physical pain.The conversation explores the challenges of blending spiritual and scientificperspectives, the importance of ongoing learning and community support, and thesignificance of networking for personal and professional growth. Denise alsohighlights her role as a chapter leader for the BC Women's Business Network,emphasizing the value of visibility and connection in building a successfulbusiness.00:00 Welcome to Elevating Women in Business0:26 Meet Denise Nickel: From Nursing to EnergyHealing01:38 The Journey to Energy Healing03:54 Understanding Energy Healing and Its Impact05:00 Client Experiences and Niches11:07 Demonstrating Energy Healing Techniques13:51 Pivotal Moments and Personal Growth25:45 The Importance of Networking and Community33:09 Final Thoughts and Farewellhttps://[email protected]

In this episode of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast,hosted by Guelda Redman, founder of the BC Women's Business Network, we meetLynda Easler, a British expat and registered nurse who turned her passion forhealth and education into a successful business. As an affiliate of Monat,Lynda shares her experience using and selling plant-based, non-toxic hairproducts. She discusses her journey from being a nursing professional tonavigating network marketing, highlighting the struggles and triumphs,including overcoming personal debts and leveraging the power of networking.Lynda's story emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistent customerservice, and building genuine relationships through networking. She also sharespractical advice for emerging businesswomen on building a customer-focusedbrand, showing up authentically, and using their struggles to relate to andhelp others. Tune in for insights on growing a business while maintainingwork-life balance and the critical role of women supporting women throughdynamic networking.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:17 Lynda Easler's Background and Journey02:13 Starting the Business: Challenges and Motivations03:56 Identifying the Ideal Client and Niche06:59 Strategies for Success in Network Marketing18:07 The Importance of Networking30:54 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs33:44 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Elevating Women in Business Podcast,host Guelda Redman interviews Kelly-Erin Ketchen, an accomplished lifeinsurance broker and NLP hypnosis practitioner. Kelly-Erin shares her journeyinto the insurance industry, inspired by her sister Michelle, and discusses theunique benefits of participating in whole life insurance, particularly forchildren and women entrepreneurs. She also delves into her second business inNLP and hypnosis coaching, the importance of networking, and her role as a Chapterleader in the BC Women's Business Network. Throughout the episode, Kelly-Erinoffers valuable advice on finding mentorship, being patient, and thesignificance of creating supportive business relationships.00:00 Welcome to Elevating Women in Business00:26 Meet Kelly-Erin Ketchen: Insurance Broker and NLPHypnotist00:55 Kelly's Personal Life and Family02:02 Journey into the Insurance Business03:19 The Power of Participating Whole Life Insurance08:25 Networking Strategies for Success10:55 Mentorship and Collaboration in Business14:46 The Importance of Women's Networking Groups23:40 Becoming a Chapter Leader25:04 Advice for Women in Business30:07 Closing Remarks and Future EpisodesEmail: [email protected]: kellyerinketchen_excellence

In this Elevating Women in Business Podcast episode, host Guelda Redman interviews Mistie Bogard, a realtor for Ocean Breeze Realty Group associated with Real Brokerage. Mistie shares her unique experiences growing up off-grid in Yukon, her journey through various professions, and how she found her calling in real estate. Known for her passion and dedication, Mistie discusses the challenges of being a self-employed homebuyer, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and her strategies for growing her business.Mistie emphasizes the importance of first-time homebuyers, the support network for women in business, and the benefits of organized networking. Additionally, she highlights her role in the Nanaimo chapter of the BC Women's Business Network and her commitment to fostering strong relationships and empowering other women entrepreneurs.00:00 Welcome to Elevating Women in Business00:27 Introducing Mistie Bogard00:47 Mistie's Unique Background and Early Life03:02 Transition to Public Service03:47 Journey into Real Estate05:55 Serving First-Time Homebuyers08:36 Challenges for Self-Employed Homebuyers15:11 Advice for Aspiring Women Realtors18:32 The Importance of Networking30:02 Concluding Thoughts and FarewellMistie Bogard Ocean Breeze Realty Group, REAL [email protected] www.islandhousehunter.comwww.vanisleoceanfront.com

In this episode of the 'Elevating Women in Business' podcast, hosted by Guelda Redman, founder of the BC Women's Business Network, guest Kelly Maydiniuk shares her multifaceted journey and entrepreneurial achievements. Kelly discusses her longstanding career with Mary Kay, moving to a rural area with her family, and starting new ventures including her bakery business called Ginger Baked, a fashion business called Cabi, and managing rental cabins at Meadow Springs. She addresses challenges and successes in direct sales, insights on building community and personal growth, and the significance of women's networking groups in fostering mutual support and empowerment.00:00 Introduction to Elevating Women in Business00:26 Meet Kelly Maydiniuk: A Multifaceted Entrepreneur02:02 Life in the Cariboo: Embracing Rural Living03:54 Journey with Mary Kay: Finding Success in Direct Sales08:00 Building a Business: Tips and Insights19:07 The Power of Networking: Building Community and Support26:18 Conclusion and Invitation to Join the Network

In this episode of Elevating Women in Business, host GueldaRedmond interviews Lynn Rimmer, the founder of G Lynn Originals, known forcreating custom handbags and totes. Lynn shares her journey from working inmechanical and electronic assembly and volunteering at car races to becoming asuccessful business owner. Despite early retirement, her passion for bag makinghas brought her immense personal growth and joy. She emphasizes the importanceof networking, branding, and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Lynn alsodiscusses the pivotal moments in her career, her business strategies, and theimportance of personal touch in her creations. Guelda and Lynn also explore thevalue of networking and building real relationships in the business world,particularly through the BC Women's Business Network, where Lynn is a Surreychapter leader.00:00 Welcome to Elevating Women in Business00:30 Meet Lynn Rimmer: The Baggineer01:57 Lynn's Journey and Personal Insights03:56 The Birth of G Lynn Originals07:38 Challenges and Triumphs in Business11:12 Networking and Community Building18:01 Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs23:39 The Importance of Networking33:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsEmail: [email protected]: www.instagram.com/g.lynnoriginals FaceBook: www.facebook.com/g.lynnoriginals

Introducing Elevating Women in Business with Guelda RedmanThe Launch of Elevating Women in Business: A Community ofSupport and SuccessIn the inaugural episode of the Elevating Women in Businesspodcast, hosted by Guelda Redman, founder of the BC Women's Business Network,introduces herself and her mission. She shares the evolution of her networkinggroup since its inception in 2017, emphasizing the significance of a safe,supportive community for women entrepreneurs. She discusses the unique waywomen network, building strong relationships and empowering each other. Theepisode explores the group's structure, including its nine chapters acrossBritish Columbia, and the collaborative efforts of chapter leaders. Guelda alsohighlights the varying backgrounds and motivations of women in the group, fromside hustles to retirement planning, and the importance of mentorship andauthentic connections. She encourages listeners to subscribe and learn from theexperiences and strategies of women entrepreneurs featured in future episodes.00:00 Welcome to Elevating Women in Business00:27 The Birth of BC Women's Business Network01:28 The Power of Women Networking01:56 Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space03:15 Expanding Across British Columbia06:50 Diverse Journeys of Women Entrepreneurs09:12 The Importance of Mentorship09:51 Coaching and Community Support13:38 The Value of Women-Only Networking14:58 Conclusion and Invitation