Road To Seven

“What would I have liked 16 years ago?... Having VCs that looked like me, who actually really understood the problem that I was solving and the mission that I was on.”- Cherry Rose TanWhat’s it like to lead the charge into new markets — even as those around you are skeptical?My guest Cherry Rose Tan is a fifth-generation entrepreneur, award-winning educator, speaker, futurist, and innovator who disrupts every industry she enters into! As General Partner at Renew Venture Capital, Cherry Rose is a champion for women and historically excluded entrepreneurs.In this conversation, we dive into the need for more diversity in the investment industry — and the amazing opportunities that may be missed when these perspectives are ignored. From crypto investment to founder mental health, Cherry Rose shares her incredible insights on tech, finance, futurism, and the value of broad perspectives. You won’t want to miss it!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌Why Cherry Rose’s cultural background helped her to recognize t

“If we’re only focused on complaining or being frustrated with the results, and we’re not taking the time to go back and figure out the decisions or why we are getting these results, then you’re in a tricky place.”- Shelagh CumminsAre you inadvertently hurting your business… without even realizing it? There will always be something in our businesses that we’d like to improve, upgrade, or completely toss aside. From revenue to lead generation to speaking opportunities, there are aspects of our businesses where we may not be performing as well as we’d like — and often, it’s the decisions that we ourselves make that are having a negative impact and holding us back from the success we deserve!By looking at your results and metrics and reverse-engineering them, it’s possible to pinpoint the areas in your business where you may be making missteps, and to retool your decision-making process in order to create more positive impact on your bottom line going forward!If there are aspects of your business that you’re unh

“TED is a platform that has the opportunity to not just create credibility for what it is that I’m doing, but really puts a stake in the ground for me to be able to talk about what I stand for.”- Shelagh CumminsWhat goes into producing and delivering a TED Talk? If you’ve ever wondered about the nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes secrets of participating in a TED or TEDx event as a speaker, then you will NOT want to miss out on this episode!Adding TED or TEDx to your resume as a speaker or thought leader is an incredible way to build credibility and prestige, but becoming a TED speaker can be rather more demanding than speaking in other forums. As the Spiderman movies say, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and participating in a TED event requires a certain level of commitment, vulnerability, preparation, and the ability to push through self doubt, overcome discomfort, and embrace risk.And let me tell you, it is truly worth it!This episode is all about the whats, whys, hows, and whens of my experien

“If you cannot figure out what solution your business is solving, you need to go back to the drawing board.”- Tanya HaylesGet ready to be inspired… and take more than a couple of notes! Tanya Hayles is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who has created not one, but THREE businesses that are creating massive impact around the world! Tanya’s thriving online global village and nonprofit, Black Moms Connection, provides financial support grants and culturally relevant resources to empower Black women. Her firm Color in White Spaces works to disrupt the diversity and inclusion world by making conversations about racism more real and relatable. And her storytelling and speaking talents have helped her to take the media world by storm!From developing her thought leadership to narrowing down on her key pillars, this fascinating conversation digs into Tanya’s secret sauces for success — and her top tips for women looking to follow in her footsteps!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌Whe

“When I am here to fulfil my soul’s desire, I fulfil my human desire to serve others at the highest level.”- Libby WildmanMy guest for this episode is changing the way that women work with — and grow! — their money. Libby Wildman is a speaker, wealth advisor, life coach, and the host of the curated Liminal Escapes retreats. Over her decades of serving clients, Libby has worked to bring the ‘human’ back into the finance industry.During our conversation, we dive deep into the emotions that drive us to make big, bold moves in our businesses, the value of hearing an interesting story, and why Libby rejects the conventional advice when it comes to identifying her own point of genius. In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌The link between the craving for adrenaline and the call to entrepreneurshipHow Libby has kept things fresh and juicy over the course of her career How the finance industry has (and hasn’t) shifted from the 1980s to post-#MeTooAbout Libby Wildman: Libby Wildman has

“A TEDx stage is designed for you to share an idea that’s worth sharing… it is literally a stage that’s designed for you to be a thought leader.”- Shelagh CumminsHaving a TEDx Talk under your belt is more than just a bragging right… it’s a marketing DREAM.Delivering a TEDx Talk is a fantastic way to build up your thought leadership, position yourself as an industry leader, and create a great deal of interest in your business.  TEDx Talks are accessed by billions of viewers per year, regularly shared on social media, and highly respected.You may have already dreamed about standing in front of a TEDx audience and sharing your knowledge and expertise. In fact, you may already have the perfect presentation sitting in a folder on your desktop!So… how do you get the opportunity to make it onto that stage?In this episode, I share my own journey to TEDx and describe exactly how I moved “TEDx Talk” from my vision board to my CV.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How TEDx Talks work

“It doesn’t matter the results. The fact that you made 20 calls today and you gave it your all IS the result… it really is so much about the activity, you watch the magic happen over time.”- Vonny FastGet ready for a masterclass in selling successfully without selling out! My guest, Vonny Fast, is the #1 sales rep of 70-year-old brand Cutco and has built up a database of over 3000 clients almost entirely through referrals — and has managed to build her career in sales while remaining aligned with her values.Past decades have given sales a bit of a sleazy or pushy reputation, but Vonny believes that the way to successful sales based on impacting people, not on chasing numbers. “Teach business owners how to grow through giving,” Vonny advises. “I really truly believe that loyalty is the #1 thing you could ever ask for and generosity is the most powerful tool to unlock that loyalty — so how can I be generous today?”Listen now to learn how to create your own effective selling style! In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Roa

“You can’t just clock in and clock out when you’re doing your business. It’s always going to be a facet of your life and in your mind.”- Shelagh CumminsTo borrow some words from Kenny Rogers, do you know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em when it comes to your programs… or your business as a whole? During the pandemic, many people have had the chance to sit back and take stock of their work lives… and decide whether or not what they’re doing is really working for them. While a great number have decided to leave the workforce (hence the coining of the term “The Great Resignation”), some have also decided to close down their businesses and rejoin the 9-to-5 world.What should you keep in mind when making this decision? What goes into closing your business down? More importantly — is it possible to make changes that offer you the balance you need WITHOUT giving up on entrepreneurship? If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to shut down one of your offers (or your business as a whole), then this episo

“Start with your own small radius and perfect it…when you can succeed in selling well in your small radius, then you can duplicate it.”- Elaine Tan ComeauLaunching just two days after the birth of her third child, Easy Daysies Ltd. founder and CEO Elaine Tan Comeau successfully scaled a unique product-based business selling an invention created at her own kitchen table.In this episode, I speak to the school-teacher-turned-accidental-inventor whose award-winning daily magnetic planners teach children to become more cooperative and independent — and incited a bidding war between all FIVE Dragons’ Den investors.If you’re looking to be inspired by a powerful female entrepreneur who has succeeded in the face of adversity, then just press play on this episode!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌A walkthrough of the early days of a product-based company (and how she launched with just $1400)How Elaine streamlined her supply chain and built a sales team so that she could scale upHow she continued growing after a

“When you look at the lows, is it because you truly believe that people aren’t buying… or is it because you are not taking the necessary or intentional action that you need to ensure people keep buying?”- Shelagh CumminsDo you worry that the warmer weather of summer will lead to slower sales? If you’re concerned that your revenue will dip as the temperatures rise, then you’ll want to listen to this episode!There is a pervasive myth among entrepreneurs that you shouldn’t launch an offer or set high revenue goals during the summer because too many people will be either on vacation, tuned out, or unwilling to spend any money between June and August.Let me be clear: these aren’t facts. These are beliefs… and they can be self-fullfilling. If you choose to believe that you aren’t going to be able to sell your offers during the summer, then you may be damaging your own chances unconsciously.Tune into this episode for tips on how to shift your mindset and find a perfect balance going into the warmer months — and you

“When we hire, we want them to be earning 3x the amount of their salary in increased revenue that they bring you.”- Shelagh CumminsCreating a solid foundation in your business is one of the most important things that you can do, and it’s something that you can start working on right now.Whether you’re running a 6-figure, 7-figure, or even 5-figure business, there are a few things that you should be doing in order to ensure that your company remains strong and profitable — and that your business fits your lifestyle, rather than the other way around.This episode of The Road to Seven is a replay of a Live that I recorded for The Road to Seven Facebook group (and if you haven’t joined yet, I highly recommend that you do!) Tune in now and get ready to take some notes, because I share 7 simple but powerful tips that will help you build a business that allows you to scale and maximize your profits with more ease and less stress!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How to clearly def

“It’s so easy for you to come in and price yourself at market level. It’s another thing for you to understand the transformation that you’re offering people and price accordingly.”- Maureen MwangiWhat do businesses need to do in order to become the breakout brands that define their industry?Maureen Mwangi’s superpower is turning raw data into incredibly successful brand growth strategies. Growing up in Kenya, Maureen’s parents were the only entrepreneurs she knew. She enjoyed their dinner table conversations about business strategies and the financial freedom that entrepreneurship afforded her family.Today, Maureen uses the same processes that her parents used to scale their start-up into a successful brand to help other product-based businesses discover the growth secrets hiding in their data and scale to multiple 6 figures.Maureen has helped over 50 brands unlock their true value and earn raving fans! Tune in to hear her amazing insights, her biggest challenges, and the question that she believes all entrep

“As long as you’re waiting and relying on external factors to make you feel successful, you are setting yourself up to be a sitting duck.”- Shelagh CumminsDespite all that you’ve accomplished in your business, do you find yourself still waiting to actually FEEL like a success? If so, this episode is for you.Many of us tie feelings of success directly to the results that we are seeing in our businesses. But often, even hitting 7 figures in annual revenue or achieving a 6-figure launch (or any other goal, for that matter) can leave entrepreneurs still feeling as though they still haven’t quite “made it” as successful business owners.What does it take to finally feel successful?Here’s a hint: the answer will not come from outside. You have to do some inner work.Listen now to learn how you can start feeling like a success TODAY… and why benchmarks are not as important as you think they are.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌Why achieving your vision will not change who you are

“Letting go and knowing when something is done… allows fresh energy in and new opportunities to flow in.”- Esther VlessingSometimes, taking a step back is the smartest thing you can do as an entrepreneur.Esther Vlessing is the founder and president of Canada Emergency Medical Manufacturers, a network of domestic manufacturers in the furniture, apparel, and automotive industries created to solve Canada’s personal protective equipment shortages. Esther started the company during the pandemic when she realized the urgent need for the timely manufacture and delivery of PPE at a time when international supply chains were being dramatically affected.CEMM was not Esther’s first company. Originally a fashion manufacturing entrepreneur, Esther made the difficult decision to return to the workforce when her 6-figure company didn’t provide her with the lifestyle she wanted.Listen now to learn why Esther’s detour from the path of entrepreneurship positioned her as the perfect person to help her country through a deadly p

“Profit is one of your most powerful entities in your company, because it is the gateway to opportunity for you.”- Shelagh CumminsThis episode is the final piece of a three-part series exploring the three core elements every single business needs to have in order to be sustainable and profitable. No matter your industry or niche, a strong, intentional foundation based on these elements is absolutely essential if you want to scale effectively.This episode is all about profit.The idea of “profit” is often a challenge for women entrepreneurs. Women often deal with money mindset issues that stem from biases, misconceptions, and stereotypes regarding their ability to deal with money, whether saving, spending, or earning.But in reality, women are just as capable of driving profit and building wealth as men are.Profit is important, because it creates opportunities for you to not only build wealth, but to re-invest in your business in order to move the needle forward.If you haven’t listened to the first two parts of

“Your way is not the only way to get things done — and it’s possible that someone else’s way is going to get better results”- Shelagh CumminsThis episode is the second of a three-part series taking an in-depth look at the three core elements of every business. If you want to scale with more ease and confidence (whether that means a team of 4 or a team of 400), building a strong, intentional foundation based on these elements is absolutely critical!In this episode, I want to teach you how to get out of your own way in your business… and stop being the bottleneck to your success.That’s why this week’s episode is all about processes.We all use processes and systems in our businesses. There is always a “method to our madness” — but, often, we don’t actually consciously know what that is! This is very common for solopreneurs, who build their processes organically through the course of their work and never really have to think about them.But if we can’t articulate our processes to ourselves, then we won’t be able t

“When you’re feeling like your business isn’t really serving you or fitting you anymore, then let’s look at what your role is, and what you want to do, and where you thrive.”- Shelagh CumminsThis episode is the first of a three-part series that takes an in-depth look at the three essential elements of every single business. No matter your industry or niche, building a strong, intentional foundation based on these elements will help you grow and scale with more ease and confidence!The first element: people.The people you sell to. The people you work with. And, of course the leader of your business: you. It’s so important that each of these groups is completely in alignment with who you are, what you’re building, your values, and your vision. Tune in to learn how to identify the people that you should be hiring for and serving in your business… and what to do when things just aren’t feeling like the right fit.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How to identify when you’re fall

“Be available to be flexible, and be available to be agile.”- Megan HuberMy co-host for this episode is the one and only Megan Huber, known as the Business Acceleration Mentor (BAM!). This episode will appear on both the Road to Seven and on Megan’s podcast, Built to Last.Like me, Megan Huber helps transform hustling women entrepreneurs into successful leaders and CEOs through her programs, masterminds, and private coaching — and she’s found great success in inspiring and empowering women to shine as leaders, increase their impact, and build more fulfilling lives.In this conversation, we discuss overcoming our challenges, following our passions, and finding real balance… in other words, we deliver a full, honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to run our businesses: the good, the bad, and everything in between!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌The two iterations through which Megan’s business evolved and how she landed in her zone of geniusHow to recognize when you

“Screw it up fast… because until we mess up, until we have that first iteration, we can’t make it better!”- Ashleigh WilsonIn an industry where customers have long been considered an afterthought, Ashleigh Wilson has proved that putting people first is profitable! Ashleigh is the founder and CEO of AuditMate, a company that offers the first and only elevator and escalator auditing and management software and operates with an ethos of respectful simplicity, proactive inclusiveness, and heart-centred courage.From the end users of AuditMate’s pioneering software to the team that drives its innovation, humans are at the core of Ashleigh’s entrepreneurial mission.Press play to hear her inspiring journey from non-tech entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea to the head of a company determined to become a leading agent of change for all industries!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How a first-time software developer found the funding to bring her never-before-seen concept to real

“We want to be on the biggest stages and biggest platforms, and have people view our stories and see them for the beauty and importance that they are.”- Ngardy Conteh GeorgeForgive me if I’m a little starstruck this episode — my guests are Alison Duke and Ngardy Conteh George, co-founders of OYA Media Group and winners of the 2021 RBC Women of Influence Ones to Watch Award.Alison and Ngardy founded OYA Media Group to bring an authentic perspective to media through socially relevant, life-changing stories that amplify Black experiences. Their documentary Mr. Jane & Finch, which they co-produced and Ngardy directed, premiered on CBC Docs POV in 2019 and won two Canadian Screen Awards.“It’s hard for us to keep up with how fast we’re growing,” Ngardy says. “A lot of the time, this industry is about timing — and it is our time. I think the industry is finally ready for our stories.”Press play for a fascinating look into a successful and uplifting creative partnership!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven po