“‘One day’ doesn’t have to be far away. ‘One day’ can be today.” —  Shelagh CumminsI’ve been thinking a lot lately about the importance of flexibility. Perhaps you have, too.2020 was full of new challenges and new problems, which required new solutions and ways of thinking.In this pandemic age, it’s important to cultivate flexibility in what you offer, how you offer, and how you show up. The truth is, we don’t know when or if things will ever go back to “normal.” It is very likely that they won’t.We need to start living flexibly in this new reality.Think of the fable of the oak and the reed — one bends with the wind and survives, while the oak tree falls. As an entrepreneur or business owner, the way of the reed is the route to success.I see many store owners who are hesitant about moving online or speakers who are resisting moving to delivering speeches online.They tell themselves that they’ll do it “one day.” And this “one day”-ism isn’t exclusive to the pandemic — it’s always been a way to avoid the things you want but are afraid to have.“I can’t launch because it’s not perfect” or “I can’t go after that client, because I’m just not ready yet.”Instead of putting things off until “one day”, start considering one thing you can do today to get you closer to your goals.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌The importance of cultivating flexibility and adaptability in both practice and mindset The ‘three ugly stepsisters’ that can hinder us when it comes to growing and scaling our businessesWhy ‘today’ is always a better answer than ‘one day’ — and how to make the decision to take action less dauntingHighlights:‌ ‌01:13  Flexibly living in the today04:03  The “one day” trap05:40  Adapting to circumstances07:54  Push through the fear09:27  The benefits of moving quickly12:39  Shift your mindset  14:40  What’s your new “today” goal?   ‌Links:‌To work with me and make your next power move, visit: https://www.theroadtoseven.com/ Stay ConnectedLike what you’re hearing? Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it!You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!You can also listen at:iTunes — Google Music — Stitcher — SpotifyFollow me!Instagram: @shelaghcumminsTwitter: @shelaghcumminsfacebook.com/ShelaghCumminslinkedin.com/in/shelaghcumminsDon’t forget to rate and subscribe! I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too!

2020 was a very tough year for most of us. A devastating year for others. Personally and professionally, we’ve all been trying to weather the storm.But 2020 has also presented us with a number of hidden gifts.For many of us, the pains of 2020 are still too fresh and it’s too soon to appreciate these silver linings — and that’s okay! For those of us who are ready, I’d love to look back on the way that this challenging time has changed us for the better, revealed new strengths, and highlighted the importance of support.We’ve tapped into new heights of RESOURCEFULNESS as we figure out how to evolve and work around brand new challenges. We will not go back to life as we knew it — so now is the time to make amazing pivots and shifts, rather than waiting for the old normal to return.We’ve tapped into the power of COMMUNITY by reaching out to members of our own community or joining new ones. We’ve found new ways to socialize and come together online, making new connections with other women entrepreneurs and gaining new forms of support.We’ve discovered STRENGTH that we didn’t know we had: handling higher workloads, incredible challenges, and increased demands on our time, as well as the psychological impact of living through a global emergency.And we’re still standing.And that isn’t even half of the list. Celebrate all 10 of 2020’s hidden gifts with me in this episode!You’ll discover:‌ ‌How the hidden gifts of 2020 have actually helped us to grow and evolve as entrepreneurs and members of our communitiesThe importance in learning how to adapt to our changing business and social landscapeThe power of recognizing and appreciating moments of micro-joyHighlights:‌01:43  The hidden gifts of 202003:01  Surrender09:24  Resilience10:42  Resourcefulness12:27  Empowered action14:26  Adaptability15:56  Community19:34  Strength20:23  The power of teams23:14  Micro-joy26:07  RelationshipsLinks:To work with me and make your next power move, visit:https://www.theroadtoseven.com/Stay ConnectedLike what you’re hearing? Click here to subscribe in iTunes for more episodes to boost your Road to Seven today! I have more episodes with great tips and conversations with women that are revolutionizing the way we do business - don’t miss it!You can also join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” I’d also love to hear what your favourite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!You can also listen at:iTunes — Google Music — Stitcher — SpotifyFollow me!Instagram: @shelaghcumminsTwitter: @shelaghcumminsfacebook.com/ShelaghCumminslinkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins‌Don’t forget to rate and subscribe! I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too!

“The human side of your team and business can sometimes be the hardest to manage.”—  Shelagh CumminsLaura Tolhoek grew up in a family that owned a small business, so from an early age she was familiar with the tenacity, resilience, and hard work that go into growing a livelihood. After going to school for HR, she worked for large companies in hospitality and food service.She desired a healthier work-life balance and requested that her role be made part-time — a request that her then-employer balked at.She looked at different part-time opportunities, but realized that she was already doing a lot of unpaid consulting work.So, she decided to strike out on her own.Laura realized that many small businesses can’t afford or don’t need a full-time HR person on their payroll, but could still benefit from having someone they can turn to for HR support.She started her own agency offering flexible and customized outsourced HR options.It wasn’t an instant success.When she first launched her business, it took some time to generate revenue. She dealt with negative thoughts telling her that she was a failure — but then realized that she hadn’t done any marketing!She reached out to her contacts, who spread the word to other business owners in need of her unique services.And within just a year, she started building a team and scaling up!Learn all about her journey — and her top HR tips — in the latest episode of the Road to Seven podcast.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌The number one thing to remember when interviewing a new hireWhy learning to delegate is one of the most important things that you can do as a leaderWhy waiting to be ‘ready’ will never work“You didn’t open your business to be a human rights expert. But if you can have somebody in your back pocket who can say ‘Yup, you’re on the right track’ or ‘Let’s tweak it this way,’ it makes you have more confidence and know that you’re doing the right thing.”—  Laura TolhoekAbout Laura TolhoekAs a Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) and the proprietor of Essential HR, Laura Tolhoek knows that when a business faces HR problems, there is no room for ambiguity, only positive results. For the last 15 years, she has blended sound HR practices with her pragmatic approach to improve business performance. Highlights:‌ ‌00:55  Introducing Laura Tolhoek01:47  The business growth journey05:40  The HR gap for small business08:43  Landing the first (and second and third) client13:35  Networking in a pandemic14:30  Take advantage of learning opportunities18:20  Pivotal decisions that fuelled growth20:26  Laura’s #1 piece of adviceLinks:‌ ‌Essential HRhttps://www.essentialhr.ca Instagram: @essentialhr.caLinkedIn: essential-hr-canadaTo work with me and make your next power move, visit:https://www.theroadtoseven.com/Follow me!Instagram: @shelaghcumminsTwitter: @shelaghcumminsfacebook.com/ShelaghCumminslinkedin.com/in/shelaghcumminsDon’t forget to rate and subscribe! I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! 

“I started Green at Home by accident. It was not something that I intentionally knew; that I was going to launch my own business.”—  Emma RohmannWhen it comes to creating a life that will fulfill you, passion is everything.Running a business focused only on making money will eventually just feel like a job — it will be hard for you to show up, let alone show up as a leader.A business focused on money and passion? That’s the key to fulfillment.In 2015, Green at Home founder Emma Rohmann left her corporate job to pursue her passion. And it all started with a blog. Emma was working on a research project to discover how to make healthier choices for herself and her family while on maternity leave with her second child. Her blog served as a record of this research and a space where she could make sense of the information she learned.She realized that she wasn’t the only mother with these interests, and that there was a hunger out there for information about green, healthy, eco-friendly products.So, how did she move from blog to business?She shared her posts in Facebook moms groups, keeping track of what resonated. She did in-person workshops and networked with moms, learning their questions or struggles and addressing those topics on the blog. This organic process led to partnerships and collaborations.She made the leap to full-time entrepreneur when she realized that she was burning the candle at both ends. As a former project manager, she found the uncertainty terrifying. But she knew she needed to take the plunge.Now, she wishes she had done it sooner.Emma learned a lot through her entrepreneurial journey and her search to find the intersection between passion and revenue.Hear all about her journey in the latest episode of the Road to Seven podcast.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌What you need to learn and invest in when you’re starting your own businessThe surprising health impacts of common household products — and where to look for information on healthier choicesHow to avoid being discouraged by controversy and negativity About Emma RohmannEmma Rohmann is an environmental engineer, mom of 2, and founder of Green at Home. Emma also runs the Green Product Forum free Facebook Group, and hosts the Missing Pillar of Health Podcast. Highlights:‌ ‌01:39  Introducing Emma Rohmann04:07  Why Emma started Green at Home08:35  The journey from blog to business11:10  Managing the mindset shift to entrepreneurship13:26  Key elements for selling online15:41  Dealing with controversy18:35  The ‘cord-cutting’ process20:10  The Fifth Pillar of Health24:00  What Emma wishes she knew earlierLinks:‌ ‌Green At Homehttps://greenathome.ca Instagram: @emma_greenathomeGreen Product Forumhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum The Missing Pillar of Health podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1352206 To work with me and make your next power move, visit:https://www.theroadtoseven.com/Follow me!Instagram: @she

“If you say that you want something and then you do nothing to get it, you do not want it. To me, it’s that simple.”—  Christen N. JamesChristen N. James never felt like she fit into corporate life. But she loved the work that she did.How did she create space for herself to follow her passion outside of the corporate world?Christen worked in a corporate management role for over 10 years, helping her team confidently apply their skills, reach their full professional potential, and live balanced personal lives. The role was a great fit for her BA in psychology and certification in solution-focused therapy.She realized that this type of work was her true path, but that the corporate environment was stifling. She willed the universe to free her from her corporate job. And it worked — her department was closed and she was happily laid off. Christen went back to school and became a certified life coach. She knew from her previous role that she wanted to focus on transition coaching, because she got so much joy when someone on her team was moving on to a new position and loved helping them tap into what was important to them. Now, she works with young women and helps them transition into new careers or entrepreneurship.Christen helps her clients shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, reminding them that they have the opportunity to be flexible and move on from the things that aren’t working for them — and explore what may.She has some incredible insights to share about self-awareness, dealing with negative and limiting beliefs, and how to identify what you truly want in life.Listen to her inspiring interview now!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of The Road to Seven,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌The biggest lie that entrepreneurs tell themselves when they are setting goalsWhy millennials want and expect more out of their professional livesHow to show up every day the way that you WANT to show upAbout Christen N. JamesChristen N. James (fondly known as CJ) is a Mindset & Transition Coach for young professionals going through a transition, be it starting a new business or career. Through herEmotion into Motion Model, she highlights the benefit of navigating between personal development and professional growth by understanding how much our experiences and emotions can influence our thoughts, impact our actions and, ultimately, how we show up in our businesses or careers.Highlights:‌ ‌01:13  Introducing Christen N. James05:47  From corporate to entrepreneur08:38  How to choose a coaching field10:30  CJ’s familial inspiration13:23  Why millennials want more15:32  Key strategies for shifting to coaching17:59  Tapping into your inner strength20:25  Reconnecting in the moment21:54  CJ’s favourite client23:10  The lies we tell ourselves24:58  CJ’s top three lessons & 2021 power word ‌Links:‌ ‌Christen N Jameshttp://christennjames.com Instagram: @christennjamesTo work with me and make your next power move, visit:https://www.theroadtoseven.com/‌Follow me!Instagram: @shelaghcumminsTwitter: @shelaghcumminsfacebook.com/ShelaghCumminslinkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins ‌Don’t forget t

Are you using gratitude the right way?There are some major misconceptions out there about how we should experience gratitude.Gratitude can be experienced in ways that can drive your business growth, but a lot of people approach gratitude in ways that can actually hinder growth, based on this misunderstanding.It’s easy to compare our lives to the lives of people less fortunate and feel as though we should be grateful for what we have, and that wanting MORE would be greedy. Being too full of gratitude for the life that you have can stop you from acting on your hunger for more.Many of us question whether wanting more is in alignment with living in gratitude for what we have.In this way, gratitude can act as a cage instead of a path.Please remember that wanting more isn’t greedy and that you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.We can live in gratitude AND still want more. And work toward it.In fact, working toward more can be an act of generosity, as having more for ourselves can create a positive snowball effect for our family and the people that we work with.Identity what MORE looks like for you, and your path will start to show itself.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌The #1 misconception that people have about gratitudeHow to use gratitude to fuel your business… instead of letting it hold you backWhy gratitude isn’t incompatible with wanting MORE — and the amazing snowball effect that having more will have on those around you“Growth isn’t always more … growth can mean different things for different people. It might mean fine-tuning a system, or status quo but liberating more time, or keeping your business running at the same level but having a higher profit margin.”—  Shelagh Cummins Highlights:‌ ‌01:40  Are you using gratitude in the wrong way?02:19  The gratitude epiphany 05:14  Is wanting more greedy?07:11  What will ‘more’ do for you and those around you?08:36  Case study: Latondra Murray09:45  Your path appears when you declare your MORELinks:‌ ‌To work with me and make your next power move, visit:https://shelaghcummins.com Follow me!Instagram: @shelaghcumminsTwitter: @shelaghcumminsfacebook.com/ShelaghCumminslinkedin.com/in/shelaghcumminsDon’t forget to rate and subscribe! I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too!

“When you run your own business, not everything is going to be perfect … there’s going to be days when there are losses and you have to understand that, as a business person, that’s part of the risk that you take … that’s probably one of the biggest learning things — just trust the process and put your faith into it.” —  Sasha SeniorCovid-19 has created an interesting era for business. While many businesses have unfortunately been forced to shutter, others have found ways to adapt to the new normal ... or even grow! Sasha Senior actually LAUNCHED her business at the start of the pandemic, and her story is both a source of inspiration and a practical guide to savvy entrepreneurship.A skateboarder since the age of 13, Sasha had never dreamed about owning a business — until she realized that Windsor did not have a local skate shop. It was a golden opportunity that she couldn’t pass up.She researched costs and found a perfect location, opening in March of 2020 — the start of the global pandemic and economic shutdown. Yet she managed to not only stay open, but thrive.By the time of her grand opening, people were getting orders to stay home. “We probably had less than 10 people, including staff, and it was because of those orders,” she remembers. “So, it was a little discouraging. But it was still awesome, because I still had my first sale that day.” When full lockdown began, she knew that she had to go online.She found the transition challenging, but didn’t let that stop her. She used her Instagram and Facebook profiles to guide people to the new online offerings, offering both curbside pickup and delivery.The community was responsive and continued to support the shop, likely because they recognized Sasha’s passion in addition to the convenience of finally having a local shop catering to their sport.But Windsor skaters weren’t the only ones making orders.Sasha soon found herself shipping to places like Jamaica, Mexico, and California. Through her Instagram, she managed to create an amazing international community that has translated to almost overwhelming sales.How did Sasha achieve this incredible success — and what practices has she adopted to better handle the major changes in her life?In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How Sasha leveraged her Instagram account to build an international audience hungry for her productsMindfulness practices to help you handle swift business growth The major lessons that Sasha learned through opening during a pandemic — and why she would do it againAbout Sasha SeniorSasha is carving a new path as an entrepreneur. She’s a single mother of two and works full-time with the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as owning Bliss, a skateboard shop located in Windsor, Ontario. Follow her on Instagram @bossladysk8. Highlights:‌02:25  Introducing Sasha Senior  04:45  Sasha’s lightbulb moment06:32  What is your lifelong passion?08:02  Launching in a pandemic10:55  Timing is everything when it comes to Instagram12:36  The biggest impact on Sasha’s business — and where it came from14:17  Handling growth and change16:07  Sasha’s biggest lessons so far18:17  If you knew then what you know now, would you still open?Links:‌Bliss SK8 Shophttps://www.blisssk8shop.com facebook.com/BlissSk8Shop <

 ‌“Unfinished business is in every facet of our lives. There are things that we want that we just keep not getting, for whatever reason.” —  Shelagh CumminsWe all set goals, all the time.“I am going to lose 15 lbs.”“I am going to start meditating twice a day.”“I am going to launch my course this year.”“I am going to start writing my book.”Setting goals is so easy. But how often do we actually follow through?And, more importantly, what is stopping us?Whether or not we are able to achieve our goals and conquer our unfinished business falls on our mindset and the commitments that we’ve already made to ourselves. These conflicting commitments are based on limiting beliefs about what we are capable of, what is best for us, and whether we can handle success … or even deserve it.Without identifying and altering these negative internal commitments, it will be very challenging to move forward and meet your goals — if not impossible.I’ve developed a process called Unfinished Business to help you identify limiting commitments, replace them with positive ones, and make sustainable progress towards what you really want in your life and business.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌How your thinking shapes the actions that you take (or don’t take) in your businessHow to identify the inner stories you tell yourself that hold you back from completing your goalsThe magic that can happen when you make a new internal commitment to yourself — and how to choose a gentle, achievable commitment“What it is that you want to achieve this year or next year is just at the end of your fingertips. But the only way to step through the fear that’s standing between you today and the outcome you want to achieve … is to be in action.” —  Shelagh CumminsHighlights:‌ ‌02:15  The two sides of commitment03:19  The Unfinished Business process04:24  What projects did you have planned for 2020?08:39  Identifying competing commitments11:52  Commit to a realistic transition14:52  Commitments over tactics, alwaysLinks:‌ ‌Unfinished Business worksheetTo work with me and make your next power move, visit:https://shelaghcummins.com 

 ‌“You can’t just put it out there and have a vision of it and not take action towards it. A lot of people forget or don’t know or haven’t been taught that the Law of Attraction goes hand-in-hand with the Law of Action.”  —  Kristine KolzingWhat would your life look like if you were swimming in abundance?My guest for this episode, Kristine Kolzing, has built her business around helping her clients answer that question firsthand. Kristine is a transformational mindset expert, success coach, and the CEO of the Alignment Tribe, and she teaches her clients how to envision the life that would truly make them happy — and then make it HAPPEN. “We’re told from a very young age who we’re supposed to be and what we’re supposed to want,” she says, “and, especially for women, we really lose sight of what it is that we want just for ourselves.”Not only can we not always recognize the goals that would truly fulfill us, but our subconscious can actively work against us when we start to pursue them — if you have spent most of your life feeling anxious or unsure, your subconscious mind falls back onto those patterns automatically!The solution?A full mind-body makeover, with the aim of replacing a limiting and maladaptive mindset with one primed to unlock and experience abundance.“You’ve got to make new mind-body connections,” Kristine explains, “because if you’ve always thought a certain way, then you’ve always felt a certain way.” By retraining your brain, you can create a new normal, one based on feeling confident and at ease.There’s never been a better time to get started!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌The 5-Step Alignment Process that helps you identify and achieve incredible outcomesThe conditioning we undergo from an early age that prevents us from working toward our most fulfilling goals — and how to overcome itHow to ditch mind-body connections that aren’t working for you and create new ones that will“It’s really a matter of continuing to choose what you want and being focused on moving forward, moving in the direction of what you want. You don’t have to waste your time figuring out why it hasn’t worked until now or what went wrong … it can be helpful to have those awarenesses, but we don’t have to dwell on it.” —  Kristine Kolzing ‌About Kristine KolzingKristine is a transformational mindset expert and master success coach who guides her clients into stepping into their most powerful selves, attracting more abundance, and confidently creating a life and business they love. Highlights:‌ ‌02:23  Introduction to Kristine Kolzing05:33  The winding road to Master Success Coaching09:20  A powerful new way to think about ‘mindset’ 13:40  The 5-Step Alignment Process15:15  The barriers to taking your first steps17:08  Learn the power of reframing the negatives 18:50  How to revamp your mind-body connections 21:54  Recognizing the resistance22:52  The genetics of emotion24:24  Exploring the superconscious27:05  Taking aligned actions and power moves29:11  Delegate, delete, or automate Links:‌ ‌To work with me and make your next power move, visit: https://shelaghcummins.com Connect with Kristine Instagram: @kristinekolzing

We all have our roles, whether it’s wisdom-sharer, or marcher, or healer. I was waiting for that healer part to be called forward.  - Asha FrostAre you rooted in the path you’re meant to be walking?This episode features an interview with a very special and powerful guest, Asha Frost, an Ojibwe healer, spiritual mentor, and businesswoman. A sensitive and empathic child growing up, Asha soon realized that she had the ability to engage in visionary practices, receiving messages from ancestors. “The healer path was printed in my soul,” she says. “But it took me my lifetime to awaken it through experience.”Asha facilitates powerful healing journeys for her clients, helping them to move through past judgment, trauma, ancestral disconnection,  mental disorders, and enables them to discover, explore, and celebrate their true purpose and power.This is all the more important during our current period of discovery and uprising.Effective allyship and action requires healing, on multiple levels.For people with good intentions who aren’t used to activism and uplifting others, it can be a challenge to know how to best support others. “It’s so important to look at all the different ways that you can show up, and honouring those things,” Asha explains. “Because what I find people do is they go into freeze, because they think that they’re not doing enough. Or because if they read that they ‘should be doing it this way,’ then they disconnect from their own truth.”  Asha’s medicine is rooting in healing, and it’s important to heal not only ourselves, but our relationships with our global sisters and brothers.This episode is a must-listen if:...you wish to support and uplift others, but aren’t sure of the right way to go about it....you feel that you are somehow holding yourself back from what you’re meant to be doing....you’re ready to make powerful positive change.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌The small but powerful ways you can support BIPOC-owned small businesses right nowHow to practice energetic, open-hearted listening Why authenticity and honouring your truth are key aspects of fully travelling your path‌This interview was undertaken as part of an initiative that I created called Listen, Learn, Take Action: How to Build an Inclusive, Equitable and Antiracist Business.About Asha FrostAsha is an Ojibwe healer, spiritual mentor, and entrepreneur. She has worked as a Medicine Woman for almost 2 decades and has facilitated thousands of ceremonies through individual appointments, healing circles, retreats, and workshops.Highlights:‌00:50  Introduction to guest Asha Frost03:39  Asha’s journey to becoming a healer05:06  Owning her gifts & her own health06:47  How to get your message/medicine out in the world07:45  Is a healing journey right for you?08:40  How to Listen, Learn, Take Action right now12:38  Dealing with racism as an Indigenous business woman15:20  How to make your business more equitable17:46  Become a global citizen and ally19:47  How to embark on your healing process ‌Links:‌ ‌Asha Frost’s website https://ashafrost.com  Listen, Learn, Take Action https://cummins.kartra.com/page/ListenLearnTakeActionSacred Membership 

This episode is a little bit different. You know I like to shake things up and keep thingsfresh for you. I did a training inside my Women of Action Group as a response to what Iwas seeing was happening with my women. We've just come out of a crazy quarter.The last quarter of 2020 has just been mind-blowing. I don't think anybody could have predicted that the challenges that you faced and that you've overcome would ever havebeen a part of our conversation, for lack of a better word. What I noticed is that lots ofyou were in fight with your business. You were fighting with it, trying to make it work,and trying to make it fit. I can tell that that's draining you so I did a special training within my private Facebook group and gosh, I would love to have you be a part of it. This is the kind of conversation that we have within the group and do a deep dive. I wanted to share it with you because I think it's so important for women entrepreneurs right now. If you're in fight with your business it's because something is out of alignment. I walk you through today, a four-step process to help you realign your business with your current reality. If you're in fight, you're struggling to keep up, you're having a hard time getting new clients, getting content out the door, or making any progress, then it's time for you to stop and take a little bit of space and grace to realign with what it is that's most important for you, what it is that your passions are, what it is that your geniuses are, what you're doing, and how you're spending your days so that we can realign your business with the time that you have available. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Hello again and welcome back to the Road To Seven. It is an absolute honour to be sitting with you today. My guest today is an interview that you don't want to miss. Not only is she a powerhouse in business, but we got into the nitty-gritty of the inside work that has to happen in order to grow a successful business. Violette de Ayala is a Cuban American serial and social entrepreneur. She is the founder of FemCity and the international best-selling author of the Self-Guided Guru: Life Lessons for the Everyday Human. 

Welcome back to The Road to Seven with Shelagh Cummins. It's an absolute honor to be spending some time with you today and to be sharing a really powerful story from a woman who I just adore. What I love about my conversation today with Nadine Woods is how real it is. Tune in as we discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of business growth, checking in with your mental health and so much more!

We cannot escape having an unhappy client. Especially when you're growing, the more people you serve, the more people who are buying from you, the more customers and clients that you have, the more of the likelihood that somebody is going to be unhappy, because we're dealing with people, and people are unpredictable. People have their own agendas and some people feel a lot of power behind their computer screens. And they love nothing more than to lash out and belittle the recipient of the email forgetting that there's someone else on the other end of that email or phone call. Let's talk today a little bit about how to handle it when things start to go south with a client.

It has not been an easy week. It has been a highly emotional week as I stop and pause and listen, and empathize and reflect on my history, my unconscious biases, my white privilege, and how I can do better, be better, and role model better for others. I am anti-racist, but I haven't been loud enough about it. And so, today I just want to talk through the process of how I'm coming to terms with my business and where I can be doing better. So hopefully it will inspire you to go through your own journey. It's not up to me to tell you what to do to stand in alignment with your core values and your beliefs. I am simply going to share the journey that I'm taking myself through. I hope you tune in as I get vulnerable and share my reflection as well as my commitment to doing and becoming better.

In today's episode of The Road to Seven, I interview Mary Engel who is also known as The Management Coach and is the co-founder and CEO of esuite.com. Mary and I sit down and we talk about how you have to fall in love with marketing in order to grow your business. She shares some amazing pivot points in her journey that has allowed her to create a scaled and highly profitable coaching company. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

In today's episode of Road to Seven, I sit down with Kim Ades. Kim has been someone I've idolized for a long time she's been able to do what many coaches have never figured out- she has scaled a strong, sustainable and profitable coaching company.Kim Ades is the president and founder of frame of mind coaching and journal engine software. author, speaker, entrepreneur, coach and mum of five, Kim has 15 years of experience coaching many of North America's most respected leaders, recognized as an expert in the area of thought mastery. Kim uses her unique philosophy and quirky coaching style to help her clients deal with core issues and shift their thinking in order to yield extraordinary results. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.

This week on Road to Seven's #ThriveGuide, I have an incredibly special guest. This is a woman who I have been looking up to for years now as she's been building the SheEO brand and the SheEO Empire. I love what she stands for and love how she serves and today I am so thrilled to introduce you to Vicki Saunders the founder of SheEO.Tune in as we talk about how she's built up SheEO, how SheEO can benefit women entrepreneurs like yourself and how to pivot your business towards success during a time of crisis.

Your market value has gone up since this pandemic has crushed our entire world, its economic and health systems. And we're facing challenges that we've never had to think about or look at before. Today I have a very special episode of this podcast. I'm chatting with Stu McLaren who has been a mentor of mine for the last three years. He's the person I turned to, to think about how do I want to lead my company and my community in a way that not only feels good but has a massive impact and is collaborative and brings together people from around the globe. Tune in to step into action and learn about the FREE workshop he's hosting this week!

COVID-19 has been declared a national pandemic that has many of us feeling like "business as unusual" where everything seems to. Today, we're moving from working on our mindset to shifting into action. Now is the time more than ever to share your value with others who are relying on you. Tune into this broadcast to learn how to shift, step-by-step, into action. You matter, your work is important and you're not alone. I'm here with you.Don't forget to tune in on my Facebook Live every morning at 9:30 A.M. EDT and tomorrow for another broadcast to help you get back to doing what you do best.

COVID-19 has been declared a national pandemic that has many of us feeling stuck. If you're feeling the effects of staying home, balancing your work and personal life, or facing anxiety about the future - tune into this broadcast where we'll discuss three things to help you get back to making those PowerMoves. You matter, your work is important and you're not alone. I'm here with you.Don't forget to tune in on my Facebook Live every morning at 9:30 A.M. EDT and tomorrow for another broadcast to help you get back to doing what you do best.

On this episode of Road to Seven, Sharon Vinderine and I sit down and talk about how she has created multi-million dollar companies. She's part of the elusive 2% of women entrepreneurs who have successfully built a seven-figure business. And she hasn't just done it once, my friends, she's done it more than once. Tune in as she shares some of her secrets to building a seven-figure business.

If you've ever wondered whether it's your marketing or your sales or how you handle conversations or what you put up on Instagram that's going to be the key to your success - then you need to listen to this episode. I interviewed the five women who just graduated from Leverage, which is my highest level program designed for women that are building seven-figure businesses. And I asked them what the key to their success was fully expecting it was a marketing strategy or sales strategy and their answers might surprise you! So listen and tune in get your pen and paper because there is gold in this episode.

Welcome to a brand new season of Road to Seven! We're starting 2020 off with a VERY timely topic - procrastination and perfectionism. In fact, I actually have been procrastinating this very episode! I really wanted to get it right and so I kept pushing the deadline further and further away. Tune in to hear me get vulnerable, how to overcome procrastination, and how to deal with perfectionism in a way that works!

From corporate to running your own business from scratch is a huge transition - especially when you’re starting out with a laptop, three clients and a lot of hustle. In today’s episode, we’re chatting with Andrea Henry, owner of Henry Business Law about her unbelievable business growth journey over the last few years to help women protect the beautiful businesses that give them the freedom and agency they crave so they can grow with confidence. 

Welcome to the second in a series of four podcasts all about productivity. In the last episode, we talked about the secret weapon to your productive new lifestyle, which is all about getting clear. Clarity is so important when it comes to productivity because it helps drive the decisions you make on a daily basis of what actions you're going to do to help you get closer to your goal. In this episode, we are talking about goal setting. But I just want to share the universal truths or theory about goal setting so that you can understand the process from a high level so that when you're going through the steps, you know exactly where you've been and where you need to go so that it's not such a daunting task. 

In this episode, we kick off a four series episode blitz all about productivity. Why? Because productivity is your secret weapon to a successful business. If you are living in chaos, overwhelm or stuck on that same hamster wheel doing the same thing day in and day out without achieving what it is that you want to do - you need to listen to this episode. 

This week on the Road to Seven, I'm interviewing Tracy Costa, CEO and founder of Peekaboo Beans, a Canadian children's clothing company. In this episode, we learn about all the crucial pivot points that Traci made to keep up with the changing demands on her business. Tune in to learn how to become more nimble in a changing digital landscape, transform your employees into passionate ambassadors and overcome those obstacles in your road to seven figures.

“Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy and passion meets the world's greatest needs.” - UnknownIn this episode, we’re chatting with Jennifer Ego from Pawsitively Pets Kids Camp and she completely embodies someone who matched a passion with a need in the world to create an incredibly successful business. Tune in as we talk a little bit about her road to seven figures and beyond, what those pivotal moments were and how she handled making really brave and bold decisions- usually before she was ready to make them. Have a listen!

No matter where you are on your road to seven, there will always be parts of your business that you absolutely love and others that you don’t - we just need to figure out how to make it work. In this episode, we’re talking to Tamika Auwai, CEO of Orisha Creative, about her journey from being a solopreneur to building and leading a thriving agency. Tune in to learn about how you can build a self-managing agency and play within your genius.

It’s September again - the kids have gone back to school and while many of us are readjusting back to our normal work schedules while mentally reliving our summer vacation (or lack of one if you solely worked the whole time), I’m also looking back at my summer as probably the best one ever. Why? Because for the first time ever, I had a clear divide between work and play - something that you too can achieve!

In every business what starts off as an idea often turns into a part-time gig - which hopefully grows into a successful company. In this episode, we’re challenging the way you think about your business growth thought process with Susan Diaz, CEO and Founder of C+P Digital. Tune in to learn about Susan’s Flexibly-Committed business model and how your business can grow today! 

This may be a trigger for some, that even the bravest of entrepreneurs squirm and wiggle their feed with discomfort. In this episode, we’re talking about all about patience. Tune in to learn how you can become more patient with yourself and your business so that you can launch, grow and scale your business to seven-figures and beyond.

With a changing work environment, new skillsets and the need to outsource are increasing in demand. You may find yourself in possession of skills and gifts that others need - so you decide to freelance part-time. At what point do we decide whether this should remain a part-time gig or transform it into a full-time career? In this episode, we speak with Tasha Booth, podcaster mentor and CEO of The Launch Guild, about her journey from creating a part-side side-hustle to evolving it into a 7-figure business.

Sometimes, you just feel like quitting. A year and a half ago, Lydia DiFrancesco almost did. The CEO and wellness consultant at Fit + Healthy 365 was feeling overworked, exhausted and unsuccessful at achieving the goals she set for herself. Sound familiar to you too? Tune in as Lydia teaches us how to grow your business while putting yourself first.

Summer is fast approaching - which is sure to affect your business! With the kids around, beautiful weather and vacations underway, it can be tempting to put everything on hold. In this episode, I share with you my easy five steps to set yourself up for summer success. The best part? You can still enjoy a great summer while you keep your business running. All you need to do is implement these steps today!

Running a business can often feel like a rollercoaster. There are ups and downs, and then there are moments where you feel overwhelmed and on the brink of motion sickness. In this episode, I help you build up your resilience so that you can weather the challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur. Tune in as I discuss five strategies that you can implement today!

Running your own business isn’t easy - but what is the biggest barrier stalling our ability to grow? Truth is, it’s you. In this episode, I help you refocus on your mindset, identify seven barriers and how to overcome each one. Tune in to understand what’s keeping you from making power moves and start taking action for better results!

What is your company’s story? On today’s episode of The Road to Seven podcast I’m speaking with Melissa Durrell, the president of Durrell Communications public relations agency. For nearly 20 years she worked as an award-winning journalist before founding her own start-up company. She tells her client’s amazing stories by using insider knowledge to gain local and international exposure. Today we’re talking about the role activism can play when you grow your business and how Melissa has grown from a company of one to a team of eight high-producing PR and communications experts.Takeaways from this episodeWhen you’re talking to the media you have to have a sticky storyCreate a strong story people will rememberMake sure you’re providing solutions to people’s problemsEvery company has a storyTo find your story ask, “Why should people care about what you’re doing?”Hire amazing people—your revenue will jump right away when you doLook for people who want to be mentored and have great leadership skillsLearn how to delegate tasks to your staff

What happens after you reach your big, hairy, audacious goal? On today’s episode of The Road to Seven podcast I’m speaking with Kelsey Ramsden, author of Success Hangover. Described as “the 50 million dollar women” by Forbes magazine, Kelsey is known as a master builder of ideas, companies and sky’s-the-limit futures. Twice named the Canada female entrepreneur, she has founded and scaled businesses in industries as diverse as construction and kids toys. Today we’re talking about what happens after you reach your goal and things we can do to work through the success hangover.Takeaways from this episodeHaving an MBA doesn’t make you a business personIt’s important to build alignment with your business and the people who work thereThe goal is not the finish line—there is no finish line in entrepreneurshipFeedback doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. Allow feedback and input to make you betterGo for the hard stuff, that’s where all the best stuff isDon’t surround yourself with critics, surround yourself with people who have your back and give you the tough feedbackReceive feedback with care and love but also remember you have your own mindDon’t lose your innovation—ask yourself is there a more exciting way to work? Is there something different you can try?

How do you create space to pursue your business goals when you have no time? On today’s episode of The Road to Seven podcast I’m speaking with Susan Pierce Thompson, an expert in the psychology of eating and an adjunct associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester. Author of Bright Line Eating, Susan is also the founder of Bright Line Eating solutions—a company dedicated to helping people achieve the health and vibrancy that accompany permanent weight loss. Today we’re taking a look at the key decisions Susan made along the way from writing her book from a place of meditation to launching and growing a seven-figure business.Takeaways from this episodeWhen you’re connected with who you want to be what you have to do and what you’re going to have is going to followGetting into and staying in massive action once you know where you’re going is keySometimes short-term sacrifice is what it takes to get your business to the next level when you don’t have extra time to put inCommit to following an expert’s system without deviation when you haven’t been through something beforeHow can I develop my organization so that the company can grow and the customers can be served without me overworking?Trust your gut always – the answers are inside of you. You’ll hear a lot of conflicting advice and the only way to navigate this path is to stay true to yourself

Do you have a book in you? No more procrastinating! On today’s episode of The Road to Seven podcast I’m speaking with Melanie Votaw, an author, ghost writer, editor and book coach. She has written 10 books under her own name and ghost written 23 non-fiction books. Melanie has developmentally edited more than 50 books that have won 32 awards and her work has appeared on New York Times Best Sellers lists. In her group coaching programs she guides aspiring authors through to the completion of their book or book proposal. Today we’re talking about how to finish your book and the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing.Takeaways from this episodeThere’s a difference between a writer and an authorFiguring out your book’s structure is the hardest thing for people who have never done it beforeThe three main pain points with finishing a book are isolation, lack of motivation and self-doubtWriting a book without an outline is like trying to build a house without a foundationIn order to focus your book’s topic, ask questions like: What do I want my readers to learn from my book? What do I want them to know?Your idea has to be hooky; it has to be interesting to potential readersIf you’ve never written a book find someone to guide you—your book needs to represent you and your brand wellGet the guidance you need to get your book out into the market so you can up-level what you’re doing

Are you wondering how to best use your time in order to grow your business? On today’s episode of The Road to Seven podcast I’m speaking with Rona Birenbaum from Caring for Clients. Rona has worked for over 25 years in financial services within the credit union, full-service brokerage and independent financial planning industries. Over the years she has developed a strong team of seven financial professionals offering outstanding value to their diverse clientele. Today we’re talking about the importance of charting your own course when it comes to your business.TakeawaysIf you don’t have clients your focus needs to be on getting clientsDon’t get distracted by things that make you feel like you’re being productive but are not actually creating growth or sustainabilityTo get in front of a client is one thing—to have them see you are the person who can help them is anotherPeople can learn anything if their purpose is aligned, they work hard and they’re brightMaking sound decisions quickly and efficiently and then adapting as you see those decision play out is more important than making perfect decisionsFocus on your physical fitness, diet, and sleep because energy is key to making something meaningful happen

Is it time to pause and align your business with what matters to you? On today’s episode of The Road to Seven podcast I’m speaking with Rachael O’Meara, a transformational leadership and executive coach who supports others as they seek to fulfil their potential. She’s a sales executive at Google and author of Pause: Harnessing the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break. Rachael says a pause is an intentional shift in behaviour that helps you lead a more meaningful and satisfying life.TakeawaysWe often operate our business from a position of survival or burnout but our peak performance is sitting on the other side of the roadThe only way we can get into a place of peak performance is through renewalFive signs you know you need a pause: you used to love what you do now you loathe it, your boss tells you it’s not working out, you need a technology intervention, there is a challenge, there is an opportunityNot knowing what to do next in your business? It might be time to pausePausing is in service to the doing

What can I do today to serve my clients? What can I do today to serve my team? On today’s episode of The Road to Seven podcast I’m speaking with Shelley True, the president of TRUEdotDESIGN. Shelley and her award-winning agency provide strategic marketing, design, branding and social media for companies within the architectural, engineering, property development and construction sectors. A trail-blazer in Ottawa’s business community, Shelley took the bold step of acquiring the award-winning Ottawa-based firm Avenue Design and has successfully merged the two companies under the TRUEdotDESIGN brand, building on two decades of experience while seamlessly integrating the culture, approach, mission and values of both firms. Shelley is known as a natural connector and believes that mentorship and encouragement is the role of all business leaders.TakeawaysThe first five years of business is the most crucial—get through that and then look at the next 10When you’re just starting out stay focused on your one initial target market until you’ve mastered thatWhat’s changing? Incorporate that and keep bringing it to your clientsAnything you accomplish gives you the guts to go and do something biggerRemain positive—keep your positive self-talk upTry not to look back, keep looking forwardBuckle up and don’t forget to wear your helmet