The Unsure Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurial ambition in Canada has reached an eight-year high. In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, Roger Pierce speaks with Karen Svendsen, Senior Director of Small Business and Partnerships at Royal Bank of Canada, about what is driving that surge and what holds people back from getting started. She helps lead RBC’s national small business strategy and played a central role in the 2025 RBC Small Business Poll. The results are very exciting — with 59% of Canadians saying they want to start a business, and a whopping 81% believing business ownership is a viable way to earn a living. Ontario leads the country, with 68% showing entrepreneurial ambition, followed by Atlantic Canada and the Prairies. In the pod Karen talks about why independence, flexibility, and purpose now matter more than traditional career paths. "People want more control over their time and their long term prospects, and they want the ability to shape that future for themselves and for their family," says Karen. She also speaks candidly about blockers such as uncertainty, access to funding, lack of confidence, and not knowing where to begin. RBC wants to make it easier to get going. ”We think that a big part of our role is making the early stages feel less overwhelming. So we help people understand the practical steps to take, from registering their business to working through their business plan to securing or identifying sources of financing." Resources mentioned: RBC tools, resources, learning, & partnerships to start or grow a business RBC 2025 Small Business Poll results

Rieva Lesonsky joins the podcast to talk about small business trends, fears, and the changing face of entrepreneurship. A trailblazer in the world of entrepreneurship advocacy, Rieva worked for 25 years as Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. She’s a best-selling author of several books, including Start Your Own Business and Small Business Hacks: 100 Shortcuts to Success. She’s written about small business issues for The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and AllBusiness.com. She now runs her own site SmallBusinessCurrents.com, where she publishes data-driven insights about consumer behaviour, industry trends, business opportunities, and, of course, advice for entrepreneurs. Unsurprisingly, Rieva's impact has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration and she's been inducted into the Business Journalists Hall of Fame. In our interview, Rieva explains why fear plays a useful role when you start a business. As she puts it, “Fear tells you what to look at… Fear is not there to stop you.” She discusses the rise of mid-career entrepreneurs, noting that “the typical age of startup is mid-40s to mid-50s.” She also identifies fast-growing opportunities in home improvement, beauty, ageing-in-place, niche consumer products, and male grooming — and shares fascinating stories of entrepreneurs who made it big. Amazing insights await! Enjoy this conversation with one of my professional heroes. Resources: SmallBusinessCurrents.com Rieva Lesonsky on LinkedIn

The conversation explores speak-up culture — what it is, why it matters, and how it drives retention and innovation. Stephen Shedletzky is the author of Speak-Up Culture, a leadership coach, and former member of Simon Sinek’s founding team. Stephen helps leaders create psychologically safe environments where people feel confident using their voices. Why is this important for entrepreneurs? Employees in speak-up cultures are 92% more likely to stay and perform at their best. Through his company, Shed Inspires, he teaches that “we can’t ask people to perform at their best if we haven’t created an environment in which they feel it’s psychologically safe to do so.” From psychological safety to feedback and self-awareness, Stephen’s message is clear: leadership starts the day you hire your first team member. And his definition of leadership is simple but powerful. “Leadership is the attempt to leave the people and world around you better than when you found them.” Visit his website ShedInspires.com Buy his book Speak-Up Culture on Amazon

Most accountants and bookkeepers are drowning in long hours and underpriced work. Ryan Lazanis says it doesn’t have to be that way. On this special Accountex 2025 episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, Roger Pierce talks with Ryan Lazanis, CPA, Founder of Future Firm. Ryan built and sold Zen Accounting, one of Canada’s first 100% cloud-based firms, and now helps thousands of accounting professionals create modern practices that deliver profit and lifestyle. “It’s hard to scale advice,” Ryan says. “But if you standardize your offer and productize your services, you remove variables and free yourself from being the bottleneck.” On the subject of fees, a sensitive area for most accounting professionals, he shares why three-tier pricing works: “With one option, you’re nervous to raise prices. With three options, you can be aggressive—and most clients pick the middle.” Ryan also opens up about how AI is reshaping the profession, including his own experiment with cloning his voice and avatar to deliver a recent online presentation. While excited about AI’s potential, he’s cautious: “I think it’s actually going to make our lives more difficult, not easier, because expectations are so much higher now.” > Catch Ryan’s Accountex 2025 Keynote in Toronto on Nov 5, where he’ll reveal insights from the Top 50 Modern Accounting Firm Survey. > Attend Roger's session on How to Close More Sales for Your Accounting Practice also on Nov 5. Important links: FutureFirm.co Accountex Canada 2025 on Nov 4 & 5

Paul Chato has done it all — comedian, CBC exec, web entrepreneur, and YouTuber with 130,000 subscribers. In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, Paul shares how he went from making Canadians laugh with The Frantics and cult hero Mr. Canoehead to building over 2,000 websites and pioneering a subscription model long before it was cool. He even explains how doing Rick Green’s taxes (yes, that guy from The Red Green Show) helped him learn business basics, why recurring revenue beats “dragging an elephant back to the office,” and how asking for advice is the best sales pitch you’ll ever make. I've known Paul for years and wanted to hear his unique take on small business ownership. “An entrepreneur is someone who is absolutely certain of success and surprised when it happens,” Paul quips. We talk about Hackintoshes, YouTube tricks, and why it’s smart to keep your employees at arm’s length (hint: they’re not your friends). And here’s a gem revealed in the podcast — Paul tells us that he met his wife because of John Candy, the revered Canadian comic legend. This episode is part strategy, part stand-up. You’ve been warned. Resources mentioned: Call Me Chato on YouTube aPauling News on YouTube Your Web Department The Frantics

Whether you’re pitching investors, leading a team, or serving customers, this episode will show you how to strengthen your most valuable entrepreneurial skill: communication. Host Roger Pierce talks with Ric Phillips, Founder of 3V Communications, to explore why developing communication skills is make-or-break factor for new and existing entrepreneurs. Ric has been coaching entrepreneurs and professionals since 2006, helping them master verbal, vocal, and visual communication. With an MBA and a background in sociology and psychology, Ric combines academic insight with practical coaching experience. He also serves as Director of the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) and Executive Director of the National Communication Coaching Association of Canada. Ric explains his “3V” framework — verbal, vocal, and visual — as a tool to align words, tone, and body language for maximum impact. He stresses that confidence and competency fuel each other in a cycle: “The more competent you are at something, you get more confident, and the more confident you are, the more chances you take.” The conversation highlights the cost of poor communication: 68% of consumers have walked away from a business relationship because of it. Ric argues that entrepreneurs must pair technical details with emotional storytelling to connect with their audience. He also points out that nonverbal cues outweigh verbal ones “every single time,” making body language and delivery as critical as the content itself. Listeners will learn how to improve trust through comfort, why a pitch needs both emotional and technical balance, and why investing in communication skills pays off throughout your business journey. As Ric notes, “There’s no magic bullet… but there are tools available that give us structure.” Resources mentioned: NCCA 3V Communications YEDI

In this episode, longtime business owner Faith Seekings opens up about one of the most personal — and necessary — challenges in entrepreneurship: reinvention. She shares how she moved from building a full-service graphic design agency to becoming a solo content strategist focused on writing, storytelling, and strategic communication. Faith founded Rapport Communications Inc. and grew it into a thriving agency with 10 employees and even acquired another firm. But after years of success, something shifted. “I wasn’t happy anymore,” she says. That realization sparked a bold decision to dismantle what she had built and return to working on her own terms. Later, after a personal loss pulled her away from the business, Faith came to a deeper understanding of what truly energized her: writing. “I couldn’t get motivated to return,” she recalls. “I realized I was happiest when I was writing.”  Faith speaks candidly about the emotional weight of letting go, the risks of staying stuck in an identity that no longer fits, and the power of following your creative instincts. One of her core lessons: “You don’t have to be miserable doing the things you’re bad at. Hire help, even if it’s not billable.” Her story is a reminder that in business, you may not end up where you began — and that may be a good thing. Resources: Website Rapport Communications  Faith Seekings on LinkedIn

Is podcasting worth your investment of time, money, and energy? One of the best people I know to answer that question is Jamie Irvine, National Sales Director at Parts for Trucks and seasoned podcast host. Jamie has produced over 150 episodes of the Build a Better Business podcast and 350 episodes of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, giving him rare insight into how podcasting can power business growth. Jamie shares how he turned podcasting into a career amplifier. What started as a solo side project with a poor webcam and free editing tools became a strategic marketing channel that helped him land consulting gigs, attract high-value clients, and close six-figure sponsorship deals. He stresses the importance of niching down. “The subject was too broad,” Jamie says about his first podcast. “It never really broke into a position where I could monetize it.” You'll learn learn why choosing a narrow topic creates stronger audience engagement and business alignment. Jamie explains that a niche podcast allows you to go “an inch wide and a mile deep,” unlocking repeatable content ideas and positioning the host — not the guest — as the trusted expert. Resources mentioned in this episode: Jamie Irvine on LinkedIn Heavy Duty Parts Report website & podcast Entrepreneurs On Fire Podcast with John Lee Dumas The E-Myth by Micheal E. Gerber

What if the best way to start a business is to buy one that already exists? In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, host Roger Pierce speaks with Scott Stirrett, Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada, a national charity helping young Canadians gain entrepreneurial experience and skills. Since 2013, Scott and his team have raised more than $80 million and supported over 10,000 early-career professionals through fellowships, internships, and real-world work placements in small businesses across the country. Scott is also the author of the upcoming book The Uncertainty Advantage, a guide for early-career professionals on how to thrive in a world of constant change. In the discussion, Scott shares why Canada is facing an entrepreneurship gap. “There are 100,000 fewer entrepreneurs in Canada than there were 20 years ago,” he says. With 42% of Canadian small businesses owned by baby boomers — and over 54,000 businesses currently for sale — the opportunity for young Canadians to step in is massive. That’s where Venture for Canada’s innovative Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Academy comes in. The course teaches participants how to: Find and evaluate small businesses for sale. Finance a purchase using debt, equity, and seller notes. Negotiate deals and transition into ownership. There are many good reasons why buying an existing business is a better path into entrepreneurship: there’s already cash flow, there’s a customer base, and the systems are in place. "It’s often a lot less risky to buy something that is already existing than to start something up completely from scratch,” Scott says in the episode.  This episode is essential listening for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a different way in. Enjoy! Resources: Venture for Canada Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Academy Scott Stirrett book The Uncertainy Advantage

Most small business owners rely on a part-time bookkeeper and an accountant who shows up once a year. My guest explains why that setup leads to inaccurate financials and lost opportunities: “We lost deals because the financials were a mess—expenses were recorded in the wrong months, balance sheets were out of whack, and investors walked away.” In this episode, Daryl Ching, CFA and Managing Partner at Vistance Accounting, shares what every founder needs to hear about accounting, cash flow, and the real cost of ignoring your books.  With ten years on Bay Street and another decade advising startups, Daryl has seen it all—from failed capital raises to growth-stage wins. He’s been a trusted voice in the media recently, appearing on BNN Bloomberg and Global News to talk about interest rates, recession signals, and small business risk. Daryl outlines how outsourcing accounting not only saves time but also boosts decision-making. A recent survey shows it frees up 9.1 hours per week and boosts owner confidence in 98% of cases. He explains why monthly financials by the 15th matter, how to find margin leaks in your product lines, and what to cut when expenses creep up. He also breaks down why fractional CFO services offer big value to small businesses. “If your accountant is six months behind, you're running your business on gut. That’s a huge risk.” Listen for tax-saving strategies, how to clean up your books, tips to attract investors & more. Resources: Daryl Ching on LinkedIn Vistance Accounting website

In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, Roger Pierce talks with Leigh Mitchell—founder of Women in Biz Network and ChangeMaker Collective—about pushing through fear and insecurity to build a business with purpose. Leigh gets honest about self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the quiet fears that creep in at 4 a.m. “Even when you think you’ve got it figured out, those feelings still show up,” she admits. Her go-to strategies? Mindfulness, long-term thinking, and reminding herself that the goal is to serve others—not to be perfect. Leigh shares how a volunteer trip planted the seed that led to a second career in teaching, and how she adapted her business when the pandemic hit. She also opens up about building resilience one step at a time—even when you feel foolish or uncertain. If you’re wrestling with the question, “Do I have what it takes?” this episode will help you reframe those doubts and keep going. Resources: ChangeMakerco.org ChangeMaker Collective Podcast WomenInBizNetwork Leigh Mitchell on LinkedIn 

What does it really take to leave your 9-to-5 and build a successful business? Emily Baillie did it — but not by jumping in blindly. On this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, host Roger Pierce speaks with Emily, a digital marketing strategist, AI educator, and founder of Compass Content Marketing—recently nominated for a Canadian SME Small Business Award. With over 15 years of experience, Emily now trains entrepreneurs, marketers, and nonprofits across Canada to adapt and grow in the digital world. Emily shares how she built her business while holding onto her full-time job, working nights, weekends, and lunch breaks to minimize risk. Her advice: start small, build gradually, and focus on getting a few good clients first. “I didn’t have family money or a partner to support me — I needed to feel secure before I made the leap.” She also talks about the practical role AI can play in helping entrepreneurs save time, improve marketing, and streamline operations. Emily encourages business owners to experiment with tools like ChatGPT, starting with low-stakes tasks. Other highlights from the conversation: Why 80% of your time should go to sales and marketing How to avoid being misled by the highlight reels on social media Why nearly 3 out of 4 Canadian businesses haven’t even started with AI — and what they’re missing Whether you’re on the fence about entrepreneurship or unsure how to use AI effectively, Emily’s real-world approach offers encouragement without sugarcoating the challenges. Resources CompassContent.ca website LinkedIn Profile AI Training

Ever feel like the big players in your industry have the game rigged against you? Find out how one government agency is working hard to level the playing field during this talk with Majid Charania, Director of Compliance & Outreach at the Competition Bureau Canada.   From price fixing and bid rigging to deceptive marketing and monopolistic practices, Majid shares eye-opening insights on what’s legal, what’s not, and how entrepreneurs can protect themselves. “Our work is meant to foster a situation where small and medium-sized businesses have an equitable opportunity to compete,” he explains.   The best part? Help is free. The Competition Bureau investigates complaints from small business owners at no cost, offering a direct line of support if you suspect a competitor is blocking your growth. “If you're feeling squeezed out of a market, we want to hear about it,” says Majid.    Plus, the Bureau’s Compliance Hub is packed with free resources to help you avoid costly legal missteps and stay on the right side of competition laws. And March 2025 is Fraud Prevention Month which is an annual campaign to help you recognize, reject and report fraud.   Listen to this episode to learn how to spot unfair practices, protect your business, and make sure the rules work in your favour.    Resources  Competition Bureau Canada website Compliance Hub Complaint Form Check out Fraud Prevention Month March 2025 For media queries / interview requests: media-cb-bc@cb-bc.gc.ca Subscribe to/unsubscribe from the Competition Bureau electronic distribution list Social media channels: https://twitter.com/CompBureau https://www.facebook.com/competitionbureaucanada https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadian-competition-bureau https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWEkolOpjOruSK_lbGuhfVA    

In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, host Roger Pierce interviews Bruce Mayhew, founder of Bruce Mayhew Consulting, who shares his experiences in leadership development and communication training. He helps leaders and organizations to address challenges like time management, bridging generational gaps, and fostering respectful communication. With 20 years in business, Bruce knows a thing or two about staying in the game. He discusses the popularity and misconceptions of starting a consulting business and emphasizes that while entry into the field is fairly easy, achieving lasting success requires perseverance, adaptability, and delivering exceptional value. "Staying power is what surprises people. It's not about starting; it's about sustaining," he says in the podcast.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about starting a B2B service-based business. Resources: Bruce Mayhew on LinkedIn Bruce Mayhew Consulting website

Canadian Entrepreneur Dave Sinkinson, co-founder of AppArmor, shares what it takes to build a successful business without outside funding. Starting with a simple idea for improving campus safety, Dave and his brother Chris turned their vision into a trusted solution used by institutions across North America. Their journey ended with a multi-million-dollar acquisition.  You’ll hear about the pitfalls of chasing rapid growth and the realities of bootstrapping, tech debt, and the long sales cycles of enterprise clients. In the podcast, Dave explains why market validation matters more than raising capital. "Your first customer is a better validator than a million dollars in funding," he says.  He shares his thoughts on why persistence, iteration, and customer focus are the keys to success. Dave also discusses the realities of business ownership — from the challenges of bootstrapping to the importance of leadership.  This episode is packed with practical insights:  • Why rapid growth is overrated. • How empathetic leadership creates stronger teams. • Why consistent effort matters more than big wins.  Following the sale of AppArmor, Dave and his brother Chris are now focused on sharing their business story and offering advice for entrepreneurs in their fantastic book and podcast, both called Startup Different. Resources: Startup Different book on Amazon Startup Different podcast Startup Different website

Host Roger Pierce talks with Sanders Lazier, the founder and CEO of Carbonhound. Sanders leads a groundbreaking platform that empowers businesses to achieve low-carbon futures through accessible carbon accounting and climate intelligence tools. With a background in Fintech and sales, Sanders brings a unique perspective to addressing the growing challenges of climate change for mid-market businesses. Episode highlights include: Insights on how regulatory pressures like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism are reshaping supply chains. The importance of small and medium businesses in achieving net-zero goals, as 50% of GDP stems from companies with fewer than 500 employees. How Carbonhound serves as "the QuickBooks for carbon," providing cost-effective solutions for businesses without sustainability teams. Sanders shares his journey from being inspired by environmental impacts to creating a scalable subscription-based business model. He also discusses the importance of passion in entrepreneurship, the role of authenticity in branding, and strategies for managing entrepreneurial stress. “If you’re not passionate about the problem you’re solving, you’re starting at a huge disadvantage,” Sanders says in the podcast.    Links: Carbonhound.com Sanders Lazier on LinkedIn  

In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur, host Roger Pierce interviews Janice Waugh, Founder of Solo Traveler and Co-founder of the nonprofit organization Northstar Startups.    Janice’s company Solo Traveler has transformed the solo travel industry by advocating for affordable travel experiences, partnering with companies that limit single supplements to 20% or less, and building a community of over 275,000 followers on Facebook. "Solo travel comes from a personal place for me," Janice explains, reflecting on how a life transition inspired her business.   Janice also shares insights into the financial aspects of running a content-based business, with income from direct sales advertising and other revenue streams like courses and programmatic ads. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs highlights the value of focusing on a niche market, listening to customers, and building resilience. "Listening to customers is key," she says, explaining how her readers' feedback on single supplements shaped her business model.    She also discusses her work with Northstar Startups, which provides mentorship, resources, and a supportive community for people with barriers to traditional employment, including those in Toronto's underserved communities.   Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice on building a meaningful business that aligns with personal passions — whether it’s advocating for affordable solo travel or creating opportunities for self-employment through community support.   Resources: Solo Traveler website Janice Waugh on LinkedIn Northstar Startups website

In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur, Roger Pierce interviews Gary Prenevost, a Franchise Expert with over 30 years in the industry and author of the USA Today top-selling book, The Unstoppable Franchisee. As the President of FranNet Southern Ontario and Eastern Canada and a Board Member of the Canadian Franchise Association, Gary has guided thousands of entrepreneurs through the complexities of franchise ownership.    If you’re exploring entrepreneurship, consider this: A key advantage of franchising is the lower failure rate compared to traditional startups — under 20%, versus 50% for businesses started from scratch.    "Franchising isn't just about buying a business; it's a time-compression strategy," Gary says. He describes the model as a guided path where franchisees benefit from established systems, coaching, and a community of other franchisees.   Gary explains the depth and scope of franchising in Canada, where franchises account for approximately 45% of all retail sales. While food and retail franchises are most visible, he emphasizes that the industry spans over 60 sectors, including services like groundskeeping and tutoring.    Don’t want to invest a fortune? As Gary explains, there are franchises for all budgets ranging from small service-based franchises costing under $50,000 to large brick-and-mortar franchises that can exceed millions. And, with the Canada Small Business Financing Program, entrepreneurs can secure up to $500,000 in funding with a government guarantee.    This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone considering franchising as a viable path to business ownership. Resources GaryPrenevost.com YourE2EJourney.com The Unstoppable Franchisee book on Amazon LinkedIn Profile

In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, Roger Pierce interviews Glen Senior, Founder and CEO of The Small Business Company, a specialized marketing agency providing expert small business content to banks, credit unions, and brands. Glen’s company partners with financial institutions across six countries to provide free, accessible educational content and tools for small business owners. These resources range from cash flow templates and business plan guides to webinars and financial calculators — all with the aim of helping businesses start, grow, and thrive. Content from The Small Business Company reaches millions of entrepreneurs globally. In the conversation, Glen dives into how his background in education and entrepreneurship shaped the mission of The Small Business Company, and how the evolving relationship between banks and small businesses can improve financial health and business success globally. "Banks have an incredible opportunity to support small businesses not just by offering loans, but by providing practical, educational resources that empower owners to make smarter financial decisions," he says in the podcast. Key takeaways include Glen's suggestions for creating content that helps banks engage meaningfully with small business customers and his thoughts on the future challenges for entrepreneurs.  Links: The Small Business Company Glen Senior on LinkedIn Email glen@tsbc.com

“Invest in your business's legal health now, and you’ll save yourself from costly headaches down the road,” says Albert Luk, J.D., in this value-packed episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur. Dubbed the “Entrepreneur-Friendly Lawyer,” Albert offers actionable strategies for business owners looking to mitigate risk while still fostering growth. In the episode, he explains that legal protection is crucial but shouldn’t hold entrepreneurs back from taking smart risks. As he puts it, “You can’t grow a business by saying 'no' to everything. Success often comes when you balance risk with reward — sometimes the biggest gains happen when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone." With over 20 years of legal experience across diverse industries such as video gaming, private equity, digital advertising, and customer loyalty, Albert currently serves as General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer at Bond Brand Loyalty. He manages legal compliance, privacy, and risk management for the global customer engagement agency. Throughout the podcast, Albert shares his unique perspective on aligning legal strategies with business growth, drawn from his work with both emerging startups and established enterprises. He also covers key topics such as choosing the right business structure, drafting solid contracts, and making smart decisions about client selection. Links: Albert Luk on LinkedIn