The Real Bottom Line

I invited Graham Barlow onto The Real Bottom Line because his founder journey is one of the wildest I’ve ever heard. He started out as a teenager selling virtual game items on eBay, scaled that “hobby” into almost six figures a month, and eventually went on to build and exit multiple companies.In our conversation, Graham and I dig intoHow he and a group of friends used bots to farm virtual currency long before in-app purchases were normal Why cash flow, projections, and financial discipline matter far more than top-line revenue The painful lessons he learned building a game studio and raising moneyHow ego and “I’m the only one who can do this right” thinking quietly caps your businessWhy community and the rooms you put yourself in can dramatically change your sense of what’s possibleThe two strategic gaps he sees in most businesses right now… outbound sales and how teams use AIWe also talk about Founder Link, the community he never planned to build, and why so many founders desperately need a place where they can ask real questions, drop the armour, and get guidance from people who’ve already walked the path.If you’ve ever hit a ceiling, questioned your next move, or wondered what it actually takes to build something someone would buy, you’ll get a lot from this conversation. Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

FinTech leader Carrie Forbes, CEO of Rockstar Advisory, joins Wendy to unpack the shift from startup energy to running energy, the corporate habits worth keeping, and how to make AI projects succeed with tiny, low risk wins. Human skills remain the moat... and that’s the optimistic bottom line. Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Wendy talks with Dr. Susan Reid, revisioning specialist, author, and keynote speaker, about designing life after work. They explore identity beyond titles, why meaning matters in retirement, and how a simple “being vision” guides the next chapter. Susan shares research, lived lessons from building and selling businesses, and practical tools like journaling push/pull factors and building a “retirement team” of strong and weak ties.Show Notes (light timestamps)0:00 — Intro and Susan’s path: scientist → MBA → PhD → entrepreneur3:30 — The Bob Proctor yo-yo story and discovering vision7:55 — Creating a category: ice cider, then maple whisky12:10 — Why a seven-word vision moves people faster than a long plan13:40 — “Life after work” and early-retirement trends17:20 — Hard stop vs glide path and the anxiety dip21:30 — Prep to vision: quiet, journaling, push/pull factors24:30 — Open via nature, people, and the “universe”26:20 — Your Retirement Team: strong ties and weak ties33:00 — Values → being vision (stop obsessing about how)38:36 — The art of becoming + how to reach SusanKey TakeawaysTreat retirement as revisioning: move from freedom from to freedom to.Start with values and a being vision, then let the how emerge.Build a Retirement Team for support and fresh ideas.Keep the vision simple enough to remember.Prototype the next chapter before you leap. Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Episode: The Real Bottom Line with Wendy Brookhouse Guest: Jennifer Williams, Founder of Firefly InsightsIn this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Williams, founder and partial owner of Firefly Insights, to unpack one of the most exciting developments for Canadian entrepreneurs — Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs).If you’re a business owner starting to think about succession, exit planning, or legacy, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way to transition your business — one that rewards your team, sustains your community, and can even save you millions in taxes.We talk about:Jennifer’s unique path from nonprofit work to social entrepreneurship and employee ownershipThe tough mindset shift around profit versus missionHow to find the right scale in your business without burning outThe new Canadian EOT legislation and what it means for small and mid-sized companiesWho qualifies, how the trust is structured, and the real financial and cultural benefitsMy favorite moment: when Jennifer breaks down how profit can amplify your mission rather than distract from it.If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s next for my business when I step away?”, this conversation might just change the way you think about exit planning.Connect with Jennifer: fireflyinsights.ca Email: jennifer@fireflyinsights.ca Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Guest: Ray Samuels, Growth Advisor and Founder, Cer CapitalEpisode in a sentence: Ray shares how “done beats perfect,” why relationships are the real currency, and how a simple idea plus disciplined iteration can create momentum, funding, and valuation growth.What we coverFrom high-school dances to London Telecom to Direct Energy: Ray’s entrepreneurial through-lineThe 65% rule: ship, listen, iterate“Clarity beats complexity,” and getting “pedestrian” with customers to gather real feedbackG.R.O.W. mindset: Gratitude, Resilience, Optimism, WillpowerThe Equal Tank story: a simple washer-fluid dispenser, environmental impact, and national rolloutFunding growth: why sales orders are easier to fund than ideasPackaging a story investors understand and want to backDaily relationship rituals that keep your network aliveKey takeawaysShip at 65% and improve with feedbackRelationships compound if you maintain them intentionallyKeep the product and the story simple so adoption is easyGrowth needs cash, data, and proof, not perfectionMomentum creates new problems, but they are the right problemsTimestamps00:00 Meet Ray and the power of relationships02:30 Early entrepreneurship: dances, driveways, done over perfect07:10 Iteration vs. perfection and the 65% rule08:50 Clarity beats complexity and learning to listen18:20 The G.R.O.W. mindset explained23:20 Equal Tank: simple solution, big impact28:20 When and how to fund growth35:50 Packaging the story for partners and investors36:30 Wrap: relationships and iteration as operating systemsConnect with Ray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-samuels-a20165/Like this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a founder who needs a nudge to ship. Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredibly insightful Lissa Daub, founder of Strong Impact Academy. We met online through a couple of mutual groups, and it was a meeting that just felt like kismet. Lissa hails from Edmonton, Alberta, and she’s a force to be reckoned with.Lissa and I dive into some of the most critical topics for business owners, from the mindset shifts of moving from corporate to entrepreneurship, to the surprising truth about owning a restaurant (it's not always sexy!). We talk about how the pandemic actually opened up new opportunities and simplified things for business owners, and Lissa shares her biggest lesson: you can’t just build it and expect them to come.The heart of our conversation is all about the end game. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Lissa is passionate about helping entrepreneurs understand that a profitable business isn't always a sellable one. We explore why it's so important to think about the value of your business as a key performance indicator and how to avoid the "owner's trap," where you build a job for yourself instead of a sellable asset. We also talk about The Exit Lab, a workshop that helps business owners intentionally prepare for their future.In this episode, Lissa and I discuss:My favorite Lissa quote: "A profitable business is not always sellable, but a sellable business is always profitable."Why entrepreneurs are notorious for chasing shiny objects and how to stop.The biggest mistake business owners make around exit planning (and why it could cost you a fortune).How to hire strategically so you can focus on the things you love to do.The staggering statistic that 75% of business owners regret selling their business a year later and how you can avoid it.Connect with Lissa:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lissadaub Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

150 episodes. Honestly, when I started this podcast, I wasn’t thinking about milestones. I just wanted to have conversations with entrepreneurs and share the lessons hidden inside their journeys. And yet here we are....150 episodes later.In this solo episode, I step back from the usual interviews to reflect on what I’ve learned along the way, about business, freedom, resilience, and legacy.Here’s what I dig into:Why I believe mistakes are just lessons in disguise.How freedom from and freedom to are two very different things.The way money and freedom are always intertwined.Why your business isn’t just your baby | it’s an asset meant to fund your life.How thinking about legacy changes how you grow your company.And why building a business that doesn’t depend on you is the real path to both time and wealth freedom.As I share my reflections, I also talk about my own journey, like how giving up alcohol five years ago became an unexpected lesson in consistency and compound results.The real bottom line? Freedom of time opens the door to freedom in every other area of life and business. And that’s what I wish for you. Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Some entrepreneurs build one business and call it a day. Dalene Allen has built — and sold — more than one… and kept right on making powerful connections.In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Dalene to unpack her journey from direct sales leader earning pink Cadillacs, to running and selling the largest business referral network in Atlantic Canada, to launching her own networking company.Dalene opens up about how she navigated each exit, why she believes human connection will always beat automation, and the simple habits that keep her network alive and thriving.You’ll hear:How she turned a Mary Kay career into a sellable assetWhat it really takes to exit a franchise businessThe 10-minute-a-day LinkedIn strategy that worksHer top tips for beginner, intermediate, and pro networkersHow to instantly make new contacts feel welcomeWhether you’re building a business to sell or looking for better ways to meet the right people, Dalene’s story is packed with ideas you can put to work right away.Connect with Dalene Allen Email: dalene@networkingnaturally.ca Website: networkingnaturally.ca Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

In a world obsessed with algorithms, trends, and going viral, what if the true key to social media success was simpler and more human? This week's guest, Ingrid Deon, founder of the organic social media agency Word-Craft, makes a powerful case for ditching the algorithm-chasing and focusing on what truly matters: authentic conversations.Ingrid shares her inspiring and unconventional path to entrepreneurship—from her roots in journalism to becoming a single mom working three jobs, to a pay dispute that ultimately led her to launch her own agency with major national clients.This episode is a masterclass in the "social" part of social media. Ingrid explains why genuine, two-way conversations are more critical than ever in the age of AI, how to create content that sparks real engagement, and why you don't need to be on every platform to succeed.In this episode, you will learn:Why you should stop trying to "game" the algorithm and what to focus on instead.How to find your brand's unique voice and personality online.Actionable tips for creating content that encourages comments and conversation.The surprising power of "older" platforms like Facebook for building community.How to know when it's the right time to outsource your social media.Connect with Ingrid Dion:Website: word-craft.ca Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

In this episode, I chat with Gord Stevens, former owner of Uncommon Grounds, Rum Runners, Sugar, and more. Now the COO at Halifax Partnership, Gord shares what it was like to build multiple businesses with heart — and how he eventually transitioned out of ownership without losing what made those businesses meaningful.We cover:Gord’s journey from finance to food and retailWhy creativity and storytelling are business superpowersThe personal challenges of selling a business you loveKey steps to prepare your business for saleHow to keep your business from depending entirely on youThe Real Bottom Line? Your business can be a reflection of your values and a valuable asset — but only if you start building with the end in mind. Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

On this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Justin Goodbread, serial entrepreneur, value coach, and author of Your Baby’s Ugly. He’s started and sold seven companies and now helps business owners build scalable businesses that buyers actually want.We dig into what makes a business attractive to a buyer, how to mentally prepare for a sale, and why your exit should start long before you want out.We talk about:Why grit isn’t enough – and what you need insteadThe three types of readiness: business, financial, and mentalWhy coasting into retirement could cost you millionsHow selling your business could unlock a new kind of impactWhat happens when your identity is tied too tightly to your businessJustin shares hard-won lessons from the trenches – and how a coach helped him shift from technician to true business owner.Links & Resources:Justin Goodbread: Relentless Value CoachingWendy Brookhouse: Black Star WealthWhat would your life after business look like? Let's talk about it. Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Guest: M. Shannon Hernandez, Messaging & Marketing Strategist and Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™Episode Summary: Feeling drained by social media? Struggling to see real business results from all your posts? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with M. Shannon Hernandez to talk about a more sustainable, joyful approach to marketing—one that doesn’t leave you glued to an algorithm.Shannon is the Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™, where she helps business owners create organic marketing strategies that align with their values and bring in revenue. With over 25 years in curriculum design and work featured on CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC, Shannon knows how to craft messaging that connects and converts.We dive into:Why relying solely on social media is a mistake for most business ownersThe power of email marketing and why it should be your primary sales driverHow to simplify your marketing while increasing your resultsThe one-platform-plus-email strategy that keeps your marketing effective and joyfulHow to build true community in your business (hint: it’s not just online)Quotes from the Episode:“One platform that brings you so much joy plus email marketing that drives revenue. That is the perfect blend.” – M. Shannon Hernandez“Publishing more content, yelling louder, or dancing on TikTok won’t fix your marketing if your messaging isn’t landing.” – M. Shannon Hernandez“If they can’t hear you, you can’t help them.” – M. Shannon HernandezConnect with Shannon: Website: www.joyfulbusinessrevolution.comLinkedIn: M. Shannon HernandezResources & Links:Grab Shannon’s free resource: 65 Story Ideas for Better Email Marketing → joyfulbusinessrevolution.com/65storyideasLearn more about The Real Bottom Line Podcast: therealbottomline.caJoin us for our Renew & Recharge Retreat: Exploring the Flavors, Culture, and Creativity of Mexico in September 2025: https://bit.ly/4c53OYKOur Tuscan Retreat is May 2-8, 2026. We don’t quite have the registration page ready yet, but if you are interested in more info, please email us.Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more valuable conversations to business owners like you.What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let’s continue the conversation—connect with me on LinkedIn and share your thoughts! Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Your business has a story—are you telling it in a way that connects, engages, and drives sales?In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, Wendy Brookhouse sits down with Andrea Sampson, storytelling expert and CEO of Talk Boutique, to break down the art and science of storytelling in business. Whether you're pitching investors, marketing to customers, or leading a team, a compelling story can make all the difference.Andrea shares insights from her career in advertising, branding, and coaching TEDx speakers—revealing how entrepreneurs can transform dry facts into powerful narratives that inspire action.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ The Power of Storytelling in Business – Why storytelling is more than just marketing; it’s a business essential.✅ What Makes a Story Effective? – The key elements every great story must have.✅ How to Find Your Brand’s Core Story – A step-by-step approach to defining your what, how, and why to craft a powerful brand message.✅ How Storytelling Helps You Sell – How to position your product or service so that customers see themselves in your story.✅ The Common Storytelling Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make – And how to avoid them.✅ Lessons from TEDx – What working with TEDx speakers taught Andrea about crafting short, high-impact stories.✅ AI & Storytelling – How artificial intelligence can help refine your brand story (but why it should never replace human connection).Why This Matters:If you don’t control your brand’s story, your customers will create their own. A strong, well-crafted narrative builds trust, engages your audience, and helps your business stand out in a crowded market.Want to sharpen your storytelling skills? Download Andrea’s Storytelling Toolkit at blackstarwealth.com/storytelling-toolkit.🎧 Tune in now and start telling a story that sells! Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Welcome to The Real Bottom Line with Wendy Brookhouse. In this episode, Wendy sits down with April Roberts, a high-performance coach for female entrepreneurs, to explore her incredible journey from practising law to building and selling a successful financial planning business.What You’ll Learn:How April transitioned careers and built her financial planning firm from the ground up.Insights into selling a business while maintaining client and team trust.The power of intentional planning and the "CEO Calendar" for scaling success.Why rest, energy management, and personal growth are critical for entrepreneurs.How April helps business owners unlock their full potential as a high-performance coach.Memorable Moments:April’s candid stories about life’s curveballs and finding new paths.Lessons in transitioning a family business while safeguarding its legacy.Practical tips on leveraging time and energy for greater productivity.Resources and Links:Connect with April at Vixen Gathering.Join Wendy's Business Value Amplifier Program: https://www.businessvalueamplifier.com/For financial strategies, visit Black Star Wealth.Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories! Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

What makes a story truly unforgettable? It’s the humanity and emotions behind it. In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I chat with Crystal Adair-Benning, a prolific ghostwriter and storytelling expert, about why the most impactful content comes from real, human experiences.Crystal opens up about her journey, from ghostwriting her first New York Times bestseller at just 14 to redefining her career during COVID. We dive into:Why human-written stories resonate more deeply than AI-generated content.How emotion and authenticity create connections that drive business success.The shift from event planning to becoming a full-time storyteller and creative coach.The power of storytelling as a marketing tool for entrepreneurs and thought leaders.Crystal also shares her belief that emotion is the currency of the future and offers insights into how writers and business owners can stand out by focusing on their unique human experiences.Key Takeaways:Authenticity Wins: Stories told with empathy and authenticity connect with audiences at a level AI cannot replicate.Marketing with Heart: Using your story as a marketing tool isn’t just effective—it’s transformative for your audience.Human Creativity Matters: Creativity isn’t unlocked; it’s already within you. Sometimes, you just need the right guide to find it.Connect with Crystal:Website: www.writewordmagic.comInstagram: @writewordmagicResources Mentioned:Crystal’s Freebie: Bestselling Blueprint (available on her website)Real Bottom Line: Emotions are the ultimate currency. When you tap into the heart of your story, you unlock the power to connect, inspire, and drive impact. Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Christine Tolton, CEO of Red Cat Marketing, as she celebrates 20 years in business. Christine shares her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, the lessons she’s learned, and her top marketing insights for 2025. Discover how to adapt to changing trends, harness creativity, and build a business that thrives. Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Success is rarely a straight line—it’s more like a bowl of spaghetti! In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I chat with Jackie Dinsmore, a lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur and investor, about her unconventional journey. Jackie shares how she built two successful businesses, navigated high-stakes exits, and disrupted the legal industry with her innovative approach at Caravel Law.We dive into the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned, covering everything from cash flow struggles in retail to the art of negotiating business sales. Plus, Jackie offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs on staying resilient, surrounding yourself with the right team, and knowing when to pivot or push through.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to grow, sell, or reinvent a business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and candid stories you won’t want to miss!Topics Covered:Jackie’s entrepreneurial journey from handbags to kids’ apparelThe challenges of retail cash flow and inventory managementLessons from selling businesses and working with buyersDisrupting the legal industry with Caravel LawPractical advice for entrepreneurs on navigating the messy path to successSubscribe for more insights from entrepreneurs who’ve been there, done that, and are ready to share the real bottom line!📌 Links Mentioned:Connect with Jackie Dinsmore: Caravel Law Website Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

In this special edition of The Real Bottom Line, we’re diving deep into the world of live events and how they’ve evolved since the pandemic. Wendy sits down with three incredible guests—Menna Riley, founder of Leading Ladies Networking, Tyler Hayden, a renowned keynote speaker and author, and Ravi Tangri, a facilitator and expert in soul engineering—to explore how live events can boost your business, the shifts in event structuring, and why connection remains key in the post-pandemic world.Our guests share their personal stories of how they had to pivot during COVID, from taking in-person events online to blending virtual and live experiences. The group also discusses the upcoming Turning Tides Conference and why this event is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to learn, grow, and connect in new ways. This is an episode packed with actionable insights, expert advice, and a unique look at the future of live events.Key Takeaways:Pivoting in a Pandemic: Menna, Tyler, and Ravi share how they transitioned from live to virtual events, and how those changes have stuck around in hybrid formats.The Importance of Connection: The pandemic showed us what we missed about in-person interaction. Live events help foster that connection, but they now require a more engaging, interactive format.Engagement is Everything: Ravi discusses how to engage your audience, whether in-person or online, with techniques like open space and World Cafés that keep people connected and involved.Turning Tides Conference: The upcoming conference for entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia offers a unique "unconference" format where attendees will get personalized advice from experts and walk away with an actionable plan for their business.Memorable Quotes:Menna Riley: “Consistency, consistency, consistency—you have to keep doing it or you’ll lose it.”Tyler Hayden: “We’ve been missing a place to come and connect... We want to help create that for Nova Scotia long term.”Ravi Tangri: “I realized the blocks I was putting in my own way... and found suddenly I could do 95% of what I did in person with the same engagement online.”Special Offer:Listeners of The Real Bottom Line can get an exclusive discount for the upcoming Turning Tides Conference. Tune in for details and learn how to attend this unique event designed for entrepreneurs.Resources Mentioned:Menna Riley’s Leading Ladies Networking: https://mennariley.com/Tyler Hayden’s Team Building School: https://www.tylerhayden.com/Ravi Tangri’s Soul Engineering: https://speakerscanada.com/keynote-speaker/ravi-tangri/Turning Tides Conference: https://www.turningtidesconference.caConnect with Us:Website: blackstarwealth.comFacebook: Black Star WealthLinkedIn: Wendy BrookhouseInstagram: @BlackStarWealth Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Talmar Anderson, founder of Boss HQ, to discuss one of the most crucial aspects of scaling any business—building the right team. Talmar shares her journey from being the "number two" in law firms to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and she breaks down the key difference between your Dream Team and your Freedom Team.We dive into the mindset shifts business owners need to make, how to stop hiring for potential, and why building a team that works without you is essential for growing—and selling—your business. If you're an entrepreneur looking to step into the CEO role and create a business that runs smoothly without being dependent on you, this episode is for you.Key Topics:Talmar’s personal journey from employee to entrepreneurThe difference between the Dream Team and the Freedom TeamWhy hiring for potential can hold your business backHow to build trust and delegate effectively as a bossThe importance of creating a business that doesn’t rely on you Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Julie Ellis, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, to discuss her incredible journey from corporate life to building an eight-figure business and ultimately selling it. Julie shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of speed in a competitive market, and the emotional complexity of selling a business.Key Topics Discussed:Transition from Corporate to EntrepreneurshipJulie’s shift from the corporate world to co-founding Mabel’s Labels.How motherhood sparked the idea for the business.The early days of Mabel’s Labels and how the four co-founders divided responsibilities.Navigating PartnershipsThe dynamics of working with multiple co-founders.Importance of clear roles, communication, and having a shareholders agreement in place.The informal yet structured approach to decision-making that kept them moving forward.First to Market and the Need for SpeedHow being the first children’s label brand in North America drove the need for speed and innovation.Challenges of staying ahead of competitors and the fear of being overtaken by larger companies.Corporate Lessons Applied to EntrepreneurshipWhat Julie learned from her corporate experience that benefited Mabel’s Labels.The balance between process and agility in a growing business.The Emotional and Practical Aspects of Selling a BusinessThe unsolicited offer to buy Mabel’s Labels and the decision-making process that followed.The intense due diligence process and the importance of being well-prepared.Julie’s personal journey post-sale and why she decided to leave the company shortly after.Life After Mabel’s LabelsJulie’s transition to coaching and consulting after leaving Mabel’s Labels.Her focus on helping leaders at inflection points in their careers and businesses.The importance of intentionality and strategic decision-making in business and life.Top Takeaways:Clear Roles and Communication - Establish clear roles and maintain open communication to navigate the complexities of partnerships.Move Quickly, Stay Ahead - Innovate and push forward to maintain a competitive edge, especially when you're first to market.Prepare for the Emotional Impact of Selling - Selling a business is both a financial and emotional journey; be prepared for the challenges of both.How to Connect with Julie Ellis:Visit Julie’s website: https://www.julieellis.ca/Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ellis/ Join The Freedom FilesTired of money advice that feels complicated or out of touch?Discover Freedom Files from Black Star Wealth — a bi-weekly dose of smart financial insights and real stories about building a life on your own terms. Because freedom isn’t someday — it’s something you design. Subscribe now at blackstarwealth.com/freedomfiles