Evolving Entrepreneurship

Explore how AI is transforming small businesses and community organizations through strategic application, creative integration, and responsible use. Join Brock Hart of Overlap, Joani Gerber of investStratford, and Janis and Holly, as they discuss practical AI strategies, leadership, and the future of AI-driven innovation in corporate Canada.
Key Topics:
The three modes of working with AI: instrumental, individual, and organizational.
How AI enhances creative work and administrative efficiency.
Relational AI as a collaborative partner in complex decision-making.
Practical approaches for leaders to adopt AI responsibly.
Overcoming fears and misconceptions about AI in various sectors.
The importance of paid AI tools for data security and quality results.
The disruptive potential of generative AI comparable to past industry shifts.
Preserving human touch points amidst increasing AI integration.
The future landscape of AI and societal impacts.
 

Season 2: Episode 8: Clay, Creativity and Cash Flow
Episode Duration: 52 minutes
In this week’s podcast episode, Naomi Clement shares how she turned a passion for pottery into a sustainable business through teaching, community, and creativity and by building a repeat and recurring revenue stream with her own membership space.
If you're in the arts and culture space, her journey will inspire you to think differently about how you grow.
About Our Guest:
Naomi Clement is a Canadian artist and educator who explores ideas of home and belonging through the powerful lens of functional ceramics. She received her MFA from Louisiana State University in 2017, and her B.F.A from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University in 2003. Naomi has participated in residencies, given lectures and workshops, and exhibited her work across Canada and the United States. She served as a board member for the National Council on the Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), and was named a 2017 Emerging Artist by Ceramics Monthly magazine.
In 2019, Naomi was a Summer Artist-in-Residence at the renowned Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, in Helena, Montana. After spending many years as a pottery nomad, working and travelling across North America, Naomi has recently established a home studio in Stratford, Ontario.
Find Naomi at: https://naomiclement.com/
 

Episode 7: Bonus Episode: Meet the Intern, Meredith Edition
Episode Duration: 35 minutes
In this bonus episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, we chat with Intern Meredith about her time at the Stratford Perth Centre for Business, her time managing the Summer Company program and her thoughts on entrepreneurship from a Gen Z perspective.
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events

Season 2: Episode 6: Leading with grit.
Episode Duration: 59 minutes
What if you led your hospitality business with transparency and values? From staffing to growth, Shelley Windsor of Windsor Hospitality Group has seen it all and led through it all. In this week’s podcast episode, we sit down with the trailblazing entrepreneur to explore:
Her leadership approach to managing a large team.
How she manages cash flow in a seasonal industry.
How do her roots show up in her business.
Whether you’re in food service or any service-based business, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, people-first leadership, and long-term vision.
About Our Guest:
Shelley Windsor is the co-owner of Windsor Hospitality Inc., a Stratford-based management and consulting firm whose portfolio includes Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall, The Prune Restaurant, Events@151, Foster’s Inn, and several Best Western properties, including the newly opened BW@Home in Walkerton. 
She oversees financial operations while actively staying involved in day-to-day operational performance, human resources, and the strategic use of technology to streamline processes, increase revenue, and operate efficiently. 
Guided by a philosophy of staying relevant, giving back to the community, fostering exceptional workplaces, and prioritizing customer experience, Shelley is committed to both operational excellence and meaningful community impact.
Find Shelley here: https://www.windsorhospitality.ca/

Season 2: Episode 5: From Listings To Leadership: values, vision and a new kind of real estate.
Episode Duration: 49 minutes
This week on Evolving Entrepreneurship, we sit down with Marian deWever, broker, owner, and leader, to talk about building a brokerage rooted in values, integrity, and genuine care for families.
Tune in as Marian shares how she’s redefining success in real estate beyond sales, toward service and community.
Home And Company: https://www.homeandcompany.ca/marian-dewever/
About Our Guest:
The real estate market and the business of real estate are constantly evolving and in 2013, after 23 years working for major franchise companies, Marian, finally, took the leap of faith to build Home & Company Real Estate.  She is driven by her confidence and determination to make a positive impact in the real estate market, in her community and provide better services to her clients.
‘‘As Realtors we have the most awesome privilege of being involved in a family’s journey to find HOME. This relationship deserves our enthusiasm, patience, skilled guidance and our very best efforts, always.’’
As a Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) – the most prestigious credential in the industry, conferred by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) and endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS® – Marian exemplifies a commitment to professionalism, innovation, and success.
Stratford is home to Marian, husband and business partner, Robert and 2 cats with dog like personalities. They are proud parents of their suddenly adult children, Emma and Maklane.  When not working, time spent travelling, a bit of cycling or hiking, or relaxing with friends, makes life complete.
If you are seeking a real estate partner who dares to be different, Marian deWever is a name to trust. Her pursuit of excellence and dedication to providing the utmost in service has earned her a sterling reputation among savvy clients who recognize the value of working with a true industry leader.

Season 2: Episode 4: From Legacy To Leadership - leading change and upholding Stratford's sports heritage.
Episode Duration: 40 minutes
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Janis Antonio, owner of Dunny’s Source for Sports in Stratford & St. Marys.
Janis shares what it’s like to step into a long-standing community business, lead a multi-generational team, and navigate the unique challenges of managing Gen Z employees, all while honouring Stratford’s deep sports legacy.
Whether you're running a local business or navigating workplace change, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and real-life leadership lessons.
Dunny's Source For Sports: https://www.sourceforsports.ca/pages/dunnys-source-for-sports-stratford
About Our Guest:
Janis Antonio from Dunny’s Source for Sports, a locally owned and operated sporting goods business proudly serving Stratford and St. Marys, ON. Born and raised in Stratford, the Dunny’s family has deep roots in the community and is active in local sports both on and off the ice. Specializing in hockey, baseball, and custom team & corporate apparel, they’ve become a go-to for athletes, teams, and businesses alike.

Season 2: Episode 3: From Surviving to Thriving - resilience, purpose & powerful leadership.
Episode Duration: 49 minutes
This week on the Evolving Entrepreneurship podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Cranla Warren, Leadership & Team Coach, Educator, and Organizational Psychologist who brings over 30 years of leadership experience to the mic.
In this powerful conversation, Cranla shares how leaders can move beyond simply surviving and start truly thriving. Drawing on her background in psychotherapy, neuroscience, and executive coaching, Cranla explores what it takes to lead with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and purpose in today’s high-pressure world.
Dr Cranla Warren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cranla-warren/
About Our Guest:
Dr. Cranla Warren holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, and is a Leadership & Team Coach, Educator, and community builder who’s passionate about helping people move from simply surviving to truly thriving. With a background as a psychotherapist specializing in adult mental health, Cranlahas 30 years of formal leadership experience, which she draws on, in addition to evidence-based practice, in her efforts to help others move the needle on their business success. Before launching her private practice and coaching leaders around the world, Cranla served as Vice President of Leadership Development at the Institute for Health and Human Potential, where she oversaw teams that worked with executives navigating high-stakes leadership challenges.
Today, Cranla is an external facilitator at Toronto Metropolitan University, designing and delivering leadership and professional development programs for staff. She’s also the Co-Founder of The Iris Collective, a grassroots initiative in Stratford, Ontario, dedicated to connection, community, and contribution among women, and the Co-Lead and Faculty Member of Sojourn: An Offsite for Women in Leadership, a transformative retreat for women ready to lead with greater fullness, self-awareness, and purpose. Known for blending psychology, neuroscience, leadership science, and customer/client-focused best practices, Cranla helps leaders—and especially women entrepreneurs—cultivate emotional intelligence, resilience, and lasting impact.
Summary
In this conversation, Holly and Janis discuss the essential transition from merely surviving to thriving, particularly for small business owners. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, aligning actions with personal values, and focusing on high-value tasks rather than simply doing more. This approach not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters effective leadership.
Takeaways
Moving from surviving to thriving involves a mindset shift.Our thoughts and beliefs shape our actions and outputs.Small business owners often believe they need to do more.It's crucial to focus on high-value activities.Aligning actions with personal values is essential.Consider your personal energy when making decisions.Leadership is about quality, not quantity of actions.Personal well-being is intertwined with business success.Mindset influences both personal and professional growth.Effective practices stem from a clear understanding of values.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Cranla Warren00:40 The Importance of Connection and Community

Season 2: Episode 2: From policies to people - empathy, individuality and the future of work.
Episode Duration: 52 minutes
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Emily van Straten, HR consultant, speaker, and author of We’re Human. Not Resources., for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build people-first workplaces. 🌍
From Gen Z expectations to rethinking toxic norms, Emily shares how empathy, individuality, and trust are shaping the new era of work and why it’s time to stop shrinking ourselves to fit outdated systems.
Through her business Think HR, her workshops, and her podcast Your Gen Z Co-Worker, Emily is redefining what leadership looks like in a world that values humans over handbooks. 🎙️
Think HR
https://www.thinkhr.ca/
Woodstock, ON
About Our Guest:
Emily van Straten is a bold voice in the future of work. As an HR consultant, speaker, and author of We’re Human. Not Resources., she challenges outdated systems and advocates for workplaces where people don’t have to shrink themselves to succeed.
Through her business, Think HR, Emily helps creative, mission-driven teams build cultures rooted in well-being, individuality, and trust. Her podcast, Your Gen Z Co-Worker, and her signature workshops make space for honest conversations about life, work, and everything in between. With equal parts empathy and audacity, Emily is redefining what it means to be human at work – and helping others do the same.
 
Show Notes:
Summary
In this episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, hosts Holly and Janis engage with Emily VanStraten, an HR consultant, to discuss the evolving landscape of work, particularly focusing on the Gen Z workforce. They explore the implications of back-to-office mandates, the importance of flexibility, and the need for human-centered workplace policies. Emily shares insights from her experiences in HR, emphasizing the significance of trust, respect, and communication in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges small businesses face in hiring and the potential of AI in shaping HR policies. Ultimately, the episode highlights the necessity for businesses to adapt to the changing needs of employees to thrive in the modern economy.
Takeaways
The back-to-office mandate may lead to increased turnover.Gen Z values purpose-driven work and flexibility.Outdated HR practices can hinder employee satisfaction.Good leadership positively impacts employee retention.Human-centered policies can enhance workplace culture.AI can assist in creating HR policies but shouldn't replace human insight.Small businesses have the advantage of being flexible with policies.Trust and respect are crucial for a positive work environment.Hiring should focus on skills and strengths, not just credentials.Open communication can bridge generational gaps in the workplace.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Evolving Entrepreneurship02:25 The Future of Work: Back to Office Mandates06:47 Understanding the Gen Z Worker11:37 Building a Human-Centered Workplace17:43 Innovative Policies for Employee Well-Being23:13 The Role of AI in HR Policies29:54 Hiring Challenges and Opportunities37:30 The Importance of Flexibility in the Workplace45:39 Overcoming Hiring Fears51:06 Conclusion and Resources
 

Season 2: Episode 1: From the farm to the courtroom: Building a law firm that listens.
Episode Duration: 45 minutes
In today's podcast, we interview Katie DeBlock Boersma of KDB Law to explore what it means to build a modern workplace inside a traditional profession.
From growing up on a farm near Mitchell to launching a thriving rural law practice and leading community organizations, Katie shares:
✨ How listening to your team and clients builds stronger outcomes.🌾 The unique challenges and opportunities of rural law.⚖️ Her approach to workplace culture, conflict mediation, and community impact.
Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation with a lawyer, leader, and changemaker redefining what’s possible in the legal world.
KDB Law
https://www.kdb.law/
14 Erie StreetStratford, ON
About Our Guest:
Katie’s ambition to become a lawyer took root at the age of 7 while growing up on a farm near Mitchell, Ontario. She attended law school at Osgoode Hall, and then moved back to the family farm where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Katie enjoys the unique opportunity afforded by practicing law in rural Ontario. Balancing the complexities of a diverse and challenging legal practice, she has fostered deep connections with her community. 
She is Chair of the Local Community Food Centre and Chair of the Stratford Perth Museum. She is also a certified Mediator, specializing in mediating workplace and farm succession conflict. In addition, she formerly sat as a Vice Chair on the Ontario Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal. Katie is a firm believer in creating the world we want to live in with every move we make.
Show Notes:
In this episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, hosts Holly and Janis interview Katie DeBlock Boersma, a lawyer and owner of KDB Law in Stratford, Ontario. Katie shares her journey from practicing law in Toronto to establishing her own law firm in a small town, emphasizing the importance of community, flexibility in the workplace, and creating a supportive environment for her team. The conversation explores innovative practices in the legal industry, the significance of giving back to the community, and the evolving perceptions of lawyers. Katie's insights highlight the potential for change in the legal profession, particularly in how law firms can operate in a more human-centered and flexible manner.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Evolving Entrepreneurship00:58 Katie DeBlock Boersma: A Journey into Law and Business03:00 Small Town Roots and Their Influence on Law Practice06:06 Transitioning from Employee to Business Owner09:04 Creating a Flexible and Supportive Work Environment11:53 The Unique Culture of an All-Female Law Firm14:59 Innovative Practices for Employee Well-Being18:11 Redefining Client Experience in Law21:13 Humanizing the Legal Process24:09 Conclusion and Future Aspirations25:12 Embracing Growth and Expansion28:08 Maintaining Balance and Sanity30:24 The Importance of Community Involvement35:07 Choosing the Right Legal Support40:11 Changing Misconceptions About Lawyers42:12 Excitement in the Evolving Legal Landscape

Season 2: Episode 9: The Finale Episode: Introducing Summer Company
Episode Duration: 30 minutes
We sat down with two rising entrepreneurs from this year’s Summer Company program Navan Simmons of N7slens and Michael Ewing of Media by Michael on the Evolving Entrepreneurship podcast to talk business, creativity, and the hustle behind the highlights.
From capturing sports action to creating standout visuals for athletes and brands, these student founders are already making big waves in Southwestern Ontario.
About Our Guests:
Michael Ewing- Designs by Michael:
Designs by Michael specializes in dynamic sports photography and bold graphic design that captures the energy and emotion of every moment. From game-day action shots to custom visuals for athletes and teams, Michael delivers high-impact content tailored to elevate your brand. Perfect for those looking to stand out with powerful, professional visuals. Michael operates his business from Perth South, Ontario.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/media.by.michael/
Navan Simmons - N7slens:
Navan, residing in Stratford, focuses on sports photography as well as sports events specializing in capturing photos and videos for social media marketing in the sports industry. Navan offers game and team photography, highlight reels, and tailored social media content for youth and college athletes in Southwestern Ontario. With a unique perspective as both athletes and photographers, they provide dynamic, marketable content that helps athletes get noticed by scouts and programs.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n7slens/
Want to apply for the 2026 Summer Company program? Click HERE to get started.
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events