On this episode of the Canadian Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Julia O’Grady, founder of ITM Events. Julia shares how she transitioned from a government career into entrepreneurship, eventually building a national conference and event management company serving associations and corporate clients across Canada. She opens up about the challenges of the early years, finding the right niche, navigating COVID, and the lessons she learned about resilience, financial literacy, and asking for help throughout her entrepreneurial journey.

On this episode of the Canadian Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Mark Jamieson, CEO of WSI Ottawa and Extension Marketing, to talk about the evolution of digital marketing, the growing impact of AI on business, and the mindset entrepreneurs need to succeed. Mark shares practical advice for business owners, employees, and aspiring founders navigating change in a fast-moving market.

On this episode of the Canadian Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Mike Heroux, founder of Dividend Stocks Rock. Mike shares his journey from a 13-year banking career to building a successful membership-based investment platform serving thousands of Canadian investors. In this episode, he opens up about taking the leap into entrepreneurship with no financial safety net, navigating uncertainty during market volatility, and how focusing on trust, content, and customer support helped fuel his growth. He also shares practical insights on building recurring revenue and why long-term thinking is essential in both investing and business.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Christine Beaudoin, former high-school teacher turned full-time fitness entrepreneur. Christine shares her journey from the classroom to co-owning one of Orleans’ most community-focused gyms, No Limits Bootcamp. In this episode, she opens up about building a business during COVID, choosing passion over job security, and why true success demands work ethic over comfort. She also reveals how her gym supports mental health initiatives, homeless organizations, women’s shelters, and more, showing that entrepreneurship isn’t just about growth; it’s about giving back.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Veronica Robeznieks, owner of The Incomplete Artist, to discuss her creative journey from film and video production to publishing her first novella. Veronica shares candid insights about the realities of freelancing, the importance of building genuine connections, and why success in entrepreneurship depends on persistence, networking, and self-belief. She also opens up about the inspiration behind her book, The Incomplete Artist, and what it means to create work that’s both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Michèle Marchand, founder of The Better Scalp Company, who turned her struggle with scalp allergies into a made-in-Canada haircare brand now found in salons and online. She shares how she built the business while working full-time, learned everything from formulation to packaging on her own, and stayed persistent through rebranding and product testing. Michèle’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is built on grit, curiosity, and solving a problem you care about.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Julia Marsh, owner of Kiwan Farms Garden Center, who shares her inspiring journey of turning a small produce business into a thriving farm and garden hub within Ottawa city limits. Julia talks about seizing the opportunity to acquire the farm, expanding rapidly into a garden center, and her passion for bringing fresh, local, and nutritious food directly to the community. From embracing multicultural customer needs to creating CSA boxes and showcasing local vendors, Julia highlights the importance of hard work, vision, and doing something you love. Her story is both a celebration of local farming and a lesson in building a business rooted in community, health, and passion.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Jeffrey Addai, Co-Founder and CEO of One Pro Sports Management (OPSM). After a decade-long professional soccer career across North America and Europe, Jeffrey transitioned from the pitch to entrepreneurship, building OPSM into a global sports management company that helps athletes navigate their careers both on and off the field. From starting part-time while still playing to now launching a new tech platform for soccer players, Jeffrey shares lessons on mentorship, resilience, and taking initiative. His story offers inspiration for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, especially those considering how to turn passion into a sustainable business.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Winnie, CEO & founder of Postnatal Kindness, who shares how her own experience as a new mom to twins inspired her to create a service dedicated to helping mothers during the often-overlooked first year after childbirth. From cleaning and errands to meal prep, hospital rides, and in-home massage, her business provides practical, nonjudgmental support when moms need it most. In this conversation, Winnie talks about breaking cultural norms around “doing it all,” the importance of accepting help, and how she’s working to make these services accessible to more families. She also opens up about the challenges of starting a business from scratch, finding mentors, and staying true to her vision despite doubts from others.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Pat hosts Ted Cawkwell, Agriculture Specialist from Cawkwell Group and one of the top farmland realtors in the world with RE/MAX. Ted shares his remarkable journey from starting his first grain farm at age 23, to building multiple businesses, including luxury fishing resorts, and ultimately becoming a leader in agricultural real estate. With decades of entrepreneurial experience, Ted reflects on the value of persistence, the lessons learned from setbacks, and why giving back to the community is a responsibility every entrepreneur should embrace.