Evolving Entrepreneurship

Evolving Entrepreneurship

The Stratford Perth Centre for Business Podcast, “Evolving Entrepreneurship” celebrates Canadian small business and entrepreneurship. Produced in the heart of Stratford, Ontario, Canada, Evolving Entrepreneurship is an authentic deep dive into the unique struggles and triumphs of women-led businesses. Co-hosted by Stratford Perth Centre for Business advisors Holly Mortimer and Janis Auster, the podcast’s premiere five-episode season features candid conversations with local entrepreneurs about the pitfalls, failures, and partnerships that have defined their journeys. The series shines a spotlight on the resilient and resourceful female entrepreneurs who are shaping Stratford, Ontario, Canada, and beyond.

Episodes

June 8, 2026 70 mins
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 organiz...
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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 gr...

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December 1, 2025 36 mins
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 Business Website: https://www.stratfordper...

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November 24, 2025 58 mins
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 tea...

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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.

Ho...

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November 10, 2025 40 mins
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 ...

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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...

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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, a...

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October 20, 2025 45 mins
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 ...

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September 15, 2025 31 mins
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 ...

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In this episode, we sit down with Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford and former Stratford Business Leader of the Year. From her early days working in the family business to steering Stratford through economic uncertainty, Joani shares powerful lessons on:

  • Tackling trade and tariff challenges
  • Supporting small businesses
  • Championing women in...
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April 7, 2025 36 mins
Episode 6: (Bonus Episode) Meet the Intern

Episode Duration: 35 minutes

In this bonus episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, we chat with Cindy Teknedjian about her internship at the Stratford Perth Centre for Business, her Change Management studies, and what she thinks about the world of entrepreneurship.

Resources for Entrepreneurs:

Stratford Perth Centre for Business Website: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/ Email: info@str...

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Episode 5: Crystals and Commerce: A Journey of Healing and Business with Nia Bright

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

Nia Bright shares her transformative journey from experiencing a severe health crisis to becoming the owner of Good Vibrations Rock Shop, a vibrant crystal shop and event space in downtown Stratford, Ontario.

Episode Highlights:
  • The unexpected path from health crisis to business ownership
  • Transitioning into entrepre...
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Episode 4: Breaking Ground: A New Perspective on Modern Agriculture with Jacqueline Martin

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

Jacqueline Martin shares her unique experience as a young female entrepreneur co-running Kampkreek Dairies with her brothers, while also managing Pastoral Pond, an artisanal cider company, with her husband.

Episode Highlights:
  • Navigating family dynamics in a sibling-owned agricultural business
  • Breaking barrie...
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Episode 3: Building a 20-Year Legacy in Downtown Stratford with Kelly Ballantyne and Mel Lang

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

Please note that there were technical difficulties on the audio side, so turn it up once Kelly and Mel start to chat. This episode contains 20 years of knowledge that you don't want to miss!

Kelly Ballantyne, chef and owner of Sirkel Foods, along with her wife Mel Lang, share their remarkable journey of buildin...

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Episode 2: Small Town Success: Building a Canadian Subscription Box Empire with Virginia Ehrlich

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

Virginia Ehrlich shares her journey of creating Acre75, a subscription box service that celebrates small-town Canadian makers and captures the essence of local community spirit.

Episode Highlights:
  • Creating a business model that celebrates small-town Canadian culture
  • Managing a subscription-based busine...
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Episode 1: Sweet Success: From Banking to Bonbons with Kelly Lindsay

Episode Duration: 45 minutes

Kelly Lindsay shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a 20-year banking career to founding Corner Store Candy Co., a charming sweet shop in downtown Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

Corner Store Candy Co

https://cornerstorecandy.co/

27 York St., Stratford ON Canada

Instagram

Episode Highlights:
  • The leap from corporate bankin...
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