In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, co-founders Shauna Frederick and Shannon Pestun kick off 2025 with an inspiring conversation about making this year all about financial wellness.

As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and let financial wellness take a backseat. That’s why Shauna and Shannon are here to help women entrepreneurs refocus on their financial health, offering practical advice to align personal and business goals. They highlight the power of starting the year with intention—taking a step back to reflect on what matters most to you and setting goals that truly resonate. Financial clarity and confidence, they remind us, aren’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about creating a plan that aligns with your values, vision, and the life you want to build.

In this episode, they break down actionable strategies to tackle common financial roadblocks—from shifting unhelpful mindsets to simplifying financial processes. They also share tips for taking small, meaningful steps that lead to lasting habits and real progress. Packed with fresh insights and practical tips, this conversation is a must-listen for any woman entrepreneur ready to own her financial journey in 2025. Whether you’re refining your goals or starting from scratch, it’s time to make this your year of financial empowerment.

In this episode of The Finance Cafe podcast, Shannon sits down with The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Canada's first Filipino-Canadian woman elected to Parliament and appointed to Cabinet. As the Minister of Small Business, Minister Valdez brings a wealth of experience as a former entrepreneur, TV host, and corporate banking professional. She shares her inspiring journey from running a small bakery business to leading national efforts in fostering women entrepreneurship.

Minister Valdez discusses Canada's Women Entrepreneurship Strategy and how it's accelerating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive in a more inclusive and supportive business environment. Through her own entrepreneurial journey, Minister Valdez highlights the power of creativity, problem-solving, and resilience in building a successful business, and how these same qualities are essential for her work in public service.

In this candid conversation, you'll hear about the transformative policies that are breaking barriers for women in business, creating pathways for success, and ensuring that women entrepreneurs are empowered to make a lasting impact. Minister Valdez’s story shows the power of determination and the importance of creating a more equitable business landscape.

Follow these links to connect and learn more about the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy:

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Women Entrepreneurship Strategy

In this episode, Shauna sits down with the inspiring Joyce Usher-Mesiano, a renowned Canadian entrepreneur, business leader, and risk management specialist. With decades of experience, Joyce has made waves in the insurance industry, first as President of National Brokers Insurance Services and now as Vice President of Business Development at Westland Insurance.

Joyce has received numerous accolades, including WXN’s Top 100 Women in Canada (2016 & 2017), Elite Women in Insurance (2023), and Women of Excellence (2024). Beyond her professional achievements, she is a champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a mentor to rising stars in the industry, and a passionate advocate for charitable causes like lung cancer care and awareness.

In this candid conversation, Joyce shares her expertise on selling a business and finding the right buyer who will not only respect the company you’ve built but also bring it into the future with a shared vision. From building strong relationships to aligning with buyers who share your goals, Joyce provides actionable insights for navigating this complex process.

Whether you're currently exploring the idea of selling your business or just curious about how to approach this transition, this episode is full of practical advice and real-world wisdom to help guide you through the process.

Tune in to hear Joyce’s powerful story and learn how to confidently navigate selling your business while setting it up for a bright future!

Twitter: @JoyceUsherMesia

LinkedIn: Joyce Usher-Mesiano

Instagram: usherjoyce

Website: www.westlandinsurance.ca