1. M E N T O R S H I P F O R C A R E E R A N D L I F E S U C C E S S
BODY MAINTENANCE
THROUGH THE AGES
HORSE WHISPERINGS
HOW EQUINE THERAPY CAN
IMPROVE YOUR LEADERSHIP
TRY OUR BALLOON
JOURNAL EXERCISE AND
SOAR AMONG THE CLOUDS!
YOUR BEST
INTERVIEW YET
holding
What’s
You Back?NOW AVAILABLE
ONLINE!
issue#5.indd 1 3/24/09 2:26 PM
2. 2 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
When you die
God and the angels
will hold you accountable
for all the pleasures you were
allowed in life that you denied yourself.
~ Anonymous ~
issue#5.indd 2 3/24/09 2:26 PM
3. MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 3
56
52
30features
30 PROFILING WOMEN WHO
HAVE BROKEN DOWN BARRIES TO
ACHIEVE SUCCESS
32 SARA BLAKELY
Founder, President, SPANX
36 SUSAN WHELAN
Lawyer, Former Liberal MP
40 SUSAN SLY
President, CEO, Motivational Speaker & Life Coach
43 ARLENE DICKINSON
CEO Venture Communications
52 WHAT’s HOLDING
YOU BACK
56 YOUR BEST INTERVIEW YET
74 FOOD FOR THE SOUL
KATIE LEE JOEL
March / April 2009
Volume 1 Issue 5
74
CoverillustrationbyStephaneBusque,inspiredbytheworkofBrunoBudrovic.
issue#5.indd 3 3/24/09 2:26 PM
4. inside look
MENTORSHIP
46 Lonely at the Top
48 Go Ahead, Toot Your Own Horn
52 Journal – What’s Holding You Back?
54 Revitalizing Human Connection in
Cutthroat Times
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
56 Your Best Interview Yet
60 Journal – Five Things You’ve Always
Wanted to Do
62 Horse Whisperings
65 Working with the Flow
BODY AND SOUL
66 Feed Your Soul
68 Body Maintenance Through the Ages
72 Live Well, Feel Better
73 Journal – Healthy Success
FOOD FOR THE SOUL
74 Katie Lee Joel
76 Logan County Hamburgers
77 Beef Stew
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
78 Catharine Fennell
ON THE PULSE
80 Enrich Your Life
IN EVERY ISSUE
4 At the Heart of It
6 Heart Feedback
UPFRONT
10 Time for Tea
11 Does Your Bra Measure Up?
12 Speaking with Power
13 Successful Communication During Tough
Economic Times
IN STYLE
14 Spring 2009 Top Six Trends
HEARTFELT ADVICE
18 Medical: Tips for Healthy Eating
20 Legal: Employment Contract Negotiation
22 Financial: Risk Planning
24 HR: Succession Planning and Talent Management
IN FOCUS
26 The Secret to Making Successful Change
PROFILE
32 Sara Blakely
36 Susan Whelan
40 Susan Sly
43 Arlene Dickinson
EDITOR’S FEATURE
45 Dig Deep...
March / April 2009
Volume 1 Issue 5
45EDITOR’S FEATURE
Dig Deep...
issue#5.indd 4 3/24/09 2:26 PM
6. 6 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
AT THE HEART OF IT
Brenda Wood, Editor-In-Chief
T LET GO. LET IT FLOW
And I hope to see you soaring
among the clouds!
PhotobyKristiePearceandChelseaPhelps
What’s holding
you back?
issue#5.indd 6 3/24/09 2:26 PM
The theme of our fifth issue, What’s Holding You Back?
identified over a year ago is ironic to say the least. After
much deliberation in the first quarter of 2009, we made the
difficult decision to suspend the print format and transition
to digital due to insufficient advertiser support. Over a dozen
advertisers cut advertising spending in the first three months
of 2009. HEART Business Journal For Women®, in
addition to a number of other, established publications, felt
this crunch.
I love magazines, always have. So the move to digital was a
particularly difficult one for me. As the Journaling
component is one of the key points of difference and
practices within the HEART concept, i was concerned as to
how we would execute a digital product maintaining this
important element. I am pleased to say, i believe our final
solution is more than satisfactory. Now, with our digital
magazine, you can download your writeable journal pdf onto
your computer or mobile device for greater flexibility and
more frequent interaction. You can also print off or
download any of the fabulous articles from our panel of
experts and contributors; to be used in staff training or your
own planning applications.
I also encourage you to complete the new HEART
BALLOON™ exercise on pages 52 and 53. It is a wonderful
tool to help you articulate your dreams/goals while
identifying not only the obstacles that seem to be blocking
you or holding you back – but also, it requires you to identify
the positive resources available at your finger tips. In
difficult times we can focus on what isn’t happening or what
isn’t working. Redirect and focus that energy to the positive
and work on uncovering solutions that you may not have
been open to until now. A review of your healthy resources
will brighten your perspective and perhaps, inspire you to
take a leap into something you have always wanted but never
felt motivated to pursue.
Each of us has the ability to cultivate positive energy and
change. We are the authors of our stories/lives. So why not
author one hell of a story, dream extravagantly and
passionately embrace the surprises and twists along the way.
As they say, be careful what you wish for, for you will surely
get it. How exciting!
Again, thank you for your patience and your continued
support. I hope you enjoy this issue and find inspiration and
challenge reading the profiles and working through the
exercises.
8. 8 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
READERS
heart feedback
“I run a small coffee kiosk in a Go Train station
in Port Credit, Ontario. I am required to sell
magazines and recently they have been sending
me Heart Business Journal. I browse through all
mags after the rush hour is over and to be honest
with you, I am delighted and proud to say that this
magazine is one of a kind!! I have read and heard
inspirational books, tapes, and CDs but the article
Your Authentic Self is the best so far - every word
is authentic and I recommend that it’s a must read
for every woman, in business or not!!! I loved it
and intend to share it with my family and friends.
Congratulations to you all and especially to the
writer of this article which is so valuable and can
be identified with no matter what age a woman
is! Thank you so much and good luck to you.”
Farida Lila
Mississauga, ON
“As a career women, I would love to see an
article featuring Doris Anderson. I just watched
her life and times and it was so inspiring, and
empowering. I have to admit, I cried when I
saw Article 28 being added to the charter.”
Brigitte LeClerc
Training facilitator, Delta Hotels, NB
“I am an artisan and new owner of a small metal
art business that makes garden art and home decor.
My husband gave me a copy of your magazine for
Christmas this year. I have found it informative,
interesting, and love that it is specifically designed
for women. I enjoyed it so much so, that I have
already passed it on to a couple of friends!”
Sandy Morris
ShiningSun GardenWorks, Nanoose Bay, BC
“I am a big supporter of HEART- I think it’s a
fabulous tool for women. It certainly has helped me
and has given me things to really think about.”
Cheryl Weedmark
‘A’ Morning, Weather Announcer/Associate
Producer/Co-Host, London, ON
“My cousin bought your magazine for
me and I must confess that I enjoyed it
immensely! It’s smart, inspiring, and
beautifully designed - Congratulations!!”
Chris Leith
Orangeville, ON
“Thank you for creating HEART Business Journal!!!
Your magazine is excellent and the articles are
very good. The women interviewed in your lovely
magazine are terrific role models and are truly an
inspiration to young girls and women of all ages.”
Robin Richman
Private Investor, Orangeville, ON
“I just picked up the newest issue of HEART
and wanted to say how impressed I am with
this subscription! One of my staff members
brought me the premiere issue and since then
I’ve been hooked! I haven’t been excited about
a new publication in a long time. Great job!”
Connie Forst
Willingdon, AB
“I would like to read more about the current
economic downturn. How to cope when your
retirement investments have been significantly
depleted and your retirement may be delayed.
Also, I am interested in learning about strategies
to change jobs under these financial conditions.”
Jan Shepherd McKee
Professor, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON
Letters from
issue#5.indd 8 3/24/09 2:26 PM
10. 10 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
UPFRONT
Time for Tea
After water, tea is the most commonly consumed
beverage in the world. Considering its various forms,
flavours,and medicinal qualities,there is good reason
for tea to possess such a status. Discovered by
Chinese Emperor Shennong several thousand years
ago, tea has traveled continents and millenniums to
reach North American palettes. Enjoyed less for its
taste and more for its healing properties, tea is an
ancient tradition to compliment (and even counteract)
modern diets.
Herbal Teas for Human Health
There are many benefits to drinking tea, each blend with its own
advantages. Below are some of the most popular kinds and their
therapeutic effects.
Alfalfa: Considered a tonic that supports overall body health,
alfalfa regulates calcium and helps build bones. It also has
estrogenic properties, making it an effective remedy for women who
are experiencing menopause.
Chamomile: From the sunflower family, chamomile is used for
calming. It can be ingested to decrease anxiety, promote sleep, and
ease menstrual pains.
Ginger: Not just for cooking, ginger is popular for treating nausea and
diarrhea as it soothes the stomach and decreases spasmodic activity.
Gingko: Regarded as a living fossil that has existed since the age
of the dinosaurs, gingko is now used as a brain tonic. It contains
antioxidants that improve cerebral circulation and strengthen
memory function.
Green: Possibly the most popular herbal tea in the West, green
tea is said to protect against cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s,
arthritis, and dental decay. Green tea is also believed to increase
metabolism resulting in weight loss.
Peppermint: As a cooling plant, peppermint is helpful in decreasing
hot flashes and headaches. Externally, it is used to take the itch out
of insect bites, chicken pox, and shingles.
Red/Rooibos: Originating in Africa, rooibos protects against DNA
damage, high cholesterol, and histamine release, which also makes
it beneficial for people with allergies.
Seeing Green: The Unhealthy Effects of Tea
According to Iva Lloyd, Chair of the Canadian Association of
Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), the healthiness of a tea depends on
two factors: how it was harvested and processed, and whether that
tea is right for a person and her/his symptoms.
“For example,” says Lloyd, “passionflower is an effective treatment
for insomnia if an overactive mind is the root problem. If the insomnia
is due to muscle pain, passionflower is not the correct treatment.”
Similarly, while green tea is said to protect against cancer and heart
disease, its high caffeine levels can react poorly in people suffering
from insomnia. It is beneficial to work with a doctor to determine the
root cause of the concern so the best treatment can be determined.
“There is a lot of individual diversity with how people react to herbs,”
adds Lloyd.
Stop and Smell the Passionflowers
While chamomile and passionflower can be said to decrease anxiety,
all tea blends seem to promote relaxation and reflection.
“Teas are soothing, warming, and it just feels good to sit with
friends or alone and calmly drink a cup of tea,” says Anne Arsenault,
author of Real Solutions to Children’s Health and creator of www.
healthbrights.com.
“The steam helps to open the breathing passages and breathing is
an important part of meditation.”
Summer or winter, tea can nurture the body and soothe the heart.
Even with its healthful properties, simply taking some time to have a
cup can provide an everyday escape for and from the mind.
Y Lauren Dye
PhotobyAlena-Shutterstock®
issue#5.indd 10 3/24/09 2:27 PM
11. MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 11
UPFRONT
don’t obsess over size. “I am always telling people, go with the
size that is right for you, that you feel comfortable in and that you
look good in,” says Mann. Her stores carry everything from a 32A
to a 44H.
As Mann points out, breasts undergo significant changes over a
woman’s life cycle. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause are
obvious milestones that merit a refit, but any weight gain or loss will
also affect size and shape.
And don’t think that bras are built to last. Most department store
models are past their prime after only three or four months of wear,
Mann says, while her higher-end offerings will do their duty for a year
or two, with proper care and storage.
Think of a bra as an investment in yourself. “A bra is way more than
cosmetics,” Mann insists. “It improves your well being, it improves
your posture, it improves your appearance, it improves your mood.
And when you feel good and you look good, it makes an overall
improvement in you.”
Y Nicole Laidler
Does size matter? When it comes
to bras, the answer is ‘yes.’
And it’s not just a matter of looking perky.
A poorly-fitting bra can cause a myriad of
health problems, from headaches and back pain
to tingling and numbness in the arms and hands.
“Many people misdiagnose themselves,” says chiropractor Dr.
Michelle Prince of Windsor’s Lifetime Wellness Centre. “They think
it’s their computer, or their lifestyle, or their pillow, when really they
need a properly supportive bra.” Breasts, after all, contain no muscle.
Their weight is carried by the neck, shoulders, and back.
“The breast can weigh so heavily that the spine starts to shift
forward,” Dr. Prince explains. That puts extra stress on the upper
back and neck, sending many well-endowed women to their
healthcare professionals with everything from migraine headaches
to suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. For many, relief is only a bra
fitting away.
While the average woman may never experience health problems
brought on by ill-fitting lingerie, wearing the right bra can improve
everyone’s quality of life.
“I always say that a good bra will make you feel younger, taller,
and slimmer,” says expert bra fitter and owner of Toronto’s Linea
Intima, Liliana Mann. A good bra will position the breasts mid-way
between the shoulder and elbow, giving more definition to the waist
and making the chest look smaller, she says.
So how can you tell if you are among the estimated 80 per cent of
women wearing the wrong-sized bra? Mann has a simple answer:
“When you are not comfortable in your bra and you are constantly
fidgeting, when you can’t wait to take it off, it means you are in the
wrong bra.”
A bra should not ride up in the back or create back flab, Mann
says. The shoulder straps should stay in place without digging in.
Underwire should extend to the end of the breast and never poke
into the breast tissue or armpit. The centre of the bra should lay flat
against the breast bone and the cups should not overflow.
To find a bra that measures up, seek out a professional fitter and
Does Your Bra
Measure Up?
PhotobyOlgaShelego-Fotolia.com
issue#5.indd 11 3/24/09 2:27 PM
12. 12 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
UPFRONT
Photobyabsolut-Shutterstock®
Words by their very nature are meant to connect, to inspire, and to
ultimately acknowledge the listeners.
When it comes to public speaking, it is important for women to not
only “do a good job” at the podium by current standards, but surpass
them, to develop a new and powerful vision of women as speakers
who are able to move mountains with their voice, presence, and
carriage.
What is at stake is the ability to be fully powerful in communication –
conveying our full humanity, charisma, self-expression, and power.
It’s the moxie that matters.
Powerful speaking begins when we acknowledge the listener.
Speaking is designed to be an interaction between two hearts, a
meeting of minds, a sharing of ideas. When you are in front of an
audience, concentrating on “doing it right” means you are setting up
walls in your head, because you’re checking off a list of things you
need to do to “do it right,” instead of connecting to your audience.
The result is that most people speak to themselves, rather than to
their audience.
The first and most critical gateway for a powerful
speaker is managing thought. Let’s take a look
at how your thoughts are affecting your speech
patterns, which may be “setting up walls” between
you and your audience. This is also a good exercise
for decreasing stage fright.
1. Stand in front of a mirror and imagine a room full of people in
front of you.
2. First, pretend that they have strained or heavy faces. Say hello
out loud. Note your expression and vocal quality.
3. Now, imagine the room full of caring, smiling people. Say hello
out loud again. Do you notice any differences in your voice or face?
4. Take a look at what kind of assumptions you are carrying into
your next meeting: is it going to be boring, interesting, or stressful?
How do you feel?
5. If you have a big event coming up, practice visualizing your entry
into the event, and your speech in an ideal manner. Then create the
audience’s response in detail. Try lying down while you do this, or sit
back in your chair and close your eyes:
Imagine you are getting approval from your audience, that they are
smiling at you, and that they are engaged in what you are saying.
Imagine love flowing back to you – even from people you may
assume (or know) don’t like you. Breathe deeply while you imagine
this. Pause at the end of the exhale. While you hold the breath out,
gently squeeze any areas of your torso that aren’t being fully utilized.
Let go of the tension and allow the inhale to flow in freely. Repeat this
breathing pattern while you visualize, looking for a reflexive increase
in the movement of the torso during the inhale. This will tell you
you’re hitting the mark.
Increasing your confidence and comfort in front of an audience will
enhance your ability to communicate, which is an essential skill in
business. It is the first step to becoming an effective public speaker,
allowing you to captivate audiences and leave them wanting more.
Y Mary Michaela Weber
Speaking with Power
RecognizeWhat’s HoldingYou Back and Learn to
Speak Effectively
issue#5.indd 12 3/24/09 2:27 PM
13. MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 13
UPFRONT
PhotobyDmitriyShironosov-Shutterstock®
Successful Communication
During Tough Economic Times
Whether you are operating a franchise, managing a group of sales
reps, or acting as a Human Resources Director, changing the way
you do business is always a challenge. The recent surge in layoffs
across many industries poses unique challenges in communicating
with your staff. In addition, remaining employees are becoming
so fearful with the economic downturn that they could be losing
their daily focus and motivation. So how do you successfully
communicate changes in your business and promote a positive
workplace culture?
First, there is no easy way to communicate bad news. Begin by
gently stating the facts in a few short phrases. “Jane, thank you for
meeting with me. Due to the changes in our company right now, we
are letting go of some great people. Unfortunately, you are part of
that group.” Pause, and allow the information to settle. Always be
empathetic by understanding Jane’s state of shock and discontent,
especially if she has been with your business for years.
Expect Jane to react with anger, resentment, or even tears once the
news sinks in. Allow her time to respond in her own unique way. Do
not interrupt her while she is venting. Do not give her a consolation
speech of any kind. End the meeting on a positive note by discussing
her package and by reinforcing her knowledge and skills that will be
a strong asset to her in the future. Always demonstrate sincerity.
Communicating negative information takes strength and compassion.
Now how do you handle the rest of your team? What do they need
in order to do their jobs with continued enthusiasm? As an authority
figure, you will feel tremendous pressure to keep others motivated,
secure, and focused day-to-day. It is your duty to create an
environment of realistic hope and keep the lines of communication
open with staff so they can better cope with stress. You can achieve
these goals with ongoing training initiatives.
Training and consulting allow businesses to survive and prosper
during a sliding economy. While it is one of the first things businesses
cut, sales and marketing initiatives should be maintained, and
training is part of the equation. It boosts the overall morale, and it
makes individuals feel worthy and effective at the end of the day.
This is exactly what you want right now in order for your business
to succeed.
Franchise owners and other professionals will be able to sell their
ideas more effectively by changing their usual approach. Customer
support staff will be able to speak to clients with heightened
confidence and ease because they intuitively understand the reasons
behind the changes in how the business is run. They are educated
regularly by management, and managers are being trained by
professional consultants.
Change will be the only answer for survival and prosperity during
these tough economic times. It would be wise to make training an
ongoing part of that change.
YNicoleAttias-Formoretipsonhowtodeliverstrongpresentations,
visit www.NicoleAttias.com.
issue#5.indd 13 3/24/09 2:27 PM
14. 14 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
in style
SHIMMER & SHINE
What would life
be like without a
little shimmer and
shine? Not just for
evening, these softly
gilded pieces add
glimmer to the latest
tops and bottoms.
FULL COLOUR
FLORALS
Nothing announces
spring’s arrival like
full colour florals.
Whether big and
bold, delicate,
or subtle, flower
power rules.
NYGÅRD
Collection
.3/4 Sleeve
Smocking
Blouse $68
.Side Zipper
Control Top
Pant $78
Peter Nygård
.Cap Sleeve
Beaded
Blouse $128
.Embroidered
Crinkled
Skirt $188
SPRING 2009
Top Six TrendsSay Goodbye to the “Winter Blues” and Say Hello to the Vibrant Hues of Spring.
Despite the layer of fluffy white snow currently hiding most of our country, the breathtaking looks of spring have
taken their rightful place in store windows, offering a much-needed glimmer of hope for the months ahead. This
season merges classic Black & White pants, flared skirts, and embroidered coats with vivid floral tops, dresses, and
knit cardigans, and sees the colour orange take centre stage in a role that can be perfect for both day and night.
Having spent the past few months runwayside in New York and Milan, NYGÅRD
demonstrates the six must have items of Spring 2009.
issue#5.indd 14 3/24/09 2:27 PM
15. in style
MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 15
CROPPED PANT
Perfect for both
spring and summer,
this pant does double
duty, going the
distance during work
and play. Available
in classic or bright
colours, this pant is a
wardrobe must have.
ANYTHING
ORANGE
FRESH is the best
way to describe
this season’s star
colour! Whether
worn in solids or
prints, the message
is clear: Vitamin
‘See’ all the way.
NYGÅRD
Collection
.3/4 Sleeve
Smocking &
Beaded Blouse
with Cami $68
.Capri Pant $78
NYGÅRD Collection
.Metallic Shrug $88
.Spaghetti Strap
Smocking Dress $88
issue#5.indd 15 3/24/09 2:27 PM
16. COCO JACKET
A classic with a new
twist, COCO JACKETS
with contrasting trim
or surface texture
are spring’s answer
to what to wear with
denim or simply
head-to-toe suiting.
BLACK & WHITE
Black is the foundation of
any wardrobe and when
paired with white makes
a dramatic impact. This
season, look for jackets,
skirts, and pants done in
crisp white, or a striking
black with white detailing.
Peter Nygård
.Cardigan
Jacket $248
.Open Scoop
Neck Tank $29
.Clean Front
Trouser $78
Peter Nygård
.Embroidered
Coat $298
.Super Soft
Tank $29
.Front Opening
Pant $78
NYGÅRD International
is Canada’s largest women’s fashion house
with its signature brands Peter Nygård,
Bianca Nygård, NYGÅRD Collection, ALIA, and
TANJAY. Available across Canada in NYGÅRD
Fashion Parks, NYGÅRD Fashion stores, The
Bay, SEARS and at NYGÅRD.com, the company
takes pride in having the fit for every woman.
PhotosprovidedbyNygård
issue#5.indd 16 3/24/09 2:27 PM
18. 18 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
HEARTFELT ADVICE
Medical
Healthy eating is vitally important in helping prevent osteoporosis,
diabetes, certain cancers, heart attack, and stroke. Busy women have
little time to focus on getting all the nutrients they need every day.
These are my top three “daily habits” which help ensure eating for
preventive health:
Freggies – How to get eight to 10 per day:
• Put a serving of berries on high-fiber cereal with skim milk
for breakfast.
• Stir a serving of fruit into non-fat yogurt for mid morning snack.
• Pack five kinds of raw veggies (five servings using a wide
variety of colours) and two fruit servings in a large plastic
container with two mini Babybel lite cheese servings for lunch
(packing this kind of lunch can be done in less than five minutes).
• Eat a big dark green leafy salad each evening or substitute a soup
made entirely of veggies and stock (squash, mushroom, tomato,
broccoli, etc.).
Go for fiber:
• Eat seven to eight servings of “high quality” grains per day. I
have a rule of thumb: if a serving of bread/crackers/cereal/rice/
etc. has LESS than four grams of fiber, it’s not worth eating.
Low fat:
• I aim for less than 30 per cent of my daily calories from “fats” –
that amounts to about 60 grams per day maximum.
• I use only non-fat or low-fat dairy products and aim for four
servings per day (adding a calcium/vitamin D supplement if my
minimum 1500mg calcium is not reached with foods alone).
• Meat portions are kept very small – four ounces for fish/chicken
and less than that for other meats (I enjoy other meat less than
twice per week and never eat processed/cured meats).
• Labels, labels, labels – I read them constantly. There is fat
content found in foods where one would never suspect (for
example: check out most “granola” bar products).
Need some Heartfelt Advice? Email your medical, legal, financial, and
human resources questions to expert@HEARTbusinessjournal.com
What are your top three tips for
healthy eating?
Top Tips for Healthy Eating
issue#5.indd 18 3/24/09 2:27 PM
19. MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 19
HEARTFELT ADVICE
Medical
Each of these tips assumes portion control for maintaining healthy
body weight. If you eat all the “servings” advised in Canada’s food
guide you will gain weight – no question. However, if you pay
close attention to the portion sizes of those servings and customize
the number of servings to your lifestyle and weight loss needs you
cannot go wrong.
I am a huge fan of “food tracking” – getting a handle on how
much fat, fiber, protein, etc. is in my daily regimen. When I feel
I am falling back to making unhealthy choices, or have been on
holidays and out of “routine,” I go back to tracking. I personally
use a tracking program called FitDay (see www.fitday.com). The
Dietitians of Canada website also has a tracker called the Eating
and Activity Tracker (see www.eatracker.ca) which is excellent as
well. These kinds of programs do the math for you – they tell you
how much fat, protein, fiber, etc. you are ingesting and allow you to
make better choices “next time” in terms of portions or actual food
choices. There are resources on the Dietitians of Canada website to
help you understand how much fat/protein/energy intake you require
for a healthy body weight. A great investment in your future health
would be a visit to a certified dietitian to get this kind of information
customized to your needs.
The habits of those who keep off their weight are this: they track their
foods regularly, they exercise every day, they always eat breakfast,
they eat a low-fat diet, they measure portion sizes, they eat three
meals and two snacks per day, and they consume at least 75 per cent
of their calories at home or packed from home.
In my mind, avoiding measuring of blood sugar and taking
medications several times per day – important; avoiding premature
heart disease or stroke – very important; energy and vitality from a
healthy lifestyle – priceless. Y
Dr. Lori Teeple, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP, has been
an emergency and family physician for over 20 years
and has a particular interest in preventive medicine
and health promotion. She is currently the Chief of
Medical Staff at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
PhotoprovidedbyDr.LoriTeeple
issue#5.indd 19 3/24/09 2:27 PM
20. 20 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
HEARTFELT ADVICE
Legal
Need some Heartfelt Advice? Email your medical, legal, financial, and
human resources questions to expert@HEARTbusinessjournal.com
What should an employer and employee
consider when negotiating a contract of
employment?
Employment Contract Negotiation
The commencement of employment or the offer of a promotion
is a time of optimistic expectation for employer and employee, each
hopeful that the relationship will be mutually satisfactory and long
lasting. Many employers and employees fail to appreciate, however,
that it is also one of the most critical stages in the employment
relationship, being the point at which both parties should engage in
the negotiation of the terms of that relationship. Many employees
feel that they have no power to negotiate, and simply accept the
terms that are presented to them. However, no employee or employer
has anything to lose by discussing and coming to agreement on the
terms of employment. A negotiated contract of employment will set
expectations, reduce confusion and resentment, and in most cases
will avoid litigation.
There are three critical elements in a contract of employment:
consideration, clarity, and comprehensiveness.
The single most important element in a contract of employment
is consideration because without it the contract is not enforceable.
This is highly problematic, particularly for the employer, because
absent a contract of employment, our statutory and common law
system will imply a myriad of terms into the employment relationship
that are generally much more favourable to the employee than most
employers would otherwise have negotiated.
Consideration consists of the promises that we make to one
another. The employer promises to pay the employee and in
exchange the employee promises to provide service to the employer.
It seems straightforward, but when it comes to consideration in the
employment context, timing is everything. Our courts have held that
the terms of an employee’s employment crystallize the moment the
employee commences employment, and cannot thereafter be altered
unless additional consideration is provided to the employee. This
means that the moment the employee arrives at work to start his or
her first day, the terms of employment are fixed, and if the employee
has not signed a contract of employment prior to commencing
work, all of the statutory and common law implied terms govern
the employment relationship. If an employer wants to change any
of those terms now fixed, the employer must provide the employee
with new consideration.
issue#5.indd 20 3/24/09 2:27 PM
21. MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 21
HEARTFELT ADVICE
Legal
New consideration would consist of
something more than that which had previously
been promised to the employee, such as a
monetary payment like a signing bonus, additional
vacation, increased insurance benefits, and so on.
All too often employers mistakenly wait until the
employee’s first day of work to have the employee
sign the contract of employment, and much to
their dismay find that the contract is not worth
the paper it was written on. It is critical, therefore,
that the parties sign the contract of employment
prior to commencement of the first day on the job.
Clarity is another important element in
the negotiation of an employment contract.
Employers and employees generally have no
difficulty discussing and coming to agreement on
the fundamentals in very broad terms. However,
the details of what each party expects from the
other should also be discussed and written out
clearly. Ambiguity and uncertainty is the enemy in
the employment relationship, and will inevitably
lead to disappointment and potential litigation
if neither party can later come to agreement on
what was promised or expected. A contract of
employment, which can be understood by both
the employer and the employee, and not just their
lawyers, will go a long way in maintaining a good
employer/employee relationship.
Comprehensiveness requires the employee
and employer to consider and agree upon as
many elements as possible that will affect the
employment relationship, including those that
are not pleasant, such as what will happen upon
termination of employment. Again, this will
help avoid later disappointment, resentment,
and litigation. In order to avoid a contract of
employment that is 20 pages long, many of
the terms that require greater detail such as
commission or bonus plans, group insurance
plan terms, and confidentiality provisions can
be set out in an employee policy manual, but
incorporated into the contract of employment by
reference. Many employers make the mistake of
believing that by simply having a policy manual
the employee is bound by it, but this is not always
the case. If the employer wants an employee to be
bound by policies, it must refer to them within the
contract of employment, and better still, attach
the policies or plan information as schedules to
the contract of employment.
With respect to the content of the contract
of employment, there are eight areas of the
employment relationship that ought to be
negotiated each and every time an employee is
offered a position, whether for the first time, or
with the offer of a promotion or a new role within
the company, and one further provision that is
important in situations where client relationships
require protection.
1. Duties
2. Compensation
3. Benefits
4. Vacation
5. Confidentiality and Work Product
6. Probation
7. Termination
8. Restrictive Covenants
For a more detailed explanation of these eight
areas of the employment contract, subscribers can
login to the HEART Network and look under
issue extras.
Every employer should insist that an
employee sign a contract of employment prior
to commencing employment or accepting a
promotion. No employee should be afraid to
negotiate the terms of that contract. Finally,
both employers and employees should seek
legal counsel with respect to the terms of the
employment contract. There are many legal
technicalities that will affect the enforceability
of the contract, and both need to understand and
ensure that there is a reasonable balance between
the protection of their respective rights and
entitlements. Y
Bettina Burgess is a lawyer with the Waterloo Regional office of
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP where she practices Employment
Law. Her practice is focused in the areas of wrongful dismissal,
employment standards compliance, and Human Rights issues.
In 2003, Bettina, along with several of her female colleagues, founded the
women’s networking group called emPOWERed by Gowlings which hosts female-
oriented networking and educational opportunities for professional women
in the Waterloo Region. Bettina is committed to promoting and facilitating
the empowerment and success of women in all aspect of their lives.
PhotoprovidedbyBettinaBurgess
issue#5.indd 21 3/24/09 2:28 PM
22. 22 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
HEARTFELT ADVICE
Need some Heartfelt Advice? Email your medical, legal, financial, and
human resources questions to expert@HEARTbusinessjournal.com
Financial
This article is for information purposes only. It is recommended that individuals consult with their Wealth Advisor before acting on any information contained
in this article. All insurance products are sold through ScotiaMcLeod Financial Services Inc., the insurance subsidiary of Scotia Capital Inc., a member
of the Scotiabank Group. When discussing life insurance products, ScotiaMcLeod advisors are acting as Life Underwriters (Financial Security Advisors in
Quebec) representing ScotiaMcLeod Financial Services Inc.The opinions stated are not necessarily those of Scotia Capital Inc. or The Bank of Nova Scotia.
ScotiaMcLeod is a division of Scotia Capital Inc., Member CIPF.
Thinking about one’s own mortality or how our loved ones would
manage without us is agonizing enough, however, more disturbing
is the thought of our family being overwhelmed with financial
burdens because we did not properly plan ahead. I must confess that
it never ceases to amaze me how many couples with young children
avoid having this unpleasant discussion. Case in point is Daniel and
Marianne, a married couple who had come to see me a few months
back to discuss their current financial health.
At first glance the couple’s financial house looked in pretty good
shape. They were both nearing their 40s and had a combined total
of $300,000 in RRSP savings. On top of that, Daniel had a good
pension plan, they had little debt, and their mortgage would be
completely paid in nine years. At the outset, Daniel and Marianne
were looking good. After some more discussion, Marianne expressed
that she wanted to step back from her career and stay home to raise
the children. They figured that they could survive just fine off of
Daniel’s salary of $90,000 a year. They would most likely have
to cut back on some of their more extravagant expenses and put a
temporary halt on their monthly contributions to their retirement
savings plans. These were sacrifices they were willing to make for
their family.
In our first meeting, I went through the usual questions. What is
your financial situation today? How would you like it to be in the
future? What are your short and long-term financial goals? Finally,
I asked, Would your family be able to manage financially if you
didn’t make it home from work today? After a few moments of
extremely uncomfortable silence, Daniel admitted that he has often
worried about the fact that his family is completely financially
dependent on him. Marianne also admitted that after stepping back
from her career she too was concerned about being so reliant on her
husband’s income in the chance that anything should happen to him.
It is so important for couples with young children to spend some time
talking about how they would like to protect their family financially
should one of them die prematurely. To help my clients with this
Would your family be able to manage
financially if you didn’t make it home
from work today?
Risk Planning
issue#5.indd 22 3/24/09 2:28 PM
23. MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 23
HEARTFELT ADVICE
Financial
Rhonda Sherwood, CFP, FMA
Wealth Advisor - ScotiaMcLeod
#1100- 650 West Georgia St
Vancouver BC - V6B 4N9 - 604.661.1532
http://rhondasherwood.com
http://itsHERmoney.com
uncomfortable process, I ask them to visualize how they would like their spouse
and children to continue on if they should pass away. For example, would Daniel
want Marianne to stay home indefinitely to care for their two children or at
least until she is emotionally able to go back to work? Would he prefer that the
family remain in their current home? If so, could Marianne afford the mortgage
payments? Do they want to maintain their current standard of living should one
of them pass away? Do they want to contribute to their children’s education?
These are important questions that must be given serious consideration.
Daniel has $100,000 of a group life insurance policy through his work. The
outstanding balance on their mortgage is just shy of $200,000. They declined
mortgage insurance through their bank when they bought the home because they
had no children at the time and both could afford the mortgage payments on their
own income. Now that they have children, they planned to look into mortgage
insurance when the term came due in two years. Daniel and Marianne have
healthy RRSPs that could potentially be used as income if need be, although
they both prefer to leave them as a source of retirement income for the surviving
spouse.
The quickest way to assess how much life insurance Daniel and Marianne may
need is to determine what their short-term needs would be (funeral expenses,
taxes, outstanding debt such as the mortgage), add this figure to what their
long-term needs would be (annual income needs, education costs), minus this
total from all sources of income they will have coming in. This combined total
represents the minimum amount of life insurance the couple would need. The
best solution for Daniel and Marianne is to each take out a term insurance policy
for $700,000.
Term insurance basically means that you only want to be insured for a specific
length of time. It also usually costs less than life insurance. This was a good fit for
Daniel and Marianne who really only wanted insurance while their children were
living at home and financially dependent on them. The twist of fate in the Daniel
and Marianne’s story is that they had come to see me worried about whether they
could financially survive in twenty plus years time but had put no thought into
whether or not they could financially survive today if either should die prematurely.
Daniel and Marianne now have peace of mind in knowing that in the event that
anything should happen to their family, they are now financially prepared.
As uncomfortable a topic as this may be, it is one that everyone needs to seriously
consider. Unfortunately, many people realize too late the importance of using
insurance to help protect their family from life’s uncertain events. If you have
people who are financially dependent on you, take some time to ensure that their
financial future will be secure. Protect the people that you love the most. Y
issue#5.indd 23 3/24/09 2:28 PM
24. 24 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
HEARTFELT ADVICEHumanResources
Need some Heartfelt Advice? Email your medical, legal, financial, and human
resources questions to expert@HEARTbusinessjournal.com
How can I ensure my company is prepared
with so many changes in the workforce and
talent pool?
Succession Planning and Talent Management
Most of us have an understanding of the impact globalization,
demographics,andthepresenteconomiccrisiscurrentlyhaveonmanaging
our organizations, but what effect do they have on your plans for ensuring
a future workforce? As a country, we are seeing manufacturing going
south, “have” provinces becoming "have-nots," declining birth rates,
increasing numbers of seniors, and plummeting markets. We know that it
all plays into the planning but how do we do it?
First of all, you need to know your organization's strategic objectives.
What business will you be in by 2020, or for that matter, are you going to
be in business in 2020? Auto manufacturing is a prime example of many
things - automation, advanced technology, top dollars, big unions, and big
business. Who would of thought that we would be wondering about their
actual existence in Canada in 2009?
Where is the primary source of your product or service - here in Canada?
Africa? China? India? Your workforce planning may have to adapt to
your markets. Looking at the demographics in other countries may be
of value as Africa, China, and India have a much larger population base
under the age of 25.
Companies that have been successful with planning their workforce
strategically demonstrate that talent management needs to be owned by the
leaders of the organization. Do you have executive buy-in that workforce
planning is a top priority? Organizations that are highly respected for their
vision and HR planning (e.g., GE, Proctor & Gamble, Pepsi Co.) make their
top executives responsible for managing and recruiting the best talent.
Demographics are key. Canadian demographics are looking much like an
upside-down pyramid. No matter how bad pension plans and the markets
are right now, the older workers are going to leave and there are not enough
workers to replace them. What are you going to do for your organization?
Talent management is not for the weak - it's a complicated machine requiring
data analysis, business planning, performance management, focus on a scarce
resource - people, an investment in time, training and, to some degree, risk.
Here are a few simple suggestions to begin getting the “right people
issue#5.indd 24 3/24/09 2:28 PM
25. MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 25
HEARTFELT ADVICE
HumanResources
Patti Pike is presently the Executive Director, Strategic HR
Management for the Province of Nova Scotia and has spent
the majority of her career in human resources in both the
private and public sectors. She is a graduate of the Queen’s
University Industrial Relations masters program and has
a BBA from Mount Saint Vincent University. Originally
from St. John’s, NL, she now resides in Halifax, NS.
with the right skills in the right place at the
right time.”
1)Create a long-term plan. Where is your
organization going to be in 5 years? 10 years?
Building leadership capacity is critical to
maintain vision but you also need to plan for
the rest of your workforce - leadership alone
doesn't make for a successful business.
2) Develop a present inventory of your people
resources. You can't analyze your data, define
at-risk areas, and create retention strategies
if you don't have knowledge of your present
workforce. Having this inventory is a two-
way street as employees get the opportunity
to discuss their career plans with their
manager and the organization can define
developmental and promotional opportunities
to help retain their present talent.
3) Recruit, develop, promote, and retain
talent. Depending upon your inventory and
the organizational needs, you will determine
whether to recruit or “grow” specific talent.
If you have identified people who are at-
risk of leaving your organization, look at
lateral moves, promotional opportunities,
and retention strategies that will keep them
challengedandsatisfiedwiththeorganization.
The “war for talent” is not going away.
4)Respectexperienceandpreparetheyounger
workforce. There are unique challenges with
each of the four generations presently in the
workforce and differences managers will face
in motivating and retaining each generation.
Understand their values, motivators, and
needs, which can be established by surveying
your employees or through the performance
management process.
Baby boomers and traditional workers are
more loyal to organizations and often have
more invested in the employer, but think
about what will motivate them to stay - the
ability to reduce the hours they presently
work (e.g., a four-day workweek), some
form of retirement transition so both the
organizationandtheemployeecanpreparefor
the vacancy, pension enhancements, special
projects, or bonus pay for staying past their
eligibility. And, if you're still in a jurisdiction
that allows mandatory retirement, ditch it!
In five years or so, you'll be encouraging
employees to work past 65.
GenerationXandYhavedifferentmotivations.
Training and development opportunities are a
must and these employees prefer and benefit
fromhavingmentors.Manyorganizationshave
“affinity” groups for informal opportunities
for “like” people to get together (e.g., racially
visible groups and GBLTs) and the younger
generations seem to benefit from a network
for themselves. Our organization has seen
great benefits from GoverNEXT, which is a
community of young professionals across the
province of Nova Scotia who are helping build
leadership capacity and address future gaps
in our workforce through activities such as
mentoring and career development workshops.
Succession planning and talent management
are investments in your organization's future.
It requires risks such as accelerating your
younger generation employees to positions
for which they may not be ready, investing in
high potential employees who may be enticed
elsewhere, or by losing highly experienced
employees who don't feel valued. Talent
management takes time and money; it calls
for a carefully planned and rigorous approach
to identifying, developing, deploying, and
rewarding talent, which if done effectively,
will help the bottom line in the long run. Y
issue#5.indd 25 3/24/09 2:28 PM
27. MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 27
Bev Barnes
D
in focus
In her book, Finding Your Own North Star, Dr. Martha Beck
describes a four-step change cycle that we embark on when
making a change that affects our sense of identity. Dr. Beck
explains that, “Every major transformation will take you
through a similar sequence of events. Knowing how this
process works is like having a map of the landscape you’re
entering as you follow your internal compass.” If you are
embarking on a change in your life, knowing what to expect
can help you to overcome your obstacles.
Step One: Death and Rebirth
Every change begins with an ending. The old needs to die
in order to create space for the new. For example, if you
are up to your neck in paperwork from your corporate job
but long to break free and start your own business, the first
step is to exit from your current position. Step one involves
eliminating the parts of ourselves that no longer fit: a
relationship that has run its course; a job that has become
routine; a self-image that is no longer appropriate. What
often holds us back in step one is fear, usually the fear of
loss. When there is loss, there is also grief, so step one is
often where emotions surface. If you don’t let go of the old,
you will not move forward.
Step one is difficult because it is filled with endings and
a sense of risk. There is the possibility of failure. We live
in a culture that is replete with proverbs boding ominous
consequences for change. “A bird in the hand is worth two
Do you ever wonder why some people embark on new
projects and reach their goals and others never seem
to get past the starting gate? What makes some people
strive without discouragement toward their goals and
others give up? Have you ever decided to lose weight,
make a career change, or de-clutter your home only to
realize that you keep making the same decision over and
over again but never get anywhere? Does this mean that
you have no will power, no discipline, and no motivation?
Maybe, but that isn’t why you aren’t achieving your goals.
In my job as a life coach and career counsellor, I have
observed clients who successfully change their lives.
The secret to making successful change is to follow your
internal compass and have a trip-map, so that you know
where you are, what obstacles you will likely encounter,
and what you will need to do to overcome those obstacles
and reach your destination.
issue#5.indd 27 3/24/09 2:28 PM
28. in focus
Step Two Strategies:
Make a collage or vision board: On a Bristol
board, paste words and images that represent
how you want to feel or what you want to create
for your future.
Talk with like-minded people: Don’t share
your dreams with people who you know will not
support you. Your dreams are embryonic right
now and can still easily be stifled.
Read inspiring books: Check out the self-help
or memoirs and biographies section in your
local bookstore. Knowing that others have
done what you are trying to do will help you to
believe it is possible.
Find a mentor or coach: Someone who has
done what you are trying to do can be a huge
inspiration and motivator.
in the bush. Better the devil you know than the devil you
don’t.” We are bombarded with messages that tell us to play
it safe. No wonder so many people never even start to make
changes in their lives.
Step One Strategies:
Identify what is ending and what is not: If
you are seeking to become self-employed,
your job is ending but your skills, talents, and
competencies remain. Grieve the job loss, and
celebrate the opportunity to re-design your life.
Become conscious of your thoughts and realize
that they create your reality: Often what holds
us back is that we have created stories that aren’t
true about ourselves and have replayed these
stories repeatedly in our minds, and we often don’t
even realize it. One client of mine had always told
herself that she couldn’t lose weight. This was her
biggest obstacle. She replaced this destructive
thought with a supportive, “Everyday I am getting
closer to my natural weight.” She has lost weight,
exercises regularly, and is happier than she has
been in years.
Go for walks: A 20-minute walk, three times per
week at a brisk pace is a meditative practice.
It will help you to bring a state of calm to this
turbulent and possibly exciting time.
Allow yourself time to grieve: Acknowledge
your feelings of loss even as you embark on a
new adventure.
Step Two: Dreaming and Scheming
Once your old life is gone and you have dealt with the fact that
there is no going back, then you enter step two. Step two is an
imaginary world where the goal is to dream about an idealized
future. For those who love possibilities and imagination, step
two feels like bliss. For those who itch for action and want their
project to take form, step two feels like a useless waste of time.
Step two is where you can try on new identities in your mind
and explore how your life would look. This is the time to
unlock your creativity and unleash your imagination. Step
two feels like trying different keys to open a door until
you find one that fits. In the self-employment journey, for
example, this is where you are beginning to see yourself as
you want to be, as you possibly could be: as your own boss
in your dream job. This is where you start to believe it is
possible. Not having an inspired vision will hold you back,
particularly once the going gets tough in step three.
Step two is more difficult for pragmatic realists. They
typically do not allow themselves to dream big enough. They
cut off all possibilities that do not offer a practical solution.
My career coaching clients often deny even considering
their real dreams because they have already decided that it is
not possible. In step two, the objective is not to worry about
“how” but rather to have a big enough dream that leads to
the inspired action required in step three.
28 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
issue#5.indd 28 3/24/09 2:28 PM
29. in focus
Step Three: The Hero’s Saga
Step three consists of action and hard work. The
early Canadian settlers lived in step three. In step
three it is important to expect failure and not be
discouraged when it arrives. Step three is filled
with dashed hopes, trying again, and persevering.
For those who reveled in step two, step three is a
shock of reality. Step three takes action and sweat.
Pragmatists have found their home in this step.
Obstacles in this step involve: dealing with constant
failure; moving from big dreams to small; concrete
activities; procrastination; losing hope; and feeling
alone. In step three, “Slow and steady wins the race.”
Step Four: The Promised Land
All these activities will bring you to step four, the Promised Land.
In step four you have achieved your goals and all you need to do is
a little tinkering and fine-tuning to keep things running smoothly.
Step Three Strategies:
Remember your inspired vision: Look
at your collage or journal often, and
visualize how you will feel when you
have achieved your goal.
Take action: Don’t wait until you have
developed the perfect strategy. Do
something! If you make a mistake you
will be one step closer to your goal.
Take tiny action steps: Take the smallest
step possible toward your goal that feels
good. Every day take another small step.
You will get there.
Trick your brain: Give yourself rewards
and presents every time you do something
that you find difficult. Promising yourself
a massage after three workouts at the
gym works wonders.
Team up with someone with
complementary strengths: Exchange
services with someone whose strength is
your weakness. It will help you both.
Find a buddy or a coach: Work with
someone who can inspire you and who
believes in your dreams.
Create a success team: Form a small
group that commits to helping each
member to achieve their dreams.
Step Four Strategies:
Relax and enjoy: You have achieved your goals!
Celebrate and savour your success.
Fine-tune your processes: Make things a little easier
by implementing small changes that make your project
even simpler.
Prepare for the next major change: You know one is
coming, only now you have a map!
Bev Barnes is a Canadian Certified
Martha Beck Life Coach and Career
Counsellor. Through workshops, retreats,
and telephone coaching, she teaches
her clients how to re-invent their lives,
resolve their career angst, and align
their life and work to their “true” self.
For more information visit her website
at www.myrightwork.com.
MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 29
PhotoprovidedbyBevBarnes
issue#5.indd 29 3/24/09 2:28 PM
31. Profile
MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 31
PROFILING WOMEN
Who Have Broken Down
Barriers to Achieve Success
Obstacles and challenges are a natural part of life regardless of which
path we choose. Accepting the challenges and overcoming the obstacles
are important for our personal development and growth, and to ultimately
reach our goals. The women profiled in this issue demonstrate how
hard work, resolve, and a never-quit attitude are key components of
mastering those trials and tribulations in order to achieve success.
issue#5.indd 31 3/24/09 2:28 PM
32. Profile
32 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
I If she hadn’t have failed the LSAT - twice - women
across North America would still be struggling with
unsightly bulges in uncomfortable hosiery. But
Sara Blakely turned her focus to fashion to create
products that have become a staple for celebrities
and civilians alike.
How did you know how to create a prototype and
patent? Did you go anywhere or to anyone for advice?
Through Internet research, I discovered that most of the
world’s pantyhose are made in North Carolina. I started cold-
calling and faxing non-disclosures to the hosiery mills, and
they all thought my idea was crazy. They weren’t interested.
Simultaneously, I looked up every pantyhose patent since
1800 to see if there already was a patent for footless
pantyhose, and found that there wasn’t. I also cold-called
patent lawyers and was met with nothing but resistance
and laughter. One lawyer later admitted that he thought I
had been sent by Candid Camera. So I went to Barnes &
Noble, bought a book on patents and trademarks, and wrote
my patent myself, except the claims part, which has the real
legal jargon. Finally, I was able to find an attorney who
would do the claims portion for a few hundred dollars.
Working as a sales trainer selling fax machines door-to-door
by day and as a stand-up comedian by night, Blakely learned
how to handle rejection and not take “no” for an answer.
She applied this business savvy when she first pitched her
idea for footless pantyhose. Her bright idea took shape
while dressing for a party back in 1998. Unimpressed with
the undergarments she had on-hand to wear under her white
pants with open-toe shoes, she cut the feet out of a pair of
pantyhose and the idea for Spanx was born.
After finding a supplier to create her product, Blakely
pursued retailers and soon saw Spanx on shelves at high-end
retailer Neiman Marcus. Spanx was named one of Oprah’s
Favorite Things in 2000 and has received coverage by
numerous media outlets since.
Named Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southeast Region
by Ernst & Young in 2002, Blakely started Spanx with
$5000, and today celebrates over $250 million in retail sales.
With a team of 75 employees and CEO Laurie Ann Goldman
now on board to run the day-to-day operations, Blakely
spends her time promoting the brand, raising money for her
women’s charity, and visiting with mentor Richard Branson.
We asked Blakely how she built her brand.
Do you apply any of the lessons you learned selling
fax machines to your own business today?
Of course! It took me two years from the time I had the idea
for Spanx until the time I had a product in hand ready to
sell into stores. I must have heard the word ‘no’ a thousand
times! I was working full-time selling fax machines and
trying to get my product manufactured, and the men running
the hosiery mills did not believe in me or my idea. If you
believe in your idea 100 per cent, don’t let anyone stop you!
Not being afraid to fail is a key part of the success of Spanx.
AGE: 37
TITLE: President
COMPANY: SPANX
MARITAL STATUS: Married
WEBSITE: www.spanx.com
PhotoprovidedbySaraBlakely
Sara Blakely
issue#5.indd 32 3/24/09 2:28 PM
33. Profile
MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 33
Was there a moment when you thought the idea
wouldn’t materialize or become a success?
After being told ‘no’ by everyone along the way, I finally
asked for a sign that I should keep going. Soon after, I turned
on the TV and clicked on Oprah, and there she was showing
the world that she had cut the feet out of her pantyhose. She
was the sign I needed. I called the hosiery mills and said,
‘I’m taking a week off work and coming in person to talk
with you.’ I met with all the mill owners and they all sent me
away again. Two weeks later, one of the mill owners called
and said, ‘I’m going to help you make your crazy idea.’
When I asked why, he said, ‘I have two daughters.’
Were there any naysayers along the way?
There will always be naysayers. I did not tell my friends
and family my exact idea for one year. I had been quietly
working on it at night on the weekends. Friends and family,
often out of love, express concern or doubts that can stop
people dead in their tracks. But don’t be shy about telling
people that can help you make your idea happen.
Where did you come up with the name Spanx?
I knew Kodak and Coca-Cola are among the most
recognized products in the world. And it’s a weird trade
secret among comedians that the ‘k’ sound will make
people laugh. The minute I came to that clarity, the word
‘spanks’ came to mind. I knew from research that made-
up words do better for products than real words and are
easier to trademark, so I changed the name to ‘Spanx’ and
trademarked it online.
How long does it take to make a pair of Spanx
pantyhose?
Every pair of Spanx is touched by 40 different women and
they take over eight hours to make. There’s a lot of love
going into those Spanx!
How did you market your product to big department
stores like Neiman Marcus?
I looked up the Neiman Marcus buyer in the phone book and
asked her if I could fly to Dallas and have 10 minutes of her
time. When I arrived at Neiman Marcus, I took the buyer
into the bathroom to show her my own ‘before and after’ and
as soon as I came out of the stall and she saw my pants with
the Spanx underneath, she said, ‘I’ll buy 3,000 pairs.’
You were runner up on Richard Branson’s The Rebel
Billionaire reality show. What made you decide to go
for it?
Friends encouraged me to go on The Apprentice and I said
no. The only way I’d do a show like that is if Richard
Branson was on it because he is a business hero of mine.
When a friend heard about Rebel Billionaire, I couldn’t
say no.
What was the experience like?
On Rebel Billionaire I had to scale a hot air balloon and
bungee jump into an African gorge. And I am terrified of
heights, and scaling the hot air balloon was physically the
hardest thing I’ve ever done. Even though my body was
telling me I couldn’t go anymore, I realized that quitting
was not an option. I just had to step outside of myself and
do it. I think my determination has been very instrumental
in the success of Spanx. When I was trying to get footless
pantyhose made, people kept shutting doors in my face. I
kept going because I believed in my idea and knew that it
was something women needed and wanted.
I also had the opportunity to speak with world-renowned
leaders like Nelson Mandela, which was an absolute honour.
His story is such an inspiration. He believes, as I do, that the
future of his country lies in educating women. When you
give women money and support, it’s been proven that it goes
directly to their families and communities.
You won $750,000 to set up a charity to help women.
Why was that important to you?
Richard is my business hero and a great friend. I am so
thankful to him for giving me the $750,000 to start my
foundation and for coming here to Atlanta to help me
launch it. The foundation’s first project was in partnership
with Virgin Unite, Virgin Group’s independent charitable
arm, and we plan to continue working with Virgin Unite on
future projects.
Tell me a little about The Sara Blakely Foundation
and the work you are doing there.
The foundation focuses on finding the future female
entrepreneurs and leaders of the world, at home and abroad,
and giving them the ‘leg-up’ they need to succeed.
The money raised from the Give a Damn launch party sent
a total of 278 women to CIDA City Campus for a year.
Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, CIDA provides a
high-quality education at the lowest-cost university in the
world. The students also have access to the Richard Branson
School of Entrepreneurship.
Right now I’m focused on activities that are helping to raise
money for the foundation. In addition to a portion of sales
from Spanx and Assets, the money I make from my many
speaking events goes directly toward the foundation.
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34. 34 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
To read more from this interview or listen to a podcast
excerpt, visit: www.HEARTbusinessjournal.com. For
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HEART Network and access exclusive content.
You used to be stand-up comedian. How has humour
helped you through your career?
Humor exists in all of our products, packaging, and
marketing. We just tell it like it is!
What inspires you?
I’ve been listening to motivational speaker Wayne Dyer
since I was 16. His series ‘How to be a no-limit person’
really helped me visualize the life I wanted from an early
age. I’m also inspired and motivated by the opportunity to
help other women.
What advice would you give to aspiring women
entrepreneurs?
I always encourage entrepreneurs starting out to not be
afraid to fail. I think fear prevents so many people from
pursuing their ideas. When I was younger, at the dinner table
my father would ask my brother and me what we failed at,
and if we didn’t have a story of something that we failed at
that day, he would be disappointed. It was this great reverse
psychology because we’d get excited to have a story. I’m so
thankful for that, because now as an adult, I’m not afraid to
fail. To me, failure is not trying, rather than not succeeding.
What do you do to relax?
No matter where I am, I always find time to take a bath and
relax. It’s crucial to set aside time for yourself mentally and
physically because the happier and healthier you are, the
more you are able to give.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
If you think we’re just an underwear company, you’ve got it
all wrong! Spanx is really going places and I’ll be right there
for our journey into new arenas.
Personally, I hope to have a family.
What is the essence of Sara Blakely?
Imaginative, daring, and genuine. Y Shauna Cade
issue#5.indd 34 3/24/09 2:28 PM
35. MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 35
~ Anais Nin ~
“And The Day Came When The
Risk to Remain Tight in a Bud
Was More Painful Than The Risk
It Took to Blossom”
issue#5.indd 35 3/24/09 2:28 PM
36. Profile
36 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
F From the legal profession to a high-ranking
member of the Liberal government and back again,
Susan Whelan is familiar with the challenges
facing women in the political realm. From personal
struggles to greatest achievements, Whelan knows
the truth about life in the legislature.
was a major hurdle because she never knew what kind of
comments would accompany published photographs.
An emphasis on looks, particularly for female politicians,
is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there is
constant scrutiny from the public for women to look
slender and attractive. On the other hand, there is a notion
that in politics, women must conform to male standards
in order to be taken seriously. Whelan became more
conscious of her appearance and morphed into what she
thought others expected of her, but soon realized she had
to be true to herself.
“I was trying not to show my feminine side because I
was working in a man’s world and I wanted to be taken
seriously,” she explains. She realized she should accept and
express herself as a woman and be confident of her abilities.
She knew she was a capable public servant in her own right,
and if she were content with herself, it would reflect in the
work she was doing. “I want them [the public] to see the
person that I am,” she says. “That’s who I want people to
vote for and relate to.”
Whelan realized that self-acceptance is an important lesson
It’s not a stretch to enter politics after practicing law, but as a
woman, Whelan had a different kind of obstacle to overcome.
Entering the male-dominated landscape on Parliament Hill
meant breaking up the “old boys club” and proving that
women are a valuable part of the decision-making process
that helps shape Canadian policy.
From a young age, Whelan understood the importance
of helping others. “One of the things my dad instilled
in both myself and my two sisters is that it’s important
to give back to your community, whether it’s through
elected office or volunteerism,” she says. Her father,
Eugene Whelan, was a respected cabinet minister in the
Trudeau era and later went on to become a senator. At 14,
she joined the Young Liberals and was later an integral
part of her father’s federal reelection campaign in 1984.
Subsequently, Whelan was no stranger to the political
arena when she became the youngest Liberal MP to be
elected in 1993, at the age of 30.
Although her upbringing primed her for office, Whelan was
nonetheless faced with the challenge of living her life in
the public eye. “I grew up in politics and I thought I knew
everything about it. I was wrong!”
Whelan confesses that she was a shy graduate of law and the
high visibility of a public position came as a bit of a shock.
As a single woman, dating was a challenge, as she had to be
upfront with potential partners about how their relationship
would reflect on her public image. Her physical appearance
also drew more attention and she says that being able to
go to the gym in the morning without wearing makeup
AGE: 45
TITLE: Lawyer, Former Liberal MP 1993-2004
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of
Windsor; Juris Doctor (JD) University
of Detroit
MARITAL STATUS: Single
WEBSITE: www.susanwhelan.ca
Susan Whelan
PhotoprovidedbySaraWhelan
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37. Profile
MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 37
for other young women interested in a political profession.
With the help of current Ontario MPP Sandra Pupatello,
Whelan created the annual conference Women In Politics.
The conference is designed to engage young women in
politics and prepare them for a potential career.
Most of all, Whelan wants to convey to the younger
generation that women have a different, valid perspective
on political issues and can provide a much needed voice
for their communities. She hopes to deliver the message
that political involvement is a valuable contribution and
fulfilling career. According to Whelan, many young
women who are initially active in political initiatives,
whether through student council or other volunteer efforts,
often move away from that involvement as their education
progresses through college and university. Whelan is
hoping to turn that trend around and see more women
running for office. “It’s important for women to stand up,”
she says.
Whelan says the key to success is balance and hopes that
graduates today embrace that message. She has watched a
new generation of young go-getters grow up in an innovative
world of technology and endless information. This may
seem ideal, but Whelan says with more information, kids
today are faced with higher expectations to succeed. She
warns that this added stress of performing at a faster pace
can lead to burnout. “We seem to always be putting pressure
on ourselves to do more and more, and maybe sometimes if
we did just a little less, we would find out that we actually
have more in our life.”
Whelan does not, however, neglect to acknowledge that
hard work is essential. Making her way through a university
education, she worked three jobs to pay for her tuition. The
experience helped keep her grounded and understand that
rewards are not always instantaneous. Though she was
young when she was elected, it was an unusual circumstance
in politics. She stresses that young people entering the work
force must be patient as their career progresses. She believes
that graduates today may have unrealistic expectations due in
part to the high-octane lifestyles that have become the norm.
“You have to work your way up in your career,” she advises.
“It’s a process and it all takes time. It’s not something that
happens over night.”
There may also be advantages to slowly progressing in
a career and waiting to run for office. Whelan learned
the hard way that a professional woman in politics has to
make some difficult choices when it comes to raising a
family. “In 2004 when I wasn’t reelected, I found myself
40 years of age, not married, no children, and thinking
‘what happened?’” She had always planned on being a
wife and mother but entering the political arena at such
a young age, and with the demands of the job upon her,
her dreams of creating a family were pushed to the back
burner. “I never anticipated that politics would preclude
it from happening,” she says. “I do regret not having kids
but I didn’t meet the right person so unfortunately that
didn’t work out.”
She is straightforward when addressing the realistic
constraints on women in office and advises that if young
women want to have a family, they should consider
entering politics later in life. Still, Whelan accepts her
choices and the direction her life has taken. She says the
key to success is balance and she acknowledges that some
women have been able to raise children while in office.
This path was not for her though, as she felt she would
not have had the time or support she needed to take care
of a family.
However, Whelan acknowledges that there are many support
systems available to women now that were not present
when she first entered politics. She recalls the creation of a
women’s caucus after being elected. She was a bit resistant
at first, wanting only to be treated as an equal among her
male peers. She quickly realized, however, the benefit of
discussing issues from a woman’s perspective. She believes
recognizing and embracing the differences women can bring
to the table is very important and necessary to the formation
of sound public policy. When it comes to policy-making,
Whelan says, “I think it’s sometimes more natural for us
as women to look at all the consequences that go on in the
household.” As a result, there is a better opportunity for
more well-rounded policy when women are participating in
decision-making.
Whelan says her male counterparts recognize this and all
political parties in the House of Commons are actively
recruiting more women as potential candidates in order
“We seem to always be putting pressure
on ourselves to do more and more,
and maybe sometimes if we did just a
little less, we would find out that we
actually have more in our life.”
“I grew up in politics and I thought
I knew everything about it.
I was wrong!”
issue#5.indd 37 3/24/09 2:28 PM
38. Profile
38 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
To read more from this interview or listen to a podcast
excerpt, visit: www.HEARTbusinessjournal.com. For
additional podcast excerpts, subscribers can log into the
HEART Network and access exclusive content.
to ensure there is fair representation in the legislature.
However, recruitment is only the first step. Candidates must
first be chosen by the party to run in a constituency before
then being voted into office by the public.
Running a campaign is arduous and time consuming,
which may affect a woman’s decision to run, especially if
she is concerned with maintaining balance in her lifestyle.
But it is perhaps the aggressive nature of politics itself
that turns women away. Whelan notes that there is a long-
standing stigma against women in positions of authority,
particularly at the level of government. “When women are
aggressive, they are sometimes perceived to be a bitch,”
she explains.
Whelan became all too aware of this stigma upon her
ascension to cabinet in January 2002 as Minister of
International Cooperation, where she experienced first hand
the prejudice against women in power that is still dominant
internationally. In many countries woman are seen as
second-class citizens and are underrepresented politically.
Whelan says meeting representatives of developing nations
was particularly challenging. “It was difficult for some of
them to recognize that [a woman] was in charge of Canada’s
foreign aid program.”
However, Whelan was undeterred and thrived despite her
challenges. She managed to accomplish many of her goals
during her time in office, including helping to implement
Canada’s assistance plan in Africa. In addition to her
overseas efforts and her encouragement to get more women
involved in politics, Whelan also used her position to help
improve the lives of women in Canada. Whelan notes that
women are more often affected by poverty, especially
elderly women and those with children. “I think balancing
the books is important for Canada, but I also think our social
programs and our social fabric are what make us different as
a country.”
Whelan has been out of office since the Conservative Party
of Canada took power in June 2004. She has now returned
to her first passion: law. She practices administrative and
government law in the town of Amherstburg, ON, where she
continues to help others. Whelan also continues her efforts
in international affairs, sitting on the board of the African
Green Revolution, which is working to establish and support
sustainable agriculture in the African continent.
Nevertheless, Whelan remains eager to reclaim her seat
in the legislature. Unfortunately, she lost out again in the
2008 Federal Election when her Conservative counterpart
Jeff Watson retained his seat. But her heart still belongs to
her constituents and she remains determined to represent
them again. “I still believe I have something to offer to the
people,” she says.
Whelan’s talent for getting things done is what has made
her so successful as a public servant. Inside political office
and out, she has dedicated a great deal of time and energy
to help make Canada and the world a better, more female-
friendly place to live. Though her dream of raising a
family remains unfulfilled, she has surrounded herself with
reliable people that continue to support her personal and
political ambitions. “My friends were my campaign team,”
she says. There is no doubt that Whelan will call upon that
team again and be working to help others for many years to
come. Y Shauna Cade
Susan Whelan on
CREDO:
I really believe that you have to both work hard and
play hard to be successful; it’s all about balance. I
don’t think I’ve achieved it yet but I’ll keep trying.
I see myself in 10 years:
I see myself doing something for the good of the
people. I’d like to be able to find some time to give
back again to the world. I’ve been so blessed to
live in Canada and [I want to] see if I can help
make a difference.
Success is:
Knowing that I’ve put my best effort forward.
STAYING MOTIVATED:
You have to do things differently, you have to
reevaluate what your message is, and what your
strategy is.
I want to be remembered as:
Someone that worked hard but at the same time
was a great friend.
issue#5.indd 38 3/24/09 2:28 PM
40. Profile
40 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
OOn the surface she seemed to have it all. She was an
accomplished athlete in track and field, running her
own health club, training celebrities, and making
media appearances. But in 2000, Susan Sly’s life
reached a breaking point when she was diagnosed
with Multiple Sclerosis. Facing divorce, a ruined
business, and a terminal illness, Sly lived on her
brother-in-law’s couch in total despair. Today, Sly is
once again a self-made millionaire and can be found
running marathons in Boston, traveling to developing
countries with World Vision Canada, and spending
quality time with her family. With determination,
vision, and faith, Sly has transformed her life in order
to truly become a “have it all woman.”
prove myself, and as a result I lost my health,” says Sly.
Her diagnosis with MS was devastating, but one that taught
her an important lesson by which she now lives each day.
“When we don’t take care of ourselves we actually don’t
have the energy to be great parents, or great lovers, great
wives, aunts, grandmothers, daughters, or for any role in our
lives. So the premise is to begin to put your health at the
forefront,” she says. Sly has witnessed how many women
devote much of their time tending to the needs of others –
children, partners, coworkers etc. – and neglecting their own
needs, which eventually takes a toll physically, emotionally,
and mentally.
Sly now coaches other women to develop self-love, make
better decisions, and put their health first in order to give
their best to others. “You can’t give from a well that’s
empty and if you’re just giving, and giving, and giving,
you don’t love yourself enough to nurture yourself and
eventually that well is going to run dry and you’re going to
get sick,” says Sly.
By making health a priority, women can then focus on
the next building block on the pyramid – relationships.
Sly advises that not only is nurturing healthy relationships
important, but so is eliminating negative ones. She says
In an effort to share her vision and help others, Sly has penned
the self-published book The Have it All Woman, spreading
her message of self-love and gratitude so that every woman
can benefit from the hard lessons she has learned. “Having it
all is just a place of peace, knowing every day [that] where
you are is just a starting place for a new day and you can do
more in the world,” she says.
Sly begins her book by describing a pyramid, built with the
blocks of life’s important aspects. The base of the pyramid is
health, which Sly says is the foundation by which all women
(and men) should build their lives. It is also where Sly’s own
story begins.
Working as a personal trainer and nutritionist for such
celebrities as hockey player Kirk Muller, and several members
of the Tragically Hip, the young health club owner and former
Team Canada duathlon athlete had a business and investments
worth over $1 million and was an avid exercise enthusiast.
However, Sly was pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion.
“I wasn’t taking care of myself. I wasn’t getting adequate
rest. I was not getting the best nutrition that I could. I wasn’t
nurturing myself. I was pushing, pushing, pushing, trying to
AGE: 35
TITLE: Author, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach,
Certified Personal and Nutritional Consultant
and Trainer, President, and CEO
Company: Step into Your Power Productions
EDUCATION: B.Sc., Science, St. Mary’s University,
Queen’s University
MARITAL STATUS: Married, three children
WEBSITE: www.stepintoyourpower.com
Susan Sly
PhotoprovidedbySusanSly
issue#5.indd 40 3/24/09 2:28 PM
41. Profile
MARCH/APRIL 2009 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM 41
that reevaluating her own relationships was a key factor
in rebuilding her career to once again become a self-made
millionaire, when only eight years earlier she was diagnosed
with MS, lost her business, leaving her $100,000 in debt,
and living on her brother-in-law’s couch. “I really nurtured
relationships. I let go of people who were toxic in my life,
who didn’t believe in me, who were holding me back, and
I surrounded myself with people who were positive, who
were energetic, who believed in more, and who were doing
things with their lives,” she says.
Sly has many mentors to thank for her successes since that
time, many who she met through her clientelle, by attending
seminars, and from participating in speaking engagements.
During her struggles, she made a commitment to find
business professionals that she could look up to and learn
from. “I made a decision that I would like to have millionaire
mentors and that these people would not only be people
that I met one time, they would be people who I had their
phone numbers, they had my phone numbers, and we were a
brain trust and a friendship. It was knowing and specifically
setting that intention and being very clear in knowing what I
wanted. The values that these people have are: they number
one have integrity, great integrity. They number two have
humility. Number three, they’ve produced incomes of
millions of dollars a year.” Sly continues, “I have many
mentors and people who we refer to as a T.U.A. relationship:
a total, unconditional, accepting relationship.” Sly says that
ultimately, her secret to becoming a millionaire was having
these millionaire mentors and modeling their behaviour to
achieve the results she desired.
Among her millionaire mentors are Jimmy Smith, a former
butcher who became a millionaire at the age of 75; Jeffrey
Combs, a former coach to Sly and a multi-millionaire
speaker based in California; David Wood, a trainer for
seminar company Peak Potential; and Kathy Kuber, the VP
of Isagenix, the network marketing company through which
Sly regrew her fortune, once again becoming a millionaire
in three and a half years. Sly says Kuber taught her to “get
your schedule down, get an assistant as fast as you possibly
can, make sure that you take time to make your husband feel
special, your children feel special, and take all of that time
and you can really have it all.”
Spending time with her family is one of the greatest joys for
Sly. She is grateful to have a loving supportive partner in
her second husband Chris and three beautiful children, and
makes sure to express that gratitude as often as she can. “I
might say to AJ, who’s our son, I might say, ‘AJ, I was really
grateful that you helped mommy clean up the kitchen today.’
And he’ll say, ‘Mommy I’m really grateful you took time to
read me a story tonight.’ So we do that and we reinforce each
other every single day,” she says.
Gratitude is a resounding message in Sly’s book as well as
in her everyday life. She says it is important to be grateful
for all you have at this very moment, in order to grow and
to reach your goals. Recognizing that there is much in
life to be grateful for also helps her to balance priorities.
Between raising a family, keeping healthy, writing books,
and speaking engagements, Sly works as President and
CEO of Step Into Your Power Productions, which offers
coaching and telecourses for professional and personal
development. And business is, quite appropriately, the
third tier on the pyramid.
Sly works from home and makes a point to schedule work
hours around her family to maximize her time as mom. “I
am very highly organized and I have my life scheduled to the
moment,” she says. After getting the kids off to school in the
morning, she will work until they return at four o’clock, start
back up after their bedtime, and work again until 11 p.m.
She will shut down early Fridays and resists the urge to turn
on her computer on Sundays. “It’s tough because I want to
help so many people and often it’s very tempting to turn on
the computer and answer emails and do all those things, but I
really try to stick to that schedule so when Monday morning
comes, I’m renewed and fulfilled,” she says.
Running your own business is challenging and Sly
acknowledges that one of the biggest difficulties of self-
employment is discipline and creating the right habits to
get you where you want to be. “Jim Rowen, one of my
mentors, says if you want to make a million dollars a year,
you need to have million dollar habits. And that means to
sometimes do things that are uncomfortable. Growth is
uncomfortable – there’s a certain degree of pain in getting
from where you are right now to where you want to be. If
you’re willing to journey through the pain, the reward is
incredible,” says Sly.
“When we don’t take care of ourselves
we actually don’t have the energy to
be great parents, or great lovers, great
wives, aunts, grandmothers, daughters,
or for any role in our lives.”
“Life is too short not to have fun,
not to contribute, not to take care of
yourself, and be the best you can be.”
issue#5.indd 41 3/24/09 2:28 PM
42. Profile
42 HEARTBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM MARCH/APRIL 2009
To read more from this interview or listen to a podcast
excerpt, visit: www.HEARTbusinessjournal.com. For
additional podcast excerpts, subscribers can log into the
HEART Network and access exclusive content.
Another key factor in the success of entrepreneurs is to
continually educate yourself and invest in personal growth.
“I’m a huge fan of having people educate themselves about
investing,” says Sly. She suggests that a good way to learn is
to find a mentor in your industry to show you the ropes and
also recommends surrounding yourself with good people in
your business to assist along the way. “You’re going to have
to surround yourself with people who are knowledgeable,
who may have more knowledge than you do in certain
things: accounting, marketing, all of those things. You’re
going to have to be disciplined with your hours of operation.
You’re going to have to take care of your health. You’re
going to have to read the books,” she says.
Ultimately, what it all comes down to is determination and
hard work. “It’s going to take blood, sweat, and tears, but is
it worth it? Absolutely!” says Sly.
Of course, self-employment also offers many benefits,
such as personal freedom. Sly has the pleasure of traveling
much of the world for speaking engagements, book
promotions, as well as for charity work. Giving back is the
fourth tier on the pyramid and a dedication to which Sly is
wholly committed. She donates 10 per cent of her earnings
to various charities close to her heart, many dedicated to
helping the children of the world. She has visited places
such as Cambodia and Africa on behalf of World Vision
Canada and the 20 children her family sponsors. Sly has
generously donated much of her time to World Vision to
heal the world of child abuse and trafficking through their
Nevea Thmey project. “Eight hundred thousand children
are trafficked every year, all over the world, and it happens
right here in North America. It’s not just a problem in Asia
or Africa,” Sly says.
In addition to these efforts, she also contributes to the UN
High Commissioner for Refugees, Child Help USA, and the
Make-a-Wish Foundation. Sly truly believes that to give is
to receive and encourages her clients, readers of her book,
and anyone looking to improve their own quality of life to
contribute to a cause that is personal to them. “We always
give 10 per cent right off the top,” she says. “Whatever level
of income a person is at, you can make a difference.”
Sly is also helping women in North America to make a
differenceintheirownlivesthroughherHaveitAllWomen’s
Retreat. The retreat is a two-day workshop that takes place in
various locations in Canada (most recently in Toronto, ON)
and the US for women of all walks of life. The aim is for
participants to learn self-acceptance and expression and to
experience the joy of connecting with other women. Follow-
up conference calls help to maintain support and hold each
other accountable. “This is really about women letting go.
It’s about women finding themselves. It’s about women
learning to communicate with other women, about giving
them tactics in terms of, not just setting goals but getting
goals, and [there are] so many beautiful stories. We’ve had
women as young as 21 attend, right up until women in their
early 70s, and they have fun!” says Sly.
Not coincidentally, fun is the top of the pyramid and also
interestingly, something Sly finds many women struggle
with. “I’ll say to a lot of women, ‘What do you do for fun?’
and they say, ‘You know, I have no idea,’” she says.
It is often the simple things that we can take pleasure in,
to pause, reflect, and enjoy the moment. Reading a book,
taking a walk, or sharing a laugh are all easy ways to step
back and have some fun, and also don’t cost a dime. Sly
herself makes time to connect with friends while on business
trips, goes out for dinner, or takes a trip to the spa.
Sly sums up her pyramid, her philosophy, and her approach
to life best, “Life is too short not to have fun, not to
contribute, not to take care of yourself, and be the best you
can be.” Y Shauna Cade
Susan Sly On:
CREDO:
Every day I wake up and I say the same thing every
morning. It’s “Dear God, help me to be the best wife
I can be, the best mother I can be, help me to touch,
move, and inspire everyone you put in my path today,
and please I come unto you, your humble servant,
and just help me to be the best I can be.”
My other dream job is:
Doing what Anderson Cooper does: getting to the
heart of the story and touching people’s lives.
Success is:
Gratitude. Success is being present and being
grateful for where you’re at right now.
I want to be remembered as:
[I] lived a great life and had a lot of fun.
issue#5.indd 42 3/24/09 2:28 PM
