Published by Portfolio Penguin, THAT'LL NEVER WORK profiles five of Canada's top business women. Their stories of success earned, competition burned and lessons learned will inspire a new generation of young women entrepreneurs who want to "go for it" despite the doubters around them.
"I was told by some not to risk going on the Dragons' Den, but I want all women to take risks," explained Barb Stegemann of The 7 Virtues Beauty Inc. "I did and went on to become the first Atlantic Canadian Woman to land a deal on the hit show, I found my dream mentor/partner in W. Brett Wilson and together we were featured recently as one of the best pitches in the history of Dragons' Den!"
"The road to success for any entrepreneur -- man or woman -- is always challenging," says Gayle Robin President, StrategicAmpersand Inc. "Women don't necessarily face more obstacles than men, but often different ones. As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's imperative we honour our successes and accomplishments, and support each other by encouraging those around us, teaching girls and women to be confident and brave and to know they can achieve anything they strive for."
"I encourage women entrepreneurs to be true to yourself," suggested Vivian Risi of Royal LePage. "Never let anyone or anything stop you from being the person you are meant to be and successful on both personal and professional fronts."
Canadian women entrepreneurs and their businesses profiled in the book include:
- Tracey Clark, Bridgehead Coffee, Ottawa, ON
- Barb Stegemann, The 7 Virtues Beauty Inc. and The 7 Virtues Communications Group, Halifax, NS
- Gayle Robin, StrategicAmpersand, Toronto, ON
- Vivian Risi, Royal LePage Your Community Realty, Greater Toronto Area, ON
- Natalie Macaulay, Emerge Learning, Calgary, AB
Mentoring is a key component in developing new entrepreneurs. Women aspiring to start and flourish in their own companies can learn from these successful women. With that spirit in mind, women founders and owners of Canadian businesses are welcome to share interesting and inspiring THAT'LL NEVER WORK stories at thatllneverwork.ca. All stories will be considered for the next edition of the book. Follow us on Twitter at @ThatllNeverWork for the latest news and updates.
Recalling the lessons they've learned and whom they learned them from, THAT'LL NEVER WORK gives us an insider's view into the triumphs and trials of some of Canada's most resilient entrepreneurs.
KPMG Enterprise™ professionals are devoted exclusively to helping Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs build value in their business and grow thriving enterprises. For more information, visit kpmg.ca/enterprise, kpmg.ca/bottomlineblog
That'll Never Work
Inspiring Success Stories from Canadian Entrepreneurs
KPMG Enterprise
9780670066469/160 pgs/HC/$32
On-sale date: March 6, 2012
Portfolio Penguin
Advance Praise for the women of
THAT'LL NEVER WORK
BUSINESS LESSONS FROM SUCCESSFUL CANADIAN ENTREPRENEURS
"Thank goodness Canada's entrepreneurs don't listen when others tell them 'That'll Never Work!' This book contains a wealth of examples of people who ignored the naysayers, and enriched our country greatly as a result. Current and future entrepreneurs will gain insight and courage from reading it."
— Catherine Swift, President and CEO, Canadian Federation for Independent Business
"These entrepreneurial success stories can't be chalked up to chance, but to good leadership anchored on three principles successful entrepreneurs demonstrate: competencies, character and commitment. Competent leaders see the big picture. Leaders with character have the courage and humility to put that big picture before themselves at all costs. Committed leaders welcome dissent and controversy, but never lose sight of that big picture and are willing to make sacrifices in pursuit of it. These entrepreneurs are living proof that commitment to good leadership can make the impossible, possible."
—Carol Stephenson, O.C., Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business
