What if access to capital wasn’t the biggest barrier for women entrepreneurs? What if the system itself was designed to recognize your potential, your innovation, and the impact you’re already creating?

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon sits down with Arielle Land, Director of Operations at Movement51, to explore how the organization is rewriting the story of venture capital—one woman founder at a time. Through initiatives like the Founders Lab, and their ongoing work in education and investment readiness, Movement51 is creating pathways for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs to grow, scale, and lead with confidence.

Arielle shares how Movement51 is tackling the equity gap in funding, helping founders understand the language of investors, and building an ecosystem that supports inclusive, sustainable entrepreneurship. She also talks about what makes a business truly investment-ready, how to align your values with your growth strategy, and why understanding venture capital doesn’t mean losing sight of your mission.

Whether you’re an early-stage founder curious about funding or a seasoned entrepreneur ready to scale, this conversation reminds us that venture capital doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be empowering. When women have access to the right knowledge, networks, and capital, the possibilities for impact are endless.

Arielle Land, Director of Op @Movement51LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielleland/

Instagram @arielleland

Corporate socials

@Movement51

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/movement51/posts/?feedView=all

Website: https://www.movement51.org/

What if the end of your year didn’t feel rushed or overwhelming? What if, instead of stressing about budgets, taxes, and unfinished goals, you could pause, reflect, and take intentional action to finish the year with clarity and confidence?

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, co-founders Shauna Frederick and Shannon Pestun guide entrepreneurs through five powerful questions to reconnect with both their business and personal goals before year-end. Rather than hustling toward the finish line, they invite you to slow down, reflect on your progress, and align your numbers with your values in a way that feels empowering.

Through honest reflections and practical insights, they explore what success looks like right now, which numbers truly matter, what tasks or ideas need attention before year-end, and how to celebrate your wins while also asking for the support you need to move forward. Think of this conversation as a money date with yourself—a chance to pause, check in, and create the clarity you need for the season ahead.

This episode is a reminder that financial wellness isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the confidence and peace of mind that comes when your goals, values, and actions align.

Explore online programs at The Finance Cafe to learn how to read financial statements, understand cash flow, and connect your numbers to your values. Use code PODCAST10 for an exclusive listener discount.

What if your business finances didn’t feel overwhelming? What if, instead of losing sleep over bookkeeping and cash flow, you had a trusted partner helping you make confident decisions about growth?

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shauna sits down with Sukhanpreet Dhanotta, Partner at Grewal Guyatt LLP, to talk about why building the right financial support team is one of the smartest moves a business owner can make. Sukhanpreet shares how accountants can do so much more than balance the books—they can provide clarity, uncover opportunities, and guide you through the decisions that shape your company’s future.

With more than 15 years of experience as an auditor and advisor, Sukhanpreet has worked with businesses ranging from early-stage startups to multi-million-dollar international companies. At Grewal Guyatt LLP, one of the fastest-growing mid-sized CPA firms in the GTA, she leads the assurance division and brings deep expertise in accounting, tax, and strategy. Outside of her career, she’s a proud mom of two young kids and embraces the everyday adventure of balancing family and work.

Shauna and Sukhanpreet dive into the signs that it’s time to bring on financial support, how to find an advisor who truly understands your business, and why investing in the right partner allows you to step into your role as CEO with confidence. This conversation is a reminder that financial management isn’t just about keeping the numbers straight—it’s about giving you the clarity and freedom to focus on growth, strategy, and building the business you envision.

Linkedin: Sukhanpreet Dhanotta, CPA, CA

Website: https://www.grewalguyatt.ca/

What if running your business didn’t feel like a constant juggling act? What if, instead of being tied to the day-to-day, you could focus on growth, strategy, and thriving as a CEO?

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shauna sits down with Melanie Seneviratne, founder of Your Fractional COO Inc., to talk about how small business owners can implement systems and processes that actually work—for their business and for their sanity. Melanie shares how thoughtful operations, smart delegation, and repeatable systems can free business owners from overwhelm, giving them clarity, control, and the ability to focus on what truly matters: growing their company.

Melanie knows what it takes to build businesses that run efficiently. With over 25 years of experience in legal, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, she has quadrupled revenue in a law firm and now helps entrepreneurs scale sustainably while reclaiming their time. Through her hands-on approach, she works directly with business owners and teams to put processes into place that simplify operations, strengthen decision-making, and reduce stress.

Shauna and Melanie dive into practical strategies for business owners ready to take control of their operations—from cleaning up cash flow and automating repetitive tasks, to building repeatable systems, simplifying sales and client onboarding, and prioritizing CEO time. This conversation is a reminder that operational systems are not just behind-the-scenes tasks—they are essential tools that allow your business to thrive while giving you the space to step back and lead with intention.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieseneviratne/

Instagram: @yourfcoo

Facebook:@yourfcoo

Website: https://yourfcoo.com

Efficiency Checklist

What if your marketing wasn’t just a series of campaigns, but one of the most valuable assets your business owns? What if, instead of chasing quick wins, you focused on building something that would keep working for you years from now?

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon sits down with Sarah Carmichael, Founder & CEO of Bees and Honey Creative, to talk about the long game in marketing, why consistency matters, how brand equity is built, and the small, intentional actions that can move the needle over time.

Sarah knows what it takes to create strategies that work. She has led marketing from startup launch to acquisition, doubled lead generation for a technology investment firm, and now runs a fractional marketing agency helping businesses without in-house teams get results. As Calgary Co-Ambassador for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization, she is also passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs and building strong business communities.

Shannon and Sarah dig into the myths that can hold entrepreneurs back, such as thinking you need to post daily on social media or that one big campaign can carry you for the year. They explore how marketing and finance intersect, why diversifying your platforms is essential, and how leaders can show up authentically in their brand.

This conversation is a reminder that marketing is not a side task, it is part of your corporate strategy. When you align it with your business goals and commit to showing up consistently, you create an asset that grows with you, supports your vision, and keeps your business top of mind in any market.

Website: https://www.beesandhoneycreative.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcarmichaelyyc/

Instagram: @beesandhoneycreative @miss.sarahcarmichael

What if the value of your business wasn’t just in the products you sell or the clients you serve, but in what you’ve built behind the scenes? What if creating a business that could run without you was the key to building lasting value?

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shauna sits down with Candice Hartwell, Partner at VEER Business Advisors, to talk about business goodwill, sweat equity, and what it really takes to build a business that holds value beyond the founder.

Candice brings deep experience in sell-side advisory and internal ownership transitions, working with small- and medium-sized business owners to help them plan for what comes next. She’s an award-winning accountant, a former commercial lender with BDC, and a passionate advocate for financial wellness, especially for entrepreneurs navigating big decisions.

Shauna and Candice unpack the difference between personal goodwill and business goodwill, and why it matters more than you might think. They talk about how to start shifting value away from the founder and into the systems, people, and structures that make a business scalable, sellable, and sustainable.

This is a reminder that your business is more than just your day-to-day hustle. When you start thinking long-term - about legacy, transitions, and the ability to step away (even just for a vacation!) - you begin building something that can truly last.

https://www.veeradvisors.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicehartwell/

What if small mindset shifts could change the way you show up in your business—and unlock the clarity and confidence you’ve been craving in your financial decisions?

In this empowering episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, co-founders Shannon and Shauna explore five simple yet powerful shifts that can help women entrepreneurs feel more in control of their finances and more connected to their business. Inspired by a participant who described the experience of learning to read her financial statements as unlocking a “superpower,” this episode is a reminder that financial confidence isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about knowing what matters and taking intentional steps forward.

From turning uncertainty into curiosity and replacing overwhelm with small habits, to pricing with clarity and building a support system, we walk through the real, actionable shifts that have transformed the experiences of women entrepreneurs across the country. These aren’t lofty strategies, they’re everyday mindset changes that create real impact.

Along the way, they reflect on some of the most insightful moments from past episodes, including conversations with Katy Baker, Alicia Fowler, and Alla Brisky, that continue to inspire and support women on their path to financial wellness.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they needed to have it all figured out before starting. You don’t need perfection to lead your business with purpose. You just need the right tools, a little curiosity, and the belief that you are more capable than you think.

Previous Episodes:

Navigating Through Financial Uncertainty with Alicia Fowler

2025: A Year of Financial Wellness

Pricing for Profit with Katy Baker

5 Tips on Managing Your Cash Flow

Behind the Vault: Business Advice from a Business Banker with Alla Brisky

What if your banker could be more than just someone you call when you need financing? What if they were a true partner—someone who understands your vision and helps you bring it to life?

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon sits down with Alla Brisky, Regional Manager Prairies, Women in Enterprise at TD, for a conversation every woman entrepreneur needs to hear. Whether you're just getting started or growing a successful business, building the right relationship with your banker can be a game-changer.

Alla brings over a decade of experience in personal and business banking, and as an entrepreneur herself, she gets what it’s like to be on both sides of the table. She shares why it’s so important to start building that banking relationship early, and how having someone in your corner who understands your business can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Shannon and Alla talk about the power of understanding your numbers - especially your cash flow - before walking into a lender’s office. It’s not just about the numbers themselves, but about being able to tell a compelling story about your business. Alla shares how approaching this conversation with confidence can make all the difference when it comes to securing the support you need.

This is a great reminder that your financial journey doesn’t have to be transactional. When you shift your mindset and build a relationship based on openness and trust, your bank can become a strategic ally in your growth. The more you understand your finances, the more empowered you become to make decisions that truly serve your business.

TD Women in Enterprise

Linkedin: