H AL IFA X C HA MBE R OF COMME RCE | O CTO BER 2021 | VO LUME 30 I SSU E 10
Pg 12
We’re still standing … and serving, and selling! Small business owners on surviving the pandemic SHOWING UP FOR YOU
FUNDING TALENT
WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING
Upping wellness, preventing burnout Pg 18
Building self-sufficient traders Pg 21
Students valuable to employers Pg 22
COVER STORY: With public health protocols in place, Glow Events was still able to help people celebrate special events.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS: 04 Chamber Events 05 President’s message 06 New & Noted 09 Members in the news 12 We’re still standing … and serving, and selling
Small business owners on surviving the pandemic
18 Showing up for yourself 21 Profile: Funding Talent 22 Trends
On the Cover: Kourosh Rad, owner of The Garden in downtown Halifax says the pandemic set him back but didn’t stop him from serving his community.
Board of Directors – Officers
Mark Sidebottom, Nova Scotia Power, Chair Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem, Vice-Chair Gavin MacDonald, Cox & Palmer, Past Chair Roger Boutilier, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS Ann Divine, Ashanti Leadership Karim George, InTouch Communications
Directors
Michele Peveril, Halifax Port Authority Brad Proctor, McInnes Cooper Richard Butts, Clayton Developments Limited Caroline Wolfe Stewart, Nova Scotia College of Nursing Andrew de Freitas, Canadian National Railway Christopher Googoo, Ulnooweg Hon. Joanne Bernard, Easter Seals Nova Scotia David Rideout, MetroWorks Chris Cowper-Smith, Spring Loaded Technology Martha Casey, VOLTA Captain (N) A.S. Williams, CD, Maritime Forces Atlantic Kimberly Stephens, Appili Therapeutics Inc. Denise Allen, Food Processors of Canada Donna Harding, Engel & Völkers Paul Way, TD Private Wealth
Chamber Staff
Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO Becky Davison, Vice President, Marketing Kent Roberts, Vice President, Policy Sandra White, Director of Finance and Administration Emma Menchefski, Communications Manager
BUSINESS VOICE
Volume 30 • Issue 10 Business Voice is published 11 times a year for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s business community. Views expressed in Business Voice are those of the contributors and individual members, and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. Please address editorial enquiries and changes to information to: Halifax Chamber of Commerce 100-32 Akerley Boulevard Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1 Tel: 902-468-7111 Fax: 902-468-7333 info@halifaxchamber.com www.halifaxchamber.com
Cover photo credit: Contributed
HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3
EVENTS
CHAMBER EVENTS
For a full and up-to-date list of our Chamber events, please visit www.halifaxchamber.com/events
Contact chris@halifaxchamber.com for partnership opportunities BUSINESS SUPPORT SERIES:
Advisory Boards & How They Accelerate Your Growth OCTOBER 6 10:00 – 11:00 AM
CHAMBER GOLF CHALLENGE: Chester Golf Club OCTOBER 7 12:30 PM
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERIES:
How Loyalty Marketing Can Increase Profit OCTOBER 12 10:00 – 11:00 AM
CHAMPION YOURSELF TO WELLNESS:
BLANKET EXERCISE: Pier 21
5-part Webinar Series OCTOBER 13, 20, 27, NOVEMBER 3 & 10
SMALL BUSINESS BIG PRIDE: Ally conversation
OCTOBER 25 12:00 – 5 PM
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERIES:
Ergonomic Wellness at the Home or Office OCTOBER 26 10:00AM – 11:00AM
OCTOBER 14 10 – 11:30 AM PRESENTED BY: TD
SMALL BUSINESS BIG PRIDE:
2SLGBTQIA+ business conversation
Reduce Financial Stress & Achieve Financial Success
OCTOBER 15 10 – 11:30 AM
OCTOBER 27 10:00AM – 11:00AM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19: 3:00PM – 5:00PM LOCATION: TBD PRESENTED BY: BDC
KEEPING CAPITAL IN NOVA SCOTIA THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 10:00AM – 11:30AM VIRTUAL
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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 4:00PM – 6:00PM BEST WESTERN CHOCOLATE LAKE
SMALL BUSINESS BIG GROWTH SUMMIT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 9:00AM – 2:30PM HYBRID EVENT: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Managing Your Mental Health OCTOBER 28 10:00AM – 11:00AM
THANK YOU TO OUR SEPTEMBER PARTNERS:
BEHAVIOURAL – BASED SPENDING ADVICE:
PRESENTED BY: TD
PINTS + POINTERS: THE WAY FORWARD – NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURS
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERIES:
Visit halifaxchamber.com/ events to register and for info on all of our upcoming events!
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
PRESENTED BY: Scotiabank
OCTOBER 2021
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Cheering the path forward Small Business Week happening October 18-22
@prezhfxchamber
This year let’s celebrate what comes next for entrepreneurs in Canada.”
PATRICK SULLIVAN PRESIDENT & CEO
F
or over 18 months, we have all been guilty of buzzwords like pivot and unprecedented. We have seen economic disruption, high levels of stress and uncertainty, and most importantly, an unwavering amount of community support. As we see vaccination rates for eligible people approach 90% now, it’s time to look forward. Small Business Week in October is a celebration. We celebrate the small business owners who make up our economic backbone. The entrepreneurs who employ millions of people in Canada. The dreamers and doers who start businesses every day in this country and make their impact felt every year. Immigrants who start businesses after leaving the countries of their birth. This year let’s celebrate what comes next for entrepreneurs in Canada. Small Business Week 2021 is focused on the opportunities that lie ahead for entrepreneurs. Now in its 42nd year, the conversation looks towards the brighter future we all know is coming. Small business owners fought to start their businesses and most recently had to fight again for what they needed during the pandemic, and now that government, associations, and funding partners are listening, we can start building back. To kick off the week of celebrations, BDC and the Chamber are hosting The Way Forward: New Growth Opportunities for entrepreneurs. Hosted at the beautiful (and delicious) Garden Restaurant in downtown Halifax. You can read more about the Garden’s journey to entrepreneurship in our cover story on page 12.
Next, we’re discussing localized procurement and its importance to our economy in Keeping Capital in Nova Scotia. The pandemic revealed big gaps in our supply chains, and this panel will help us address and rectify these opportunities. I have spoken to many organizations who have had procurement challenges during the pandemic, and I encourage you to join to learn more about how your organization can solve some of these issues. We’re back to in-person networking with a Business After Hours at the Best Western Chocolate Lake. I have missed
BUSINESS VOICE
Discover Halifax
in person networking so much over the last 18 months, this is a real opportunity to meet other members and build your personal network and your business. And we will finish the week strong at the inaugural Small Business Big Growth Summit. The hybrid event will focus on strategy for small businesses with breakout sessions hosted by the experts to help you navigate your biggest challenges. Bring your pain points and build solutions with Ross Simmonds of Foundation Marketing and Matt Symes of Symplicity. This is the biggest event in 18 months and is one you don’t want to miss. As the economy reenergizes, make sure your business is ready to accelerate with clear, simple, meaningful strategic and marketing ideas for 2022. Happy Small Business Week, Halifax — we hope to see you there! ■
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NEWSMAKERS
NEW & NOTED We welcome our new Chamber members AXIS CAPITAL
BIOVECTRA
Brendan Butler
BIOVECTRA is a manufacturer and developer of drug substances for its global client base, many of whom are among the top 20 pharma/biotech companies operating today. With nearly 600 talented employees across 5 manufacturing facilities in Atlantic Canada, including a world-class biologics operation at Windsor, Nova Scotia, BIOVECTRA is an integral part of delivering life-saving and important medicines to the patients who need them. We care about making better therapeutics.
1625 Grafton St. Suite 900, South Tower Halifax, NS 416-361-7200 brendan.butler@axiscapital.com www.axiscapital.com FINANCE & INSURANCE – Insurance Services (General)
BIOFUEL OILS INC. Ana Weiss
Halifax, NS 647-207-7547 anika@biofuel-oils.com www.biofuel-oils.com ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT – Recycling/Composting
Shawn DeLong
24 Ivey Ln. Windsor, NS 902-566-9116 sdelong@biovectra.com www.biovectra.com INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING – Manufacture/Process
BUREAU DU QUÉBEC DANS LES PROVINCES ATLANTIQUES The BQPA’s mandate is to make Québec known in the four Atlantic provinces and propose and implement measures aimed at enhancing its influence. The BQPA has in-depth knowledge of markets and offers a wide range of consulting services in the economic and commercial fields. The BQPA reports to the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes in the Ministère du Conseil exécutif, under the authority of the Premier. Maud-Andrée Lefebvre 777, rue Main, bureau 710 Moncton, NB 506-855-9627 bqpa@mce.gouv.qc.ca GOVERNMENT – Government
CHEERFETTI GIFT CO. Cheerfetti is an online gift shop offering a wide selection of cheerful items that put the fun back in gift-giving. We carry products from over a dozen Nova Scotian makers (and counting!), with a large number of other Canadian-made items and unique international finds to create warm and thoughtful gifts. Iwona Tatarkiewicz Dartmouth, NS 902-932-7130 ext. 100 hello@cheerfetti.ca www.cheerfetti.ca SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL – Gifts
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OCTOBER 2021
NEWSMAKERS CITY MODELS & TALENT MANAGEMENT Established in 1987, City Models & Talent Management is the longest running agency in Atlantic Canada. Representing a diverse roster of professional models, actors, brand ambassadors and influencers, our talent has appeared in magazines, editorials, campaigns, commercials, and runway shows in both local and international markets. In addition to talent management, we run a training academy. Cheryl Chafe Sackville, NS 902-452-1047 info@citymodels.ca www.citymodels.ca ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA – Marketing
COLE HARBOUR OPTOMETRY Cole Harbour Optometry is passionate about the health of your eyes. Our Optometrists keep up to date with the latest eye care technologies so eye disease can be detected earlier and treated to prevent vision loss. We carry eyewear for everyone from trendy to conservative with competitive packages for every budget. Amy Manchanda 6 Forest Hills Parkway Dartmouth, NS 902-462-2828 a.manch@ns.sympatico.ca www.eyecare@ coleharbouroptometry.ca HEALTH CARE – Optician
EVENFLOW MEDIA I get customers to take the actions my clients want them to take using high quality video production and marketing. Video is the highest converting content for businesses, pairing it with world class implementation we compel your target audience to take action. Derrek Ord Lower Sackville, NS 902-817-4431 derrek@evenflow.media www.evenflow.media ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA – Internet Marketing
HALIGRAPHIX My name is Bruce Tracy and I am really excited to join this community. I am in the process of launching Haligraphix. My business is in graphic/web design & marketing consultation. My goal is to aid existing businesses and startups. I look forward to meeting everyone at the events. Bruce Tracy
Halifax, NS 902-818-4247 bruce@haligraphix.net www.haligraphix.net COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY – Web Design
HANIAS PROPERTIES Hanias Properties features 13 well-appointed apartment buildings in the Clayton Park area. We invite you to view our website for apartment rental details and availabilities. Tracy Solylo Halifax, NS 902-443-3149 km.haniasprop@gmail.com www.haniasproperties.com REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION – Real Estate Residential
INFORMED AGENDA Producer of the Informed HR Events, our meetings and events are the result of intensive research, ensuring that your learning experience as an attendee is fully optimized. Attendance will provide you with an unbeatable platform for networking and knowledge sharing, and provide you with the power of information exchange with decision makers in your industry. Informed Agenda produces meetings, workshops and conferences, providing a professional and highly interactive environment for you and your clients. Lisa Bennett Bedford, NS 902-471-4888 lisa.bennett@informedagenda.com www.informedagenda.com EVENTS – Event Planning/ Management
BUSINESS VOICE
INKWELL MODERN HANDMADE BOUTIQUE & LETTERPRESS STUDIO INC. Established in 2011, Inkwell is a modern handmade gift shop in downtown Halifax, with an abundant selection of handmade delights made with love from over 200 independent local, Canadian and International makers. The boutique showcases cards, prints, jewelry, bath & body, homewares and other great gift ideas available in-store and online! Andrea Rahal 2011 Brunswick St. Halifax, NS 902-405-8309 andrea@inkwellboutique.ca www.inkwellboutique.ca SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL – Gifts
INXPRESS InXpress is an international parcel, freight and shipping company that partners with the world’s best carriers. Our size and tremendous volumes allow InXpress shipping specialists to provide customers unrivaled shipping solutions at some of the lowest prices anywhere. Your business can enjoy first class shipping that’s as effortless and affordable — no matter where you are, no matter what your needs. Your promise. Our business. Robert Daigle Halifax, NS 902-706-7666 robert.daigle@inxpress.com www.ca.inxpress.com BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – Courier/Postal/Mailing
LADY LUCK BOUTIQUE Lady Luck Boutique is a locally owned shop situated in the trendy Hydrostone Market of Halifax’s North End. Find jewelry, accessories, hats, shoes, and original artwork all under one roof. Cathy Hope 5519 Young St. Halifax, NS 902-444-3050 cathy@ladyluckboutique.ca www.ladyluckboutique.ca SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL – Retail (General)
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NEWSMAKERS NUERALLABS INC. Maulik Parikh
Halifax, NS 902-989-5432 mparikh@neuraldecisionlabs.io COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY – Computer Software
OBERLAND AGRISCIENCE INC Oberland Agriscience Inc. is a Halifax based life science company founded in 2017 as a sustainable, zero waste, alternate protein production facility. Deploying an organic byproducts-toalternate protein approach, Oberland produces several insect protein products. Oberland generates high quality sustainable protein from larvae using less land, with lower emissions and less water than traditional protein sources while minimizing biodiversity impacts of animal feed. Using a proprietary organics stabilization process, Oberland transforms organic by-products into a nutritious insect feed and that feed is used to rear the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on an industrial scale. The BSLF in turn become a nutrient-rich, high quality protein ingredient for pet food, aquaculture and agriculture feed. We are committed to creating a circular economy for food. #closingthefoodloop Barbara Campbell Unit 9, 10 Ragged Lake Blvd. Halifax, NS 902-701-3138 barbara@oberlandagriscience.com www.oberlandagriscience.com AGRICULTURE, FISHING & FORESTRY – Agriculture
SAYITFIRST INC. We use technology and community participation to Modernize, Expand, Revitalize and Localize (MERL) Indigenous languages in Canada, and to help our First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) communities produce more language speakers tomorrow, than exist today. The task in its simplest form is to create programs and products to help motivated individuals spend twenty hours per week for three years to attain fluency.
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Mike Parkhill
Halifax, NS 905-867-8929 mikepark@sayitfirst.ca www.sayitfirst.ca EDUCATION & PROF. DEVELOPMENT – Org. Development
UNBOUND MEDIA Unbound Media is primarily focused on digital content creation, to create content that will attract your ideal client. We get clear on where your brand is now and how you best want to represent it with your online presence. With more content than ever being created on social media, we believe there’s never been a better time to invest in your brand and stand out from the crowd. Ryan Williams Bedford, NS 902-880-6967 info@unboundmedia.co www.unboundmedia.co ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA – Marketing
URBAN DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE OF NOVA SCOTIA – UDINS UDI is comprised of a diverse, knowledgeable and highly respected membership team in all aspects of land development. As the recognized voice of the land development in Nova Scotia, developers, builders, government and others associated with the development industry seek our guidance in dealing with issues which affect us all. Stephen Adams
VERGE TECHNOLOGIES Verge Technologies is a team driven by one purpose: to ensure we remain leading edge, through technology, so our customers can compete better. We believe that technology either inhibits or liberates an Organization’s success. Verge provides design, supply, installation, and service for audio-visual, security, and low voltage cabling solutions. Mike McCarther 19-10 Morris Dr. Dartmouth, NS 902-481-6309 mike@vergetechnologies.ca www.vergetechnologies.ca COMMUNICATIONS – Communications (General)
VILLAGE SOUND Village Sound and its partner company, Artifactory Content Co. are business to business content creators, specializing in professional audio: radio production, voice-over, original or licensed production music, sound design and mix, as well as 2D/3D animation and motion graphics: broadcast advertising, online content, instructional/learner videos and corporate idents. Dave Anderson 6189 Lady Hammond Rd. Halifax, NS 902-446-0245 dave@villagesound.ca www.villagesound.ca COMMUNICATIONS – Broadcasting
1718 Argyle St. Halifax, NS 902-442-5017 executivedirector@udins.ca www.udins.ca BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – Consulting (General)
Are you a new member?
To submit your 50-word description for New & Noted, please contact Mandi Bowser, Administrative Specialist at mandi@halifaxchamber.com or 902-468-7111 within the first six months of membership.
OCTOBER 2021
NEWSMAKERS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS How our members are growing Halifax
GOOD ROBOT PAYS US TO DRINK LOCAL BEER On Monday, August 9, we launched a controversial and pressworthy idea: micro-influencers. In short, we are turning EVERYONE into influencers by paying $1 to anyone who drinks our beer and uploads a photo to Instagram. Yes. We are paying people to drink beer. It’s the kinda crazy, scrappy idea the hospitality industry needs right now in this challenging economy. For years big brands have leveraged celebrity and social media influencer endorsements to promote their products. But being a smaller local brand, Good Robot instead wants the endorsement of everyone in the community, not just those with a big following. So much so that they’ve even limited the promotion to only those with less than 10,000 followers.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS Edgecombe’s Marketing & Promotions is excited to be celebrating our twenty year anniversary. None of our successes of the past two decades would have been possible without the dedicated hard work of our exceptional employees or the continued relationships we have built with loyal clients and suppliers. Started in 2001 by John Edgecombe, Edgecombe’s is a family-owned and operated business. Since then, we have become a leader in the industry, offering a full-service of tangible marketing solutions including branded merchandise, uniforms and apparel, print material and creative/digital marketing solutions to our clients across North America.
FUNDRAISERS CHALLENGE THEMSELVES AND CHANGE LIVES! On August 7th, brave rappellers challenged themselves and changed lives by rappelling off Halifax’s tallest office building 1801 Hollis Street. Drop Zone is Easter Seals Nova Scotia’s signature fundraising event that supports our programs and services for Nova Scotians living with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. This year was our fundraiser BUSINESS VOICE
Debby Chipman’s 10th time taking the Drop Zone challenge and over her past ten rappels, she has raised a total of $50,000 for programs and services at Easter Seals Nova Scotia. Thank you to Debby and all of our rappellers for supporting Nova Scotians living with disabilities at Drop Zone 2021!
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NEWSMAKERS
TAKE PART PROGRAMS RETURN
OCTOBER IS CANADA’S HEALTHY WORKPLACE MONTH
NEW EFFICIENCY INCENTIVES FOR NON-PROFITS
Did you know that 37% of children and youth with disabilities never take part in organized physical activities, compared to the 10% of those without disabilities? After a year and a half Easter Seals Nova Scotia is excited to be offering a full slate of accessible Take PART sports programming again this fall and winter. Take PART (Physically Accessible Recreation Today) is one of our four pillar programs which provides Nova Scotians with physical and/or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to participate in physically active sport recreation programs. After a long wait we’re excited to welcome back our participants to programs this fall!
From October 1 to October 31, organizations from coast to coast participate in Canada’s Healthy Workplace month, (CHWM), a national initiative that focuses on raising awareness around the importance of workplace health. Research from the Mental Health Commission of Canada consistently demonstrates that mentally healthy workplaces can improve productivity, cut down on absences and increase worker retention. The Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division (CMHA NS) believes supporting a safe, supportive and mentally healthy work culture is good for business. CMHA NS offers several programs that help employers boost mental health and improve workplace culture. Learn more: www.novascotia.cmha.ca/ programs-trainings-support-groups/.
Efficiency Nova Scotia is now offering incentives on energy efficiency upgrades for non-electrically heated small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Incentives will be available on select products in categories such as heating, kitchen, and laundry equipment, water heating, agriculture technologies and solar water heating. We also offer free energy assessments. To learn more or to find out if your business or non-profit organization qualifies. Visit: www.efficiencyns.ca/non-electric.
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OCTOBER 2021
NEWSMAKERS
CLOVER DINING IS NOW AVAILABLE IN CANADA Have you heard the news?! Clover Dining is now available in Canada. The new software will allow your customers to scan your businesses QR code, browse your menu, and then place & pay for their order. As we move into the next phase of restrictions, this will help keep you and your customers safe. With so many amazing features, it’s only natural to have more questions; The SONA team are more than happy to chat with you, find out more about your business, and see if Clover Dining will benefit your needs.
DASC BOARDROOMS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! DASC (Dartmouth Adult Services Centre) reminds its friends and partners in the business community that its boardroom and training room spaces are open for
bookings! Rental from DASC’s boardroom bookings support its programs for adults with intellectual disabilities. Contact Alex at sales@dasc-ns.ca to reserve your space!
INTENTIONAL OUTCOMES FINDS NEW HOME We are SO excited to announce Intentional Outcomes has moved to our new location at 211 Horseshoe Lake Dr. With the increase in clients wanting to be seen in person we have decided to take the step to move into a new space. We will be offering spaces for new individual and couples sessions. We will be COVID compliant with increased health protocols to keep you safe. There is free parking on site and is wheelchair accessible. Don’t worry we will continue to see clients virtually. For more information please call 902-445-3800 or email us at robyn@intentionaloutcomes.com.
SHARPENING SKILLS AT THE FAMILY KNIFE Congratulations to The Family Knife Principal Leah Sanford on completing the first level certification in International Trade through the Forum for International Trade Training! We’re thrilled she has achieved this level of professional certification, and did so with high marks of distinction.
BUSINESS VOICE
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COVER STORY
We’re still standing… and serving, and selling! Small business owners on surviving the pandemic By Judith Kays
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OCTOBER 2021
T
he past nineteen months have been a challenging time for most small business owners, who provide our essential services, local jobs and are an invaluable touchpoint in our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has proved as much of a financial crisis as a health one, significantly impacting local business owners and their employees. Despite these difficulties, many have met these challenges head-on. That’s why now, it’s important to take the time to celebrate and appreciate their achievements.
Recognizing that several small businesses were hit very hard during the past several months and are still trying to recover, there have also been local businesses that have been unable to financially survive the pandemic. About 53% of small business owners in Nova Scotia don’t expect to return to pre-COVID operations for some time. The projections are quite similar for most of the country's 1.14 million small businesses still lamenting empty dining rooms, stores and cash registers, and fretting about how they can rebound from the pandemic's economic impacts. Here in HRM, there have been some success stories - stories of resilience, perseverance, trust, community, and kindness. Here’s how three local businesses made their way through the pandemic.
Karoush Rad (left), credits his staff for putting the smiles back on customers’ faces as they began to open to customers again.
Contributed
BUSINESS VOICE
A PRE-PANDEMIC START As an urban planner and commercial real estate consultant, Kourosh Rad had no restaurant experience when he took over The Garden restaurant in downtown Halifax. However, by February 2020, he opened his doors, after securing the right team to help him serve the community with a fresh, new farm-to-table dining experience, coupled with hand-crafted cocktails in a relaxed indoor/outdoor, exquisite atmosphere. Two weeks later, he had to close the restaurant for the first of three government-mandated shutdowns.
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COVER STORY STARTING A BUSINESS DURING THE PANDEMIC Sandra Drover had the space, the inventory, the systems and everything else in place for the opening of her new casual wear boutique, PHIT’cetera, in July 2020. However, when the pandemic became more than a two-week shutdown, she knew she was in for some tough decisions. Armed with uncertainty and a host of other challenges, Drover decided to make the switch and open as an online retail store and set everything up over the ensuing four months. In November 2020, she began selling her products online and making plans for an eventual physical store opening.
Contributed
Above: Glow’s masked staff prepares for a scaled down event. Contributed
Below: Glow owner Dave O’Connor at one of the hand sanitizing stations they rent for events.
EXPERIENCE DOESN’T MEAN IT WAS EASY Even though Dave O’Connor has owned and operated Glow Events for the past 27 years, he says there was nothing that could have prepared him for the past 19 months. Starting with their signature signs, Glow events has been growing steadily over the past several years, outfitting hundreds of local events with various supplies and entertainment, operating retail stores and being involved somehow in almost every small and large event in the province. That success and experience didn’t help when O’Connor was blindsided in March 2020 and he was forced to shut business down, laying off 70 people in one day. CHALLENGES: AGAINST THE ODDS One of the hardest things for small businesses to survive the pandemic has been the uncertainty. O’Connor and most small business owners acknowledge that COVID-19 had a mind of its own and it seemed no one could predict how life and work would change on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. “The not-knowing when we could open back up, for how many customers and understanding group limits has been one of the biggest challenges,” says Dave O’Connor. “Public health regulations were constantly changing and just as we would start to plan and be on the upswing, we were smacked with another shut-down.” Kourosh Rad says it’s been especially tough to witness the lack of patience that some members of the public had when the restaurant announced that, in compliance with public health guidelines, they would require their patrons to be
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OCTOBER 2021
COVER STORY
With public health protocols in place, Glow was still able to help people celebrate special events.
Contributed
vaccinated in order to visit the restaurant. “I wasn’t prepared for the vilification both online and in person,” Rad says. “Our staff had death threats and people were very hateful on social media. I feel that we were judged much too harshly for taking the right steps to keep our staff and our community safe.” Rad also says that, along with many other small businesses, especially in the service sector, it’s been hard to keep things at a normal operating level. “There are food shortages, staff shortages, prices for everything have gone up and it’s been hard to keep things moving forward at times.” Drover agrees. As a new business, she’s been careful not to bring in too much inventory, however, she says it’s sometimes gone the opposite way. “I’ve had a few key suppliers who haven’t been able to produce their garments because they can’t source the materials or the people to make the clothing,” she says. “I’m very particular about the suppliers I use and am conscious of the entire
supply chain and life cycle of a garment, making sure suppliers are focused on reducing their environmental impact. When some spots were hit harder than others with COVID, I had to find other sustainable suppliers for inventory.” These issues were only a few of what many small businesses experienced during the pandemic and now, there are new challenges with recovery efforts, including staffing, new and ever-changing training and safety protocols, and the policing of mask wearing and vaccinations. Many owners say that compared to big businesses that have more staff and resources, they were left to their own devices, resources and knowledge to find solutions to the shifting issues that transpired on an almost daily basis. “You can’t put this into a business plan,” says O’Connor. “Over the years, we’ve made small changes and pivots to grow our business, but this was unprecedented and none of us could have anticipated the drastic impact and changes to our business.” BUSINESS VOICE
OPPORTUNITIES AND ‘THE PIVOT’ Facing some very unique challenges during the pandemic, the extent to which small businesses ventured through the effects of the restrictions and shutdowns varies from business to business. Overwhelmingly though, much of the small business community in HRM found innovative ways to adapt and ‘pivot’ — the key word the past 19 months. Having a strong local economy and connections to the community also helped businesses survive. Many of the changes implemented by businesses helped keep them afloat but their creativity, innovative thinking and adaptability is what led them through successfully. “The day after we shut down, I immediately had to lay off all of 20 of my staff, except my chef who stayed to help with the first of my pivots,” says Rad. “I decided to offer take out coffee and treats to our community.” But with a background in urban planning and being new to the restaurant business, 15
COVER STORY
Sandra Drover is happy to be able to open her doors to customers again, who have shown that shopping local is becoming the norm.
Contributed
Rad wasn’t yet equipped to make specialty coffee with their espresso machine. “When the very first customer that came in wanted a macchiato,” he says. “I quickly googled how to make it.” As the two weeks grew longer and the lockdowns kept coming, more and more changes were made. “People were shut-in, they couldn’t see their families and friends and we wanted to help service our community.” says Rad. “After the second lock-down when people were encouraged to stay close to home, we made Thanksgiving dinners that were ordered from people near and far who couldn’t see their families. That’s when I knew that not only was the community helping us through this, but we were also helping them by providing a small connection through food.” O’Connor also came up with ideas to evolve through this new limited business 16
The amount of love and kindness from the community to support local businesses has been both a welcome surprise, but also an acknowledgement of knowing that we’re in this together.” — Kourosh Rad,
Owner, The Garden
OCTOBER 2021
structure and, he says, some of them worked and some of them had to be adjusted day by day. “Being in the event industry, we’re used to solving problems. We purchased hand sanitizing stations which were needed for public spaces and small gatherings,” says O’Connor. “We altered our Christmas lights show, Glow Gardens, and since our scope of events have changed to smaller, more personal events, we modified our inventory to make them unique.” O’Connor says they also got a small boost from new business within the film industry that, ironically, yet gratefully, wanted to do business in Nova Scotia because of our safety protocols. Sandra Drover says that being able to pivot as a brand new business wasn’t as hard as she thought. Her clothing is defined as casual and athletic wear and
COVER STORY
surprise, but also an acknowledgement of knowing that we’re in this together,” says Rad. “People want us to succeed and I’m so grateful for that.” Drover says she’s overwhelmed by the amount of local support she’s had from repeat customers who have visited her store either online or in person. “I’m in this because I want to make an impact and make a difference, and my community is right behind me all the way, helping me along — that means a lot.” O’Connor says that even though the challenges he had this year were ‘off the charts’, he says there was no chance he’d give up. “We have a small mountain to climb to get out of this, but we’re up for the challenge,” he says. “My team and I have built something strong and I would never let them down, just as they’ve stuck with me and put their heart and soul into this business, especially over the past months.”
Sandra Drover says she tries to do everything with a good attitude and good energy, and that positivity helped her survive the past several months.
Contributed
people were looking for these kinds of items while working from and staying close to home. “I was able to quickly switch to an online business right away,” she says. “I offered curbside pick-up and the community really got behind me, in terms of buying local.” Even though it was out of necessity, Drover also found new suppliers whose values aligned with hers, allowing her to expand her inventory. RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY Small business owners have experienced unique challenges, substantial changes, and sleepless nights yet many have also been rewarded with overwhelming kindness from their communities. Drover, O’Connor, and Rad all agree that the province did the best they could to not only keep Nova Scotians safe, but
to keep our economy going. The provincial and federal subsidies and grants helped small businesses keep their doors open in some cases and escape complete peril in others. “We’ve all learned the meaning of resilience this past year and a half,” says Drover. “Keeping Nova Scotians as safe as possible was the biggest priority and that we’ve done well.” “The government subsidies helped but we’re still carrying lots of debt,” says O’Connor. “They allowed us to find opportunities to work during the shutdown, to find other ways to diversify our revenue and to regroup somewhat.” These business owners also agree that their community and their people are what kept them going. “The amount of love and kindness from the community to support local businesses has been both a welcome BUSINESS VOICE
KEY TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY Small and medium sized businesses are significant contributors to the Canadian economy. For context, small businesses made up 98.0% of all employer businesses in Canada in 2020, employing 9.7 million individuals in Canada - approximately 64% of the total labour force. This demonstrates just how important and significant small business is in driving towards economic recovery in our cities and towns. “There is no better time than now to support our local small businesses,” says Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. “We need to help them continue to succeed because they are the backbone of our economy. They have shown determination and resilience during the pandemic. Given the extraordinary measures and investment they have made to continue operating, they are now counting on us to get behind them.” There’s a common thread in what kept these three business owners going and what allowed them to survive the past 19 months: local connections, their community, and human kindness. “I think we are going to come out of this stronger despite the adversity and the challenges, and because of the support from others,” says Rad. “The community gives us a profound feeling that’s hard to put into words other than … thank you.” ■ 17
SECONDARY STORY
Life Out Loud Founder Martina Kelades says that entrepreneurs need to work through their guilt and set firm boundaries to protect and foster their wellness and mental health.
Nicole Lapierre Photography
Showing up for yourself Entrepreneurs should hustle for their health, not just their business, to up their wellness and prevent burnout By Sara Ericsson
E
ntrepreneurship and hustle are two words that go hand in hand, for many reasons. It takes hard work and long hours to build something out of nothing and to take an idea and transform it into a business. It’s a process that demands a certain determination, grit and, well, hustle. But that hustle can often — if not always — come with a side of burn out. And while there are some who’d make a case for this just being a part of the process, there are many who have moved beyond this way of thinking to prioritize their mental health above all else. Life Out Loud Founder and selfemployed Entrepreneur Martina Kelades says it boils down to this: you and your
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There are sacrifices we make as entrepreneurs and we often don’t realize how big they are, or what detriment they have to our health.” — Martina Kelades,
Founder, Life Out Loud
OCTOBER 2021
business are not one and the same. You have an identity outside of your company, whether you know it or not, and it will always be with you, whether your business is or is not. “I am Martina Kelades the Founder, but first and foremost I am Martina. My business is not the full me, so if I’m not showing up for myself, there is no business at the end of the day,” she says. “As entrepreneurs, we feel we have to be accessible all the time — that we have to hustle to get the work and not lose it, but at what expense? There are sacrifices we make as entrepreneurs and we often don’t realize how big they are, or what detriment they have to our health.”
SECONDARY STORY
DON’T LET GUILT KEEP YOU FROM SETTING BOUNDARIES After experiencing total burnout following a 10-year career, Kelades founded Life Out Loud to facilitate conversations in professional settings about wellness and prioritizing mental health. And as her business gained momentum and was called upon for supports as the COVID-19 pandemic picked up speed, a new phase of burnout began. She says this felt tough to navigate, as an entrepreneur with a business built on mindfulness. “It felt great to be able to lend my services, but one of the reasons why I burned out in my previous career was because as a personal development facilitator, I focused time and energy on serving others and forgot to take care of myself,” she says. Kelades says that for her and her fellow entrepreneurs, it can be hard to notice how much you are missing until you take time to unplug. That when you’re in a business mindset and in the midst of a steady workflow, it can be very easy to stop checking in with yourself to see how you’re doing. “Every entrepreneur is susceptible to mental health challenges, no matter the industry,” she says. “I have mental health challenges myself and have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and working in this field through the pandemic has really taken a toll on my mental health. And I’ve noticed, due to the field I work in, that everyone around me is also feeling an impact on their mental health.” So how do people in the business community start prioritizing their mental health, while continuing to show up for their business? Kelades says it’s about giving yourself permission to set boundaries to protect one’s mental health and wellness. That, and knowing that your own health is essential to being able to give your business everything you’ve got. “Guilt is a big factor in why many entrepreneurs don’t take that time,” says Kelades. “I facilitate a workshop around entrepreneurs’ well-being titled ‘Mind Your Business,’ which examines what we are doing for our self-care. This has to be part of the business model,” she says. “No one is getting an award for NOT taking time off, but you will be rewarded if you do.”
Colleen Adams is the Manager of Health and Digital Product Solutions at Medavie Blue Cross. She says ensuring access to digital mental health services has become important, particularly during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contributed
It’s about building mindfulness into your day-to-day routine and … getting ahead of anxiety and stress before it becomes a bigger issue.” — Colleen Adams, Manager of Health and Digital
Product Solutions, Medavie Blue Cross
‘INVEST IN MENTAL HEALTH’ NOW, NOT LATER Colleen Adams works at Medavie Blue Cross as the Manager of Health and Digital Product Solutions. She says that while everyone is prone to burnout and stress, entrepreneurs are likely more prone to it than most, with fewer people in their business to rely on meaning when they aren’t fully engaged at work, it can have a tenfold impact on their business. She says that with the advent of COVID-19 shadow pandemic, the toll it has taken on mental health, it’s essential that health plan members, whether with Medavie Blue Cross or otherwise, have access to options that work for them. Adams says that with barriers to accessing mental health support services including financial cost, physical access and time, her team determined that a solution was needed. That solution came as Medavie Blue Cross created Connected Care, which now directly links Medavie Blue Cross members to digital and virtual mental health supports that fit their budget and schedule. These supports exist on their partner sites, which include Mind Beacon. BUSINESS VOICE
“Mental health services were hard to access early in the pandemic, especially during lockdowns. Now, our members can select who they want to talk to, and when they want to talk to them. It’s about opening up modalities to care, eliminating wait lists and removing barriers,” says Adams. She says that while some remain hesitant to talk openly about or check in on their mental health, conversations on the subject in Canada are getting better, with today’s Generation Z and Millennial workforce members accessing mental health plan supports more than any generation preceding them. “For Gen Z, our youngest demographic, counselling is the number-one most utilized extended health care benefit in this group. For millennials, it’s number two. As you get older, it doesn’t even hit the top five,” says Adams. “It’s about building mindfulness into your day-to-day routine and … getting ahead of anxiety and stress before it becomes a bigger issue. To the entrepreneurs out there, please check your benefits plan and see what you have covered — invest in your mental health and take care of yourself now.” 19
SECONDARY STORY
Nature Folk Wellness Studio Co-Founder Ashley Cluett says that achieving inner peace is the new success.
Justine Barnhart
‘ACHIEVING INNER PEACE IS THE NEW SUCCESS’ Nature Folk Wellness Studio Co-Founder Ashley Cluett says the natural ebbs and flows of business can take a serious toll on any person’s mental health. She says she expects this is even more the case for entrepreneurs, once again due to how fully integrated they are with their work. “Learning where the business stops and you start can be super challenging,” she says. “This is especially tough for people already predisposed to things like imposter syndrome, anxiety, and perfectionism. Interestingly, I think the above traits tend to exist in most complex thinkers, creatives and highly motivated people, and these tend to be the exact people that are pushed toward entrepreneurship.” Finding a way to engage with community and offer it a space where people could quickly and easily access wellness services was something Cluett says became key for Nature Folk, an infrared sauna and massage therapy studio that was founded to help people incorporate
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Learning where the business stops and you start can be super challenging.” — Ashley Cluett, Co-Founder, Nature Folk Wellness Studio self-care without it feeling onerous. She says short treatments mean engaging with a wellness centre like Nature Folk can offer a quick yet effective reset. “A client can come to Nature Folk for a quick 25-minute sauna on their lunch break for a mini-reset, or a longer 45-minute sauna in the evening to decompress from the day. For those that work in an office, massage therapy is vitally important to help counterbalance the physical and emotional strain from poor desk posture, overstimulation and social fatigue,” she says. Cluett says that whether you choose to soak in a sauna or check in with digital therapy, making time to foster a deeper connection with your self will help entrepreneurs develop their own self-care
OCTOBER 2021
practices to implement on their own time, whenever they feel work-related stress or anxiety creeping up. And with businesses never being more open about so-called pandemic pivots, the toll this hard work has taken and how difficult — and rewarding — keeping up with these changing times have been, this is the perfect time to start. “Maybe it’s a five-minute walk, a mantra, breath work, contrast bathing, journaling, a high-intensity work out, yoga, looking at Pinterest, a foot soak, stretching, surfing, or petting your dog — as long as you are present, connected and intentional with whatever practice you choose, you are supporting your mental health. Achieving inner peace is the new success,” she says. ■
MEMBER PROFILE
Funding talent, growing knowledge Expert in forex industry builds self-sufficient traders By Emma Menchefski
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here do you get your financial advice? Google? Podcasts? Instagram? If you chose Instagram, you may recognize Funding Talent co-founder Jessica Ghaney. In December 2019, Ghaney worked in nursing while growing her online brand ForexTips101. She became a very successful expert in the forex industry, garnering over 230,000 followers on Instagram alone. She was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal in March 2020 in the article “The Financial Gurus Millenials Listen To.” “From here, she started Funding Talent, a gamified educational platform where people could develop trading skills and potentially generate revenue while doing so,” says Wade MacCallum, VP Marketing, Funding Talent. Her and co-founder Anthony Sartor have been growing the business from Halifax ever since. The forex industry is a combination of foreign currency and exchange. Investopedia defines foreign exchange as “the process of changing one currency into another for a variety of reasons, usually for commerce, trading or tourism.” According to a 2019 triennial report from the Bank of International Settlements, the daily trading volume for forex reached $6.6 trillion in April 2019. The growing industry is ripe with opportunity. Our globalized approach to trade, commerce, and finance has turned forex markets into the largest and most liquid asset markets in the world. “The industry is an emerging one with new companies spread across the world. It’s been successful partially due to the gig economy as the work from home shift that was escalated by COVID,” says MacCallum. “Today there are three major players in this world with Funding Talent being one of these and by all accounts the one growing the fastest.” The financial industry is known as competitive and cutthroat, but for
Today there are three major players in this world with Funding Talent being one of these and by all accounts the one growing the fastest.” — Wade MacCallum,
VP Marketing, Funding Talent
Jessica, her true passion lies in helping people become self-sufficient. According to the 2019 Canadian Financial Capability Survey, more than half of Canadians aged 18 to 34 (56%) have taken steps to strengthen their financial knowledge, mainly through online study. “Learning how to trade in a safe environment where emerging traders are not risking their own capital is an ideal way for them to realize their dream,” says MacCallum.
BUSINESS VOICE
Building their business in Atlantic Canada has led to exciting opportunities for Funding Talent. Their team currently has 35 employees locally and they are still hiring. Their new office in Alderney Landing is expected to house up to 50 employees by the end of this year, and potentially more by the end of 2022. “Atlantic Canada has an abundance of talent. One of the limiting factors pre-COVID has been the reluctance of some traditional and more established businesses based in major centers to employ a work from home team. This is shifting, and we see more opportunity in Atlantic Canada because of this.” Their local roots run deep through strong relationships with several local experts and professional firms. The Funding Talent team is seeing big industry growth as their studies show the market is still expanding rapidly. “The sky is the limit for us,” says MacCallum. Not slowing down any time soon, the company is launching a unique product this fall, the Funding Talent Blitz. “We feel this will be a giant step for this industry and potentially our most successful product to date. We are keeping the details under wraps for now until our public launch.” They will continue their focus on the educational side of the platform as well. Helping a new generation learn how to trade effectively is an important part of their mandate, while providing rewards along the way for demonstrating trading skill. Organizations like Funding Talent are attracting and retaining talent to the region. Their impact in the growing forex trading industry is only just getting started. “Honestly, one of the most exciting parts of our growth has been the fact that we started in Halifax and we plan to keep growing and hiring here.” Keep an eye out for Funding Talent’s next projects here. ■
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TRENDS
Work integrated learning Despite pandemic, Dal business students continue providing value for employers
CONTRIBUTED BY
Many of our co-op students have contributed positively to our culture and our goals.” — Sheeba Kochhar, Human Resources Manager, Proposify
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espite a difficult labour market and the need for remote work in many industries, employers stepped up and Dalhousie Rowe School of Business students persevered over the past year, proving that not even a pandemic can stop work-integrated learning. Hiring a co-op or internship student not only enriches the learning experience of the student, it gives you an opportunity to bring new talent onto your team. “Our team enjoys coaching and mentoring curious, driven Dal business students and giving them real-world work experience that helps prepare them for their future careers,” says Sheeba Kochhar, Human Resources Manager at Proposify. “Many of our co-op students have contributed positively to our culture and our goals. It’s like we get a sneak peek and first dibs on fresh new talent — a win-win for the company and students! Our Summer 2021 co-op student, Nigel Bannister, easily integrated into Proposify’s Customer Success team. He also contributed ideas for new initiatives and worked on them with the Sales team." Some companies have deeply integrated Dalhousie business co-op and internship recruitment into their culture and practices, but if you’ve never hired a student before, it’s never too late to try. “We first learned about the Dalhousie Commerce Co-op program last year and hired one student, Sam Willner, for the Fall 2020 work term to check it out,” says Joe Allen, Executive Director of BNI Maritimes Inc. “We were so pleased with what he brought to our organization that we hired two students, Nick Lawlor and Maia St. John, for the Winter 2021 term! These students were at the end of their first year, still early in their university learning, yet they were already able to
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offer us real value. We were impressed by the initiative and enthusiasm they demonstrated. They helped us by bringing their technical skills to our projects and by researching and learning new software and techniques.” Dalhousie’s Management Career Services (MCS) team supports diverse organizations to recruit Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management, and Corporate Residency MBA students and graduates by assisting with the process of obtaining work-term funding, providing full-service recruitment support, and offering guidance and advice to achieve specific recruitment goals. Seeing students thrive in creating the foundation for a successful career is what our work-integrated learning programs are all about. “Work-integrated learning is mandatory in the Commerce Co-op and Corporate Residency MBA programs. I believe it is the primary reason that many students choose to study with us and the reason many diverse employers recruit our talented students,” says Robert Wooden, Director of MCS.
OCTOBER 2021
For the 2020-21 academic year: • 100% of 218 Commerce Co-op students secured co-op positions for Fall 2020 • 98.4% of 330 Commerce Co-op students (the largest cohort in the history of the program, all seeking their first co-op experience) secured co-op positions for Winter 2021 • 100% of 236 Commerce Co-op students secured co-op positions for Summer 2021 • 100% of 12 Management Internship students secured 8-month work terms • 100% of 43 Corporate Residency MBA students secured 8-month work terms
To learn how your company can tap into Dalhousie’s business student talent pool, contact mcs@dal.ca or visit dal.ca/mcs.
TRENDS
Looking for new results? Try a new mindset
FLORIA AGHDAMIMEHR FOUNDER & CEO, RECOGNIZE YOUR POTENTIAL
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he current circumstances of COVID19 call for a new way of doing things. Mental health and wealth are vital to thriving during pandemic. Of course, there are local and global economic implications. How will you react or plan to move forward? Remember, most people don’t make sound decisions in a state of FEAR and we can all think of many examples. Allow Mindfulness to boost your mental health/ wealth to give you a Present! Small business owners comprise over 90% of Canadian economy. Successful entrepreneurs and organizations recognize the urgency to invest in their biggest asset, themselves, and their team, for highest ROI! Soft skills are no longer nice to have; they NOW are the key to our wellbeing and economy. Our ability to adapt is the surest way to not only survive this pandemic but thrive well into the future. NEW MINDSET = NEW RESULTS Prior to pandemic, the Canadian Mental Health Association: • Estimated economic burden of mental illness $51 billion per year. • Cost of a disability leave for mental illness 2x the cost of leave due to physical illness. • Evidence demonstrates promotion, prevention & early intervention show positive ROI.
Although, we do not have current statistics, health professionals unequivocally agree mental health to be our biggest challenge for next 2-5 years. Mental health does not discriminate against employees, entrepreneurs, or CEOs. This is vital when navigating ahead during uncertain times. Work life integration has never been more crucial to our wellbeing and economy!! BDC’s May 2021 study of entrepreneurs confirms slight improvement over November of 2020, but recommends diversification of coping mechanisms. Small business owners are faced with a tough task of not only maintaining their own resiliency but also building capacity, empowering and inspiring their team who look to them for direction on how to work in new environment. It is time to respond to the challenges of today while looking to the horizon. “The first half of our life, we spend our health to create wealth. The second half of our life, we spend our wealth to regain our health. This is not always possible!” Numerous uncertainties, working from home, parenting, home schooling, lack of childcare, elderly care, inability to see loved ones, being home alone, hourly COVID updates, have been taxing. Previous learned coping mechanisms and support systems are no longer available. New professional and personal challenges are presented exponentially and life as we knew has changed with great uncertainties moving forward! THRIVING THROUGH CHANGE Same old, same old no longer works, time for New Mindset for New Results. Last 18 months have proven Mindset is cornerstone of resiliency. Scientists agree Growth Mindset and Mindfulness improve physical, emotional, and mental health. Resilient individuals manage their stress well, integrating work & life for success, engagement, mental wealth, productivity, and innovation. Mindset is the Key to Adaptability and the surest way to thrive into growth!
BUSINESS VOICE
REACTING VS CREATING Tips to implement at work or home: • Focus on communicating to build bridges of understanding • Maintain an ‘open’ door even virtually • Walking meetings • Monitor low morale • Develop set of agreed team behaviours and code of conduct • Team building activities during virtual meetings • Mindset of Inclusion • Daily Meditation • Invest in self-awareness • Watch your thoughts & beliefs • Walk mindfully • Let go of old habits that no longer serve you • Start habits to support your goals • Spend time in nature We are all exposed to cycles and evolutions throughout life. Those with ability to integrate these energies as opportunities to learn, adjust, grow, and define their purpose, rise above. They in some way, accept negative events as pathways to re-evaluate our plot and plight in life: draw direction, meaning, purpose and even inspiration from it. Examine your responses to events and experiences. Fill your world with positive. Our perception is our reality. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, managers, and CEOs need to show leadership and demonstrate a positive perception. POSITIVITY is the best bug to spread and catch!! Floria, is the founder and CEO of Recognize Your Potential. She has happily devoted well over three decades in studying, researching, and simplifying Growth Mindset, Mindfulness, Neuroscience, and Positive Mindset to implement at work and life. Information is plentiful, however, turning that information into behaviour needs new way of thinking for Transformation!!
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Small Business Week y a W e Th ward For
HalifaxSmallBusinessWeek.com
