In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, host Shauna Frederick is joined by Brenda Beckedorf, a distinguished ecosystem builder, strategic thinker, and champion of technology-driven growth. As the co-founder of Society 5.0, board director of the Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC) and Vice Chair of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), Brenda has dedicated her career to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and driving positive societal change through technology and collaboration.

As a co-founder of Society 5.0, Brenda is committed to helping leaders integrate advanced technology into their businesses. She highlights how Society 5.0 is working to revolutionize Alberta’s tech and business landscape by engaging C-level executives, fostering collaboration, and addressing the challenges that scale-up companies face.

Brenda shares her insights on the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and why small businesses need to start embracing this ever-evolving technology. She discusses how AI is revolutionizing industries at an unprecedented pace and explains how business owners can leverage AI to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and drive profitability. From accounting and marketing to customer service and decision-making, AI presents ample opportunities for small businesses willing to adapt and innovate.

Tune in to this great conversation to learn how you can harness the power of AI and position your business, however big, for long-term success. Don't miss this episode packed with expert advice from one of Canada’s leading voices in tech innovation.

Websites

Society 5.0

Digital Solutioning Course

AI Tools and Information

Canadian companies are using AI in financial reporting - KPMG Canada

Two years after the launch of ChatGPT, how has generative AI helped businesses? - The Globe and Mail

AI Tools

Social Media

Linkedin

Instagram: @b.beckedorf

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, host Shauna Frederick sits down with Sue Derlago, a seasoned financial expert with over 25 years of experience in the investment and financial planning industry. Sue is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals and navigate the complexities of financial planning, investment strategies, and tax management. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), and Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS), Sue is passionate about helping women entrepreneurs gain financial clarity and confidence.

Together, Shauna and Sue dive into the essential steps women entrepreneurs can take to achieve financial wellness in their business. Sue shares three actionable strategies to help women entrepreneurs and business owners take control of their financial future. She emphasizes the importance of building a cash reserve to provide financial stability, investing in their future to strategically grow wealth and set themselves up for long-term success, and mastering their tax strategy to understand how taxes impact their business while planning proactively to maximize efficiency. Sue also discusses some of the most common financial mistakes she sees women entrepreneurs make, articularly the importance of tracking the numbers and ensuring financial decisions are driving the business in the right direction.

No matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, this episode offers practical advice to help you make confident financial decisions and build a strong foundation for success.

Websites:

https://derlagowealth.ca/

Linkedin Sue Derlago

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, we are joined by Moirae Choquette, founder of Tomato Wheels, a company specializing in importing high-quality Lambrusco wine from Italy. As a proud Indigenous entrepreneur from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Moirae has built a career in marketing and communications, using her expertise to bring unique and carefully curated wines to the Canadian market.

Moirae’s entrepreneurial journey has been anything but conventional. Like many business owners, she once found herself caught in the pressures of external expectations, trying to fit into traditional definitions of success. But as her business evolved, so did her perspective. In this episode, she shares how she broke free from the self-imposed rules that dictated what success should look like and instead redefined it on her own terms.

She also explores what financial wellness means to her, not just from a numbers perspective, but as a deeper sense of alignment between financial stability and personal fulfillment. Moirae opens up about how she built a business that supports both her financial goals and her values, proving that success is about more than just profit margins, it’s about creating a life and business that feel right for you.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that success is personal, ever-evolving, and different for everyone.

Tomato Wheels

Abraham Hicks Podcast

Social Media

Linkedin

Instagram @tomatowheels

Facebook

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, we are joined by Rachael Hunt, the Founder & CEO of Freedom School Co. and an Intuitive Indigenous Mentor & Healer. Rachael, a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nations, shares her expertise on breaking generational cycles, especially in the context of money and women entrepreneurship.

Rachael discusses the subconscious patterns that many women inherit around money, which often do not serve our best interests in today's world. She delves into how these cycles can limit financial growth and personal well-being, and emphasizes the importance of shifting these patterns for long-term prosperity.

Drawing from her Indigenous background, Rachael explores how mindset and intergenerational healing play a crucial role in achieving financial wellness and peace. She highlights the need for women to recognize and confront these inherited beliefs in order to create a healthier relationship with money.

In this episode, Rachael also emphasizes the importance of awareness and self-reflection. Change, she explains, must come from within, and building this awareness is a key factor in breaking free from old patterns. Achieving financial neutrality—where one no longer resists or repels money—is a vital step in establishing a peaceful and supportive relationship with finances.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation to learn how breaking cycles and embracing a healthier mindset can lead to greater financial success, business growth, and personal empowerment.

Websites

https://www.freedomschool.co/
https://www.freedomschool.co/cycle-breakers-podcast

Linkedin

Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Linkedin

Instagram

Facebook

Women Entrepreneurship Strategy

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: @JoyceUsherMesia

LinkedIn: Joyce Usher-Mesiano

Instagram: usherjoyce

Website: www.westlandinsurance.ca

In this very special episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, your hosts Shauna and Shannon celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day by reflecting on the inspiring stories shared by successful women entrepreneurs throughout the year.

Join us as we take a thoughtful look back at the past year’s most memorable conversations with incredible women entrepreneurs. From personal finance tips to navigating the challenges of running a business, Shauna and Shannon revisit the advice, lessons, and moments that have inspired and empowered women to take charge of their financial futures.

This episode reflects on some of the most impactful themes and messages shared on the podcast. The conversations have underscored the importance of building financial confidence and truly understanding your numbers, while also tackling the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face with resilience and determination. Shauna and Shannon also explore how the power of community and mentorship has been a recurring thread in fostering growth, success, and connection.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, just starting out, or dreaming of launching your own venture, this episode is filled with wisdom and inspiration to support your journey.

Celebrate with us as we honor the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women entrepreneurs everywhere!

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin