It's Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast

Breaking Through the Ceiling: How Fractional CFOs Help Businesses Grow with John Stevens

In this insightful episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, Sharon welcomes back John Stevens, Managing Director of Camilla Advisory Group, for a powerful conversation about fractional CFO services and why they’ve become a game-changer for growing businesses. Drawing on decades of experience as a CFO, CEO, and advisor involved in more than 100 acquisitions, John explains the difference between traditional accounting and strategic financial leadership. He shares how fractional CFOs help entrepreneurs move beyond simply reviewing historical numbers and instead focus on forecasting, cash flow management, profitability, financing, operational efficiency, and long-term business strategy. Throughout the conversation, Sharon openly shares the real-life struggles many entrepreneurs face—seasonal cash flow swings, uncertainty around expansion decisions, and the overwhelming nature of financial statements. John explains how fractional CFOs provide clarity, guidance, and confidence by helping owners understand their numbers, build forecasts, prepare for growth, and make informed decisions around scaling locations, hiring, acquisitions, and succession planning. He also discusses how AI is rapidly changing forecasting and financial modelling, making strategic financial guidance more accessible and efficient than ever before. The episode also dives into mergers and acquisitions, employee ownership, and preparing a business for eventual succession or sale. John explains how his team helps businesses navigate acquisitions, due diligence, strategic buyers, and growth opportunities across Western Canada. Whether you’re a small business owner trying to gain control of your finances or an entrepreneur preparing to scale, this episode is packed with practical insights on how the right financial strategy can reduce stress, improve profitability, and position your business for long-term success. About John Stevens John Stevens is the Managing Director of Camilla Advisory Group and a seasoned executive with extensive experience in financial leadership, mergers and acquisitions, employee ownership, and strategic business growth. Throughout his career as both a CFO and CEO, John has participated in more than 100 acquisitions across Western Canada and has developed a deep passion for helping businesses scale sustainably while preparing for long-term success. Through Camilla Advisory Group, John and his team provide fractional CFO services, employee ownership advisory, and M&A support to businesses of all sizes. Known for his practical, forward-thinking approach, John helps entrepreneurs move beyond day-to-day operations and focus on strategic financial planning, profitability, forecasting, succession planning, and growth opportunities. His mission is to help business owners build healthier, stronger businesses that can thrive well into the future. Resources discussed in this episode: * Poor Charlie’s Almanack - Charles T. Munger [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_Charlie%27s_Almanack] — Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  * Website: itpromo.ca [https://itpromo.ca] * LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-dekoning-824363b3/] * Facebook: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.facebook.com/share/1SJcg5j7vz/?mibextid=wwXIfr] * Google: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.google.com/search?q=It%27s+Time+Promotions] Contact John Stevens | Camilla Advisory Group: * Website: camillaadvisory.com [http://camillaadvisory.com]  * LinkedIn: John Stevens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmstevensexec/] * LinkedIn: Camilla Advisory Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/camillaadvisory/]

How to Turn Followers Into Buyers with Christine Campbell Rapin

In this episode of It’s Time for Success: The Business Insights Podcast, Sharon DeKoning sits down with business mentor and growth strategist Christine Campbell Rapin for an honest and energizing conversation about what it really takes to grow a successful business. Christine shares her powerful perspective on building a “growth engine” — the simple but effective system of generating leads, making offers, and consistently creating momentum in your business. Together, Sharon and Christine unpack the difference between followers and buyers, why networking and relationships still matter in an AI-driven world, and how entrepreneurs can stop overcomplicating growth. They discuss marketing strategies that create curiosity, the importance of human connection, and why introverts can still thrive in networking and speaking environments. Christine also shares practical advice on social media, websites, business development, and how to create sustainable systems without relying on expensive tech or complicated funnels. This episode is packed with actionable business insights for entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or unsure how to scale. From the power of clarity breaks and CEO days to the importance of mentorship, accountability, and giving back, Sharon and Christine deliver a conversation that feels both motivating and refreshingly real. About Christine Campbell Rapin Christine Campbell Rapin is a business mentor, speaker, and growth strategist who helps entrepreneurs commercialize their ideas, attract dream clients, and build profitable businesses with clarity and confidence. Known for combining practical strategy with honest accountability, Christine works with business owners to simplify growth, strengthen relationships, and create sustainable business engines that actually work. With decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs and generating measurable business growth, Christine is passionate about helping business owners stop spinning their wheels and start creating momentum. Through speaking, mentorship, events, and her podcast, she empowers entrepreneurs to think bigger, act boldly, and build businesses that align with both their goals and their lifestyle. Resources discussed in this episode: * The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington [https://12weekyear.com/] * OpusClip [https://www.opus.pro/] * EOS Worldwide [https://www.eosworldwide.com/] * BNI [https://www.bni.com/] — Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  * Website: itpromo.ca [https://itpromo.ca/] * LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-dekoning-824363b3/] * Facebook: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.facebook.com/share/1SJcg5j7vz/?mibextid=wwXIfr] * Google: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.google.com/search?q=It%27s+Time+Promotions] Contact Christine Campbell Rapin | CLEAR Acceleration Inc.: * Website [https://christinecampbellrapin.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinecampbellrapin] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christinecampbellrapin] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ChristineCampbellRapin] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@christinecampbellrapin] * Podcast [https://christinecampbellrapin.com/podcast]

Building Capacity, Culture, and Future Leaders with Ian Chisholm

Sharon welcomes Ian Chisholm, co-founder of Roy Group, for a deep conversation about the evolution from entrepreneur to leader. Ian shares how failing to become a doctor unexpectedly led him into the world of executive education and leadership development, where he discovered a passion for helping organizations build future leaders. Together, Sharon and Ian unpack the difference between managing tasks and developing people, exploring how mentorship, delegation, emotional intelligence, and intentional leadership shape successful businesses. Ian explains that leadership is not simply about getting work done—it’s about creating the capacity for others to grow. He introduces powerful concepts like “attention over intention,” the idea that leaders must slow down enough to truly observe, coach, and develop their teams instead of constantly reacting and hustling. Through stories, practical examples, and leadership tools like LOFT (Lit, Open, Focused, Transparent) and the “Third Chair” method, Ian demonstrates how leaders can improve communication, foster ownership, and build stronger workplace cultures where employees feel valued and inspired. Sharon and Ian also dive into company culture, employee fulfillment, delegation, succession planning, and the emotional atmosphere leaders create in the workplace. They talk about the importance of building businesses people actually want to work in, the dangers of burnout culture, and why leadership must become something others aspire to rather than avoid. Whether you’re a small business owner, manager, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode is packed with actionable leadership insights, mentorship strategies, and mindset shifts to help you grow both your business and your people. About Ian Chisholm  Ian Chisholm is the co-founder of Roy Group, a leadership development organization dedicated to helping individuals and organizations discover purpose-driven leadership. Ian has spent decades working with senior leaders, executive teams, and emerging leaders across North America and internationally. His work focuses on mentorship, coaching, succession planning, and helping organizations build cultures where leadership can thrive. Ian has played a significant role in executive education initiatives, including work with the award-winning Columba 1400 Leadership Centre in Scotland. Known for his engaging storytelling and practical leadership tools, Ian helps organizations move beyond traditional management toward mentorship-centered leadership that develops future generations of leaders with integrity, awareness, and purpose. Resources discussed in this episode: * Columba 1400 Leadership Centre [https://columba1400.com/] * Strategic Coach by Dan Sullivan [https://www.strategiccoach.com/] * The Official BNI Podcast with Dr. Ivan Misner [https://www.bnipodcast.com/] * Quiet Champions: A Way Forward for Mentors in Turbulent Times by Ian Chisholm [https://quietchampions.ca/] — Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  * Website: itpromo.ca [https://itpromo.ca] * LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-dekoning-824363b3/] * Facebook: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.facebook.com/share/1SJcg5j7vz/?mibextid=wwXIfr] * Google: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.google.com/search?q=It%27s+Time+Promotions] Contact Ian Chisholm | Roy Group:  * Website [https://www.theroygroup.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-chisholm-a64a38/] * LinkedIn: Roy Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/roygroupleadership/]

The Financial Habits That Give You Control Over Your Business with Sarah Silver

In this episode, Sharon is joined by Sarah Silver, owner of Profits and Coffee, to unpack the real value of bookkeeping and why it should never be treated as just a tax-season task. Sarah explains how too many business owners start off doing their own books, only to fall behind as the demands of running the business grow. This lands them deep into missed insights, unnecessary stress, and financial decisions being made without the full story. Sarah shares why accurate bookkeeping gives business owners the clarity they need to pivot, grow, and plan ahead. From setting up the chart of accounts properly to understanding assets, expenses, and the importance of monthly reconciliations, she highlights how clean books can uncover trends, show seasonal shifts, and reveal what’s actually making money.  The conversation dives into the software and systems making bookkeeping easier than ever. Sarah discusses tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, Hubdoc, and Pluto, and explains how cloud-based systems allow business owners, bookkeepers, and accountants to work together seamlessly. This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs who want less stress, better numbers, and more confidence in the financial side of their business. About Sarah Silver Sarah Silver is the owner of Profits and Coffee, a bookkeeping business focused on helping entrepreneurs stop guessing and start growing. With a natural love for systems, organization, and problem-solving, Sarah built her career by turning financial chaos into clarity. She works with business owners across Canada to create strong bookkeeping foundations that support better decisions, cleaner reporting, and long-term growth. Known for her calm and approachable style, Sarah helps clients feel more confident and less overwhelmed when it comes to their numbers. From monthly bookkeeping and reconciliations to payroll, job costing, cleanup projects, and financial reporting, she believes bookkeeping should do more than keep a business compliant; it should help business owners feel informed, in control, and supported. Resources discussed in this episode: * QuickBooks Online [https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ca/?cid=ppc_G_e_CA_.QBO_CA_B_High_Exact_G_EN_tROAS._quickbooks%20online_txt&infinity=ict2~net~gaw~ar~554615182921~kw~quickbooks%20online~mt~e~cmp~QBO_CA_B_High_Exact_G_EN_tROAS~ag~QBO+%7C+EN+%7C+tROAS+%7C+B+%7C+Exact+%7C+T1+%7C+QuickBooks+%7C+Online&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1294277&ds_rl=1298886&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15011804535&gbraid=0AAAAAD6s6r_dmWkrpOUSy86hkEYW-Cygl&gclid=Cj0KCQjws83OBhD4ARIsACblj18qtKlfwcSqtQyrYuzHjI7SedC_ghcum-v8X8AHT3nNG1xJTzN4ypkaArL_EALw_wcB] * Xero [https://www.xero.com/ca/try-now/accounting/xero-accounting-software/?utm_source=GOOGLE&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CA+-+B+-+LF+-+SMB+-+Brand&utm_content=Xero&utm_term=xero&ds_kid=294791067&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21321210475&gbraid=0AAAAAD0EBI1Htjt6x7psQpy0xrRCLhhpy&gclid=Cj0KCQjws83OBhD4ARIsACblj1-pOpFAu9duAih_ROljNm6yMUt-eaOxDit9vHbcU5yOchuSrRRVOPgaAnopEALw_wcB] * Hubdoc [https://www.hubdoc.com/] * Plooto [https://www.plooto.com/] * Dext [https://dext.com/us] * Humi / Employment Hero [https://employmenthero.com/en-ca/?_gl=1%2A1f1hszr%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_gs%2AMQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjws83OBhD4ARIsACblj19OIGR7N7-teb1GkqjamDX1VTicp7bz8x7Kb6u2YxDFjxnF936cLRkaAjNHEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAABA53t0n-UmJ35z9wub0lWmUV8JQlC] * Kajabi [https://www.kajabi.com/] * Shopify [https://www.shopify.com/ca] * Microjoys by Cyndie Spiegel [http://cyndiespiegel.com/microjoys] — Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  * Website: itpromo.ca [https://itpromo.ca] * LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-dekoning-824363b3/] * Facebook: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.facebook.com/share/1SJcg5j7vz/?mibextid=wwXIfr] * Google: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.google.com/search?q=It%27s+Time+Promotions] Contact Sarah Silver | Profits and Coffee:  * Website [https://profitsandcoffee.ca/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/profits.coffee]

Janet Sawatzky on Building a Business That Doesn’t Break Without You

Sharon welcomes Janet Sawatzky, founder of 7 Point Trends, for a practical conversation about building a business that doesn’t rely on the owner being “on” every minute of every day. Janet works with entrepreneurs who have often built successful businesses through hustle and hard work, but now find themselves stuck, overwhelmed, and unable to step away. Together, Sharon and Janet unpack why vision, values, and long-term strategy matter so much, especially for business owners who feel buried in the day-to-day. Janet explains how many entrepreneurs create what she calls “accidental success,” only to realize years later that they have built themselves a job instead of a business that supports the life they want. She shares why stepping back to revisit your values, vision, and mission is essential for sustainable growth, better decision-making, and stronger leadership.  Sharon and Janet also dive into practical solutions business owners can implement right away, including documenting systems with video, improving onboarding, delegating to virtual assistants and project managers, and creating support structures that allow the business to keep moving even when the owner needs to step away.  About Janet Sawatzky Janet Sawatzky is the founder of 7 Point Trends and a strategic consultant who helps business owners organize their businesses with greater structure, clarity, and purpose. She works with entrepreneurs who have built success through grit and determination, then helps them step back, define what they truly want, and create practical plans to achieve it.  With a strong background in strategy and leadership, Janet helps clients identify the gaps between where they are and where they want to be. She supports them in creating businesses that are more sustainable, more scalable, and less dependent on the owner doing everything themselves.  Resources discussed in this episode: * The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz [https://www.amazon.ca/Pumpkin-Plan-Strategy-Remarkable-Business/dp/1591844886/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4iDUw8jMwSF-UAV23bcz7AH787MWivqlHewLxu7-lfE8zAgOzYjUkQOsCrdns0pz6TAfLqG73BsGXUopi-T9qaPDwJl6X9uJ6zNaYyUG3a2hVY8DXrLBqDeEFHBnVGkk4gdOL7xG2mgQXaVx7iUl2vo_qCvdkkcAXsfVQeN4riRagTVlO04oRtXN2EXRGktAdubK5nqA4Qk5K10mwCpTGPiZ30kUbF-bO50Z4pXBRYvYCZ1fCNMWY7faejOW_NNfaSYx1v9RmM4PkT-NWf0txWGR_2AKRQa_uYC4e7jNlrg.FltEsWnFx8H6WU6T_bYUbP6RcH38HkHoJHENf5Ih5bU&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=788658055655&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=1001801&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=9516433600346210838--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9516433600346210838&hvtargid=kwd-46163311669&hydadcr=16930_13775540&keywords=the+pumpkin+plan&mcid=d6b1597698f7367980d46931db598b45&qid=1774891900&sr=8-1] * Essentialism by Greg McKeown [https://www.amazon.ca/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137404/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7IDQHRSFANEB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FWn-i6EEIxOCcEFv1Z3O8l5p6NsvawXDVKQVUCsbj7RShU2sPzj9Q5TE3-obrBr66kijiBmBijRxjNN88SV5udo_eY4qo1zpFGVRXIFFeK2BG9ThVtmnuLT_BV9Fb0GylaLEQcdMS4bzQyQM8F5wS_Dk3wuyaw5WymwoiB35zG6dgVRg7x9DaJYr5zvzw420fh3aTrBWAlq2Zc0cigIbD_3GP7qlLLi-5LEL-08Rmob4yzOuk8sGKPy-t6tUYF0LI4dot7lMxARwBovbiFgYSQW__QYIRf4ovcNSBEBCMnA.f7fJ6poeZ0zfKA1BQu8RGQ8FPtX8dQaK65fcRacrOj0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Essentialism+by+Greg+McKeown&qid=1774891912&sprefix=essentialism+by+greg+mckeown%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-1] * The E-Myth by Michael Gerber [https://www.amazon.ca/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2332VXJ9TSAMF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T37sO5kYmz4RdCO2gPZsFgEflx9U6q_yJ8bWG84fjvJM_MMsGuG1pi2PwMAGI-lbgQVEm9rId843xmcPLsF1Mrt60DQvamyUYOmncofE_2kIUMnRMspjLrMmrl9Gbx_h5kiPinYyTmgiRC19FasZ3rMheuNXHnQVNJuCpCqMwABAwzAJnGcW6VXKgNjIrYJyXEfQU4aqOUKYKRey0WIO-1MS87ANYD_9GBke712VUREzWAl_6cP6RDqg0630_vEmcyw-aK0uilj6_--c-T-szv-grCyNq-L_uUD7_cdQ5vE.mEtAAbBY5jq_XSI585gJHV8beWncKKSpzxj-TbgO8_A&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+E-Myth+by+Michael+Gerber&qid=1774891922&sprefix=the+e-myth+by+michael+gerber%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1] Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:  * Website: itpromo.ca [https://itpromo.ca] * LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-dekoning-824363b3/] * Facebook: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.facebook.com/share/1SJcg5j7vz/?mibextid=wwXIfr] * Google: It’s Time Promotions [https://www.google.com/search?q=It%27s+Time+Promotions] Contact Janet Sawatzky | 7 Point Trends:  * Website [https://www.7pointtrends.com/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/janet.sawatsky.7] * LinkedIn: 7 Point Trends [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/7-point-trends-inc] * LinkedIn: Janet Sawatzky [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/janetsawatsky]