Welcome to another inspiring episode of "How to Make it in Toronto"! In this episode, we sit down with Rosemary Cescolini, a remarkable woman who transitioned from being a teacher to becoming a skilled woodwork artisan. Joining her father-in-law’s business, she and her husband transformed Royal Door into one of Canada's most successful door and framing companies.

Rosemary shares her journey from her humble beginnings with immigrant parents from Italy to the tough decision of leaving teaching for a hands-on trade. She delves into the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry and offers valuable insights into building a thriving business.

Rosemary also previews her upcoming conference and workshop aimed at helping young women pursue careers in the trades and become entrepreneurs. This is truly one of the most engaging conversations we've had on the podcast.

Don't miss out—tune in, watch, and listen to "How to Make it in Toronto," available on all platforms!

From Humble Beginnings to Shark Tank: The Success Story of Robert Herjavec

In the bustling city of Toronto, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, there lived a young entrepreneur named Robert Herjavec. Born to immigrant parents from Croatia, Robert's journey to success was far from easy, but his determination and resilience would pave the way for an extraordinary career.

Robert's entrepreneurial spirit ignited at a young age. Growing up in Toronto, he watched his parents work tirelessly to provide for their family. Their hard work ethic and unwavering perseverance left a lasting impression on Robert, instilling in him the belief that anything was possible with dedication and drive.

At the age of 22, Robert took a leap of faith and started his first business venture, a computer company called BRAK Systems, operating out of his basement. Armed with little more than ambition and a relentless work ethic, he set out to carve his own path in the competitive tech industry.

However, the road to success was fraught with challenges. Robert faced numerous setbacks and obstacles along the way, from financial struggles to fierce competition. But instead of letting adversity defeat him, he used it as fuel to propel himself forward.

One of the defining moments in Robert's journey came when he faced the brink of bankruptcy. With his business on the verge of collapse, he refused to give up. Through sheer determination and innovative thinking, he managed to turn the tide and steer his company back to profitability.

But Robert's success didn't end there. In 2003, he founded The Herjavec Group, a cybersecurity firm that would go on to become one of the fastest-growing companies in Canada. Leveraging his expertise and industry knowledge, he positioned the company as a leader in the cybersecurity space, attracting high-profile clients and garnering widespread acclaim.

Robert's entrepreneurial prowess caught the attention of television producers, leading to his role as one of the esteemed investors on the hit TV show Shark Tank. His sharp business acumen and no-nonsense approach to investing earned him the nickname "the nice shark," solidifying his status as a household name.

Throughout his journey, Robert relied on various resources to support his success. From mentorship and networking to continuous learning and adaptation, he embraced every opportunity to grow and evolve as an entrepreneur. He surrounded himself with a team of dedicated professionals who shared his vision and values, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Today, Robert Herjavec is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a sought-after speaker, author, and philanthropist. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and hard work in achieving one's dreams.

Entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons from Robert's journey. His unwavering determination in the face of adversity teaches us the importance of resilience and grit. His commitment to innovation and adaptation reminds us that success often requires embracing change and taking calculated risks. And his emphasis on collaboration and mentorship underscores the value of surrounding oneself with a supportive network of peers and mentors.

As aspiring entrepreneurs embark on their own journey, they can draw inspiration from Robert Herjavec's remarkable story, knowing that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.

Managing work-life balance as an entrepreneur is crucial for maintaining well-being, preventing burnout, and achieving sustainable success. Here's a detailed step-by-step breakdown:

1. Set Clear Boundaries:

- Establish clear boundaries between your work life and personal life. Define specific times for work and leisure activities to prevent work from encroaching on personal time.

2. Prioritize Tasks:

- Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Focus on high-impact activities that align with your goals and delegate or eliminate tasks that are less critical.

3. Create a Schedule:

- Create a structured schedule that allocates time for work, leisure, family, exercise, and relaxation. Stick to your schedule as much as possible to maintain consistency and routine.

4. Practice Time Management:

- Implement effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique or time-blocking, to maximize productivity during work hours and create dedicated time for rest and relaxation.

5. Delegate and Outsource:

- Delegate tasks that can be handled by others to free up time for more strategic activities or personal pursuits.

- Outsource non-core functions such as administrative tasks, accounting, or marketing to external professionals or virtual assistants.

6. Set Realistic Goals:

- Set realistic and achievable goals for your business and personal life. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrate progress along the way.

7. Practice Self-Care:

- Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and rejuvenate.

8. Establish Work-Life Integration:

- Strive for work-life integration rather than strict separation. Identify opportunities to combine work and personal activities, such as exercising during lunch breaks or attending networking events with family members.

9. Communicate with Stakeholders:

- Communicate openly with clients, employees, and business partners about your boundaries and availability. Set realistic expectations regarding response times and availability outside of regular business hours.

10. Set Technology Boundaries:

- Establish boundaries around technology use to prevent constant connectivity and interruptions. Schedule designated times to check emails and messages, and consider implementing tools to automate or streamline communication.

11. Learn to Say No:

- Learn to say no to commitments, projects, or requests that don't align with your priorities or values. Focus on activities that contribute to your personal and professional growth and decline distractions that derail your focus.

12. Seek Support:

- Surround yourself with a support network of friends, family, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of managing work-life balance. Lean on them for guidance, encouragement, and perspective.

13. Regularly Evaluate and Adjust:

- Regularly assess your work-life balance and make adjustments as needed. Reflect on what's working well and what could be improved, and be willing to adapt your approach based on changing circumstances.

14. Celebrate Successes:

- Celebrate achievements and milestones in both your professional and personal life. Acknowledge your hard work and progress, and take time to appreciate the moments of joy and fulfillment along the way.

By following these steps, you can cultivate a healthy work-life balance that allows you to thrive as an entrepreneur while also enjoying a fulfilling personal life.

In this compelling episode of How to Make it in Toronto, we sit down with Hervé Ajeneza, the insightful host of The Mystical Journey podcast.

Hervé opens up about his harrowing experience surviving the genocide in Rwanda and how mindfulness played a pivotal role in overcoming his profound grief. He shares his inspiring mindfulness journey, offering valuable perspectives on focusing on what truly matters in life. Tune in to hear Hervé's incredible story and gain insights that can help transform your own outlook and well-being.

Listen now, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes.

On this week's 1 on 1 session, I talk about the importance of having a mentor and how it's helped me. Mentorship is a crucial part of one's journey to success.

In this 1 on 1 I share 12 tips that help with finding a mentor. Hopefully this helps you on your journey and you gain insights that help you both professionally and personally.

Here are 12 tips to help with finding a mentor.

1. Self-Reflection: Before seeking a mentor, take time to reflect on your goals, strengths, weaknesses, and areas where you need guidance. Understand what you hope to achieve through mentorship.

2. Define Your Needs: Determine the specific skills, knowledge, and experiences you seek in a mentor. Clarify what you expect from the mentor-mentee relationship.

3. Identify Potential Mentors: Look for individuals who have achieved success in your field or possess expertise relevant to your goals. This could be through networking events, professional associations, social media platforms like LinkedIn, or through referrals from colleagues and friends.

4. Research: Once you've identified potential mentors, research their background, accomplishments, and values to ensure they align with your goals and values. Understand their approach to mentorship and whether they have a track record of helping others succeed.

5. Engage with Potential Mentors: Reach out to potential mentors through email, social media, or in person if possible. Craft a personalized message expressing your admiration for their work and explaining why you believe they would be a valuable mentor to you. Be respectful of their time and make it clear that you're willing to reciprocate value in the relationship.

6. Build Rapport: If a potential mentor responds positively, take the opportunity to build rapport. Schedule a meeting or call to further discuss your goals and aspirations. Show genuine interest in their insights and experiences.

7. Formalize the Relationship: Once both parties agree to proceed, establish clear expectations and boundaries for the mentorship. Determine the frequency and format of meetings, communication channels, and goals for the relationship.

8. Be Proactive: Take initiative in scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and following up on action items discussed during mentorship sessions. Show your commitment to growth and improvement.

9. Act on Feedback: Be open to constructive criticism and feedback from your mentor. Actively implement their advice and recommendations into your actions and decision-making process.

10. Show Gratitude: Express gratitude regularly for your mentor's time, guidance, and support. Acknowledge their contributions to your personal and professional development.

11. Evaluate and Adjust: Periodically evaluate the mentorship relationship to ensure it continues to meet your needs and expectations. Be willing to adjust the dynamics or seek additional mentorship if necessary.

12. Pay It Forward: As you progress in your journey and achieve success, consider becoming a mentor to others who may benefit from your guidance and expertise.

Thanks for tuning in to this week's 1 on 1. Take it ease 🙏

Welcome to the first 1-on-1 segment of How to Make it in Toronto.

In this segment, I'll be sharing my personal story, goals, and vision for this podcast and platform.

I’ll also highlight success stories, deep dive into various entrepreneurial topics, host Q&A’s, and conduct book reviews.