x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Real Bottom Line

Wendy Brookhouse

Welcome to The Real Bottom Line – the podcast for business owners who want to exit on their terms. I"m Wendy Brookhouse, creator of The Exit Lab and the Business Value Amplifier. In each episode, I talk with founders and experts about what really drives value in a business – and how to build a company that"s ready to sell, whether that"s in 2 years or 10. We unpack what makes a business more attractive to buyers. We tackle financials, recurring revenue, customer satisfaction, and systems that take

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

38:18

Episode 154 - Revisioning Retirement: Identity,...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/10/30

Wendy talks with Dr. Susan Reid, revisioning specialist, author, and keynote speaker, about designing life after work. They explore identity beyond titles, why meaning matters in retirement, and how a simple “being vision” guides the next chapter. Susan shares research, lived lessons from building and selling businesses, and practical tools like journaling push/pull factors and building a “retirement team” of strong and weak ties.Show Notes (light timestamps)0:00 — Intro and Susan’s path:

en

31:38

How Employee Ownership Trusts Are Changing Business...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/10/14

Episode: The Real Bottom Line with Wendy Brookhouse Guest: Jennifer Williams, Founder of Firefly InsightsIn this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Williams, founder and partial owner of Firefly Insights, to unpack one of the most exciting developments for Canadian entrepreneurs — Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs).If you’re a business owner starting to think about succession, exit planning, or legacy, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way to transition your business — one that

en

35:01

Episode 152 - Done Beats Perfect: Ray Samuels on...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/10/01

Guest: Ray Samuels, Growth Advisor and Founder, Cer CapitalEpisode in a sentence: Ray shares how “done beats perfect,” why relationships are the real currency, and how a simple idea plus disciplined iteration can create momentum, funding, and valuation growth.What we coverFrom high-school dances to London Telecom to Direct Energy: Ray’s entrepreneurial through-lineThe 65% rule: ship, listen, iterate“Clarity beats complexity,” and getting “pedestrian” with customers to gather real

en

27:12

Episode 151 - Escaping the Owner's Trap: Building a...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/09/15

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredibly insightful Lissa Daub, founder of Strong Impact Academy. We met online through a couple of mutual groups, and it was a meeting that just felt like kismet. Lissa hails from Edmonton, Alberta, and she’s a force to be reckoned with.Lissa and I dive into some of the most critical topics for business owners, from the mindset shifts of moving from corporate to entrepreneurship, to the surprising truth about owning a restaurant (it's not always sexy!)

en

11:52

Episode 150 - The Compound Effect of Entrepreneurship

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/09/09

150 episodes. Honestly, when I started this podcast, I wasn’t thinking about milestones. I just wanted to have conversations with entrepreneurs and share the lessons hidden inside their journeys. And yet here we are....150 episodes later.In this solo episode, I step back from the usual interviews to reflect on what I’ve learned along the way, about business, freedom, resilience, and legacy.Here’s what I dig into:Why I believe mistakes are just lessons in disguise.How freedom from and

en

35:48

Episode 149 - Build, Sold, and Keep Connecting

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/08/14

Some entrepreneurs build one business and call it a day. Dalene Allen has built — and sold — more than one… and kept right on making powerful connections.In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Dalene to unpack her journey from direct sales leader earning pink Cadillacs, to running and selling the largest business referral network in Atlantic Canada, to launching her own networking company.Dalene opens up about how she navigated each exit, why she believes human connection

en

33:58

Episode 148 - Forget the Algorithm: The Power of Real...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/08/05

In a world obsessed with algorithms, trends, and going viral, what if the true key to social media success was simpler and more human? This week's guest, Ingrid Deon, founder of the organic social media agency Word-Craft, makes a powerful case for ditching the algorithm-chasing and focusing on what truly matters: authentic conversations.Ingrid shares her inspiring and unconventional path to entrepreneurship—from her roots in journalism to becoming a single mom working three jobs, to a pay

en

32:15

Episode 147 - How to Sell a Business Without Selling...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/07/07

In this episode, I chat with Gord Stevens, former owner of Uncommon Grounds, Rum Runners, Sugar, and more. Now the COO at Halifax Partnership, Gord shares what it was like to build multiple businesses with heart — and how he eventually transitioned out of ownership without losing what made those businesses meaningful.We cover:Gord’s journey from finance to food and retailWhy creativity and storytelling are business superpowersThe personal challenges of selling a business you loveKey steps

en

30:12

Episode 146 - Your Baby’s Ugly – Why Business Owners...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/05/07

On this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Justin Goodbread, serial entrepreneur, value coach, and author of Your Baby’s Ugly. He’s started and sold seven companies and now helps business owners build scalable businesses that buyers actually want.We dig into what makes a business attractive to a buyer, how to mentally prepare for a sale, and why your exit should start long before you want out.We talk about:Why grit isn’t enough – and what you need insteadThe three types of

en

28:48

Episode 145 - Stop the Social Media Overload

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/03/17

Guest: M. Shannon Hernandez, Messaging & Marketing Strategist and Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™Episode Summary: Feeling drained by social media? Struggling to see real business results from all your posts? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with M. Shannon Hernandez to talk about a more sustainable, joyful approach to marketing—one that doesn’t leave you glued to an algorithm.Shannon is the Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™, where she helps business owners

en

34:17

Episode 144 - How to Build a Brand Story That Sells

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/02/07

Your business has a story—are you telling it in a way that connects, engages, and drives sales?In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, Wendy Brookhouse sits down with Andrea Sampson, storytelling expert and CEO of Talk Boutique, to break down the art and science of storytelling in business. Whether you're pitching investors, marketing to customers, or leading a team, a compelling story can make all the difference.Andrea shares insights from her career in advertising, branding, and coaching

en

31:19

Episode 143 - Maximizing Time, Energy, and Confidence...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/01/23

Welcome to The Real Bottom Line with Wendy Brookhouse. In this episode, Wendy sits down with April Roberts, a high-performance coach for female entrepreneurs, to explore her incredible journey from practising law to building and selling a successful financial planning business.What You’ll Learn:How April transitioned careers and built her financial planning firm from the ground up.Insights into selling a business while maintaining client and team trust.The power of intentional planning and

en

42:31

Episode 142 - Why Humanity and Emotion Are the New...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2025/01/13

What makes a story truly unforgettable? It’s the humanity and emotions behind it. In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I chat with Crystal Adair-Benning, a prolific ghostwriter and storytelling expert, about why the most impactful content comes from real, human experiences.Crystal opens up about her journey, from ghostwriting her first New York Times bestseller at just 14 to redefining her career during COVID. We dive into:Why human-written stories resonate more deeply than AI-generated

en

34:43

Episode 141 - Building a Business that Lasts:...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2024/12/09

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Christine Tolton, CEO of Red Cat Marketing, as she celebrates 20 years in business. Christine shares her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, the lessons she’s learned, and her top marketing insights for 2025. Discover how to adapt to changing trends, harness creativity, and build a business that thrives.

en

35:18

Episode 140 - Success is Rarely a Straight Line

The Real Bottom Line ·

2024/11/20

Success is rarely a straight line—it’s more like a bowl of spaghetti! In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I chat with Jackie Dinsmore, a lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur and investor, about her unconventional journey. Jackie shares how she built two successful businesses, navigated high-stakes exits, and disrupted the legal industry with her innovative approach at Caravel Law.We dive into the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned, covering everything from cash flow struggles

en

30:20

Turning Tides in Entrepreneurship: Navigating...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2024/10/07

In this special edition of The Real Bottom Line, we’re diving deep into the world of live events and how they’ve evolved since the pandemic. Wendy sits down with three incredible guests—Menna Riley, founder of Leading Ladies Networking, Tyler Hayden, a renowned keynote speaker and author, and Ravi Tangri, a facilitator and expert in soul engineering—to explore how live events can boost your business, the shifts in event structuring, and why connection remains key in the post-pandemic

en

29:40

Episode 138 - How to Build a Business That Runs...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2024/09/12

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Talmar Anderson, founder of Boss Actions, to discuss one of the most crucial aspects of scaling any business—building the right team. Talmar shares her journey from being the "number two" in law firms to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and she breaks down the key difference between your Dream Team and your Freedom Team.We dive into the mindset shifts business owners need to make, how to stop hiring for potential, and why building

en

30:00

Episode 137 - Building, Scaling, and Selling: Lessons...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2024/09/03

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Julie Ellis, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, to discuss her incredible journey from corporate life to building an eight-figure business and ultimately selling it. Julie shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of speed in a competitive market, and the emotional complexity of selling a business.Key Topics Discussed:Transition from Corporate to EntrepreneurshipJulie’s

en

36:50

Episode 136 - The Sale Of A 35-Year Business with...

The Real Bottom Line ·

2024/08/27

Insights from Selling a 35-Year Business: A Conversation with Donna AlteenIn this episode of 'The Real Bottom Line,' host Wendy welcomes her guest Donna Alteen, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares her extensive experience in running and eventually selling her business after 35 years. Donna emphasizes the importance of early planning, setting up a leadership team, and engaging financial advisors and other professionals well in advance of the sale. She candidly discusses the emotional and

en

33:37

Transforming Your Business with LinkedIn with Jon Keel

The Real Bottom Line ·

2024/08/20

John Keel's Entrepreneurial Journey and Mastering LinkedInIn this episode of The Real Bottom Line, host Wendy interviews John Keel about his diverse entrepreneurial journey and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. At 77, John shares his experiences from his three vastly different careers, including the launch and sale of a successful water treatment business. He discusses his transition into the internet business and becoming a pioneer in online marketing before turning his

en

153 results

Similar Podcasts

TaxTalent.com The Golden Rule Podcast

Adam Golden

TaxTalent.com Podcast

Tony Santiago

Handelsblatt Crime - spannende Streitfälle der deutschen Wirtschaft

Ina Karabasz, Solveig Gode, Sönke Iwersen

Deffner und Zschäpitz – Der Wirtschafts-Talk von WELT

WELT

Black Box - La scatola nera della finanza

Guido Brera e Gian Luca Comandini -...