This Month:

The Dee-Eva connection

In Hollywood- with Sharon MacLean  

Salute to Women in Business

Muggsy: Stress & hugs

Diary of a Debutante  

The Transformers

The Dee-Eva connection: Edmontonians was there by Marg. Pullishy

Hers is the gold standard of portfolios, papered with some of the most prominent, recognizable brand names in the world of sports wear.

At Nike, the logo Tiger Woods sports on his ball cap at the finest golf courses in the world, Deidre Hackman was the design director for women’s apparel. Speedo, the swim wear manufacturer that has been known to stretch the resiliency of Spandex with sometimes astounding results, brought her on stream as VP of design, creating products for the 2006 Winter Olympics and Beijing’s 2008 summer games.

Today, Dee Hackman, who recently burned her nose sitting poolside in the backyard of the Beverly Hills home she shares with husband Scott George and three dogs, is the new vice-president of design for Bebe Sport. Founded in San Fransico in 1976, by Manny Mashouf, Bebe Stores, Inc. has more than 500 outlets in the U.S., and six stores in Canada, two of which are at West Edmonton Mall. Hackman says she fully expects the company’s sport brand to be the premiere active women’s wear, and “go global within the next five years.”

For years, Hackman was a familiar face to Edmonton’s fashionistas. Concrete Clothiers carried an exclusive line of ladies wear, all created by Hackman herself. “It was a wonderful experience,” she remembers. “I had constant and instant access to my clients. I knew how they felt, what they wanted, what made them feel great, and how to enhance their bodies. It was there I learned a huge part of my understanding of the female consumer, and that foundation has been a driver of my success. Anyone can draw a picture—not everyone can create a three dimensional garment that moves and feels like air.”

The Bebe Sports line is sleek, subtly sexy and designed for the woman who pays her dues on the treadmill and thigh master every morning. Eva Longoria, the sensuous yet savvy Gabrielle Solis of Desperate Housewives fame, is the new face of Bebe Sport. Watch for the Longoria/Bebe campaign launch this month in leading magazines.

“This past summer, I received an invitation to meet with Manny one Saturday morning in his home,” the 43-year old Hackman recalls. “I went to the wrong end of the estate, and entered through the back door. He was there with his wife, kids and in-laws, making waffles, laughing and watching television. That was my first impression. I then spent the next three hours involved in one of the most interesting conversations I’ve ever had. Manny explained his vision for Bebe Sport, where it had been and where he thought it could go. By November, all the details were worked out and I became the VP of design of the company.”

Not bad for a girl who earned a degree in science from the University of Alberta before packing her bags to do an associates design degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. With her education firmly behind her, and a world of potential and promise ahead, Hackman returned to Edmonton, opened Concrete Clothiers, and honed her already considerable skills.

“It was an amazing experience. Even more important than the business end of it was I got to really know my parents.” Hackman’s parents, Shirley and Jack who live in Westlock, were on hand to help where they could. “My mom consistently made things happen… and my dad was my adviser... there when I needed encouragement… and he was always fixing something!”

Concrete Clothiers was also where she met her husband Scott over designs of snowboarding apparel for men. His father, the late Ted George, and mom Pat from St. Albert and Aunt Pat Yates were highly supportive of the couple’s endeavours. “Scott’s been an amazing partner for this adventure. He understands the business and the type of commitment it takes to be successful.”

Despite the long hours of work—“I get up every morning at five and am home between seven and nine at night”—Hackman is enjoying the fruits of her labours. Though reticent to utter the words herself, she has achieved world-class status as a designer of women’s sport apparel.

“Yes, there’s been heartache, long, grueling hours and times when it was non-stop work… but you only have to watch the Biography channel a couple of hours to realize that it’s the price everyone has to pay to achieve the success they dream of.” √

In Hollywood with Sharon MacLean          

 “Luxury is not a price point or a logo on a handbag,” according to that icon of architecturally cool design Ian Schrager, who co-founded Studio 54, “It’s an experience.” You know this man’s métier: He’s the tycoon who gave the world white hotel rooms with white curtains and white floors. And that is what I encountered last month at his historically famous Mondrian on Sunset Strip—a true Hollywood experience.

“You can’t get into the Skybar unless you’re with someone or you’re a single woman,” counseled cigarette girl Carolyn Chamberlain. Thank goodness, we—Scott George and I—were with the newly minted vice president of design for Bebe Sport, Dee Hackman. Dee is elegant in a black coat dress over turned up jeans and gold, strappy sandals. She’s wearing four-inch amethyst drops selected earlier that afternoon by Charles Phillips of Hobin & Blunt Estate Jewelry who knows exactly what she needs. In a previous life, Charles had been ad creative director for the Emmy Awards.

We joined 500 fashion luminaries at the hot Los Angeles nightspot to help Cosmo magazine celebrate Bebe Sport’s new celebrity spokeswoman, Eva Longoria. The launch is also a debut of sorts for Edmonton’s 1995-96 Woman of Vision Deidre Hackman, then of Concrete Clothiers, the fashion boutique she created and ran for 15 years in her home city.

Eva is tiny, like a perfectly formed nymph. Her first duty at the soirée is to pose with Bebe’s billionaire founder, Manny Mashouf, for some 30 shutterbugs policed by several beefy security guards in the hotel lobby’s media zone—only Cosmo and Edmontonians were at the actual party. Mashouf ranked 242nd on the 400 richest Americans’ list last year. A wide-eyed Eva makes her way through the crowd as guests turn their heads eagerly anticipating a closer look. Everyone watches as she makes her way to the inner-party roped off for Eva’s approved cadre of friends who will help celebrate her 32nd birthday next day.

Long-legged, flat-bellied bikini-clad models—dressed in Bebe’s first-ever swimsuits designed by Dee—frolic in and out of the open-air pool anchored by gargantuan flower pots. “Why can’t we have hot chicks like that at computer parties,” leered an appreciative techie. The pool is set flush with a teak deck, flowering mandevilla vines and underwater music. Think of a tropical hut overlooking an irresistible view of the hills and canyons of Los Angeles from your private balcony and you’ve got the picture.

Several steps down from the pool deck in the outdoor living room is a canoodling couple wearing big, furry Afros reminiscent of the early ’70s and the quintessential disco ball. Before we leave the hotel, party guests will spot Kevin Connolly from Entourage and Shawn Spencer from Pysche.

All in all, a swell night out. √  Sharon MacLean

2nd Annual Salute to Women in Business

In the past 10 years, the number of self-employed women has grown by almost 25 percent—they are creating three times as many businesses as men. Fifty percent of small and medium enterprises have at least one female owner. Collectively, approximately one million female business owners are contributing close to $20 billion to the economy in Canada. The hot economy in Greater Edmonton and northern Alberta is the ideal climate for women with an entrepreneurial spirit to start and grow small businesses every year.

Click on the name of the 2007 Women in Business

Diane Brickner *  Laura and Katie Mitchell * Carol LeLacheur * * Sandra Pietrzyk * Rachel Peske *Tracey Ball * Bernie Kolman * Tracey Scarlett * Connie Kennedy * Margaret Kool

At the same time, the number of women in executive and management positions in both the private and public sectors is also increasing. It is noteworthy, for example, that women head up the $1 billion Capital Health region, preside over the University of Alberta which serves more than 35,000 students, and chair the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority that transports 5.5 million passengers each year.

Through the pages of this issue, Edmontonians 2nd Annual Salute to Women in Business introduces readers to a cross-section of executives who have set out on distinct paths with energy and determination. Freelance writer Rick Lauber, who accepted the challenge writing the feature, had this to say about the experience:

“These profiled women have earned the recognition of their peers and now have my utmost respect as well. There is far more than blind luck involved to be successful… being in the right place at the right time can pay off; however, one needs a combination of education, experience, contacts, willingness to give back to the community and burning desire—a burning desire to be the very best.

“These women have succeeded at the office, in marriage, as mothers and in life. They are professional, pleasant, knowledgeable, inspirational, courteous and respectful. Some have faced adversity and tragedy… but all have come through with a winning attitude that is admirable.”

Honouring their past, insuring their future - By Rick Lauber

The magnificent encased Indian headdress in the front lobby only begins to tell the story… a story soon to be celebrated. 

It began as a decision for the grandchildren’s grandchildren. In the early 1980s, the Samson Cree Nation was “enjoying significant royalties coming in from the oil and gas on their property, they knew that one day that oil and gas would deplete… so their concern, at that point, was to start diversifying,” explains Diane Brickner, CIP, President and CEO of Peace Hills Insurance. Different options—trust companies, banking and insurance—were considered. Insurance was eventually chosen as the industry that was secure enough to survive and continue to provide solid revenues for future generations. “They were looking for a very, very long-term investment.”

That wise decision is paying dividends. Peace Hills is a recognized and reputable insurance provider. To mark its quarter-century milestone, Edmonton staff will be joined by their colleagues from Calgary and Vancouver branch offices and business associates from across the Prairies and Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon on Thursday, September 20th, 2007. “We’re having a big dinner celebrating our 25th year,” says Brickner. Cognizant of the company’s Aboriginal connection, Canadian actor, musician and humanitarian, “Tom Jackson will be our MC and we will also have native dancing.”

While the Shaw Conference Centre promises to bustle with activity and ring with stories being shared that night, it wasn’t always this way for Peace Hills Insurance. Brickner—one of three original staff, along with Bill Holt and Brenda Simioni—recalls, “The three of us started in December 1981. We put together our rates, our manual and our wordings. We appointed 25 independent brokers who agreed to sell our product.”

But, for the next few months, Brickner, Holt and Simioni awaited the arrival of the figurative cheque in the mailbox. “We were waiting for the capital to start the company. All of the money the Samson Cree Nation generated from oil royalties was invested and held by the federal government… who had to release the funds for them to start the company and that didn’t happen until July of 1982.” In the interim, “We had this great big office with three of us in it—about 5,000 square feet with an empty filing cabinet that ran the whole length of one wall,” laughs Brickner.

That empty filing cabinet, now packed with policies, will soon be replaced by a state-of-the-art computer system. Policy offerings include personal auto and property; commercial auto and property as well as farm insurance plans. From that once cavernous office, Peace Hills Insurance has excelled. “We have in excess of 100,000 clients, and we write just under $140 million in premiums… We haven’t looked back since.”

Over the years, Peace Hills Insurance has remained true to its roots, planning a steady, realistic growth. “Our budgets are between eight and 10 percent growth a year, which we believe is pretty aggressive—but also reasonable, sensible growth… which is important to us.” Hard work and commitment to service from the dedicated staff remain as the forefront of the company.

“Peace Hills is a unique company in the insurance industry in that we really believe in relationship building with our brokers and clients. We are very hands-on… our whole organization and philosophy is to be fair… a lot of companies are big and will leave the impression that they don’t have time for their clients and brokers. That just doesn’t exist here—right from our receptionist through to my office is the same feeling of being flexible and building a relationship.”

And Bricker clearly demonstrates both. While she acknowledges that no workday is typical, she often serves on various community boards. She knows well that doing so increases her company’s visibility, but there is far more to it. 

“I sat on the Grant MacEwan [College] board of directors for six years, and Dr. MacEwan’s creed was to leave the vineyard better than he found it… I truly love it and I have adopted it my own way.”

The upcoming dinner party promises to be a significant event. The success story will continue to be told—indeed, celebrated. √

Minding your home or business - By Rick Lauber

It’s the little things that make the difference between making a house your home. 

Details differentiate: folded linens, a fully-stocked refrigerator or fresh flowers arranged in a vase. But often, we are too busy to provide such small luxuries for ourselves. We try to balance our professional and personal lives, often compromising one or the other. We scurry around with cell phones permanently glued to one ear. We steal a few moments of work time to call automotive repair shops to compare prices, reserve a dinner table, or make arrangements for the kids after school. We are often too tired to even consider tidying up when we get home. 

Enter Laura Mitchell and her daughter Katie. This savvy, creative, local business team has developed a company that can help you with all those time-stealing issues. “Details Plus Lifestyle Management takes care of the details so that you won’t have to,” explains Katie. “Freeing up your time allows you to slow down and enjoy what life has to offer.”

Laura and Katie will handle your grocery shopping, organize your “to-do” list, schedule your car for regular maintenance, source cleaning and domestic staff, and provide countless other personal services. They will also work with those in business—whether arranging meetings or delivering favourite ground coffee to the office. Anything they can’t do themselves, they will outsource to reputable and established providers. It’s really the client’s decision what those services are, explains Laura. “People will buy a block of time in a month and they will dictate how they want it used.”

The Mitchells have coined this concept as lifestyle management. “Our premise was that everybody has a different version of what home is… and we feel that everybody needs to have that place as comfortable and as stress-free as possible,” states Laura. “Our aim is to take care of the details that make that a possibility for you… whatever it takes to make that space as comfortable as possible so that you can carry on and then do what you do best.”

“We will manage that… we will direct that… we will administrate your life, basically,” adds Katie. “Our concept, when we first thought of the idea, was the old-fashioned English housekeeper who took care of the entire house and staff, and ran the household so you didn’t have to do any of that.” But, unlike the English housekeeper, Laura and Katie have upgraded to modern day by being bonded, insured and even knowledgeable about first-aid. Their clients’ privacy and confidentiality are also respected.

As entrepreneurs and partners, Laura and Katie bring different strengths to the table. Katie describes herself as “the people person… the person who talks to customers, checks all the phones, returns all the e-mails. Mom is a fact-finder.”

Along with an aptitude for customer service, Katie has excelled in related education, having completed the two-year Events and Conventions Management program offered through Holland College, located in Charlottetown, PEI. Katie proudly announces her graduating “in the top two percent of the class” as well as being the “first Canadian student ever to win the Professional Convention Management Association Student Planner of the Year award for 2003.”

While Katie overcame challenges in the classroom, her mother faced a painful setback of her own. Laura recalls, “The last three years have been a life experience that I wouldn’t wish on anybody… and [it] certainly makes you appreciate what’s important.” Within just a few short months of purchasing a larger house, her new home burnt to the ground. Personal possessions and another business—a group home—were lost. Laura remembers those days well, “We had to relocate with nothing except the clothes on our backs… Our trusted group home staff was immensely helpful with everything. And, then we had to rebuild.” Seeing how helpful an extra set of hands was during personal difficulty was just the inspiration she needed to create Details Plus Lifestyle Management. 

Rebuilding and refocusing fosters character and desire—the bases of a full life and a successful business. Details Plus Lifestyle Management also combines a winning idea, committed partners and a thorough business plan. Really, no detail has been overlooked in the venture’s development… and rightfully so.

A Fine Career Move - By Rick Lauber

Just what do mattresses, motorbikes, microscopes and Egyptian mummies have in common? All have been shipped by Edmonton’s Western Moving & Storage. And, no matter what the item, each is handled with delicate hands.

Utmost care and concern are paid to transporting customers’ belongings. That’s only one secret to its success, explains vice-president, Carol LeLacheur. She gives credit to this being “a family-owned, well established company” which has a long history of serving the public, no matter where they live in Canada.

LeLacheur and husband Ted are the latest generation of their family to handle the company’s operations. Western Moving & Storage, associated with Allied Van Lines, has remained a mainstay in our city’s west end for decades. And LeLacheur herself knows the importance of that history; she has been married for 30 years and has over 31 years experience in the moving business.

It’s hard to fathom but, in the early days, this moving company had no moving trucks. “We made do with renting vehicles as we needed them,” she explains. Those humble beginnings are long past: The fleet has grown to 13 units.

Business operations have also expanded. In addition to offering moving services, storage is available for public rental. Temporary or permanent storage for excess belongings can be a viable alternative for those affected by downsizing or combining families through marriage. Secured and sprinklered storage vaults, located within the ample 40,000 square foot warehouse space, can be accessed by the public weekdays until 4 pm.

Western Moving & Storage will “move household goods, offices, or special products,” states LeLacheur. Special products are defined as “high-valued products, electronic equipment, medical equipment… We relocated The Institute of Nanotechnology on the University campus which included all of their equipment, all of their microscopes, and all of their data.” LeLacheur remembers another successful sensitive move when they “delivered cancer machines and baby incubators for the University Hospital. It was fascinating to store those pieces of equipment.

“Basically, we move anything anywhere.”

Well, almost anything. Among the exceptions—detailed on a non-admissible list provided to all customers prior to moving day—are those “that could cause harm while being transported or stored. Examples would be things such as explosive type items, propane tanks, matches, kerosene and some of your bleaches and household cleaners. These are items that would cause damage if they spilled. We also would not move anything that is perishable, such as food or plants.”

Along with considering what can and can’t be moved, LeLacheur advises customers to do their homework, “Do research before choosing a mover. Make sure to choose a reputable mover. If you don’t understand something or are moving for the first time, ask questions…” Good questions for customers would include “what’s required of them prior to the move, the day of the move, how would their personal effects be covered as far as protection in the event that anything happened, and what will happen on the day of the load.” 

LeLacheur is in an enviable position, and couldn’t be happier with business operations and growth. For good reasons. “We have professional long-term employees, a family-owned and operated business which I think is first and foremost, and we’re an Edmonton-based company.” She adds that shopping local is important to their customers, “A lot of people now like to purchase things that are Canadian—made in Canada, made in Alberta. Well, this is made in Edmonton.”

LeLacheur makes an excellent spokesperson. She is a successful and confident businesswoman who speaks highly of her staff, her business and her customers.

In the case of Western Moving & Storage, this company’s reputation speaks for itself. It’s just unfortunate that ancient Egyptian royalty couldn’t have spoken up while being rolled around on a moving dolly. 

Balancing Firm & Family  - By Rick Lauber

A successful professional, active community member and devoted mother are just a few roles that Sandra Pietrzyk, CA balances. Recently appointed to her new role of partner with the Edmonton office of Grant Thornton LLP, Pietrzyk proves that it is possible to be a highly productive co-owner of a firm while being a deeply involved family member. 

“Personal approach, high integrity and compassion are values that are imbedded in Grant Thornton’s culture, and these shared values are part of the reason I have been successful in the firm,” says Pietrzyk.

Grant Thornton is one of Canada’s largest firms of chartered accountants, management consultants and other professional advisers. Of the 180 partners throughout Canada, eight are in Edmonton; Pietrzyk is one of two female partners in Alberta. Located in Scotia Place downtown, the office is part of a national firm that has offices across Canada, and is a member of Grant Thornton International with member offices world wide.

Pietrzyk’s appointment to the partnership was “…possibly a year in the making. There’s a nomination process… the panel interview… the vote that goes to all the partners across Canada. And then the eventual appointment.” Of course, there were some nervous butterflies during that time, but she remained confident, and was well-prepared for the six-person, one-and-a-half hour interview that received good feedback.

Working for Grant Thornton since 1994, Pietrzyk says “I could not have committed to being a partner without the clear support of a firm that understands and lives work-life balance.” The partners understand the necessity for home-life balance, and don’t have unrealistic expectations of each other, “… there isn’t that pressure—the intangible pressure— to do more than you’re actually doing, to put in more hours.”

Pietrzyk’s work days are varied: from discussing reports with boards of directors and executives to coaching staff to all the other responsibilities that go into being part-owner of a firm. But overall, Pietrzyk sees her new position as somewhere that she can be a role model as a leader, as a partner, as a coach and mentor… and someone who can lead by example.

Pietrzyk works in the audit practice and advises public companies and a variety of other enterprises. “I deal with businesses that have an oversight function, that have public accountability to them, as well as not-for-profit organizations… this provides a nice balance,” she says.

And she has a lot to balance, with her husband of 14 years, Werner, and their three-year-old twin boys, Hunter and Logan. Pietrzyk also sits on the Board of Women Building Futures, a charitable organization that works to help women build better lives and achieve economic prosperity.

Being a firm partner in the accounting profession requires the skills of keeping up with complex and ever-changing regulations, managing multiple people and projects, as well as the ability to build great client relationships. While she is recognized for her strong technical skills, Pietrzyk’s work goes considerably beyond reviewing financial statements. “We don’t just work on audit and accounting matters, but take more of an advisory approach with our clients.”

Known for her communication skills and empathetic approach in this exceptionally demanding industry, Pietrzyk recognizes the pressures her clients feel in dealing with the major changes that have recently happened in accounting regulations.  “This has added to the many challenges of managing and running a successful organization,” she says.

Pietrzyk has a solid grasp on what her new role will be, but laughs at the misconception that many people have about the accounting industry. It’s really not all that dry and stuffy a business. “I think a lot of people always envision accountants or auditors in the back room—you know, green visor and a plastic pencil protector in their pocket—and that’s just not the case.”

With her new appointment, Pietrzyk is now in an enviable position with a growing accounting firm. As she takes on her new duties, she intends to continue her leadership role in being a mentor for staff, helping her clients prosper, being a productive co-owner of the firm and, most importantly, being actively involved in raising her boys. √

Opening a Window of Opportunity - By Rick Lauber

A woman in work boots is atypical enough in today’s society… such a woman who leads by example is even rarer to find.

Rachael Peske is that rarity. And she’s found her niche at Edmonton-based Award Windows & Doors as their quality assurance manager, human resources manager, training facilitator and co-chairman of the health and safety committee. “I deal with many avenues and challenges—from working with our payroll department to working with our health and safety committee to improving the quality of our product to ensuring our customers’ needs are met,” she explains.

Wearing steel-toed boots, even in her office, is the norm on the off-chance that she will be needed to help handle any emergency on the plant’s manufacturing floor.

Wearing four different hats also is routine, and makes for plenty of variety. However, she has had no specialized related training: Her knowledge is more of jail cell windows, rather than house windows. “I have a corrections degree,” Peske explains. “This is my formal education. I was a correctional officer... have seen a different side of life.”

Not surprisingly, Peske brings a determined, “no-nonsense” approach to her work, where she must be both firm and fair. Window and door manufacturing is a male-dominated industry, but she has earned the respect of her fellow staff.

Having joined Award just over a year ago, Peske is still learning. “I don’t have an HR background. I’m a little more comfortable with a micrometer or a calipre in my hands than a keyboard. I didn’t have computers when I went to school. It’s been a learning curve for me,” she admits.

That curve has been steep, both professionally and personally. But she has attacked this with doggedness and determination. She thrives on challenge—“There are no problems in life... only challenges, and they lead to opportunities”—but finds it humbling to watch her company’s involvement with those less fortunate. One of her first projects was overseeing its participation in Extreme Makeover-Home Edition—an ABC television show featuring host Ty Pennington and his design team who build state-of-the-art homes for struggling families.

Last fall, an episode rescued “a family near Fairbanks, Alaska that had nothing… I grew up in the North and I can totally relate to what those northern winters are like.” While Award installed new windows in this home, for Peske, this was far more: “It’s very, very warming to be part of a company that actively participates,” she states.

Peske also is regularly reminded of how good her life truly is when she leads new staff orientation programs which she was trusted to develop. “We employ a number of first generation immigrants and English is their second language… and they’ve actually taught me phenomenal amounts.” She has great respect for those who have moved to a new land and learned. “I whine and I cry and I complain, but man, do I have it sweet compared to what some of these people have had to do to get to this country… something as simple as [buying] a coffee pot is a big deal.” 

Although Peske created the new staff orientation program from practically nothing, juggled job responsibilities under four different titles and learned “by the seat of her pants,” she remains disarmingly modest about her achievements with Award. She gives all the credit to her company and colleagues. “Our staff is the key to our operation. We don’t function without our staff. Award believes solely in safety, quality and production as our realm. I can say with a deep amount of pride that it’s an amazing company.”

The relationship which exists here between employer and employee is truly symbiotic. Award Windows & Doors has given free rein to Peske and she has taken this opportunity to learn and grow. As a result, she speaks highly of her job, the company and its management. And, she intends to keep wearing her work boots to the office.

“I’m still here and I love it… And until someone says something otherwise, I suspect it’ll keep going the way it’s going,” Peske laughs.

Banking on Success  - By Rick Lauber

Just how is a well-chosen career path much the same as a fine wine? Both can be immensely gratifying, for one thing. And no one knows this better than Tracey Ball, FCA, executive vice-president and chief financial officer of Canadian Western Bank, headquartered in Edmonton.

Ball spends much of her day “reading, mentoring, answering questions…” and keeping her boss, Larry Pollock, “happy,” she says with a smile. The job—a dream position—was something that she never truly expected. Ball laughs, describing how she really lucked into this career, which began about 20 years ago. Following her articling, she became a chartered accountant at Vancouver’s KPMG and then spread her wings looking for contract positions. One such contract was with the then Western & Pacific Bank where she was appointed chief accountant.

Western & Pacific and The Bank of Alberta merged in April 1988 to become one—Canadian Western Bank (CWB). Ball, with husband Gary Reynolds, came to Edmonton to “help out”—initially meant to be a temporary situation—but Ball sensed opportunity within the company and stayed on.

Opportunity indeed existed; Edmonton became and has remained home. The couple is now a quartet with daughter Alexa, 17, and son Trevor, 15.

CWB clearly has filled a niche in the marketplace. In March, the bank marked its 75th consecutive quarter of profitability. In 2006, its fiscal net income increased 32 percent over the previous year to a record $72.0 million, led by exceptional loan growth of 26 percent.

Ball explains, “Our specialty is mid-market commercial banking, but we serve the retail side as well, in addition to having two trust companies and an insurance company… we went after niches that weren’t being particularly well-served. We thought that we would bring absolutely great service to our clients… get to know them.” Most clients are very proud entrepreneurs seeking financial assistance for their businesses and embrace CWB’s high touch approach. The bank will soon serve Edmonton and area customers from seven locations. Remaining true to its name, CWB operates from Winnipeg west, with branches in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. 

While business loans are available elsewhere, Ball cites numerous benefits to choosing CWB, including a strong focus on customer service and a quick turn-around time for credit decisions. Customer appointments are not required, loan application answers often are provided within 48 hours, and all lending decisions are made locally within Western Cnada. Ball adds that callers won’t find many telephone voicemail systems or frustrating menu prompts either; “If you want to yell at me, you’ll have to do it person-to-person!”

Beyond business dreams, CWB also supports the community—but “quietly” so, explains Ball. For example, a staff member owns a miniature pony, Dotty, and regularly takes the pony to visit cancer-stricken children. “We support our employees who like to do these types of things.” CWB was recently recognized as one of the top “50 Best Employers in Canada” for 2007 by the Globe & Mail Report on Business magazine.

With banking, Ball’s glass is only half full. She and her husband also co-own a winery in Naramata, British Columbia. “Lake Breeze, which first became a winery in 1994 and was initially developed by a South African couple… we bought it in 2001.

“Naramata is about 10 minutes north of Penticton and across the lake from Summerland.” Between 30 and 40,000 people visit this idyllic spot annually and sample any or all of the wines produced. Varietals include a Pinot Noir, a Merlot, a Pinot Blanc, and a multiple award-winning Pinot Gris. Winery staff use a “hand-sell” method, displaying and describing a bottle to customers, not unlike a sommelier at a fine restaurant.

“Early on, CWB was also a hand-sell.” Ball uses the analogy to describe how personal contact with clients has propelled the once unknown bank to an industry success story.

Raise a glass of wine and toast Ball’s accomplishments and CWB’s growth. Will they continue? You can bank on it. √

A best-kept secret…but not for long  - By Rick Lauber

The world has taken five steps forward and three steps back since Emily Ferguson Murphy. As Canada’s first female magistrate, Murphy tackled the famous “persons” case and won a ruling on October 18, 1929: Women were finally considered persons, and an equal part of society. The ruling, most importantly, granted them the overdue right to vote.

Although a major coup for Murphy in her day, many women—particularly in business—still struggle to be accepted by their male counterparts. Why do such antiquated views persist? Is it societal pressures... perhaps, a man’s desire to be the household’s breadwinner… or, the difficulties a woman faces balancing a career and maternal responsibilities? We may never know. Regrettably, women executives and entrepreneurs, too often, may not be taken seriously.

Tracey Scarlett is doing what she can to change those societal views. She is the president and CEO of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). The organization, occupying space in The Business Link office in downtown Edmonton with a second office in Calgary, “was established 11 years ago and is funded by Western Economic Development.” She is quick to point out that AWE does not grant business seed money, but considers applications for repayable loans up to $100,000 for new and existing businesses. Scarlett beams, “We’ve loaned out over $9 million with a 90 percent business success rate.”

But AWE is far more than a loan option. It has provided over 40,000 women with business advice, mentoring, support and referrals. Typically, the process begins with an orientation session “…to tell potential clients more about our programs and services. From there, they’ll be assigned a business advisor.” Advisors, located in Edmonton and Calgary, provide coaching and counseling throughout the province via videoconferencing through regional Community Futures offices. “We refer clients to resources that we don’t provide internally, such as to professional service providers. We run workshops and events on a range of topics of interest to our clientele.”

Since taking over AWE operations in January 2007, Scarlett’s goal has been to increase growth and public recognition. “We want to be viewed as the women entrepreneurs’ association in Alberta—the ‘go-to’ place for women who are interested in starting a business, expanding a business, learning a business… the organization that provides support, networking, mentorship, training, loans… the full package of support services.”

Scarlett, an MBA with a science and consulting background, would also like to promote atypical business ventures for other women. “I don’t think we’ve created the network—the role models—and provided that support to encourage women to go into business in non-traditional sectors. We’ve done a good job in more traditional areas—retail operations, personal service and health care—but maybe we haven’t created the network for women to learn about or want to start businesses in environments that are dominated by men.”

Numerous partnerships “through universities and educational institutions to encourage entrepreneurship in nontraditional sectors,” will be explored. Steps are being taken for AWE to expand its reach across the province. “There’s a variety of other business and economic development groups in various regions that we’re working with now and creating partnerships.”

Considerable effort will be made to draw attention to the unsung clients of AWE. “…65 percent are mom entrepreneurs… they have incredible job satisfaction because they are doing what they are interested in—really love—but they’re not driven by making money,” explains Scarlett. “We have other self-employed women—probably about 30 percent of our clientele—who are typically professionals or service providers: They’re consultants, they’re public relations experts… they want to have more control over the work they do.” The rest are growth-oriented entrepreneurs, “…well-educated, very dynamic, active-in-the-community women.” Increasing this final small percentage will be a priority. Scarlett hopes they will become positive role models in the future.

Although AWE is, right now, a best-kept secret, it may not be for long. Scarlett is determined to “drive more development of growth-oriented businesses… to show women through example, and through that network that they can achieve great success in business.” Tackling this could be a difficult hill to climb, though not insurmountable.

Scarlett has the belief, the experience, the contacts, the spirit and the spunk to take AWE to new heights. Emily Murphy would be proud. √

Innovative… Indefatigable… Intelligent… Influencial  - By Rick Lauber

She is a powerful and tireless influencer within one of Canada’s most powerful and tireless companies.

As vice-president, Public Sector, Alberta and general manager for IBM in Edmonton, Bernadette—everyone calls her “Bernie”—Kollman must also think both internally and externally. “I provide the leadership to the 1000 people that are resident in Edmonton and employed by IBM,” she explains. “In addition to that, I provide leadership to our team that does business with the public sector of Alberta, which includes higher education, healthcare and government.

“I spend my time coaching and working with a team that deals on a day-to-day basis with our clients,” says Kollman. She also looks outward at the businesses that her clients are in and “seeks to form relationships and understanding of their strategies to determine how IBM can bring the best it can offer to meet our clients’ needs.”

Bringing the best is something that Kollman has been continually and proudly doing with IBM for 21 years, having started on her corporate career path as a university co-op student. Even back then, she was bitten hard by the technology bug, “I did two of my co-op work terms with IBM. It was a fascinating way to get work experience and get exposed to the technology sector because the use of personal technology was an emerging industry.” 

With the announcement of IBM’s personal computer, Kollman took full advantage of being part of this exciting opportunity at the outset. “I actually started my career in our retail division selling our personal computing devices,” she remembers. She completed IBM’s formal training program and moved into the new business sales department, and “…was responsible for finding new clients, introducing them to IBM’s technology.”

Next was a senior role within this division and a move to Calgary where Kollman provided leadership for Western Canada and “helped develop other new employees into these types of sales roles.” Following a year and a half, she returned to Edmonton where she currently manages the public sector team and works with government ministries, health care providers and higher education institutions.

“Today, I lead that entire division for IBM, which includes our hardware, software and services to the whole public sector in Alberta. About seven years ago, in addition to that, I was given the leadership of our Edmonton location where I serve as the general manager,” adds Kollman.

While there is plenty on her plate, she wouldn’t trade this for the world. She loves her connection with innovative work, truly respects her employer, and regularly raises her hand to accept even more corporate challenges: “I’ve been in this industry for 21 years with the number one IT company in the world; I think if you’re going to work in this industry, the company to work for is IBM,” which currently serves customers in 170 countries and has over 355,000 employees worldwide.

“Our industry has changed dramatically. Our marketplace has changed dramatically. Our technologies have changed dramatically.”

Kollman finds that “working with a company that stays ahead of the curve, and anticipates the needs of our clients, and adapts according to what’s happening in our industry is pretty phenomenal.”

And she, herself, is a pretty phenomenal woman. Kollman enjoys a happy marriage plus finds time to support community causes close to her heart. And her commitment is intense and long-term: She’s the 2007 campaign chair of the Greater Edmonton United Way; a founder of the Women in Technology program; has served on the board of Alberta’s Promise since its inception; and continually brings her energy and know-how to the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and other service organizations. Last year, she was recognized among the Top 50 Most Influential Albertans.

The door to our future would surely remain tightly closed without technological innovations that continue to improve our lives by offering increased convenience and improved features. Just who knows what our futures will bring? One thing is certain: One way or another, when it comes to innovation, Bernie Kollman will be involved. √

Exemplary performance  Professionally & Personally - By Barb Deters

It’s an office unlike any other—the Top 25, Platinum, Chairman’s Club and Gold Level Donor plaques and citations cover the walls, virtually from floor to ceiling. Well, almost… there’s still space on the west wall to display any additional awards—and there will be more.

Connie Kennedy doesn’t do what she does for the glory. Indeed, she’s always surprised that her success has earned her another spot at the top. “I’m comfortable with what I have and what I do… I love it. It’s my passion.”

Given her youthful exuberance, it’s hard to grasp that Kennedy has been an icon in the condominium market for almost four decades. The “firsts” she has experienced and engineered are legend in the real estate industry, and other endeavours.

Reminiscing about her illustrious past—not her words—Kennedy recalls leaving the Kimberly News to work for Dr. Charles Allard on the ill-fated Edmonton Free Press. When she joined CFRN-TV, she became the first female account executive in Canada—but not before she argued for, and received, the same compensation as the men. She also won her quest to join the all-male Ad & Sales Club, only to be elected president a year later, in 1969.

By this time, she was in on the ground floor of Canada’s first condominium development. She established Kennedy Realty Ltd. in 1972—the first all-female agency, employing 37 realtors who exclusively sold condominiums. And, in 1974, she became the first woman on the executive of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. With her expertise, she’s been involved in writing and re-writing condominium legislation for more than 30 years.

Kennedy has ridden the ebbs and flows of the market throughout her career. She’s cognizant of the boom/bust economy that is at the mercy of Alberta’s oil and gas fortunes. She remains cautiously optimistic that, at worst, the market will level out, yet hopes people will keep money in the bank as a hedge against a downturn.

“I’ve seen this market before in 1978-79 when property doubled, and then plummeted in 1981. In my heart, I don’t think it will happen again, but…”

In the early 1970s, Kennedy was selling a high-rise development with all the amenities, including an indoor pool, just north of Jasper Avenue west for $28,000 and $35,000. She’s now re-selling some of those condos for $350 to $425,000. Although not even she could foresee the evolution, Kennedy admits she has been a “wealth-builder for many clients, often representing their children and grandchildren. What starts out as a broker-client relationship becomes a friendship… the level of mutual trust and respect that results is extremely gratifying.” New and re-development have led to steady growth. “I’ve sold thousands of units—some of them two and three times.”

Among the countless accolades, some stand out: the Edmonton Real Estate Board Life Member designation, the Re/Max Lifetime Achievement Award, and inauguration into the Hall of Fame. Just last year, Kennedy told Edmontonians, “I’m ecstatic. Being named Edmonton’s REALTOR® of the Year is the pinnacle of all the awards I have received… because it is given by my colleagues, my peers. That’s what makes it so special.”

Hmmm… that kind of recognition ranks right up there with the latest: Kennedy was just named the number one residential realtor with Re/Max Real Estate in Greater Edmonton, and remains in the top 100 among the 17,840 Re/Max sales associates in Canada, a ranking she has held since 2001.

And, about those Gold Donor Awards and similar honours? Kennedy gives back to the community naturally—a portion of each and every sales commission is donated to the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the Edmonton Realtors Charitable Foundation (she was the first female president in 1996). She also contributes to the School Hot Lunch Program and the outreach program at Robertson-Wesley United Church. And, did we mention that she’s been known to quietly assist clients when financial institutions wouldn’t? “I’m thankful everyday that I am able to help,” she says with sincerity and surprising modesty.

“I didn’t realize what a trail-blazer I was! I’ve had a charmed, rewarding life and career. You can’t ask for more than that.” √

Creative, Classy & Kool  - By Rick Lauber

Margaret Kool is finally moving out of the house. Not that she’s a late bloomer. The Edmonton communications consultant, who co-owns mkm Inc., has operated from her unpresuming little house quietly tucked away just off Jasper Avenue and 124th Street for 13 years, but soon will be relocating in the heart of downtown. While the move holds promise for mkm, there was little choice for them… a Vancouver developer has recently bought the property and plans to bulldoze the house to make way for river view condominiums. 

Kool, whose agency partner is Andy Feher, admits she has mixed feelings regarding the move. “We have enjoyed our little house on the river valley and moving was difficult. But we think this new location was worth the wait, and we are eager to have it fully operational.”

The new premises, located in the Swedish Jewellers building on 101st and 101st –long ago the classy home of Walk-Rite Ladies Wear—shows great potential. “We chose Hastings Ilagan Design—simply the most talented design firm in Alberta—to create the space for us.” Staff input figured prominently in the re-construction of the fourth floor. “They interviewed all our people in their area of practice to understand their needs. Our new office space is being customized to suit individual and unique needs. All the space is designed to suit different functions, delineated by colour. It is an open concept, with all creative sitting together at one large table, with portable workstations.”

Occupying an entire floor will provide the agency’s creative team with plenty of room to breathe as well as work collectively or independently. “There are areas where they can go and be on their own… and confidential areas, of course, for client meetings,” continues Kool. And the building—“a great property with exposed brick and high ceilings and a huge glass atrium”—offers superb convenience. “From a business perspective, we are literally blocks from three of our largest clients so it will be convenient as well as cool… with a ‘c’, not a ‘k’,” laughs Kool.

From its new home, mkm will continue doing what it has done so well for nearly two decades: working with clients on all things creative. “mkm’s roots have always been consultation and planning,” states Kool—“and that continues to be a key component of our product offering. At mkm, we simply provide advice that delivers results for our clients.”

The extensive list of services includes research planning, strategic development, brand management, advertising communications, and creative and production services. And many clients have benefited from mkm’s expertise: Pizza 73, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, J. Folk Insurance, PTI Group, The Medicine Shoppe, Manulife Place, The College of Chiropractors, Concordia College, Edmonton Airports, and National Home Warranty, among many others.

One such client, Giuliano Tambarinno of Trinity Homes, is now applying his expertise to redeveloping the new space and managing the construction process. There is still much work to be done as the fourth floor of the property is nothing more than a raw warehouse now with windows and walls but requiring a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, in addition to building out the space.

Searching for appropriate space was a time-consuming task, taking approximately two years, but Kool is “thrilled” and believes those feelings will be echoed by her team, “I think our people will be very energized by the move, and I know that they are looking forward to it.” Possession date on the property is tentatively set for late April or early May.

Kool describes this whole process as a “major undertaking.” With the upheaval, the little house will be left behind, but there will always be fond memories. With the new premises, new memories will be made.

Speaking of which… The open house will undoubtedly be memorable—and professionally executed by a team that launches images and promotions for clients as a matter of course.

Diary of a Debutante - Young Writers Diary of a debutante Faking graceful & other life lessons By Elizabeth Sande

It’s been brought to my attention numerous times over the past 18 years that you cannot pick your family. I must confess there have been a few times I wished I could change things up a bit. Like that time my mother chaperoned my first high school dance and busted out the moves with our neighbour after promising she would not embarrass me. Despite those vile dance moves and other oddities along the way, I love my family and try to please them. Case in point.

For years now, my Grandma Dorothy and Grandpa Norman Sande have attended the annual Johann Strauss Ball, held every February at The Westin Hotel. Funds raised allow students to further their musical studies in the rich cultural environment of Austria. During the past 32 years, the Foundation has allocated scholarships, grants and awards in excess of $538,000 to 92 musicians and other musical causes. The ball showcases the scholarship winners, fine food, live music and debutantes. My grandparents have wanted me to be “presented” since they first started attending. I felt obliged to look into it.

Wikipedia, my favourite website, told me all I needed to know: A debutante (or deb) is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation known as her debut or coming out. Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part of the purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within a select upper class circle.

Seriously? They want me to parade around in a dress and tiara so they can load me off on some boy? Not to mention this whole maturity issue. At 18, the only thing I’m serious about is my regular Saturday morning appointment with Kirsten and that zit I’m trying to cover up on my cheek.

OCTOBER

I was convinced the whole thing was ridiculously old-fashioned and I wouldn’t be caught dead taking part. My family doesn’t ask much of me… they feed me on a regular basis… they’re so happy to show me off. So, after a long 12 seconds, I caved.

This commitment would involve a pure white dress, white opera gloves, white pumps, nylons, a tiara, an escort, Sunday evening dance practice, and a lot of grace. I had all the right stuff, minus the pure white dress, an escort and the poise. Actually, my white grad dress could do double duty—all I needed to do was remove the blue cumber-bun and the flower garden down the side. No problem. I did think the escort part would be tricky.

The Strauss provides escorts for the girls who need them, but I really wanted to go with someone I knew and could be comfortable with. There was a fellow from work and we had a dinner outing planned. We sat down, ordered a drink and I blurted out, “Do you want to be my date for a debutante thing?” Ultra smooth way to make it sound appealing. To my amazement, he said yes without even asking what a debutante was. I was so shocked I changed my mind, told him that I didn’t want him coming with me and that he was under no obligation to do so. Smooth. I spent at least 10 minutes telling him how horrible, boring and pointless it would be, but he would have none of it. Ignoring the fact that he was my boss’s son, I accepted that he was my saving grace.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

So off Daniel and I went to the first Sunday class. Not unlike the first day of kindergarten: We all gathered in a circle, introduced ourselves, stated what we do (school or working), and rolled our dance credits. Not only did the other people seem more intelligent than I, almost all had dance experience. No pressure or anything. Here I was with five musicals under my belt—in which I played the lead character—but no fancy footwork. I’m such a bad dancer that they always had me blocked; every once in awhile, I would do a spin or kick. I blame my mother for my lack of dance skills.

At the first class, we covered the basics. We would be doing two Austrian classics, the Landler and the Polonaise—both elegant, graceful, flowing, intricate dances that are just divine to watch. To learn them though takes a lot of patience. I left the first class completely defeated and ready to quit. Knowing how much this meant to my grandparents, I knew I would have to persevere.

Every Sunday from the beginning of November to the end of January we danced… sometimes well, others badly. There were fast classes and slow. There were really fantastic days and some atrocious ones. In the end, both Daniel and I felt rather confident about how we were doing. Well, he did.

JANUARY

As February 3rd loomed, I got nervous. I wasn’t afraid of being in front of people, I was afraid of dancing. Simply put, I am not a graceful person. I trip over my own feet… I fall down… I miss my mouth when I eat… and you don’t want to see me try to get into a boat from the water. I’m just an uncoordinated person, especially if I get a little nervous or intimidated. Dancing needs everything I felt I didn’t have. I called my parents, Todd and Lisa, in Calgary the night before Strauss Boot camp to share my anxiety. In return, they offered me... giggles? Thanks guys, love you too.

Strauss Boot Camp was two weeks before the ball. We had rehearsal from 2 pm until 9 pm, instead of the usual 6 pm to 9 pm. It was the longest day ever but very productive. We learned about table settings, manners, forks, doors, introductions, escalators and stairs. Most importantly, we learned that we really could dance. Plus, I learned that I could fake graceful. Who knew?

As the big day drew near, little things had to be done—like trying on the dress. Hmmm… it had shrunk since June. It was about four inches too small and there wasn’t enough fabric to let out the seams. I decided that if I ate healthy—not like a typical 18-year old—maybe I could make this work.

The next big issue was my hair. Thank God for my friend, Kirsten, a hairstyling student at Estelle Academy. Both new to the city, we’ve become very close and look out for each other. In exchange for small favours, I’m a regular fixture in her chair every Saturday. The week before the ball, we got together to try different up-dos that reflected feminine elegance and grace. Everything she created was beautiful but nothing was ever completely right… we would like one part and not another.

FEBRUARY

The day of the ball, I was sooo scared. My parents came in from Calgary; Uncle Ken and Shelly Ertman were driving up from Wetaskiwin. My grandparents’ friends would be looking for me at the gala—the one that started in 12 hours 10 minutes and 14 seconds, give or take.

Grandmother’s bathroom became our beauty salon. Kirsten poofed the back of my head into a helmet, just as she had at all of our trials. It looked great. But, what next? Inspired, Kirsten made a large woven bun at the nape of my neck that was absolutely gorgeous. One hundred and thirty-six pins later, I was coiffed. Kirsten then did Mother’s hair “Texas big.”

I decided to try on my jewelry to get an idea of how it would all go together. I paired my great grandmother’s necklace with my cheap but lovely chandelier earrings. One went in wonderfully and one broke. Grandpa and Dad assured me they could glue it back together.

By one o’clock, Mom and I had checked into our rooms at The Westin. By two o’clock, I was putting on my make up. Problem: The false eyelashes wouldn’t stay on for the life of me. Turns out lash remover doesn’t work well as an adhesive. I ran to Mother’s room, and used her glue. Done.

I looked at the clock and my heart stopped. It was three o’clock, the exact time we were to be at dress rehearsal. The women who run the group are very punctual—being late would not be good.

Here I was: no nylons, tiara, gloves, dress or accessories on—just ratty old sweats, false eyelashes and great hair. I ran into my room, grabbed my stuff, ran back to Mom’s, pulled on my dress, and prayed to God that it did up. It fit like a glove. I bolted for the ballroom, coincidently meeting Daniel in the elevator.

Dress rehearsal was the first time that we ever practiced with a live orchestra. It was also the first time we danced in tuxes and gowns. What a mess! Tiaras were getting stuck on gloves… boys were stepping on dresses… girls were tripping over themselves… and we were forgetting dance steps..

Afterward, Daniel and I went to my grandparents’ room for wine and pictures with family and friends. My earring had been fixed with nail glue, so on they went. Mother fluffed my dress with a ton of Static Guard. At 6:15, we promptly headed down for the champagne reception. It was finally happening.

By 7:30, I was so jumpy I could have gnawed off my gloves. We lined up for the Polonaise, got ready to enter the ballroom. This was it. Once we were on the floor, it went amazingly. Daniel and I were laughing, having a really good time… and we did everything right. It was almost like there was nothing to it.

My mother and I went back to my room after the first dance to take my tiara off. We were giggling and laughing until I looked at the time. It was 8:15—the exact time we had to be back downstairs for the Landler. One last time, I dashed through the halls.

The Landler, like the Polonaise, went flawlessly—really, it could not have been better. The dancing over, we were allowed to eat. The meal was absolutely incredible.

Everything about the night was just grand: the women in their gowns… the men in their tuxes… the music… the décor… the food… the atmosphere.

I was introduced to everyone proudly by Grandma as “Elizabeth Sande,” and jokingly by Granddad as “Griselda, the ugly stepsister.” You really can’t take him anywhere. Then, in the ladies room, I was horrified that Mother felt it her “duty” to introduce me, the journalist-to-be (hopefully), to our MC, Lorraine Mansbridge from Global TV. Just for the record, my mother does not personally know her, she just sees her on TV like everyone else. Ms. Mansbridge gave me some wonderful advice that I will never forget: “Be the best you can be at [it]” and “make sure you stand out above the rest.” She was not only stunning, but extremely gracious.

The night was full of what I considered monumental events. A family picture taken with all of us dressed to the nines and without my uncle or me making a face. I did not fall on my face, spill or miss my mouth, and Daniel and I spun one full rotation during our waltz without tripping.

But, for me, there was still something missing. At 10:45, my night was truly completed. I saw my grandparents dancing their hearts out right in the middle of the floor. It was beautiful to me; it made every little bit of the evening and the educational process worth it. I couldn’t keep my eyes off them, they are wonderful dancers.

MARCH... AND FOREVER

Wikipedia was wrong. Being a debutante is purely an excuse to get dressed up, eat wonderful food, dance to real music, meet unique, distinguished people, and broaden your horizons. I went into the debutante world with the wrong impression. I had a blast at the ball—an evening I’ll never forget.

To see my family looking so proud… to hear that my mother and grandmother each shed a tear… to know my parents still put up with me after my hissy-fits… and to understand an old tradition is an indescribable feeling.

As wild as my family can get, we clean up nicely. We are quite presentable. Even though they ask strange questions, make faces, dance oddly or introduce me as “Griselda,” I wouldn’t want it any other way. I didn’t pick them, but I would never trade them in. I’m so happy that I could do this for my family and for myself.

I learned to dance and fake graceful. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Back to Edmontonians.com

Get out of your way - By Steffany Hanlen

Transformation—big word, many meanings—can be painful.

From my perspective, Lynn and Jen were trying to create their business on top of a whole lot of ‘incompletes’. When you don’t have a clear vision, unresolved issues (good or bad) from your past (or present), show up… and plant themselves dead centre for you to deal with before you get to move on to the fun stuff. For example, think of something you should have done or meant to say to someone and the moment passed. Let’s say you feel some regret. That negative feeling can cause stress or fear. If it stops you from moving forward, this can be considered an incompletion. Something as simple as a messy desk can become an excuse to stop you from doing other things—“cuz I have to clean up my desk.” These kinds of incompletions had led to frustrating barriers for Lynn and Jen, personally and professionally. The thing is they are only incomplete if you decide they are—I can live for months with a messy desk.

I started my session with Lynn and Jen by asking them to identify their inner core values. Once they were able to filter out all the should-do and ought-to-do values, both woman discovered they were not creating the lives they wanted. They were striving for things they believed to be missing.

For example, through a series of exercises, the highest value that showed up for both was love. The value they were searching for in all of their business dealings was actually a personal one. When the need for love drives business decisions, it can become a detriment.

The next step in the process was to determine Hierarchy of Values based on seven areas of life: mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, vocational, financial, and family (social). We all operate under these values in some order or another, whether we know it or not. Confusion comes when we unconsciously live them in an order not of our choosing. The biggest breakthrough for Lynn and Jen was to choose their current and preferred value hierarchy based on who they are today, not who they used to be or who they think they should be. At first, both picked family as their top value. After some resistance and tears, each woman—independent of the other—got to her truth. They moved through a series of tough questions from me and a modicum of guilt to get to the realization that vocation and finances were really the highest on the list—not family. For a single mom, that took a ton of courage to say out loud, and for a daughter in business with her single mom… well, you get the picture. They both concluded that financial health is crucial for a healthy family. Building wealth is not a bad thing. It was interesting to me to see how much guilt each felt about needing and wanting to be successful and make money.

After all of this inner work, not only did Lynn and Jen get the majority of the funding they needed, they have finished building their new store. Their biggest awareness may just be that as soon as they identified what was missing or in their way, all it took was a little transforming—inner and outer—to make their dreams come true.

Amazing what happens when we get out of our own way.

Steffany Hanlen is a personal performance coach who conducts “The Champion Seminars.” Contact shanlen@edmontonians.com

Dump the baggage -By Les Brost

Lynn and Jen learned that, in any conflict situation, there is only one constant you can manage: yourself. They also learned that conflict is inevitable and can pay dividends when properly managed.

Lynn and Jen discovered how much the personal part of our lives seeps into the business arena. They learned that when they come to work, they each bring their personal “baggage”—all the experiences of their lives. These personal histories have a large impact in any family business.

The amount of baggage we carry with us, day in and day out, increases in direct proportion to our years. We are the sum total of our lifetime experiences, particularly those during our formative years. Unresolved hurts and issues from our childhoods are the most powerful drivers in our lives. Like design flaws in a machine, they keep causing problems until we trace their root and deal with them.

Yet, many business people—especially entrepreneurs—struggle with the concept of conflict management in general and self-knowledge in particular. They see it as “touchy-feely stuff” that has no relevance to the business of business. Some believe in the Golden Rule: S/he who has the gold, makes the rules. That works for a while, but it is ultimately a recipe for disaster. However “cliché” it may sound, “what goes around, comes around”… “every dog has his day,” and some things “will come back to bite you.”

I hope that Jen and Lynn will see their journey as a series of expeditions. Some journeys will be relatively easy to manage, but there will be rough waters ahead, too. This is when they should bring in a trained coach or counselor as a guide. It’s really no different than working with a trainer for physical fitness. I have learned from personal experience that the best time to work with a professional is when we are not in crisis.

The bottom line for the Sublime team: Effective conflict management pays off big-time in business and personal success. It will help them live their personal and business lives to the max.

Smooth sailing, Lynn and Jen… not only will you be the best dressed on the cruise, you’ll be the best prepared for the squalls.

Les Brost is head of Southern Star Communications. Contact: lbrost@edmontonians.com

In search of Perfect Breath - by Tom Bradshaw

Lynn and Jen Carolie have been a great challenge. While having similar vocal issues, their response to corrective direction and their development through coaching now and in the future must be unique to them as individuals.

I was fortunate to start working with Lynn and Jen early in the transformational process. The voice is a reflection of your inner life and, when you connect to your breathing centre, issues begin to arise. They can be dealt with if the individual is open, honest and ready for a change in life. If not, the "judgers"—those voices that edit our actions and thoughts—come out. We need them at times; they keep us safe. The trick is to identify when to listen, and when to dismiss them and move forward.

Before our initial session, Lynn and Jen had spent an afternoon with Les Brost. With his guidance, their visions had turned inward.

For Jen, the transition to proper breathing started with a reminder of what she already knew. She is a singer: Trained singers already have breathing mastered. They just need to use it all the time. Have you ever tried getting back into shape? Not as easy as it sounds, but the same principles apply. Jen can use her passion for choral singing as a regular workout.

Tom’s philosophy: You will put more effort into improving—and benefit more—if you are having fun. Jen also will find that, as she revives her choral work, her full vocal range will improve. That little girl voice will fade away and she will be perceived less as young and more as professional.

Lynn is in a perfect place in her life for positive change. Lynn had never consciously experienced deep breathing before but, because of the work started by Les, we were able to quickly see improvements in breathing as well as communication. What did we discover? Lynn is an amazing individual who is blooming in midlife and moving toward her full potential. She must continue to work on her breathing so that it becomes more natural, but she has truly found her voice.

Imagine living in a world where people do more that hear you, they listen to you… where you are perceived as honest, trustworthy and truly concerned about clients, family and friends.

Both Jen and Lynn are well on their way. What’s holding them back now are some of those inner voices—those judgers that stop us from achieving our full potential. The mother-daughter duo is ready to fully communicate and delve into those issues. This is where the team approach is so beneficial. While improving the voices and communication skills, The Transformers have laid a solid  foundation for two complete and distinct packages.

Tom Bradshaw is the head of the Academy of Voice & Speech. Contact: tbradshaw@edmontonians.com

Chasing the flame of desire- By Colin Williamsen 

Most women—including the Carolei mother-daughter team—have a desire to look and feel/feel and look their best all the time. Which comes first, depends on what they are dealing with in their lives, either personally or professionally.

The process of getting Jen and Lynn on the road to wellness began six weeks ago, and both are seeing positive results.

The preliminary tests from a naturopathic doctor provided Jen with an overall health rating of 3.5 out of 10. A Vega Bio-energetic assessment measured the level and flow of electrical energy of her internal organs and muscular-skeletal system via different acupuncture points, based on principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The doctor discovered a liver fluke (clonorochis sinenis) and identified a slight presence of the mononucleosis virus. The strategy for Jen is to first eliminate the liver fluke with appropriate homeopathic remedies, and then to deal with the mononucleosis virus as necessary.

To assist her in increasing her vital energy, Jen has been following the recommended weekly treatments of acupuncture and acupressure, magnetic field therapy and reflexology. By late March, she had increased her overall health rating to 4.5 out of 10, and she says “I feel better than I have in the past two years.” She will continue with her treatments until she has achieved a rating of at least 7.5 to 8, and then shift to a maintenance program.

Jen has been given the green light to only do the following: Yoga, and rebounding—jumping on a mini-trampoline for five minutes, twice a day. Once she has reached the level of 6 or 7, she will be able to participate in more strenuous movement activities: Ashtanga, Bikram or Vinyasa Yoga and cardiovascular conditioning and resistance/weight-training.

Lynn’s preliminary tests from naturopathic medicine provided a rather surprising overall health rating of 1 out of 10 as a functioning level of her internal organs. The Vega Bio-energetic assessment revealed a strong presence of the mononucleosis virus and substantial congestion throughout her entire lymphatic system—the body’s sewage system. That’s where the virus usually settles, so Lynn’s energy was cycling up and down roughly every two hours. The priority was to rid her of the virus using homeopathic remedies which excite the immune system, promoting the natural healing process.

Lynn also is following the recommended treatments of acupuncture and acupressure, magnetic field therapy and reflexology twice per week. By late March, she had increased her overall health rating from 1 to 4. She will continue weekly treatments until she has achieved a level of 7.5 to 8, and then shift to a maintenance program. In mid-March, Lynn was given the green light to start rebounding twice a day for five minute intervals (to stimulate and pump her lymphatic system), and to start daily yoga conditioning, for weight loss. Like mother, like daughter: When Lynn has reached a level 6 or 7, she will be able to participate in more strenuous movement activities such as Level 2 yoga conditioning, cardiovascular conditioning and resistance/weight training.

For the first time in the past two years, Lynn is feeling emotionally stable, thinking more clearly and experiencing sharp problem-solving skills—unlike her prior self. There is a dramatic increase in her overall energy—physical and mental. And, she has already lost approximately 10 pounds/4.6 kilograms.

The success Jen and Lynn have achieved after a relatively short period of time should serve as motivation for them to remain diligent in their pursuit of specific health and wellness desires over the long term.√

Colin Williamsen is the president of The Wellness Coaches Inc. Contact: cwilliamsen@edmontonians.com

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