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In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with Megan Dirks, brand strategist, creative director, bestselling author, and founder of The Girl on the Left, an award-winning global women's storytelling platform. With more than a decade of experience in branding, marketing, design, and entrepreneurship, Megan has built her career around helping people turn their ideas and lived experiences into meaningful stories, brands, and opportunities. Megan shares how The Girl on the Left began as a personal creative outlet during a difficult chapter in her life and grew into an international storytelling community, bringing together women from eight countries through collaborative books and live events. Dalene and Megan discuss the importance of sharing our experiences, finding strength in difficult chapters, and creating spaces where women can connect, learn, and inspire one another. They also explore how storytelling can open doors to authorship, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Join Megan at Next Chapter in Halifax on October 18! Megan is bringing The Girl on the Left community to Halifax for Next Chapter, a full-day storytelling and leadership experience designed to bring women together through inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and new connections. Event Details: Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026Location: Spatz Theatre, Halifax, Nova ScotiaDoors Open: 9:15 AMProgramming Starts: 10:00 AMGeneral Admission: $66, including catered lunch and morning and afternoon breaksAttendees can look forward to seven hours of programming, inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, a makers market, and the chance to meet women who have contributed to The Girl on the Left anthologies. Whether you're an aspiring author, entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration and meaningful connections, this event is an opportunity to discover what your next chapter could look like. Learn more about Megan Dirks and The Girl on the Left: Website: https://thegirlontheleft.com/ Megan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megandirks/ Get your tickets: Visit https://thegirlontheleft.com/nextchapter/halifax2026  Thanks for listening! Follow Networking Naturally for more conversations about networking, relationships, business, and the amazing people we meet along the way. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with Rosanna Pelton, Founder and CEO of ROSAPEL Virtual Executive Assistants. With more than four decades of executive-level administrative experience, Rosanna knows what it takes to keep businesses organized and moving forward. She shares how her career began as a legal assistant in Toronto, what brought her to Nova Scotia, and how recognizing a need for reliable administrative support led her to start her own virtual assistant business.  Pasted text Dalene and Rosanna talk about why business owners don't have to do everything themselves. From organizing systems and managing calendars to client communications, events, associations, research, and business development, the right support can give entrepreneurs more time to focus on the work they do best.  Pasted text  Pasted text Rosanna also shares how ROSAPEL works with clients at different stages of growth, including businesses that only need a few hours of support each month. With strong systems and standard operating procedures in place, her team can provide continuity and peace of mind even when someone is away.  Pasted text And, of course, this is Network Equals Net Worth, so the conversation comes back to relationships. Rosanna talks about maintaining connections throughout her career and building relationships with people and clients across Canada and beyond.  Pasted text It's a conversation about delegation, organization, relationships, and how having the right people behind you can give you the freedom to focus on growing your business. Learn more about Rosanna Pelton and ROSAPEL Virtual Executive Assistants: Website: https://www.rosapel.com/about Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosapel/ Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with Anton Kats, entrepreneur, software developer, founder of InstantHero, and the person behind Halifax AI Guy. Anton shares his story of coming to Canada at 12 years old, teaching himself how to build websites, and eventually turning his curiosity about technology into a career in software. Along the way, connections, mentors, and a willingness to try new things played an important role in where his journey took him.  Pasted text They talk about Anton's move to Nova Scotia, the sense of community he found here, and his desire to bridge technology with genuine human connection. That idea is also at the heart of InstantHero, his platform for sending physical postcards in a world where so much of our communication happens digitally.  Pasted text Anton also shares how Halifax AI Guy came to be and his perspective on using AI in business. Rather than using technology simply because it's available, he talks about finding practical ways AI can save time, improve established processes, and help people work more effectively.  Pasted text  Pasted text Dalene and Anton also explore mentorship, sales, networking, and the value of staying connected. For Anton, some of the biggest opportunities in life have started with simply talking to people and keeping those relationships alive.  Pasted text It's a conversation about technology, entrepreneurship, community, and finding ways to move forward without losing the human connection behind it all. Learn more about Anton Kats: InstantHero: https://instanthero.ca/ Halifax AI Guy: https://hfxaiguy.com/ Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with Delphine du Toit, a coach, mediator, and facilitator who has spent more than forty years working where people, power, and organisational systems collide. From labour relations in apartheid-era South Africa to boardrooms, government departments, First Nations organisations, and family disputes, Delphine has built her career around helping people understand what conflict is really about and addressing the conditions that keep it alive. Delphine shares how her interest in mediation began early in life, growing up in a close family where she often found herself trying to keep the peace. She also reflects on the influence of her grandparents, her South African roots, and the experiences that eventually brought her and her family to Canada. Dalene and Delphine talk about communication, listening, workplace relationships, and why conflict is often about more than the people involved. Sometimes the real issue is unclear expectations, weak systems, poor decision-making, or structures that haven’t kept up as an organisation grows. Delphine also shares a powerful example of working with two business partners who were struggling to work together. Instead of focusing only on the personal conflict, she helped them examine the systems and structures around the business, which ultimately helped create greater clarity, respect, and collaboration. They also explore employee engagement, leadership, family dynamics, when it may be better to step away from a conflict, and why listening to understand can completely change a conversation. At the heart of Delphine’s work is a simple goal: helping individuals and organisations move from conflict and confusion to clarity, collaboration, and results. Learn more about Delphine du Toit: Website: www.delphinedutoit.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyRelationshipCoach/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/delphinedutoit/ Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with entrepreneur and community builder Jenna Ross, founder of Happy Place Property Management and The Nova Scotian Cookie Company. Jenna shares the journey behind growing her businesses and what she has learned about thinking bigger, asking for opportunities, and continuing to move forward even when the next step isn’t always clear. The conversation dives into the growth of The Nova Scotian Cookie Company, from its distinctly Nova Scotian roots to opportunities that have taken the brand far beyond the province. Jenna talks about pitching to Dragon’s Den, receiving advice from Arlene Dickinson, developing The Lighthouse Cookie Company, and exploring crowdfunding as a way to support the company’s next stage of growth.  Jenna also shares the social impact at the heart of the business. The cookies are produced in partnership with the Flowercart Group, a social enterprise that creates training and employment opportunities for people facing barriers to employment. For Jenna, growing the company isn’t only about selling more cookies. It’s also about creating jobs, strengthening communities, and sharing a little piece of Nova Scotia with the world.  From the Golden Globes and Emmys gifting suites to Whistler, Thailand, Singapore, and cookies travelling all the way to Japan, Jenna’s story is a reminder of what can happen when you keep showing up, make connections, ask the question, and stay open to where an opportunity might lead.  Learn more about Jenna Ross: Happy Place Property Management The Nova Scotian Cookie Company Interested in the upcoming crowdfunding opportunity? Stay connected with The Nova Scotian Cookie Company for updates on the campaign. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with Jan Underhill, founder of Empower HR Consulting, to talk about what happens when businesses truly put their people first. After approximately 20 years with FutureWorks and a career focused on helping people grow and see new possibilities, Jan decided to take on a new challenge and launch her own HR consulting business. She shares what inspired her to make the move as she approached her 60s and why she believes there is no age limit on starting something new.  Dalene and Jan talk about why employees are one of a business's greatest assets and why good HR should begin long before there's a problem. From onboarding and employee retention to workplace culture, psychological safety, harassment policies, succession planning, and professional development, Jan explains how putting the right foundations in place can help both employees and organizations thrive.  Jan also shares her own experience of becoming an entrepreneur, the support she has received from her network, and why asking for and accepting help has been an important part of building her business. They discuss lifelong learning, getting involved in your community, and staying open to possibilities at every stage of life.  At the heart of Jan's work is a simple goal: helping people feel like they belong and helping them see what's possible. Learn more about Jan Underhill and Empower HR Consulting: 🔗 Website: www.empowhrconsulting.ca  🔗 LinkedIn: .linkedin.com/in/jan-underhill-cphr-ccdp-99b91350/ Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with Wendy Brookhouse, founder and Chief Strategist of Black Star Wealth, for an important conversation about being financially prepared when life doesn't go according to plan. With nearly two decades of experience, Wendy helps professionals and entrepreneurs take control of their financial lives, cut through complexity, and make more intentional decisions about their money. As a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Value Builder, she combines financial strategy with practical guidance to help people align their finances with what matters most to them. Dalene and Wendy talk about the financial conversations many families put off, including wills, power of attorney, insurance, estate planning, and what happens when one person in a relationship has always handled the finances. Wendy explains why both partners need to understand their financial picture and how planning ahead can make an incredibly difficult time a little easier. They also discuss preparing for illness and unexpected life changes, knowing your financial end goal, and the importance of building a plan before you actually need it. The conversation comes back to networking too. Wendy shares how meaningful connections have helped her grow personally and professionally, why she values reconnecting with people, and how finding the right people in the room can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations. Wendy is also the author of Burn Your Budget: How to Spend Your Way to Financial Freedom, host of The Number podcast, and is regularly featured in national media for her perspective on the financial decisions that shape careers, businesses, and lives. Whether you're a business owner, part of a couple, or simply wondering if your financial affairs are truly in order, this conversation is a reminder that being prepared isn't about expecting the worst. It's about making life easier when things change. Learn more about Wendy Brookhouse: 🔗 Black Star Wealth 🔗 LinkedIn Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In Part 2 of this conversation, Ed Leach shares the lessons he's learned from a lifetime of building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities, and helping others succeed through the power of networking. Drawing on decades of experience as an educator, entrepreneur, and community builder, Ed explains why some of the best opportunities come from showing up, staying curious, volunteering with purpose, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to make a difference. Through personal stories and practical examples, he demonstrates that strong networks are built through generosity, trust, and consistent effort over time.  Dalene and Ed also discuss the importance of maintaining relationships, becoming a connector, asking for help, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. Together, they explore how networking is about much more than growing your career. It's about building communities, connecting people with purpose, and creating possibilities that benefit everyone involved.  Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or simply someone looking to build stronger relationships, this episode offers practical reminders that meaningful connections don't happen by chance. They happen because we choose to invest in people. Learn more about Ed Leach: 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 www.agingproactively.com  🔗 Top 7 Over 70 Atlantic Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with Michelle Carter, entrepreneur, business mentor, and owner of Sincerely, Skin, to talk about building a business that creates freedom, flexibility, and opportunity. Michelle shares her journey from registered social worker to beauty business owner, growing her skincare clinic into a thriving business while creating systems that gave her the freedom to pursue new opportunities. She also talks about launching the Beauty Business Start Up Academy and the Beauty Business Collective, where she helps aspiring beauty professionals turn their ideas into successful businesses.  The conversation also explores Michelle's newest venture as a Travel Advantage Ambassador with MWR Life, where she helps people save on travel, explore the world, and create an additional income stream through a membership-based travel platform. Along the way, she shares practical insights about customer service, building loyal clients through referrals, and why creating multiple income streams can open the door to greater flexibility and financial freedom.  Whether you're growing a business, dreaming of travelling more, or looking for ways to create a life that fits your goals, Michelle's story is a reminder that success doesn't have to follow just one path. Learn more about Michelle Carter: 🔗 Sincerely, Skin 🔗 LinkedIn Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with Ed Leach, educator, entrepreneur, and champion of purposeful aging, to discuss why we need to rethink the way we view aging and the opportunities that come with longer, healthier, and more purposeful lives. Drawing on more than five decades of experience connecting people, mentoring entrepreneurs, and leading innovation, Ed shares how meaningful relationships and strong networks have shaped his career and continue to drive positive change today. From honoring his late wife through the creation of the Top 7 Over 70 Atlantic Awards Gala to advocating for healthier aging and stronger communities, he reminds us that some of life's greatest contributions happen well beyond retirement.  Together, Dalene and Ed explore the importance of purposeful living, intentional listening, mentorship, and building connections across generations. They also discuss why older adults are one of society's greatest untapped resources, and how creating opportunities for people of every age benefits individuals, businesses, and communities alike.  Whether you're planning your next chapter, growing your professional network, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on aging, this conversation offers practical insights and plenty of inspiration. Learn more about Ed Leach: 🔗 Website: www.agingproactively.com  🔗 LinkedIn Learn more about Top 7 Over 70 Atlantic Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode of Network Equals Net Worth, Dalene sits down with Sahrit Weinstein, dance instructor, creative entrepreneur, author, and mom of three, to explore how courage is not about eliminating fear. It is about taking one small step at a time. Growing up in Jerusalem, Sahrit developed both a love for adventure and a deep sense of caution. Through personal stories of overcoming her fear of flying, publishing her first book, and eventually learning to love roller coasters she once swore she would never ride, she shares how those small moments of bravery created a lasting confidence that changed the way she lives.  Sahrit helps women go from "Worry Bunnies" to "Wonder Bunnies" by showing that confidence is not something you wait to feel. It is something you build through playful courage, self trust, and choosing curiosity over fear. Whether it is standing near the roller coaster instead of riding it, saying yes to a new opportunity, or simply taking one small step outside your comfort zone, every brave decision creates momentum for the next one.  If you have ever felt held back by fear, self doubt, or the belief that you have to be fearless before trying something new, this conversation will encourage you to take that next small step and discover what is possible on the other side. Learn more about Sahrit Weinstein: 📷 Instagram: @sahritweinstein 🔗 Website: Coming soon at sahrit.com Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode, we sit down with Alison Knott, founder of Alison K Consulting, to explore how marketing and networking work best when they're built on genuine human connection. Alison shares her journey from graphic designer to marketing consultant, along with the lessons she's learned helping consultants, therapists, and knowledge experts become more visible while staying true to their values. Throughout our conversation, we talk about ethical marketing, discovery calls, building trust, and why curiosity is one of the most valuable skills you can bring to both networking and business.  We also discuss practical ideas for using LinkedIn more intentionally, nurturing relationships before you need them, reusing content you've already created, and why meaningful conversations will always matter more than chasing algorithms. Alison also shares her thoughtful perspective on AI in marketing and why she believes listening to your audience is still your greatest advantage.  Whether you're a consultant, coach, therapist, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to grow your business through authentic relationships, this episode is full of practical insights that remind us marketing doesn't have to feel overwhelming or salesy. You can learn more about Alison K Consulting here! 🔗 Website 🔗 LinkedIn Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

Justin Hillier has built his career around relationships, leadership, and helping people make confident decisions. From starting in sales at just 17 years old to leading award-winning teams in banking and insurance, his journey has been shaped by a commitment to serving others and creating meaningful connections. In this episode, Justin shares lessons learned from more than two decades of leadership experience across multiple industries, including banking, insurance, and mortgage lending. We discuss the importance of trust, communication, and putting people first, as well as how his experiences have helped him develop a holistic approach to helping clients navigate major financial decisions. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Justin reflects on the role family, community, coaching, and mentorship have played in shaping his perspective. As a husband, father of four, youth sports coach, and outdoor enthusiast, he brings a grounded and people-focused approach to both life and business. Whether you're interested in leadership, sales, financial services, or building stronger relationships, this conversation offers practical insights on creating long-term success by focusing on what matters most: people. You can learn more about Justin here! Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode, we sit down with Polina Baum-Talmor, founder of Poli’s Creations, to explore the intersection of creativity, connection, and opportunity. Polina shares how a passion for hand-drawn artwork evolved into a thriving creative business, where her original designs are transformed into wearable art, custom pieces, and unique creations for clients and events. Throughout our conversation, she reflects on the relationships and chance encounters that helped shape her entrepreneurial journey, and how meaningful connections continue to open unexpected doors. We also dive into her professional career as a social scientist, researcher, and independent consultant. With more than 15 years of experience across a wide range of sectors, Polina brings a unique perspective on understanding people, culture, and lived experience. Together, we discuss the common threads between research and creativity, the value of curiosity, and why some of the most impactful opportunities begin with a simple conversation. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, researcher, or someone looking to build stronger connections, this episode offers thoughtful insights on creativity, community, and the power of saying yes to new possibilities. You can find out more about Polina and Poli’s Creations here! Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Brake, an event and portrait photographer with more than a decade of experience helping businesses tell their stories through authentic, people-focused imagery. Jeremy has worked with business owners, artists, musicians, fashion events, and workshops, building a reputation for creating photographs that capture not just what organizations do, but who they are. Our conversation explores Jeremy’s creative process, from preparing for a shoot to finding the moments that reveal genuine personality and connection. We also discuss the growing importance of professional photography in today’s business landscape, why authentic visuals build trust, and how strong imagery can help organizations communicate their value more effectively. Whether you're a business owner looking to strengthen your brand, a creative professional interested in the art of storytelling, or simply curious about what goes into creating impactful photographs, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of visual communication and the people behind the lens. You can learn more about Jeremy here! Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or Connect on  Linkedin