There’s help for Cochrane women with a dream trying to make it all work without burning out or missing out along the way.
As it turns out, there’s an app for that.
Actually, it’s a podcast, as well as a website, counselling service, and award-winning advisor from Cochrane who is making a name for herself in her own backyard as somewhat of a womens’ entrepreneurial guru.
The Entrepreneur School podcast is directed at goal-oriented parents who value time, freedom and flexibility so they can still be there for school concerts, hockey games, and dance recitals.
Proprietor Kelly Sinclair recently celebrated 2,000 downloads and 30 episodes aimed at inspiring women contemplating going out on their own.
And those numbers were achieved after the podcast was in existence for just six months.
She said the endeavour is “still just a baby” with a laugh.
The podcast was conceived as a resource designed for all entrepreneurs, but especially moms. As such, it provides a unique combination of advice.
“It’s a combination of stories, inspiration, my real-life journey – how I’ve navigated the challenges of running a business, being a chauffeur for my kids’ sports activities, a meal-planner, and a social coordinator, all at the same time,” she explained.
Sinclair's posse consists of two daughters (going into grades 3 and 5), a geologist husband, and two dogs.
“Yes, we just got a puppy, which was really a great idea,” she said, in a not-very-convincing tone.
Sinclair is an award-winning marketing and brand strategist, and lifetime Cochranite who created the podcast to share insights and inspire more moms to create businesses that bring them joy and fit into their busy lives.
Motivated by her own experiences, Sinclair founded KS&Co. and launched Entrepreneur School to empower women to find success in their businesses while cherishing what truly matters in life.
"As a mom entrepreneur myself, I understand the challenges of running a business while still prioritizing family," she said.
"Through the podcast, we explore practical strategies for business growth while wearing all the hats in life, and share stories of real-life mom entrepreneurs who have found the delicate balance between building their dreams alongside raising a family.
“It's about realizing that success is not only measured by financial achievements, but also by the joy and fulfillment we find in both our professional and personal lives."
She also does what she calls summits – online meetings bringing a variety of subject area experts together to brainstorm. Showcasing her growing reach not just locally but globally, these summits have included participants from Australia, England, mainland Europe, and across the United States.
Sinclair said even though the podcast has quickly gained recognition and traction by resonating with mothers in business worldwide, she has remained focused on local clients so far.
Calling herself a ‘rare, lifetime Cochranite,’ the Sunset Ridge resident is proud to say all her first clients are from her home town.
“We have an amazing entrepreneurial community here,” she said.
“My very first client was The Corner Coworking – I helped Mark Eaton launch his first space.”
She went on to work with the Cochrane Tourism Association for five years before joining the Cochrane Chamber of Commerce as its president during COVID-19.
By highlighting the importance of maintaining a family focus, Sinclair aims to dispel the notion that success in business must come at the expense of personal well-being.
"The podcast calls it like it is,” Sinclair said. “Being a mom and running a business is hard. And we constantly face feelings of guilt while navigating business ambitions and family responsibilities.”
Sinclair supported Cochrane Tourism in developing its Tourism Mentorship Program, through which she coached several local businesses such as Found Bookshop, Fence & Post, Whispering Dutchman Distillery, Pure Anada, Hunter Valley Adventures, The Crossing at Ghost River and others.
Her business is about educating and empowering entrepreneurs to grow their brands through visibility and marketing strategies. And the podcast is just one platform to achieve that goal. There are digital courses, group programs, and one-on-one coaching to support clients.
Her work on the Cochrane Tourism Brand garnered a 2019 Marketing Canada Award for Brand Identity presented by the Economic Development Association of Canada.
As past president of the Cochrane Chamber of Commerce, Sinclair contributed to their winning the 2021 Chamber of the Year award in Alberta as she created the "Cochrane Loves Local" campaign.
The Entrepreneur School podcast can be found on major platforms or at the website at entrepreneurschool.ca/podcast.
