CANADA'S MOST SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS
RISK TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT DELOITTE
COACHES TO FOLLOW IN
2025
The Power of Guidance
How Business Coaches in Canada Help Companies Thrive
Business Coaching in Canada
How Coaching Is Revolutionizing Corporate Strategy and Growth
EDUN
Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Technology Consulting
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IF YOU WANT TO FLY,
GIVE UP EVERYTHING THAT
WEIGHS YOU DOWN. - Buddha
Managing Editor Ryan Parker Art and Design Head Mia Jones Business Development Managers Jason Trent, Stacy Walker
Business Minds Media Tech LLC. 5830 E 2nd St, Ste 7000 #13042, Casper, Wyoming 82609 United States
Executives Julia Anderson Marketing Manager Basma Al Qureshi Technical Head Anna Turner Digital Marketing Manager Kevin Thompson Circulation Manager Sarah Lopez Account Harry Wood
[email protected] +44 20 4577 4296 +1 307 224 9596
FROM THE Trailblazers of Success
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s Canadian businesses continue to adapt and grow, the role of business coaches has never been more important. These coaches drive some of the most impactful transformations in corporate strategy, leadership, and team development. In 2025, several standout business coaches in Canada are making significant strides in shaping the future of organizations across various industries. What sets these coaches apart is their ability to offer tailored, results-driven guidance that aligns with the unique needs of each business. They bring deep expertise in leadership development, strategy formulation, and team optimization, providing actionable insights that help companies achieve their long-term goals. Whether working with entrepreneurs, executives, or entire teams, these coaches deliver value by refining skills, improving decision-making, and helping businesses become more agile in a competitive market. The coaches to follow this year are those who not only demonstrate exceptional professional success but also inspire others to push beyond their limits. They understand the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in today's fast-paced environment and are committed to sharing their knowledge through innovative coaching methods. Through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and corporate training programs, they empower individuals and organizations to unlock their potential. For anyone seeking to enhance their leadership abilities, improve their business strategy, or develop their teams, 2024 presents an exciting opportunity to learn from some of Canada's most successful business coaches. By following their work, businesses can stay ahead of the curve, achieving both short-term victories and long-term growth. These coaches are not just guiding today's leaders—they are shaping the future of Canadian business.
Ryan parker - Managing Editor
WHAT’S INSIDE ! C
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Profiles
Dipalli Bhatt
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Samantha Sherman
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Creating Stories that Don't Just Sell but Resonate
Guiding Franchisees to Thrive Beyond the Rulebook
Articles The Power of Guidance
How Business Coaches in Canada Help Companies Thrive
Business Coaching in Canada
Guiding Franchisees to Thrive Beyond the Rulebook
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Cover Story
EDUN Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Technology Consulting
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EDUN Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Technology Consulting
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NSULTANT
Y CO RISK TECHNOLOG DELOITTE
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Canada's Most Successful Business Coaches to Follow in 2025
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echnology consulting is essential in modern business, helping organizations solve complex systems and optimize operations. In an era where digital transformation and risk management are crucial for business success, professionals within this sector provide vital expertise to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, they assist companies in adapting to rapidly evolving market demands and technological advancements. This industry continues to shape a future where businesses can operate more effectively and responsibly, particularly in the energy, finance, and engineering industries.
Oluwatobi Edun, a Risk Technology Consultant, is an expert whose career has been marked by a commitment to leadership, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving. With a strong engineering and project management foundation, he has demonstrated a keen ability to drive strategic initiatives across diverse sectors. His focus on integrating digital technologies to optimize processes and solve complex challenges has earned him recognition for his contributions to both academic and professional domains.
Currently serving as a Risk Technology Consultant, Oluwatobi applies his expertise at Deloitte, where he advises clients on digital transformation strategies, particularly within the financial services industry. His work bridges the gap between technology and business, offering transformative solutions that enable organizations to thrive in a digitally connected world. Through his role, he continues to advance initiatives that integrate sustainable solutions and risk management practices, thereby contributing to the broader goal of
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When a leader's actions align with their words, it inspires others to work together toward a shared, positive outcome that benefits the community.
building a more resilient and efficient global infrastructure. From Academic Excellence to Transformative Leadership Oluwatobi grew up in Nigeria, where he was exposed to strong leadership values, such as discipline and academic excellence. The competitive environment, with exams and class rankings, motivated him to be meticulous in his studies and contributed to his consistent top rankings. This academic success led to peers seeking his guidance, which taught him how to collaborate and simplify complex concepts for others. His early education in Nigeria helped sharpen his analytical skills and approach to learning. After 11 years, Oluwatobi moved to the Netherlands with his family, where he attended the International School of The Hague. Adapting to a new learning environment was challenging, but he leveraged his strengths in analytical subjects while learning the nuances of communication from his peers. During this time, he became involved in community service, volunteering at a non-profit kitchen, The Hungry Mind, which provided low-cost meals to the local community.
Upon moving to Canada, Oluwatobi pursued Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto, marking the start of his leadership journey. He participated in the Institute for
Leadership Education in Engineering (Troost: ILEAD), exploring leadership through formal and informal contexts. Two key themes that resonated with him were Empathy and Strategic Thinking. He learned the importance of first understanding oneself to lead others effectively and approach projects with a strategic mindset, focusing on long-term goals. This mindset shaped his leadership style, helping him structure his personal and professional growth by identifying where he wanted to be in 5-10 years and pursuing opportunities aligned with that vision. Driven by a Vision for Sustainable Energy and Community Impact Growing up in the Niger Delta until the age of nine, Oluwatobi was accustomed to frequent electricity blackouts, often lasting for hours or days without explanation. This experience inspired him to find solutions to the energy issues in his country. During high school in the Netherlands, he explored converting vegetable oils into biofuels as an alternative energy source, sparking his interest in Chemical Engineering, leading to a Bachelor's and Master's degree. Through courses and participation in case competitions hosted by the Sustainable Engineers Association and Society of Petroleum Engineers, he deepened his understanding of various alternative energy solutions for diverse
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Empathy is another strength he applies through active listening to understand the struggles of others, seeking solutions that help them feel heard and supported.
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environmental conditions. Oluwatobi also pursued entrepreneurship and innovation courses during his graduate studies to learn about scaling and marketing ideas, focusing on connecting technological solutions to the needs of communities. Motivated by his humble beginnings in Nigeria, Oluwatobi is driven to provide hope for those struggling with energy inaccessibility. His leadership experiences at the University of Toronto have fueled his desire to contribute to Nigeria's development by inspiring entrepreneurial thinking and leadership in key industries. With the knowledge he has gained and continues to seek, he aims to develop sustainable energy and infrastructure solutions to raise standards and contribute to a more sustainable world. Leading Through Responsibility, Empathy, and Collaboration Oluwatobi adopts a quiet, servant leadership approach to mobilizing teams and creating a collaborative culture, leading by example with the principle, "Do as I do, not Do as I say." When a leader's actions align with their words, it inspires others to work together toward a shared, positive outcome that benefits the community. He demonstrates leadership through three key strengths: responsibility, empathy, and collaboration. As the eldest child in his extended family, he
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learned the importance of responsibility, guided by the example set by his father, who embodied trustworthiness in both good and bad times. This experience taught him that his word is his bond, and he feels compelled to complete any work he commits to. Empathy is another strength Oluwatobi applies through active listening to understand the struggles of others. Throughout his student and professional career, he has volunteered in various roles, including mentoring, teaching, and coaching. These have deepened his ability to empathize and seek solutions that help others feel heard and supported. Collaboration brings all his strengths together to enhance outcomes. By understanding individuals' strengths through empathy, he encourages them to apply those strengths in a collective effort. This approach enables each team member to contribute from a place of confidence, driving growth and success for the entire group. Ultimately, Oluwatobi views leadership as finding one's voice and using it to create positive environmental change. Teamwork, Leadership, and Strategic Thinking Through Football Oluwatobi began playing football at three, quickly developing a passion for
teamwork and achieving collective goals. As a central midfielder, he excelled in connecting with teammates and identifying critical moments for scoring. His ability to read the game and analyze movements, both in attack and defense, shaped his approach to problem-solving, enabling him to make quick decisions or conduct in-depth analysis depending on the situation. His technical skills, work ethic, and versatility on the pitch earned praise from coaches in the Netherlands and Canada, where he played in competitive leagues. These experiences helped him develop leadership abilities, particularly as a captain for diverse teams at the University of Toronto and in international leagues. He guided teammates in tactical analysis, communication, and creating scoring opportunities, fostering a supportive and empathetic team environment. Football taught him key life lessons, such as playing for each other in challenging situations, the power of redemption, and the underdog's victory. These experiences have influenced his professional life, where he applies the exact strategies to drive team success. Football taught him the importance of teamwork and that no one is bigger than the collective effort. Building a Global Virtual Engineering Program As the founding project coordinator for the International Virtual Engineering Student Teams (InVEST) initiative at the University of Toronto, Oluwatobi faced the challenge of structuring a program that grew out of existing initiatives to offer international project opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The program aimed to facilitate remote, international collaboration projects between students and faculty from universities around the world to enhance students'
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teamwork, intercultural understanding, and communication skills. As the only full-time resource, Oluwatobi managed a team of six part-time colleagues, along with an extensive network of over 30 faculty members and students, all while balancing conflicting schedules and time-sensitive tasks. To address the diverse needs of all stakeholders, Oluwatobi created a persona diagram that identified key periods for students and faculty, which could affect project timelines. This allowed him to schedule regular checkins around these periods to monitor progress and collect feedback from faculty at partner universities. This proactive approach helped identify issues early, enabling the development of solutions to keep projects on track or to arrange ad-hoc training sessions for students. Oluwatobi also established the program's operating model, defining
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roles and responsibilities across areas such as partnerships, administration, research, communications, and faculty advocacy. He collaborated with colleagues to refine the initiative's mission, vision, values, and operational strategies, presenting a cohesive message to the University of Toronto and its global partners. These formalized statements were instrumental in pitching the program to over 50 prospective partners, funding agencies, and donors, which helped expand its global reach. The program also required high professional and ethical standards, as it involved global institutions and was integral to students' academic progress. Oluwatobi's careful coordination ensured that students' graduation timelines remained unaffected by the program's demands. Within 2.5 years, Oluwatobi successfully coordinated 20 team
research projects involving over 60 students and 38 tenured faculty mentors from the University of Toronto and 16 global university partners spanning Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. The program's research contributed to six academic publications in respected journals, including IGI Global, JSIE, and IEEEFIE. These publications focused on scaling international student experiences and preparing students for the digital workforce through remote academic projects. The success of the InVEST program garnered significant recognition, including the 2021 UofT Student Engagement Award and a finalist position for the 2020 Global Engineering Deans' Council Diversity Award. It was also instrumental in fostering a global community of interdisciplinary teams and inspiring students from diverse backgrounds to
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excel in engineering. In addition, the program's success led to the establishment of a global research alliance by the University of Toronto President based on the program's approach to classroom learning.
Football taught me the importance of teamwork and that no one is bigger than the collective effort
Transforming Team Dynamics to Drive Growth and Accountability
As a business coach, Oluwatobi worked with an executive client in the interior decoration industry who faced difficulties in scaling the company's sales due to a disconnect in the values and priorities of the team members. The client aimed to create a lasting legacy but felt stuck. Oluwatobi recommended John Maxwell's leadership book The Leader's Greatest Return to help build a foundation for a sustainable business. He also assigned each team member to identify their goals and growth opportunities, encouraging a shift from managing to a mentoring relationship between the client and the team. By fostering a mentoring relationship, Oluwatobi helped create individual accountability and a supportive environment, allowing team members to contribute organically to their development and the company's growth. This shift led to a significant improvement in team morale, the creation of new revenue streams, and increased enthusiasm for both the client and their team's growth. Driving Technology and Sustainability with Agile in Energy On the path to becoming a certified Project Management Professional and Scrum Master, Oluwatobi gained exposure to the waterfall methodology during his internship at Shawcor, where he worked in research labs supporting the oil and gas sector. Through his certifications, he developed a strong appreciation for the agile methodology, which reduces
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rework and minimizes misalignment in stakeholder expectations. As technology has become central to the energy sector, driving automation and value-driven efficiencies, agile and scrum methodologies have enabled teams to collaborate more effectively with clients. This approach has played a key role in integrating technology and urgently advancing sustainable energy initiatives. Hybridizing Energy Solutions for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future Oluwatobi recognized that energy issues in Nigeria are complex and span several critical areas, such as outdated infrastructure networks, reliance on polluting fuel sources, and the need to embrace new technologies. He saw that instead of overhauling the entire system with new processes, hybridizing existing technology networks would be a more practical and cost-effective approach. This strategy was driven by several key considerations. First, introducing entirely new processes would come with high development, scaling, and decommissioning costs. Furthermore, the implementation of new technologies could lead to unforeseen challenges and social issues, especially if it means disrupting the existing energy infrastructure. Additionally, Oluwatobi understood the importance of change management, particularly because current energy technologies are already familiar and reliable, making any transition less disruptive. He also pointed out that
energy solutions must be adaptable, taking into account factors like location, weather conditions, and energy demand. A one-size-fits-all approach would not be effective. He believes that hybrid energy systems, incorporating a blend of traditional and renewable resources, are essential for addressing the diverse needs of different regions. Oluwatobi's experience with systems thinking and analyzing potential pathways for energy transitions has reinforced his optimism about the future of energy. He envisions a world where technological advancements, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and digital networks, play a pivotal role in creating shared communal energy resources. This would not only support a responsible, climate-friendly energy mix but also offer individuals the freedom to choose energy systems that align with their values and everyday needs. His commitment to this vision reflects his belief in a future filled with opportunities for all. Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions through Technology Integration Driven by his childhood experiences in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, Oluwatobi has focused on resolving his country's energy issues through sustainable technology. He believes that hybridizing existing oil and gas networks with sustainable energy sources using Artificial Intelligence, Digitization, and Blockchain will enable the sharing of communal energy
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resources in a climate-responsible mix, compensating individuals and communities who contribute energy to the grid. His journey began in high school in the Netherlands, where he researched converting vegetable oils into biofuels, sparking an interest in Chemical Engineering. This led to both a Bachelor's and Master's degree, where he explored alternative energy and entrepreneurship and participated in relevant industry events. Post-graduation, he further honed his entrepreneurial skills through an Engineers Without Borders CanadaAfrica Fellowship, focusing on humancentered design and systems mapping. As a Risk Technology Consultant at Deloitte, he provides digital transformation advisory services to financial services clients, gaining valuable experience in artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. These experiences fuel his vision of transforming Nigeria's energy infrastructure, reducing reliance on polluting fuels, and creating a model for other nations struggling with outdated energy systems.
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BHATT
CREATING STORIES THAT DON'T JUST SELL BUT RESONATE
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HEAD OF MARKETING ASSETWORKS
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Canada's Most Successful Business Coaches to Follow in 2025
As Head of Marketing at AssetWorks, Dipalli has witnessed the field transform from broad-stroke campaigns to deeply personalized, AIpowered engagement.
scale. She also notes that evolving privacy regulations will push brands to prioritize first-party data strategies. Furthermore, she anticipates that immersive technologies such as AR/VR and conversational AI will play a crucial role in fostering deeper customer engagement. According to Dipalli, the most successful brands will be those that seamlessly integrate technology with authentic, humancentric storytelling.
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arketing, at its best, doesn't feel like marketing. It feels like a conversation you actually want to be part of—one that understands what matters to you, meets you where you are, and leaves you with something valuable. It's less about clever slogans and more about creating real moments of connection. Dipalli Bhatt has spent over two decades mastering this art, shaping marketing strategies that don't just capture attention but hold it.
My philosophy on building highperforming marketing teams revolves around three key pillars: empowerment, collaboration, and continuous learning.
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Dipalli has seen her approach to B2B and D2C marketing evolve significantly, shaped by shifting consumer behaviors, digital transformation, and the increasing influence of AI. Earlier in her career, marketing was largely campaigndriven, focusing on broad messaging and traditional demand generation. Today, success relies on personalization, data-driven strategies, and an agile, omnichannel approach.
Looking ahead, Dipalli envisions AI continuing to redefine marketing by enhancing predictive analytics, automating personalization, and optimizing customer experiences at
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Marketing That Speaks, Connects, and Endures
The Art of Personalization, AI, and Storytelling
In B2B marketing, Dipalli highlights the growing emphasis on accountbased marketing (ABM), AI-powered automation, and content strategies that nurture longer sales cycles. On the D2C front, marketing has become increasingly community-driven, leveraging influencer marketing, usergenerated content, and direct engagement through social and messaging platforms.
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As the Head of Marketing at AssetWorks, Dipalli has focused on driving commercial growth and customer engagement through a combination of strategic modernization and relationship-driven marketing. Operating in a conservative industry with mature products, her approach has been centered on several key strategies: •
Customer-Centric Storytelling – Dipalli has led a shift from product-heavy messaging to valuedriven narratives that highlight ROI, operational efficiencies, and
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long-term impact, aligning with customers' core priorities. Thought Leadership & Industry Positioning – She has positioned AssetWorks as a trusted industry authority by leveraging targeted content, case studies, and executive insights, ensuring the brand remains relevant in an evolving market. ABM & Personalized Outreach – Dipalli has implemented account-based marketing (ABM) strategies to engage high-value prospects with tailored solutions, improving conversion rates in a long sales cycle environment. Customer Advocacy & Community Building – She has strengthened customer relationships by fostering peer-topeer engagement, creating user groups, and amplifying success stories, helping to build trust and drive referrals.
By integrating traditional relationshipdriven strategies with modern digital approaches, Dipalli has reinforced AssetWorks' position as a reliable partner while continuously adapting to changing market dynamics. Marketing That Moves the Needle When evaluating the success of a marketing campaign, Dipalli prioritizes a combination of leading and lagging indicators that directly connect marketing efforts to revenue impact. Her key metrics include: •
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Pipeline Contribution & Revenue Impact – Dipalli measures success by assessing how much pipeline marketing generates and how it influences closed-won deals. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) & ROI – She ensures marketing investments are both efficient and scalable by tracking CAC in relation to customer
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lifetime value (LTV). Conversion Rates Across the Funnel – By analyzing leadto-MQL, MQL-to-SQL, and SQL-to-close conversion rates, she evaluates how effectively prospects are progressing through the buyer's journey. Engagement & Intent Signals – Metrics such as content engagement, website visits, and ABM interactions help Dipalli gauge buyer intent and refine targeting strategies. Marketing-Sourced vs. Marketing-Influenced Pipeline – She distinguishes between direct lead generation and marketing's role in accelerating existing deals to provide a clearer picture of impact. Sales Cycle Acceleration – Dipalli assesses whether marketing efforts are shortening the time from initial engagement to a closed deal, particularly for high-value accounts. Customer Retention & Expansion – Recognizing the long-term impact of marketing, she tracks its influence on renewals, upsells, and cross-sells.
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By balancing these metrics, Dipalli ensures that marketing efforts extend beyond lead generation, making a meaningful contribution to overall business growth. The Blueprint for High-Performing Marketing Teams Dipalli's philosophy on building highperforming marketing teams is centered around empowerment, collaboration, and continuous learning. She believes that fostering talent and maintaining a culture of innovation requires a structured yet flexible approach, guided by five key pillars:
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Empowerment & Ownership – Dipalli prioritizes hiring smart, driven individuals and giving them the autonomy to own their areas while ensuring alignment with business goals. By setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and fostering a culture of accountability, she enables both innovation and high performance. Collaboration & CrossFunctional Alignment – Recognizing that marketing does not operate in isolation, Dipalli emphasizes close collaboration with sales, product, and customer success teams. She advocates for open communication and shared KPIs to break down silos and drive collective success.
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Continuous Learning & Adaptability – With AI and automation reshaping the marketing landscape, Dipalli encourages her team to embrace experimentation, data-driven decision-making, and ongoing skill development. This ensures they remain at the forefront of industry trends. Culture of Innovation & Psychological Safety – Dipalli believes that the best ideas stem from diverse perspectives. She fosters an environment where team members feel safe to challenge ideas, test new strategies, and iterate quickly without fear of failure. Mentorship & Career Growth –
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As the Head of Marketing at AssetWorks, my focus has been on driving commercial growth and customer engagement through a blend of strategic modernization and relationship-driven marketing.
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Investing in talent development is a priority for Dipalli. She provides mentorship, training opportunities, and clear career pathways to ensure her team remains engaged, motivated, and prepared for future leadership roles.
By focusing on these elements, Dipalli builds resilient, agile teams that drive impactful marketing outcomes while staying ahead of industry shifts. The Human Touch in AI-Driven Marketing As a member of the Forbes Communications Council, Dipalli has contributed valuable insights on AIdriven marketing, demand generation, and sales-marketing alignment. Her thought leadership has emphasized how AI can enhance content creation, optimize workflows, and improve decision-making in marketing. Additionally, Dipalli has shared strategies for driving revenue growth, highlighting the importance of valuedriven storytelling and brand authenticity. Her perspectives have sparked industry discussions on the effective integration of AI while maintaining a human-centric approach to marketing. Through these contributions, she continues to shape conversations on the evolving role of technology in modern marketing strategies. A Story of Trust and Transformation In her previous role at DistillerSR, Dipalli played a key role in transforming systematic literature review in life sciences through AI-
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driven automation. One of the major challenges she faced was educating a highly regulated industry on the benefits of AI. Researchers and compliance teams were initially skeptical about AI's reliability in literature reviews. To address this, Dipalli focused on data-driven storytelling, using case studies to showcase measurable improvements in time efficiency and accuracy. She also collaborated with industry thought leaders and regulatory bodies to establish credibility, leveraging webinars, white papers, and peer-reviewed content. Through these strategic efforts, she successfully positioned AI as a valuable and trustworthy tool in the systematic review process.
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Dipalli emphasizes the importance of balancing short-term performance marketing with long-term brandbuilding e orts.
The Human Touch in AI-Driven Marketing AI is revolutionizing marketing by streamlining content creation, hyperpersonalizing customer journeys, and optimizing campaign performance in real time. In her role, Dipalli integrates AI to enhance predictive analytics, automate customer segmentation, and implement intent-based marketing strategies. She leverages AI-powered chatbots and automation tools to scale engagement efficiently, ensuring seamless customer interactions. Additionally, Dipalli utilizes generative AI to assist in content production while maintaining brand authenticity. By embracing AIdriven solutions, she continues to refine marketing strategies, driving greater efficiency and deeper audience connections. Dipalli follows a data-driven and customer-centric approach to crafting compelling value propositions. She begins with in-depth market research and customer insights to identify pain points, decision drivers, and competitive gaps. By mapping product strengths to customer priorities, she creates a differentiated narrative that resonates with the target audience. Dipalli continuously tests and iterates messaging through A/B testing across multiple channels, ensuring optimization based on real-world engagement. She also places significant emphasis on sales and customer feedback to align marketing positioning with actual customer conversations. Standing Out in the Noise In highly competitive industries such as SaaS, fintech, and telecom, Dipalli differentiates brands by establishing thought leadership, leveraging
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customer advocacy, and implementing a data-backed go-to-market (GTM) strategy. She positions brands as category leaders through unique messaging and value-driven storytelling while amplifying customer success stories to highlight real-world impact. Additionally, she employs personalized engagement tactics through accountbased marketing (ABM) and AI-driven segmentation. Building strong partner ecosystems is also a key strategy, enhancing brand reach and credibility. Uniting Marketing and Sales for Faster Growth To bridge the gap between marketing and sales and accelerate sales velocity, Dipalli ensures both teams are aligned on shared revenue goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). She fosters regular cross-team collaboration through weekly standups and deal reviews, ensuring messaging is tailored to sales needs. Dipalli implements ABM strategies that engage high-value accounts with personalized outreach and develops data-driven sales enablement content that equips sales teams with impactful assets for meaningful customer conversations. Through these best practices, she strengthens marketing and sales alignment, driving revenue growth and business success. Striking the Right Marketing Mix Dipalli emphasizes the importance of balancing short-term performance marketing with long-term brandbuilding efforts. She ensures a strategic allocation of budgets, investing in both brand storytelling—through thought leadership, PR, and social engagement—and demand generation via paid media, inbound, and outbound marketing. Consistency across all channels is a key focus, ensuring that even short-term campaigns reinforce
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the overarching brand identity. Additionally, she tracks brand awareness, share of voice, and engagement trends alongside lead generation metrics to measure the impact of brand-building initiatives effectively. Envisioning the New Marketing Frontier Looking ahead, Dipalli is most excited about AI's expanding role in predictive and intent-based marketing, which enables hyper-personalization at scale. She also sees the evolution of community-led growth and interactive content as transformative forces in customer engagement. For emerging marketing leaders, Dipalli offers key advice: •
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Stay ahead of AI and automation trends, leveraging these tools without compromising brand authenticity. Develop a deep understanding of customer psychology, recognizing that while technology evolves, fundamental human motivations remain consistent. Foster cross-functional collaboration by aligning closely with sales, product, and customer success teams to maximize marketing impact. Take calculated risks, embracing experimentation, rapid learning, and iteration to maintain a competitive edge in dynamic markets.
By integrating these strategies, Dipalli ensures marketing efforts drive both immediate results and sustainable longterm brand growth.
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Canada's Most Successful Business Coaches to Follow in 2025
Guiding Franchisees to Thrive Beyond the Rulebook
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ranchising offers a unique path to business ownership—one that combines the independence of entrepreneurship with the structure of an established brand. But while the model provides a roadmap, success isn't as simple as following directions. Behind every thriving franchise is an owner juggling financial targets, operational standards, customer expectations, and team dynamics. Striking the right balance between adhering to the brand's framework and making smart, independent decisions can be a challenge, and for many, the difference between struggle and success comes down to one thing: guidance. Owning a business is often portrayed as a leap of faith, but franchise ownership is more like a high-stakes relay race. You're handed the baton of an established brand, but what you do next—how you run, who you rely on, and how you adapt—determines the outcome. Many franchisees step into ownership with passion but quickly realize that passion alone doesn't keep
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the doors open. Financial management, leadership, and operational efficiency are skills that must be sharpened. And while franchisors provide the playbook, they don't always offer the hands-on coaching needed to turn a struggling location into a profitable one. This is where business coaching transforms from a luxury into a necessity. Samantha Sherman knows this better than most. Having once been in a franchisee's shoes, she saw the gaps firsthand—the moments where an extra layer of support could have made all the difference. Turning Lessons into Legacies Samantha Sherman's journey into business coaching was shaped by her firsthand experience as a franchisee. While she benefited from corporate support, she also identified areas where additional guidance could have significantly impacted her growth and success. This realization ignited her passion for helping other franchisees
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navigate the complexities of business ownership more effectively. She aspired to provide the support she had received while also addressing the gaps she had encountered. Over the years, her coaching approach has evolved considerably. Initially, she concentrated on operational best practices and ensuring franchisees adhered to brand standards. However, she soon recognized that successful coaching extends beyond processes. Today, she focuses on empowering franchisees with the confidence, mindset, and leadership skills necessary to make informed business decisions, fostering long-term success. Samantha is a Franchise Business Coach with over 10 years of experience supporting and coaching franchisees. She leads an active life in Toronto with her husband and son and values the strong work-life balance that her career allows her to maintain. Passionate about travel, Samantha seizes every opportunity to explore new destinations, discover great restaurants, and experience live music. Her career not only fuels her enthusiasm for business growth but also provides her with the flexibility and autonomy to pursue her personal interests while making a meaningful impact in the franchise industry. Turning Franchise Dreams into Thriving Realities Samantha Sherman employs a combination of strategic planning, operational excellence, and leadership development to help franchisees achieve measurable success. One of her key strategies is guiding business owners in creating and maintaining a comprehensive business plan. She emphasizes the importance
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of having a clear roadmap to profitability, which includes a deep understanding of financial benchmarks such as break-even points. By providing franchisees with tools to track and analyze relevant metrics, she helps them identify trends, understand benchmarks, and make informed business decisions that drive growth. Operational efficiency is another critical focus of her coaching. She works with franchisees to optimize daily operations while implementing scalable systems and processes that support growth without compromising
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During this session, she also establishes a coaching agreement that outlines mutual commitments, including the frequency of sessions, expectations for engagement, and methods for measuring progress. This structured approach enables her to provide personalized guidance while fostering accountability and long-term growth. Overcoming Financial and Leadership Roadblocks Samantha frequently helps business owners overcome common roadblocks, particularly in financial management and leadership. While many entrepreneurs are deeply passionate about their businesses, not all have a strong financial background. She works closely with them to enhance their budgeting, cash flow management, and profitability strategies, ensuring they become confident in reviewing and understanding their P&L statements. Her approach is not just about driving profitability but also about helping business owners understand the steps needed to reach their next milestone.
quality or value. Recognizing that a strong team is fundamental to success, she also prioritizes leadership and team development. She coaches franchisees on hiring, training, and retaining highperforming employees while fostering leadership skills that contribute to a positive and productive workplace culture. Beyond strategy, Samantha emphasizes the importance of accountability and mindset. She understands that business ownership comes with challenges and that resilience, perspective, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential. As an accountability partner, she helps
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franchisees stay focused, motivated, and committed to achieving their goals. Crafting Personalized Roadmaps Samantha tailors her coaching methods to meet the unique needs of each franchisee by starting with a comprehensive "contracting & info" session. This initial meeting allows her to gain a deep understanding of their specific challenges, strengths, and goals. By taking the time to assess their individual circumstances, she ensures that her coaching not only supports business success but also aligns with their personal and professional aspirations.
Another significant challenge she addresses is leadership and team management. Hiring, training, and retaining the right team members are among the most difficult aspects of running a business. Many owners struggle with delegation—either holding onto tasks they should delegate or attempting to hand off responsibilities that are still best managed by them. Samantha provides coaching on leadership development and effective communication, guiding business owners in identifying their greatest opportunities for growth and optimizing their team dynamics. Leveraging Cross-Industry Insights for Innovation Samantha is a naturally curious
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individual with a passion for learning new concepts, tools, and resources. She actively engages in peer groups within her professional community and regularly explores case studies on a wide range of businesses, regardless of industry or brand. Having worked with different brands across multiple industries, she has discovered that many frameworks and best practices are highly transferable. While each business has its own unique nuances, Samantha recognizes the vast potential for adaptation and successful application across different sectors. She leverages insights from various industries to gain fresh perspectives and develop innovative solutions that drive impactful results. Cultivating Resilience, Growth, and Success Samantha emphasizes the critical role mindset plays in business success, particularly in franchising, where owners must balance structure with adaptability. She believes that a growth-oriented mindset enables franchisees to navigate challenges effectively, embrace continuous learning, and stay motivated during difficult times. At Blo Blow Dry Bar, the importance of mindset is a key focus of her coaching. In 2023, one of the franchisees recommended the book The Wealthy Franchisee, which explores the mental and emotional attributes of top-performing franchisees. After reading it, CEO Vanessa Yakobson recognized its value and arranged for all franchisees to receive a copy. Samantha frequently references insights from this book and others in her coaching sessions, reinforcing the importance of mindset in achieving success. She helps franchisees build resilience and confidence by encouraging them to shift from a reactive to a proactive
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mindset, take ownership of their results, and focus on solutions rather than obstacles. Through accountability, strategic planning, and leadership coaching, Samantha guides business owners in developing the mental toughness needed to overcome setbacks and maintain a positive outlook. She believes that those who cultivate the right mindset are the ones who transform challenges into opportunities and ultimately thrive in their businesses. Medals of Merit One of the most rewarding aspects of Samantha's work as a business coach is witnessing the tangible impact her guidance has on both a business and its owner's personal growth. A success story that stands out is that of a franchisee who was struggling with profitability due to high team turnover. Lacking confidence in their ability to run the business, they felt overwhelmed and questioned whether they had made the right decision in becoming a business owner. Through coaching, Samantha implemented a structured approach, starting with refining their recruitment and training processes. She introduced new onboarding and retention techniques, which helped the franchisee build a stronger, more engaged team. As a result, customer service and operational efficiency improved significantly. Once the team was stabilized, the focus shifted to financial clarity. Together, they identified areas of opportunity and implemented cost-saving strategies.
fulfillment in their role. For Samantha, witnessing this professional and personal transformation was both inspiring and deeply rewarding. The Art of Guiding Without Dictating Samantha believes that a key aspect of business coaching is understanding what it is not. A coach is not a mentor, consultant, boss, or trainer who dictates what to do, nor someone who simply agrees or reassures. Instead, a business coach provides perspective, tools, and strategies that empower individuals to think critically, make confident decisions, and take ownership of their success. Her advice to aspiring business coaches is to listen closely and ask thoughtful questions. She emphasizes that clients already have the answers—they just need guidance in uncovering them. By asking the right questions and considering where a client currently stands versus where they want to go, a coach can help them gain clarity and direction. According to Samantha, the most impactful coaching comes from fostering self-discovery and empowering clients to navigate their own paths to success.
Over time, the franchisee not only turned their business around but also experienced a profound mindset shift. They transitioned from constantly feeling behind and putting out fires to confidently and proactively growing their business. More importantly, they found renewed happiness and
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n today's competitive world, businesses need more than just a good idea to succeed. They need leadership, strategy, and a clear vision to navigate an increasingly demanding market. In Canada, business coaches have become key players in helping companies achieve their goals, providing the support and expertise necessary to foster growth, enhance leadership, and refine strategies. These coaches bring valuable external perspectives, using their experience and skills to guide businesses toward success.
Business coaches are not just advisors; they are partners who work closely with entrepreneurs, executives, and
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teams to identify opportunities for improvement and growth. Their role is to offer strategic insight, challenge existing practices, and provide practical solutions. The impact of this guidance is profound, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to scale, as well as for large organizations aiming to enhance leadership effectiveness and team dynamics. The Role of Business Coaches in Leadership Development One of the key ways business coaches in Canada help companies thrive is by focusing on leadership development. Strong leadership is essential for any
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The Power of Guidance
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organization, yet many leaders struggle with aspects of decision-making, communication, and team management. Business coaches work closely with executives to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Through tailored coaching sessions, they help leaders build their confidence, sharpen their decisionmaking skills, and enhance their ability to inspire and lead their teams. Leadership development is particularly important in family-owned businesses, where succession planning can be a sensitive topic. Business coaches can guide these organizations through leadership transitions, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities and preparing the next generation of leaders. This process often includes coaching around emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking, which are crucial for maintaining business continuity and growth. Strategic Business Growth For companies looking to expand or refine their business strategies, business coaches in Canada provide much-needed expertise. Many business owners have a vision but lack the tools or knowledge to turn that vision into a reality. Coaches offer strategic guidance that helps businesses move from ideas to execution. By assessing current business operations, analyzing market trends, and identifying growth opportunities, coaches help create clear, actionable plans. Moreover, business coaches offer a fresh perspective. When company leaders are deeply immersed in their day-to-day operations, they may become too close to see critical issues or new opportunities. Coaches help executives step back and look at their business from a broader view, enabling
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them to make more informed decisions. This outside perspective is invaluable, especially in competitive industries where innovation and strategic thinking are key to staying ahead. A business coach can also guide companies through critical moments such as product launches, market expansion, or restructuring. With experience across various sectors, they understand the common pitfalls businesses face and can provide practical solutions to avoid them. Whether a company is trying to enter a new market or improve its brand presence, a coach's advice is instrumental in positioning the business for long-term success. Enhancing Team Performance While leadership is crucial, the effectiveness of a business often comes down to the performance of its teams. A cohesive and motivated team can achieve incredible results, but building and maintaining that team dynamic is not always easy. Business coaches in Canada help companies foster better teamwork by focusing on communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Coaches use team-building exercises, workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions to address any issues affecting the team's performance. Whether it's improving communication between departments, helping resolve conflicts, or building trust among team members, business coaches create a space where employees can thrive. The benefits of this work are clear: organizations with strong teams tend to be more productive, efficient, and innovative.
is aligned with the company's vision and goals. Through leadership development programs and team coaching, coaches can bridge gaps between departments, improve crossfunctional collaboration, and ensure that all employees are working toward the same objectives. This alignment is critical for achieving overall business success. Conclusion The power of guidance provided by business coaches in Canada cannot be overstated. These professionals help businesses not only overcome obstacles but also thrive in a competitive environment. Through leadership development, strategic insight, team building, and adaptability, business coaches play a critical role in helping companies succeed. As the business world continues to evolve, the value of personalized coaching will only increase, ensuring that companies are well-prepared to face new challenges and seize new opportunities. Whether a small business or a large corporation, every organization can benefit from the expert guidance that business coaches provide, making them an essential resource for any company looking to grow and succeed.
For larger companies with multiple departments or remote teams, business coaches can help ensure that everyone
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How Is Revolutionizing Corporate Strategy and
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n the business world, corporate strategy and growth demand a focused approach. Companies that succeed are those that can adapt quickly, identify opportunities, and lead with a clear, actionable vision. Business coaching in Canada is playing an increasingly significant role in shaping how organizations approach strategy and growth. By providing leaders with personalized guidance, actionable advice, and a clear framework for decisionmaking, coaching is driving transformation in the way businesses develop and execute their strategies. The Rise of Business Coaching in Canada Over the past few decades, business coaching has transitioned from being a niche offering to a widely adopted tool for improving business performance. In Canada, business coaches work with executives, managers, and entire teams to refine their leadership, improve strategic thinking, and create a cohesive approach to organizational growth. The rise of coaching is largely due to its proven success in driving measurable results and helping organizations achieve their goals. 037
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Corporate leaders who embrace coaching benefit from a tailored, one-on-one approach that addresses their specific challenges and aspirations. Business coaching is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it is a personalized process that reflects the unique circumstances and objectives of each company. This personalized attention has made coaching one of the most effective tools for improving corporate strategy and achieving sustainable growth. Coaching and Leadership Development A company's success often hinges on the effectiveness of its leadership. Business coaches in Canada work closely with executives to build leadership skills, develop a clear vision, and strengthen decision-making abilities. Whether it's honing emotional intelligence, improving communication, or enhancing conflict resolution skills, coaching helps leaders become more effective in guiding their organizations toward success. One of the primary benefits of coaching is its ability to unlock the full potential of leaders. Coaches serve as mirrors, reflecting back a leader's strengths and areas for improvement. They ask probing questions that challenge assumptions and encourage executives to think differently about their approach to business challenges. This level of selfawareness allows leaders to identify more effective strategies and make decisions with greater confidence and clarity.
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As businesses grow, leaders are often faced with increasingly complex decisions. They need to balance short-term results with long-term vision, manage teams of diverse individuals, and make tough calls in high-pressure situations. Business coaches provide the support necessary for leaders to manage these responsibilities with skill and ease. With a coach's guidance, leaders can enhance their ability to create and execute effective strategies that drive growth.
breakthroughs in strategy development.
Strategic Thinking and LongTerm Planning
Conclusion
Effective corporate strategy is not about reacting to trends or making decisions based on the latest market fads; it's about having a clear, longterm vision and the ability to create a roadmap for success. Business coaches help leaders develop this strategic thinking by guiding them through the process of setting goals, defining priorities, and identifying the best path forward. Coaches encourage business leaders to take a step back, look at the big picture, and think about their business in a more holistic way. One of the key advantages of working with a business coach is the ability to create a forwardthinking strategy that aligns with both the company's values and its financial goals. Coaches ask important questions that help identify core strengths, potential risks, and growth opportunities that may not be immediately apparent. This level of deep reflection is often the catalyst for significant
Coaches can also assist with strategic planning, helping organizations identify and implement actionable steps toward achieving their business goals. This could mean refining existing business models, exploring new revenue streams, or better utilizing current resources. The goal is always to create a strategy that is practical, sustainable, and capable of delivering results over time.
Coaching is revolutionizing corporate strategy and growth in Canada by providing businesses with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in a competitive environment. Through leadership development, strategic planning, team alignment, and fostering innovation, business coaches are helping companies create and execute strategies that lead to sustainable growth. As the business world becomes more complex and interconnected, the role of business coaches will continue to play a crucial part in guiding organizations toward success. With the right coaching, companies can build stronger leadership, better strategies, and more resilient teams, ensuring that they are wellequipped to face the future with confidence.
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