Speaker, Coach, Mentor, Writer, Business owner, Mother, Wife & Growth Catalyst...

I am passionate about teaching women to Flourish in business - by expanding their confidence, developing a juicy vision - to have a massive ripple effect. As a growth catalyst, I do this by supporting female visionaries who are leading women’s organizations. My increasing body of work on increasing women's confidence is rippling out, by speaking at women's conferences, retreats and events, chairing group Mentorship programs, coaching, radio interviews and with concepts shared in an upcoming book. Watching my Mum as I grew up in England, as she let my Father drain the confidence out of her when she became a stay-at-home-mum, without her own income - fired me up to ensure no woman loses her dignity and personal power.

(Yvonne is the author of an important new book for women - "Words, Women & Wisdom: The Modern Art of Confident Conversations". This book is for women who want to re-discover their inner confidence, take a stand for themselves in life and business, by using powerful language - in modern ways. It gives women the practical language for verbal agility, to ask for what we want and receive it, in a collaborative way. "In over 6,000 interviews and hundreds of coaching conversations, I hear many similar concerns from women, who are looking for new approaches to ask for what they really want, and to be heard - especially in business.")

As a compassionate volunteer, I extended offers to groups that may need an inspirational speaker, to share my wisdom - and many accepted, then happily shared my name with others. I developed several group programs for women, supported by my Coach, loyal clients who gave testimonials, and then expanded my services to include workshops, online events, and programs for Mentorship, Authentic Leadership, Word Confidence and how to have a Flourishing business. Finding groups of like-minded mission-inspired women helped significantly, as we can always benefit from showcasing more successful women role models. Memberships and Advisory roles have helped grow my connections authentically, expand my international network, and Canadian Business Chicks provides a collaborative and non-judgemental community to foster dreams. Family support is critical when you hit a speed bump too.

OMG - I teach work-life balance - so I really have to live and breathe it! With a special needs son, who is now a business owner too, with a social enterprise art business, plus inheriting (ha!) 3 step-children when I remarried - I have learned considerable skills in this area. One of the most important elements is being confident in our language - to be assertive in our feminine energy, yet remain committed to our vision. I teach women to find their passion and purpose, and how to ask for what they want - and get it. Powerful words is a particular passion for me, as it helps us keep our balance and not get pulled off-track.

After being involved with 8 start-ups so far, including my own, I believe it takes a special combination... PASSION for the greater impact your business will make on your clients, your community and yourself. PURPOSE - knowing how your business makes a difference and solves an important issue. RESILIENCE and FLEXIBILITY - to bend in the winds of the unknown that all businesses go through during expansion. AUTHENTICITY - building connections with your clients, to do more than they expect, and be transparent if something derails and disappoints. TRUST - that the universe wants to support you and has your back when you are living on purpose. COACHING - having a coach to help you see blind-spots, evoke accountability, and foster the confidence to be your very best self - to lead your organization (no matter what size) to success (however you define success).

"Anything is possible - if you can dream it, you can achieve it!"

My son was born 22 years ago with special needs, epilepsy and developmental delays With 4 surgeries before the age of 5 to support him through, it has been a challenge to be a working-mother and business owner, juggling many balls in the air. He is also one of my greatest teachers - for patience, possibility, confidence and determination. When he decided to start selling his artwork to raise money for surgeries for children in 3rd world countries with Operation Smile, it shifted my thinking and my business model, and provoked a new brand for my business - Flourish. I love supporting my female clients especially those who have a social enterprise, where there is an overlap between business for profit and for a greater good.

So many women... My Mum first, because she let my Father drain the confidence out of her when she became a stay at home mum. She taught me to always remain independent and capable of earning my own way in life. Mother Teresa - for her selfless commitment to helping others - showcasing the importance of compassion and forgiveness. (Forgiveness frees us from excess baggage and regret.) Oprah has brought the soul into network TV and inspires me to share my wisdom and help other women especially, and I respect her capacity for showcasing the work of others while including the spiritual elements and conscious business practices,

She is authentic, compassionate, generous, focused, purposeful, assertive, creative and resilient. She understands that she cannot achieve greatness alone. In particular, Calgarian Jenny Gulamani-Abdulla is an exceptional example for me. Small in stature, she has a huge heart for helping women, and high energy to get things done. Her current role as President for BPW Canada enables her to have a platform of influence at international conferences and conventions, as she advocates for positive changes for women in business (from violence against women to increasing women's participation in politics, to increasing the representation of more women in boardrooms).

I am passionate about evoking positive changes for women. Hence, I will be continuing to uplift the spirit of humanity, by using my creativity and determination in support of empowerment and equality. As I look forward to the launch of my book this fall (working title: Word Confidence for Women), to be expanding my speaking engagements and programs, I will be teaching even more women to Flourish in business, and having a massive ripple effect working with dynamic female visionaries who are leading global women’s organizations.

The Nest values resonate with mine: Commitment, Courage, Integrity and especially Confidence - as that is where I have so many of my coaching conversations. The authentic way connections are built when women do not see each other as competitors, when they see the uniqueness in each other, and recognize that win-win business opportunities enable each of us to Flourish.

Used to be a Pinot Grigio, however, I have had some fabulous Caesars recently.

Books - I am an epic reader. Meditation and quiet space to rejuvenate. My family for love, juiciness in life and meaning. My entrepreneur mindset - it is creating new possibilities all the time!

Empowering women to new heights, higher than they dared to dream was possible. My son Alex and his flourishing business - Alex's Amazing Art - and his contagious generosity.

A tropical beach - so many to choose from...

Several, including Business and Professional Women

Coming Out Of The Dark – Gloria Estefan