Archive | October 18, 2011
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation has selected 30 dynamic young Canadian entrepreneurs to form the official Canadian delegation at the G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit (G20 YES) in Nice, France on October 31-November 2, 2011. The G20 YES is an annual international summit that brings together dedicated and influential entrepreneurs of the G20 countries. Lesley Steele is a Canadian delegate.
Why I became an entrepreneur:
I wanted to be my own boss and have creative control over how I felt a veterinary hospital should be run and managed. I was working for a large hospital, far away from my home town and got homesick. I made some calls to good friends in the industry and found a great business close to home that was for sale and my husband and I just did it! I was very young, and I learned as I went. I always followed my instincts and focused on great customer service and optimal care for their furry family members. We have had a lot of help from industry, the Canadian Youth Business Foundation and colleagues along the way!!
My best moment as an entrepreneur, my success:
The greatest accomplishment is being a mom, a wife, an owner of multiple businesses and still having time for myself! My entire life has been very rewarding but I think that the invite by CYBF to attend the G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit is a full-circle moment for me and one that I am proud of!
My next challenge:
I am in the process of launching several new businesses across Canada to help veterinarians and their practices. Because I am not the person doing all the hands-on work, my challenge is to ensure clear and open communication with my business partners and to have patience as they develop their own territories. I am working on doing that while still maintaining my role within the company. I also strive to continue to have balance in family, work and play!
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