Dr. Lesley Steele: Representing Canada at the G20 YES

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.

• My motto: “If you truly believe and envision, you can do anything you want to!”
  • “Treat your staff, clients and associates like you want to be treated at all times!”
  • “Always remember to take time for yourself and your family because in the end, that is what is important!”
  • “Never take yourself too seriously and remember your ego can cause grief if you don’t keep it in check!”
  • “Have fun and enjoy your work every single day!”
  • Company name:  Eastern Passage Village Veterinary Hospital and AVA
  • Activity: Veterinary Hospital and Veterinary Buying Group
  • Number of employees: 18
  • Headquarters’ Address: 105 Cow Bay Road, Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, CANADA, B3G 1A3
  • Website: www.easternpassagevet.vetsuite.com

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!