The Forum

Huge thanks to Jaybird Studios, who recently featured The Forum as part of their Sweat For A Cause initiative! Each quarter, Jaybird Studios raises funds for a local organization or cause related to DEI, supporting women, or mental health—using movement to give back in meaningful ways. This recognition feels especially meaningful, as Barbie Bent, Co-Founder of Jaybird Studios, is an alumna of our Sweet Futures program and joined us at our retreat last fall. Thank you again to Barbie and the entire team at Jaybird Studios! To learn more about their Sweat For A Cause initiative, click the link below! https://lnkd.in/gzPRRj7v

When growth gets real, small upgrades create the relief your schedule needs. More demand brings more revenue and opportunity, and it also brings more decisions, more complexity, and more moments where you have to solve problems fast. Buying back your time (now and in the future) starts with intentional systems, clear boundaries, and the right support at the right stage. Save this for the day you need the reminder. If there’s a move you swear by, share it in the comments so another founder can benefit.

“Busy” is often treated like a compliment. But it can also flatten what’s actually required to lead. Recognizing leadership load names the work that isn’t always visible or shared, like being the decision-maker, holding financial risk, managing people dynamics, carrying client expectations, and doing the emotional labour that keeps teams and clients steady. When we acknowledge that, conversations get more useful, support becomes easier to ask for, and challenges feel more manageable. All of that leads to better decisions and healthier scale. What’s the best question you’ve been asked recently? How did it help?

Last week, The Forum team headed to Web Summit Vancouver and left with a clearer picture of what growth-stage entrepreneurs are navigating right now. We also hosted an activation for community members in town, and it was a powerful reminder that community isn’t a noun—it’s a verb. It’s the intros made over coffee, the quick “me too” moments, and the inter-industry connections that open doors for entrepreneurs and enable them to grow. We’re still processing everything from the week, but here are a few of the key takeaways that really stood out to us: 🌱 Expansion is never copy + paste. Customer behaviour shifts market to market (including Canada vs. the U.S.), and the cost of adapting to a new customer base is often underestimated. 🧩 Investors aren’t a cheque, they’re a relationship. Think of it like a long-term partnership. The “right” fit brings far more than capital. 📈 The basics get sharper as you scale. Durability, sustainability, and predictability of your customer base matter more and more, and so does understanding the math behind growth: what you spend to get a customer, and how much revenue that customer is likely to bring in over time—not just this month’s financial snapshot. If you were at Web Summit, what was one idea you’re still thinking about? Swipe for more of our takeaways and save this if you’re building right now!

Purpose shows up in the choices behind the work. It’s what you prioritize, how you lead, and what you won’t compromise on, especially as the stakes get higher and the pace gets faster. In The Forum community, entrepreneurs like Ruth A., Julie Angus, and Hua Yu are scaling with intention. They’re sharing expertise, building for real-world impact, and leading teams with culture by design. Swipe to learn more about the impact they’re driving and the latest achievements they’re celebrating. Who’s setting the bar in your industry right now? Tag her and share the impact you’re seeing!

This week, The Forum team joined founders, investors, and major tech innovators from over 100 countries at Web Summit Vancouver. We learned from incredible tech leaders, reconnected with longtime friends, welcomed new faces to the community, and uncovered exciting opportunities that will help women entrepreneurs scale the businesses Canada needs. At our activation this Thursday, we saw so many women exchange experiences, forge connections, and explore the power of building together. A huge thanks to our Director of Program Operations, Jacqueline Gilchrist for leading us through the session! It was a week full of inspiration and momentum, and we can’t wait to apply the knowledge we’ve gained and continue impactful conversations with the leaders we had the pleasure of meeting. If you joined us at Web Summit Vancouver, we’d love to know: what was your highlight of the week?

Growth doesn’t always look glamorous. That doesn’t make it any less valuable. When you’re scaling a business, the journey to the top is rarely linear. It’s full of quiet wins, hard lessons, and behind-the-scenes work that no one sees—but everything depends on it. It could mean: 🚫 Saying no to the wrong opportunity 🔁 Rebuilding your confidence after pivoting your plan 🧘 Choosing rest so you can keep going What's a quiet win you're proud of right now?

Web Summit Vancouver kicks off today, and we’re thrilled to be here as a Community Partner, leading the session The Forum Flow: Small Groups, Big Connections. You can RSVP to take part on May 14 here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gXhURN_7 Over the next four days, The Forum team is joining more than 35,000 founders, investors, and innovators who are defining the future of tech and unlocking the next chapter of global innovation. If you’re attending, don’t hesitate to come say hello to our team! Anne McLean Lisa Niemetscheck Jacqueline Gilchrist Makenna Campbell Cherie Kai Emily Thompson Nolizwe M. Erika Thomas Miranda Ta We can’t wait to connect and share the highlights and takeaways that will help us level up our support for Canadian women entrepreneurs. Stay tuned!

Running a business is a full-time job. So is being a mother. We’re sending hugs to everyone building a business while raising a family. We see you, and we’re cheering you on—always. Happy Mother’s Day.

The best gifts keep on giving. This Mother’s Day, remember that there’s more than one way to give the moms in your life the flowers they deserve. For women entrepreneurs, being seen, being supported, and being given back a little time and space goes a long way. Whether you’re celebrating a mom on your team, in your circle, or yourself, here are some ideas that meet the moment. ♥️ Community Mentions: Pearl Spark Pages for guided reflection, nutbar for coworking vibes and treats.