Entrepreneurial Leaves of Absence, Setting Boundaries, and Transforming Your Business

Entrepreneurial Leaves of Absence, Setting Boundaries, and Transforming Your Business

Author: Venture for Canada May 5, 2025 Duration: 43:38

In this insightful episode, Scott Stirrett speaks with Annelies Tjebbes, CEO of Roots & Rivers, and Hayley Rutherford, Senior Consultant and Operations Director, about a rarely discussed topic: how entrepreneurs can successfully take extended leaves of absence. Annelies shares her experience taking an eight-month parental leave where she completely disconnected from her business, including the practical "hacks" she implemented to maintain boundaries. Hayley offers the complementary perspective of stepping into an interim leadership role, highlighting the challenges of relationship transitions and the unexpected growth opportunities that emerged.

Together, they reveal how a founder's absence can actually strengthen an organization by forcing the decentralization of knowledge, evolving processes, and shifting from a founder-centric identity to a more mature team-based structure.

Whether you're an entrepreneur contemplating a leave for parental responsibilities, health reasons, or simply a sabbatical, this episode provides practical guidance on preparation, knowledge transfer, and relationship management.


Hosted by Venture for Canada, A New Wave of Entrepreneurship moves beyond theory to explore the real, human stories behind building something new. Each conversation focuses on the practical journey, featuring changemakers and young Canadian entrepreneurs who share how they cultivated their specific entrepreneurial mindset and skillset-the actual tools they used to navigate uncertainty and drive innovation. This podcast isn't about abstract success; it's about the tangible lessons learned from setbacks, the evolving strategies for growth, and the personal resilience required to lead. You'll hear firsthand accounts that demystify the process, offering a clearer picture of what it truly takes to contribute to a more prosperous future for Canada. By listening, you gain access to a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, all aimed at helping you recognize and develop your own potential. Tune in for honest discussions that connect the dots between ambition, actionable skill-building, and meaningful impact, all part of a broader movement shaping the country's economic and social landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

A New Wave of Entrepreneurship
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