Podcast

In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Holly Sorgen sits down with entrepreneur Melissa St. Pierre to talk about the real journey behind building a business and creating a life that feels fulfilling. Melissa shares how her love of event planning began as a side hustle, how she took the leap into entrepreneurship, and how an unexpected pivot during COVID led to the creation of her flower business. Together, they explore the realities of entrepreneurship beyond the highlight reel, including self-doubt, burnout, boundaries, confidence, community support, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. This episode is an honest and inspiring reminder that success is rarely overnight, and that sometimes the hardest decisions lead to the most meaningful growth.

In this episode of Hyperdrive: Beyond the Summit, host Holly Sorgen (Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region) sits down with Jennifer Ireson, owner of Balanced Perspectives. Jennifer shares her journey of starting a business just before COVID, discovering her ADHD diagnosis, and how she’s turned neurodivergence into entrepreneurial superpowers like rapid decision-making and hyperfocus. They also talk about burnout, self-compassion, finding your tribe, and why open conversations about ADHD and perimenopause matter for women in business.

Plus: a look ahead to Hyperdrive 2026 (March 13–15, Delta Hotel, Grande Prairie, Alberta), where Jennifer will return as MC.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Holly Sorgen welcomes rural entrepreneurs Chyanne and Darryl Smith, the husband-and-wife duo behind Don’t Be Chy Photography, Don’t Be Chy Boutique in Sexsmith, Alberta, and Strike the Pose in Osoyoos, BC.

Together, they share the realities of running multiple businesses as a couple—highlighting the importance of communication, trust, and staying in their own “lanes” while supporting each other’s strengths. From recognizing gaps in the market to leveraging their home community of Sexsmith, their journey reflects adaptability, persistence, and a shared vision.

Key highlights include:

• Why they chose to launch businesses in a rural community and how local support was pivotal.
• Navigating the complexities of blending work and home life while raising a family.
• Their unique partnership dynamic—how trust, self-awareness, and empathy make them stronger business collaborators and spouses.
• The value of personal growth, knowing when to take space, and supporting each other’s passions outside of work.
• Lessons learned from past relationships and how they apply those insights to grow personally and professionally.
• Teaching their children the importance of surrounding themselves with positive influences and knowing their worth—both personally and in business.

Chyanne and Darryl’s story is one of resilience, emotional intelligence, and collaboration, offering inspiration for couples in business and anyone looking to build something meaningful with someone they trust.

In this insightful episode of Hyperdrive: Beyond the Summit, host Holly Sorgen sits down with three powerhouse women in the tourism and hospitality sector from the Grande Prairie region: Paulette Butler (GM, Sandman Hotel), Kim Randall (GM, Evergreen Park), and Sandy Neville (GM, Delta Hotel & Grand Inn & Residence).

The conversation explores their unique and inspiring journeys into tourism—from growing up in the industry, transitioning from careers in oil and banking, to managing major hospitality venues. They share candid advice for young women considering a career in hospitality, emphasizing the value of learning continuously, embracing diverse roles, and treating every guest interaction as an opportunity to “wow.​

Key topics include:

• The importance of mentorship, collaboration, and professional development.
• The role of conferences and training in fueling innovation and growth.
• The value of knowing your business’ finances—even in hospitality.
• Regional tourism initiatives, such as agritourism, Indigenous events, Open Farm Days, and sports tourism.
• Grande Prairie’s untapped potential as a hub for regional conferences and a hidden gem for Canadian tourism.

With humour, heart, and deep local pride, this episode highlights how the Grande Prairie region is evolving into a vibrant, experience-rich destination—and how women leaders are at the forefront of that transformation.

In this inspiring and emotional episode, host Holly Sorgen is joined by Tracy Persson, Indigenous tech founder and creator of My Breast Day—a health-focused app designed to support women through breast cancer treatment and monitoring.

Diagnosed with breast cancer during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Tracy faced her journey largely alone and discovered firsthand the overwhelming need for a centralized way to track appointments, medications, emotions, financial costs, and more.

Her lived experience—sparked the idea for My Breast Day, a digital tool that combines health tracking, voice memos, a financial ledger, cycle tracking, reminders, and AI-powered chat for real-time support.

Tracy shares her entrepreneurial journey from idea to launch, the challenges of developing a tech product with no prior experience, and how she leaned on her resourcefulness and Alberta’s innovation network—including Community Futures, GPRIN, Alberta Innovates, and the CSW Accelerator—to bring her vision to life. ​

Key Topics:

• The emotional and logistical realities of navigating breast cancer alone
• The power of technology in supporting women’s health
• The impact of rural and Indigenous identity on healthcare access
• How a business idea grounded in lived experience can become a powerful tool for social change
• The value of trusting your instincts, building a supportive network, and leaning into messy progress ​

Tracy’s journey is a testament to resilience, community, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Her mission? To normalize conversations around breast health, empower young women to track and understand their bodies, and build a future where no one feels alone in their healthcare journey.

In this warm and insightful episode, host Holly Sorgen sits down with Joleen Holubowich, founder of HH Farm Store—a community-driven retail space that blossomed from her family’s agricultural roots and her passion for local connection.

 Jolene shares how HH Farm Store evolved from selling meat on the farm to becoming a thriving retail hub featuring over 100 local vendors. With a focus on farm-to-table values, community support, and ethical sourcing, Jolene has created more than a store—it’s a gathering place, an incubator for rural entrepreneurs, and a showcase for local talent.

 Key Themes:

• Building a values-based business grounded in transparency, community, and sustainability
• Transitioning from farm operations to retail and embracing the learning curve supporting and elevating local producers and rural makers
• Creative storytelling and authentic branding as growth strategies
• Navigating identity, emotional labor, and personal growth as an entrepreneur

 Jolene’s journey is a powerful reminder that purpose, passion, and place can come together to build something truly meaningful. Whether you’re a small business owner, a rural creator, or someone who believes in buying local, this episode is full of heart, wisdom, and inspiration.

In the debut episode of Hyperdrive: Beyond the Summit, host Holly Sorgen, Executive Director of Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region, sits down with Giselle Dussault, founder of On Demand Promotional Products. Giselle shares her remarkable journey from being a single mom on social assistance in Nova Scotia to becoming a thriving entrepreneur in Alberta.

Through determination, creativity, and an unshakable belief in herself, Giselle built her business from the ground up—starting by crafting in her truck during long-haul driving jobs and eventually growing into a full-service promotional company. She taught herself embroidery, adapted quickly to meet customer needs, and now empowers others by offering life skills and sublimation classes—especially for youth and individuals with disabilities.

This episode explores themes of resilience, confidence-building, and the importance of community over competition. Giselle’s story is a powerful reminder that the most impactful businesses are rooted in both purpose and perseverance.