I don’t have all the answers.
I don't have all the answers.
But I know how to ask the questions that change the way business owners think.
My name is Jodi Laking, and for more than 25 years I've been building businesses of my own. For the past 12+ years, I've also had the privilege of supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs as they navigate growth, change, uncertainty, and the everyday realities of running a business.
Over the years, I've noticed something.
The businesses that continue to thrive aren't necessarily the ones that work the hardest.
They're the ones whose owners make time to stop, examine where they are, and intentionally shape what's next.
Why I see businesses differently
Throughout my career, I've worked with businesses at every stage — from new ideas to established companies that had been operating for decades.
On paper, many of them looked successful.
Revenue was coming in.
Clients were happy.
From the outside, everything seemed fine.
But when we started talking, a different picture often emerged.
They had outgrown their pricing.
Their services had evolved without intention.
They were saying yes to work they no longer enjoyed.
They often felt that something wasn’t right. Something was missing.
The business had changed.
The way they were running it hadn't.
That's when I realized most businesses don't need someone to tell them what to do.
They need the time and perspective to see what they've been too close to notice.
Why I want to have these conversations
People often ask me what I enjoy most about my work.
It isn't creating plans or solving problems.
It's the conversation.
I genuinely love sitting down with business owners and hearing how it all began.
Every business started as an idea that didn't exist before. Someone saw an opportunity, solved a problem, or simply believed they could build something better. They took a risk, often without knowing exactly how it would turn out.
I admire that.
Long before we ever talk about pricing, systems, or growth, I already respect the courage it took to start.
Over the past 25+ years as an entrepreneur and 12+ years supporting business owners through coaching and consulting, I've had the privilege of hearing hundreds of those stories. Each one is different, but they all have something in common: behind every business is a person who cares deeply about what they're building.
Somewhere along the way, though, many of those conversations stop happening.
Business owners spend their days answering emails, serving clients, managing staff, paying bills, and solving problems. They talk through text messages, Zoom calls, and social media posts. But they rarely have the opportunity to sit across from someone, slow down, and have a thoughtful conversation about their business.
I think we've lost something important.
Not just in business — but as people.
Real conversations create perspective. They spark ideas. They help us untangle thoughts we've been carrying around for months. Sometimes, they simply remind us why we started in the first place.
That's why I do this work.
Not because I believe every business needs fixing.
Because I believe every business owner deserves someone who is genuinely curious about what they've built, willing to ask thoughtful questions, and committed to helping them think differently about what comes next.
If you leave our conversation seeing your business in a new way, then we've accomplished something meaningful.
My way of thinking
I believe...
Businesses naturally evolve.
The way you run your business should evolve too.
Good decisions come from thoughtful conversations, not quick fixes.
Curiosity is one of the most valuable business tools we have.
Growth isn't about doing more. It's about becoming more intentional.
Every business deserves a reset before it reaches a breaking point.
What you can expect from working with me
If we work together, don't expect me to hand you a 100-page binder or a cookie-cutter framework.
Expect thoughtful questions.
Honest conversations.
Practical ideas.
Moments where you'll stop and say,
"I've never thought about it that way before."
Because that's where the best business decisions begin.
What People Are Saying
“[Jodi] is always able to pull me out of my own little chaos and helps me see a bigger picture. She’s smart, honest, direct, and demanding, as well as warm, understanding, caring, and compassionate. She always have great insight, advice, and feedback that helps me keep going and moving forward.
It’s the best money I ever spent and the return on investment is priceless. And remember that you don’t have to do business alone!”
— Kate S., Sunrise Creative
“Jodi was very insightful and listened well to my business story to hear where I was coming from and also where I wanted to go! She provided sound advice and left me with a lot to think about and a direction I need to take for my business growth and development. Thank you for taking the time to help a small business owner :)”
— Amy F., Blossom Musik
"Before I met Jodi, I was skeptical of business coaches, but she is the real deal.
Throughout our working relationship, I've realized how critical it is to have a qualified, experienced advisor like her to provide guidance and keep me motivated to work on my business, as well as in my business.
She is whip-smart, direct, honest but also diplomatic and compassionate and her business knowledge is unmatched.
With every problem I've encountered, Jodi has provided balanced and insightful feedback to help me move forward with confidence. She's also a genuinely lovely human and a lot of fun to work with.
10/10 would hire again!"
— Vanessa G., Greenlight Content“Hi Jodi!,
I don't want our sessions to end...(Insert tears)
You have helped me meet all of my expectations and more. I really enjoy having you in my corner. You are professional, fun, knowledgeable and very good at what you do.”
&
“Jodi @ WorkSmart Canada has been my business coach for the last 3 years. I have had so many positive experiences and growth in business that I can't count. I feel like my success would not be the same without her by my side. 100% recommend!”
— Sara L., Sara Lodge Wellness
“We absolutely ADORE Jodi -- her personality is incredibly welcoming, receptive, and ready to help you achieve your goals.
She's always prepared with answers, assignments which challenge me to explore my own qualities and skills, and insightful tips.
Jodi is such a gem and dream to work alongside -- she is an integral part of our business' success. I would highly recommend these services, and my 5 stars are only limited by Google... I would give Jodi as many stars as I possibly could, as she has made such a difference in my life and business!”
— Allie C., Branding and Web Design Business Owner
My experience
For more than 25 years, I've been building businesses of my own, experiencing the same decisions, challenges, and uncertainty that come with entrepreneurship.
For the past 12+ years, I've also worked alongside business owners as a coach and consultant, helping them navigate growth, change, and the realities of running a business. Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, I spent eight years with the City of Hamilton's Economic Development department, supporting entrepreneurs as they started, grew, and strengthened their businesses.
Today, I'm the founder of Work Smart Canada and Your Business Executor, where I continue to help business owners make thoughtful decisions, prepare for change, and build businesses that evolve with them.
Beyond working one-on-one with business owners, I regularly speak to business groups, associations, and entrepreneur communities because I believe these conversations deserve a bigger audience. My goal isn't to give people more to do — it's to help them think differently about the businesses they're building.
Interested in having me speak? →