The Power to Pivot: Resilience Lessons from Canadian Entrepreneurs
What does it take to thrive in the face of uncertainty?
In celebration of Small Business Month, Purolator hosted a special webinar exploring how Canadian entrepreneurs are redefining resilience. The Power to Pivot brings together real stories of adaptation, innovation, and growth from small business owners who’ve faced challenges head-on—and emerged stronger.
This session is designed for entrepreneurs navigating change, seeking inspiration, or planning for long-term success. Through candid conversations and practical insights, our panelists share how they’ve built resilience through community support, strategic pivots, and bold thinking.
This webcast offers a comprehensive look at how your business can adapt and plan for the road ahead. In this session, you’ll learn:
- How each entrepreneur’s journey began—and evolved
- Real-life examples of resilience in action
- Key lessons learned from navigating uncertainty
- Opportunities for small businesses in Canada today
- Advice to help future-proof your business
Meet the Speakers
Lindsey MartinManager Marketing, SMB Retention, Purolator Inc.
Lindsey Martin is the Manager of Marketing for SMB Retention at Purolator, where she leads strategic initiatives to strengthen customer loyalty and engagement. With a focus on integrated digital retention strategies, Lindsey helps small businesses navigate shifting market dynamics through data-driven insights and personalized experiences. She is passionate about empowering SMBs to thrive by aligning promotional efforts with behavioural trends and operational realities. Lindsey brings a collaborative mindset and deep understanding of customer needs to every conversation, making her a trusted voice in times of change.
Lucy CullenFounder, Lumen Onyx
Lucy Cullen is a 5X Founder, Executive Coach under her coaching practice called Lumen Onyx, and the Co-Founder of Comeback Catalyst, a non-profit supporting individuals to launch their own business after prison. She is a graduate and Valedictorian of the Rotman Executive Coaching Program, where she deepened her focus on leadership and organizational development. Since 2014, Lucy has founded and scaled multiple ventures, including EarthPup and Terus, two of Canada’s first businesses addressing food waste. She has worked with more than 300 entrepreneurs worldwide, from North America to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Lucy has been named twice as one of Canada’s Top 30 Under 30 Environmentalists, recognized among Corporate Knights’ Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders, and honored as an Emerging Leader by the University of Toronto. She brings her experience across entrepreneurship and social impact to help leaders and founders build companies that create lasting change.
Nicole SanchezCo-founder, Ruth
Nicole leads client engagement for MaRS’s Momentum program, managing high-growth portfolios and executive peer-to-peer forums that drive growth, retention and meaningful outcomes. She partners with founders, CEOs and executive teams to identify opportunities and deliver tailored, data-driven solutions that help companies scale. Prior to MaRS, Nicole co-founded Ruth, securing funding, launching products and building strategic partnerships to expand the startup’s market reach. She also serves on the TELUS Friendly Future Community Board for Northern Alberta, supporting funding decisions for youth programs and community initiatives.
Matthew MacPhailManaging Partner, Art East Quilting
Matthew has been instrumental in the company’s journey from a local creative venture to an internationally recognized force in the creative sewing industry. He has consistently been at the forefront of business development, notably spearheading the expansion into the lucrative US quilting market, the largest hobby industry in the US after golf. Matthew dedicates his time to fostering growth and exploring new opportunities in the UK, EU, and Australian markets. Beyond strategic expansion, he is the mastermind behind the company’s shipping and logistics, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the business. Matthew proudly resides and works on Cape Breton Island, NS, alongside his husband and their two miniature dachshunds.