Proven, Practical, and Powerful

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sylvia Marusyk, Founder of MindBody Works Inc., located in Winnipeg. MB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business has four main branches to it. Firstly I am an activational speaker on health and well-being with expertise in dealing with stress in the workplace. Secondly, as an occupational therapist, I provide on-site injury prevention programs and training for healthcare, production, manufacturing, and construction. Thirdly, I am a health coach and do one on one counseling with clients. Fourthly I provide leadership training. My clients range in age from teenagers to the elderly, and I have many corporate clients who I have worked with as a consultant for as many as two decades. I give keynote speeches for numerous safety conferences as well as conferences specific to industries like mining, financial planning, real estate, government, etc.

Tell us about yourself

As a trained occupational therapist, I became obsessed with prevention when I realized how difficult it was to treat many of the conditions that brought people to the hospital. My passion for dealing with stress came not only from my personal life but also from watching my mother die slowly and very young of the effects of extreme stress. My crusade to help people create well-being in the workplace came as the result of a personal experience with bullying as well as the many callers who called into a radio show I used to have, sharing horrific stories of toxic workplaces and bullying.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment in my business is really two fold. Firstly I get invited back to the same conferences year after year. In fact, I presented at one conference ten years in a row! Secondly, the relationships I have had with the organizations that I provide injury prevention services have spent anywhere from a dozen to two decades with the same companies, such a blessing to create these long-term relationships!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing when you are your business is managing to spread yourself widely without spreading yourself too thin. So far, I am managing this, but it is sometimes difficult.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Be genuine and authentic; people know!
Create trust with integrity. Always do what you say you are going to do.
Do not monetize everything you do; it looks like all you care about is money, then. Provide value-added services that don’t necessarily cost you a lot of time and money but small things that you do for free because it’s the right thing to do.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://mindbodyworks.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sylvia.marusyk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindbody.works/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-marusyk-89a2931a/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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