Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wendy Giuffre, Founder of Wendy Ellen Inc., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Your most valuable resource isn't the product or service you sell, the processes you have developed, or the technology you use. Your most valuable resource is people — your people drive your sales, optimize your processes, and solve problems for your customers. Wendy Ellen Inc. specializes in providing human resource expertise to small to mid-sized companies on an as-needed basis in sectors as diverse as oil and gas to not-for-profit to hospitality. From recruitment, Human Resource policy development and legislative compliance, retention, and engagement, individual advisor/coaching, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions to staff development and performance, Wendy Ellen Inc. will help you protect your most valuable resource, your people.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Human Resource Professional with 30+ years of generalist experience and President and Principal Consultant for Wendy Ellen Inc. I formalized my firm in 2005, and it has been growing since. My firm works with all industries based in and around Western Canada, the US, and internationally.
I am co-author of the book The Only HR Best Practice You'll Ever Need – a grassroots and practical approach to what leaders and HR teams often over-complicate – dealing with their people. I have practiced in all aspects of HR with a vast breadth of experience, starting from solid training at a major oil company to consulting work with many small to mid-size businesses crossing various industry sectors. I have practical hands-on experience that clients can benefit from.
As a generalist, I have touched on all areas of HR with a specific interest and expertise in Mergers and Acquisitions, Leadership Coaching, Employee Relations, Organizational Strategy, and Structure; and is a grassroots HR practitioner who believes in the simplified process and brings back the human in Human Resources.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am proud that I have grown my firm from one consultant, me, to now an amazing team of 12. My consultants enjoy challenging work and a flexible schedule. Working towards the completion of my Executive MBA through Queen's University is also a huge accomplishment that will benefit my firm and those of my clients.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I love every aspect of it but finally, being secure enough to let a client go when you know their values don't align with yours.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research.
- Be passionate about what you do.
- Take your time to grow your team.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
People are all different, and it is through 30+ years of working with different individuals and different organizations that we bring value to the business of what we do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://wendyelleninc.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyelleninc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendygiuffre/
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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