Employment law can feel like walking through a field of landmines for business owners, especially when you’re hiring fast, growing a team, or dealing with a tough termination. In this episode, Sharon DeKoning sits down with Amy Bassili, founder of Bassili Law, to break down the biggest employment-law risks that catch employers off guard. They walk through the simple, proactive steps that can prevent expensive conflict later.

Amy explains why having the right employment contracts and policies isn’t about being “formal” or “complicated”; it’s about creating clarity and certainty for both sides. They dive into what employers must think about when it comes to termination terms, reasonable notice, and how the law can apply differently when there’s no clear, enforceable agreement in place. Amy also shares why “copy/paste contracts” and generic templates can create risk, and how a solid legal advisor should function like insurance, saving you time, stress, and money by helping you avoid problems before they happen.

About Amy Bassili

Amy Bassili is the founder of Bassili Law and an Edmonton-based lawyer with nearly two decades of experience in employment and workplace matters. She represents both employers and employees, giving her a rare, balanced perspective on where workplace friction starts, and how it can be prevented before it becomes costly conflict.

Amy built her career in downtown practice before launching her own firm to focus on values-driven, strategic legal support. Bassili Law operates fully remotely, making it easy for business owners to access practical guidance quickly, without the hassle of in-person meetings. Amy’s approach is clear: build the right legal foundation early, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Alberta Employment Standards

—

Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Amy Bassili | Bassili Law:

• Website
• Facebook
• Linkedin: Amy
• LinkedIn: Bassili Law
  
  

In this eye-opening episode, Sharon sits down with Rob Hole (aka the Canadian AI Guy) to explore the real-world applications of AI for Canadian entrepreneurs. Rob shares his journey from tech veteran to AI strategist, helping business owners implement tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and browser-based assistants like Comet from Perplexity. In this episode, you’ll discover how these technologies are more than just buzzwords; they’re transformational tools that can replace hours of manual work with automated, intelligent processes.

From automating bookkeeping and generating email responses to designing AI-driven employee handbooks and marketing campaigns, Rob walks us through specific use cases you can try today. He emphasizes treating AI like a team member—training it with your brand voice, company values, and specific processes. If you’re still on the fence about AI or wondering how to get started, this episode is your practical guide to embracing the tools that will shape the future of work.

About Rob Hole

Rob Hole is a seasoned entrepreneur and tech expert with over 20 years of experience in web development, business management, and digital strategy. Known as the Canadian AI Guy, Rob specializes in helping business owners across Canada understand and implement AI tools to enhance their operations, save time, and reduce overhead. As a former Chamber of Commerce president and current business consultant, Rob is passionate about empowering organizations with cutting-edge technology and practical processes.

Through his workshops, consulting, and online training at CanadianAIGuy.ca, Rob breaks down complex AI concepts into digestible, actionable strategies for entrepreneurs at all levels.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Comet browser by Perplexity
• Gemini by Google
• ChatGPT Business
• Zight (formerly CloudApp)
• Descript
• Loom
• Gino Wickman’s Traction and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
• Manus

—

Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Rob Hole | Canadian AI Guy:

• Website: Canadian AI Guy
• LinkedIn: Canadian AI Guy
• Linkedin: Rob Hole

What started as a way to make lake life easier turned into a booming business. Sharon sits down with Sondra Pearn, co-founder of Lake Life Caesar Co., to hear how a homemade Caesar mix evolved from a mason jar to a shelf-ready product found in stores across Canada. Sondra opens up about bootstrapping from day one, stepping away from teaching to run the business full-time, and what it took to scale production, meet health regulations, and maintain quality without sacrificing her family-first values.

They talk about the challenges of producing food products in a border city like Lloydminster, the behind-the-scenes work of sourcing ingredients, packaging, and working with co-packers like the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. Plus, Sondra offers valuable insights into shelf life testing, inventory management, customer relationships, and the power of support networks and trade shows.

Whether you’re starting a side hustle or scaling a small business, this episode will encourage you to bet on your idea (and yourself!)

About Sondra Pearn

Sondra Pearn is the co-founder of Lake Life Caesar Co., a Canadian-made Caesar drink mix company that grew from a home kitchen creation to a coast-to-coast brand. A former schoolteacher turned entrepreneur, Sondra now runs the company full-time with her husband Bryce. Together, they’ve built a business that reflects their passion for convenience, quality, and lake life living, all while raising two kids and staying rooted in their small-town values. Sondra is known for her practical business savvy, commitment to clean ingredients, and her drive to make Lake Life a household name.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
• Farm Credit Canada (FCC) – Women Entrepreneur Programs
• Federated Co-op

—

Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions

Contact Sondra Pearn | Lake Life Caesar Co.:

• Website: Lake Life Caesar Co.
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn: Sondra Pearn