Run Like a Girl Adventures Inc.
Courtney McQueen, Co-Founder and Director of Run Like a Girl Adventures Inc., knows that the most important steps forward are sometimes made possible through collaborative efforts.
Despite running a successful adventure company since 2012, Courtney found herself at a crossroads after the pandemic forced a business restart. Like so many entrepreneurs, she grappled with questions about her path forward.
"Going into a women in business seminar through The Scotiabank Women Initiative in November 2023 was a big deal for me as a business owner and mom with two young kids," she shares. That seminar turned out to be a transformative step in her journey, as it connected her with a speaker from The Forum, whose supportive presence helped her realize she wasn't alone.
This experience eventually led Courtney to join The Scotiabank Women Initiative® Mentor Program, powered by The Forum, where she was paired with Mentor Vered Lerner. Their partnership provided more than business guidance, and gave Courtney a fresh perspective on progress itself.
"It's awesome to have someone to bounce ideas off of who can provide unbiased feedback and ideas," she explains. “When I would mention a possible hurdle, she would help me think outside the box [and find] different solutions."
While reviewing her accomplishments with her Mentor in a recent session, she had a revelation. "As I was telling her what I had been up to since our last meeting, it clicked to me: I am making progress, and I am accomplishing things. Sometimes it feels like we are going nowhere when really, we are!"
One of the most valuable lessons she’s gained from her Mentor is the importance of confidence. "I’m really good at working hard and getting things done, but sometimes, [I’m doing it] without confidence. [I’ve learned to] stand tall, and that what I have to offer and say matters."
Courtney’s mentorship experience has been especially valuable as she navigates her business's post-pandemic chapter. "Although I’ve been going for a long time, it feels new sometimes. This was just the right piece to my journey in helping me feel confident in my pursuit," she says.
"This is an incredibly helpful program. I almost can’t put words to it. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity. Entrepreneurs can often be tempted with [thoughts of self-doubt like] 'Do I keep going? Is this going to work?' A Mentor can really help."
Through Run Like a Girl Adventures Inc., Courtney’s creating opportunities for others to challenge themselves and find their paths forward—now with renewed confidence and clarity in her own entrepreneurial journey.