Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary

Episode #302: Holly Bond: From Mom on a Mission to Franchise Founder
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host: Vince Chan

Introduction

In Episode #302 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan welcomes Holly Bond, the president of a headhunting firm and a seasoned entrepreneur from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Vince shares his personal connection to Holly, highlighting her impressive journey from motherhood to building a successful franchise business.

Holly Bond’s Early Life and Education

Holly Bond opens up about her upbringing in a large family in Halifax, where education was not a priority. As the "black sheep," Holly fought to pursue higher education despite societal expectations.

• Quote:

  "I was more the black sheep of the family. And I fought to talk my parents into helping me go to university."
  (03:41)

Holly took 17 years to earn her college degree while raising two children, balancing her role as a homemaker with her academic pursuits.

• Quote:

  "It took me 17 years because a lot of times having a new family and one person in the family was the income earner, sometimes we didn't have money for me to take one course, so I was taking one course at a time."
  (08:17)

Her perseverance was deeply influenced by her desire to set a positive example for her children about the importance of finishing what one starts.

Career Beginnings and Transition into Sales

Holly transitioned from homemaking to the workforce, starting in part-time retail and quickly moving into a sales role at Waste Management. Her natural affinity for sales and connecting with people led her to explore opportunities in the headhunting industry.

• Quote:

  "I want to sell. So I thought... I took the first outside sales job that someone would hire me."
  (10:45)

Her encounter with a headhunter sparked her interest in recruitment, ultimately leading her to dive into the recruiting business despite initially lacking the formal education typically associated with the field.

Building Bulldog Interactive Fitness

Motivated by a study highlighting the alarming rates of youth obesity, Holly embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by founding Bulldog Interactive Fitness. Her goal was to create a gym that made exercise fun for children by integrating video games into workout routines.

• Quote:

  "If we could play video games... we will integrate video games into the exercise equipment."
  (21:30)

With support from her husband and initial funding of $10,000, Holly launched her first gym in Halifax. The innovative concept quickly garnered international interest, leading to franchise inquiries from around the world.

• Quote:

  "We sold 11 franchises in a matter of two years. We won awards. It was fantastic."
  (24:05)

However, the economic downturn of 2009 posed significant challenges, leading to the closure of Bulldog Interactive Fitness. This experience taught Holly valuable lessons about the volatility of business and the importance of preparation.

Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Failure

Holly candidly discusses the hurdles she faced, including cash flow issues and overconfidence during the franchise expansion. A critical turning point was an advisor’s intervention that prevented her from making a potentially disastrous business decision.

• Quote:

  "Listen to people's advice, listen to people that care about you, that have done this before."
  (26:54)

Additionally, her mentor Pernilla Fisher Bolter imparted a crucial lesson about detaching emotionally from her business, likening it to a calf to be managed rather than a personal possession.

• Quote:

  "This is not a baby. This is a calf that you fatten and you slaughter it."
  (30:15)

These experiences underscored the importance of financial stability, strategic planning, and objective decision-making in sustaining a business.

Motivations and Personal Drivers

In a reflective conversation, Holly explores the underlying motivations driving her relentless pursuit of success. Influenced by her entrepreneurial grandmother and the societal pressures of the "brain drain" in Nova Scotia, Holly felt compelled to achieve and prove herself continuously.

• Quote:

  "I felt like I had to run to catch up, and I think it might still be with me."
  (14:08)

Personal experiences, including the loss of her mother, have intensified her drive to make meaningful contributions and avoid future regrets.

• Quote:

  "Maybe I will realize that I don't have to continue to race."
  (16:50)

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Holly Bond's journey from a determined mother to a franchise founder and headhunting firm president exemplifies the essence of embracing change and leveraging it for growth. Her story serves as an inspiration for listeners aiming to outgrow themselves and navigate the complexities of personal and professional transformation.

Vince Chan wraps up the episode by teasing part two, where Holly will delve deeper into her transition into the headhunting business and her human-first approach to recruitment.

Key Takeaways

• Perseverance: Holly's 17-year journey to complete her degree underscores the power of persistence.
• Innovation: Integrating video games into fitness equipment showcased Holly’s ability to blend fun with functionality.
• Resilience: Overcoming economic downturns and business setbacks highlighted her resilience and adaptability.
• Mentorship: Valuable lessons from mentors emphasize the importance of guidance and objective advice in business.
• Personal Motivation: Emotional drivers, such as family influence and personal loss, play a significant role in shaping professional pursuits.

Notable Quotes

• "Change is good. It's the only thing you can expect in life is that we're going to have changed."
  (06:45)
  — Holly Bond

• "What do you want to do next? Why do you keep feeling the need to conquer something else?"
  (14:08)
  — Holly Bond

• "What you’re doing is not a baby. It's a calf that you fatten and you slaughter it."
  (30:15)
  — Pernilla Fisher Bolter, Mentor to Holly Bond

This episode offers a compelling narrative of personal growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and the relentless pursuit of making a positive impact. Holly Bond's story is a testament to embracing change and using it as a catalyst for transformation.