Written by Evelyn Mytka, contributing writer
Nancy Shadlock has always been drawn to helping people live more authentic, fulfilling lives. As a proud 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur, she’s spent the past decade building an impactful business. Her focus these days is on mental fitness, giving individuals and teams practical tools to quiet self-judgment, reduce stress, and build stronger relationships.
Recently recognized as the Innovative Supplier of the Year for Western Canada by the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), Nancy Shadlock is stepping into the spotlight with a new brand under her own name. Through a mix of science-backed tools and deeply human insight, she’s helping people replace judgment with clarity and chaos with calm.
We sat down with Nancy to learn more about her path to entrepreneurship, the challenges she’s overcome, and her mission to bring mental fitness to the masses, especially within and alongside 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
“My work is about helping people recognize the parts of themselves that are overly critical.”
Evelyn: Tell us about yourself. What inspired you to start your business?
Nancy: My path has evolved over time. I started with a master’s degree in spirituality, then moved into private practice helping clients share their authentic selves, especially through coming-out coaching. That work naturally grew into what I do today: helping individuals and organizations become safer, more connected spaces by building mental fitness.
At its core, my work is about helping people recognize the parts of themselves that are overly critical, whether directed at themselves, others, or their circumstances, and replace those automatic responses with more compassionate, constructive ones. I combine science, psychology, and practical tools to help clients shift from left-brain judgment to right-brain creativity and connection. The result is more ease, better relationships, and stronger performance.
“It gives teams a shared language to navigate stress and improve collaboration.”
Evelyn: What kinds of services do you offer?
Nancy: Most people start with a quick online quiz to identify their main “saboteur”— those internal patterns that hold us back. From there, they can book a Saboteur to Sage session with me to unpack the results and learn tools for more ease and clarity. Many clients go on to join my six-week mental fitness boot camp, which builds on those tools in a supportive group setting.
I also offer one-hour lunch-and-learns for organizations, introducing the saboteur framework and how it can improve team dynamics. For companies ready to go further, full team training is available to build long-term resilience and retention.
“Like most solopreneurs, I’ve had my share of tech struggles.”
Evelyn: What have been some of your biggest challenges as an entrepreneur?
Nancy: Visibility was tough in the beginning, finding the right audiences and people with budgets for this kind of work. And like most solopreneurs, I’ve had my share of tech struggles, juggling everything from website updates to digital marketing, all while running by business and supporting my clients.
“I realized that there’s organizations like Business Link that are really wanting to help people and without a cost to us, which is so amazing.”
Evelyn: What made you reach out to Business Link, and what came out of it?
Nancy: I first discovered Business Link through the Canada Digital Adoption Program grant back in 2024. Someone I knew posted about it on LinkedIn, and I decided to apply. That opened the door to a lot of support I didn’t even realize was available.
Since then, I’ve been working with Business Link Strategists to improve my website, streamline the client experience, and prepare for SEO. They’ve helped me refine both the technical side and the messaging, which has been so valuable. As a solopreneur, it’s hard to manage everything alone, so having expert guidance without any added cost has been wonderful.
“I’m stepping out from behind the brand and really owning my voice and my work.”
Evelyn: What’s on the horizon for Centered? Are there any exciting projects, goals, or upcoming changes you’re looking forward to?
Nancy: Over the past year, I’ve transitioned from operating under the brand “Centered” to working under my own name. That’s been both a personal and professional shift, stepping out from behind the brand and really owning my voice and my work.
I’m also moving from one-on-one work to more one-to-many opportunities, especially in corporate settings. The goal is to reach more people with these tools. The more people who learn to respond with clarity instead of reactivity, the better off we all are.
“Entrepreneurship will be the most challenging personal growth seminar you’ve ever been to, but it also is so rewarding.”
Evelyn: What advice would you give to someone just starting their business?
Nancy: Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster. It will challenge you in unexpected ways and bring up all kinds of doubts and decisions. But it’s also deeply rewarding. It helps you discover the essence of what you’re meant to offer the world. When you find the right way to share it, the impact can be transformational, both for others and for yourself.
Nancy’s story is a powerful reminder that real change starts from within. When we’re willing to do the inner work, we can create healthier workplaces, relationships, and communities. Whether you’re an individual looking to reduce stress or a team striving for better collaboration, Nancy offers practical, science-backed tools to help you show up as your best self. Learn more at centered.ca.
Running a business on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling marketing, tech, and everything in between. Business Link’s advisors can help lighten the load with free, personalized support to get you moving in the right direction. Book a free one-on-one session today.
Nancy Shadlock
Website: centered.ca
Instagram: @nancyshadlock
Facebook: Nancy Shadlock Life Coaching
LinkedIn: Nancy Shadlock
