en
Canada
Starting a business is never easy, but launching one just before a global pandemic added an extra layer of complexity for Leena Sharma Seth. In 2019, she founded Mending the Chasm, driven by a vision to help organizations foster healthier, more inclusive workplaces. While her expertise in leadership and workplace transformation was undeniable, navigating the business side of entrepreneurship—from financial planning to client acquisition—was an entirely new challenge.
Like many new business owners, Leena faced moments of financial uncertainty, self-doubt, and the constant juggle of professional and family responsibilities. The transition from working within established organizations to running her own consultancy demanded resilience and adaptability. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she had to quickly pivot to a virtual service model, reimagining how to deliver impact in an entirely new landscape.
“The intense hours of building a new business took a toll, leading to occasional burnout as I worked relentlessly to establish Mending the Chasm,” she says. “But each challenge only deepened my dedication to fostering inclusion and belonging in workplaces, a purpose that keeps me going.”
Despite the hurdles, Leena persevered and built a thriving business, partnering with more than 75 clients across North America, spanning healthcare, education, corporate, and non-profit sectors. Grounded in a framework of accountability, resourcing, conflict transformation, social capital, and healing-centered engagement, Mending the Chasm supports teams on a journey of cultural transformation.
However, scaling a business requires more than expertise—it requires access to networks, resources, and buyers who are committed to working with women-owned businesses. That’s where WEConnect International made a difference.
After getting certified by WEConnect International in 2024, Leena gained access to a global network of corporate buyers and fellow women entrepreneurs. Attending high-impact events like the DEFY Conference in Montréal allowed her to build connections with business leaders and potential clients, opening doors to new opportunities. Additionally, WEConnect International’s training programs provided the strategic tools to refine her growth strategy and strengthen her company’s financial foundation.
“WEConnect International has been instrumental in Mending the Chasm’s growth and success, offering invaluable resources and opportunities that have empowered me as a woman-owned business leader,” she says.
Now, as Mending the Chasm expands its reach, Leena is looking ahead to new opportunities, including the launch of an online course in 2025 to make her expertise accessible to a broader audience. She also has her sights set on expanding into the Asia market, where she sees a growing need for workplace transformation services.
For Leena, entrepreneurship has been a journey of learning, adapting, and leveraging the right opportunities. Through WEConnect International, she has not only gained access to buyers—she has gained a global community of support, empowering her to scale her business with confidence.
“Through WEConnect, I’ve gained the knowledge, confidence, and network to thrive as a woman-owned business, transforming challenges into growth opportunities with a community that champions our shared vision for impact.”