Founders Corner - Jen McParland from The Better Path

This is Founders Corner, a series where we get to know the stories behind local businesses and the founders who started them.

Jen is the founder of The Better Path, a consulting company providing custom workflows, tools and goal road maps for small business owners.

After taking a break from her longtime role of Project Manager in creative agencies, Jen realized her decade of experience in workflow management, inspiring teams and just plain getting it done were applicable outside of agency life.

Jen’s empathetic nature enables her to easily connect with others and build meaningful relationships. Working with Jen makes performance improvement and change not only effective, but also welcomed.

While Jen’s professional acumen and skill is beyond reproach, it’s her adept communication coupled with her sincerity and ardour that really makes Jen great to work with. At her core, she is motivating, supporting, planning and organizing those around her.

Let’s dive into the story of how she got started!

Q: Why did you start your business?

A: At the beginning of the pandemic, I was forced to contemplate what I am most connected to in my work. Supporting individuals to grow and contribute successfully to a team or their business brings me genuine fulfillment.

Q: How did you come up with the idea for The Better Path?

A: Knowing my work experience, one of my friends asked me to help her organize her office, computer systems and processes. Seeing how much value I added to her workflow and systems was eye opening. I realized I could bring my personal knack for organization and professional expertise to other small businesses.

Q: What makes The Better Path unique?

A: Every plan I create is customized. I take the time to connect with each client and learn about their goals and pain points. Solutions I provide are catered to the unique needs of the business and the individual.

I also consider what else the client is responsible for outside of their business. Balance between work and personal life is a growing challenge, especially for small businesses.

Q: What's up next for your company? Or business goals for the next year or so?

A: I'm half way through schooling at UBC to receive an International Coaching Federation accreditation in Organizational Coaching. I hope to expand my service offerings as a Coach by supporting the development and performance of individuals in both business and life, as well as bring positive process and communication to teams.

Q: What is a piece of advice that you would give to another entrepreneur to help them get started on their journey?

A: Use your support network! Early in my business I connected with a handful of friends with varying skill sets to get feedback, brainstorm and trial out my services. The support, reassurance and value they added to my business before it launched was amazing. It allowed me to approach my first clients with self confidence and a strong foundation.

To learn more about Jen and The Better Path, visit her website: https://www.thebetterpath.ca/