We were lucky to catch up with Ainsley Ericksen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ainsley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

Starting a business often follows a plan, but my first client came from something entirely unexpected—a chance conversation on a flight to a conference. Sitting next to me was a senior leader from a mining firm, passionate about the untapped potential of storytelling in his industry to attract investors. As we delved deeper into the impact of narrative in marketing, he inquired if I knew anyone who could spearhead such an initiative. With a mix of nerves and excitement, I took a deep breath and seized the moment to pitch myself. “I’m starting my own marketing consultancy,” I declared.

By the time we landed, he had given me his business card (I didn’t have one at that point!), and shortly after returning to Vancouver, he reached out on LinkedIn to set up a meeting. I walked into his downtown office with no expectations, only to find his team ready to strategize. I suggested an audit to understand their current standing and a workshop to align our visions, and I was soon drafting a proposal. While I walked out of the room and building calmly, I couldn’t help but perform a cheesy happy dance around the corner—it was the beginning of not just a contract but a flourishing partnership.

This experience reinforced for me the invaluable power of networking and the courage to step into new opportunities. My client’s belief in my ability not only kickstarted my consultancy but also provided a robust foundation for its growth. It was a leap into a new industry, proving the versatility of my skills and the endless possibilities that come with genuine connections.

This journey began ‘backwards,’ but every step has reinforced the rightness of that unplanned meeting. It’s a testament to the magic that can happen when you’re open to possibilities, have the courage to say yes, and leap into challenges head-on.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello Canvas Rebel readers! I’m Ainsley Ericksen, founder of ZenZero Coaching & Consulting. My career path was unexpected—I originally studied physical education in university and then, through a stroke of serendipity, entered the travel and tourism industry. Originally from New Zealand, I’ve lived and worked across the globe, from Australia and the UK to Canada, engaging with markets from North America to APAC and China. These global experiences have broadened my business perspective and fueled my drive to foster growth across various sectors.

Over two decades, I’ve spearheaded market entries, brand development, and digital strategies across industries as varied as mining, the arts, and tourism. But what truly drives me is a passion for nurturing growth—not just in individuals, but also in businesses. This evolution in my career propelled me to establish ZenZero, a coaching & consulting business where we specialize in empowering leaders and being a partner in accelerating growth. What sets ZenZero apart is our approach: personalized, strategic, and deeply committed to your success. At the heart of what we do is this:

At ZenZero, we focus on three core areas:

Empowering Leaders: We coach both aspiring and established leaders to find their voice, assert their influence, and amplify their impact. Our personalized approach helps leaders enhance their communication, develop their leadership style, and expand their visibility within their industries.

Driving Small Business Success: I partner directly with founders and owners to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of their businesses. Our collaborative efforts aim to refine strategic plans, enhance marketing, and secure sustainable growth and a competitive edge.

Mastering Marketing Strategy: For companies with limited resources, we create and execute marketing strategies that connect with their target audience and expand their market reach.

What fills me with pride is seeing the leaders and businesses I work with flourish, realizing their potential and achieving significant milestones. Witnessing the tangible value ZenZero brings to every client.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team effectively and maintaining high morale starts with humility and vulnerability alongside strategic leadership. I genuinely connect with my team members as individuals, valuing their lives outside of work which fosters a strong sense of engagement and builds trust. This human connection is crucial, especially in a world increasingly shifting towards remote work.

You need to consistently and clearly share your vision and develop the roadmap of how to get there with them. Everyone needs to understands how their role contributes to the bigger picture, making work fulfilling.
Celebrating both successes and learning moments regularly helps cultivate a mindset of growth and resilience. Try to foster a ‘failing forward’ environment that encourages growth from every outcome.

From a leadership style perspective I always try to walk alongside my team, ready to assist and only leading from the front when necessary to navigate challenges. Be their coach, champion and cheerleader. Decisiveness is key—take your time to hire right, but be swift and compassionate in making necessary changes.

Ultimately, authenticity and leading by example are paramount—embody the qualities you want to see in your team and maintain open lines of communication to ensure everyone feels supported and integral to the team’s success.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most challenging lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the transition from employee to entrepreneur. As an employee, the structure of my day was largely defined by the organization, making it strangely easier to get out of bed and be motivated when you’re accountable to someone else’s schedule. However, as an entrepreneur, I had to design my structure, which, while exhilarating at first, quickly highlighted the crucial need for self-discipline. There were days in the beginning when it felt like I just wasn’t getting anything done.

This newfound freedom of entrepreneurship was amazing, but the absence of external structure meant I had to master the balance between direct client work and the strategic development of my business. This balance required the focus to shift dynamically between hands-on tasks, business development, and continuous learning for personal and professional growth. It wasn’t just about doing the work; it was about being the architect of the entire operation. A significant mindset change for me.

I’ve learned that discipline involves more than adhering to a schedule—it’s about setting and respecting my own boundaries and timelines. Managing decision fatigue and balancing flexibility with productivity is essential to prevent burnout and maintain momentum. This means knowing when to push forward and when to step back to recharge. And I continue to refine this balance every single day as it is tough to get right!

Fully embracing entrepreneurship has meant coming to terms with how each day is inherently unpredictable and laden with both opportunities and challenges and requires a readiness to wear multiple hats. Unlike the employee role where paths often align with a company’s structured agenda, entrepreneurship requires navigating these without a predefined roadmap. It’s about seizing opportunities that align with my vision and tackling challenges that test my resolve and adaptability. This journey has been about more than managing a business; it’s about leading it, growing with it, and learning from it every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zenzeroconsulting.com
• Instagram: zenzeroconsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ainsleyericksen