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Barbara Stegemann

Celebrated Entrepreneur; Bestselling Author of The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen

Barbara Stegemann's entrepreneurial vision was formed after her best friend was severely wounded in Afghanistan. Understanding that supporting Afghanistan's economy was a key way to help build stability for its people, Barbara created The 7 Virtues Beauty Inc., a company that sources organic oils from Afghanistan, Haiti, and other countries experiencing turmoil, to encourage change and reverse issues of war and poverty. Although Barbara addresses complex global matters, she uses humour to explain in simple terms how individuals can effect change both at home and worlds away. Barbara was a nominee for Chatelaine's Women of the Year 2011 entrepreneur award; received the"Women Innovators" Award from the US State Department; and was named one of Profit's "30 Most Fabulous Entrepreneurs."

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Author & CEO of The 7 Virtues Beauty Inc., Barb Stegemann is proof that every one of us can triumph over adversity and live our dreams. Barb was raised by a single mom on welfare in Rural Nova Scotia and born with a hearing impairment. She educated herself out of poverty and holds degrees in sociology and journalism. She will tell you it's her positive attitude that has lifted her through challenges.

While living in British Columbia running her boutique PR firm advising cities and large clients on strategy and communications, tragedy struck. Her best friend was wounded in Afghanistan. Barb promised him she would support his mission of peace through economic development. She wrote a bestselling book, The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, to empower women (and men) to live with the stoic wisdom men were taught through the centuries. She dedicated the book to her friend. She then launched her fragrance company, bringing the thesis of her book to life; women own the buying power and the voting power and yet we still have issues of war and poverty. Flexing that power to advance ourselves and the world around us is something Barb wants to see all women and men do together.

Her fragrance collection, The 7 Virtues, supports suppliers in countries like Afghanistan and Haiti to rebuild and is in The Bay across Canada. Barb became known to millions of Canadians when she became the first woman from Atlantic Canada to land a venture capital deal on the popular CBC show, Dragons' Den when she was seeking investment to grow her company.

Barb was ranked as one of Profit Guide’s Top 30 Cool & Fabulous Entrepreneurs for 2012, and was nominated by Chatelaine for Women of the Year. She also received the Women Innovator’s Award from the US State Department at the APEC women and the economy summit, hosted by Hillary Rodham Clinton, for her business model that empowers. Barb has opened for keynotes including Erin Brockovich and emceed for Donald Trump and Rudy Guliani. She is also one of the few women in Canada to be an Honorary Colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force with the role of advising the military.

Her update show this year on Dragons' Den ranked her one of the best pitches in the history of show.

1. Philosophical Principles to Success (That Our Mother's Didn't Tell Us.)
2. Living & Leading Philosophically Through The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen (Based on Barb's bestselling book)
3. The Launch of a Fragrance Company: Doing Business That Empowers Others Is The Key To Success
4. International Trade: The Missing Link to Building Peace with Nations Experiencing War or Strife
5. Philosophical Direction: Uncovering Guaranteed Principles To Success

We had the pleasure of having Barb Stegemann as a speaker June, 2011 to wind up our year and she exceeded all expectations. From an organizer's stand point, she was accommodating and easy to work with. We explained our goals and she enthusiastically offered ways she could tailor her speech to make them happen. After we had finalized our arrangements we made an additional request of Barb, asking that she speak at the Deloitte Leading Women's Spring Breakfast while she was in town and she happily complied. Contrary to some speakers who can be prima donnas she was a real contributor, willing to go to all lengths to ensure the success of our program. Agreeing to a second speech in one day made a big day for Barb. She gave a keynote address to over 600 ladies before 8:00am, followed by a book signing and then an hour presentation to another 100 women that afternoon. She was a pro and pulled out all the stops delivering wonderful results to rave reviews in both instances. We had many women tell us that she was the best speaker she had ever heard and another who thought she could make a living as a stand-up comedienne.

Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women Hall of Famers Edward School of Business, University of Saskatchewan Womentorship Talk, June 2010
You were a resounding hit at the Halifax Entrepreneurship Expo!!!! We received a great deal of feedback and attendees shared that they felt you were the best speaker. We were impressed that you were willing to speak at the expo in the morning and that you stayed to answer every attendee's question. Then you showed up positive and full of enthusiasm and nailed your opening talk. Again, audience members told us, in their words, "Barb stole the show!" Your sense of humour and the way you engaged the audience is still buzzing in our community.You really do live your philosophy. You are a woman of action. We will be booking you again and again.

Meeting Professionals International, Atlantic Canada Chapter
I am writing to say thank you for the inspiring talk you gave to the Sobey MBA students as a part of their professional skills development program. The student response was overwhelmingly positive and I have had a number of students approach me to say they thought you were one of the best speakers we ever had in our program. I spoke with the students to find out what resonated most with them and here are some of their comments: "Her positive energy and enthusiasm was very refreshing and I really liked what she had to say." "I was challenged to look at things from a different perspective, through a philosophical lens, and the passion Barb brings to every day life was inspiring." "She was fantastic, one of the best speakers we have had yet." "Thank you for bringing in Barb Stegemann to speak to our class, her honesty and courage to say what people need to hear was a refreshing change of pace and I look forward to her book on philosophical wisdom for men." I know the students join me in expressing our sincere appreciation for your time and contribution to the development of our future leaders.

Graduate Programs Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University
Barb was quite a HIT!!! Everyone at work was talking about how awesome she was today!! The big wigs from Ottawa were meeting with us this afternoon (Heads of Environment Canada Human Resources) and asked about the forum. My colleagues all agreed that she was the highlight of the day. She truly does ROCK!!! We sincerely thank her for continuing to share her amazing story and her gift of JOY!! She truly does inspire!

Federal Government of Canada
On behalf of the organizing committee, we would like to thank Barbara very much for your involvement in our HR Forum on Feb 8th. We have had a lot of positive feedback on her presentation. We really appreciated her humor and key messages, which added to the theme of our event and what we were trying to convey to this audience. We look forward to hearing her again sometime in the future.

NS Federal Council
During a recent Human Resource Community Forum in Nova Scotia, Barb was our key note speaker. She was simply amazing in her ability to connect with Federal employees. Her blend of humour and real life experience demonstrated to us the type of resilience that will become vital during these times of quantum change in the Public Service. I can think of no other speaker capable of hitting the mark so eloquently and so precisely ...thank you Barb for a job well done!

Government Services Canada

January 2008
The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen: A Woman's Guide to Living and Leading in an Illogical World
A timely book for women (and men) seeking direction and leadership for their families, and communities in uncertain times. It reminds us to look for the answers we already have within.

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Barbara Stegemann

Celebrated Entrepreneur; Bestselling Author of The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen

1. Philosophical Principles to Success (That Our Mother's Didn't Tell Us.)

2. Living & Leading Philosophically Through The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen (Based on Barb's bestselling book)

3. The Launch of a Fragrance Company: Doing Business That Empowers Others Is The Key To Success

4. International Trade: The Missing Link to Building Peace with Nations Experiencing War or Strife

5. Philosophical Direction: Uncovering Guaranteed Principles To Success