Harleen Laroia on Leadership, Wellness, and Building with Purpose

Yesterday was International Women's Day, and today we're continuing that celebration by spotlighting an incredible woman who is building businesses, creating impact, and empowering communities. In this special Entrepreneur Spotlight episode of Control and Compound, Christina sits down with Harleen Laroia.

Harleen, a visionary CEO, spearheads a renowned childcare and Montessori brand with twelve facilities in Ontario. Driven by her children's needs, she transitioned from the corporate world to founding her own childcare brand with a unique offering of Montessori and play-based under one roof. SimplySmart Childcares provide employment for over 235 people in Ontario, with 99.9% being women.

Inspired by her daughter's birth, Harleen ventured personally into taking care of her health and finally is the Director of the two OsteoStrong facilities in Oakville & Toronto. Here, she empowers individuals of all ages and fitness levels to enhance their bone health and overall well-being, aiming to defy age-related limitations.

Harleen's leadership embodies a deep commitment to promoting well-being and empowering individuals. Her journey reflects a passion for creating positive change personally and within communities.

Under Harleen's leadership, the Childcare & Montessori establishment sets a high standard for nurturing children and providing a robust educational foundation. Meanwhile, the Osteostrong facility serves as a symbol of prioritizing health and revolutionizing fitness ideologies. Harleen's vision transcends conventional norms, emphasizing inner strength and resilience. This facility accommodates individuals aiming to enhance bone health and physical capabilities, reflecting Harleen's holistic approach to well-being. Now she is embarking on an adventure in 2026 launching the Mura CircleTM which will enable us to become more conscious parents and aware of how we show up to raise the next generation and in our relationships.

In essence, Harleen's entrepreneurial journey, fueled by her children's needs and personal experiences, encompasses childcare, education, relationships and a dedication to holistic health, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities.

This episode dives into entrepreneurship, leadership, wellness, parenting, and legacy — and what real strength actually looks like in business and life. If you've ever faced self-doubt, struggled to balance career and family, or wondered what it takes to build something meaningful, this conversation will resonate.

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

00:22 - Meet Harleen Laroia and the story behind SimplySmart

01:16 - From corporate telecom career to entrepreneurship

02:03 - Building businesses from personal need

03:16 - The impact SimplySmart had on families and children

04:54- Leadership lessons from scaling multiple businesses

06:23 - Why empowerment and trust matter more than control

07:16 - Working on the business vs in the business

08:26 - The leadership structure that helped her scale

10:31 - Entrepreneurship, stress, and women's health

13:40 - Longevity vs healthspan and the importance of wellness

16:31 - Barriers women face in business

18:30 - Why successful leaders don't take things personally

20:02 - Overcoming self-doubt and investing in personal growth

26:56 - Mirror Circle and conscious parenting

31:43 - Lightning round + final leadership insights

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