Who is she?
Jennifer Stewart is an Ottawa businesswoman, communications expert and community advocate.
What’s her background?
The mother and wife, graduated from Carleton University’s journalism program and calls herself “a bit of a serial entrepreneur.” She is the CEO of Syntax Strategic, a media and public relations agency. Stewart is also the co-founder of The Honest Talk, a digital platform for women that includes The Honest Talk Podcast, in which she and co-founder Catherine Clark host conversations aimed at inspiring women.
What is she known for in Ottawa?
“At the core, I just like to run businesses that have an impact and work with good people,” Stewart said. In an Ottawa Business Journal article, she revealed, “I love a profit and loss statement. I love a balance sheet. I love forecasting. I love business development.”
However, she did not start with a grand vision or business plan. “I think I’m a bit of an accidental entrepreneur,” she said. Syntax Strategic has gathered a portfolio of high-profile clients including, Export Development Canada, and the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Her love for business, community, and commitment to quality landed her the 2017 Forty Under 40 Award and made her a 2019 Businesswoman of the Year finalist.
What do people say about her?
The co-Founder of The Honest Talk and special adviser to Syntax Strategic, Catherine Clark says, “From the moment I met Jen, I knew that she was the kind of person who gets things done. She’s a remarkable example of someone who has big ideas, and then backs them up with action.”
Working closely with Stewart on The Honest Talk Podcast, Clark gives Stewart credit for being an “incredibly successful entrepreneur, ” and said she admires her “tremendously.”
What’s something people don’t know about her?
Stewart is also the owner of Ottawa Valley Grain Products, a grain mill. Until earlier this year, she was the volunteer chair of The Village of Carp Business Improvement Area. She remains on the board.
Stewart’s mother, Jane Wilson, was a lawyer and judge at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew County.
When it comes to her work-life balance, Stewart said, “[I] don’t need to go 150 per cent at all times.” She is focused on being able to “give what you can when you can.”
