The legal blind spot costing women founders $$$
Sep 18, 2025
Today’s episode is one I wish I’d had in year one of business. I sat down with Andrea Henry, an incredible Canadian business lawyer and strategist, to talk about the real legal foundations women founders need—without the jargon or intimidation.
If you’ve ever wondered “Do I even have intellectual property?” or “What contracts do I actually need?”… this is your episode.
Here’s what we dig into:
- What counts as IP (it’s more than you think): your frameworks, course materials, onboarding docs, trainings, spreadsheets—assets you can license, certify, or sell.
- Protecting your “secret sauce”: the simple difference between trademark, copyright, patent, and trade secrets (and why contracts often go further than registrations).
- Collab without chaos: the #1 legal blind spot Andrea sees is collaborations with nothing in writing—who owns what, how profits are used, what happens if things go sideways.
- Build an exitable business: even if you never plan to sell, creating assets (programs, licenses, certifications) gives your business value beyond your personal delivery.
- Advisors who explain: you deserve a lawyer/coach/accountant who educates and empowers you—clarity is kind and profitable.
One small action this week:
Pick ONE relationship in your business (client, contractor, collaborator) and make sure you have a clear, current contract. If that made your stomach drop, you’re not alone—and this episode will help.
