Lana Larder, President of Larder Marketing Group, is a seasoned professional deeply committed to promoting ideas, services, and causes with a blend of experience and passion. Specializing in public relations, marketing, sales, and digital media, Lana oversees the entire spectrum from strategic planning to execution, aiming to achieve widespread awareness and sustainable growth.
In her role as president, Lana serves as the guiding force for both her team and clients. The trajectory of their work is shaped by the specific needs and desires of their clients, and Lana is dedicated to ensuring that the direction aligns seamlessly with those requirements. Her greatest source of joy in the daily routine stems from activities like nature walks or gym sessions, and the real highlights come from connecting with her daughter, mother, and close friends—a balance that rejuvenates and centers her.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Lana Larder:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
As the president of Larder Marketing Group, I am passionate about helping my clients grow and don’t stop until our team does this. Our clients are exceeding their goals and growing. I also volunteer. Outside of the workplace, I hike, go to the gym, and enjoy family and pets. This helps me stay balanced. I enjoy traveling and good food. Traveling opens your mind to the world and its endless possibilities.
Describe your background, and what did you do before you joined the company?
Before I founded Larder Marketing Group, I tried many different careers, ranging from working for the railway to fashion design. I never seemed satisfied with my jobs, so as a single mother with an 18-month-old baby, I went to Mount Saint University to take public relations, then Dalhousie for business, and Saint Mary’s University. I graduated when my daughter turned five.
I was raised by a strong single mother. Perseverance was taught early. After graduation, I worked for many industries, from government to businesses and nonprofits, and gained invaluable experience. All of my jobs were in public relations, communications, and marketing. I found I could grow businesses rapidly, and a product-based business became famous in eight months with sales increasing by 250%. For this company, I rebranded, took professional photos, gained extensive media and awards, and established sales and partnerships.
In between all this, I opened a finance company (after self-teaching myself all the different types of investment or financing businesses could access) with an incredible investment partner, Brian Penny. I was passionate about helping women in business, wrote for an investment group focused on women startups in the United Kingdom, and met many rising stars. I was also fortunate to learn about angel investment readiness from one of the leading angel investors in North America in New York. The experience I gained from running a finance business transferred over to my current business, Larder Marketing Group. Many entrepreneurs need capital to grow.
Along my travels, I met many prominent people. I interviewed Margaret Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau’s mother. She is very down-to-earth and kind. I met Mr. Wonderful, Kevin O’Leary; contrary to popular belief, he seemed very friendly.
Opened Larder Marketing Group and won international and national awards. But even more important is that I met some of the most amazing, passionate, and driven business people. I’ve learned so much and am so honored that I get to do what I love to do.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
My passion to help others has made my company successful, as has a do-not-stop attitude until I find a solution. I value kindness, family, friends, and passionate business owners with similar values.
Which are the major services of the company, and how does the company get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
The major services of Larder Marketing Group are branding, graphic design, copywriting, and securing awareness either through publicity or awards. Value-added services include developing and implementing strategic planning for growth and finding capital. A one-stop marketing shop, so to speak.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Innovative ideas are a blessing for streamlining processes and services. New on the scene is AI—it’s good. The verdict is still out on this.
Give us your opinion on whether organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes.
It really doesn’t matter to me if it is an individual hero or a team that finds solutions that make us heroes; we’re all in this world together. Diverse teams bring energy and different ideas.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
If you’re going into a leadership position for the first time, it is very wise to listen—not force your ideas, but really listen to what is going on and find out everyone’s strengths. Then ask for ideas, suggestions, and ways to improve, and then let the magic happen.
