Karla Stephens-Tolstoy

Karla is a successful serial entrepreneur who has launched multiple companies and enterprises while guiding start-ups worldwide. As a senior executive in private and public companies, she has been extraordinarily successful in the wireless telecom sector in China, Romania, and the Czech Republic, latterly overseeing 1600+ employees and revenues of $600+ million.

On her return from overseas, Karla started a company that launched 2 mobile apps, which made it to the top of IOS apps in the self-help sector. Karla followed this up with a venture into podcasts. Among her numerous podcasts, she created an investigative 9-part series, ‘Finding Shelley Deroscher’, which ranked in the top 25 podcasts in society and culture for over a year. Karla spent a year tracking down countless leads and doing the podcasts from the localities involved in real-time.

Karla’s new focus is Standupspeakup, a lifestyle brand she launched with her son, Zach, who attends TMU's commerce program. Their company donates 100% of profits back into the community. Most of their products are designed in-house with a focus on hope, healing and gratitude.

Karla is supported by her incredible family, including her husband, two stepsons, and son. She is an animal lover and has three wonderful dogs.

Karla has a BA from McMaster University and a post-graduate diploma in Asian studies.

Karla’s diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer (October 2018) and subsequent spinal surgery (May 2019) have zapped her of some energy but not her determination or spirit to achieve a positive and lasting impact. She continues the finite balance of managing her health with her unwavering commitment to bettering her community and offering guidance to the next generation.