Today's Read Contributor When Christiane Constantineau was diagnosed with Stage 3C breast cancer in 2019, it could have been the end of the road for her career and her business. However, for this Canadian entrepreneur and renowned business strategist, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter that would redefine success for herself and countless others facing life’s most difficult obstacles.
Christiane’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to holistic wellness. A single mother of two young children, she defied the odds early on in her career by taking on a prestigious international consulting assignment in Cape Town, South Africa. While others questioned her ability to balance motherhood with a high-stakes job, Christiane proved that limitations are often just the starting point for extraordinary achievements.
Her career has spanned five continents, from negotiating multi-million-dollar contracts in Saudi Arabia to advising Canadian broadcasters entering the Chinese market. But it’s not just her international experience or impressive business acumen that sets Christiane apart, it’s her ability to thrive through personal adversity that has truly defined her success.
The Journey Begins
Christiane’s story begins not in the boardroom, but in a small town near Ottawa, where she grew up with dreams bigger than her circumstances. Diagnosed with rheumatic fever as a young woman and told by doctors that she should not have children, Christiane chose motherhood anyway. She became a single mother to two young children and, in her twenties, faced a challenge that many would see as insurmountable.
At a time when many would have settled for a life of limitations, Christiane pushed ahead with an indomitable spirit. Her career took off when she was assigned to Cape Town, where she worked on establishing business frameworks throughout South Africa. It was a milestone that launched her international consulting career, and it was just the beginning of her global impact.
Navigating Health Crises
But it wasn’t until 2019 that Christiane would face her greatest test: a Stage 3C breast cancer diagnosis. She was in the midst of chemotherapy when she asked her husband a question that would change her life: “How would entrepreneurs without my support system manage their business and their lives?”. He told me to share my story by writing a book. It was a simple yet profound question that sparked the realization that Christiane’s experience could be valuable to others facing similar struggles.
Determined to not only survive but thrive, Christiane continued to run her business through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She documented her journey, using it as a platform to share how entrepreneurs can navigate business challenges, even when life seems insurmountable. Her book, Cancer Sucks…: The Journey of an Entrepreneur and Her Fight Against Cancer While Running Her Business became an Amazon bestseller, offering a roadmap for entrepreneurs balancing business with life’s hardest challenges.
Her second book, Manage. Grow. Breathe.: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success Without Burnout, followed suit, resonating deeply with entrepreneurs across the globe who face burnout and stress. Christiane’s message was clear: You don’t have to choose between business success and personal well-being.
The Ikigai Philosophy: A New Business Paradigm
What makes Christiane unique isn’t just her ability to persevere, it’s her philosophy on what truly defines success in business. Through her own battles and experiences, Christiane has come to embody the principles of ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that explores the intersection of passion, mission, profession, and vocation.
She believes that most entrepreneurs burn out because they’re chasing someone else’s definition of success. In her own life, Christiane learned that true entrepreneurial success happens when what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what pays you all intersect perfectly. This isn’t just a feel-good idea; it’s a business strategy that she applies in her work with clients every day.
Proven Leadership in Crisis
What truly sets Christiane apart from her peers in the consulting and CFO space is her unique combination of skills and experience. While most business consultants offer theoretical frameworks, Christiane’s strategies are battle-tested in real-world crises. She has successfully navigated the challenges of running a business as a single mother in international markets, maintained business operations while undergoing cancer treatment, and scaled companies across five continents.
Her leadership through crisis is one of her defining features. Christiane’s clients aren’t just given advice; they are given real-world solutions from someone who has lived through adversity and come out the other side stronger.
Building a Legacy: From Entrepreneur to Mentor
Christiane’s commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship is evident in her business ventures, including 6DT Consulting, which she founded and sold the bookkeeping department to her son in 2023. She didn’t just sell a business, she passed on a legacy. This generational transition is a testament to her long-term vision, demonstrating that successful entrepreneurship can be not only profitable but also sustainable and meaningful for the next generation.
Her commitment to wellness also led her to launch LavaLife Jewelry in 2024, an e-boutique featuring yoga and meditation-inspired lava bead jewelry. The venture was not just another business, it was an extension of her personal philosophy, a product of her journey to integrate mind, body, and spirit into everything she does.
A Holistic Approach to Success
Christiane’s philosophy goes beyond just business, it’s a holistic approach to living. She holds an executive MBA as well as certifications from Harvard X in resilience and happiness management, credentials she has used not only for personal growth but to help her clients build more sustainable and fulfilling businesses. Her approach integrates wellness strategies, resilience training, and mindfulness principles into business planning, setting her apart from other consultants who focus solely on financial metrics.
Her approach to life and business has earned her numerous accolades, including the Top 10 CashFlow Advisor in 2022, Top 100 ProAdvisors of the Year in 2019, and Resilient Business Coach of the Year from WomElle in 2025. These awards are not just a reflection of her expertise, they are a recognition of her ability to lead with integrity, resilience, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business and in life.
What’s Next for Christiane?
As Christiane continues to serve clients as a seasoned CFO and finance manager, she remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. She has dedicated her life to proving that you can achieve business success without sacrificing personal well-being. Her story is not just about surviving, it’s about thriving, even when faced with life’s most difficult challenges.
For entrepreneurs struggling with burnout, health crises, or the pressures of scaling a business, Christiane’s story offers both inspiration and a practical roadmap. Her message is clear: You don’t have to choose between success and well-being. With the right mindset, strategies, and support, you can achieve both.
Are you ready to redefine your own version of success? Visit Christiane Constantineau’s website and explore her books, consulting services, and wellness resources. Learn how to build a business that aligns with your values and thrives through any challenge.
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