Meet Preethi Balasubramanian | Founder & Principal Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Preethi Balasubramanian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Preethi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting Wonder EA really grew out of what I observed throughout my life and career. I grew up in a home where entrepreneurship wasn’t a buzzword—it was just life. My father ran his own business, and my mother anchored the household with consistency and service. From them, I learned that resilience and leadership aren’t about being loud—they’re about choosing to begin again every day, and that success is built on people, not just profits.

When I started working in HR, administration, and executive support, I noticed a pattern: purpose-driven leaders and entrepreneurs often burned out not because they lacked skill or vision, but because they were doing it all themselves. They needed structure, clarity, and support to scale sustainably. That insight sparked Wonder EA—it became a space where I could combine my operational, HR, and coaching expertise to help entrepreneurs reclaim their time, design systems that work, and step confidently into their CEO mindset.

It wasn’t just about creating a business for myself—it was about creating a framework where others could grow without losing heart or balance. I wanted to bring the lessons I’d learned from my parents, my career reinventions, and my own resilience into something tangible that helps others navigate chaos with ease.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My professional life spans two complementary worlds: business and creativity. On one hand, I run Wonder EA, a consulting and coaching practice where I help solopreneurs, coaches, and small business owners move from chaos to sustainable success. Over the years, I’ve partnered with leaders to implement systems, streamline operations, and build teams that allow them to reclaim their time and step confidently into a CEO mindset. What sets me apart is this blend of strategy, hands-on operational expertise, and empathy—helping entrepreneurs grow without burning out, so they can scale with both clarity and heart.

On the other hand, I’m a children’s author. My Mystic India for Kids series retells Hindu mythology in ways that inspire curiosity, courage, and cultural connection for young readers. What excites me here is the chance to make timeless stories accessible and meaningful, nurturing values in the next generation.

My journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve reinvented my career multiple times—working in India, moving to the U.K., returning home, and then relocating to Canada. Each move meant learning new systems, building networks from scratch, and proving myself again. Being let go during organizational restructures could have shaken me, but I learned that resilience isn’t about going back to the same place—it’s about evolving into what’s next.

The key lessons I’ve carried forward are that success is built on people and purpose, not just processes, and that systems and support are what allow both businesses and people to flourish sustainably. My goal with Wonder EA—and with my writing—is to create impact with heart: helping leaders and families feel grounded, supported, and empowered to grow.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a week that really captures what I love most about living here — the blend of culture, family-friendly adventures, great food, and the kind of nature that instantly resets your mind.

We’d start downtown because Toronto has an energy that pulls you right in. A walk through the Harbourfront, a stop at the CN Tower (even if you’ve been a dozen times, it still feels iconic), and then over to Little Canada. Little Canada is always a favourite — it gives a beautifully detailed miniature tour of the entire country, and kids and adults love it equally. My kids get such a kick out of spotting landmarks, and honestly, so do I.

From there, we’d spend a day exploring the Toronto Islands. It’s one of my favourite spots — calm, scenic, with beaches, and views that make you forget you’re still in a big city. If the weather is good, I’d add Rouge Beach or one of the quieter beaches along Scarborough’s waterfront. I love places where the kids can run around freely and the adults can breathe a bit deeper.

Food is always a big part of any visit, and Scarborough and Toronto make that wonderfully easy. I’m vegetarian, but the options are endless. We’d hop between different cuisines — fragrant South Indian dosas one day, comforting Italian pasta the next, and maybe some of the incredible Chinese spots around town where there’s always a vegetarian version of something delicious. Toronto’s diversity really shines through its food.

If we had more time — maybe a long weekend within the week — I’d definitely plan a trip to the Rockies. Banff and Jasper are magical, almost otherworldly. The mountains, the turquoise lakes, the silence… it’s the kind of place that reminds you how small you are and how beautiful life can be. It’s also perfect for families — gentle hikes, scenic drives, and enough photo-worthy spots to fill a whole gallery.

And because I’m a very family-centered person, the itinerary would always include a balance of fun for the kids, a little nature therapy, and a few relaxed indoor stops where we can unwind, talk, and just enjoy being together.

So in my view, the best Toronto trip blends the heart of the city with the calm of nature, celebrates its multicultural food scene, and makes space for connection — which, for me, is what truly makes any trip memorable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a big shoutout to the people and communities who’ve shaped my journey. First, my family—my parents, who taught me resilience and leadership by example; my husband, who’s been a constant partner in both life and work; my kids, who inspire me every day; and my brother, whose support has always been steady.

I also want to recognize the leaders I’ve supported over the years, as well as the incredible teams and colleagues I’ve worked alongside—they’ve taught me so much about collaboration, trust, and execution. Beyond work, the communities I’m part of—like the Canadian Association of Administrative Professionals, broader HR networks, parent groups, and school and kids’ activity councils—have been sources of mentorship, learning, and connection.

Every one of these people and groups has contributed to where I am today. Their guidance, encouragement, and collaboration have been invaluable, and I’m grateful to honor them in this shoutout.

Website: https://wonderea.my.canva.site/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/preethi-balasubramanian/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyZXWbaLGycyFNIIeoTujUTjWXjsnBBLz&si=WfUjXmttehCfTOr_