The CEO Who Ran Her Business Through Chemo, And Turned It Into a Bestseller

NATIONWIDE - DECEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) In 2019, Christiane Constantineau, a Canadian entrepreneur and CEO, faced the ultimate test: a diagnosis of Stage 3C breast cancer. It was a devastating blow, but not one that would deter her entrepreneurial spirit. Instead of stepping back, Christiane did something few would ever consider, she ran her business through chemotherapy and turned her incredible journey into an Amazon bestseller.

Her story is more than just about surviving cancer; it’s about thriving under the harshest circumstances. Christiane’s resilience is a testament to what’s possible when unwavering commitment to both business and personal well-being intersect.

A Journey from Adversity to Global Impact

Christiane’s career began with a fierce determination to defy the odds. Diagnosed with rheumatic fever at a young age and advised by doctors not to have children, Christiane chose motherhood anyway, raising two sons as a single mother. Her journey to success began in a small town near Ottawa but quickly expanded to an international scale, including a groundbreaking year-long assignment in Cape Town, South Africa.

While many would see the challenges of single motherhood in a foreign country as insurmountable, Christiane embraced them, laying the foundation for a career in international consulting. This experience ignited a passion for helping businesses navigate complex challenges, ultimately leading to the establishment of her companies, Turbulence Consulting Group and 6DT Consulting.

Her work with 6DT Consulting, a cloud-based bookkeeping firm, skyrocketed, and by 2023, she sold the company to her son, proving that success can transcend generations. Christiane’s ability to build businesses in high-stakes environments, from international markets in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Chile, Sweden, and Australia, sets her apart in the competitive world of business consultancy.

The Turning Point: A Cancer Diagnosis That Changed Everything

In 2019, just months before the global onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christiane was diagnosed with Stage 3C breast cancer. While the world around her was shutting down, her business needed to continue.

Christiane’s husband asked her a profound question: “How would entrepreneurs without your support system manage their business and their lives?” That simple inquiry sparked a transformative moment for her. Christiane realized that she had a responsibility, not just to her business or her clients, but to other entrepreneurs struggling with their own challenges. She couldn’t keep the lessons she was learning to herself.

Rather than succumbing to the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment, she took her experience to the page, documenting her struggles, triumphs, and the ways in which she maintained her business. The result was her first book, Cancer Sucks...: The Journey of an Entrepreneur and Her Fight Against Cancer While Running Her Business, which became an Amazon bestseller.

The book resonated deeply with entrepreneurs facing their own personal battles, offering a roadmap for how to manage business and health crises simultaneously. Christiane proved that true entrepreneurial success isn’t just about numbers, it’s about resilience, strategy, and a refusal to give up, no matter the obstacle.

A Business Philosophy Built on Resilience and Wellbeing

While most business consultants rely on conventional frameworks, Christiane has a different approach. She blends strategic business planning with wellness philosophies, including the concept of ikigai, a Japanese principle that emphasizes finding purpose by aligning what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

For Christiane, ikigai isn’t just a feel-good idea; it’s the foundation of her business philosophy. She believes that many entrepreneurs burn out because they are chasing a definition of success that isn’t their own. By embracing what she truly values, family, wellness, and business success, Christiane teaches others to do the same, integrating her expertise in resilience, happiness management, and holistic business practices.

Her certifications from Harvard X in resilience and happiness management further demonstrate her commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship. These aren’t just academic credentials, these tools shape every decision she makes, both for herself and her clients.

Leading by Example: The Multi-Generational Legacy

Christiane’s legacy is also tied to her ability to build businesses that are designed to last. Her successful transition of 6DT Consulting to her son was not a retirement plan, but rather a testament to the enduring power of building something that aligns with one’s values.

By ensuring that her business had transferable value and sustainability, Christiane not only secured her family’s future but also created a roadmap for other entrepreneurs. She continues to work with clients globally, providing CFO services and business direction while remaining an active part of the next generation of entrepreneurs.

What Makes Christiane Different?

Christiane stands apart from her competitors because of the real-world experiences that inform her work. While many business consultants can provide theoretical frameworks, Christiane’s unique advantage is that she has lived through the kind of crises that most entrepreneurs hope they’ll never face. From navigating business operations while battling a life-threatening illness to managing international contracts in high-risk markets, Christiane’s strategies have been tested in the most extreme conditions.

Her clients gain not only a trusted business advisor but also a mentor who understands the human side of entrepreneurship, how to thrive in business while navigating personal challenges. Christiane’s approach goes beyond financial success; it’s about building a life and a business that are sustainable, fulfilling, and resilient.

Take the Next Step with Christiane

Christiane Constantineau’s journey is proof that with the right mindset and strategies, any obstacle can become an opportunity. Her story offers entrepreneurs a playbook for surviving, and ultimately thriving, in the face of adversity.

For those looking to build a successful business while maintaining balance in their lives, Christiane’s approach is a game-changer. Learn more about her work, her books, and her services by visiting christianeconstantineau.com or connecting with her on LinkedIn.

Don’t just survive, thrive through anything.