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In this episode, Eric Saumure welcomes Monique Goffinet, seasoned board leader and governance expert, for an energizing and insightful conversation about board leadership, governance trends, and how business owners can use board involvement to grow professionally. Monique shares the realities of board service, demystifies common misconceptions, and dives into leadership lessons from her years as a CEO and board member. From emotional intelligence to modern succession planning and the "three Cs" of leadership, this episode is packed with practical insights for business owners looking to sharpen their strategic edge and contribute more effectively in board environments.

Whether you're thinking of joining your first board or already serve on one, this conversation will reshape how you view governance and leadership in today's fast-paced world.

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Overview

01:56 – Misunderstood Roles of Board Members

06:16 – What Is Role Creep in Governance?

07:50 – Boardroom Dynamics and Entrepreneurial Grit

10:30 – Leadership Training and Real-World Lessons

14:11 – Outdated Governance Ideas and Succession Challenges

18:14 – The Risks of Rigid Bylaws and Outdated Board Culture

22:26 – Founder-to-Chair Transitions and Power Balance

27:08 – High-Growth Environments and CEO Vision Alignment

32:12 – The Three C’s: Communication, Compromise, and Consensus

38:45 – Emotional Intelligence in the Boardroom

41:39 – Boards Aren’t Just for Retirement Anymore

44:14 – Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned

50:49 – Board Experience in Nonprofits and Public Sector

53:38 – Staying Connected and Final Thoughts

Monique Goffinet, MA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-goffinet-ma-a1754395/

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Today, Eric sits down with Albert Labelle, partner at PearTree and a pro in strategic philanthropy.

Albert breaks down flow-through shares—a powerful but often overlooked tax strategy that can help small business owners and individuals boost their charitable giving while lowering after-tax costs. They dive into how flow-through shares work, the tax advantages for Canadian donors, and how PearTree helps make it all happen. Albert also clears up common concerns around compliance and explains how to spot legitimate donation strategies.

If you’re looking to give smarter and make a bigger impact, this episode’s for you.

00:00 Intro
00:51 Meet Albert Labelle
02:17 What are Charity Flow-Through Shares?
02:56 Donating Appreciated Securities
04:38 PearTree’s Role in Changing the Game
06:42 Tax Benefits Explained
09:57 How to Donate with PearTree
15:16 Compliance & Risk
23:24 Alternative Minimum Tax Strategies
39:56 Wrap-Up & Resources

Albert Labelle, MFA-P, Partner, PearTree Canada
https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertlabellejr/
https://peartreefinserv.com

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This special episode is part of the Podcasthon initiative, a global movement harnessing the power of podcasts to drive conversations around important causes. Podcasthon brings together creators, thought leaders, and change-makers to amplify voices that matter. Learn more at Podcasthon’s website.

Meet Robert Rhéaume, Board Chair of the Montfort Foundation. He shares his pride in the community-funded Mental Health Emergency Zone (MHEZ) and the Montfort Hospital’s vital role in multilingual patient care, medical research, and healthcare training. Robert discusses their recent fundraising successes for mental health and inspiring donor stories, highlighting the community’s crucial role in the hospital’s success.

0:00 Introduction to the Special Episode
0:44 The Importance of Montfort Hospital
1:35 Meet Robert Rhéaume
2:57 Montfort's Unique Services and Impact
6:28 Donor Stories and Contributions
23:12 Future Goals and Fundraising Initiatives
34:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

Robert Rhéaume
https://montfortfoundation.ca/administration/m-robert-rheaume/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-c-rhéaume-fcpa-fca-b0803210/

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In this episode, Eric chats with David Burden, Director of Sales and Biz Dev at Arketek, a leading Salesforce consultancy. David drops some great tips on smart sales strategies, using tech to grow your biz, and avoiding common small business pitfalls. They cover everything from the (fading) future of cold email to how AI and automation are changing the sales game. Plus, David shares practical ways small businesses can streamline their sales process and use CRM data to find more ideal customers. Packed with useful insights for anyone looking to scale smarter.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:42 Common Sales Mistakes in Small Businesses
03:44 The Future of Cold Email and Sales Strategies
05:37 AI and Automation in Sales
07:50 Automating Small Business Operations
10:30 Choosing the Right CRM
14:12 Building a Sales Playbook
17:29 The Value of Adding Value in Sales
18:37 Tracking Sales Metrics for Small Business Owners
19:10 Leveraging Customer Lifetime Value
21:39 Competing with Big Businesses
22:12 The Importance of Local Networking
25:03 Architect's Elevator Pitch
26:41 Future Trends in Sales and Business Technology
32:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

David Burden, CSP, Arketek

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-burden1/
https://arketek.ca/

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In this episode, Eric sits down with Shawn Stratton from Schooley Mitchell, a business optimization pro who helps small businesses cut costs—on average by 28%—without sacrificing quality. 

Drawing on his background as an expedition leader, speaker, and author, Shawn shares practical tips on auditing expenses and negotiating better rates on things like telecom, waste, and merchant services. He breaks down common myths around cost-cutting and explains how Schooley Mitchell handles the heavy lifting so business owners can save without extra hassle. 

It's a must-listen for anyone looking to boost profits and free up cash for growth.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:41 Identifying Unnecessary Expenses
02:50 Telecom Cost-Saving Strategies
06:17 Sculley Mitchell's Process and Services
13:01 Technology Trends and Cost Management
15:24 International Client Insights
17:34 Understanding Competitor Pricing
17:59 Overcoming Pushback and Skepticism
18:25 The Importance of Cost Savings
18:56 Revenue Growth vs. Cost Reduction
19:52 Negotiating with Vendors
20:54 Challenges in Collecting Financial Data
25:33 Identifying Low-Hanging Fruit for Cost Reduction
26:07 Avoiding Common Billing Pitfalls
28:10 Evaluating Major Operating Expenses
30:06 The Role of Salaries in Cost Management
32:12 Risk-Free Cost Audits
33:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Shawn Stratton
https://www.schooleymitchell.com/office/sstratton/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnstratton/

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In this episode of the Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric welcomes Tara Robertson, a senior accountant at Zenbooks.  Tara shares valuable insights on business taxation, her journey in the industry, and even some tax horror stories. They discuss the critical role tax accountants play, share tips for small business owners, and address common myths about business taxes in Canada. 

0:30 Introducing Tara Robertson: A Journey in Accounting 
1:34 The Cyclical Nature of Tax Season 
4:08 Tax Horror Stories and Lessons Learned 
6:59 Saving Clients Money 
10:43 Unexpected Deductions and Client Conversations 
14:15 Advice for Small Business Owners 
20:10 Managing Stress and Fostering Team Spirit 
23:33 Future Tax Changes to Watch Out For 
25:50 The Importance of Professional Help 
27:10 Tara's Interests 
28:31 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 

Tara Robertson  
tara.Robertson@zenbooks.ca 
linkedin.com/in/tararobertsonaccountant 

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Steve Parr shares his journey from founding and selling a vacation rental company to starting his own law firm, Parr Business Law. In this episode, he breaks down the essentials of business succession planning. Steve highlights why it’s so important to have a solid business structure, clear legal agreements, and backup plans in place for the unexpected. After all, every business partnership ends eventually—it’s just a matter of when.  

0:22 Introducing Steve Parr 
5:00 Key Legal Steps for Small Business Owners 
10:41 Estate Planning for Business Owners 
15:03 Business Succession Planning 
19:55 Trusts in Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts 
21:30 Alter Ego Trusts 
22:38 Estate Planning & Life Insurance 
27:02 Legal Trends and Compliance 
30:45 High Growth Business Challenges 
34:11 Common Client Experiences 
37:02 Final Thoughts and Contact Info 

Steve Parr  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveaparr 
https://www.parrbusinesslaw.com/ 
https://www.youtube.com/@parrbusinesslaw 

Send us a text

In this episode, Eric interviews Kayla Rochkin, the Chief Growth Officer at Bond Bakery Brands. Bond acquires family and founder-run bakeries without succession plans, helping them continue their legacy. Kayla dishes on everything from keeping quality top-notch to building a company culture that’s as warm and welcoming as fresh bread. She also shares tips on getting that B Corp certification and how to balance profits with purpose. 

0:28 Introductions 
2:20 Bond Bakery Brands 
4:10 Portofino Bakery 
11:30 B Corp Certification Journey 
19:30 Carbon Reduction Initiatives 
20:06 Flour Silos 
25:27 Competing with Industry Giants 
29:54 Consumer Trust 
32:30 Advice for Small Businesses 
36:58 Final Thoughts 

Kayla Rochkin, Chief Growth Officer at Bond Bakery Brands  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylarochkin/ 

Portofino Bakery  
https://www.portofinobakery.ca/ 

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Drew Millington is the co-founder of Nmbr, Canada’s first embedded payroll provider. With deep expertise in SaaS and startups, Drew offers insights into key metrics that startups and small businesses should monitor, including the distinction between regrettable and non-regrettable churn. As a sales guru who has successfully scaled multiple tech startups, Drew shares invaluable advice on optimizing sales processes and effectively pitching to investors. 

0:00 Introduction
0:40 Drew’s biography
3:30 Payroll software
4:38 Tracking sell-through
6:55 Sales process
12:18 Marketing for success
16:20 AI and creativity
17:22 Operations side of scaling
22:00 Handling competition
25:00 Pitching to investors
33:30 Pivotal decisions in Drew’s career
40:00 Connect with Drew

Drew Millington  
linkedin.com/in/drewmillington 
https://www.nmbr.co/ 

Send us a text

Shrad Rao is the CEO of Wagepoint, a payroll software designed for small businesses in Canada. The company, known for its friendly team, aims to make payroll simpler and less intimidating. Wagepoint serves over 25,000 customers and processes payroll for more than 200,000 employees each month. Under Shrad’s leadership, the company has grown to over 100 employees and is committed to diversity and inclusion. Shrad prioritizes a human-first approach and focuses on finding smarter solutions rather than working harder. He dismisses the concept of a "bias for action" and remains focused on customer needs and solving problems, without getting distracted by competition or trends in the marketplace.  

0:23 Welcoming Shrad 
4:25 Child-like VS Childish 
7:45 Simplify, simplify, simplify 
11:57 Elevator example 
15:25 Wealthsimple 
16:36 Background as financial analyst 
20:25 Facing competitors 
33:30 Equal partnerships 
36:45 Navigating change in FinTech 
43:08 Proudest accomplishment 
46:25 WageFest 

Shrad Rao, CEO Wagepoint 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shradrao/ 
https://www.wagepoint.com/ 

WageFest—https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/
1FAIpQLSfgzlA0YU2EE3K9_exCvXsCJ_GHv13SKKHFL4pMCTVkdibf8w/viewform 

Send us a text

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business acquisitions with Brian Lee Shields, a seasoned business development and acquisition expert based in LA. With 15 years of experience, Brian has a rich background in private equity and has been involved in over $4 billion worth of investments across more than 15 industries. Listeners will gain valuable insights into business restructuring, turnaround strategies, and managing burnout.

Brian and Eric cover a range of crucial topics including:

• Understanding the fit for business buyers
• Navigating cash flow investment deals
• Building and maintaining a strong company culture
• Conducting thorough due diligence

Brian also shares practical advice for first-time business buyers, emphasizing the importance of:

• Partnering with a stellar business partner
• Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses
• Examining 100 similar deals before making a decision

Tune in to learn from Brian's extensive experience and gain actionable tips to help you succeed in the world of business acquisitions.

0:00 Intro
4:14 First acquisitions
10:25 Integration, leadership, organizational development
15:00 Tripling the value of a company
18:50 Striking a deal
22:40 Strategies to improve business
29:00 Doing due diligence
36:30 Advice to first-time business buyers
40:15 Business partner
42:10 Get Connected

Brian Lee Shields 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianleeshields/
BrianLeeShields.com

Resources Mentioned 
www.bizbuysell.com

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Alex Hadjisophocleous is a fee-only/advice-only financial planner at Forest Financial Planning Inc., helping individuals and business owners grow wealth through financial literacy. His unbiased advice is a refreshing contrast to financial advisors who charge substantial annual fees, particularly in Canada. In this episode, he shares a wealth of financial wisdom, including tips on insurance, paying installments, and how to withdraw a salary or pay yourself in a small business. He also shares his insights on the future direction of the financial planning industry.

0:00 Intro 

0:55 Conversation begins 

4:50 Financial advice to small business owner 

12:00 Strategies to grow a business 

22:35 Debt, Loans, Investing

25:00 Planning for an unpredictable future 

29:15 Trajectory of financial service industry

32:30 Financial education 

38:05 Alex’s course “Simplify and Grow”

41:20 Closing Advice 

Alex Hadjisophocleous

·         https://forestfinancialplanning.ca/

·         https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hadjisophocleous-cfa-cfp-mba-b24aaa57/

Resource Mentioned

·         https://onfe-rope.ca/our-work/ottawa-volunteers-in-education/

Send us a text

What are the key attributes of a polished brand? To tackle this question, Eric invites Robert Smith for an insightful conversation on branding. Robert, a branding expert, Adjunct Professor, author, and Chief Creative Officer at Greenmelon Inc, has a wealth of experience in crafting successful brand identities. Having worked with numerous major companies in Canada, Robert prioritizes frequency, consistency, and quality in his approach. He shares invaluable tips and advice tailored for small businesses venturing into brand building. Throughout their discussion, they delve into topics such as logos, timelines, competition, creativity, and AI. 

0:00 Intro 

1:00 Conversation begins 

3:40 Remove “like"

5:00 Frequency, consistency, quality 

10:44 Outsourcing branding and consulting 

13:45 Budget and commitment

16:35 The issue with AI 

21:00 When to invest in branding 

25:18 Lasting logos 

27:40 Competition, disruption, colors 

30:30 Value of branding 

36:40 Stop Looking For Zebras 

40:10 Creativity 

42:40 What’s next 

44:02 Get connected 

Robert Smith  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greenmelonrobert/

http://www.greenmelon.com

https://www.think-smith.com/

Stop Looking for Zebras

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stop-looking-for-zebras-robert-b-smith/1144315674

Send us a text

Growing and scaling a small business takes strategy, innovation, and above all, great leadership. Zach Montroy, the Founder & CEO of The Intention Collective—a group of consultants specializing in small business growth and scaling—is a Harvard-educated strategist focusing on organizational psychology and development. In this lively discussion, they delve into team motivation, vision, values, goals, and systems. In an unpredictable world, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, how often should you revisit your business strategy? Zach suggests it’s helpful to have no more than four values and to continually build trust internally within your team. He also emphasizes the value of personal coaching and therapy, sharing insights from his own entrepreneurial journey.

0:00 Intro 
0:53 Conversation begins 
6:40 Motivating and aligning a team 
8:40 Be vulnerable 
10:20 Flexible strategy 
13:00 On effective leadership 
16:20 Personal VS business values 
23:00 Trust is a bank account 
26:24 Entrepreneurial journey 
31:50 Importance of coach and therapist 
32:25 Advice to younger self 
33:26 What’s next and final thoughts 
35:13 Get connected 

Zach Montroy 
https://intentioncollective.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharymontroy

Resource Mentioned
 https://leadershipcircle.com/leadership-assessment-tools/leadership-circle-profile/
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown

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Starting a small business involves various legal considerations, many of which can be conveniently addressed online. Shane Murphy, the CEO of Ownr, brings a legal background to the table and shares his entrepreneurial journey, including successfully starting and later having his business acquired by its major competitor. Ownr, an all-in-one platform, has assisted more than 125,000 small businesses in their initial stages by facilitating tasks such as registration and incorporation and provides ongoing support for routine legal needs. Scaling up your “side hustle’ and making your business ideas official doesn't need to be excessively costly or complex.


0:00 Teaser 
1:06 Conversation 
3:38 Entrepreneurial journey 
7:50 Technology and small businesses
15:36 Legal considerations 
29:36 Past as a lawyer 
32:10 Acquisition with Ownr
36:10 What’s next 
38:28 Get connected 
40:04 Outro 

Resources mentioned
https://www.ownr.co/blog

Shane Murphy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanepatrickmurphy/

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Small businesses should not shy away from new technology, but rather use it as a secret tool to drive  employee and customer satisfaction and engagement. Jeremy Irving is the Managing Director and Senior Technical Analyst of  IC 360 Solutions, a technology firm that helps small businesses. He is also a certified PMP (project management professional) and a cloud technology and digital transformation expert, with over twenty years of hands-on IT experience. Today, he shares his insights on cybersecurity, ChatGPT, Microsoft versus G-Suite, his personal views on work-life balance, and much more.  
 
0:00 Teaser 
1:10 Interview with Jeremy 
8:10 Cloud solutions and security 
12:56 Prevalence of cyber attacks 
14:35 How can small businesses protect themselves 
16:50 Microsoft VS G-suite 
20:12 Leading with objectives 
25:26 Design first, engineer second 
25:46 Benefits and issues of AI 
31:20 In-house VS outsourcing 
34:40 Work-life balance 
43:46 Get connected 
44:37 Outro 


Jeremy Irving  
linkedin.com/in/jeremyirving 
https://www.ic360.ca/ 
https://twitter.com/ic360solutions 

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Employee retention is crucial for small businesses, and providing benefits to alleviate financial worries  can be instrumental in avoiding turnover. Gren Austin serves as the Head of Wealthsimple Work, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Wealthsimple's Group Retirement Business. In a conversation with Eric, Gren delves into the distinctions between group pensions and RSPs, emphasizes a client-first approach, and highlights the diverse range of services that Wealthsimple offers.

0:00 Teaser 
0:57 Interview begins
2:36 Client-first approach
6:05 Human VS robot 
7:50 Expanding into crypto and trading
11:35 Education, savings, investing 
12:55 Group pensions VS RSP’s 
18:05 Retention and turnover 
20:33 Help employees manage their money 
23:30 Cost of group retirement benefits 
28:38 How does it work 
32:50 Wealthsimple Tax 
36:20 Areas of focus 
39:10 Get connected 
39:50 Outro 

Gren Austin
linkedin.com/in/grenaustin
https://twitter.com/GrenAustin

Study referenced
https://www.benefitscanada.com/news/bencan/employees-financial-stress-costing-employers-40bn-
in-2022-survey/

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In this episode our guest, Ange unpacks the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its multi-dimensional influence on interactions within teams. Emotionally intelligent leadership is revealed as a catalyst for trust, collaboration, and innovation, fostering a culture that drives small business success.

Small business owners are offered practical strategies to harness the power of emotions, bolster team cohesion, and maximize productivity. Self-awareness emerges as a pivotal factor, underlining the importance of recognizing one's emotions in nurturing emotional intelligence. Additionally, the discussion touches on the significance of emotional resilience in overcoming challenges and setbacks.

Ange provides insights into tools and techniques for assessing and improving EI within teams, citing real-world success stories to inspire businesses looking to transform their cultures.

As the episode concludes, Ange leaves listeners with the encouragement to embrace emotional intelligence as a growth accelerator, offering a fresh perspective on leadership and team dynamics. Don't miss this insightful journey into the role of emotions in small business success on "Small Business Big Insights.

This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and Emdash

00:00 - 00:20 Introduction

The transcription begins with an introduction, setting the stage for the conversation about emotional intelligence, leadership, and personal development.

00:20 - 00:23:54 Emotional Intelligence Overview (Ange)

Ange discusses emotional intelligence (EI), mentioning that it consists of four quadrants and has subcategories. They emphasize the importance of understanding EI and mention that it can be developed by up to 20% in one year.

00:23:54 - 00:25:16 Application of Emotional Intelligence (Eric)

Eric acknowledges the quantification of EI growth and discusses how EI development can benefit personal life, not just the workplace.

00:25:16 - 00:26:55 Whole Person Performance (Ange)

Ange emphasizes the concept of whole person performance, highlighting that personal and professional aspects are interconnected.

00:26:55 - 00:28:49 Developing Teams with EI (Eric)

Eric asks about developing teams using emotional intelligence, leading to Ange's explanation of the role of leaders in promoting EI and the importance of celebrating small wins.

00:28:49 - 00:30:07 Impact of EI on Addiction (Ange)

The discussion shifts to the relationship between emotional intelligence and addiction, with Ange explaining how low EI and self-esteem can contribute to addiction.

00:30:07 - 00:32:02 Coaching vs. Therapy (Eric)

Eric inquires about the difference between coaching and therapy, leading to Ange discussing their approaches. They highlight that coaching focuses on assisting individuals in setting and achieving goals.

00:32:02 - 00:33:20 Starting a Coaching Practice (Ange)

Ange shares their experience of starting a coaching practice shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic and how the shift to online coaching brought unexpected opportunities.

00:33:20 - 00:35:00 Future Projects (Eric)

Eric asks about Ange's future projects, leading to a discussion of their plans for scaling the coaching practice and creating an AI emotionally intelligent coach.

00:35:00 - 00:35:47 Leadership Cohorts (Ange)

Ange introduces leadership cohorts designed to help individuals at various stages of their leadership journey.

00:35:47 - 00:36:57 The Importance of EI (Eric)

Eric asks if there are any other important aspects to discuss, prompting Ange to stress that every organization, regardless of size, can benefit from impleme

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Managing people for YOUR small business, join me with guest Andrea Bartlett, she has been Vice-President of People at Humi for 3 years. In this episode we talk in depth about how you can make sure that HR plays a pivotal role in nurturing your workplace and foster great employee experiences. Andrea has great tactical advice and real-world examples to help you enhance your Employee Experience and onboarding processes. 

This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and emdashagency.ca

0:00                        Introduction 

2:15                        Andrea Bartlett

3:35                        Employee Experience Explained

7:45                        Communication is Key

11:49                     Onboarding Mistakes to Avoid

16:47                     Measuring Experience Goals

21:38                     Recruitment Process Investment

26:01                     Personal Touch

32:04                     The Humi Differentiation

34:25                     Brought to you by Zenbooks

35:47                     People & Profitability Balance

41:10                     Metrics Trap

44:17                     Caring without Carrying

48:21                     Understanding your Business

50:52                     Building in the HR Space

54:21                     Emdash Sponsor

54:55                     Next Episode Teaser

Andrea Bartlett

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabartlett/ 

References

Muriel Wilkins

https://hbr.org/2020/12/podcast-coaching-real-leaders 

Emdash

www.emdashagency.ca 

Send us a text

Understanding the intersection and dynamics of the 2SLGBTQI+ and business community. Join me with guest Darrell Schuurman co-founder and CEO of the CGLCC, Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce as we explore questions that many small business owners have as it relates to the 2SLGBTQI+ community. In this episode we talk about how all businesses can do their part to recognize, include and collaborate with diverse groups in their communities. Darrell also touches on advocating for the economic empowerment of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.

This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and emdashagency.ca

0:00Introduction 

1:44Darrell Schuurman

3:33Filling the Gaps

5:04Community Evolution

7:17Supplier Diversity

14:02Overcoming Challenges & Barriers

18:21Brought to you by Zenbooks

19:232SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program

23:43How to be an Inclusive Organization

26:35Rainbow Registered Accreditation

31:27Equal Access & Opportunities

34:18Small Wins Fuel Fires

38:03Black and White Gala 2023

38:38Collaboration for Future Growth

41:40Emdash Sponsor

42:14Next Episode Teaser

Darrell Schuurman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-schuurman/

https://twitter.com/DSchuurman 

https://cglcc.ca/ 

References

Black and White Gala ticket sales;

https://cglcc.ca/events/cglcc-8th-annual-black-white-gala-2023/ 

Emdash

www.emdashagency.ca 

Send us a text

Mastering mergers & acquisitions for small businesses, join me with guest Colleen Kelley president at Stratford Group. In this episode we explore the strategic reasons why small and medium-sized businesses should consider acquisitions. Colleen specializes in business scale-up, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and integrations. Colleen shares a comprehensive overview of M&A strategies, financial considerations, due diligence processes, key industry players, and integration challenges for small and medium-sized businesses. Don't miss out on your M&A opportunities.

This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and humanihr.com

0:00:Introduction 

1:13:Colleen Kelley

2:30: M&A, A Strategic Lever for Growth

6:50:Show Me The Money

10:24:4 Step Buying Process 

13:11:Avoiding Deal Fever

18:08:Who’s Who in the Industry

23:06:Brought to you by Zenbooks

24:32:Finding Businesses to Buy

26:49:Understanding Valuation

28:48:Data Room 

33:06:Accelerating Growth Curve 

36:30:Educate Yourself

38:25:Buyers and Sellers

40:35:Rewarding Career Path

42:20:Knowing your Long Term Goals

44:56:Humani HR Sponsor

Colleen Kelley

www.stratford.group 

colleen.kelley@stratford.group 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenkelley99/ 

References

Complementary business assessment and valuation. https://score.valuebuildersystem.com/stratford-group/colleen-kelley 

Send us a text

Join me with guest Riaz Sidi from Sidi.io, a distinguished sales and marketing leader, sharing game-changing insights from his 20+ years of experience as he champions collaboration over competition and unveils the secrets of customer engagement. In this episode we explore the core pillars of business success from revenue generation, sales finesse, and marketing brilliance. Riaz emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation, likening it to igniting a spark before launching a marketing campaign. Discover the art of diversification and adaptability in an ever-changing market. Riaz advocates authentic self-presentation, while harnessing AI and automation to elevate efficiency and customer experiences. Embrace the journey, and let Riaz light the way to unconventional success strategies.

This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and humanihr.com

0:00: Introduction 

1:11: Riaz Sidi

2:17: Overlooking the fundamentals

6:05: Playing the short game only

9:41: Being real and having fun

12:20: Collaboration is key

14:52: Brought to you by Zenbooks

15:45: Harnessing AI to maintain rates during inflation

18:42: Blue Ocean strategy

21:54: Embracing AI for better outcomes

23:36: Education, entertainment and enlightenment

29:14: Building your own ecosystem

34:00: Water cooler culture 

36:11: Get off the roller coaster 

40:21: Balancing work and family; getting out what you put in

42:08: Keeping the honeymoon alive

47:17: Humani HR Sponsor

48:00: Next Episode

Riaz Sidi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/riazsidi/ 

https://sidi.io/ 

References

Blue Ocean Strategy

https://www.amazon.ca/Blue-Ocean-Strategy-Expanded-Uncontested/dp/1625274491/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1691866972&sr=8-2 

Your Next Five Moves 

https://www.amazon.ca/Your-Next-Five-Moves-Business/dp/1982154810/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2J7LQAYCPJ8IJ&keywords=your+Next+Five+Moves+by+Patrick+David&qid=1691867057&sprefix=your+next+five+moves+by+patrick+david%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1

Spin Selling

https://www.amazon.ca/SPIN-Selling-Neil-Rackham/dp/0070511136/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HUJ3DVKOUVUV&keywords=Spin+selling&qid=1691867094&sprefix=spin+selling%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1

Building a StoryBrand

https://www.amazon.ca/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/1400201837/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MAB2A3GS4KO2&keywords=Story+brand&qid=1691867142&sprefix=story+brand%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1

Unreasonable Hospitality

https://

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Small businesses can thrive by maximizing talent, fostering a dynamic culture, and adapting to the evolving business landscape. Eric, and guest James Baker discuss the challenges and opportunities that small businesses often overlook, from recruitment pitfalls to harnessing government grants, this podcast explores some unexpected tactics small businesses can use to optimize their operations and culture. James is the CEO and Co-Founder of Keynote Search, he boasts two decades of industry expertise and remarkable accolades along the way, like Fastest Growing Company by Globe and Mail and Forty under 40 to name a few. James emphasizes the importance of defining expectations, leveraging technology, and embracing remote work options. Discover practical strategies and actionable advice to propel your small business to new heights.

This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and humanihr.com 

0:00: Introduction 

1:11: James Baker

2:20: Recruiting in the past, not for the future

8:30: Fostering your small business narrative

10:30: The culture trap

12:50: Culture awareness

12:45: The hybrid work movement

19:05: Brought to you by Zenbooks

20:33: Poaching talent vs developing talent

22:22: Employee centric legislation

24:31: The good, the bad and the ugly

25:52: 80/20 recruitment rule

29:30: Changes in the war for talent 

32:33: Mitigating the risk of turnover

34:46: Find, fit and stay; the employment placement journey

37:35: Investment structure

40:45: Controlling scale and retaining values

42:12: People are your best asset

43:35: Humani HR Sponsor

44:17: Next Episode

James Barker

James@keynotesearch.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbkeynote/ 

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Today’s conversation is with accomplished technology leader Anastasia Valentine. Join me as she reveals her strategies for smart revenue growth for small business owners and entrepreneurs. We explore the pivotal roles of CROs and CMOs in aligning marketing and sales for business expansion as well as strategies for networking and building valuable connections using CRM tools . We dive into the realm of AI in content creation while emphasizing the balance of human touch and ethical practices. Anastasia imparts wisdom on setting achievable goals, optimizing work efficiency, and preventing burnout. Tune in for practical insights.

This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and ic360.ca

0:00: Introduction 

1:10: Anastasia Valentine

2:41: One Team Mentality 

4:22: Tapping into your Network

6:17: Adding Value to Create Efficient Marketing and Sales Processes 

8:03: Listen More, Talk Less - Incredible Customer Experiences

11:19: Canceling Hussle Culture

18:13: Brought to you by Zenbooks

19:21: The AI Assistant - Human vs Machine

26:45: Language Soup - Learning Languages for Kids

29:54: How and When to Hire a Fractional CRO or CMO

32:00: Creating Measurable Goals to Manage Stress

35:22: Choosing Each Other

36:37: Start-Ups and Scale Ups

39:45: IC360 Solution Sponsor

40:31: Next Episode

Anastasia Valentine

https://www.anastasiavalentine.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiavalentine/ 

References

Crocodiles and Crumpets

https://www.amazon.ca/Crocodiles-Crumpets-Anastasia-Valentine-ebook/dp/B004JHZ2BW/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1691702897&refinements=p_27%3AAnastasia+Valentine&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Anastasia+Valentine

Nature's Creatures

https://www.amazon.ca/Natures-Creatures-Language-Introduction-Book-ebook/dp/B004JHYTYI/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1691702925&refinements=p_27%3AAnastasia+Valentine&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Anastasia+Valentine

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Self-awareness, the ability to adapt in times of uncertainty, and building trust with clients and team members are this episode's focus. Eric and guest Rob Dale explain thought-provoking topics that help business owners expand beyond the traditional business mindset. Rob is a master coach with Rhapsody Strategies, an award-winning coaching firm, who demonstrates his ability to inspire and motivate individuals to grow and live out their purpose. His "Living Richly" podcast, featuring weekly video talks, has garnered views from people in over 20 countries. Join us through his insights, where you’re encouraged to consider your personal alignment, purpose, and relationships as essential components of success in both life and business.

This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and ic360.ca

0:00: Introduction 

0:55: Rob Dale; Living Richly, Cigars & Scotch

3:03: Personal Connections and Business Life Balance

8:53: Personal Purpose Statement 

12:07: Business Mindset 

17:15: Culture Matters, People Matter, It’s a Business After All

20:00: Brought to you by Zenbooks

20:51: Facing Uncertainty

28:32: Building Trust through Authenticity

35:17: Rituals to Guide Oneself through Stress

39:48: Living Richly Podcast

43:15: IC360 Solution Sponsor

44:00: Next Episode

Rob Dale 

Living Richly Podcast: www.livingrichly.me

Rhapsody Strategies: https://rhapsodystrategies.com/ 

Email: rob@rhapsodystrategies.com

References

Jim Collins: Good to Great

https://www.amazon.ca/Good-Great-Companies-published-HarperBusiness/dp/B00E327SVA/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1691692502&sr=8-1

Ray Dalio: Principals

https://www.amazon.ca/Principles-Life-Work-Ray-Dalio/dp/1501124021/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34X2YNBG7CDKQ&keywords=ray+dalio+principles&qid=1691692572&sprefix=ray+dalio+principals%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1

Stephen R. Covey: 7 habits of highly effective people

https://www.amazon.ca/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1982137274/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZY316FQBOQ9X&keywords=7+habits+of+highly+effective+people&qid=1691692602&sprefix=7+habits+of+highly+effective+people%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1

John Maxwell: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

https://www.amazon.ca/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Follow/dp/140