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In this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric Saumure sits down with globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and Oxford lecturer Neri Karra Sillaman to explore the ideas behind her book Pioneers and what immigrant entrepreneurs do differently when building businesses that last. Drawing from her lived experience as a former refugee and founder of a luxury fashion brand, Neri shares why resilience, optimism, and reframing failure are not just personal traits but strategic business advantages. She explains how immigrant founders often spot overlooked opportunities, treat rejection as part of progress, and build companies with longevity in mind, especially during uncertain economic times.

Neri also discusses the disconnect between academic theory and real world business practice, the role of ethics and uncompromising quality in long term profitability, and why purpose and profit do not need to be at odds. Through stories from her own entrepreneurial journey and research interviews with founders behind globally recognized brands, she offers practical insight into community as a competitive advantage, decision making under pressure, and why success in business is a long game. This conversation offers small business owners a grounded, realistic perspective on building resilient companies that endure.

Timestamps

 00:00 Introduction and episode overview

 01:15 Meet Neri Karra Sillaman

 01:25 The inspiration behind Pioneers

 06:22 What immigrant entrepreneurs do differently

 11:53 Stoicism, agency, and reframing failure

 12:30 Academia vs real world business practice

 15:58 Purpose, profit, and sustainability

 19:51 Building quality, pride, and long term value

 23:53 Early setbacks and learning to pivot

 26:42 Ethics, leadership, and business decisions

 28:26 Daily habits and creative discipline

 29:42 Overrated business advice

 31:34 Tools, mindset, and advice for entrepreneurs

 33:13 How to connect with Neri

 34:07 Final thoughts and closing

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com )

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In this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric sits down with litigation lawyer Margot Pomerleau to explore the legal risks that small and medium business owners often overlook. Margot shares why documenting deals matters more than most entrepreneurs think, how failing to get proper advice early can cost you significantly more later, and the most common mistakes she sees in contracts, hiring, firing, and business partnerships. She breaks down what actually happens when a lawsuit begins, how evidence is collected, and why putting pen to paper can be the difference between winning and losing a case.

Margot also explains how business owners can avoid unnecessary legal trouble by setting realistic goals, avoiding unplanned expansions, and resisting the temptation to dabble in industries they do not fully understand. From mismanaged projects to bad investment advice, she walks through real situations that lead clients to her door and shares practical insight on how to avoid similar problems. This candid conversation will give business owners a clearer view of their legal rights and responsibilities and provide valuable tools to protect their companies before issues arise.

Timestamps
 00:00 Introduction and episode overview
 00:36 Meet Margot Pomerleau
 01:26 What makes a strong litigator
 03:35 Navigating client emotions and expectations
 06:49 What business owners do not want to hear
 08:31 The cost of ignoring legal advice
 10:23 The biggest legal mistake owners make
 12:33 Why documenting everything matters
 16:01 What happens when you sue someone
 19:57 How evidence and examinations work
 23:59 Why full honesty with your lawyer is critical
 26:21 The litigator’s role during a dispute
 33:46 Suing financial advisors and investment loss cases
 39:13 Controversial thoughts on scaling and risk
 44:53 Final thoughts and how to connect with Margot

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

The conversations in this podcast, including those with Margot Pomerleau, are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing discussed should be taken as legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, you should consult with a qualified lawyer or other appropriate professional. The hosts and guests make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of any information shared.

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure welcomes Barry McLoughlin, leadership and communications consultant, author, and educator. Barry takes us inside his unique journey from stand-up comedy and television satire to coaching leaders across Canada and the U.S. He explains why communication is not a “nice-to-have” but an essential skill that defines your brand, builds trust, and fuels growth. With decades of experience helping executives, politicians, and business owners, Barry shares how storytelling, body language, and tone shape perception far more than words alone.

The conversation dives into real-world lessons on crisis management, authenticity, and the art of delivering tough messages without losing trust. Barry offers practical tools such as the “persuasion ladder” and the “what, why, so what” framework, while reflecting on how small business owners can connect with employees—especially younger generations—through transparency and purpose. You’ll also hear insights on reputation management, technology’s role in modern communication, and why being a great listener is the ultimate leadership skill.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Meet Barry McLoughlin, leadership and communications consultant

00:30 – From comedy and TV satire to coaching leaders

06:30 – Common communication mistakes and why nonverbals matter

09:20 – Becoming a trusted advisor in business

12:40 – Tight messages, soundbites, and the power of framing

13:00 – Crisis management: responding fast and building trust

17:30 – Rebuilding reputation and taking accountability

20:00 – Differentiated value and practical communication tools

26:50 – Transparency, Gen Z employees, and authentic culture

29:40 – Delivering bad news with empathy and structure

34:15 – Leading through uncertainty and protecting brand trust

38:15 – AI, technology, and the limits of machine communication

46:30 – Can “bad communicators” still succeed as leaders?

49:05 – One big takeaway: seek to understand before being understood

51:00 – Closing: Connect with Barry and learn more

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure welcomes Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to explore the intersection of leadership, politics, and entrepreneurship. From his early days as a broadcaster and business coach to his current role as mayor of Ottawa, Mark shares candid reflections on authenticity, resilience, and the challenges of public life. He opens up about how small business values shaped his leadership style, why civility in politics matters, and what entrepreneurs can learn from the realities of City Hall. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories—from father-son baseball trips to lessons learned in community service—that highlight how staying true to yourself is the foundation of long-term success.

This conversation also dives into Ottawa’s $5 billion budget, the role of Invest Ottawa, and how the city supports local business through tax policies, advocacy, and economic development initiatives. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply curious about what it takes to balance authenticity with responsibility, this episode delivers a thoughtful and practical perspective. You’ll walk away with lessons on leadership, community, and why small business owners should never compare their behind-the-scenes struggles to others’ highlight reels.

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and leader
01:10 – Coaching, business values, and the Zenbooks connection
03:40 – Why politics struggles to attract good people
06:30 – Finding balance: running, family, and travel stories
10:40 – City Hall and small business: what levers really matter
14:30 – Listening to entrepreneurs and reducing red tape
17:40 – Invest Ottawa and building a defense innovation hub
20:00 – What Mark learned about government as mayor
23:15 – Music, hype songs, and leadership lessons across roles
27:30 – Authenticity, personal brand, and staying true to values
29:30 – Normalizing entrepreneurial challenges and struggles
33:50 – The pace of City Hall vs. entrepreneurship
36:00 – Rapid fire: podcasts, donuts, role models, and family
39:25 – Closing reflections on leadership and making a difference

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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In this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, host Eric sits down with Nishant Raina, Vice President of Product Management at Mastercard in Canada. Nishant shares how Mastercard is helping small business owners tackle some of their biggest challenges. You’ll hear about the crucial role small businesses play in Canada’s economy, the pain points they’re facing right now, and how Mastercard’s programs and tools are making a difference.

00:00  Introduction and Guest Overview
01:21  The Role of Small Businesses in Canada’s Economy
06:34  Mastercard’s Initiatives to Support Small Businesses
09:31  The Future of Financial Institutions and FinTech
14:29  Mastercard’s Use of Data and Cybersecurity
18:31  Barriers to Digital Tool Adoption
21:13  Embracing AI and Digital Payments
23:30  Mastercard’s Role in Supporting Small Businesses
30:20  Building a Small Business Community
33:05  Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Nishant Raina
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishantraina/

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure sits down with David Perry and Paul LaBarge—two champions of Canadian innovation—to dive deep into a bold proposal that could reshape the future of early-stage business funding. Drawing inspiration from Canada’s mining sector and successful UK policy, they explain how adapting flow-through share structures to tech startups and small businesses could ignite local investment, drive job creation, and help homegrown companies scale without fleeing the country. The idea is simple yet profound: allow investors to claim immediate tax deductions for backing early-stage ventures, effectively reducing their risk and increasing the viability of Canadian innovation. The conversation also touches on national economic resilience, the gaps in current programs like SR&ED, and how democratizing wealth through broader investor access can create meaningful change.

This discussion isn’t just theory—it’s a roadmap. Canadian small business owners stand to benefit from a funding model that prioritizes simplicity, broad access, and real economic impact. You’ll learn how this approach compares to existing options, why it’s gaining political traction, and how it could unlock new opportunities in communities across the country—not just in major tech hubs. Best of all, you’ll find out how to get involved. Entrepreneurs and advocates can endorse the movement, share their stories, and help shape a funding ecosystem that truly supports Canadian-owned growth. If you’re building a business and looking for smart, scalable ways to grow, this episode is packed with insight and action.

 00:00 – Intro: Meet David Perry & Paul LaBarge, and the power of flow-through shares
 01:30 – What flow-through shares are, and why they matter beyond mining
 06:30 – Focusing on tech first: a strategic step toward broader eligibility
 08:15 – Canada’s economic vulnerability and why timing matters now
 10:30 – How the idea gained political momentum and party platform attention
 15:30 – Why flow-through shares are not just for the wealthy
 17:00 – What the government gains: economic activity, jobs, and taxes
 20:00 – The case for job creation in rural and underserved regions
 25:00 – Simplifying what qualifies: reducing friction for small businesses
 32:00 – Broadening access to capital and employee ownership
 34:00 – Quality jobs: how this policy creates long-term economic value
 36:00 – Innovation vs. commercialization: why Canada struggles with the latter
 41:00 – The policy pitch: low cost, high return, and no bureaucracy
 43:00 – Final thoughts: democratizing investment and wealth creation
 45:00 – What small business owners can do: take action at canflowthrough.com
 50:00 – Call to action: share your story and join the grassroots movement

David Perry & Paul Labarge

canflowthrough.com

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure sits down with Ottawa connector and storyteller Sam Laprade to explore how she co-authored Ottawa Made, a book celebrating local innovation and entrepreneurship. Sam shares the full behind-the-scenes of writing and launching the book—from managing self-doubt and editing challenges to finding time to write amid a busy life. She also dives into the sales side of authorship, explaining how thoughtful distribution, event-driven marketing, and community partnerships helped move books beyond the bookstore.

But this episode is about more than just writing—it’s about building something real. Sam reveals how deep, authentic relationships became her competitive edge in Ottawa, leading to everything from radio shows to keynote invitations. Her approach is a masterclass in grassroots visibility: handwritten notes, consistent event attendance, and becoming known as a connector in the city. If you’ve ever wanted to grow your presence without spending a fortune, learn why every entrepreneur has a story worth telling, or if you simply wondered how to turn relationships into lasting business opportunities—this episode delivers both strategic insights and heartfelt inspiration.

00:00 – Intro: Turning ideas into books and the power of local stories

01:10 – How Ottawa Made began and why Sam brought on a co-author

04:00 – Why writing this book became a legacy piece

05:20 – What surprised Sam most during the writing process

08:00 – Advice for first-time authors and why small daily progress matters

10:50 – Selling the book: launches, corporate gifting, and local retail partners

14:30 – Building a real competitive moat through consistent community presence

16:45 – How Sam’s portfolio career evolved from being helpful and visible

20:40 – Budget-friendly ways to be a “super-connector”

22:00 – Why handwritten notes and showing up matter more than digital spam

24:00 – Raw honesty: stories that didn’t make the book and the editing process

26:00 – The courage it takes to share real experiences and hard truths

28:30 – Rapid-fire round: favorite Ottawa spots, biggest lessons, and regrets

31:00 – Final advice for small business owners: be visible, be helpful, be human

Sam Laprade, Griffin Fundraising & Ottawa Media Personality

Connect on LinkedIn

Her Website

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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/

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.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/

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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/

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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/

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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 

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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 

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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/ 

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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/ 

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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 

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.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/

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

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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 implementing emotional intelligence practic

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