BUSINESS MINDS with Mike Reid

Today's guest is Aaron Bhawan, a digital native, marketing strategist and all-around great guy! We discuss marketing, the importance of being consumer-centric, brands making an impact, guilty pleasures and more. | 00:05:11 - Aaron's work experience | 00:07:44 - Marketing changes and understanding the consumer | 00:18:50 - Business weakness to capture audience attention | 00:35:32 - Seeing Master P at a smart hotel | 00:38:01 - Life isn't a sprint, it's a relay race | 00:47:25 - Favourite brand and the importance of brand & content | 01:06:16 - Unknowingly transforming his guilty pleasure | Business Minds music by producer Nxble Bluez

This is a special episode as we feature a podcast I was on a few months ago called A Lot to Learn. Hosted by Braden Parker, we discussed the anti-racism movement, my experiences, difficult conversations with black children, how companies can make an impact, and so much more. Enjoy as we ask nuanced questions, laugh together, share stories and have a vulnerable and at times enlightening discussion. | Business Minds intro music by producer Nxble Bluez, A Lot to Learn intro music by: purple-planet.com

We welcome Caitlin Zannoni to the podcast! Caitlin is the owner and operator of The Tampered Press Cafe and its "rambunctious little sister" Tipsy Tamper. Last year, we recorded this episode from her home in Toronto, Ontario. With over a decade of experience under her belt, she shares practical and valuable insights into running a local and community-focused small business. We discuss the realities of operating a brick and mortar shop, the challenges of hiring, and the importance of truly breaking down costs among other topics. If you're thinking of starting your own business or if you operate a brick and mortar business yourself, this is the episode for you. 00:03:50 - Leading and managing quality staff | 00:08:13 - Unconventional interview questions when hiring | 00:11:44 - Restaurant industry trends that impact small businesses | 00:15:09 - Common missteps by new business owners | 00:23:35 - The importance of not taking things too personally and self-care | 00:37:21 - Gratitude for Momma-E |

We welcome Braden Parker to the podcast! Braden is the co-founder and CEO of Casca. Based in Vancouver, Casca creates all-day performance footwear that’s made take you through your entire day seamlessly with custom-fit 3D printed insoles made do support each individual from the ground up. Braden and I discuss Casca's journey, the realities of fundraising, important tips on growth, early business challenges and much more. 00:01:37 - Casca and their goal. | 00:07:38 - The challenges of fundraising for your business and things to consider before you accept money. | 00:12:45 - The importance of nailing down your messaging. | 00:16:52 - Fundaments that founders should consider when growing their business. | 00:22:37 - The risks of trying to make things perfect. | 00:25:55 - Every business should drill down why they exist. | 00:29:00 - Inspirational brands doing interesting things in the DTC space. | 00:30:55 - Reading recommendations, guilty pleasures, and rest & recharge tips. | 00:45:20 - What Braden is proud this past year and the future of Casca. |

Welcome to the first episode of the Business Minds! Our first guest is Kathryn Lang, she’s an intrepreneur, an eCommerce specialist, and has great insights about business as she’s worked with hundreds of brands and CPGs (consumer packaged goods). We discuss common mistakes by entrepreneurs, successful tactics DTC (direct to consumer) brands are using in the eCommerce space, advice that's worked for her personal and professional life, and more. So let’s get started. This is Business Minds episode #1 with Kathryn Lang. 01:45 - Kathryn Lang and her experience | 03:30 - Lessons SMBs (Small to Medium Businesses) can take from CPGs (Consumer Packaged Goods). | 06:35 - Using data to provide unique value and community to customers. | 09:07 - The importance of setting your ego aside and the power of truly listening. | 13:15 - Keeping your “Why” at the core of all actions and doing only what you’re good at. | 21:32 - Brand, books, podcasts, rest and recharge recommendations. | 30:48 - What Kathryn is proud of and rediscovering herself through life changes. |

A quick explanation of what to expect with this podcast. Every episode, Mike Reid speaks with owners, growth strategists, business operators, and founders. All with the goal of helping folks learn from the stories, insights and experiences of some great people. That way as you go down your journey, you can avoid some common missteps, overcome challenges and make better decisions. I hope you enjoy!