Steal From the Best

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Steal From the Best is a podcast to help listeners succeed in both business and life by stealing invaluable ideas and experiences from the best in class.

Brad Semotiuk & Andrew Hodd


    • Oct 3, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 52m AVG DURATION
    • 55 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Steal From the Best

    Mark Brender - National Director of Partners in Health Canada - Global Health and Social Justice NGO Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 50:05


    Mark Brender is National Director of Partners in Health Canada, a global health and social justice NGO relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized.  Starting from a one-room clinic in Haiti more than 30 years ago, Partners in Health today serves millions of patients each year across 11 countries, working to deliver high quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train service providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change.  Mark opened the PIH Canada office in 2011 and is passionate about raising awareness and funds for this effort, and empowering Canadians to join the movement for global health equity.  He previously held leadership positions with national and international charitable organizations.  Prior to his career in the non-profit sector, he spent more than a decade as an award-winning hockey journalist, writing about those who practice a different kind of justice. We discuss how Mark left his previous career and lifestyle behind to enter the world of NGOs.  Mark talks about the transition and how it filled his life with more purpose.  You'll be inspired by the numerous success stories shared by Mark. 

    Joey Greany - Tampa Bay Rays Strength and Conditioning Coach - Fitness Guru training elite MLB baseball players

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 33:01


    Coach Joey Greany has over two decades of experience working with elite professional athletes.  He's currently one of the Major League Strength and Conditioning Coaches with the Tampa Bay Rays where he's been for almost 7 years.  Outside of the Rays, he provides performance coaching for athletes and teams, executive fitness coaching, and corporate fitness consulting services.  With the Tampa Bay Rays, he trains the elite of the elite MLB baseball players.   When it comes to strength and conditioning coaching, Joey is as good as it gets.  We talk about the importance of having a strong mindset and remaining focused.  In order to get the best results from those that he's coaching, he develops personal relationships and builds trust.  It's a necessary step in the quest to achieve peak performance.  Joey offers some workout advice for those who aren't professional athletes and stresses the importance of getting a good night's sleep and staying hydrated. 

    Tim Bakker - Former Professional Football Player - Group Benefits Expert - Equity Partner Lloyd Sadd

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 52:44


    Tim Bakker, a former professional football player discusses his transition from a competitive athletic career to the corporate world.  The Discussion touches on the specialization of sports in youth, the challenges of balancing multiple sports, the pressure on young athletes, the CFL draft experience, the business aspect of professional sports, and the adjustment period from Canadian collegiate to professional football. Tim discusses the lessons learned from football and how they have helped him in the corporate world.  He emphasizes the importance of honesty, constantly seeking new wins, learning from failures, and being accountable.  He also mentions the mental aspect of football and the ability to quickly adapt and make decisions on the field.  He shares his journey from working at RBC to becoming an equity partner at Lloyd Sadd.   "Always be the hammer, not the nail." - Tim Bakker

    Raymond Rattey - Co-Founder of Podcast Connection, A Leading Global Podcast Guest Booking Agency

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 47:54


    Raymond, a multi-talented individual, embraces the roles of an entrepreneur, musician, and co-founder of Podcast Connection.  When the COVID pandemic led to the indefinite suspension of live music shows, Raymond faced the necessity to shift away from the music entertainment industry. Undeterred by his lack of prior experience and capital, he embarked on a bootstrapped journey to establish a company from scratch.  Through his relentless efforts, Podcast Connection not only achieved profitability each year but also created employment opportunities for numerous South Africans.   This enabled Raymond to overcome the burden of personal debt amounting to $35k within a year.  Since inception, Podcast Connection has served close to 100 clients and Raymond and his team of agents have successfully booked a number of guest speakers on over 900 podcasts.   Raymond offers some candid advice to podcast guests on what it takes to be successful and we also dive a bit into politics discussing the current landscape in South Africa.

    Eric Saumure - Not your traditional accountant! Principal at Zenbooks, an online accounting firm

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 49:26


    We chat with Eric Saumure, Principal at Zenbooks, an online accounting firm.  He's not your traditional accountant.  While he's formally trained as an accountant (CPA, CA), he has experience advising C-Suite executives and business owners on all areas of business finance, including succession planning, restructuring, building processes, and managing remote teams.  Eric was tired of the big firm feel and decided to change the way people see their accountant and started Zenbooks which is an online Canadian accounting firm that is 100% remote and leveraging the latest cloud-based tools to advise small business owners across Canada Eric offers some sage advice in our podcast including, setting up a recurring money date in your calendar.  We also talk about the importance of getting the right people on your team while hiring slowly and firing fast.  Eric addresses making good long-term business decisions and building a profitable business and then growing it out.

    Matt Haycox - Entrepreneur Extraordinaire - Lessons from the UK's biggest Strip Club Owner through Bankruptcy to Private Lending

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 56:47


    Matt Haycox's story is one of a mistake-maker turned hugely successful entrepreneur.  From starting in business at age 16 to becoming the UK's biggest strip club owner by 27, with businesses in leisure, property, retail, and finance, then bankrupt by 28!  Matt went on to rebuild his life and business as a lender and investor using lessons learned from his failures and now provides funding to SME businesses across the UK.   Matt shares a bunch of nuggets from his wild ride.  We touch on the balancing of profitability with sustainability and avoiding the sexiness of growth.  We also look at the importance of partnerships.  It's better to have a smaller piece of a huge pie versus having a large piece of a small pie.

    Christopher Greco - Storewise President and CEO - Author of 8 Steps to Overcoming Everyday Adversity

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2023 58:12


    Christopher is the President and CEO of Storewise, Inc., a technology company that builds automation software for food retailers.  Christopher authored the book, "8 Steps to Overcoming Everyday Adversity," which was endorsed by several leaders including the former Vice Chairman of the US Join Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Bill Owens.  In 2022, Christopher's book received The Maxy Award's runner-up in the inspirational/self-help category.   He holds an MBA from Florida International University (Miami) and has completed 4 triathlons including a 70.3 Ironman, and lives in the Kansas City area with his wife, two kids, and a rescue dog. Chris shares some of his tips for overcoming adversity.  We also dive deeper into what makes a successful leader and also look at what it takes to develop a strong team culture.   "Culture eats strategy for breakfast."

    Chris Dreyer - CEO & Founder of Rankings.io - SEO Expert - Niching up and how it can help your business.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 52:38


    Chris Dreyer is the CEO and Founder of Rankings.io, an SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms land serious injury and auto accident cases through Google's organic search results.  His company has the distinction of making the Inc. 5000 list 5 years in a row.   In addition to owning and operating Rankings, Chris is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of "Niching Up:  The Narrower the Market, the Bigger the Prize." Chris's journey in legal marketing has been a saga, to say the least.  A world-ranked collectible card game player in his youth, Chris began his "grown up" career with a History Education degree and landed a job out of college as a detention room supervisor.  The surplus of free time in that job allowed him to develop a side hustle where he managed over 100 affiliate sites simultaneously, allowing him to turn his side-gig into a full-time one.  When his time in affiliate marketing came to an end, he segued into SEO for attorneys, while also having time to become a top-ranked online poker player.

    Carl Orsbourn & Meredith Sandland - Authors of Delivering the Digital Restaurant - Technology Leaders Disrupting the Restaurant Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 66:18


    Carl Orsbourn is a global retail executive and board member whose experience spans blue-chip companies, disruptive start-up ventures (Juicer Pricing & Kitchen United), and restaurants (Alfa Co).  Carl has been recognized as a power player by Nations Restaurant News and Business Insider for his thought leadership in supporting restaurants to adapt to the challenges and opportunities offered through digitization, technology, and automation.   Meredith Sandland has created and driven disruptive growth at both Fortune 100 and start-up companies.  She has spent a decade navigating changing consumer demands and restaurant real estate environments. Meridith is the CEO of Empower Delivery, a SaaS company that enables delivery-centric restaurants to manage end-to-end deliver transactions from brand development to logistics through one platform.   We discuss the recent launch of their book Delivering the Digital Restaurant and explore the world of off-premise food and the massive disruption facing restaurants.  They are savvy food industry veterans and their insight on the future of restaurants is eye-opening.  

    Maggie Kolkena - Author of Today for Tomorrow: A Field Guide to Scenario Planning - Founder of Third Thought Consulting - Scenario Planning Expert

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 46:27


    Maggie Kolkena, MSOD is the author of Today for Tomorrow: A Field Guide to Scenario Planning.  She is the founder of Third Thought Consulting and brings over 25 years of expertise in providing leadership development experiences.  Enabling innovation has been a strong theme in Maggie's work.  Her first career was in performing arts which helped shape her entrepreneurial journey. Maggie has a distinct competence in helping leaders manage the future.  There are many books out there about scenario planning, but her recently published book, Today for Tomorrow gives the framework for how to DO scenario planning.   She shares some of these tips including adding trendscanning to team meetings to help look at what the future may bring. Maggie loves supporting leaders and believes that businesses can be powerful agents for positive change in the world.

    Mike Orr Follow-up - Co-founder of Grapevine6 - Acquired by Seismic, an industry leader in Sales Enablement technology - How Entrepreneurs can best prepare for and execute a successful exit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 57:10


    In this follow-up episode, we again talk with Mike Orr.  The first episode with Mike was released back in January 2020.  Since then, lots has changed for Mike as he's currently enjoying a sabbatical after a 10 year run co-founding, building and successfully exiting Grapevine6 the SaaS leader in Social Selling in the Wealth Management, Banking and B2B Sales Space.  In his last role at Seismic, the acquirer and an industry leader in Sales Enablement technology, he was the GM of LiveSocial.  We discuss some important considerations for entrepreneurs looking at making an exit.  He offers some sage advice from his experience including building the next level of management team to grow the business so it won't fail if the owners leave.  You need to run the business, but the business must be able to run without you.  The team of co-founders at Grapevine6 set expectations and had conversations along the way to ensure all were aligned for a successful exit.  We are excited to be bringing you this follow-up episode with Mike and hope you're inspired by our conversation.

    Lindsay Knowlton - Founder of Iron Lady Golf - Leading Women's Golf Community Builder

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 58:07


    Lindsay Knowlton has a long history in golf.  Her dad got her interested in the sport when she was 14 (because he needed a friend to play with!).  Shortly after taking up the game (and finally getting the ball off the ground), Lindsay got the golf bug.  Lindsay started playing in competitive events which earned her a full scholarship to Ohio State University where she was the captain of the team and earned All American Honours.  She was a 3-year member of Canada's National Team, 3 time Ontario Champion and won a silver medal at the 2004 World Championships.   After years of competitive golf, Lindsay moved into the corporate workforce realizing that she wanted to help more women "say yes" to the golf invitations that they were getting.  She started Iron Lady Golf to help empower women and build their confidence out on the golf course.  To date, Iron Lady Golf has taught over 20,000 women how to play golf.  Lindsay is a PGA of Canada Class A Professional, Taylormade Golf Advisory Board Member, Ontario Golf Association Ambassador and most of all, passionate about building community.   Lindsay's sage advice for being the best you in business and life is to "Just keep going!"  

    Alyson Walker - Chief Commercial Officer, OverActive Media - Global Esports Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 68:19


    Alyson Walker is the Chief Commercial Officer at OverActive Media, a global esports company focused on building winning franchises and creating unrivaled fan experiences.  Alyson has extensive experience in the sports & entertainment industries and a proven track record for success and leadership as demonstrated in her previous roles.  Alyson was part of the team that brought the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games to Canadians in her role leading digital sales and brand partnerships with Canada's Olympic Broadcast Consortium.  In 2021, Alyson was named Woman of the Year by Bay Street Bull for her role in building the future of esports.  We talk about the importance of bringing solutions and not just identifying problems.  Alyson has a very positive attitude and shares some important lessons for business and life including: being firm but fair, do the hardest things first, and always do your due diligence. 

    Wylie McGraw - Founder of Radical Performance Acceleration - Former Star Pitcher, Competitive Bull Rider and 3-Tour Combat Veteran

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 84:29


    Wylie McGraw is a former Star Pitcher, Competitive Bull Rider, and 3-Tour Combat Veteran.  It was through those intense experiences that he discovered his crazy superpower of being able to expose blind spots, erupt and eradicate stress, and fully unleash the untapped potential of high achievers.  He's the founder of Radical Performance Acceleration and for well over a decade now he has built his business by being the elite behind-the-scenes force providing life-altering work to powerful CEOs, Entrepreneurs, Leaders, and Public Figures, accelerating their performance both personally and professionally.  We have an amazing conversation about achieving success and the attitude of success vs. failure.  There are so many valuable nuggets and we can assure you that you'll get extensive takeaways from our conversation.  Sit back and enjoy this ride, as it's an episode that you don't want to miss. 

    Jonathan Fodera Founder & CEO of Integrated Business Financing - Small Business Financing Expert

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 45:51


    Jonathan Fodera is the Founder, Director, and CEO of Integrated Business Financing.  He primarily works with small businesses helping owners grow and scale their businesses.  His experience took him from Wall Street to the world of entrepreneurship and he shares the tales of his journey.  Jonathan is highly skilled in banking, business development, entrepreneurship, and business planning.  We talk about failed partnerships and what can be learned.  Jonathan discusses the importance of helping others and the benefits gained by assisting without expectations.  

    Jacob Turner - Founder of JL Strategic Wealth - Former MLB player and 9th overall draft pick

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 55:52


    Jacob was the 9th overall draft pick in the 2009 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers.  He spent the next 11 years playing professional baseball and spent time at the MLB level with 5 MLB teams.  Upon transitioning out of baseball, Jacob founded JL Strategic Wealth.  They focus solely on helping clients such as athletes, entrepreneurs, and second-generation navigate sudden wealth.  We discuss Jacob's baseball experience, investing, and the importance of communication and always keeping your foot on the gas.    

    Hal Johnson - BodyBreak Founder - Keep Fit and Have Fun!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 62:11


    Since 1988, Hal Johnson has been encouraging Canadians to lead a healthy and active lifestyle under the umbrella of BodyBreak.  Anybody who grew up watching television in the 80s and 90s would be familiar with both Johnson and his wife, Joanne McLeod.  They recorded over 300 90-second episodes of BodyBreak.  The show focuses on how exercise can be incorporated into daily life.  The program was conceived by McLeod and Johnson after meeting in a gym.  It was designed to be different than other fitness shows of the era: friendly, representing the sexes equally, and showing both racial and physical diversity, a result of Johnson's experiences of racism, which helped push him to create BodyBreak as a countermeasure.  Johnson is a serial entrepreneur conducting speaking engagements and has their name on many different product endorsements including a recently launched branded clothing line.  He shares some sage advice including the importance of time and taking advantage of it while you can.  Although you can't see it by listening to the podcast, you really are able to experience Johnson's gigantic smile and positive energy and attitude. 

    Steven Holmes - Chief Bouncing Officer - Springfree Trampoline - Chief Activity Officer - Goba Sports Group

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 57:45


    Steve Holmes is the President and CEO of ICL Management Inc. which provides executive management to numerous operating companies around the world.  One of the key investments is Goba Sports Group where Steve serves as Chief Activity Officer.  Goba's first investment was Springfree Trampoline where Steve serves as Chief Bounding Officer.  Steve is actively involved in charitable services and invests significant time and energy in mentoring young entrepreneurs and business leaders as they develop new and emerging businesses and products.  Steve discusses what it takes to set your employees up for success and how important curiosity is in building your business.

    Carl English - Professional Basketball Player - Founder of CE23 Basketball Academy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2022 75:44


    Carl English is a former professional basketball player who had stints across various leagues including the NBA.  Carl represented Canada on the National Team from 2004-2016.  Following the completion of his professional basketball career, he moved back to his roots in Newfoundland and founded CE23 Academy, a leading basketball academy committed to the development and progress of youth in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Carl's story is an incredible journey that started with the tragic loss of his own parents at age 5 and takes twists and turns against all odds and includes the opportunity to guard Kobe Bryant and an NBA draft night that saw him go undrafted.  He's learned from so many amazing life moments and mentors and offers a great, candid perspective on what it takes to succeed in both business and life.  

    Clive Caldwell - President and CEO of Cambridge Group of Clubs - Athletic Club, Adelaide Club, Cambridge Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 46:40


    Clive Caldwell is the President and CEO of Cambridge Group of Companies which include the Cambridge Club, Adelaide Club and The Athletic club located in the heart of the financial district in downtown Toronto.  He has established a highly successful company that has continued to improve and flourish after 40+ years. Clive has an incredible entrepreneurial journey that started with real estate investing in a prominent Toronto neighbourhood.  His networking skills are second to none and his ability to tell stories is incredible.  Clive discusses the impact that Covid has had on his fitness business and how he's had to adapt and evolve after being mandated by the government to close the doors of his clubs during Covid outbreaks.  There's so much to learn from Clive's vast experience.  

    Greg Brady - OVERTIME - Episode 2 of 2 - Toronto Today Host AM640 - Sport and News Media Hustler

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 26:20


    Our discussion with Greg Brady was so good, that we had to break it into 2 episodes to share all of the wisdom that Greg shares with his well-grounded opinions.  If you haven't listened to the previous episode with Greg, you should hear it before proceeding with this one.  This episode contains a candid conversation where we talk about some of the current events that we're all facing.  Greg is a true, talk radio professional and it really shines through.

    Greg Brady - Toronto Today Host AM640 - Sport and News Media Hustler

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2022 70:54


    One of Toronto's most recognized radio voices, Greg has been with CORUS and AM640 hosting Toronto Today since 2019 when he crossed over from SPORTSNET 590, The Fan after 9.5 years. He shares his journey through media and the challenges he has faced along the way.  Greg talks about the importance of living for the moment and how he has hustled throughout his career to obtain the success that he sees today.  It is a well-grounded conversation and we address some of the hot topics of the day including opinions on the future of Covid and masking.  Greg talks about the importance of family and obtaining balance.  You can also hear more of Greg's amazing insight on his Toronto Today daily morning show on AM640 or various podcast channels.

    Katie Burkhart - Purpose-driven Business Expert - Serial Entrepreneur Building the Matter Ecosystem

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 48:01


    Katie is the mastermind behind MatterLogic, which is described as the smart system for running a purpose-driven business.  She has quickly become one of the go-to experts in this space.  Katie is a serial entrepreneur and has built the Matter ecosystem which includes Matter7 and MatterPulse.  She's a contributor to Entrepreneur magazine and has been published in The Startup, UX Collective, and Boston Content. We dive into purpose and the process of developing a company's purpose as well as living it. 

    Pete Bombaci - Human Connection Expert - Founder of The GenWell Project

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 58:27


    Pete is an expert in the field of human connection and the founder of The GenWell Project - a Canadian Not-For-Profit organization dedicated to making the world a happier and healthier place by educating people about the importance of proactive face-to-face social connection, empowering them to start building healthier connection habits in their own lives, and inspiring them to take action, for their own health and wellness or the health and wellness of others.  

    Ben Peterson - Entrepreneur Focusing on African Ventures - Co-Founder and CEO of Purple Elephant Ventures

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2021 57:20


    Ben Peterson is Co-Founder and CEO of Purple Elephant Ventures, an innovation hub for Africa's travel and tourism sector.  He has over 18 years of experience investing in, founding, and growing companies and non-profits across Africa.  We have some great conversations about focussing on the big picture and not getting worked up about the minutia in our everyday lives.  Ben also gives some great insight on failing fast, learning from our failures and, and their venture studio business model.

    Katie Murphy - Entrepreneurial Growth Expert - Founder & CEO of Expansion Group

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2021 46:16


    Katie Murphy is an author, a professional speaker, and the Founder & CEO of Expansion Group - a boutique consulting firm that helps entrepreneurs address operational challenges at key growth stages.  For 14 years, she has helped companies from pre-revenue to the Fortune 50 set up of level up their operations through programming, consulting, and fractional executive services.  She is an expert in organizational design, business operations, strategy, and innovation.  We tap into her knowledge of fractional executives and the rapidly changing landscape of how we work.

    Pablo Willis - Real Estate Development and Construction Leader - CEO of The Good Life Building Co.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2021 64:11


    Pablo Willis grew up in the trades, learning the construction and development industry from the ground up.  A blue-collar guy at heart, he has developed the values and beliefs that have shaped his life and company.  He is now the CEO of The Good Life Building Co., a vertically integrated real estate company whose goal is to help everybody it is involved with to achieve the Good Life.  We go through six values that guide The Goodlife Building Co. and dive into the principles that will help guide you to success and happiness in both business and life.

    James Sommerville - Design, Creative, and Branding Legend - Founder of Attik and KnownUnknown - Former VP Global Design for Coca-Cola

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2021 56:28


    In 1982, at age 19, James founded an agency in his grandma's attic with zero business knowledge or experience.  Fittingly, the agency was named Attik and grew from grandma's house to global offices in New York, San Francisco, LA, Sydney, and London.  James also worked at Coca-Cola as the VP of Global Design leading incredible campaigns across the world for the iconic brand. Most recently, he he's launched an innovative platform called KnownUnknown that's rethinking and innovating the creative agency model on a global scale.

    Marc Canale - Commercial Real Estate Expert - Partner & COO at The Downing Street Group

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 47:49


    Marc Canale is a Partner & COO of Downing Street Group, which is a boutique real estate firm in Toronto, Canada.  Marc has over 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate business including stops in Shanghai and Singapore. We dive into the rapidly changing commercial real estate landscape as we come out of the pandemic.  Marc also shares some of the techniques that allow him to be exceptionally present with the people who matter most in his life, which is a huge part of his secret to success.

    Jeff Nugent - Serial Entrepreneur - Global Contingent Workforce Management Strategist

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2021 53:58


    Jeff Nugent is a serial entrepreneur who is a Global Contingent Workforce Management Strategist.  His entrepreneurial journey started early and he had various ventures that included multiple acquisitions and exits.  He gives good advice on what to look for when acquiring a business and when you know the timing is right for an exit.  Jeff also talks about how to increase your odds of being in the right place at the right time.  We dive a little deeper into the globalization of workforces and the gig economy.

    Vikrant Shaurya - Book Industry Trailblazer - CEO and Founder of Bestsellingbook.com

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 53:01


    Vikrant Shaurya is the CEO and Founder of BestsellingBook.com.  He's also the author of two #1 bestsellers.  Vikrant has already helped more than 500 aspiring authors become bestselling authors, and he continues to be a trailblazer in the book industry.  He shares his story about learning from early failures and transitioning that experience into future success.  He also talks about hiring his own boss to hold him accountable.

    Yaro Starak - Entrepreneur Extraordinaire! - Co-Founder of InboxDone.com, Host of Vested Capital Podcast, Solar Farm Owner, & Angel Investor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 53:58


    Yaro is the Co-Founder of InboxDone.com, host of the Vested Capital Podcast, and Angel investor in over 25 different companies.  He's an Internet pioneer and has been an early adaptor of various tools such as blogging and podcasting.  Yaro is an expert on delegation and takes the time to explain how to become a better delegator to gain freedom in both business and life.  We talk about the importance of hiring the right people and you really have to hear his philosophy on happiness.

    Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng - Palliative Care & Intensive Care Doctor - Healthcare Solution Expert - Entrepreneur

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2021 73:22


    Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, a palliative care and intensive care doctor based in Ottawa discusses the state of Canadian Healthcare and solutions for improving the current system.  We look at the current state of Covid and explore returning to school for the children in the fall during a potential "4th wave."  Dr. Kwadwo talks about leadership qualities and the ability of good leaders to recognize their own faults and shortfalls in order to grow.  He offers some valuable insight about failing fast and not waiting for permission when acting on ideas.   His time management skills are incredible and he shares some valuable insights on being productive.

    Gerry Valentine - Thriving in a Disruptive World - Executive Coach, Public Speaker and Author

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2021 53:26


    We talk with Gerry Valentine, an executive coach, public speaker, and author.  Gerry built a successful career with some of the world's most respected firms, but this was an unlikely path.  His early life was spent in poverty, as a child of a single mother.  Along the way, Gerry found that the adversity of his early life had helped him develop the resilience he needed to succeed.  In our discussion, he shares those lessons - lessons that are critical in today's disruptive world.  We address the importance of self-care, finding pleasure in the process of lifelong learning, and managing versus developing people.  Gerry talks about failure and how we are impacted by it.  You haven't pushed yourself hard enough if you haven't failed.

    Dr. Robin Rosenberg - Psychologist - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Expert - CEO and Founder of Live In Their World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 45:13


    We talk with Dr. Robin Rosenberg, a Psychologist who is the CEO and Founder of Live in Their World, a company that uses virtual reality to address issues of bias and incivility in the workplace.  We talk about the future workforce and how the hybrid model is going to play out.  She is a clinical psychologist, and prior to starting her company, she had both psychotherapy and executive coaching practices, wrote college textbooks, and taught psychology classes at Harvard University and Lesley University.  

    Chris Ritchie - From Capital Markets to President of SilverCrest Metals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 55:34


    In this episode, we talk with Chris Ritchie, the President of SilverCrest Metals.  Chris's amazing story takes him from Bay Street working in Capital Markets to heading up a mining company after servicing them so well as his client.  His collegiate career which included tennis prepared him for the corporate world.  A crushing job loss was used as motivation and helped build character.  Chris is a thoroughly entertaining guest sharing stories that shaped his career.  His energy, passion, competitiveness, and intellectual curiosity are infectious.  

    Stephen Hodd - Engineer Turned Entrepreneur - Chairman and Founder of Vantage Venues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 58:04


    In the second part of our father's day series, Andrew talks with his Dad, Stephen Hodd.  Stephen is the Chairman and Founder of Vantage Venues, a 40 000 square foot conference and event space in downtown Toronto.  Trained as an Environmental Engineer and then turned entrepreneur, Stephen shares some incredible stories, including his experience as a witness for a case in the US Supreme Court.  We talk about stress and how to embrace it for motivation.  His life and career have been shaped by the incredible experiences that he shares.  Unsurprisingly, we also cover the importance of family and where happiness truly comes from.

    Dr. Darwin Semotiuk - High Performance Sport expert, Western University Professor and football coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2021 48:55


    We talk with my mentor and dad, Dr. Darwin Semotiuk, a high-performance sport expert, former professor, football coach, and national team basketball player.  We talk about the traits and characteristics of successful athletes and students and dive into what it takes to build high-performance teams.  We also look at mutual respect and participation to get teams aligned on both individual and team goals.  We also discuss the importance that recruiting plays in developing teams.  There are so many parallels that high-performance sport has with business, entrepreneurship, and life.

    Episode 2 of 2 - Miranda Kamal - Community Hero - Founder of a Boxing based non-profit MJKO - Mentoring Junior Kids Organization

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2021 48:00


    In this episode, we talk with Miranda Kamal.  Miranda is a true community hero who has founded a youth-based charity that uses the sport of boxing to create social change in racialized communities.  A sexual assault and a spinal cord injury set her on the path to where she is today.  There are a great number of valuable lessons to be learned from Miranda and we talk about the metaphors for business and life that boxing provides.  We explore the passion to win, to never give up, train, and be prepared for what life throws at you.  Miranda talks about treating others the way that you'd like to be treated yourself and the need to take care of yourself first to best take care of those around you.

    Episode 1 of 2 - Miranda Kamal - Community Hero - Founder of a Boxing based non-profit MJKO - Mentoring Junior Kids Organization

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2021 48:11


    In this episode, we talk with Miranda Kamal.  Miranda is a true community hero who has founded a youth-based charity that uses the sport of boxing to create social change in racialized communities.  A sexual assault and a spinal cord injury set her on the path to where she is today.  There are a great number of valuable lessons to be learned from Miranda and we talk about the metaphors for business and life that boxing provides.  We explore the passion to win, to never give up, train, and be prepared for what life may throw at you.  Miranda talks about treating others the way you'd like to be treated yourself and the need to take care of yourself first to best take care of those around you.

    Amy Brown and Annabel Fitzsimmons - Mindfulness and Meditation Leaders for the corporate sector - co-founders of MINDmgt.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 39:57


    In this episode, we talk with Amy Brown and Annabel Fitzsimmons, co-founders of MINDmgt.  MINDmgt is committed to bringing science-backed mindfulness and meditation tools to the corporate sector.  It's a super-relevant discussion for these crazy times as their tools help users manage stress, build resilience, and improve focus, productivity, and overall mental and physical wellbeing.  We talk about being true to yourself and your brand and we even get a chance to participate in our own quick meditation. It's awesome.

    Cher Jones - Corporate Social Media Trainer & Online Personal Branding Strategist - Socially Active

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 49:10


    In this episode, we talk with Cher Jones who is a Corporate Social Media Trainer & Online Personal Branding Strategist.  Cher is an awesome entrepreneur and discusses how her 18 years of experience in PR, broadcasting, and marketing have helped her shape her business, Socially Active.  She's been using social media since 1999 (Before the days of MySpace) and shares valuable insight on building authentic personal brands and remaining relevant in the world of social media.  We discuss the various social media platforms and address the ever-evolving companies.  Cher is a pioneer in social media and you'll quickly see why she's one of Canada's leading personal branding experts.

    Dr. James Younger - 2-sided Market Leader - Practicing Dentist, Founder and CEO of TempStars

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2021 42:09


    We talk with Dr. James Younger, a practicing dentist, and the Founder and CEO of TempStars, Canada's largest and #1 rated dental temping and hiring service.  Dr. Younger is an expert in the 2-sided market and talks about making the transition from the owner of 2 successful dental practices to becoming a technology company CEO.  He shares his tips on time management and how mistakes he's made along his journey have helped strengthen him as a leader today.   Dr. Younger listens to his end-users and constantly solicits feedback to help improve the TempStars innovative technology platform.  

    Sebastien Gendron - Hyperloop Entrepreneur - Transportation Industry Visionary and Distruptor - Co-Founder and CEO of Transpod

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 54:16


    In this episode, we talk with Sebastien Gendron who is the Co-Founder and CEO of Transpod, a company dedicated to bringing the hyperloop (super-high-speed ground transportation known as the 5th mode of transportation) to reality and are aggressively working to create the world's leading hyperloop design.  Sebastien refers to his co-founder Dr. Ryan Janzen who is the inventor of the Transpod system.  Sebastien offers some incredible insight detailing how it is much easier to partner and work with people who are already convinced instead of trying to convince those that are not buying in.  He has turned the COVID pandemic into an opportunity for Transpod by adding new product lines and signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the province of Alberta to develop a 1000km/h hyperloop transportation system.  Transpod aims to cement Canada as the innovation capital in high-speed vacuum transportation.

    Dr. Jonathan Partridge ER Doctor - COVID Discussion - Vaccinations, Mental Health, Schools, Lockdown, Offices & Masking

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 63:50


    In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jonathan Partridge, an Emergency Room Doctor from Oakville Hospital.  We circle back to our last discussion and review what has been happening on the front lines and across the globe.  We hear Dr. Partridges views on vaccination, the current situation, the roll-out and the true purpose of vaccinating.  We talk about the consequences of the current lockdown and government measures taken with an increase in mental health visits to the ER.  Dr. Partridge explores what the near-term and long-term future may hold for schools, public spaces, the home, and workplaces and how the new covid variants may impact our quest to getting normality back to our lives.  Dr. Partridge really helps simplify and tie everything together.

    Matthew Parson - Educationalist and Entrepreneur - Benji

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 34:58


    In this episode we talk with Matt Parson, an educationalist, and entrepreneur.  As the founder of Benji, he is creating a new category of learning, one that is collaborative, immersive, and scalable.  We talk about having the perspective that things are never as good or bad as they seem.  We also talk about accountability partners to help you strive toward and realize your goals.  Matt addresses greatness achieved through community.  Thanks again for listening and hope that you continue to listen to and steal ideas from the experience of our amazing lineup of guests.

    Keith Bumstead - IT Staff Augmentation CORE Resources

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2020 34:47


    In this episode, we talk with Keith Bumstead, co-founder of CORE Resources, a technology partner that provides superior broad-based IT staff augmentation services.  Keith talks about setting up his company culture to reflect family values by treating people the way you'd treat your own family members.  We address the 10X rule that he follows which is based on understanding the level of effort and the level of thinking required to succeed.  Keith tells stories about his early careers and networking helping shape his incredible journey to get to where he is today.   Thanks again for listening and hope you enjoy and continue to listen to and steal ideas from the experience of our amazing lineup of guests.

    Dr. Jonathan Partridge ER Doctor - COVID-19 outlook and discussion

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 72:50


    In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jonathan Partridge, an Emergency Room Doctor from Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.  As an ER Doctor, he is at the front line of the COVID 19 pandemic.  that is greatly impacting all of our lives.  Dr. Partridge is able to simplify and explain COVID 19 and how it relates to healthcare and our everyday living.  We discuss what some of the unintended consequences of how we are dealing with the pandemic may look like.  We talk about his hospital and how they are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.  We hear Dr. Partridge's views on the effectiveness of measures taken to limit the spread of COVID 19 and we also discuss what life after COVID 19 may look like.  This special episode ties all of the news that you've been absorbing over the past few weeks together.  Thanks again for listening and we hope you enjoy and continue to listen to our amazing lineup of guests.

    Sarah Eby - Real Estate Professional - Mulford & Eby Real Estate

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2020 30:53


    In this episode, we talk with Sarah Eby, a real estate professional and partner at Mulford & Eby.  Sarah talks about realizing that you cannot control all outcomes but you can control the effort and passion that you put into it.  We talk about alleviating the stress that surrounds the buyers and sellers who transact large real estate deals and Sarah discusses the importance of clients remembering how you make them feel during the buying and selling process. Thanks again for listening and hope that you enjoy the content and continue to steal ideas from the experience of our amazing lineup of guests.

    Marietta Snetsinger - Franchising Guru - Ascend Franchise Solutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2020 43:16


    In this episode, we talk with Marietta Snetsinger, a Franchising Expert and Growth Coach who is the Founder and Principal of Ascend Franchise Solutions, which helps franchisors accelerate growth.  Marietta addresses the 5 things that you need to have in order to become a successful franchisor.   We talk about technology making the world a smaller place enabling her to better serve her clients and she dives in deep to discuss franchising trends and the ideal profile of a franchisor.

    Erin Henderson - Certified Sommelier, Journalist, and Wine Educator - The Wine Sisters

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2020 46:43


    In this episode, we talk with Erin Henderson, a certified sommelier, journalist, and wine educator who literally drinks and throws parties for a living.  We talk about treating people the way you'd like to be treated yourself and making them feel important to help build brand loyalty.  She touches on building her personal brand and how she's been successful with it.  Erin talks about living life on your own terms and staying focussed to work toward your goals no matter how long that journey may take.  Thanks again for listening and hope you enjoy and continue to listen to and steal ideas from the experience of our amazing lineup of guests.

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