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Westfair Communications hosted its 2026 C-Suite Awards on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, NY. The evening celebrated outstanding senior executives and organizations across Fairfield and Westchester Counties, highlighting the visionary strategies and innovative initiatives driving the local economy. It brought together regional leaders and decision-makers to honor stories of resilience and leadership, emphasizing how individual business success helps elevate the entire community.Glen LeBlanc, Chief Lending Officer at Fairfield County Bank, shared his insights with host Joan Franzino during the celebration. Glen, who manages a team of lenders and administrative assistants to finance businesses and commercial real estate projects across Westchester and Connecticut, detailed his long career which uniquely included a 12-year stint as a "junk man" in his family's salvage yard business. He emphasized that his hands-on experience running a family business gave him a profound understanding of what business owners undergo to maintain operations, purchase inventory, and make payroll, allowing him to better serve his banking clients today.
As global trade faces unprecedented disruption, international eCommerce remains one of the most compelling growth opportunities for retailers and brands. On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Matthew Merrilees, CEO North America at Global-e, with special guest co-host Jim Okamura, co-founder of the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum, for a deep dive into the future of cross-border commerce and global retail expansion. Drawing on more than two decades of experience spanning international logistics, eCommerce, supply chain management, and global retail growth, Matthew provides a practical and insightful perspective on how brands can successfully navigate today's increasingly complex global marketplace. The conversation explores how supply chain disruption has evolved from a temporary challenge during the pandemic into a permanent strategic consideration for retailers. Matthew explains why agility, scenario planning, and operational flexibility have become essential capabilities for brands seeking sustainable growth in an environment shaped by tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, changing regulations, and shifting consumer expectations. A central theme of the discussion is profitability. Matthew reveals why virtually every conversation with retailers today centres around profitable growth rather than simply pursuing top-line revenue. He discusses how brands are optimizing inventory allocation, managing duties and tariffs, leveraging duty drawback programs, simplifying technology stacks, and improving international fulfilment strategies to protect margins while expanding globally. Matthew shares why customers around the world continue to expect seamless, localized shopping experiences regardless of where a retailer is based. Whether shopping in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, or emerging markets, consumers increasingly demand domestic-like experiences that remove friction from cross-border transactions. Throughout the episode, Matthew outlines the characteristics that distinguish the most successful global brands. Digital-first thinking, calculated risk-taking, strong brand differentiation, and customer-centric innovation consistently separate market leaders from competitors. He argues that retailers who continue investing and expanding during periods of uncertainty are often best positioned to capture future growth. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action for retailers and brands considering international expansion: don't wait. As Matthew notes, consumers around the world are already discovering brands online. The question is no longer whether brands should go global—but how quickly they can do it profitably and effectively. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
Amanda and Rachael break down the BC Conservative leadership race, Don Davie's proposed floor crossing bill, Trump and Leblanc, Cusma and Ontario liberal leadership! Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondaballot/Thank you to our Title Sponsor, DoorDash!
Another week, another brand new episode. Check out all the latest tracks in this show. DJ Artin - Hopeless Heart Absolutely, John Summit - DON'T BELIEVE IT Martin Garrix - Catharina (Surf Mesa Remix) Fedde Le Grand - This Is A Groove TH;EN, Mia Mendi, Blake Light - Lights Don't Lie Hills, POLOVICH - Affection Nevve, Leblanc (ofc) - The Flood Joel Corry, RAHH - Devotion (Sweetest Emotion) Alok, Khalid - Dive Into Me (Hypaton Mix) Benny Benassi, Chris Nasty - Superstar BYOR - Club Go Crazy Will Sparks, JDG, Luciana - Bad Girls Skytech, AMRV - Just About to Lose Mike Candys - Headlights Armin van Buuren, Argy, Marlo Rex - Like A Child Crazy Town, bradeazy - Butterfly 2026 Goom Gum - Imagine
Le ministre Leblanc est en voyage aux États-Unis pour faire valoir les positions canadiennes dans le cadre de la renégociation de l’ACEUM, mais à ce contexte difficile s'ajoutent des nouvelles menaces tarifaires de la part de Donald Trump. Le Québec saura-t-il tirer son épingle du jeu ? Entrevue avec Louise Blais, émissaire du Québec dans le cadre de la révision de l'Accord Canada-États-Unis-Mexique (ACEUM). Regardez aussi cette discussion en vidéo via https://www.qub.ca/videos ou en vous abonnant à QUB télé : https://www.tvaplus.ca/qub ou sur la chaîne YouTube QUB https://www.youtube.com/@qub_radioPour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc called on the U.S. and Mexico to pursue a long-term renewal of CUSMA; U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his threat of Canada joining the U.S. as some economists dismissed it as political rhetoric; A new Nanos poll shows most Canadians want changes to health care as frustration grows over wait times and staffing shortages.
Ententes entre Québec-Ottawa: une enveloppe de 10 milliards de dollars sur 10 ans. Leblanc à Washington. Les États-Unis veulent imposer de nouveaux droits de douane. Accident de jeu gonflable: la fillette de trois ans est décédée. Le chef de l’urgence à l’hôpital juif quitte. Un présumé vol de voiture dégénère à Trois-Rivières. Victoire des Golden Knights. Grosse journée pour Félix Auger-Aliassime. On ne le reverra pas même jour, même heure, même pommes. Tout savoir en quelques minutes avec Isabelle Perron, Audrey Gagnon et Mario Dumont. Regardez aussi cette discussion en vidéo via https://www.qub.ca/videos ou en vous abonnant à QUB télé : https://www.tvaplus.ca/qub ou sur la chaîne YouTube QUB https://www.youtube.com/@qub_radioPour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr
Ententes entre Québec-Ottawa: une enveloppe de 10 milliards de dollars sur 10 ans. Leblanc à Washington. Les États-Unis veulent imposer de nouveaux droits de douane. Accident de jeu gonflable: la fillette de trois ans est décédée. Le chef de l’urgence à l’hôpital juif quitte. Un présumé vol de voiture dégénère à Trois-Rivières. Victoire des Golden Knights. Grosse journée pour Félix Auger-Aliassime. On ne le reverra pas même jour, même heure, même pommes. Tout savoir en quelques minutes avec Isabelle Perron, Audrey Gagnon et Mario Dumont. Regardez aussi cette discussion en vidéo via https://www.qub.ca/videos ou en vous abonnant à QUB télé : https://www.tvaplus.ca/qub ou sur la chaîne YouTube QUB https://www.youtube.com/@qub_radio Pour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr
Ontario’s Representative in Washington David Paterson; B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay; The Front Bench with Dan Moulton, Melanie Paradis, George Soule and Laura Stone.
Une fillette entre la vie et la mort après l’envol d’un jeu gonflable: elle avait fêté ses trois ans la veille. Fréchette rencontre Carney aujourd’hui à Longueuil. LeBlanc à Washington. Entretien des infrastructures: Québec présentera « bientôt » son plan. Nouvelle directive de Québec entourant la loi 101. Lendemain de bilan: attentes dépassées, mais déception. La finale de la Coupe Stanley débute ce soir. L'achalandage en chute libre dans les cinémas. Tout savoir en quelques minutes avec Isabelle Perron, Audrey Gagnon et Mario Dumont. Regardez aussi cette discussion en vidéo via https://www.qub.ca/videos ou en vous abonnant à QUB télé : https://www.tvaplus.ca/qub ou sur la chaîne YouTube QUB https://www.youtube.com/@qub_radioPour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr
Une fillette entre la vie et la mort après l’envol d’un jeu gonflable: elle avait fêté ses trois ans la veille. Fréchette rencontre Carney aujourd’hui à Longueuil. LeBlanc à Washington. Entretien des infrastructures: Québec présentera « bientôt » son plan. Nouvelle directive de Québec entourant la loi 101. Lendemain de bilan: attentes dépassées, mais déception. La finale de la Coupe Stanley débute ce soir. L'achalandage en chute libre dans les cinémas. Tout savoir en quelques minutes avec Isabelle Perron, Audrey Gagnon et Mario Dumont. Regardez aussi cette discussion en vidéo via https://www.qub.ca/videos ou en vous abonnant à QUB télé : https://www.tvaplus.ca/qub ou sur la chaîne YouTube QUB https://www.youtube.com/@qub_radioPour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr
Le ministre responsable du Commerce Canada-États-Unis, Dominic LeBlanc, sera à Washington, mardi, a révélé La Presse.Voir https://www.cogecomedia.com/vie-privee pour notre politique de vie privée
On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Jackie Swanson, Managing Partner at Gartner Consulting, for a wide-ranging and highly practical conversation about artificial intelligence, agentic commerce, and the rapidly changing future of retail. Swanson brings Gartner's global perspective to one of the most urgent strategic issues facing retailers today: how AI is fundamentally reshaping customer discovery, commerce channels, operating models, and competitive advantage. Drawing on Gartner's extensive AI research and consulting work with retailers and consumer brands in Canada and around the world, she explains why generative AI represents a structural shift unlike previous technology waves such as cloud computing or mobile commerce. At the centre of the discussion is the rise of “agentic commerce” — a world where AI agents like ChatGPT, Claude, and future large language model interfaces increasingly sit between retailers and consumers. Instead of browsing websites or apps, customers are beginning to shop conversationally through AI interfaces that recommend, filter, compare, and eventually complete purchases on their behalf. Swanson explains why this represents an entirely new commerce channel and why retailers must rethink their strategies before they lose control of customer discovery and loyalty. Michael and Jackie explore the major implications for SEO, branding, merchandising, customer relationships, and organizational design as AI-driven commerce accelerates. Swanson introduces the emerging concept of “AEO” — AI Engine Optimization — and discusses how retailers must rethink product data, customer signals, and digital infrastructure to ensure their brands surface inside AI-driven shopping experiences. The conversation also tackles one of the industry's biggest strategic questions: who inside a retail organization should own AI? Swanson argues that an AI strategy cannot be confined solely to IT or digital teams. Instead, it must become a CEO-level, cross-functional transformation involving merchandising, marketing, loyalty, operations, and technology leadership. Swanson outlines three critical priorities retailers must address over the next 12 to 18 months: establishing strong AI governance and ethical frameworks, cleaning and restructuring enterprise data for AI readiness, and creating clear organizational ownership for AI strategy and execution. The episode closes with a fascinating discussion about which retail categories may benefit most from AI-driven commerce, why smaller challenger brands could gain unexpected advantages, and why retailers that adopt a “wait and see” approach risk falling dangerously behind. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
The Listing Bits Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Greg Robertson sits down with Atticus LeBlanc, founder and CEO of PadSplit, to discuss the affordable housing crisis and how room-by-room rentals can create housing opportunities for people who are priced out of traditional apartments. Atticus shares his journey from commercial real estate broker to housing entrepreneur, the origins of PadSplit during the Great Financial Crisis, and how the company has grown from a single prototype house to more than 33,000 beds nationwide. The conversation explores shared housing, affordability challenges, real estate investing, and the role technology can play in expanding access to housing. Key Takeaways Atticus grew up in New Orleans, studied Architecture and Urban Studies at Yale University, and credits competitive swimming with teaching resilience and persistence. After entering commercial real estate during the early stages of the housing crash, he discovered an overlooked opportunity in room-by-room housing. A chance encounter with tenants Mitch and Otis led to his first rooming-house experiment, revealing strong demand from renters who couldn't qualify for traditional apartments. PadSplit was founded in 2017 to provide the operational and technology infrastructure needed to make shared housing scalable. The platform functions similarly to Airbnb, connecting hosts with renters while handling marketing, screening, payments, move-ins, and support. Many PadSplit residents are workers earning modest incomes who are unable to meet traditional apartment qualification requirements despite having stable employment. The company has grown from 82 beds in 2018 to roughly 33,000 beds today. Shared housing can help homeowners offset mortgage costs and create pathways toward real estate investing. Atticus argues that local market knowledge often matters more than national data when identifying successful housing opportunities. The average PadSplit resident stays about nine and a half months, though many remain for years due to the affordability and stability the model provides. Links Padsplit Atticus on LinkedIn Sponsors Aligned Showings — MLS-owned showing software built to simplify scheduling, improve communication, and keep MLS data where it belongs. Giant Steps Job Board – Built for organized real estate and PropTech, not generic tech bros and recruiters who don't know what an MLS is. Production and editing services by: Sunbound Studios
In Episode 308 of Where Brains Meet Beauty, Jodi Katz sits down with Michelle LeBlanc, VP Merchandising, Beauty, & Personal Care at CVS Health, to discuss the strategy behind merchandising beauty across more than 8,000 stores.Michelle shares how CVS approaches localization, balances legacy and emerging brands, and thinks about shopper behavior through the lens of speed, convenience, and accessibility. She explains why CVS sees itself as an “anti-destination” retailer, how customer feedback shapes assortments, and what today's shoppers are really asking for.The conversation also explores Michelle's 20-year career journey, her leadership philosophy centered on kindness and psychological safety, and the realities of balancing executive leadership with parenting three boys. It's a thoughtful conversation about modern retail, beauty discovery, and leading with humanity. Thanks to our partner CEW where you can discover how to accelerate your career - go to CEW.org and use code WBMB20 for 20% off your first year of membership.
NEW! Perfect for beginners, access our Microdosing Starter Package HERE.What happens when nurses (trained in high-pressure, evidence-based medical environments) turn inward and begin exploring healing through microdosing and plant medicine? In this deeply personal conversation, we're joined by psychiatric nurse practitioner Amber King, holistic nurse coach April LeBlanc, and holistic healing guide Wanda Handel to explore their experiences with psilocybin, nervous system healing, and emotional transformation. You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/4ynejjdn
On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back Deb Craven to the podcast, President of Longo's and Retail Council of Canada's Distinguished Retailer of the Year for 2026, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, grocery innovation, Canadian retail growth, and what it takes to scale a beloved regional brand while preserving culture and customer trust. Recorded on the cusp of Longo's milestone 70th anniversary celebrations, Deb reflects on the remarkable evolution of one of Canada's most respected grocery retailers. She shares insights into the company's continued expansion strategy, including the upcoming opening of Longo's 44th store in Welland, Ontario— the furthest geographic expansion yet. Deb explains how Longo's has invested heavily in supply chain modernization, including doubling the size of its distribution centre, improving logistics flows, and introducing light automation to support future growth and operational consistency. The conversation also explores the strategic advantages Longo's has gained through its partnership with Empire Company Limited. Deb discusses how the relationship has created opportunities for shared learning, talent development, operational scale, and broader access to retail expertise while still allowing Longo's to maintain its unique identity, culture, and guest experience focus. Michael and Deb spend considerable time discussing the changing Canadian grocery landscape and how consumer expectations continue to evolve. From affordability concerns and value perception to the growing importance of protein, fibre, wellness, and GLP-1-driven shopping behaviours, Deb explains how Longo's is adapting merchandising, meal planning, and customer engagement strategies to remain highly relevant to modern shoppers. The discussion also dives into one of the most important emerging topics in retail: artificial intelligence and agentic commerce. Deb shares how Longo's is actively working to understand AI-driven shopping assistants and personalized grocery recommendations, and how retailers will need to position themselves as consumers increasingly rely on intelligent digital agents to make purchase decisions. Throughout the interview, Deb's leadership philosophy stands out clearly. She emphasizes listening, curiosity, empowering frontline employees, and maintaining a “store-first” mindset — principles that have helped Longo's consistently rank among Canada's top grocery experiences. The conversation culminates with reflections on Longo's recognition as Retail Council of Canada's Distinguished Retailer of the Year and what lies ahead for the company as it balances growth, innovation, and its deeply rooted community values. Please join us at STORE 2026 in Toronto June 2nd and 3rd, and for the Excellence in Retail gala to celebrate Deb's achievement, the evening of June 2nd at the conference. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
You can find more from Mike here:Upcoming book, What If Anger Is the Answer?https://www.whatifangeristheanswer.com/A non-profit I am building to help Marines transition from the service to civilian lifehttps://www.marinesnextchapter.org/What does it take to go from leading Marines in combat to building humanoid robots for the Department of Defense—and what does that journey teach about confidence, leadership, and unshakeable self-worth? In this powerful episode of The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset, we sit down with Mike LeBlanc, Marine Corps major, entrepreneur, Harvard Business School graduate, and founder of Foundation Future Industries, to explore his remarkable transition from 14 years in the Marines to creating robotics companies and pathways for veterans into startup and technology careers.Mike shares leadership lessons from the Marine Corps, how military discipline builds authentic confidence and self-esteem, the challenges of transitioning from service to entrepreneurship, and what it takes to build cutting-edge technology—including humanoid robots for the United States Department of War and industrial applications. His story reveals how purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and veteran mindset create unshakeable confidence in business and life.You can find more from Mike here:Upcoming book, What If Anger Is the Answer?https://www.whatifangeristheanswer.com/A non-profit I am building to help Marines transition from the service to civilian lifehttps://www.marinesnextchapter.org/
On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Stephen Bailey, Chief Marketing Officer of Vancouver's John Fluevog Shoes—one of North America's most distinctive independent retail brands. For over 56 years, Fluevog has built a fiercely loyal customer community by doing something most brands struggle to sustain: staying unapologetically unique. With 20 stores across Canada and the United States, a direct-to-consumer model, and a decision to step away from wholesale, Fluevog has created a retail ecosystem built on scarcity, craftsmanship, human connection, and creative courage. Stephen shares his 21-year journey helping shape one of Canada's most iconic design-led retail brands. From creating limited-run footwear collections manufactured in small family-owned factories around the world, to nurturing a passionate global community of “Fluevogers,” he explains why being “not for everyone” has become one of the company's greatest strategic advantages. Michael and Stephen explore how heritage brands stay relevant without becoming trapped by their own history. Stephen shares why Fluevog refuses to chase trends, how the company balances creativity with commercial discipline, and why staying true to brand character has helped them navigate economic cycles, retail disruption, and changing consumer behaviors. The conversation also tackles one of retail's biggest current themes: AI and algorithm-driven commerce. Stephen offers candid insights on how niche brands can thrive in a world increasingly shaped by machine-driven recommendations, digital marketing automation, and platform economics—while still protecting the human side of retail. They also discuss international growth, including Fluevog's ambitious expansion into Amsterdam, the lessons learned from operating in global markets, and why physical retail remains the company's most powerful marketing channel. Perhaps most importantly, Stephen shares why community remains Fluevog's ultimate moat. From in-store “Fluevogologists” delivering highly personalized service to customer interactions that dramatically reduce returns while building loyalty, Fluevog continues proving that in an increasingly digital world, human connection still drives extraordinary retail outcomes. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
Recorded live from the stage at the SIAL Innovation Show in Montreal, this special episode of The Voice of Retail dives headfirst into one of the most disruptive forces reshaping commerce: artificial intelligence and its growing influence on how consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase food and grocery products. Michael welcomes Guillaume Mathieu, Co-Founder and Partner at Montreal's ilot, a strategic consultancy helping brands and retailers navigate growth, innovation, and consumer behaviour in Quebec and beyond. Guillaume also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Boillon, a leading B2B media platform for Quebec's agri-food sector, and is himself a podcaster in the brand and food space. Together, they unpack new consumer research revealing a fascinating contradiction: while consumers—especially younger shoppers—are rapidly embracing AI tools in everyday life, many remain hesitant when AI intersects with food. Why? Because food is deeply emotional, personal, and tied to authenticity. Guillaume shares proprietary insights showing that consumers are comfortable with “invisible AI,” such as asking ChatGPT for recipes or meal ideas, but become significantly more skeptical when AI becomes physically visible—whether that's robotic baristas, automated cooking systems, or AI-driven food preparation. The conversation explores how search behaviour is rapidly evolving from short keywords to highly contextual prompts. Consumers are no longer searching “pasta sauce”—they're asking for “a locally made tomato sauce perfect for a Mother's Day dinner.” That shift is creating enormous opportunities for smaller brands to compete against larger incumbents by winning on relevance, storytelling, authenticity, reviews, and discoverability across platforms like Reddit, websites, and emerging generative engines. Michael and Guillaume also examine the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the next evolution of SEO, and why brands must rethink their digital content strategy immediately. Product pages, recipes, reviews, seasonal content, and contextual storytelling may soon become critical assets in getting surfaced by platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other AI-powered recommendation engines. On the retail side, the discussion turns to smart appliances, AI-powered grocery ecosystems, and the possibility that refrigerators themselves could become the next e-commerce channel. As technology companies, delivery platforms, and retailers compete for ownership of consumer relationships, this episode offers essential strategic insight for grocers, food brands, marketers, and retail executives. https://ilotetcie.com/ Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
This week we interviewed Tarah Combs LeBlanc, a Democratic candidate in District 33. She spoke to us about running for office as a working mother and what she would bring to Frankfort as a person who is actually impacted by issues. In addition to the interview, we spoke about Donald Trump making major endorsements in the Kentucky Senate and US-6 district, and the impacts on those races, plus several quick hits.
In this high-energy live episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael welcomes two dynamic voices shaping the future of retail and consumer brands: Jake Karls and Carl Boutet. Recorded live on location, this spontaneous conversation delivers powerful insights into what it takes to build a modern consumer brand in an increasingly crowded, algorithm-driven marketplace. Jake Karls shares the remarkable growth story behind Mid-Day Squares—from launching the company in Montreal with his sister and brother-in-law to building a vertically integrated manufacturing business producing more than 150,000 bars per day across North America. But this isn't just a product story. Jake explains how Mid-Day Squares intentionally built a media company mindset from day one, hiring content creators before traditional food scientists, documenting their journey, and turning storytelling into one of their most valuable growth engines. Listeners will hear how a major cocoa pricing crisis nearly disrupted the business—and how that challenge sparked one of their biggest innovations: their breakout “No Bread PB&J” product line. Jake reveals how combining product innovation with viral content, emotional storytelling, and fearless authenticity helped the brand secure retailer support and create consumer demand at scale. Carl Boutet brings his trademark strategic lens to the conversation, unpacking why brands must “take back agency” in an era increasingly dominated by AI-generated content and algorithmic sameness. Drawing from themes in his upcoming book, Carl argues that AI is quickly becoming table stakes—not differentiation—and that the brands that win will be those that create genuine emotional connection, distinctiveness, and memorability. The conversation also explores the evolving role of retail media, the power of founder-led storytelling, startup innovation in CPG, and why in a world of automation, human energy may be the ultimate competitive advantage. For retailers, brand builders, entrepreneurs, and marketers trying to understand what cuts through in today's attention economy, this episode delivers practical insights, inspiration, and plenty of laughs. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
A NASA nuclear scientist died after a fiery crash in a rural Alabama town last year, which at the time caused suspicion among family members. Joshua LeBlanc, 29, died in a fiery crash in his Tesla on July 22, 2025. The crash happened in Huntsville, Alabama where his Tesla was found burned beyond recognition at about 2:45 in the afternoon.NASA nuclear engineer found dead in burned Tesla after vanishing from his Alabama home last yearLink - https://nypost.com/2026/04/23/us-news/nasa-nuclear-engineer-joshua-leblanc-found-dead-in-tesla-after-vanishing-from-alabama-home/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=nypostFamily of Paranormal YouTuber David Wilcock Speaks Out After He Dies by Suicide at 53Wilcock, 53, died by suicide on April 20, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office said.People OnlineLink - https://people.com/family-of-paranormal-youtuber-david-wilcock-speaks-out-after-he-dies-by-suicide-11957395Attribution:David Wicock Video from Interstellar@InterstellarUAP on XLink: https://x.com/InterstellarUAP/status/2047038412167774583?s=20David Wilcock X posts via TaraBull @TaraBull on XLink: https://x.com/TaraBull/status/2046921961553694906?s=20Eric Bulison Audio vis Rep. Eric Burlison @RepEricBurlison on XLink: https://x.com/RepEricBurlison/status/2046990034708947101?s=20Joshua LeBlanc via New York Post @nypost on X Link: https://x.com/nypost/status/2047200601075765390?s=20Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tempest-universe--4712510/support.Please follow the #podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTempestUniversePodcast?sub_confirmation=1
In this special ENCORE episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Mat Povse, President of Best Buy Canada, live on the stage in Vancouver at Retail Council of Canada's 2025 Retail West stage for a wide-ranging and candid conversation on leadership, innovation, omnichannel retail, and the future of consumer technology in Canada. Povse begins by unpacking what is currently working at Best Buy Canada, pointing to strong financial momentum driven by a clear sense of purpose: understanding why the retailer exists and how it adds value in a crowded technology marketplace. He emphasizes that Best Buy is not simply a retailer, but a people-first organization built on adaptability, humility, and a culture that embraces constant change. That mindset has enabled the company to modernize approximately 85% of its Canadian store fleet, with plans to reach full modernization across all 320 locations—an achievement Povse notes is rare by global retail standards. The conversation explores the evolving role of physical stores in an attention-scarce world. Povse explains how Best Buy balances frictionless transactions for efficiency-driven shoppers with high-touch, consultative experiences for customers overwhelmed by complex technology decisions. This dual mandate—serving both mass market and specialty retail needs—defines Best Buy's in-store strategy and underpins its omnichannel ecosystem. LeBlanc and Povse also examine post-pandemic tailwinds, including technology refresh cycles following the COVID “buy-forward” period. Povse outlines how innovation from major vendors, operating system upgrades, gaming launches, and AI-enabled devices are fueling renewed demand. He positions Best Buy as a critical platform for brands bringing new technology to market, reinforcing its role as both retailer and technology authority. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Best Buy Express, the partnership with Bell that rapidly expanded the retailer's physical footprint by opening 167 stores in just five months. Povse describes the initiative as “fiercely successful,” highlighting how Express locations are driving both in-store traffic and incremental online sales in previously underserved markets. The episode also dives into Best Buy's early leadership in retail media and marketplace strategy. Povse frames Best Buy as a platform connecting first- and third-party sellers with consumers across stores, digital channels, and media assets—while stressing the importance of protecting the customer experience. He underscores that retail media must enhance relevance, not create friction. Finally, Povse reflects on leadership philosophy, advocating for collaborative decision-making, discretionary effort, and values-driven culture. He closes with practical advice for retailers and vendors alike: build the right team, listen more than you speak, understand your business at both micro and macro levels, and lead with honesty and humility. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
A NASA nuclear scientist died after a fiery crash in a rural Alabama town last year, which at the time caused suspicion among family members. Joshua LeBlanc, 29, died in a fiery crash in his Tesla on July 22, 2025. The crash happened in Huntsville, Alabama where his Tesla was found burned beyond recognition at about 2:45 in the afternoon.NASA nuclear engineer found dead in burned Tesla after vanishing from his Alabama home last yearLink - https://nypost.com/2026/04/23/us-news/nasa-nuclear-engineer-joshua-leblanc-found-dead-in-tesla-after-vanishing-from-alabama-home/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=nypostFamily of Paranormal YouTuber David Wilcock Speaks Out After He Dies by Suicide at 53Wilcock, 53, died by suicide on April 20, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office said.People OnlineLink - https://people.com/family-of-paranormal-youtuber-david-wilcock-speaks-out-after-he-dies-by-suicide-11957395Attribution:David Wicock Video from Interstellar@InterstellarUAP on XLink: https://x.com/InterstellarUAP/status/2047038412167774583?s=20David Wilcock X posts via TaraBull @TaraBull on XLink: https://x.com/TaraBull/status/2046921961553694906?s=20Eric Bulison Audio vis Rep. Eric Burlison @RepEricBurlison on XLink: https://x.com/RepEricBurlison/status/2046990034708947101?s=20Joshua LeBlanc via New York Post @nypost on X Link: https://x.com/nypost/status/2047200601075765390?s=20Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tempest-universe--4712510/support.Please follow the #podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTempestUniversePodcast?sub_confirmation=1
From space‑lab clean rooms to the inner universe of human awareness, my guest Todd R. LeBlanc has spent decades exploring both the frontiers of technology and the depths of consciousness. In this episode, we talk about his journey from seasoned space‑lab manager to author of The Book of Odd and his new project, The Book of Odd: Awakening. Todd explains why our greatest “technology” isn't rockets or AI, but awareness itself—our ability to live in the present moment, ask better questions, and recognize that “right now” is the only place we ever have any agency. We dig into what most people get wrong about time, the anthropic principle and our role as conscious observers, and why cultivating curiosity, gratitude, and critical thinking is more powerful than chasing status or stuff. https://youtu.be/j4cga5xSrRQ?si=FnUBXqWFik_RCERl You'll hear how Todd structures his days around meditation and writing before he gives any energy to his day job, why he believes we should “give our best self to ourselves” first, and how simple habits like journaling, reading, and daily reflection can lead to a quiet but profound awakening. We talk about seeing hidden wonder in everyday things—from toilets and soccer balls to the Panama Canal and public libraries—how to protect yourself from misinformation by strengthening your own mind, and why he thinks we're each just one line in a much larger language of existence carried through our DNA and culture. If you're ready to become more present, more curious, and more intentional with your one “flicker” of time, this conversation will give you both inspiration and concrete first steps. Resources: Todd R. LeBlanc on Linkedin The Book of Odd
It's YOUR time to #EdUp with Paul J. LeBlanc, Visiting Scholar & Special Advisor, Harvard University Graduate School of Education (HGSE)In this episode, recorded LIVE from the Ellucian Live 2026 conference in Denver, Colorado,YOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoListen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - Elvin Freytes & Dr. Joe Sallustio● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!P.S. Want access to the only intelligence platform built exclusively from presidential conversations in higher education? Join EdUp Leadership!
Que seraient nos vies sans les couleurs ? Leurs rôles dans le Vivant sont souvent mé- ou inconnus du grand public. Pourtant, elles sont un des langages, une des conditions sina qua non du Vivant… Il était tant que BSG consacre aux couleurs une grande saga inédite.Aujourd'hui le blanc. Pour les physiciens et les experts de l'optique, la blanc n'est pas UNE couleur… mais la réunion de TOUTES les couleurs (à l'inverse du noir qui résulte en théorie de l'absence de couleur).Cette série explore les différentes particularités du blanc dans le monde Vivant, de la sclère de nos yeux (le blanc) aux camouflages "blancs comme neiges" de l'ours polaire, du harfang et de la perdrix des neiges.Invité : Frédéric Archaux, biologiste et chercheur, auteur de Toutes les couleurs de la nature (Quae, 2025).___
In this debut episode of the podcast's new deal breakdown segment, Axel sits down with Sean LeBlanc of Mammoth Properties to dissect one of the most compelling deals they've done together — a 23-unit, three-property portfolio in New Hampshire that returned nearly all investor capital within 14 months, while still leaving two cash-flowing buildings on the books with solid long-term debt.Sean walks through the full lifecycle of the deal: how it was sourced off-market through a residential agent, how the joint venture was structured, the rough value-add conditions they inherited, what went better than expected (rents in Manchester), what went worse (the Farmington property), and how the decision to sell one building early unlocked a home run outcome for all investors involved.This episode is a masterclass in deal flexibility, portfolio loan structuring, and why scattered-site portfolios remain one of the last great opportunities to buy at a real discount in today's market.Join us as we dive into:How a 23-unit, three-property portfolio in New Hampshire was sourced entirely off-market through a residential agent relationshipHow Axel and Sean structured a simple joint venture to take down a deal that was at the ceiling of Sean's deal size at the timeThe value-add playbook: tackle vacant units first, assess inherited tenants for reliability, renovate quickly, and phase in rent increasesHow the Manchester properties outperformed projected rents — underwriting 3-beds at $1,800, achieving $2,100 on fully renovated downtown unitsThe decision to sell the Farmington property after one year: sale price of $1,210,000, net proceeds of $505,337 — nearly recovering the full $555,000 of invested equityHow a subsequent refinance of the remaining two Manchester buildings generated an additional $242,000 in proceeds, bringing total cash returned to $748,000 on $555,000 investedWhy partial release language in a portfolio loan is the single most important thing to negotiate before you closeWhy scattered-site portfolios remain one of the best places to find below-market deals — and why the big institutional buyers largely ignore themConnect with Sean LeBlanc:Follow him on InstagramLearn more about Mammoth PropertiesAre you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
In this special cross-over episode from the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast from the Global eCommerce Leaders Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Jim Okamura welcome Jes Crownover, Vice President, e-Commerce & Digital Solutions, to discuss the rapidly changing world of cross-border e-commerce. From tariffs and customs compliance to de minimis, data readiness, AI, and reverse logistics, this episode offers a masterclass for brands navigating global trade disruption. With 25 years of experience across UPS, FedEx, customs brokerage, and global trade management, Jess describes her career path from UPS operations to advising brands on complex international commerce. She illustrates Livingston International's Canadian roots, global reach, and capabilities in customs brokerage, trade consulting, freight, and technology-enabled solutions around the world. A major theme of the episode is how much global e-commerce has changed since 2020. Jes explains that the pandemic permanently accelerated online shopping behaviour and cross-border demand, while 2025 has emerged as another turning point due to tariffs, shifting sourcing strategies, and the end of de minimis advantages in key markets. For brands, that means rethinking supply chains, market participation, warehousing, returns, and cost structures. She notes that not every company will survive the next 12 to 18 months unchanged, and those that do will be the ones willing to adapt quickly and strategically. The episode zeroes in on a central theme in global commerce: the critical role of data. Jes emphasizes that accurate, complete, usable product and shipment data are the key to success in customs, compliance, and technology. She notes that marketing descriptions aren't customs descriptions, and brands unaware of this distinction risk delays, penalties, or extra costs. Good data, she adds, is the foundation for AI, automation, and scalable border clearance. Michael, Jim, and Jes focus on the importance of partnerships, regulatory expertise, and reverse logistics in global trade. Jes emphasizes that strong partners are vital in an unpredictable landscape driven by tariffs, evolving regulations, and consumer demands for transparency and speed. She issues a direct warning and call to action: brands must immediately understand their goods, data, and cross-border operations to prepare for ongoing disruption. This episode is essential for anyone selling internationally. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
On this episode of TTP, we're chatting with a trio of fighters on UFC Winnipeg and breaking down the fights this weekend as well. TIME STAMPS: John Castaneda Interview - 2:00 Fights, Dogs, and Parlays: UFC Winnipeg - 17:11 Melissa Croden Interview - 23:10 Julien LeBlanc Interview - 32:21 And be sure to check out ou sponsor: getproply.com
In this episode, Axel records the first-ever live, in-studio episode of the Multifamily Wealth Podcast alongside good friend and fellow Southern New Hampshire investor Sean LeBlanc of Mammoth Properties. Sean runs a vertically integrated operation managing 262 units and roughly $60M in assets — and brings a uniquely hands-on, operator-first perspective to every aspect of buying and running multifamily real estate.The conversation covers Sean's journey from mortgage broker to full-time operator, the philosophical and practical differences between operator-first investors and spreadsheet-first investors, and how building a world-class in-house management team creates a genuine competitive edge when pursuing deals. Sean and Axel also get into the tactical mechanics of executing a value-add business plan — from what happens on day one post-close to how to sequence exterior improvements, rent increases, and tenant communication to maximize results.This episode is essential listening for operators who want to understand how in-house management creates acquisition advantages, and for investors at any stage who want a real, unfiltered look at what building a sustainable multifamily business actually requires.Join us as we dive into:How Sean built Mammoth Properties by selling his best-performing asset, parking $250K into an operating account, and hiring top-down from day oneThe "grow or die" phase every serious operator goes through early on — and why some risk-taking early in your career is necessaryThe operator-first vs. spreadsheet-first investor divide — and why Sean views every acquisition through a management lensWhy hiring a high-level COO (Troy) before hiring anyone else unlocked the foundation for long-term portfolio growthHow vertical integration — owning cleaning contracts, maintenance, and renovations under Mammoth — creates certainty in underwriting that third-party operators simply can't matchThe sequencing strategy for value-add takeovers: big exterior improvements first, phased rent increases over the first six months, and targeting bad-apple tenants earlyWhy common area renovations early in a heavy value-add can backfire — and what to focus on insteadThe role of goodwill and reputation in long-term vacancy performance — and why spending money that doesn't pencil on paper often pays off in the P&LCurrent challenges: market paranoia, the political climate around rent control, and the difficulty of making clean acquisition decisions as a more established operatorWhy New Hampshire remains one of the most compelling multifamily markets in New England — and what the Massachusetts rent control vote in November could signalConnect with Sean LeBlanc:Follow him on InstagramLearn more about Mammoth PropertiesConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
Dominic LeBlanc explique pourquoi le PLC n'accepterait pas que Jacques Gourde rejoigne ses rangs. Et Justine Philie se fâche contre les épiceries qui ne reprennent plus les contenants consignés.
MMA Lock of the Night is back to give you breakdowns and predictions for UFC Winnipeg: Burns vs Malott. Also on the card, Phillips vs Jourdain, Nallo vs Herbert, Jasudavicius vs Silva, Moises vs Young, and Buzukja vs Barbosa.
This episode features a discussion among experienced behavior analysts exploring career pathways within and beyond traditional applied behavior analysis settings. Presenters share personal career trajectories, including transitions from direct clinical work to roles in training, research, and software development. The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development in shaping career outcomes. Additionally, the course examines opportunities for behavior analysts to expand into non-traditional areas such as organizational behavior management, healthcare systems, and community-based services. Practical strategies for skill development, networking, and career advancement are provided to support practitioners at various stages of their professional journey. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification quiz to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review. Show Notes: References Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2016). Ethics for behavior analysts (3rd ed.). Routledge. LeBlanc, L.A., Sellers, T. P., & Ala'i, S. Building and sustaining meaningful and effective relationships as a supervisor and mentor. Sloan Publishing, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. https://www.sloanpublishing.co...; Li, A., Curiel, H. Pritchard, J., & Poling, A. Participation of Women in Behavior Analysis Research: Some recent and relevant data. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 11, 160-164. Nosik, M. R., Luke, M. M., Carr, J. E. Representation of women in behavior analysis: an empirical analysis. Behavior Analysis Research and Practice, 19(2), 213-221. Roane, H. S., Ringdahl, J. L., & Falcomata, T. S. (Eds.). (2015). Clinical and organizational applications of applied behavior analysis. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2013-0-09993-8 Volkert, V. M. (2026). Empowering women to forge a path in behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice. Advance online publication. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/bar0000325 Wilson, A. N., & Grant, T. (2015). Implications of derived rule following of roulette gambling for clinical practice. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 8(1), 52-56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-014-0029-9 Resources Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). (n.d.). Certificant data. https://www.bacb.com/bacb-certificant-data/ Behavior Analyst Certification Board (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts. https://bacb.com/wp-content/ethics-code-for-behavior-analysts/ CentralReach Institute. Training and professional development resources. https://centralreach.com
In this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Rohit Sriram, Senior Vice-President eCommerce at Loblaw Companies Limited, for an exclusive preview of the ideas, strategies, and thought leadership he'll be bringing to the stage at the Retail Council of Canada's highly anticipated STORE Conference this June in Toronto. For retail leaders planning to attend STORE—or those tracking the future of AI in commerce—this conversation offers an early look at how one of Canada's most sophisticated retailers is operationalizing artificial intelligence at scale. Sriram leads one of the most expansive digital ecosystems in the country, spanning eCommerce across Loblaw's grocery banners, Shoppers Drug Mart, Joe Fresh, and the PC Optimum loyalty program. At the core of his approach is a disciplined focus on solving real customer problems—not chasing technology trends. In this discussion, he breaks down how Loblaw cuts through the noise around AI by anchoring every investment in two critical questions: what problem are we solving, and is this solution materially better than what exists today? This pragmatic lens has enabled the company to move beyond traditional personalization toward real-time, context-aware customer experiences powered by advanced data and AI capabilities. Listeners will gain early insight into the themes shaping Sriram's upcoming STORE panel, including the rise of “agentic commerce,” the growing influence of AI-powered discovery platforms, and the evolution of conversational interfaces across both third-party ecosystems and owned retail channels. A key takeaway is the shift from static segmentation to dynamic personalization—where customers are no longer defined by a single identity, but understood across multiple, evolving contexts. This capability is unlocking more relevant engagement, stronger loyalty, and improved conversion across Loblaw's platforms. Sriram also shares how Loblaw's culture of experimentation—grounded in OKRs, rapid testing, and scalable architecture—allows the organization to validate and deploy innovation quickly while maintaining operational discipline. For those attending STORE, this episode serves as a strategic primer. For those unable to attend, it delivers a front-row perspective on the ideas that will shape the conversation on stage. Whether you're a retailer, brand leader, or technologist, this is your opportunity to hear directly from one of the industry's leading voices—before he takes the spotlight. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
Atticus LeBlanc, CEO of PadSplit, shares insights on transforming affordable housing through shared living, innovative business models, and addressing the housing crisis efficiently. Discover how their marketplace reduces vacancy loss, simplifies operations, and creates impactful solutions for workforce housing and beyond. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
In this week's episode, Lisa interviews Florence K, award-winning musician, author, and mental health advocate. Florence talks with Lisa about her experience growing up in a musical household and the bond of touring musicians. She also addresses the challenges of being a professional musician. In her current work as a PhD candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Quebec in Montréal, she explores the complex link between mood, creativity, and well-being in the performing arts. Joining in the conversation is Dr. Aimée Gaudette-Leblanc. Aimée is a professor and researcher whose work focuses on early childhood development, parent-child relationships, and the role of arts and culture in family well-being. Aimée shares insight into the family ensemble, sensitive and responsive parenting, and the joy of observing your children musicking.Florence K's artist pageFlorence K shares “My Story” in The Catalyst, publication of The Mental Health Commission of Canada. Florence K's co-authored article, “Exploring the well-being of professional female musicians: a self-determination theory perspective” in Frontiers in PsychologyAimée's co-authored article, “The implications of participating in a Music Early Learning Program for parental sensitivity and socioemotional functioning in children aged 2–5 years: A randomized control trial” in Psychology of MusicAimée's faculty homepageSesame Street song “Put Down the Duckie” discussed in episode
durée : 00:17:59 - Les Nuits de France Culture - par : Philippe Garbit - Dans l'émission "Le texte et la marge" en 1971 il est question de l'écrivain Maurice Leblanc, et de son personnage Arsène Lupin, à l'occasion de l'adaptation de ses aventures pour la télévision. Le prétexte pour écouter le fils de Maurice Leblanc, Claude Leblanc, évoquer l'oeuvre de son père. - réalisation : Virginie Mourthé
In this episode, Edward LeBlanc breaks down the three essential ingredients every great practice needs: fun, finding something new, and embracing frustration. He challenges coaches to redefine “fun” as enjoyment of growth and hard work, while emphasizing that real improvement comes from discovery and struggling through mistakes. The discussion dives into common coaching mistakes—like overloading players, poor communication, and prioritizing outcomes over process—and offers clear ways to fix them. LeBlanc also shares how elite coaches evolve by simplifying teaching, asking better questions, and creating game-like learning environments. If you want to run more effective practices and develop smarter, more resilient players, this episode is packed with actionable insight.Show Notes:3 Essentials: Fun, Find, Frustrate Enjoying the work, not just games Keeping players engaged through discoveryFind something new every practice Learning can come from old skills, seen differently Frustration is part of growth Teach players to embrace mistakes Avoid overcomplicating drills Don't prioritize results over process Define the “win” in every drill Replace generic coach speak with specifics Ask more questionsConnect drills to real game situations Use more game-like reps Balance simple vs. complex teaching Adjust based on age and development Create a shared team vocabulary Allowing bad repsEvolving as a coachSend us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last! Register for a PGC Basketball camp today and register to be a PGC Partner Program to receive exclusive discounts: https://pgcbasketball.com/partner
This week, the PATHPod gals bring you something brand new—our very first sponsored episode, created in collaboration with U.S. Soy. And wow… did the stars align for this one. As longtime soy lovers (professionally and personally), partnering with a research‑driven, evidence‑based organization felt like the perfect fit.We're joined by the wonderful Chelsea LeBlanc, RD, a Nashville‑based dietitian, media expert, and mom who brings warmth, clarity, and practical wisdom to every part of this conversation. Together, we walk through eight evidence‑based “Soy Prizes”—the surprising, reassuring, and downright fascinating benefits of soy foods.From complete protein to heart health, from seed‑oil panic to brain health, from prostate and breast cancer research to menopause support and even skin health… this episode is packed with science, stories, and simple ways to bring soy into your everyday routine.You'll also hear our own “soy surprises,” kitchen favorites, and easy ways to start experimenting—tempeh tacos, miso dressings, edamame shortcuts, tofu magic, and more. As always, it's conversational, joyful, and rooted in real‑life habits that help you feel good.Resources MentionedAll linked resources are available through U.S. Soy and the Soy Nutrition Institute Global:National Soy Foods Month Hub:Consumer Resources - www.soyconnection.com/soyfoodsmonthProfessional Resources - soyfoodsmonth.ussoy.org Soy Foods Guide (tips, recipes, how‑tos) Dietitian Toolkit (mix‑and‑match guides, bento ideas, plant‑protein snacks, media resources) Soy Nutrition Institute Global - https://sniglobal.orgCalls to Action Try a soy milk swap this week—coffee, smoothies, cereal. Pick one new soy food to explore: tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame, soy nuts. Challenge assumptions and stay curious—soy science is far more reassuring than the myths. Check out the recipes and resources in the show notes and start building your own soy toolkit. Why This Episode MattersSoy is versatile, delicious, accessible, and backed by decades of research. Whether you're team tofu, team tempeh, team edamame, or team “still figuring it out,” we hope this episode helps you feel confident, inspired, and maybe even a little soy‑prised.
BLEAV in Hornets with Will "Dolla Bill" Bush is your go-to podcast for all things Charlotte Hornets. Hosted by William Bush, this episode offers analysis of the past few for the Hornets as we're joined by special guest Zach LeBlanc host of BLEAV Celtics Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
There is a quiet myth in startup culture: that building something big requires sacrificing your body, your relationships, and your inner life. But what if the most durable companies are built by people who know how to take care of themselves before the pressure hits? Host Yusuf sits down with Mike LeBlanc, a decorated Marine Corps officer, Harvard Business School graduate, co-founder of Cobalt Robotics and Foundation Future Industries, and author of the upcoming book What If Anger is the Answer? Mike brings a grounded, honest perspective on what it really takes to build under pressure, why rigidity breaks companies, and why the first system any company runs on is the founder's own health and mindset. About the Guest: Mike LeBlanc is a former Marine Corps major who completed three tours to the Middle East, served as an economic and technology advisor to the Pentagon, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. He co-founded Cobalt Robotics, a Silicon Valley startup backed by Sequoia, Founders Fund, and Coatue, which raised over $120 million and was acquired in 2024. He is now co-founder of Foundation Future Industries, building humanoid robots for the U.S. Department of Defense. His book What If Anger is the Answer? is available for pre-order on Amazon, Target, and Barnes and Noble. Key Takeaways: Internal grit is the skill no one can give you. Being turned down by over a thousand investors while still raising more than $100 million requires an inner resilience that goes far deeper than strategy. The founders who survive rejection have already decided they know what they have. Stop stretching your neck. Mike's Lamarck vs Darwin analogy is clear: most people exhaust themselves adapting to whatever environment they're in. The smarter move is to find the environment where you are already the best fit. There are no bad genres, only bad stories. Stress, uncertainty, and hard pivots are not signs something went wrong. They are features of the startup genre. Reframing difficulty as part of the experience, not a detour from it, is what keeps founders going. Founder burnout is often hidden resentment. When founders become controlling under pressure, what is usually underneath is not fear. It is a feeling that no one else cares the way they do. Naming that honestly is the first step to leading better. Food, sleep, and exercise are the three easiest levers. Emotional and hierarchy pressures are hard to control. Your workout, your sleep, and what you eat are fully in your hands. When everything else feels uncertain, protect these. The builder is the first system. Your nervous system, your sleep debt, your body all flow directly into your decisions, your culture, and your company. Taking care of yourself is not a detour from building. It is building. Connect With Mike LeBlanc: Book (pre-order): What If Anger is the Answer? by Mike LeBlanc Available at: Amazon, Target, Barnes and Noble LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mike-leblanc-20783b114 Episode Chapters: [00:00] Opening: What If the Healthiest Founders Build the Strongest Companies? [03:00] Welcome: Who Is Mike LeBlanc? (approx.) [04:00] The One Internal Skill Every Founder Must Build: Grit After a Thousand Rejections [07:00] Lamarck vs Darwin: Stop Stretching Your Neck and Find Your Environment [08:00] The Misconception About Building: Embrace the Genre, Not Just the Goal [10:00] Flow, Eudaimonia, and Why Flourishing Beats Happiness as a North Star [12:00] What Is Really Behind Founder Control and Reactivity Under Pressure [17:00] The Practical Shift: Food, Sleep, and Exercise Are the Easy Levers [20:00] Lead Yourself First: The Builder Is the First System the Company Runs On Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate. With over 6500+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.
In this episode, Ryan LeBlanc shares what it takes to lead and build a program at Binghamton. He breaks down the transition from his previous coaching stops and what stood out when stepping into a new environment. He explains how the university's academic strength shapes recruiting and why bringing in the right student-athletes impacts culture, development, and long-term success.LeBlanc also speaks on the day-to-day realities of running a program. He highlights the balance between competition, academics, and personal growth. He gives insight into how he evaluates talent, builds relationships, and sets expectations for his team. This conversation gives a clear look at how a head coach builds a strong foundation and develops athletes on and off the mat.
What if anger management is NOT about suppression, but about direction and training emotional intensity into clarity, discipline, and presence. Most men are taught that anger is a problem to manage, eliminate, or apologize for, but what if that belief is quietly costing you strength, identity, and performance? In this episode, Jon and Will sit down with Mike LeBlanc - Marine veteran, Harvard MBA, ancient Greek philosophy scholar, and founder of Foundation, a billion-dollar robotics company. They explore the Stoic concepts of Thumos, the spirited force of the soul that drives recognition, ambition, and righteous action. Mike is set to release his new book august this year 2026 What If Anger Is the Answer, which challenges modern assumptions about emotional regulation and reframes anger as a virtue when properly trained. This conversation is not about losing control. It is about taking control.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:- How to define anger as a warning light rather than a character flaw- The difference between anger that creates clarity and anger that creates chaos- Why shame is a tool for self-correction, not self-destruction- How to plan difficult conversations with precision, humanity, and strategy- The ancient Stoic Greek framework for training Thumos into virtue and presenceFOLLOW THE GUESTMike LeBlancEmail: Mike@foundation.botFoundation: foundation.botMarine Next Chapter Initiative: MaureenNextChapterInitiative.comBook: What If Anger Is the Answer - Available August 25th If our show resonates, here's where to go next:SUBSCRIBE to our Newsletter - Thursday Three Things or Text MTM to 33777 for weekly tools and ideas that actually work. WATCH FREE training content on the FNT YouTube channeland if you want to bring this work into your organization, check out our workshops and corporate Training Programs.FOLLOW the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs it. https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/Co-produced by Robert Lopez - cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
This week we're talking about a topic that I've been more and more interested in… private room rentals! PadSplit CEO Atticus LeBlanc joins me to discuss how pivoting from STR, MTR or long term rentals into co-living spaces can: Decrease vacancy Increase revenue Reduce expenses And solve a problem for over 1/3rd of Americans Atticus walks us through how you can prepare your existing property into the ideal PadSplit property, and gives us practical tips for handling multiple tenants and contracts. The best part? This conversation was only a tease for what you'll learn at Level Up Your Listing Summit! PadSplit will be hosting a 40-minute breakout workshop at this year's summit, and I already know it's going to be one of our most packed sessions. Connect with PadSplit on Facebook! Secure your ticket at levelupyourlistingsummit.com March 29-31, 2026 | Phoenix, AZ Thank you to our sponsor Lodgify – Take 20% off Lodgify's most powerful plans with code novacancy20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices