CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how businesses can bridge the gap between raw data and profitable marketing strategy. In 2026, guessing where growth comes from is no longer sustainable when data can reveal exactly what drives revenue. Joining us is Hilary Borndahl, Founder and CEO of Miix Analytics. With more than 20 years of experience at global firms like Kantar and Nielsen, Hilary specializes in transforming complex marketing data into clear strategies that help businesses predict performance and make smarter decisions. Key Highlights Marketing Mix Modeling ROI: How MMM helps businesses separate marketing noise from real revenue drivers. MiixLite Innovation: How MiixLite makes advanced analytics accessible and affordable for SMEs. Entrepreneurial Leap: Why Hilary believed a boutique analytics firm could outperform large global agencies. Culture of Impact: How social initiatives shape Miix Analytics’ culture and purpose driven work. Future Data Strategy: How businesses should prepare their data today to stay compliant and insight driven. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how AI is evolving from a simple assistant into a coordinated workforce that can automate complex business operations and drive real productivity. Joining us is Karla Congson, CEO and CTO of Agentiiv. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Women Over 50, Karla is leading the development of enterprise AI agents designed to augment human teams and scale expertise across multiple business functions. Key Highlights 1. Mundane Utility in AI: Karla explains how automating repetitive tasks unlocks real productivity and efficiency. 2. AI Governance and Security: Karla shares how Agentiiv ensures AI agents operate safely and remain compliant in enterprise environments. 3. Human AI Collaboration: Karla discusses how AI agents are designed to function like experienced team members. 4. Scaling with You Scaled: Karla highlights how the program demonstrated measurable AI impact across business ecosystems. 5. Vector Technology Collaboration: Karla explains how the partnership enables coordinated AI workflows across organizations. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore why writing code alone is no longer enough to stay competitive. In 2026, businesses that rely on cheap workarounds instead of custom architecture often stall their own growth. Joining us is Zarko Mandic, Director at Novus Tech Group and VP of Technology at Karbon-X. With over 15 years of experience in platform architecture and digital strategy, Zarko helps organizations across Fintech, Healthcare, and Oil and Gas turn complex technical domains into streamlined products that drive measurable results. Key Highlights The Cost of Workarounds: When manual fixes become more expensive than building custom solutions. Growth Hindrance Signals: Early signs that existing software is slowing the business down. AI in Energy: How Novus transforms dark data into actionable insights for energy firms. Decarbonization Strategy: How custom software simplifies carbon tracking and reporting. Business Logic First: Why focusing on business logic over writing code delivers stronger outcomes. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, the focus is on the future of healthcare CX and how AI, global expansion, and disciplined product strategy are driving measurable growth. Our guest is Naomi Adams, SVP Customer and Ecosystem Partners Growth and Account Management at League, a leading AI powered healthcare CX platform reaching over 63 million people worldwide. With more than 15 years of experience in corporate strategy and digital transformation across global markets, Naomi shares insights on scaling innovation in complex healthcare systems. Key Highlights Scaling to 63M+ Users: Core principles behind product market fit, funding success, and enterprise partnerships. AI in Action: How AI strengthens internal workflows and enhances personalized healthcare experiences. Canada vs U.S. Strategy: Key market differences shaping platform design and compliance execution. Resilient Leadership: Lessons on confidence, growth, and navigating competitive environments. Future of AI Agents: The long term vision for agent driven healthcare experiences. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we’ll dive into how to move away from “marketing guesswork” and build systems that actually drive revenue. In 2026, impressions and vanity metrics aren't enough—businesses need a performance-driven strategy that understands margins, customer journeys, and long-term positioning. Joining us today is Neeraj Kathuria, founder of Elegant Marketing. With over a decade of experience, Neeraj helps businesses in the automotive, jewelry, and professional services sectors scale through results-focused digital marketing. From starting as a solo entrepreneur to leading a high-performing team, Neeraj is an expert in data-driven advertising and scaling operations. Key Highlights Marketing Waste: Why businesses waste money on ads and how to avoid it. Scaling Success: The mindset shift needed to move from six to seven figures. Industry Insights: How mortgage experience influences marketing strategy. Programmatic Advertising: How analytics are changing local business customer acquisition. Leadership Alignment: How digital agency leadership focuses on long-term results. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how organizations can build championship teams and why candidate experience has become a true competitive advantage. In a market where talent has options, recruitment strategy can define long term success. Joining us is Adam Gellert, Founder and CEO of The Linkus Group and Founder of Hipo, a hiring marketplace connecting pre vetted candidates with growing companies. A serial entrepreneur, Adam is reshaping the job application process and helping startups and SMBs secure mission critical talent. Key Highlights Talent Market Trends: The key shifts shaping today’s talent pool and the biggest recruitment challenges for growing companies. Hiring Mistakes: The common errors that derail recruitment success and how to hire for real culture fit. Competing with Enterprise: How SMBs can win top talent and leverage recruiter partnerships effectively. Evolving Work Environment: How Linkus Group differentiates itself and adapts to changes in today’s workplace. Future of Hiring: Adam’s long term vision for recruitment and how efficiency and cost saving guide leadership decisions. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how AI driven search, changing user behavior, and the decline of traditional blue link SEO are forcing businesses to rethink how organic growth actually works in 2026. Our guest is Prakash Vaghasiya, CEO of Nexa Technology Inc. and a serial entrepreneur with deep expertise in technical SEO and agritech growth across Canada and India. Prakash shares how B2B and e commerce brands can reduce reliance on paid ads and build organic engines that convert, not just rank. Key Highlights AI Search Shift: How AI Overviews and ChatGPT search are reshaping visibility in 2026. Vanity Metrics Trap: Why rankings without conversion strategy fail to drive revenue. Owned Traffic Growth: How brands transition from paid ads to sustainable organic channels. Agritech Strategy: How SEO and LinkedIn thought leadership generate B2B demand. 2026 Focus Areas: Where SMEs should invest limited budgets for maximum organic ROI. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how small businesses can move beyond basic connectivity and build a fully integrated digital ecosystem. In 2026, growth depends on combining secure networks, cloud platforms, and intelligent tools that power innovation. Joining us is Karine Moses, Vice Chair, Québec and Senior Vice President, Sales at Bell. With nearly three decades of leadership at Bell, Karine plays a key role in helping Canadian entrepreneurs access the digital infrastructure, partnerships, and tools needed to scale in a fast evolving economy. Key Highlights: Innovative SMB Solutions: How Bell is supporting small businesses with modern connectivity, cloud, and digital services. Bell’s AI Transformation: How AI is being integrated into Bell’s internal operations and decision making. Practical AI Adoption: Simple ways SMB leaders can adopt AI and achieve quick operational wins. Strategic Partnerships: How Bell’s ecosystem of partners expands growth opportunities for Canadian SMEs. Future of Digital Innovation: How Bell is preparing to support the next generation of small business technology. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, the focus shifts from traditional IT uptime to intelligence driven technology, cybersecurity accountability, and responsible AI adoption in 2026. Our guest is Daniel Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Alt-Tech Inc. and Co-Founder of MIP Global. With a background in national security investigations and executive education from Harvard, Daniel shares how intelligence, governance, and strategy must converge to power modern business leadership. Key Highlights From Public Safety to Business Strategy: How investigative experience shaped a people first philosophy in technology leadership. Intelligence Driven Advisory: What modern advisory means when data, risk, and AI intersect. Responsible AI Adoption: How to implement AI with governance, clarity, and measurable value. Modernizing with Confidence: Where non technical leaders should focus first in IT and cybersecurity upgrades. Behind the Firewall 2026: What the new series brings to leaders seeking clarity in a complex digital world. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In the world of digital marketing, it’s easy to get distracted by "vanity metrics" like likes, clicks, and impressions. But for small businesses, the only metric that truly matters is revenue. If your marketing isn’t moving the needle on your bank balance, it’s just noise. Joining us today is Dan Di Loreto, Co-Founder of Ubiweb. Dan has led Ubiweb to be named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies for three consecutive years, and as a mentor, he bridges the generational gap, teaching Gen Z how to communicate with Gen X and Baby Boomer business owners. He’s here to talk about the death of vanity metrics, the "Trust Paradox" of AI, and a trip to Las Vegas that changed everything. Key Highlights Revenue Accountability: Why Ubiweb shifted to revenue accountability and why vanity metrics fail SMEs. Trust Paradox: Why human-centered assets like reputation and SEO matter more in the AI era. Vegas 2020 Pivot: What happened in Vegas that reshaped Dan's view on adaptability. Mentoring Gen Z: Bridging the generational sales gap and building confidence. Scaling Simply: How Ubiweb plans to stay simple as digital marketing becomes more complex. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how the demand-first production model is disrupting traditional commerce and eliminating manufacturing waste. With the creator economy surpassing $250 billion in 2026, the infrastructure behind it must be as agile and community-driven as the creators themselves. Joining us today is Landon Brett, CEO of Makeship. Landon transformed Makeship from a non-profitable startup to a global eight-figure success story, all while remaining entirely self-funded. A CPA with roots at EY, Landon represents a new generation of leadership building profitable, values-driven businesses without outside capital. Key Highlights Financial Turnaround: How Landon stabilized and scaled Makeship as Director of Finance. Merchandise Model: The benefits of removing upfront capital and inventory risk for creators. Scaling Global IP: Upgrading infrastructure while maintaining a community-driven identity. Make Good Values: Protecting core values across a global supply chain during rapid growth. Leading Remote Teams: Building culture and cohesion as a young CEO managing a remote workforce. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore the strategies driving high-potential technology startups to achieve global scale, focusing on how founders can turn traction into repeatable revenue. Joining us is Ruth Casselman, CEO of The Accelerator Centre in Waterloo, and former COO of Alert Labs. Ruth’s journey from founder to ecosystem leader gives her a unique perspective on how to help ambitious startups thrive. Key Highlights Founder-to-CEO Journey: How Ruth’s path from BlackBerry to Alert Labs shaped her mission. AC:RevLab Overview: How AC:RevLab helps founders scale from traction to growth. Supporting the Ecosystem: How AC:RevLab and Scale Up Platform funding benefit Canadian tech. Curriculum Focus: The hands-on support AC:RevLab provides for refining sales systems and strategy. Leadership and Vision: Ruth’s role in strengthening Waterloo’s innovation ecosystem through GTAN. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, the focus is on why sales remains the foundation of entrepreneurship, especially in a 2026 landscape shaped by AI and automation. Our guest is Andrew Hendry, Co-founder and CEO of Ignite Connections and author of Be First: Outsell Everyone. With over a decade of high volume sales experience and a client base of more than 1,000 real estate agents across the USA, Andrew shares practical insights on authentic connection, disciplined outreach, and scaling across borders. Key Highlights Sales as the Core Skill: Why mastering sales is the most critical advantage for entrepreneurs in 2026. Be First Principle: One actionable tactic founders can use immediately to stand out and win attention. AI and Authenticity: Why technology enhances but never replaces genuine human connection. Scaling Internationally: Key lessons learned expanding from Canada into the US market. Power of Mentorship: How coaching accelerates growth and prevents costly early stage mistakes. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how a passion for play and overcoming self-doubt can lead to global impact in the early childhood education (ECE) sector. Our guest is Ana Valle Rivera, Founder of Early Years Thriving. Ana, a mother of three and accomplished educator, shares her journey from being labeled a "slow learner" to empowering thousands of educators worldwide through professional development and transformative leadership. Key Highlights From Self-Doubt to TEDx: How overcoming fear and joining a female mastermind group led to Ana’s global success and TEDx talk. The Power of Play: Why play-based learning is essential for both children and adults, fostering curiosity-driven leadership and development. The Female Founder's Journey: The challenges and rewards of building a purpose-driven global business while balancing family life. Empowering Educators: How Ana’s facilitator training helps educators become leaders and amplifies diverse voices in early education. Lifelong Learning & Future Vision: What earning a Master’s degree while running a global business teaches about continuous growth, and Ana’s long-term vision for Early Years Thriving Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, the focus is on the scale and strategic importance of Canada’s bioeconomy and why natural products represent a multi trillion dollar global opportunity. Our guest is Shelley R. King, Founder and CEO of Natural Products Canada. With over 30 years of experience as a scientist and serial entrepreneur, leadership at NPC has built a national network of 4,000 plus members and supported early stage innovators contributing nearly $900 million to Canada’s GDP. Key Highlights Defining the Bioeconomy: Understanding the scope and $4 trillion global opportunity for Canadian entrepreneurs. Closing the Valuation Gap: Strategies that move innovations from proof of concept to commercial performance. The $900 Million Impact: What this milestone reveals about disciplined capital and early stage support. Strategic Partnerships: Building and sustaining complex multi stakeholder collaborations. Opportunities Toward 2030: Identifying untapped sectors driving the next decade of Canadian bio innovation. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, the conversation focuses on how large enterprises are approaching AI in 2026 and why curated innovation ecosystems are becoming essential for staying competitive. Our guest is Leo Lax, Executive Managing Director at L-SPARK. With leadership experience spanning Mitel, Newbridge Networks, and Skypoint Capital, Leo shares how L-SPARK connects high potential startups with enterprise partners and advances sovereign AI initiatives like the TELUS AI Catalyst. Key Highlights AI Adoption Reality: How industries integrate AI and the legacy system challenges slowing progress. TELUS AI Catalyst: Why sovereign compute and curated enterprise startup collaboration matter in Canada. Enterprise Integration Barriers: The structural obstacles preventing AI from scaling inside large organizations. From Pilot to Partnership: How proof of concept initiatives evolve into long term enterprise deals. Agentic Innovation Ahead: How the Select model will shape enterprise AI startups by 2027. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In today’s competitive labor market, recruitment is no longer just about posting jobs; it is about marketing opportunity with strategy and intention. Our guest is Chloé Lassagne, Digital Marketing Specialist at Emplois Compétences. From Paris to Quebec, Chloé has combined brand development and consumer psychology to help organizations attract and secure the right talent in a crowded hiring landscape. Key Highlights France vs Quebec Work Culture: Key differences in expectations, communication, and workplace dynamics. Marketing Meets Recruitment: How employer branding drives visibility and candidate engagement. Simple High Impact Tactics: Practical strategies that make job offers stand out instantly. Platform Strategy Matters: Choosing the right channels for factory roles versus executive hires. Digital Plus In Person Hiring: Lessons from live events that strengthen modern recruitment results. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore the future of healthcare, focusing on how early detection and advanced biomarkers can help prevent diseases before they start. Our guest is Dr. Zia Poonja, Co-Founder and CMO of MyHealthspan. With a deep commitment to prevention, Dr. Poonja shares how his platform empowers Canadians to monitor health risks and improve outcomes before it's too late. Key Highlights Addressing Healthcare Gaps: How MyHealthspan bridges the gap in preventative healthcare for everyday Canadians. Beyond Standard Blood Tests: What makes MyHealthspan’s approach different from routine doctor-ordered tests. Health and Performance: How early health risks impact productivity and employer costs. Personal Motivation: How Dr. Poonja’s father’s health experience inspired the mission to expand access to screening. Future of Health Benefits: How easy it will be for employers to implement MyHealthspan for their teams by 2026. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we break down how Canadian mid-market businesses can turn AI from an expensive experiment into a real commercial advantage. In 2026, the challenge is no longer access to AI tools, but avoiding feature bloat and choosing solutions that actually eliminate manual bottlenecks. In this episode, Adam Pawliwec, Head of Product Innovation and Strategy at Pipemind Technologies, shares a practical framework for adopting AI with intent. The conversation explores buy versus build decisions, designing AI as a long-term asset, real-world automation wins, and how intelligent triage is transforming operations across industries. Key Highlights Starting with Outcomes: Where businesses should begin before adopting any AI tools. Buy vs Build Decisions: How to choose between platforms and custom AI solutions. Scalable Design: What turns AI into a durable, long-term business asset. AI for Venture Capital: How intelligent pre-screening accelerates investment decisions. Operational Wins: Real examples of AI turning downtime into measurable value. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, the focus is on how contracts quietly shape growth, profitability, and negotiation power in 2026. Our guest is Scott Stevenson, CEO and Co-Founder of Spellbook. With over 15 years of software engineering experience, Scott built an AI platform trusted by more than 4,000 law firms and major global brands to eliminate document inefficiency and move legal work at the speed of commerce. Key Highlights Cost of Legal Drudgery: How outdated contract processes drain time, margin, and momentum for SMBs. Benchmarking Advantage: How Compare to Market data levels the playing field in negotiations. AI-Powered Deal Velocity: Using AI to close agreements faster while protecting enterprise value. Contracts as Strategy Data: How contract intelligence will influence executive decision making. Modernizing Without a Legal Team: Practical steps SMBs can take to upgrade legal operations immediately. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore the strategies and innovations helping businesses master the age of Artificial Intelligence. Today, we’re diving into AI Governance and Enterprise Transformation, spotlighting how organizations can deploy AI safely, ethically, and at scale. Our guest, Rose Genele, CEO of The Opening Door (TOD), is an award-winning AI transformationalist guiding organizations in Responsible AI strategy, governance, and human-centered automation. Key Highlights: Enterprise AI Maturity: Rose explains how organizations can advance from curiosity to structured adoption through responsible, scalable frameworks. Foundations of Responsible AI: She shares how her roots in ML, combined with Law, Business, and Ethics, shape her holistic approach to ethical AI. Human-Centered AI Agents: Rose breaks down how TOD’s specialized agents deliver measurable ROI while keeping humans in control. AI Literacy & Education: She discusses the urgent need for balanced AI education and how her AI Foundations certificate helps leaders adopt safely. Global Vision & Future Impact: Rose reflects on her industry recognition, the future of Black women in tech, and TOD’s mission to advance responsible AI globally. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. As AI shifts from experimentation to execution, many Canadian businesses are discovering that their underlying networks, security, and infrastructure are not built for what is coming next. In this episode, Raj Juneja, President of Cisco Canada, shares why infrastructure debt is the hidden risk behind AI adoption, how leaders can close the talent and technology gap, and what it truly takes to build secure, scalable, AI-ready foundations for 2026 and beyond. Key Highlights Infrastructure Debt Risks: Why outdated networks and weak security can derail AI adoption. Closing the Talent Gap: How organizations keep pace when AI outmoves internal expertise. AI-Ready Foundations: Practical steps to build secure and scalable networks. Strategic Investment Priorities: How leaders align tech spending with real business outcomes. Avoiding AI Pitfalls: The most common implementation mistakes SMEs must sidestep. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how real time data intelligence and website monitoring give businesses a powerful edge by detecting competitive moves, regulatory changes, and pricing shifts the moment they happen. Our guest is Eric Do Couto, Head of Marketing at Visualping, the website change detection platform trusted by over 2 million users and a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Eric shares lessons from scaling a global B2B SaaS platform and explains how SMEs can turn monitoring into actionable intelligence. Key Highlights Scaling B2B SaaS: How Visualping grew from early adopters to millions of global users. SME Competitive Intelligence: Practical ways small businesses can monitor competitors without overload. Dogfooding Intelligence: How Visualping uses its own platform internally for market insight. AI Powered Monitoring: How AI filters signal from noise to surface changes that matter. Momentum and Vision: What recent G2 recognition signals and what’s ahead for Visualping in 2026. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how IT success is no longer measured by uptime and ticket closures alone, but by employee experience, productivity, and real business outcomes. Our guest is Syriac Joswin, Chief Revenue Officer at Synoptek. A Wharton graduate and global transformation leader, Syriac shares how Synoptek’s Managed Experience Provider MxP model connects technology performance directly to measurable business impact. Key Highlights The Evolution of IT Priorities: Why employee experience and business alignment now outweigh traditional SLA metrics. Defining Managed Experience: How providers measure and manage end user experience across the entire tech stack. Outcomes Over Outputs: How shifting from tasks completed to value delivered transforms daily service delivery. From Insight to Action: How Synoptek converts experience data into integrated, organization wide improvements. MxP in the AI Era: How the Managed Experience model will evolve as AI reshapes enterprise technology. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In 2026, the local talent pool is no longer just your city, it’s the entire world. But as access expands, so does the noise, and the real challenge becomes finding the top 1% without drowning in AI-generated resumes. Joining us today is Delaney Thompson, Co-Founder and CTO of Caddie AI. A serial entrepreneur and self-described vibe coder, Delaney has built ventures ranging from rum factories to cross-border automotive businesses. Now, he’s reshaping recruitment with Caddie AI, a hiring marketplace designed to help companies secure vetted global talent in days, not months. Key Highlights Hiring Marketplace Model: How Caddie AI reduces hiring time and cost through a headhunter-driven marketplace. Founder Built Product: How Delaney’s builder mindset shapes product design for fast-moving teams. Global Talent Strategy: Why companies must look beyond local markets and how to reduce hiring risk. AI with Human Judgment: How Caddie balances automation with expert-led vetting to ensure quality hires. Hot Bench Advantage: How features like Hot Bench and Slack integration accelerate decision-making. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we examine the forces shaping Canada’s business and workforce landscape. As 2026 unfolds, the labour market reflects cautious optimism alongside growing complexity, with confidence rising while critical skills gaps continue to challenge execution and growth. In this episode, David King, Senior Managing Director at Robert Half Canada, shares insights from three decades at the forefront of talent solutions. The conversation explores the industries under the most pressure, the rise of flexible workforce models, the impact of GenAI on hiring, and how leaders can make smarter talent decisions using real market data. Key Highlights The 2026 Skills Gap: Industries facing the most acute talent shortages. Flexible Workforce Models: Blending permanent and contract talent to stay agile. GenAI in Hiring: Managing application volume while identifying real capability. Skills vs. Credentials: What matters most for employability in 2026. Hiring Intelligence: Key takeaways from the Demand for Skilled Talent report. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we unpack the strategies helping small and mid-sized businesses modernize without being overwhelmed by technical complexity. As data multiplies and systems become more fragmented, the real challenge is not adoption but connection—linking tools in a way that drives clarity, efficiency, and smarter decisions. In this episode, Hamood Meraj, Founder and CEO of Biznex, shares a practical approach to digital transformation for SMEs. The conversation explores cloud adoption, automation, ERP and CRM integration, and how global partnerships enable enterprise-grade solutions without unnecessary disruption. Key Highlights Starting Smart with Digital Transformation: Why doing less at the start leads to better long-term results. Connecting Disconnected Systems: Turning scattered data into clear, usable operational insight. Data-Driven Operations: How connected workflows improve productivity and safety in industrial environments. From Corporate to Founder: Leadership lessons learned while scaling a global technology firm. Scaling with Confidence: How enterprise platforms can simplify growth when implemented with readiness in mind. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we unpack the systems shaping Canada’s economic and climate future. Today’s episode tackles one of the biggest challenges ahead: retrofitting millions of homes to meet climate targets, and why outdated data is the real barrier slowing progress. In this conversation, Winston Morton, CEO of Climative, explains how AI-driven property-level insights are transforming climate risk into actionable financial intelligence. The discussion explores climate risk as credit risk, homeowner-focused solutions, climate tech scaling in Canada, and how lenders are rethinking emissions and mortgage decisions using better data. Key Highlights Climate as Credit Risk: Why property-level climate data now impacts mortgage stability. Homeowner-Centered Solutions: How upgrade pathways reduce risk and unlock financing. Scaling Climate Tech: Practical advice for building climate technology in Canada. Financed Emissions: How granular data reshaped portfolio insights for Vancity. Future Lending Models: How AI will influence property-level credit decisions by 2026. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how founders can bridge the gap between innovative ideas and scalable technology execution in an AI driven world. Our guest is Ramanathan Alagappan, Founder and CEO of Noukha Technologies. With over 13 years of experience at global leaders like PayPal and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Ramanathan shares lessons from building products zero to one, scaling sustainably, and helping startups avoid costly technical missteps. Key Highlights Startup Pitfalls: Common mistakes B2B and D2C founders make when building products and how to simplify technology early. Scaling with Intent: Practical strategies for standing out and creating long term value in crowded markets. AI for Efficiency: How AI agents are reducing manpower needs while improving operational performance. Zero to One Execution: What it truly takes to turn an idea into a scalable, real world product. Founder Vision: Ramanathan’s journey from zero investment to high growth and his long term mission for Noukha. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore the systems and leadership required to build predictable, scalable revenue. As companies grow beyond early traction, many hit a ceiling when sales remains founder-led and informal. In this episode, Andrew Devlin, President of ScaleTech CRO and Sales Xceleration Certified Advisor, breaks down how to transition from founder-led selling to a repeatable sales engine. The conversation covers sales infrastructure, fractional leadership, and how growing businesses can access enterprise-grade sales expertise without enterprise-level cost. Key Highlights Founder-Led Sales Limits: Clear signals that it’s time to evolve beyond selling alone. Revenue Infrastructure: The core systems required for predictable sales growth. Fractional Sales Leadership: Accessing senior expertise without full-time overhead. Process vs. Performance: Identifying whether growth issues stem from people or systems. Enterprise Playbooks: Proven practices small businesses can adopt immediately. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore the ideas, tools, and platforms helping Canadians turn ambition into action. As 2026 begins, a growing wave of Canadians are considering entrepreneurship, yet many remain stuck between inspiration and incorporation due to complexity, risk, and uncertainty. In this episode, Jordan Casey, CEO of Ownr, breaks down why so many aspiring founders hesitate to start and how simplifying registration, compliance, and planning can unlock momentum. The conversation explores practical first steps, risk reduction tools, and how technology is reshaping the early founder journey across Canada. Key Highlights The 2026 Entrepreneurial Surge: Why more Canadians want to start businesses but hesitate to begin. From Idea to Action: Practical first steps for founders not ready to leave full-time work. Simplifying Compliance: How automation removes legal friction for first-time founders. Reducing Early Risk: The role of planning and micro-insurance in building confidence. Looking Ahead: Ownr’s vision for supporting the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore why face to face connection matters more than ever in a world flooded with generic AI driven content, and how Canadian SMEs can stay human while scaling impact. Our guest is Ariana Reed, Director of Global Growth and Customer Experience at American Express Global Business Travel. With over 20 years in travel, hospitality, and experiential strategy, Ariana shares how technology can simplify operations while strengthening trust, connection, and measurable return on experience. Key Highlights The Face to Face Advantage: Why in person experiences build trust when digital content feels generic. AI as the Invisible Partner: How AI improves efficiency in events without replacing human connection. Return on Experience: How businesses can think about measuring emotional and brand impact. Innovation Through Simplicity: How AI driven savings can be reinvested into attendee experience. The 2026 Event Shift: The most important trend SMEs should prepare for in meetings and events. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we examine why an entrepreneur’s largest asset, their business, is often overlooked in financial planning until it is too late to influence the outcome. Our guest is Trevor Greenway, Co Founder and CEO of interVal. With a decade of experience in M&A, Trevor shares how turning financial data into a real time visibility engine helps advisors and owners understand value, manage risk, and make smarter decisions long before an exit. Key Highlights The Owner’s Blind Spot: Why business value is often ignored and the financial risks that creates. Beyond Static Valuations: Why one time reports fail to guide meaningful strategic decisions. Redefining Advisor Relationships: How continuous valuation data strengthens trust and long term planning. Technology with Purpose: Where software enhances advisory insight without replacing human judgment. Actionable Risk Intelligence: How dashboards deliver timely, differentiated insights for better outcomes. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In today’s high stakes mortgage and finance landscape, we explore how professionals can adopt the right technology without sacrificing relationships or adding unnecessary complexity. Our guest is Maryah Diulia, Senior Account Executive at Lendesk. A fintech specialist with a relationship driven approach, Maryah shares how brokers can simplify digital workflows, improve adoption, and scale sustainably in a regulated industry. Key Highlights Evaluating Fintech Wisely: How to assess tools based on real impact rather than hype or feature overload. Adoption Over Features: Why most tech fails at implementation and how leadership drives usage. Relationships in Regulated Markets: Keeping fintech buying human centered in a compliance heavy space. Overcoming Tech Resistance: Building confidence with simple, supportive digital transitions. Scaling Simply in 2026: How the right systems help brokers grow without adding operational strain. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we cut through technology noise to focus on what actually drives business value. As AI adoption accelerates, many leaders struggle to balance trust, cost, and real-world impact beyond generic tools and hype. In this episode, Guillaume Hervé, CEO and Co-founder of Zetane, breaks down what trusted, production-ready AI truly looks like for SMEs. The conversation explores practical AI deployment, human-AI collaboration, structured intelligence, and how businesses can move from experimentation to measurable productivity gains in 2026. Key Highlights The New Reality of AI Deployment: How SMEs can adopt AI faster without massive consulting costs. Human + AI Collaboration: Turning AI into a strategic teammate instead of a threat. Structured Intelligence vs Generic Tools: Why data accuracy and sovereignty matter. Real Productivity Wins: Practical examples of AI driving measurable outcomes. The Next Automation Leap: What business leaders should prepare for in 2026. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, the focus is on brand strategy, digital marketing, and entrepreneurial leadership, and how clarity and creativity turn bold ideas into thriving ventures. Our guest is Ryan Gencarelli, Co Founder at Wild Idea Co. With more than fifteen years of experience and roots in a multi generational entrepreneurial family, Ryan brings big brand thinking to small businesses through a lean and collaborative model built for impact. Key Highlights Multi Generational Lessons: Three generations of entrepreneurial wisdom shaping resilience and strategic clarity. Big Brand Thinking for SMEs: Applying focused strategy and agility to compete without enterprise budgets. Brand as Compass: Avoiding costly branding mistakes through clarity before marketing spend. Lean Agency Execution: Delivering cost efficient impact through collaboration and advisory experience. Future Growth Vision: High priority channels like social, email, and design driving the next phase of expansion. Ryan Gencarelli UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how fleet performance management is transforming last and final mile logistics through smarter technology, automation, and data driven decision making. Our guest is Cyndi Brandt, Vice President of Fleet Solutions at Descartes Systems Group. With leadership experience across UPS, Omnitracs, and Roadnet Technologies, Cyndi shares practical insights on unifying fleet platforms, improving safety, and driving measurable performance across complex logistics operations. Key Highlights Evolution of Fleet Management: How fleet performance has shifted over the last decade and why clear strategy and vision are essential. Power of a Unified Platform: How integrated planning, execution, and telematics support scalability and on time performance. Intelligent Automation: How operational data uncovers hidden inefficiencies and drives productivity gains. Safety and Coaching: Why safety programs and driver coaching are critical to last mile excellence. Innovation and Future Vision: What to expect from the Descartes Innovation Forum and how fleet technology continues to evolve. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore leadership models shaping the future of Canadian business. As organizations rethink diversity and governance, executive recruitment is evolving beyond credentials toward cultural grounding, trust, and long-term value creation. In this episode, Laurie Sterritt, Founder and Managing Partner of Pathways Executive Search, shares insights on Indigenous leadership in corporate spaces, the growing demand for Indigenous board directors, and a values-driven approach to executive search rooted in partnership and purpose. The conversation highlights how culturally grounded leadership strengthens governance, talent retention, and social impact. Key Highlights Indigenous Corporate Leadership: The strategic value Indigenous leaders bring to executive teams. Board-Level Demand: Why organizations are actively seeking Indigenous board directors. Leadership with Love: Building high-performance businesses through values-driven culture. Culturally Grounded Recruitment: How executive search evolves beyond traditional models. Economic and Social Impact: Practical ways SMEs can contribute to inclusive leadership ecosystems. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore how Canadian businesses turn complexity into competitive advantage. Today’s episode focuses on inclusive digital strategy and why accessibility, performance, and execution are now core drivers of growth rather than optional enhancements. In this conversation, Karine Simard, Director of the Inclusive Digital Studio at Ciao Technologies, breaks down how SMBs can modernize their digital presence with clarity and confidence. The discussion covers accessibility as a business strategy, common e-commerce pitfalls, scalable IT execution models, and why building for extreme environments reshapes how digital success is measured. Key Highlights Digital Accessibility as Strategy: Why inclusive design directly improves growth, efficiency, and reach. E-commerce Execution Gaps: How to avoid friction that breaks the customer journey at checkout. Squad as a Service: Why this delivery model outperforms traditional outsourcing for SMEs. Security and Speed: Lessons learned from building for extreme environments. Practical Roadmaps: First steps leaders can take to audit accessibility and drive inclusion. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore what it truly takes to prepare for a business exit, navigate M and A with confidence, and protect both value and legacy during one of the most critical moments in an entrepreneur’s journey. Our guest is Mario Nigro, Partner at Stikeman Elliott and a leading voice in Canadian Mergers and Acquisitions. Drawing on experience advising private equity firms, search funds, and owner operators, Mario shares practical insight into valuation, preparation, and building the right advisory team for a successful transaction. Key Highlights Seller Readiness: The biggest psychological and operational challenges owners face before selling. Business Valuation: How to realistically assess what a business is worth in today’s market. Pre Sale Planning: Why early tax and organizational preparation drives stronger outcomes. Advisory Team Strategy: The importance of specialized M and A advisors in mid market deals. The Sale Process: A clear walkthrough from teaser to closing and what owners should expect. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how technology is transforming the SR&ED tax credit process by replacing manual reporting with automated, audit ready documentation. Our guests are Alon Sabi, CEO, and Achim Klor, Head of Marketing at SREDify. Together, they share how engineering driven automation, strong project management hygiene, and AI assisted workflows help Canadian tech teams unlock R&D funding faster and with greater confidence. Key Highlights The Timesheet Myth: Why traditional time tracking fails SR&ED claims and how automation creates accurate, claim ready data. Audit Ready by Design: How better project management hygiene reduces audit risk and simplifies documentation. AI in SR&ED: How AI strengthens claim quality while preserving expert human judgment. Working With Advisors: How SREDify enables accountants and consultants to focus on strategy instead of paperwork. Future of R&D Funding: SREDify’s vision for making innovation funding simpler, faster, and more defensible across Canada. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In today’s episode, we explore how AI, CRM, and security solutions are transforming business operations, with a closer look at Zoho's innovative offerings for the digital age. Our guest is Chandrashekar LSP, Managing Director of Zoho Canada. Chandrashekar shares how Zoho’s deepened customer experience platform, AI-driven solutions, and the introduction of Ulaa Enterprise browser are empowering businesses to improve productivity, security, and privacy. Key Highlights CRM for Everyone: How Zoho makes CRM accessible to businesses of all sizes with generative AI and workflow orchestration. AI and Privacy: Zoho’s approach to AI ensures privacy by not training models on consumer data. Ulaa Enterprise Browser: How Zoho’s browser improves security while maintaining a user-friendly experience. CRM Across Departments: How shared CRM tools break down silos and enhance collaboration across departments. Reducing IT Overhead: How Ulaa Enterprise balances performance with security and reduces IT burden. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In food manufacturing, leadership gaps are not minor disruptions—they are multi-million-dollar risks that can stall production and strain entire operations. In this episode, Craig Martin, VP of Growth and Expansion at The Staffing Exchange, shares how elite headhunting goes beyond job boards, why passive candidates drive competitive advantage, and how strategic workforce planning protects long-term growth. Key Highlights The Art of the Professional Headhunt: How a bespoke, relationship-driven approach uncovers elite leadership talent. Active vs. Passive Candidates: Why the strongest candidates are rarely applying—and how to reach them. Strategic Workforce Planning: Preventing costly production gaps through proactive talent strategy. The Power of the Phone: What persistence and personal connection reveal about closing high-level placements. Industry Standardization: How structured hiring frameworks improve long-term executive decisions. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how a strong digital foundation combining web development and data driven marketing helps Canadian businesses increase visibility and achieve measurable growth. Our guest is Sukhpal Kaur, Founder of Byte Bloom Solutions and a digital marketing strategist with deep expertise in SEO, paid marketing, and web development. Drawing on a technical background in computer science, Sukhpal shares practical insights on building online presence, optimizing performance, and scaling digital impact. Key Highlights Online Presence Fundamentals: Why optimized websites are the backbone of sustainable business growth. SEO and Technical Optimization: How site speed, UX, and mobile readiness influence rankings and conversions. Paid Marketing ROI: How SMEs can turn ad spend into real leads instead of vanity clicks. Full Digital Mix: How content, social media, and email work together to build loyalty and trust. Founder Journey and Vision: How Byte Bloom Solutions is helping businesses grow with tailored digital strategy. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how small and mid-sized businesses can harness the power of Applied AI to drive measurable results, reduce costs, and make smarter decisions. Joining us is Monish Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Gradient Ascent (GA) AI, a Toronto-based firm that has delivered over 80 successful AI projects across multiple industries. Monish shares practical strategies for building fast, ROI-driven AI prototypes, managing risks, and understanding how true AI agents are reshaping business operations. Key Highlights: 90-Day AI ROI: How SMEs can scope, build, and deploy AI prototypes in under three months for measurable impact. GenAI Agents in Action: The difference between chatbots and AI copilots in driving real business results. Risk & ROI Framework: How to assess whether to scale, refine, or stop AI pilots based on clear metrics. AI-Ready Data: How to prepare your data and why fractional AI leadership accelerates success. Future of Applied AI: Monish shares his passion for problem-solving and vision for AI’s role across industries. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA Google: https://www.google.ca/ A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore how operational innovation improves both customer experience and business performance. Long physical wait times are more than an inconvenience; they signal broken systems, lost data, and rising staff frustration.In this episode, Shannon Vander Meulen, Co-Founder and CMO of WaitWell, shares how real frontline experience inspired a platform that has saved millions of hours across public and private services. The conversation explores customer-centric service design, ethical AI in human-facing workflows, modern marketing authenticity, and the role of collaboration in scaling across North America.Key HighlightsFrom Crisis to Innovation: How frontline pain points shaped a customer-first platform. Competition as Validation: Why crowded markets signal real demand. AI That Supports People: Speeding service without replacing human staff. Authenticity in Modern Marketing: Why trust outperforms automation noise. Scaling Through Collaboration: Growing across North America as one aligned team.Special Thanks to Our Partners:UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore the strategies helping Canadian businesses drive measurable and sustainable growth. In a digital landscape filled with noise, data has become the most powerful tool for replacing guesswork with confident, informed decision making.In this episode, Warren Thompson, Co Founder and Managing Director of Ollo Metrics, breaks down how SMBs can use analytics, strategy-first thinking, and clarity-driven frameworks to fuel real growth. The conversation covers marketing priorities for 2026, the evolution of search and AEO, and a real-world example of how data-led strategy delivers lasting results.Key HighlightsTurning Data into Decisions: How small businesses can focus on meaningful metrics instead of wasting budget. Why Strategy Comes First: The difference between running tactics and building sustainable growth engines. Marketing Capabilities for 2026: Preparing for AEO and AI-driven search changes. Real Growth in Action: A Canadian SMB case study powered by data and strategy. Leadership and Vision: Building resilient, clarity-driven marketing systems for the future.Special Thanks to Our Partners:UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore the hidden intelligence behind modern networks and how applications are beginning to interact directly with network infrastructure to unlock real time performance and reliability.Our guest is Charles Nagy, SVP of Business Development at Shabodi. With deep expertise in Industry 4.0 and programmable networks, Charles shares how network awareness and APIs are reshaping industrial connectivity across sectors like manufacturing and mining.Key HighlightsNetwork Awareness: What it means for applications to understand and respond to network conditions. Network APIs: Why APIs are critical for simplifying complex industrial deployments. New Revenue Models: How operators are monetizing programmable networks through APIs. Global Scaling: How aggregator partnerships enable NetAware to scale worldwide. Industry Outlook: What to expect from MWC 2026 and where programmable networks are heading next.Special Thanks to Our Partners:UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore Canada’s historic wave of business ownership transfers and the massive economic opportunity emerging as thousands of entrepreneurs prepare to exit over the next decade.Our guest is Pierre Cléroux, Vice President Research and Chief Economist at BDC. With more than 25 years of global economic experience, Pierre shares data driven insights on why this transition is happening, how sellers and buyers can prepare, and where untapped opportunities lie for 2026 and beyond.Key HighlightsHistoric Transfer Wave: Why Canada is entering a once in a generation business transition cycle. Seller Risks: The most common challenges owners face when preparing to exit. Buyer Advantage: Why acquisition can outperform organic growth. BDC’s Role: How BDC helps reduce risk and support successful transitions. 2026 Opportunities: The overlooked economic opportunities entrepreneurs should watch next.Special Thanks to Our Partners:UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how the combination of human expertise and AI driven insights is helping Canadian SMEs turn data into actionable growth strategies in 2026.Our guest is Jim Krahn, Partner and Corporate Growth and Operational Excellence Leader at BDO Canada. Jim shares how the new BDO Powered by Intuit QuickBooks partnership delivers practical advisory support, operational guidance, and actionable insights to help small businesses scale efficiently.Key HighlightsBDO + QuickBooks Partnership: The vision and structure behind this integrated offering for Canadian SMEs. Human Advisors Meet AI: Why combining expert guidance with AI insights drives better decisions and outcomes. Practical Advisory Support: Real world examples of how this service helps SMEs scale and operate smarter. Keys to Success in 2026: Jim’s perspective on what Canadian small businesses must prioritize to thrive. Redefining Client Relationships: How BDO is evolving service delivery to focus on long-term success and impact.Special Thanks to Our Partners:UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.