CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

In this insightful episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we delve into the critical world of cybersecurity with Andrew Summerton and Dan Duran from Rhyno Cybersecurity. As President and CEO, Andrew brings his extensive knowledge in safeguarding businesses, while Dan, as Chief Technology Officer, offers a deep understanding of technological advancements in the field. Together, they address the pressing challenges small to mid-size businesses face in cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of proper measures and partnerships to enhance digital security.

Key Highlights:

• Discussion on why small to mid-size businesses struggle with making effective cybersecurity decisions.
• The critical role of cybersecurity training in preventing breaches and enhancing employee awareness.
• Focus areas for SMEs to fortify their cybersecurity defenses, including the role of AI in enhancing security measures.
• The necessity of annual penetration tests and how Managed Detection and Response (MDR) systems complement these efforts.
• Criteria for selecting a cybersecurity partner and the benefits of a strong partnership in improving security readiness.

We are immensely grateful to Andrew Summerton and Dan Duran for their expertise and the invaluable insights shared in this episode.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In this intriguing episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we explore the dynamic world of SEO and digital marketing with Kim Atkinson, Co-Founder and Director at Ontario SEO. With a robust background that blends psychology with digital marketing, Kim brings a unique perspective to the digital strategies businesses need to thrive. We dive deep into the subtleties of SEO beyond mere rankings, the influence of psychological principles on marketing effectiveness, and strategies for maintaining relevance in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

Key Highlights:

• Kim discusses why businesses focusing solely on rankings and traffic might be overlooking more crucial aspects that impact their bottom line.
• Exploration of how Kim’s psychology background enriches her marketing strategies.
• Strategies for keeping up with constant digital updates and changes to stay competitive.
• The critical role of businesses maintaining control over their digital assets like Google Business Profile and websites.
• Discussion on how businesses can leverage social media beyond routine posts to enhance customer engagement and retention.

Thank you, Kim Atkinson, for joining us and providing such rich insights into the effective use of SEO and digital marketing strategies. Your innovative approach not only illuminates the path for business owners but also encourages them to integrate deeper, more meaningful practices into their digital marketing efforts.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In this engaging episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we dive into the world of software innovation with Babak Basseri and Steven Robyn from DivNotes Inc. Babak, the CEO and Co-founder, brings his expertise in software architecture and problem-solving from the University of Toronto, while Steven, the Marketing Operations Director, combines his business acumen and psychology background from the University of Western Ontario to drive product innovation and business growth. Together, they discuss the unique aspects of their client partnerships, the challenges and methodologies of running a tech company, and their vision for the future of DivNotes.

Key Highlights:

• Babak discusses how DivNotes' unique partnership approach with clients distinguishes the company in the software development industry.
• Steven shares insights into the common hurdles faced by new tech companies, particularly during planning and funding stages.
• Babak explains the differences between Waterfall and Agile methodologies and their impact on project management.
• Steven advises on the optimal timing for companies to engage with development agencies to leverage external expertise effectively.
• Babak and Steven discuss DivNotes' future plans, including recent expansions and upcoming product launches.

We are profoundly grateful to Babak and Steven for sharing their expertise and insights on this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast. Their experiences and strategies at DivNotes illuminate the complexities of the tech startup ecosystem and the pivotal role of strategic partnerships in fostering growth.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In another insightful episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Nikki Stone, CEO of Wavemaker Canada. Nikki has an illustrious 20-year career in the media industry, noted for her dynamic leadership and commitment to promoting diversity and mentorship. In this episode, she shares valuable insights on navigating the complexities of the media landscape, fostering an inclusive culture, and driving strategic growth at Wavemaker Canada.

Key Highlights:

• Nikki recounts her transition to CEO of Wavemaker Canada and the pivotal experiences that shaped her approach to leadership.
• Discussion on the essential role of mentorship within the media sector and its influence on professional development.
• Insight into the strategic measures that propelled growth at Wavemaker Canada.
• Nikki talks about maintaining a balance between innovation and core services in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Nikki shares her perspective on the integration of digital tools and the importance of fostering an inclusive media landscape.

It’s been a privilege to have this conversation with Nikki. Her insights on leadership, mentorship, and the innovative use of digital tools in media provide a roadmap for others in the industry and beyond.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode of the Indigenous-SME Small Business Podcast, we feature Lawrence Lewis, Founder of OneFeather, a transformative platform dedicated to enhancing governance, finance, and access to Aboriginal rights. Lawrence, from the We Wai Kai Nation, has spent over 25 years serving Indigenous communities and driving digital innovation to improve their lives. Through OneFeather, he has impacted over 289 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across Canada with solutions like the Elections Estimator Tool and digital voting.

Key Highlights:

• Lawrence shares the journey of creating OneFeather and the vision that led to its establishment. He discusses the challenges and motivations that drove him to focus on supporting Indigenous governance and rights.
• Learn about the new tool that simplifies First Nations elections, making the process more accessible and transparent. Lawrence explains how this tool is revolutionizing the way elections are conducted in Indigenous communities.
• Discover how OneFeather's digital solutions are reducing barriers and providing easier access to Aboriginal entitlements. Lawrence discusses the impact of these products on Indigenous people and their communities.
• Hear about the tangible effects of OneFeather's services on the communities they serve. Lawrence explores how these services have improved governance and what the future holds for Indigenous empowerment.
• Lawrence teases upcoming direct payment solutions set to launch in 2024, providing a glimpse into the next phase of innovation at OneFeather.

We would like to express our gratitude to Lawrence Lewis for joining us and his insights into the digital transformation of Indigenous governance and the profound impact of OneFeather's services on Indigenous communities are inspiring. We hope his story encourages more Indigenous entrepreneurs to leverage technology for growth and empowerment.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Don't forget to subscribe to Indigenous-SME Small Business Magazine at www.indigenous-sme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In this captivating episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Fahd Alhattab, the Founder and Leadership Development Speaker at Unicorn Labs Inc. Known for his engaging speeches that have inspired over 65,000 people, Fahd has pioneered leadership development programs that help transform managers into effective leaders, with a particular focus on managing multi-generational teams. His innovative approach has earned him a reputation as one of the most dynamic leadership development speakers in the industry.

Key Highlights:

• Fahd shares his personal journey and the pivotal experiences that led to the founding of Unicorn Labs. He discusses the challenges he faced and the lessons learned along the way.
• Learn about Fahd's concept of 'Unicorn Leaders' and discover how this unique leadership style can positively impact team dynamics and performance.
• Fahd explains what disruptive leadership means and why it's crucial for entrepreneurial success in today's fast-paced business world.
• Explore the common pitfalls and best practices for effectively managing multi-generational teams, including tools and techniques to foster a harmonious workplace.
• Discover how digital transformation is reshaping the way leadership training is conducted, particularly within high-growth startups.

We would like to thank Fahd Alhattab for joining us on the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast. His insights into leadership and team dynamics have been enlightening and thought-provoking. Fahd's dedication to helping leaders navigate the complexities of multi-generational teams and his innovative approach to leadership training are truly inspiring. We're grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we are joined by Alexandra Kapelos-Peters, Founder & CEO of Cansulta, and Michele Davies, CEO Advisory Consultant & Fractional COO at Cansulta. Together, they delve into the creation and operation of Cansulta, an e-consulting marketplace designed to empower small and medium enterprises through expert consulting services. Both leaders in their respective fields, Alexandra and Michele bring a wealth of knowledge in business strategy, change management, and innovative growth solutions. Their collaboration exemplifies the transformative impact of expert guidance in today's competitive business environment.

Key Highlights:

• Alexandra and Michele share their motivations behind founding Cansulta and their individual ventures, illustrating the passion and vision that drive successful entrepreneurs.
• They discuss the common obstacles faced by small businesses, emphasizing how targeted consulting can provide critical support and strategic direction.
• Real-life success stories from Cansulta’s client base showcase the measurable impact of their consulting efforts on client growth and operational improvement.
• Practical advice on how small businesses can effectively select and collaborate with consultants to maximize benefits, including red flags to watch out for during the selection process.
• Insights into how Cansulta continues to innovate its services to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses, staying ahead with trends like digital transformation and personalized consulting solutions.

Thank you, Alexandra and Michele, for providing such insightful perspectives and actionable advice. Your contributions to the consulting industry and your dedication to enhancing small business operations through Cansulta are truly commendable.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we are honored to welcome Brien Convery, Founder of Convery & Company, a renowned talent executive and visionary leader celebrated for his commitment to talent development and leadership. Brien's work revolves around nurturing emerging talent and building inclusive workplace cultures. Through his firm, Convery & Company, he has created transformative opportunities and strategic engagements that have driven substantial outcomes for both individuals and organizations.

Key Highlights:

• Brien shares his journey and discusses the pivotal experiences that led him to focus on nurturing emerging talent and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
• Learn about the driving factors for today's emerging talent and discover how businesses can align their missions to attract and retain these individuals.
• Brien provides practical steps for organizations to create genuinely inclusive work environments and ensure these initiatives are meaningful and impactful.
• Explore the elements that contribute to an exceptional student work experience and understand why it is critical for both the student and the organization.
• Brien shares his insights on the future of work and how companies can optimize their talent strategies to stay ahead in an evolving landscape.

Brien Convery, thank you for joining us and for sharing your invaluable insights into talent development and leadership. Your dedication to fostering emerging talent and creating inclusive cultures is truly inspiring and offers a beacon of guidance for businesses aiming to create more meaningful work experiences.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In this fascinating episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we delve into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in retail with Michelle Grant, Director of Strategy and Insights at Salesforce. With her extensive experience, Michelle provides a strategic vision for integrating AI technologies that revolutionize how retailers interact with their customers. This conversation focuses on the insights from the Salesforce and Retail AI Council report, exploring how AI is shaping the landscape of Canadian retail and beyond.

Key Highlights:

• Michelle discusses the significant findings from the recent collaborative report between Salesforce and the Retail AI Council, shedding light on key trends and strategies for SMEs to adopt AI effectively.
• Exploration of how Canadian retailers are utilizing generative AI to enhance personalization and operational efficiencies, demonstrating the technology's potential to revolutionize customer experiences.
• The importance of a robust data strategy as the backbone of successful AI implementations, with practical steps for SMEs to develop such strategies.
• Key considerations and advice for SMEs exploring or expanding their AI strategies within the retail sector, highlighting potential pitfalls and strategic planning.
• Insights into how AI can be leveraged by SME retailers to not just personalize but truly immerse and enhance the customer experience, setting new standards in the retail industry.

We would like to thank Michelle Grant for her invaluable insights and for leading us through the complexities and opportunities of AI in retail.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.

In this informative episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Natasha Walji, Managing Director at Google Canada. Natasha brings her vast experience and passion for empowering small and medium businesses (SMEs) to the digital forefront, helping them navigate and thrive in the global marketplace. With her background in poverty alleviation, public health, and support for children with disabilities, coupled with her role as an angel investor and recognition as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Natasha exemplifies leadership with a deep sense of purpose.

Key Highlights:

• Discussion on the latest trends observed in Canadian SMEs expanding their reach globally, showcasing their innovative approaches to overcoming barriers.
• Insights into what is propelling Canadian SMEs to explore and enter new markets around the world.
• Examination of the hurdles SMEs face when exporting goods and services to other markets, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and strategic planning.
• Practical advice for SMEs starting their journey towards international expansion, highlighting initial steps and considerations for sustainable growth.
• Tools and strategies to help SMEs tailor their offerings to different audiences, ensuring cultural relevance and customer engagement.
• How SMEs can fully leverage opportunities in new markets to fuel growth and success.
• Techniques for SMEs to build brand awareness in new markets while ensuring products are culturally relevant.
• Sharing inspiring examples of Canadian SMEs that have successfully expanded their operations internationally.

A heartfelt thank you to Natasha Walji for sharing her invaluable insights into SME international expansion. Her expertise not only illuminates the path for Canadian businesses looking to go global but also underscores the critical role of digital tools and strategic planning in achieving international success.

Shoutout to our sponsors for more information find their links below:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Xero: https://www.xero.com/ca/?source=CanadianSME

Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/new-marketer?utm_campaign=canadiansme&utm_medium=sponsorlogo&utm_source=brand

Don't forget to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca for more insightful episodes that empower your entrepreneurial spirit.