Power Shifts

I discuss the recent exchange between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office, highlighting the implications for US foreign policy and global business. I am extremely concerned over the shift in America's stance towards Ukraine and NATO, and the US move towards a more transactional and isolationist approach. I also explore the potential consequences for international relations and the business l...

I’m wrapping up a short visit to London this week, where Andrew Percy and I had the chance to interview two political brains.  The first interview is with Lord James Wharton, the former MP who chaired Boris Johnson’s leadership race. We cover a lot of ground, including: The current state of British politics, focusing on the challenges faced by the Conservative Party and the rise of the Reform Part...

Why motivated reasoning and tribalism are getting in the way of persuasion efforts

In this conversation, the Andrew Percy and Joseph Lavoie discuss the current political landscape in Canada, focusing on the implications of recent polling data, the impact of Pierre Poilievre's rally, and the shifting dynamics within the Conservative and Liberal parties.  We explore the methodologies behind polling, the significance of leadership changes, and the economic factors influencing voter...

I explore the groundbreaking marketing campaign by De Beers that transformed diamond engagement rings into a cultural necessity. I take a look at the historical context, the strategies employed by the advertising agency N.W Ayer and Son, and the long-term impact of the campaign on consumer behaviour and societal expectations surrounding love and commitment. I also highlights key lessons for modern...

In this conversation, Joseph Lavoie, Andrew Percy, and Ginny Roth discuss the current state of the Conservative movement in Canada, focusing on Pierre Poilievre's leadership, polling dynamics, and the coalition of voters supporting him. They explore the challenges Poilievre faces, including the influence of Trump, the balance between cultural conservatism and economic policies, and the future...

Here's what they reveal about communicating with Canadians today.

Andrew Percy and Joseph Lavoie welcome Janice Gross Stein on to the show to analyze the recent imposition of tariffs by Trump on Canada and Mexico. We explore the implications for trade relations, national identity, and the economic landscape. We analyze the Canadian response, the nature of economic warfare, and the challenges posed by globalization and technological advancements. Chapters 00:00 I...

A week ago, we had a picture of what the future economic structure would be for AI in 2025. Today, that structure has been blown up. Here's my take on why it matters.

On this episode of Craft Politics, we dive into the latest political and economic developments with a focus on Donald Trump's impact. Join Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy as they discuss DeepSeek's rise in the AI sector and its implications for U.S. tech stocks, Trump's provocative stance on Greenland, and the looming threat of tariffs on Canadian imports. We also explore the broader geopolitical l...

Joseph discusses the evolving landscape of influence in politics, emphasizing the role of influencers and the importance of empathy in communication. He outlines the shift from traditional media to influencers as key players in shaping public discourse and provides a framework for effective engagement with audiences. Takeaways Influencers are reshaping political influence. Empathy is crucial for b...

In the latest episode of Craft Politics, recorded a couple hours after Trump's inauguration, we try to make sense of his inauguration speech, over an Octopus Wants to Fight IPA from Great Lakes Brewing.

What happens when ego gets in the way of collaboration? In this episode, I recount a recent experience that challenged my assumptions about mentorship and leadership. You’ll hear how a late-night call reminded me of the value of humility, the courage it takes to ask for help, and why even the most experienced professionals should never stop being students.

Welcome to the first-ever episode of  Craft Politics ! Hosts Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy are here to bring you a blend of politics, business, and craft beer analysis. This week, they kick things off by diving into the big headlines: Justin Trudeau’s resignation and what it means for governance and business in Canada, plus the latest drama from Meta—shutting down its Diversity, Equity, and Inclu...

A new year, a new name, and a (slightly) new concept. Power is always in motion—between political actors, within societies, and across boardrooms. In Power Shifts, Joseph Lavoie explores the forces upending the status quo: the rise of populism, the demographic waves reshaping economies and politics, governments asserting new authority, and the technological revolutions redefining how we live and w...

In this episode, I share a talk I gave in October 2024 on the disruptive nature of politics and regulations. I break down how political decisions, like New York City’s crackdown on Airbnb hosts, can reshape entire industries overnight. Regulation isn’t slowing down—it’s ramping up. From insurance brokers to tech giants, every business faces the same challenge: adapt or get caught off guard.

Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy discuss the chaotic political landscape of 2024, exploring the implications of leadership changes, the dynamics within political caucuses, and the importance of voter advocacy for businesses. They emphasize the need for businesses to adapt to political chaos, plan for potential changes in government, and engage with constituents to build resilience in uncertain times...

Your regular 9-5 job might not challenge every aspect of your abilities, but a side campaign can push you to new heights.

Here’s what happens when you define an enemy: •  It rallies supporters  with a clear focus. In the case of the carbon tax, it became a symbol of government overreach for some and a call for fairness for others. •  It simplifies the narrative.  Suddenly, you’re not fighting a vague concept like ‘climate policy’; you’re fighting a specific tax that impacts families and businesses. •  It focuses reso...

Choosing to sit it out is riskier than playing the game of campaigning.

This week, a client shared a thought-provoking Substack from The Honest Broker that provides a new framework for communications, he calls the 6 new rules for communicating. The main point the author makes is that the era of teleprompters and talking points has come to an end. Some of these rules we’ve always known to be true in politics. But they’ve been harder to adopt in a business or regulatory...

Tactics and activity for the sake of it can be distracting and ineffective.

In trying to assess what went right/wrong for Democrats in last week’s lost to Trump, I’ve come across several pundits who are using these results as proof that the ground game doesn’t matter. The take goes along these lines: Harris relied on back technology: the technology of knocking on doors. In some battleground states, they estimate they were knocking on 10 doors for every one that the Trump...

There’s been plenty of coverage and analysis in the aftermath of Trump’s victory. It’s while there is such a thing as over-simplifying these, sometimes, there’s solace in simplicity, so long as it’s not simplistic. And I think every corporate communicator has a simple lesson to learn from the results. It’s not about who has the better ground game. It’s not about who signals the right virtues. It’s...

I’ve been spending a lot of time recently obsessing over word choices. That’s because words matter. The right  combination  of words matter even more. But here’s why I obsess over word choices: It is tough to find the right combination.