CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how modern wealth management technology is helping firms transition from fragmented legacy systems to integrated, scalable digital platforms. Our guest is Benoit Fleury , Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at d1g1t Inc . With over two decades of experience across Algorithmics and S and P Capital...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how small and mid-sized businesses can defend against today’s increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats without enterprise-level budgets. Our guest is Francis Pilon , Director of Sales at StreamScan , a Canadian cybersecurity firm providing continuous monitoring from its Montreal-based security oper...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how small and mid-sized businesses can build sustainable, revenue-focused marketing strategies by aligning creativity, data, and operational excellence. We’re joined by Kevin Hayes , Head of Growth at Soulpepper Marketing , a Vancouver-based agency known for helping professional service firms boos...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore insights and solutions that help organizations operate securely, scale efficiently, and innovate with confidence. In this episode, we dive into digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI, and automation, and how managed services simplify growth for Canadian businesses. Our guest is Habib Malik , CEO of MSP Co...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to implement AI automation that delivers durable, real world results beyond hype. Our guest is Zane Frantzen , VP of Platform and Operations at SimplyAsk.ai and founder of Symphona , an AI automation suite designed to reduce manual work through process first automation while ke...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore the strategies and tools helping manufacturing businesses achieve operational excellence. Today, we’re diving into the world of ERP, supply chain management, and AI, and how modern systems empower manufacturers to operate with greater precision and efficiency. Our guest, Robert Jolliffe , President and CEO o...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how shifting consumer behavior and AI-driven commerce are reshaping the future of retail in Canada. Our guest is Caila Schwartz , Director of Consumer Insights and Strategy for Retail and Consumer Goods at Salesforce . Caila breaks down key insights from 2025 Canada Cyber Week, explains how AI age...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we’re diving into the complex world of government funding and how Canadian entrepreneurs can navigate a broken system to access the capital they need. Joining us is Jonathan Stacey , Co-Founder and CEO of Grant Fund Pro . After consulting with over 160 companies, Jonathan developed a platform that uses AI to automate...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK Uddin. Today we explore commercial insurance and how technology is transforming the way entrepreneurs access fast, reliable, and affordable protection for their businesses. Our guest is Cheryl Fearon , Vice President of Sales at Zensurance . With over twenty years of sales leadership experience at companies like Apple and Bell, Cheryl...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore the Silver Tsunami and the growing urgency around business succession as thousands of Canadian owners prepare for retirement. Our guest is Liz MacRae , Co Founder and President of Village Wellth . A serial entrepreneur and recent Calgary.tech Top 10 Company to Watch honouree, Liz shares how softwa...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore Sovereign AI, data governance, and open source infrastructure, and why Canadian businesses must reclaim control of their data to stay secure and competitive. Our guests are Brock Rowlands , CEO, and John Galbraith , VP of R and D at Evormore . With decades of expertise in AI enabled product develo...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how AI, automation, and system design help leaders unlock more freedom, enhance performance, and build sustainable digital growth. Our guest is Lilia Olvera , Founder of 15 Element , an AI driven agency specializing in B2B digital transformation. With over a decade of expertise in user experience,...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore how fintech leaders are reshaping access to credit through AI, strategic partnerships, and disciplined growth. In this episode, we examine how purpose-driven financial platforms can scale responsibly while expanding inclusion for underserved consumers. Our guest is Noah Buchman, Co-founder, President, and Ch...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore secure remote access, privileged access management, and how AI can be integrated responsibly into modern IT operations. Our guests are Marc-André Moreau, CTO at Devolutions , and Chris Steffen, VP of Research at Enterprise Management Associates . Together, they unpack Devolutions’ new Model Contex...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore how inclusive leadership and thoughtful talent strategy help organizations perform at their best. In this episode, we focus on DEI, representation, and why inclusive hiring still matters for building resilient, innovative teams. Our guest is Ross Cadastre, Founder of BIPOCJobs.ca and VP, Professional Resourc...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how enterprise digital solutions and operational excellence help B2B agencies drive innovation and deliver consistent value in an AI-driven market. Our guest is Janice Lee, COO and Partner at Dotfusion Technology Inc. and Founder of Verity Leadership Development. Janice shares how Dotfusion blends...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how capital, mentorship, and strong networks unlock confidence and growth for women entrepreneurs across Canada. Our guest is Shauna Harper, CEO of WeBC , a federally funded organization supporting thousands of women in British Columbia with financing, expertise, and peer connections. Shauna share...

Welcome back to Canada Business Talks with SK Uddin! As we kick off 2026, small businesses across Canada are facing a whirlwind of challenges—from rising costs to shifting trade dynamics. But what’s the path forward? Dan Kelly, President & CEO of CFIB , joins us to break down the 2026 outlook and what Canadian entrepreneurs need to know to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. In today’s episode...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore the insights and innovations helping businesses grow through smart, data-driven marketing. In this episode, we dive into Digital Marketing Strategy and how businesses can build genuine trust online while turning complex plans into real, measurable results. Our guest is Max Reddy, Digital Marketing Strategist...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore the strategic insights and innovative approaches empowering Canadian businesses to build purpose-driven, high-impact brands. Today, we’re diving into modern marketing, brand strategy, and AI search visibility, and how small businesses can cut through the noise with clarity and credibility. In a world where r...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore practical strategies that help businesses drive growth and strengthen client relationships. In this episode, we focus on sales, marketing, and business development, with an emphasis on gaining clarity, consistency, and momentum in client acquisition. Our guest is Jennifer Kuta , Business Development Analyst...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how AI, automation, and purpose-driven digital strategy help businesses scale smarter and create high-impact digital experiences. Our guest is Chris Bryce, CEO of Dotfusion , a certified B Corp, and Founder of Crew CMS and Tricycle AI Agency . With more than 20 years of experience, Chris shares ho...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how social sustainability and purpose driven strategy help organizations secure funding, strengthen resilience, and create lasting competitive advantage. Our guest is Dr. Maria Murphy, VP of Development and Social Sustainability at Bloom Funding , a B Corp Certified firm supporting businesses and...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how a simple idea can scale into a national brand through curiosity, execution, and a strong partner ecosystem. Our guest is Dan Junkins, Founder and CEO of Celebright , a pioneer in permanent holiday lighting that grew from an Ottawa garage to a dealer network of more than 300 locations across No...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand . In this episode, we explore Professional Services Automation and how service-based businesses can simplify operations, gain real visibility, and improve profitability. Our guest is Walter Perdigao , Co-Founder and VP of Services at CrossConcept, Inc . With decades of enterprise PSA experience, Walter shares practical insigh...