CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how SaaS, leadership, and company culture come together to transform everyday business challenges into global solutions. Joining us is Dean Mathews, Founder and CEO of OnTheClock , an employee time tracking app supporting over 16,000 companies and 170,000 users worldwide. Dean shares his journey f...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore vector databases and how they are revolutionizing the way organizations manage and gain insights from massive amounts of unstructured data. Our guest today is James Luan, Partner and VP of Engineering at Zilliz and a Technical Advisory Committee member of the LF AI & Data Foundation. James brings...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore what separates top-performing companies from the rest, uncovering best practices in leadership, strategy, and operations that drive resilience. Our guests are Derrick Dempster and Ruby Williams from Deloitte Canada , leaders of the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. Together, the...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how workforce inclusion and gender equity fuel Canada’s economic growth and innovation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways for underrepresented groups. Joining us is Nour Hachem, President and Founder of Build a Dream , a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and equity-seek...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we spotlight the future of CleanTech with a pioneer in next-generation solar innovation, exploring how advanced photovoltaic technology is reshaping sustainability. Our guest is Fabian de la Fuente, Co-founder and COO of Solaires Entreprises Inc. , a Clean50 award recipient with over 100 patents and 40 years...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In today’s episode of AI for SMBs, we’re diving into the world of AI-powered search engines with Naeem Komeilipoor, Founder and CEO of Findora . Findora is Canada’s first AI-powered, human-centered search engine, delivering ad-free, private, and trustworthy answers across various sources. We’ll discuss its mission to rebuild...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how technology is reshaping small business insurance, making it faster, simpler, and more accessible for entrepreneurs across Canada. Joining us is Danish Yusuf, Founder and CEO of Zensurance , who shares his journey from consulting to entrepreneurship, the company’s unique value proposition, and...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how digital identity, trust, and cybersecurity are shaping the future of Canada’s secure digital economy. Joining us is Greg Rainbird, Enterprise Market Lead at Auth0, an Okta company , who shares insights on balancing security with convenience, closing the digital trust gap for small businesses,...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how Canadian businesses can take measurable climate action, from tackling digital emissions to integrating sustainability into their brand strategy. Joining us is Paul Reynolds , Co-Founder and COO of The Offset Foundation , an entrepreneur who pivoted from advertising and events to climate tech....

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how AI-driven platforms are transforming the future of work by simplifying processes, boosting engagement, and empowering managers with actionable insights. Joining us is Guillaume Roy (G.R.), Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Workleap , a global HR tech leader generating over $100M in annua...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how Canadian businesses can achieve enterprise-level clarity without enterprise-level complexity by leveraging AI, automation, and modular systems thinking. Joining us is Swapnil Ghorpade, Founder of Modular 1 Labs , a systems-driven consulting firm helping ambitious founders and growing businesse...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how professional freelancing is redefining recruitment and creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses and independent experts. Joining us is Simon Gravel, CEO of freelance.ca , a digital entrepreneur and founder of freelance.group, the largest freelance platform in the GAS region. Simon sh...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore the world of medical communications and the power of co-foundership in building a purpose-driven business in a complex industry. Joining us are Lorie Spence and Carolyn Pritchard , Co-Founders of Bridge Medical Communications , who share their journey of translating complex medical information int...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how Canadian SMEs can leverage enterprise-grade IT innovation, AI, and cybersecurity in a way that’s both accessible and cost-effective. Joining us is Sted Chen, Founder and President of New Value Solutions , a leader with over 30 years of experience in technology and consulting. Sted shares how h...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the importance of employee empowerment, lessons from PeopleToGo’s 25-year journey, and how technology resources drive business success. Joining us today is Chris Collins, Vice President and Managing Partner at PeopleToGo Inc. , a Canadian company celebrating 25 years in business. Chris is a...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we’re exploring the critical world of digital trust infrastructure and how new technologies are safeguarding organizations from fraud and risk in today’s digital economy.  Our guest is Meyer Mechanic, Founder and CEO of Vaultie , a company leading the charge in securing verifiable documents against the growing threat...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how Canadian businesses can embrace purpose-driven strategies in B2B marketing, blending integrity, sustainability, and authentic growth. Joining us is Nat Korol, Founding Partner of Hyphen Co. , a values-led B2B marketing firm. With nearly two decades of experience in brand strategy and investor...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore the intersection of world-class AI research and commercialization, tackling Canada’s long-standing challenge of scaling its own innovations. Joining us is Dr. Daniel Wigdor, Co-Founder and CEO at AXL , a Canadian venture studio dedicated to turning applied AI research into scalable companies. Dani...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of building a values-driven business in the social impact space. Joining us is Kathryn LeBlanc , Founder of LeBlanc (& co.) Communications and host of the Social Impact Comms Podcast , a communications and branding agency dedicated to nonprofits, social movements...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how financial technology is reshaping the future of finance, from AI-driven advancements to evolving global regulations. Joining us are Babu Nair , Founder and Managing Director of FTF , and Narasimham Nittala , Co-Founder and Strategy & Research Leader . Together, they share how FTF is building b...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore the evolving role of physical workspaces and how thoughtful design can shape talent attraction, retention, and company culture. Joining us is Alex Sisk, Vice President of Sales at OFGO STUDIO , a Toronto-based family-owned furniture manufacturer with 45 years of experience. Alex shares insights on...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how technology, data, and Generative AI are reshaping financial services, improving client experiences, and transforming the way employees work. Joining us is Monique Allen, SVP and CIO for Canadian Technology and Enterprise Architecture at Sun Life . With over two decades of leadership across top...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how Canadian SMEs can cut through marketing noise, build genuine customer trust, and create meaningful connections in today’s tech-driven world. Joining us is Nima Mirpourian, Founder and CEO of Will Be Live , a strategist with over 15 years of experience helping businesses blend creativity, techn...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore the world of international trade and customs tariffs, examining how Canadian businesses can manage risks, reduce costs, and streamline global operations. Joining us is Kyle Peacock, Founder of Peacock Tariff Consulting , who brings over 20 years of expertise in procurement, logistics, and customs...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we uncover how businesses can navigate economic uncertainty by refining their marketing strategies and focusing on what truly drives results. Joining us is Christine Tolton, Founder and CEO of Red Cat Marketing , a global agency celebrating 20 years of impact. With decades of expertise, Christine shares insi...