CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore why digital transformation often falls short and how custom built systems are becoming the real driver of business growth. Joining us is Alexandre St Aubin , Partner and Account Executive at Thirdbridge . With a strong blend of technical expertise and business insight, Alexandre shares how tailored software...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore why real business growth still comes down to human connection, clear messaging, and trust. Joining us is Monica Hoffman , Fractional Marketing Consultant . With over 20 years of experience, Monica shares how businesses can simplify marketing and build consistent, meaningful growth. Key Highlights Power of B...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore the rise of operational intelligence and why reliable data systems are becoming a decisive advantage for modern businesses. In 2026, success belongs to companies that prioritize clarity, conviction, and dependable technology over hype. Joining us is Edoardo De Martin , Co Founder and CEO of Industrio AI . W...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how strong professional networks and cultural communities are becoming a powerful engine for economic growth in Canada. Joining us is Raquel Narvajas Rodriguez , CEO and Director of La Red de Hispanos . Raquel shares how building trusted communities is helping newcomers unlock real opportunities and long te...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how workplaces are evolving into integrated digital environments that combine technology, collaboration, and human creativity. Joining us are Meagan Moody , Country Manager at Ricoh Canada , and Ahmed Ameen , COO of ET Group . Together, they share how this strategic acquisition is redefining hybrid work and...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how hidden misalignment within teams and structures quietly limits performance and growth. Joining us is Sonia Perron , Founder and President of SPCTE Inc. With over 30 years of experience, Sonia shares how aligning people, roles, and strategy unlocks measurable results. Key Highlights The Cost of Misalignm...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how businesses can move beyond guesswork and use customer data to drive smarter, more consistent growth. Joining us is Stephan Sigaud , CMO at Phase 5 . With decades of experience in market research and customer strategy, Stephan shares how understanding the voice of the customer unlocks real business impac...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how specialized banking solutions are evolving to support accountants and strengthen the broader business ecosystem. Joining us is Pouya Zangeneh , Senior Vice President of Business Banking at Scotiabank. Pouya shares how tailored financial tools and strategic support are helping accounting professionals op...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how global mobility is shaping Canada’s workforce and why attracting international talent is critical for economic growth. Joining us is Grant Sakinofsky , Director at Smooth Migration Global . With global experience and a deep understanding of relocation challenges, Grant shares how technology and strategy...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how estate planning is evolving into a critical strategy for preserving wealth and ensuring a smooth transfer of assets. Joining us is Devon Miller , Vice President for Partnerships and Distribution at ClearEstate . With deep expertise in estate execution and planning, Devon shares how technology and empath...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how data is revealing a growing divide in the financial health of Canadian small businesses. Joining us is Jeff Brown , Head of Commercial Solutions at Equifax Canada . With deep expertise in commercial credit data, Jeff shares insights from the latest Market Pulse report and what it signals for business st...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how building a strong financial operating system helps small businesses reduce complexity and focus on growth. Joining us is Faye Pang , Chief Growth Officer at FreshBooks . With experience scaling global platforms, Faye shares how integrated tools are helping SMBs gain control over their finances and opera...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how direct selling continues to evolve as a powerful model built on trust, flexibility, and human connection. Joining us is Peter Maddox , President of the Direct Sellers Association of Canada . With deep insight into a network of over a million independent sellers, Peter shares how this industry is shaping...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how programmatic advertising is evolving into a precision driven engine powered by data and smarter platforms. Joining us are Vince Simone from Yahoo Canada and Lyle Wagner , Co founder and CEO of Datadesk . Together, they bring deep expertise on how data and technology are reshaping digital marketing strat...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how AI is evolving from simple automation into systems that understand human context, tone, and intent. Joining us is Charlie D’Elia , Co Founder of Fermion AI Group . With a strong foundation in franchise systems and operational alignment, Charlie shares how emotionally aware AI is shaping the next generat...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore why successful digital transformation depends less on speed and more on trust, clarity, and delivering real user value. Joining us is Sam Hyland , VP of Services at Veriday . With over two decades of hands-on experience, Sam shares how strong execution and honest delivery separate successful projects from f...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore the growing disconnect between organizational goals and employee realities, and how it is impacting performance. Joining us is Chris Lee , VP of Employee Communications Practice at Gallagher . Drawing from the latest Employee Communications Report, Chris shares insights on burnout, alignment, and the evolvi...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how inclusive ecosystems and community driven initiatives are shaping economic growth and opportunity across Canada. Joining us is Sarah Evalina , Chief Operating Officer at the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce . With deep experience in advocacy and leadership, Sarah shares how equity, access, and communi...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how enterprises are shifting from static reporting toward real time, risk driven insights. In 2026, leaders can no longer rely on status updates; they need systems that predict issues before they impact performance. Joining us is Parasar Saha , Founder and CEO of Digy4 Inc. With more than 23 years of experi...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how shared mobility is reshaping transportation and becoming a critical part of economic infrastructure across Canadian cities. Joining us is David Riggs , General Manager for Hopp Canada . Backed by Bolt’s global mobility platform, David shares how Hopp is scaling rapidly while redefining convenience, safe...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how payroll is evolving from a complex burden into a streamlined system that supports modern workforce management. Joining us is Ben Richmond , CEO of Wagepoint . With deep experience in fintech and a focus on simplifying financial tools, Ben shares how innovation and leadership are reshaping payroll for Ca...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore the hidden risks of AI adoption and why unsecured usage can expose businesses to serious data vulnerabilities. Joining us is Sam Jenkins , Managing Partner and Co founder of Punchcard Systems . With over 25 years in digital transformation, Sam shares how organizations can move from risky AI usage to secure,...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore why cybersecurity is no longer just about buying the latest software. In 2026, real protection comes from aligning people, processes, and technology to build true cyber resilience. Joining us is Brandon Krieger , President and CEO of KNSS Consulting Group . With more than 20 years of cybersecurity experienc...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how businesses scale from a single location into global franchise systems. In 2026, sustainable growth depends on building repeatable systems that protect brand quality while expanding across markets. Joining us is Arif Abdulla , VP of Franchise Development at Nurse Next Door . Over nearly two decades, Arif...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore the growing gap between rapid container adoption and the maturity of security practices. In 2026, businesses are realizing that modern development speed can easily outpace compliance and risk management. Joining us is Bob Shaker, Chief Product and Technology Officer at ActiveState . With more than 30 years...