CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how data science and AI are transforming supply chains into predictive, high-performance systems. Joining us is Jasneet Kohli , Co Founder of TrueGradient . With experience from Amazon and Walmart, Jasneet shares how advanced modeling is helping modern brands make smarter, faster decisions. Key Highlights T...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore why successful AI adoption starts with solving the right business problems, not chasing the latest tools. Joining us is Chris Dore , CEO of ScarlettNova Corp. and Founder of Rogue Ventures . With a global background and deep expertise in applied AI, Chris shares a grounded approach to building real impact t...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore why AI adoption without governance can create more risk than value, and how businesses can build trust while scaling innovation. Joining us is Natalka Haras , Senior Counsel and Executive Legal Advisor at ADP Canada . With over 15 years of experience in technology and employment law, Natalka helps organizat...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore what it takes to build and scale a technology company in the age of AI, where execution, narrative, and timing define success. Joining us is Jonah Midanik , Managing Partner at Forum Ventures . With two decades of experience as both an operator and investor, Jonah now works closely with early stage founders...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how businesses can bridge legacy operations with modern AI driven systems to eliminate inefficiencies and unlock growth. Joining us is Pablo Rodriguez , President of Dye and Durham Canada . With deep expertise in scaling technology across regulated industries, Pablo shares how firms can streamline workflows...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how cybersecurity is no longer just a technical function but a core business strategy shaping growth, trust, and resilience. Joining us is Judith Borts , Senior Director at Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University. With deep experience in public policy and cybersecurity leadership, Jud...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how payroll, HR, and benefits systems are being modernized through embedded technology. In 2026, businesses can no longer afford disconnected tools that consume time and create operational inefficiencies. Joining us are Simon Bourgeois , Founder and CEO of Nmbr , and Mark Bluvshtein , CEO of Collage . Toget...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how decentralized, community driven platforms are redefining how tech ecosystems are built and scaled. Joining us are Julia Baird Konefal from Golden Ventures and Mell Truong , founder of Sage Consulting Co . As co founders of Toronto Tech Week, they are leading a movement that is transforming how founders,...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we break down financial complexity into clear, practical strategies that help business owners build long term stability and control. Joining us is Michael Santonato , author of How to Become Financially Indestructible . With a decade of experience guiding families and entrepreneurs, Michael focuses on building strong...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how rising tariffs and global trade tensions are directly impacting Canadian small businesses and reshaping financial decision making. Joining us is David Gens , Founder and CEO of Merchant Growth . With over a decade of experience in digital financing, David shares insights on how businesses can navigate u...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand . Today, we explore how geography has become a powerful lens for digital transformation. In 2026, data alone is not enough. Without understanding where things happen, businesses and governments risk missing the insights that drive smarter decisions. Joining us is Alex Miller , President and Founder of Esri Canada . Since 1984...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari . In today’s market, a bad hire isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a massive expense. In 2026, finding the right talent requires more than matching a job description; it takes a deep understanding of local culture and specialized sector needs like Finance and IT. Joining us is Daniel Lambert , President and CEO of Lambert N...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how businesses can move beyond AI curiosity and focus on measurable outcomes while preserving meaningful human connections. In 2026, successful organizations are those that combine intelligent automation with empathy driven leadership. Joining us is Dr. Sandra Weppler , Chief Artificial Intelligence Transfo...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore why Canada’s group benefits market is entering its most significant era of competition in nearly seven decades. In 2026, modern employers are no longer satisfied with "just insurance"—they are seeking integrated platforms that bridge the gap between coverage and care. Joining us today is Mark Goad , General...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how climate technology is evolving from an environmental conversation into a strategic driver of energy security, economic stability, and operational efficiency. For many founders, the challenge lies in crossing the gap between a successful lab breakthrough and real market adoption. Joining us is Jamie Mora...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how leadership is evolving from traditional management toward a mission driven approach focused on employee wellness and meaningful impact. In 2026, AI is reshaping workforce management by removing barriers between people and technology. Joining us is Adam Greenberg , President and CEO of MakeShift . With m...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore the cash flow challenges that many entrepreneurs face even when their businesses appear profitable. In 2026, the biggest financial risk for SMEs is often the gap between issuing an invoice and actually receiving payment. Joining us is Adam Crandall , CEO and Founder of Benji Pays . With a background in high...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how robotic construction and AI optimized workflows are transforming the future of homebuilding. As Canada faces a growing housing shortage, automation is emerging as a powerful tool to scale production and address labour challenges. Joining us is Ramtin Attar , Co founder and CEO of Promise Robotics . With...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we discuss how a modern, tech-forward approach to Human Resources can transform businesses from chaotic cost centers into engines for growth.  Our guest, Lyndsay Seafoot , Founder and CEO of the Curbridge Group , believes in simple, value-driven solutions powered by innovation. Lyndsay’s philosophy, "What would Hugh d...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore the transformative world of heavy industry and the shift towards the "Mine of the Future," where integrated data and real-time visualization are revolutionizing operations and safety in mining. Our guest is Dr. Borys Vorobyov , CEO and Chairman of SightPower Inc. With over 40 years of experience, Borys is a...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore the infrastructure behind sustainable business growth and why companies must move beyond the constant chase for new leads. In 2026, businesses that invest in retention and customer relationships are the ones building predictable and scalable revenue. Joining us is Maria Olmedo , Head Consultant at MJ Digita...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore why digital transformation often fails when the human element is ignored. In 2026, success is not just about adopting new tools but building systems where people and technology work together effectively. Joining us is Luis Juarez , CEO and Founder of Inside View Global . A digital modernization expert focus...

Welcome to the Indigenous-SME Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we celebrate the diverse voices shaping Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape. Today, we explore the growing opportunities within the Indigenous tech ecosystem and why supporting Indigenous-led innovation is essential for Canada’s economic future. Joining us is Ryan St. Germaine , CEO of the Indigenous Tech Circle . A serial...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore the shift from incremental progress to exponential growth and why many entrepreneurs plateau despite working harder than ever. In 2026, scaling often requires an internal shift in mindset and identity before external results can change. Joining us are Dave Conway , Founder of Conway Mentorship and a globall...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how businesses can bridge the gap between raw data and profitable marketing strategy. In 2026, guessing where growth comes from is no longer sustainable when data can reveal exactly what drives revenue. Joining us is Hilary Borndahl , Founder and CEO of Miix Analytics . With more than 20 years of experience...