Executive Wins Podcast

In this insightful interview, Mark Benning shares his journey from Silicon Valley startups to founding the Sprout Fund in Edmonton, highlighting the strategies, people, and operations behind successful venture capital investments in Western Canada. Discover how regional ecosystems can thrive with the right vision, network, and perseverance. Key Takeaways Having experience working in a start-up is...

This interview with Haidong Liang, CEO of We Seniors, explores innovative strategies in gerontology, social enterprise, and community impact. Discover how a data-driven, culturally rich approach is transforming senior services and building sustainable models for the future. Key Takeaways Building a strong organizational culture is key to success Leveraging data helps improve programs and sustainab...

In this insightful interview, entrepreneur Matt Aubin shares his journey of building multiple businesses, the importance of strategic thinking, and the power of saying yes to opportunities. Discover how he leverages community, leadership, and incremental improvements to achieve success and impact. Key Takeaways The importance of saying yes to opportunities Why you have to have strategic alignment...

In this insightful interview, Doug Crowe shares his expertise on helping leaders articulate their ideas through strategic ghostwriting, building community, and leveraging content for business growth. Discover how his reverse spotlight method transforms content into powerful engagement tools and learn from real success stories. Key Takeaways Dough has developed a unique Reverse Spotlight Method for...

In this conversation, Traci Bateman shares her journey as an entrepreneur in the wellness industry, detailing her experiences from starting Bliss Medi Spa to receiving the Business Leader of the Year award. She discusses the importance of wellness, the impact of her personal experiences, and the evolution of her business model. Traci emphasizes the significance of community, the role of her team,...

In this episode, Nicole Janssen shares her journey from real estate to AI innovation, emphasizing how agility, vision, and impactful leadership drive success. Discover how her strategic pivots and dedication to societal impact are shaping Canada's AI landscape. Key Takeaways Nicole’s entrepreneurial journey started in real estate and then evolved through moving at the right time to digital me...

In this conversation, Inderjit Singh Dhiman shares his journey as a young lawyer at Prowse Barrett, highlighting the importance of mentorship and leadership in his early career. He discusses a significant legal victory involving a precedent-setting case that expanded employee rights in Alberta, emphasizing the strategic values and teamwork that contributed to this success. Inderjit reflects on the...

In this conversation, Matthew Jubelius, founder of Virtuclinic, shares his journey from a registered nurse to an entrepreneur in the healthcare sector. He discusses the challenges of accessing healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how Virtuclinic aims to bridge these gaps through a virtual model that prioritizes patient care and wellness. Matthew highlights the importance of dat...

Shaffina Mohamed shares her journey from medical professional to family business leader, highlighting the strategic operational practices that drive customer loyalty and business growth in the niche, heavy duty lighting industry. Discover how authentic leadership, continuous learning, and customer-centric operations create a resilient and innovative company. Key Takeaways Make it easy for your cus...

In this conversation, Milka Vujanic and Geoff Spero share their journey of building Service Realty, highlighting their leadership dynamics, the importance of teamwork, and the strategies that led to their business growth. They discuss the challenges faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they navigated through setbacks to achieve success. The conversation emphasizes the signific...

In this insightful interview, Stacey Wabick, CAO for the Municipal District of Greenview, shares his journey from being a reluctant leader to becoming transformational organizational leader. Discover how strategic communication, a culture-focused approach, and innovative initiatives like Greenview University helped to turn around a municipality's culture in just five years. Key Takeaways  Aut...

In this conversation, Amir Shami, the president of Rotaflow Utility Systems, shares insights into his leadership journey and the evolution of his company. He discusses the importance of providing customized solutions in the industrial sector, the necessity of diversification, and the value of mentorship. Amir emphasizes the significance of understanding the journey of leadership, building trust wi...

In this inspiring interview, Teresa Spinelli shares her journey from starting as a social worker to reluctantly taking over as CEO of the Italian Centre Shop. From their she invested in her own leadership skills and build a team that has helped th business grow to 5 locations (going on 6) with more than 130 million in annual revenue. Teresa also highlights the importance of values, respectin peopl...

In this conversation, we explore insights from Bianca Parsons, Executive Director of the Alberta Food Processor Association (AFPA), as she shares her journey and the significance of local food production in Alberta. You’ll also hear her discuss the importance of local food production, along with how to use food as a cultural connector. She also points out that at least 70 cents of every dollar you...

In this conversation, Gordon Sheppard interviews Kevin and Jeffrey Lapes, the second-generation owners of Pemko Construction. They discuss their family's legacy in the construction industry, the importance of starting from the ground up, and the values instilled by their father. The brothers share their experiences of winning a business award, the significance of company culture, and the oper...

In this engaging conversation, Doug Griffiths shares his journey from politics to leading the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. He discusses the philosophy behind his bestselling book, '13 Ways', and how it shaped his approach to community development. Doug reflects on the challenges of rebuilding the Chamber, the importance of a strong team, and the operational improvements made during his...

In this engaging conversation, Carolyn Stern, an expert in emotional intelligence, shares her journey and insights on the importance of emotional awareness in leadership and workplace culture. She discusses her pioneering work in online emotional intelligence training, the power of vulnerability in leadership, and the significance of self-reflection for leaders. Carolyn emphasizes that emotions ar...

In this episode, Gordon Sheppard interviews Mike McCormick, the president of World Floor Coverings, who shares his inspiring journey from employee to business owner. Mike discusses his early experiences in the flooring industry, the challenges he faced while acquiring the family-owned business, and the importance of having a supportive network. He emphasizes the significance of confidence, persist...

In this episode, Gordon Sheppard interviews Scott Cassels, the President of General Body, a custom truck body manufacturer. Scott shares his journey of leading the company through significant changes, including a major consolidation of operations that involved moving from four separate locations into a single, larger facility. This strategic move aimed to enhance efficiency and streamline operatio...

In this conversation, Patrick Emokpae, founder of Fluid Insight, shares his journey of creating innovative solutions for the mining industry. He discusses the importance of learning, adaptability, and the impact of real-time data on operational efficiency. Patrick highlights a significant win where his company saved a client $19 million annually through improved fluid management. He emphasizes the...

In this conversation, Jesse Hill shares his extensive experience in the IT services industry, discussing the evolution of technology, the impact of AI, and the importance of proactive leadership. He recounts a significant crisis his company faced due to a zero-day vulnerability, detailing the preparation and response that led to a successful outcome. The discussion emphasizes the value of team dyn...

In this conversation, Moose Abdel shares his journey as an entrepreneur and leader in both the nonprofit and tech sectors. He discusses the founding of his nonprofit, Struggle Is Their Success, which aims to empower marginalized youth through entrepreneurship. Moose reflects on his personal experiences, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of understanding one's 'why' in lea...

In this conversation, Jerry Hanna shares his extensive journey in the water technology industry, highlighting his innovative solutions for water treatment and the importance of environmental sustainability. He discusses the challenges he faced in building his business, the significance of Indigenous innovation, and the role of mentorship in shaping future leaders. Jerry emphasizes the scientific f...

In this conversation, Michael Mahon shares his journey as a leader in education, focusing on his transformative role at the University of Lethbridge and his current position at Alberta Innovates. He discusses the importance of community engagement, strategic planning, and the concept of a 'Destination University' that attracted students from across Canada. Mahon emphasizes the significan...

In this conversation, Bill Harper, founder and chief creative officer at BrandBoss HQ, discusses the importance of storytelling in branding and how businesses can differentiate themselves in a crowded market. He shares his unexpected success on TikTok, emphasizing the platform's potential for mini mentorship and audience engagement. Bill outlines his strategic approach to content creation, th...