CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore the strategies and leadership driving innovation in the digital entertainment space. In today’s episode, we focus on the evolving world of storytelling and the power of online platforms to connect writers and readers globally.Recent trends highlight the rise of webnovels and the growing importance of creator ecosystems in shaping the future of entertainment. This episode will provide valuable insights into how platforms like Wattpad are democratizing storytelling and empowering a new generation of creators.Joining us today is Aron Levitz, President of Wattpad, a leading global webnovel platform. With his deep understanding of the online storytelling landscape, Aron is at the forefront of connecting writers and readers worldwide.Key Highlights:1. Aron’s Journey with Wattpad and Wattpad WEBTOON Studios: Aron shares his experiences and key moments that have shaped his perspective on the future of storytelling.2. Vision for Wattpad: Insights into Aron’s vision for Wattpad’s future and how he sees the platform evolving in the coming years.3. Wattpad’s Key Priorities Moving Forward: What are the priorities for Wattpad, and how will these shape the platform’s features, content, and community?4. Wattpad’s Role in the WEBTOON Entertainment Ecosystem: How Wattpad fits into the WEBTOON Entertainment’s IP & Creator Ecosystem and what it means for writers and readers.5. Impactful Stories from Wattpad Creators: A touching story that demonstrates the profound impact Wattpad has had on creators’ lives and careers.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore the strategies and insights that empower businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic labor market. In this episode, we focus on the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, recruitment trends, and the challenges facing the Canadian workforce.Recent data from Statistics Canada shows significant shifts in employment trends, with certain industries facing labor shortages and a growing demand for skilled professionals. This emphasizes the importance of effective recruitment strategies for businesses of all sizes.Joining us today is Antoinette King, Founder & Managing Partner of Options Consulting Solutions. With over 30 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Antoinette is a forward-thinking leader with deep insights into navigating the labor market and attracting top talent.Key Highlights:1. How the Talent Pool and Labor Market Have Changed: Antoinette shares her observations on the evolution of the labor market and the significant shifts over the years.2. Recruitment Trends in 2025: Insights into what recruitment trends businesses can expect in 2025 and strategies employers can adopt to stay competitive in attracting top talent.3. Current Challenges in the Canadian Workforce: The challenges businesses face in the Canadian workforce today and how they can address these effectively.4. Options Consulting Solutions’ Unique Approach: What sets Options Consulting Solutions apart in the recruitment industry and how they maintain their reputation for customer service excellence.5. Recruitment Presentations and Expertise: Learn more about the presentations Options Consulting Solutions provides on recruitment topics, helping business leaders and HR teams navigate talent acquisition challenges. Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the strategies and mindsets that empower entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of building a successful business. In today’s episode, we focus on resilience, personal practices for success, and the importance of having a clear mission statement.Recent trends emphasize the significance of mental fortitude, effective self-care, and a strong sense of purpose in achieving long-term entrepreneurial success. This episode will provide valuable insights for anyone looking to build a sustainable and fulfilling business.Joining us today is Connor Gilbert, Entrepreneur, Philosopher, Certified Coach, and Co-Founder of Apart Inc., a boutique creative marketing firm. With his diverse background and passion for helping businesses thrive, Connor is a valuable resource for our listeners.Key Highlights:1. Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Key elements of resilience and how entrepreneurs can bounce back from setbacks.2. Personal Practices for Success: Effective personal practices to help entrepreneurs maintain focus, manage stress, and optimize performance.3. The Importance of a Mission Statement: How a clear and compelling mission statement guides decision-making, attracts customers, and inspires employees.4. Connor Gilbert’s Entrepreneurial Journey: Key lessons learned from his diverse career as a philosophy student, nightclub promoter, and marketing professional.5. The Evolving Challenge of Entrepreneurship: Insights on how entrepreneurs can face ongoing challenges with determination and adaptability.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the future of commerce and the technologies driving its evolution. In today’s episode, we focus on the transformative power of AI and human collaboration, the modernization of commerce systems, and the creation of adaptive digital experiences.Recent trends highlight rapid advancements in AI and the urgent need for businesses to adopt flexible, intelligent commerce solutions to stay competitive. This discussion offers valuable insights on how brands can adapt to the changing landscape and deliver exceptional customer experiences.Joining us today is Thomas Muleid, VP Sales at Orium, a leading specialist in building adaptive solutions for modern commerce, helping enterprise brands seamlessly integrate AI, data, and systems to power intelligent, hybrid experiences.Key Highlights:1. The Future of Commerce: Humans + Agents: Thomas explains how AI-human collaboration is redefining commerce experiences and key steps brands must take to evolve and stay competitive.2. Modernizing Commerce Systems: Why traditional commerce models are breaking down and how modular architectures offer scalable, adaptable solutions.3. Creating Adaptive Digital Experiences: How brands can move beyond static experiences to deliver dynamic, real-time personalization that drives growth and loyalty.4. Innovative Commerce Experiences in Canada: Examples of groundbreaking commerce solutions Orium has delivered for Canadian brands.5. The Future of E-commerce in Canada: Thomas shares his perspective on the unique opportunities and characteristics shaping Canada’s e-commerce landscape.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the strategies and insights that empower entrepreneurs to build sustainable and profitable businesses. In today’s episode, we dive into the power of memberships and how they can create predictable revenue streams for business owners.Recent trends in the online business world show a growing interest in membership models, offering entrepreneurs an avenue to build recurring income while fostering strong, loyal communities. This episode will provide valuable insights for those looking to harness the potential of memberships.Our guest today is Stu McLaren, a renowned Membership Expert and Co-Founder of Membership.io. With over 16 years of experience, Stu has helped thousands of entrepreneurs successfully launch and grow thriving membership businesses.Key Highlights:1. Predictable Profits: Why now is the perfect time for entrepreneurs to embrace memberships and build recurring revenue streams.2. Shifting from Content Overwhelm to Transformation: How entrepreneurs can shift from feeling overwhelmed to delivering real transformation for their members.3. Practical Steps for Launching a Membership Site: Key advice for entrepreneurs looking to launch and grow a membership business.4. Attracting and Retaining Members: A key tip for keeping members engaged and loyal over the long term.5. Stu’s Membership Expertise: The subtle nuances that can make a big difference in the success of membership sites.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the transformative power of digital transformation and empower businesses to thrive in the ever-evolving digital economy.Digital transformation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses in Canada. A recent study by IDC Canada revealed that 65% of Canadian businesses accelerated their digital transformation initiatives last year, showcasing how integral technology is to business success in today’s world.Our guest today is Eric Sluss, Chief Information Officer (Fractional CIO) of Net at Work, a leader in next-generation technology solutions and services. Eric brings his wealth of experience in digital transformation to the conversation, sharing insights on how businesses can leverage technology to meet their goals and drive success.Key Highlights:1. Digital Transformation for SMBs: What a successful digital transformation vision looks like for SMBs and how to define goals for the journey.2. Overcoming Challenges: Common obstacles faced in executing digital transformation strategies and how businesses can overcome them.3. Emerging Technologies: Which technologies will shape the future of SMBs in the next five years and how to prepare for them.4. Net at Work’s Impact: A real-life example of how Net at Work helped an SMB overcome challenges and thrive through digital transformation.5. Building Trust: How Net at Work builds trust and strong relationships with clients to ensure the success of digital transformation initiatives.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we focus on the critical role of empowering frontline employees through innovative learning solutions. Frontline workers are the backbone of many organizations, and their engagement and training are pivotal in ensuring business success.Joining us today is Carol Leaman, Co-Founder and CEO of Axonify, a leader in frontline-focused learning and performance platforms, trusted by major companies like Walmart, Kroger, and Foot Locker. Carol discusses the challenges of traditional learning methods for frontline workers, how Axonify addresses these with innovative approaches like microlearning, gamification, and mobile-first design, and the impact these solutions have on business results.This episode is packed with insights into how businesses can enhance the productivity and engagement of their frontline workers, measure the effectiveness of their training, and scale innovation in workforce enablement. Key Highlights from the Episode:1. Challenges of Traditional Learning for Frontline Workers: Carol highlights the limitations of traditional LMS solutions for frontline workers, focusing on the need for specialized, engaging, and efficient training methods tailored to their unique environment.2. The Inception of Axonify: Carol shares the founding story of Axonify, addressing the gaps in the market and how their solution was designed to resonate with businesses seeking more effective ways to engage and train their frontline workforce.3. Measuring Training Effectiveness: Carol discusses how Axonify helps organizations connect training programs to key business outcomes, demonstrating ROI through improved performance and other key performance indicators.4. Learning in the Flow of Work: Axonify’s innovative approach to learning, which integrates training directly into the daily workflow, eliminates disruption and improves the efficiency and application of knowledge for frontline workers.5. Innovation and AI Integration: Carol provides insights into how Axonify continues to evolve its platform using AI and other advanced technologies to enhance the user experience, ensuring that the training platform stays relevant and effective in driving business success.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the strategies and mindsets that drive exceptional success. In today’s episode, we dive into the world of asymmetric principles, a powerful framework for achieving outsized returns and navigating the path to extraordinary achievements.Recent trends in the startup ecosystem and venture capital highlight the importance of strategic risk-taking and identifying asymmetric opportunities. This episode will provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and anyone seeking to maximize their potential.Our guest today is Daniel Shin Un Kang, Founder of YC-backed startup Flowbo, former VC at SoftBank Vision Fund, and author of "The Super Upside Factor." Daniel brings a unique perspective on how to achieve success through asymmetric principles.Key Highlights:1. Defining Asymmetric Principles: Understanding asymmetric bets and how they play a critical role in achieving outsized returns.2. Accessibility for Risk-Restricted Individuals: How can individuals with limited capacity for risk still apply asymmetric principles to their lives and careers?3. Under-Discussion of Asymmetric Principles: Why these principles aren't talked about more in mainstream business conversations.4. Career Progress Through Asymmetric Principles: How can individuals invest wisely and make real progress, even if they didn’t attend Ivy League schools or are stuck in unsatisfying jobs?5. Risks of Asymmetric Principles: What are the potential risks of applying these principles, and how can they be mitigated?Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we equip you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the complexities of running a business. In today’s episode, we focus on a critical area that can often be a source of stress and wasted resources: technology procurement.Recent trends highlight the challenges many small businesses face when making informed tech decisions, often leading to costly mistakes and inefficient systems. This episode will provide valuable insights into how to buy smarter, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage technology for true competitive advantage.Joining us today is Jill Button, President & CEO of ProcurePro, a company dedicated to taking the stress out of buying tech for businesses across Canada and the U.S.Key Highlights:1. How to Buy Tech for Small Business: Jill explains common mistakes small businesses make when purchasing technology and shares key principles for buying smarter to ensure tech becomes a competitive advantage.2. How to Avoid Disparate Hodge-Podge Systems: Learn the key steps small businesses can take to avoid inefficient tech setups and build cohesive, streamlined systems.3. SaaS Contract Red Flags: Jill highlights key red flags to watch for when reviewing and signing SaaS agreements to avoid costly legal and operational issues.4. From Stage Fright to Procurement Clarity: Jill shares an anecdote from her own experience and the lessons learned that she now applies to help businesses with their technology decisions.5. ProcurePro’s Solutions for Stress-Free Tech Buying: Jill discusses how ProcurePro helps small businesses navigate IT procurement challenges and introduces their new newsletter, Substack podcast, and YouTube channel.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore the diverse avenues of entrepreneurship. In today’s episode, we dive into the world of franchising, looking beyond the traditional models and uncovering how a franchise consultant can help you find the perfect business opportunity to align with your life and career goals.Recent trends highlight the growing interest in franchise ownership as a pathway to entrepreneurship, offering a blend of independence and established support. This discussion will provide valuable insights for anyone considering this route to business ownership.Joining us today is Lee Smithson, president and franchise consultant, who specializes in matching individuals with the ideal franchise opportunities and building unique business models tailored to their strengths and goals.Key Highlights:1. New Franchise Opportunities: Lee discusses the exciting franchise opportunities emerging in the Canadian market and highlights sectors that are experiencing significant growth.2. Franchises Beyond Fast Food: Discover diverse and perhaps less obvious franchise opportunities available to aspiring entrepreneurs in Canada outside of the traditional fast-food model.3. Clients of Franchise Consultants: Lee explains who typically seeks the expertise of a franchise consultant and why they turn to professionals for guidance in the franchise selection process.4. The Entrepreneur Profile: Learn about the Entrepreneur Profile and how Lee uses this tool to match clients with the most suitable franchise opportunities.5. Timing and Success Factors: What is the best time to purchase a franchise, and what common traits or activities do successful franchise owners share?Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.