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Today we’re joined by Colin Cyr, Senior Manager, Business Services (Small Business), at FirstOntario Credit Union, to talk about what makes credit unions different from traditional banks, why they matter for local businesses, and the trends every entrepreneur should be paying attention to. We also dive into common misconceptions about business financing, practical tips for managing day-to-day finances, and how credit unions can help business owners access capital and grow. Plus, Colin shares a success story and how you can connect with FirstOntario Credit Union. Let’s get into it.

Today we’re joined by Anne Cesak, Senior Consultant at Great Place to Work Canada, to talk about why workplace culture matters, what makes a company truly great, and how leaders can find out how their teams really feel. Anne also shares simple ways to improve culture, the benefits of Great Place to Work certification, and how to get started. Let’s get into it.  Learn more about Great Place to Work Canada: https://www.greatplacetowork.ca/en

On this episode we’re joined by Peter Paz, Director of Local Government and Community Partnerships at ALTO – a high-speed rail project that will be connecting Toronto and Quebec City.  Today, Peter will be discussing what makes ALTO one of the most transformational infrastructure projects in Canada since the 1950s—from its economic and environmental benefits to its values-driven approach to community and Indigenous engagement. We’ll explore how ALTO is building partnerships across regions, what this means for local economies and small businesses, and what’s next as the project moves forward.  Learn more about Alto: www.altotrain.ca

Today’s episode features Duncan Harvey and Marle Santos from Every Avenue Real Estate, here to share the story behind their recent event, Summer in the Square.  This community-focused event wasn’t just a summer celebration. It also raised funds for a local charity and brought together a network of meaningful, strategic partnerships that reflect Every Avenue’s values and business goals.  In this case study episode we unpack their approach. What went well, what they learned, and how other businesses can use the same playbook to create impact and value.  Learn more about Every Avenue Real Estate: https://everyavenue.ca/

Season 6 starts now! Today we're joined by Preeti Kapoor of HealinWithin, exploring how leaders can find inner calm in the middle of outer chaos. We'll talk about emotional resilience, how to lead from clarity instead of stress, and the power of grounding practices that help you respond instead of react.  If you're constantly in a state of go-go-go, this episode is your reminder to pause, clear the mental clutter, and reconnect with what really matters. Plus we'll share tools that you can use on the daily and a special look at the Thrive Within Emotional Detox Retreat coming up soon. Learn more about HealinWithin: https://www.healinwithin.com/

We’re thrilled to welcome a very special guest to the podcast today: Jennifer Hosten, who made history as the first woman of colour to be crowned Miss World in 1970. Her victory took place during the height of the women’s liberation movement in the United Kingdom. Jennifer’s remarkable journey is brought to life in the feature film Misbehaviour, which will be screened this month in celebration of Black History Month by the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Jennifer to discuss her groundbreaking win, her experience with the film, the incredible achievements she’s pursued since her time as Miss World, and much more.

On this episode we’re joined by Justin Pellicciotta and Eddie Jurinic, founders of Pine Glen Homes. Justin and Eddie are childhood best friends turned business partners and they’re here today to discuss their entrepreneurial journey together, their best advice for business partners, and what the future has in store. Learn more about Pine Glen Homes: www.pineglen.ca

On this episode we’re joined by Darrell Keezer, Founder & CEO of Candybox Marketing to discuss all things AI and marketing, including key benefits, common misconceptions, exciting developments, and more. Learn more about Candybox Marketing: https://www.candyboxmarketing.com/

On this episode we’re joined by Séamus Kealy, Executive Director of Oakville Galleries, to discuss the various ways that art contributes to a community, and how Oakville Galleries is doing so right here in our Town. Learn more about Oakville Galleries: https://www.oakvillegalleries.com/

On this episode we're joined by Moatassem Moatez, Founder and CEO of MYcourier Inc, an award-winning last-mile delivery company based right here in Oakville. Moatassem's entrepreneurial journey, from moving to Canada months before the pandemic to landing Amazon as his first client, contains countless lessons that he is here to share today. If you've had the privilege of meeting Moatassem in person, you know his positive, motivating, inspiring energy. Listen in to hear his story, how he stays motivated as a business owner, and how you can do the same. Learn more about MYcourier Inc: https://www.mycourier.ca/

It's BDC Small Business Week! To kick off Season 5 and celebrate this incredible week, we’re joined by Navjot Chhinzer, Small Business Advisor at the Halton Region Small Business Centre. On this episode we’re discussing the various services the Small Business Centre provides, emerging trends, success stories, and more. Learn more about the Halton Region Small Business Centre: https://www.halton.ca/For-Business/Halton-Region-Small-Business-Centre

We have a very special episode today, as we are joined by Connor McKiggan, Business Development Manager of the Rainbow Registered Program at Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, or CGLCC. Today we are talking about the Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program — what it is, why it exists, and why it may be a great initiative for your organization to be a part of.

April 15 – 19 is National Tourism Week! To celebrate, Visit Oakville is here to discuss how businesses, residents, and visitors can participate in the week, how businesses of all sizes can leverage the resources that Visit Oakville provides, trends they’re seeing in the tourism industry, and more. Join us in welcoming Rebecca Edgar, Executive Director, and Councillor Sean O’Meara, Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Oakville. Learn more about Visit Oakville: www.visitoakville.com

Today we have a very special episode brought to you in partnership with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton.  We are so excited to welcome Melissa Davis, Owner & President of Ugly Dukling and Ugly Dukling Beauty to the podcast today. Beginning with a pop-up sneaker boutique in 2009, to working with massive industry names like Barbie, DC Comics, and Space Jam, Melissa is an entrepreneurial powerhouse. Listen in to hear how she got started, the vital lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she landed the same publicist as Beyonce (!!!) Learn more about Ugly Duking and Ugly Dukling Beauty.

On our final episode of the season, we’re joined by George Anastasopoulos of Leadership Fundamentals. Today’s discussion is all about taking yourself from associate to leader, strategies and techniques to help you once you’re there, and tactics that you can start implementing right away. If you’re ready to level up your career and make that move into a leadership position, or if you’re already there and just want to improve, this episode is for you. Learn more about Leadership Fundamentals: https://www.leadershipfundamentals.com/