Advertise on podcast: Snippets with Leon Goren

In this Snippets episode, Leon Goren sits down with Craig McLellan, CEO of ThinkOn, to discuss what it takes to build a company that lasts through multiple technology cycles. Craig reflects on one of the most difficult transitions leaders face: evolving from founder to CEO. He shares lessons learned scaling a business from a close-knit startup culture to a high-performing organization, why the people who help you reach one stage may not be the people who take you to the next, and how leaders can navigate those decisions thoughtfully. The conversation also explores why leaders should approach AI with discipline rather than hype, how organizations can drive meaningful adoption, and what Canadian business leaders should be thinking about when it comes to sovereignty, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. Listen in for a candid conversation on leadership, resilience, and the realities of building a lasting organization.

In this Snippets episode, Leon Goren sits down with John Preiditsch, Managing Partner at Six S Partners, to discuss what it takes to successfully lead business transformation in a rapidly changing environment. Drawing on nearly four decades of experience working with growing mid-market companies, John shares why transformation initiatives often fall short of expectations and why leadership, communication, and change management matter just as much as the technology itself. He explains why organizations should focus on outcomes rather than implementation timelines, and why creating a clear vision for employees is critical when introducing new systems and processes. The conversation also explores the growing role of AI in business, including why trusted data and consistent processes remain the foundation for getting meaningful value from new technologies. John offers practical perspectives on leadership, organizational readiness, and the importance of investing in people throughout periods of change. Listen in for a thoughtful discussion on business transformation, leadership, and preparing organizations to take advantage of the opportunities created by AI.

In this Snippets episode, Leon speaks with Meghan Sherwin, President of Keilhauer, about how the workplace has evolved in the years following the pandemic and what leaders are still learning about culture, collaboration, and employee connection. Drawing on her background in strategy and advertising, Meghan reflects on her transition into a family-owned manufacturing business and how creativity, curiosity, and innovation have shaped her leadership approach. She also shares how Keilhauer navigated the disruption of COVID, adapted to changing workplace expectations, and rethought the role of office environments in a hybrid world. The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, flexibility, and designing spaces that support collaboration and meaningful connection. Meghan also discusses how shifting employee expectations are influencing workplace design and why organizations are continuing to rethink how people gather, work, and create together. Listen in for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, workplace culture, and designing environments where people can do their best work.

In this Snippets episode, Leon chats with David Yeaman, Founder and President of Molded Precision Components (MPC), about building a manufacturing business rooted in innovation, culture, and community. David reflects on growing MPC from a three-person startup into a company with more than 100 employees across two facilities, while creating meaningful, high-paying work in Oro-Medonte, a rural community north of Barrie. A major part of that mission has been giving people the opportunity to work closer to home, spend more time with their families, and avoid the long daily commute into Toronto. The conversation explores talent development, reshoring opportunities, advanced manufacturing, and the company’s rapid pandemic pivot to produce millions of face shields and other medical products. David also shares the leadership philosophy that has shaped MPC’s growth, including the importance of putting people first and building a culture where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. Listen in for a thoughtful conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience, and creating a business that has a lasting impact on both people and community.

In this Snippets episode, Leon speaks with Josiah Shelley, CEO and Co-Founder of ForwardPath AI, about how organizations can move from AI curiosity to practical implementation and measurable results. Josiah shares insights from working with hundreds of businesses across industries, highlighting the most common challenges leaders face when adopting AI, including over-reliance on AI committees, lack of hands-on experimentation, and uncertainty around where to begin. He emphasizes that successful adoption starts with leadership engagement, encouraging executives to actively use the tools themselves before scaling across their organizations. From Copilot and Claude to custom-built agents, Josiah discusses how real value comes from understanding and applying these tools in day-to-day workflows. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping workforce strategy, from automation and efficiency gains to new opportunities for upskilling, revenue generation, and rethinking organizational structure. Tune in for practical advice on moving past the hype and building AI strategies that actually work in practice.

In this Snippets episode, Leon speaks with PJ Ferguson, President and Founder of ABL Employment, about how hiring strategies are shifting in response to ongoing economic uncertainty. Drawing on her experience in the staffing industry, PJ shares what she is seeing across sectors, from pent-up demand in distribution and customer service to ongoing pressure in entry-level talent pools. She reflects on how companies are balancing caution with growth, and how flexible staffing models are helping them stay responsive. She also discusses common hiring pitfalls, including the tendency to narrow requirements based on past hires, and explains why focusing on attitude, drive, and complementary strengths leads to stronger teams. Listen in for a conversation on adapting to a changing workforce, rethinking what defines the right fit, and building teams that support long term growth.

In this Snippets episode, Leon speaks with James White, President and CEO of Wellmaster, about leading a second-generation manufacturing business through growth and change. James reflects on the company’s evolution into a global supplier across multiple industries. He shares how the business balances diversification with operational focus, using shared resources and materials across sectors to stay efficient and competitive. He tells us how Wellmaster approaches disruption, from shifting trade dynamics to rising input costs, and how those challenges have created opportunities for growth and innovation. James also speaks to the company’s culture, including its long-standing profit-sharing model, and how it drives accountability, creativity, and problem-solving across the organization. Listen in for a conversation on maintaining a business that evolves through disruption and promotes entrepreneurial thinking at all levels of the company.

In this Snippets episode, Leon Goren speaks with Dave Jones, President and CEO of Bento Sushi, about the evolution of one of Canada’s most recognizable food brands. Dave reflects on Bento’s growth from a single storefront in Toronto to a North American leader, with operations spanning retail, franchise, and large-scale manufacturing. Dave shares how the business has adapted over time, including the shift from in-store preparation to a growing delivery and manufacturing model, and what it takes to scale in a highly competitive market. He speaks candidly about the importance of protecting the core business, staying close to customers, and avoiding complacency as organizations scale. Drawing on firsthand experience, he highlights how even successful companies can be caught off guard when focus shifts too heavily toward growth.  Tune in for a grounded conversation on maintaining a resilient business in a competitive market.

In this Snippets episode, Leon Goren speaks with Ryan Casey, Founder of Skapa Tech, about building practical, results-driven technology solutions. Ryan outlines how Skapa Tech supports enterprises and startups through custom software development, AI consulting, and a focused SaaS product that improves accuracy and efficiency in the construction and utilities sector. Using real client examples, Ryan discusses how leaders can pilot new initiatives, test feasibility, and gain clearer insight into ROI before making significant investments. The conversation also addresses growing concerns about AI and white-collar work, offering a grounded perspective on how technology can enhance performance while leadership judgment and strategic decision-making remain central. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on innovation, risk, and leading through rapid technological change. Special thanks to National Bank for bringing you today's podcast.

In this Snippets episode, Leon Goren sits down once again with John Mendis, tax partner at McGovern Hurley, for a timely conversation on year-end tax planning strategies for individuals and business owners. With December 31st fast approaching, John shares practical reminders and actionable insights to help listeners make informed tax decisions before the deadline. Learn about key personal tax considerations such as TFSA versus RRSP planning, tax-loss harvesting rules, and charitable giving strategies. John also dives into important corporate tax topics, including shareholder loans, salary versus dividend planning, bonuses, and common pitfalls business owners should watch for as the year closes. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of smart, proactive tax planning.

In this Snippets episode, Leon sits down with John Mendis, tax partner at McGovern Hurley, to discuss key year-end tax strategies for individuals and business owners. John shares valuable insights on optimizing tax planning, maximizing deductions, and understanding the latest changes in Canadian tax regulations. While this conversation originally focused on fourth-quarter tax planning for 2024, the insights remain highly relevant beyond the year-end deadline. Whether you’re preparing for your next tax filing, strategizing for the current financial year, or looking to optimize your long-term tax planning, John’s advice can help you stay ahead. Topics include RRSP contributions, tax-free savings accounts, small business deductions, passive income rules, and evolving capital gains tax regulations. No matter the time of year, smart tax planning is essential. Tune in for expert strategies to minimize liabilities and maximize financial success! Special thanks to Aird & Berlis for bringing you today's episode of Snippets with Leon Goren.

Tune in as Leon chats with Alex Talmor, the President of the Canadian Operations at GlassHouse Systems, a North American company that provides IT infrastructure, security, cloud, and managed services for large corporations and governments.  Starting as a sales executive, Alex rose in the ranks, becoming President in 2022. He offers key insights into career advancements within organizations and provides observations regarding recruiting talent in both small and large organizations. He also shares with us reflections on working while having a young family and favourite travel destination. If you’re interested in our Snippets podcasts or The Way Forward live webcasts, please take a moment and visit us at peo-leadership.com. Guests have included Morgan Housel, Professor Janice Stein, Michael Beer, Rob Chesnut, Dr. Jason Selk, and Mitchell Goldhar.  We’ve covered such topics as growth, uncertainty, mental health, leadership, the new world, and a host of others.  If you’d like to learn more about our leadership community, please feel free to contact [email protected].  If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please subscribe and give us a review on Apple podcasts, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

Join us in today's Snippets episode as Raj Tandon shares his unexpected leap from the world of philosophy and mathematics to the banking industry and the founding of Algonquin Capital. Raj also provides insights into the intricacies of fixed-income investing and their role in diversification and wealth preservation. Beyond his professional endeavors, Raj discusses his active involvement in philanthropic initiatives, particularly in victim services. He shares his experiences as a volunteer crisis counselor and emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. If you’re interested in our Snippets podcasts or The Way Forward live webcasts, please take a moment and visit us at peo-leadership.com. Guests have included Morgan Housel, Professor Janice Stein, Harvard's Rosabeth Kanter, Michael Beer, Rob Chesnut, and Dr. Greg Wells. We’ve covered such topics as growth, uncertainty, mental health, leadership, the new world, and a host of others.  If you’d like to learn more about our leadership community, please feel free to contact [email protected].  If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please subscribe and give us a review on Apple podcasts, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

In this Snippets episode, David King, Senior Managing Director for Canada and South America at Robert Half—the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm—takes us on a deep dive into the post-pandemic landscape of talent recruitment and labor markets. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions for your organization. With an astounding tenure of 29 years at Robert Half, David shares his take on current labor market trends and predictions for 2024. He also shares valuable insights on talent decision-making factors and priorities, the dynamics of hybrid work environments, the impact of AI on the workforce, and strategies for achieving high levels of engagement in a workplace. Additionally, he highlights the advantages of adopting a six-quarter forecast strategy.  If you’re interested in our Snippets podcasts or The Way Forward live webcasts, please take a moment and visit us at peo-leadership.com. Guests have included Stephen Poloz, Avi Goldfarb, Dr. Michael Roizen, Morgan Housel, and Professor Janice Stein. We’ve covered such topics as growth, uncertainty, mental health, leadership, the new world, and a host of others.  If you’d like to learn more about our leadership community, please feel free to contact [email protected].  If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please subscribe and give us a review on Apple podcasts, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

Ready to enhance your investment strategy? Tune in as Leon sits down with Liam O’Sullivan, Principal Co-Head of Client Portfolio Management at RPIA. An expert in alternative investments and risk management, Liam shares insight on managing an investment portfolio, current market paradigm shifts, the crucial role of fixed income, and the importance of differentiating between high-grade and high-yield bonds.  If you’re interested in our Snippets podcasts or The Way Forward live webcasts, please take a moment and visit us at peo-leadership.com. Guests have included Stephen Poloz, Avi Goldfarb, Dr. Michael Roizen, Morgan Housel, and Professor Janice Stein. We’ve covered such topics as growth, uncertainty, mental health, leadership, the new world, and a host of others.  If you’d like to learn more about our leadership community, please feel free to contact [email protected].  If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please subscribe and give us a review on Apple podcasts, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts.