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In this episode of the Better the Pond Pondcast, Warren Barry sits down with Bob Lund, Corporate Health & Safety Manager at Main Road Group, for a candid and grounded conversation about youth in trades, safety leadership, and building meaningful career pathways. Bob shares his unexpected journey from mills, electrical work, and Alberta oil fields into safety management, highlighting how curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on experience shaped his career. Together, they explore what makes Main Road’s employee-owned, family-style culture exceptional, and why safety is less about rules and more about influence, ethics, and trust.  The conversation expands to the future of trades, education, and technology, challenging the idea that university is the only path to success. Warren and Bob emphasize the importance of early exposure, pre-apprenticeship programs, and real-world experience for young people—especially hands-on learners who thrive when building something tangible. They also discuss how AI will augment, not replace, skilled trades, reinforcing the irreplaceable value of human judgment, empathy, and experience. At its core, this episode is a reminder that the trades offer purpose, pride, financial stability, and the opportunity to make a real impact—on people, communities, and the youth get to leave their fingerprints on the world.  Website: Mainroad Highway Asset Management, Road & Bridge Maintenance  LinkedIn: (1) Robert Lund | LinkedIn  Instagram:  @boblund79

From farm roots to the C-suite, Valerie Paris, COO of Durvet Corporation, has built her career on hard work, humility, and heart.  In this episode, Valerie shares her incredible journey—from growing up on a Missouri farm to leading a national animal health cooperative. We talk about leadership, self-advocacy, and how empowering others can ripple far beyond the workplace.  Valerie also opens up about her upcoming book, Be Her Biggest Fan, a collection of real and raw stories about parenting, perseverance, and raising strong, independent kids. One powerful moment in the book completely changed how she saw herself as both a mother and a leader.  Topics that take flight: • Raising kids who can hear “no” and still soar • Leadership through kindness and empowerment • The art of self-promotion without ego • How grace and gratitude can transform workplace culture  It’s her first-ever podcast appearance—and it’s a flocking great one!  Tune in now and connect with Valerie at https://www.linkedin.com/in/valarieparis/ to follow her journey and upcoming book release.

Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s very close to my heart — the future of our workforce and the incredible opportunities waiting for young people in the trades.  I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dave Speerbrecker of Thyssen Mining, and this conversation really hit home. We explored the real challenges of attracting youth into the trades — what’s getting in the way — and how we can ignite curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation to roll up their sleeves and build something meaningful.  If you caught my earlier episode with Josh Wood of West Shore Home, you’ll notice a theme. The trades aren’t just jobs — they’re legacies. They’re the foundations of our communities, and it’s up to us to ensure the next generation gets every opportunity to leave their fingerprints on the world.  So, grab a coffee, settle in, and join me for this important conversation about building pathways, sparking passion, and helping the next generation take flight.  I’d love to hear your thoughts — how can we do more to inspire youth to pursue careers in the trades?

What do underground mines and geese in formation have in common?  Both demand trust, clarity, and the courage to let others lead.  In this powerful episode of the Better the Pond Pondcast, I had the privilege of sitting down in person with Safety Dave, otherwise known as Dave Speerbrecker—a 36-year mining veteran and General Manager of Support Services at Tyson Mining.  We dug deep into: Dave’s rise from underground worker to safety leader The emotional impact of workplace injuries—and how empathy must lead safety How Thyssen Mining is reshaping the mining industry through workforce development, tech, and inclusion And why kindness, gratitude, and communication aren't “soft skills”—they’re people survival skills  This one’s about more than mining. It’s about flying in formation—at work, at home, and in life.

What do a surfboard, a postal route, and a tire shop have in common? They’re all part of the journey toward purpose, passion, and authenticity.  In this episode, I caught up with Burt Dew from Chapel Hill Tire—and we covered a lot of ground. From Burt’s raw and honest story of post-divorce transition and co-parenting, to Bert’s rise from the shop floor to store manager, we explored what it really means to live—and lead—with heart.  We unpacked: The power of showing up authentically Building customer relationships through “automotive hospitality” How life’s setbacks often become the turning points Why you should do what you love—and love who you’re becoming  This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a reflection on work, life, leadership, and what it means to better the pond—one ripple at a time. Well, not really, cause Burt is making wave’s.

From the Court to the Corner Office | Better the Pond Pondcast with Jason Belles  This week’s Pondcast is about momentum, milestones, and modern leadership.  Jason Belles stepped into full ownership of Store Assure—a self-storage company with 2 million sq. ft. under management—while preparing for a thoughtful CEO transition. But what really struck me wasn’t just the business strategy. It was the heart behind it.  We talked about: How he’s restructuring leadership while preserving legacy Why communication—like honking in a V-formation—makes or breaks a team The underestimated power of financial literacy for entrepreneurs His employee-led charity initiative creating impact and changing lives,  This one’s for the leaders who are navigating growth, honoring their instincts, and redefining what it means to lead with purpose.  Listen in and let us know: What’s the biggest leadership transition you’ve faced—and what did you learn?

What happens when you blend vision, vulnerability, and a deep-rooted family legacy? You get Ed Gibbs of Gibson Pools and Landscape Creations—a man who doesn’t just build beautiful backyards, but thriving cultures.  I had the privilege of sitting down with Ed at his stunning cottage on Lake Joseph in the Muskokas to talk about more than just pools. We dove into the heart of leadership, the soul of a family business, and the importance of kindness, love, and high-trust environments.  From working with billionaires in the Caribbean to navigating the challenges of COVID, 9/11, and shifting global markets, Ed’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, collaboration, and an infinite mindset.  He shares:  His father’s legacy and the rise of a multi-generational business  Lessons in vulnerability and the real meaning of culture  Why adversity can be your greatest ally  How to lead by creating more leaders, not followers  Whether you’re building a team, growing a business, or just trying to be a better human—this conversation will move you.    “Culture isn’t about perks. It’s about people. And leadership? It’s not about being the star—it’s about knowing when to pass the baton.” – Ed Gibbs    Tune in now, and get inspired by a man who's truly making waves.

What if our biggest problems today are rooted in how far we’ve drifted from what we were designed for?  In this episode of the Better the Pond Pondcast, I sat down with Patrick—a McGill University lecturer and expert in ethnobotany and evolutionary health—to explore some of the most raw, real, and relevant issues of our time:  • Navigating personal transitions and the growth that comes with them • The disconnect between modern life and ancestral wisdom • What Papua New Guinea and Tibet taught him about nutrition and adaptation • How hyper-individualism, social media, and AI are hijacking our biology • Why belonging to a tribe might just be our most critical survival strategy  This isn’t just theory—Patrick lives it. And his ability to translate ancient insight into modern relevance is exactly the kind of voice we need more of.   Listen in and ask yourself: Are we evolving together, or drifting apart??

Better the Pond Pondcast – Special Edition from Mechanicsburg, PA  When you find yourself in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania—and have a chance to visit Josh Wood at WestShore Home—you do what any curious Canadian would do… You hit record.  Inside the WestShore studio, Josh and I sat down for a second round on the Better the Pond Pondcast. And there’s a reason we brought the mics back out: this conversation matters. Josh is smart, driven, compassionate—and he’s championing something we both believe in deeply: The urgency and importance of getting youth into the trades. In this special episode, we dive into: -Why the trades are more than a career path—they’re a purpose path -How leadership at organizations like WestShore Home can shape futures -The critical alignment between opportunity and meaning for the next generation This wasn’t just a conversation—it was a call to action. If you care about the future of work, the dignity of skilled trades, and building a world where young people find their place with purpose… you’ll want to eavesdrop on this one.

New Episode Drop: Better the Pond Pondcast – Sanborn Head Special Edition  What do you get when you combine engineering, intentional leadership, and a deep commitment to culture and community?  You get Luke Norton and Dori Ross from Sanborn Head & Associates—two remarkable leaders who joined me on the Pondcast to share their journey of building a company that truly flies in formation.  From career reflections and leadership insights to the power of mentorship, teamwork, and showing up with purpose, this conversation dives into what makes Sanborn Head not just a consulting firm—but a place where people matter and values lead.  The shift from command-and-control to care-and-collaborate  Leveraging art + science as a leadership superpower  The importance of intentionality in both life and business  Mentorship, culture-building, and community involvement  If you're in leadership, engineering, or just want to hear from two people who get it—this episode is for you.   Listen now and find out how Luke and Dori are helping Sanborn Head better the pond.  http://www.linkedin.com/in/dori-r-b5688530

It started in Muskoka. A room full of leaders. And then—that moment.  I saw it. A shift. A spark. A lightbulb. Rob Horst had an aha moment so powerful, it lit up the entire room.  That’s when I knew—I needed to have him on the Better the Pond Pondcast.  Rob is the National Sales Manager of Energy & Sustainability at Graybar Canada, a company with an extraordinary culture and coast-to-coast impact. But Rob’s story isn’t just about his title. It’s about what happens when instinct meets courage—when one person speaks up with a new idea, and ends up reshaping the direction of a national company.  In this episode, we talk about:  Leadership that empowers instead of controls  Flying in V formation—and knowing when it’s your turn to lead  The lessons passed down from a life steeped in construction, resilience, and quiet strength  What it means to fail forward, speak up, and build something bigger than yourself  Oh, and he also won the James Pond Award. (That’s no small feat.)  If you’re looking for a story that’s equal parts grit, humility, and innovation—this one’s for you.  🎧 Tune in here → [Insert Link] 📎 Show notes + Rob’s contact info in the comments  #BetterThePond #LeadershipPodcast #GraybarCanada #FlyingVAtWork #EnergyAndSustainability #TeamCulture #JamesPondAward #LeadershipStories #FailForward #RippleEffect #BetterTogether

On the latest episode of the Better the Pond Pondcast, I had an insightful conversation with Tyler Snitynsky, Sales Manager at The Sutherland Group in Kelowna, BC. We dove deep into the essentials of teamwork, leadership, and communication, and how trust, alignment, and a shared vision are crucial for success.     Tyler shared how stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing feedback can fuel personal and professional growth. We also explored the incredible impact that The Sutherland Group has across industries—from heavy equipment to road building and transportation.   Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to take your leadership and teamwork to the next level. Eavesdrop on our conversation, and let's make ripples that better the pond!    Listen to the Pondcast here:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-snitynsky-7853711a/   Email: [email protected]   Cell: 250-215-5772     #BetterThePond #Pondcast #TylerSnitynsky #SutherlandGroup #Leadership #Teamwork #GrowthMindset #HeavyEquipment #RoadBuilding #Podcast

They say, “You can’t see the label when you’re inside the bottle.” Well, that’s where Laural Carr from Impagination Inc. comes in! Not only does she help businesses craft a label that stands out, but she also ensures that it lands in front of the right clients, and more of them.  In this episode of Better the Pond Pondcast, I had the pleasure of diving into Laural’s journey—her entrepreneurial roots, hard-earned wisdom, and insights on how to avoid flagpoles (yes, you’ll understand when you listen!) We also talked about the power of branding that truly reflects your business.  And if she could tell the whole world, and they were all intently listening, she would say  just one word……. Breathe.   Tune in now for an inspiring conversation that will help you better your brand, your business, and maybe even your pond.

Know that you are everything that you need to be, but not all that you can  be.      I had a great conversation with Justin George from Kadus Group in Ottawa Ontario Canada. This conversation unwrapped a story around how playing the long game, which he learned from his father, and the emotional, and all in authenticity from his mother has really shaped who Justin is, and how he incorporates that into the business, which makes it truly impactful, and  in turn creates ripples and betters the pond. Please eavesdrop on our conversation, it was awesome.        My name is Warren Barry, and I am your host and the founder of Instinctive Solutions,  Get ready to take  a deep dive on the better the pond Pondcast with my special guest:  Justin George

They say you have to be willing to be hurt so that the person beside you doesn’t have to, and if you make people better, they’ll make you better. This philosophy resonates deeply with my guest today.      I had an incredible conversation with Jason Vokey from Foundations Inc. in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Jason's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting his career at the ground level, sweeping floors, and rising to become a director in the company. Jason fully invests himself in everything he does, bringing heart, determination, and a focus on what truly matters.      In our conversation, we explored the transformative power of mentorship, the value of coaching, and the reminder that family should always come before work. Jason's insights will challenge you to reflect on your priorities and how you approach life and leadership.      Get ready to dive deep into another meaningful conversation on the Better the Pond Pondcast with my special guest: Jason Vokey.    E-mail: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])   LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-vokey-002579101/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-vokey-002579101/)     Website:  https://formations.ca (https://formations.ca/)