Advertise on podcast: CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how technology, empathy, and AI come together to deliver digital healthcare at national scale without losing the human touch. Our guest is Trevor Heselton, Vice President of Member Experience at Dialogue. A seasoned product leader with over $250 million in value created across organizations like Wayfair and TELUS Digital, Trevor shares how Dialogue supports nearly a quarter of Canadians while maintaining compassionate, high quality care. Key Highlights Reducing Digital Friction: How small changes in the member journey improved follow through and care completion.  AI in Clinical Workflows: How automation supports providers and members without compromising empathy.  Mental Health Intake Design: Why booking and intake moments matter most and how user data shaped improvements.  Scaling With Insight: How data and curiosity guide product decisions at a national healthcare scale.  Clinical Excellence Leadership: What Exemplary Standing accreditation means and how it influences Dialogue’s future roadmap.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 SK Uddin. In this episode, we explore how technology leadership, strategic networking, and values driven decision making create lasting impact for businesses and communities. Our guest is Frank Abbruzzese, President of AlphaKOR. With nearly four decades in the tech sector, Frank is known as The King of Networking, the author of Building Legacies, and a recipient of Tech CEO of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year honors. Key Highlights Building a Business Legacy: Frank shares the principles of ethical leadership and community commitment behind AlphaKOR’s long term success.  Networking That Creates Opportunity: How relationship driven networking led to AlphaKOR’s AI initiatives and real client opportunities.  Cybersecurity Essentials: The must have protections Canadian SMBs need and how security enables smarter technology use.  AI and Mentorship: Why mentorship matters in tech and how leaders should approach AI adoption with confidence and clarity.  Future Vision for AlphaKOR: Frank’s commitment to mentoring leaders and strengthening Canada’s technology ecosystem.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 SK Uddin, where we explore the strategies helping Canadian businesses rise above noise and become the trusted authority in their markets. As AI reshapes how people search and decide, visibility now depends less on keywords and more on credibility. In this episode, Eric LeRiche, Authority Growth Strategist and Founder of LeRiche Marketing, breaks down why classic SEO is no longer enough and how Generative Engine Optimization is changing the rules. The discussion covers authority building, third party validation, human driven content, and how serious brands achieve sustainable growth through trust. Key Highlights GEO and Authority Growth: Why credibility now matters more than rankings in AI driven search.  Trust as a Growth Engine: How authority converts better than ads or traditional SEO.  Avoiding AI Content Slop: Using AI without losing human voice and authenticity.  Proven ROI Systems: How authority focused strategies stay Google and AI proof.  Performance Based Growth: Commission driven models and a free content offer for qualified brands..Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 Bari. In this episode, we explore how B2B SaaS companies can harness SEO, AI driven content, and flexible team structures to achieve sustainable, high impact growth. Our guest is Chris Tweten, CMO of Spacebar Collective, an agency specializing in SEO and AI SEO for B2B SaaS startups. As a serial entrepreneur obsessed with measurable growth, Chris helps early stage companies build partnerships, scale traffic, and create content that actually converts. Key Highlights SEO That Drives Signups: Why startups must work backward from conversion goals and build SEO strategies tied to traffic, pages, and backlink requirements.  Sustainable Partnerships: How win win partnerships, including white label collaborations, create long term growth for Canadian B2B startups.  AI Powered Content Results: How Spacebar achieved 30 percent monthly traffic growth by pairing AI tools with expert content refreshes.  Global Remote Team Model: How an asynchronous, flexible structure boosts productivity while presenting new consistency challenges.  Future of AI SEO: Chris’s vision for making Spacebar Collective the secret growth weapon for emerging B2B SaaS companies.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 SK Uddin. In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming catastrophe management as natural disasters place growing strain on Canada’s insurance industry. Our guest is Dan Lawrence, CEO and Co founder of Atlis AI. A seasoned growth executive, Dan shares how Atlis automates emergency response and vendor coordination to reduce costs for insurers while helping families recover faster during times of crisis. Key Highlights The Cost of Manual CAT Operations: How outdated processes drive millions in losses as disasters become more frequent.  The Adjuster Crisis: Why legacy systems overwhelm adjusters and impact both efficiency and mental health.  Automating Recovery: How instant vendor access accelerates rebuilding while lowering claims related costs.  State of ALE 2026: What the upcoming report reveals about the hidden financial impact of disasters.  Human Centered Infrastructure: How a national, end to end platform improves outcomes for carriers and policyholders alike.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 Bari. In this episode, we explore how fatigue risk management is emerging as a critical lever for improving frontline safety and human performance. Our guest is Andrew Morden, CEO of Fatigue Science, the company behind Readi, an AI powered platform that predicts individualized fatigue risk up to 18 hours in advance without wearables or hardware. Andrew shares how making fatigue measurable transforms safety culture from reactive to proactive. Key Highlights From Personal to Operational Risk: How fatigue evolved into a predictable, measurable safety indicator leaders can manage.  Leading Indicator Advantage: Why treating fatigue proactively strengthens both operational performance and safety culture.  Practical Safety Leadership: Simple, friction free ways leaders can embed fatigue awareness into daily operations.  AI Without Wearables: How predictive modeling delivers scalable human performance insight across industrial environments.  Future of Safety Leadership: How fatigue intelligence fits into critical controls and the next evolution of safety frameworks.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 Bari. In this episode, we explore how modern wealth management technology is helping firms transition from fragmented legacy systems to integrated, scalable digital platforms. Our guest is Benoit Fleury, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at d1g1t Inc. With over two decades of experience across Algorithmics and S and P Capital IQ, Benoit shares how institutional grade performance and risk technology is reshaping the future of wealth management. Key Highlights The d1g1t Origin Story: How timing, market insight, and entrepreneurial conviction led to the launch of a new wealth technology platform.  Solving the Legacy Problem: How integrated digital platforms replace fragmented systems to drive efficiency and scalable growth.  Product Innovation and Momentum: What the latest product release enables and how strategic funding supports industry wide digital adoption.  Culture and Talent: How d1g1t’s team culture fuels innovation in complex financial technology.  Advice for Founders: Benoit’s key lesson for entrepreneurs building in technology and financial services.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 explore how small and mid-sized businesses can defend against today’s increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats without enterprise-level budgets. Our guest is Francis Pilon, Director of Sales at StreamScan, a Canadian cybersecurity firm providing continuous monitoring from its Montreal-based security operations center. Francis shares what really happens during cyber incidents, where common assumptions break down, and how early detection changes outcomes. Key Highlights Inside a Cyber Incident: What an attack actually looks like for SMBs and how preparation changes the damage.  IT Accountability Gaps: The difference between assumed security and real protection, and what leaders must ask.  Cybersecurity as Trust: How strong security improves competitiveness and unlocks larger contracts.  Immediate Security Priorities: Three practical steps SMBs can take now to improve detection and response.  Canadian SOC Advantage: How StreamScan’s Canada-based operations strengthen trust and incident handling.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 Bari. In this episode, we explore how small and mid-sized businesses can build sustainable, revenue-focused marketing strategies by aligning creativity, data, and operational excellence. We’re joined by Kevin Hayes, Head of Growth at Soulpepper Marketing, a Vancouver-based agency known for helping professional service firms boost lead generation and intake performance. Kevin brings decades of strategic experience from brands like Deloitte and GE, along with a passion for community-driven impact. Key Highlights: 2026 Strategy Blueprint: The pillars firms must prioritize for sustainable, data-backed growth.  The Roughriders Campaign: How a fun insight turned into a national success and reshaped targeting.  Fixing Missed Leads: Why follow-up failures cost firms revenue and the systems that solve it.  AI + Lead Response: How teams can boost conversions with faster response habits and smart tools.  Purpose & Vision: How Soulpepper blends business growth with meaningful community impact.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 Bari, where we explore insights and solutions that help organizations operate securely, scale efficiently, and innovate with confidence. In this episode, we dive into digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI, and automation, and how managed services simplify growth for Canadian businesses. Our guest is Habib Malik, CEO of MSP Corp and Co-founder of Groupe Access, with more than three decades of experience in modern workplace technology. Habib shares how technology becomes a true competitive advantage, how businesses can innovate without compromising security, and why managed services are foundational to sustainable, long-term growth. Key Highlights Technology as a Growth Engine: How modern IT strategy helps SMBs and enterprises scale efficiently and stay competitive.  Cybersecurity in the AI Era: How MDR solutions like Guardian Shield defend against ransomware and evolving threats.  AI, Automation & Modern Work: What a practical Modern Workplace transformation looks like using M365 and hybrid cloud.  The Power of Managed Services: Why trust, partnership, and proactive support matter beyond basic IT delivery.  Leadership & Future Vision: How MSP Corp is scaling nationwide through innovation, operational excellence, and R&D.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 Bari. In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to implement AI automation that delivers durable, real world results beyond hype. Our guest is Zane Frantzen, VP of Platform and Operations at SimplyAsk.ai and founder of Symphona, an AI automation suite designed to reduce manual work through process first automation while keeping humans meaningfully involved. Key Highlights: AI Reality Check: Common misconceptions about AI and the fundamentals required before automation works.  Build vs Buy Decisions: When custom automation makes sense and what teams underestimate about long term complexity.  Humans in the Loop: Why human oversight is essential and how to choose the first workflows to automate.  Governance and Metrics: What AI governance looks like in practice and how success is measured clearly.  Global Scale and Recognition: What Deloitte Fast 50 recognition and global partnerships signal for Symphona’s future.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 Bari, where we explore the strategies and tools helping manufacturing businesses achieve operational excellence. Today, we’re diving into the world of ERP, supply chain management, and AI, and how modern systems empower manufacturers to operate with greater precision and efficiency. Our guest, Robert Jolliffe, President and CEO of Sabre Limited, brings over thirty years of experience advising more than two hundred SMB manufacturers across North America. With deep expertise in engineering, IT, LEAN, Six Sigma, and ERP implementation, Robert leads Sabre Limited, a Microsoft Gold Partner recognized for its fixed fee, manufacturing-first approach to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Key Highlights A Multi-Disciplinary Career: Robert shares how engineering, IT, and LEAN shaped his unique approach to ERP for manufacturers.  Aligning LEAN and ERP: Why integrating LEAN techniques with ERP systems drives stronger performance.  AI in Manufacturing: How AI is transforming supply chain planning and operational efficiency for SMEs.  Business Central Adoption: Why SMB manufacturers are rapidly moving to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.  Leadership & Future Vision: Robert reflects on three decades of innovation and Sabre’s long-term mission in manufacturing IT.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 Bari. In this episode, we explore how shifting consumer behavior and AI-driven commerce are reshaping the future of retail in Canada. Our guest is Caila Schwartz, Director of Consumer Insights and Strategy for Retail and Consumer Goods at Salesforce. Caila breaks down key insights from 2025 Canada Cyber Week, explains how AI agents are transforming product discovery, and shares what retailers must do to stay competitive in the year ahead. Key Highlights Canada Cyber Week Insights: What deal-seeking behavior and pricing trends reveal about Canadian shoppers.  AI Agents in Commerce: How Agentforce blends human expertise with AI to improve discovery and decisions.  Personalization at Scale: How retailers are using AI to drive relevance, conversion, and loyalty.  Shifting Shopper Behaviors: The biggest behavioral changes retailers must plan for in 2026.  Future of Retail AI: Turning complex data into actionable strategies for long-term success.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 Bari. Today, we’re diving into the complex world of government funding and how Canadian entrepreneurs can navigate a broken system to access the capital they need. Joining us is Jonathan Stacey, Co-Founder and CEO of Grant Fund Pro. After consulting with over 160 companies, Jonathan developed a platform that uses AI to automate the grant application process, helping businesses secure funding with ease. Key Highlights: Fixing the Broken Funding System: The biggest misconceptions about government funding and how they prevent businesses from applying.  Busting SR&ED Myths: What everyday work qualifies for SR&ED tax credits and why many companies mistakenly think they aren't eligible.  AI-Powered Grant Applications: How Grant Fund Pro’s AI Writing Assistant simplifies the application process and customizes the content for businesses.  Building a 12-Month Funding Roadmap: What it looks like to plan for a full year of funding and how the platform helps businesses stay ahead.  Democratizing Access to Capital: Jonathan's vision for simplifying the digital ecosystem for future entrepreneurs.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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 SK Uddin. Today we explore commercial insurance and how technology is transforming the way entrepreneurs access fast, reliable, and affordable protection for their businesses. Our guest is Cheryl Fearon, Vice President of Sales at Zensurance. With over twenty years of sales leadership experience at companies like Apple and Bell, Cheryl now supports a platform that has served more than five hundred thousand Canadian small businesses and delivers premium savings of up to thirty five percent. Key Highlights Market Trends: Cheryl breaks down the biggest insurance trends and the key coverage gaps SMBs commonly overlook.  Emerging Risks: She highlights the top rising threats for 2026 and how businesses can proactively prepare.  Tech and Affordability: Cheryl explains how digital tools and a fifty plus provider network enable savings up to thirty five percent.  Customer Experience: She shares how genuine care shaped Zensurance’s culture and how their online quoting and support work.  Future Vision: Cheryl discusses Zensurance’s growth trajectory and its mission to transform commercial insurance in Canada.Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor 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.