Advertise on podcast: Executive Wins Podcast

In this insightful interview, Raka Josan shares insights into real estate development, leadership, and the importance of values like integrity and people in achieving success.  Discover how a long-term vision, being an investing contrarian and having strong team collaboration drive remarkable projects. Key Takeaways Commercial Real Estate is a long gameLook for value in asset classes that are on the downsideAlways maintain your integrity and values in leadershipIt’s all about people, so build and manage high-performing teamsStrategic partnerships in financing and construction can be very successful in real estateExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this highly insightful interview, Carolyn Campbell shares her leadership journey, strategic initiatives at Norquest College, and insights on building a vibrant, inclusive campus that transforms lives. Discover how her arts background influences her leadership style and the future plans for Norquest. Key Takeaways Have a powerful true north for your organization, so you can attract and retain the right students and staff“We are who we include” is the driving vision for everything they doMake the right capital investments to build a campus that everyone will want to be part ofStudent enrolment has grown 79% in 10 yearsCooperate with fellow education institutions so you can grow the whole communityNoquest ‘powers the front lines’ by building workforce ready studentsFunction like a business and keep your per student costs at the right levelHaving a creative arts background can make you a better leader, especially when it comes to envisioning the futureRisk management and operational excellence are crucial for successBe authentic as a leader and stay connected to your values Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this highly insightful interview, Eric Dillon shares his insights on leadership, mentorship, and diversity in finance, emphasizing the importance of building future leaders through structured mentoring and strategic capacity building. He also talks about the important of confidentiality in a mentor/mentee relationship, along with why having a strong network of mentees can help you build your business. Key Takeaways A leader’s job is to build more leadersConfidentiality is essential in a mentor/mentee relationshipHaving a strong network of mentees makes future recruiting easier, especially in the banking industryIf a mentor/mentee relationship isn’t working, then admit it and move onMentoring is a two-way street and mentors can learn a great deal from menteesExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this highly insightful interview, Shawn Kanungo shares insights on embracing failure, the importance of a North Star, and how boldness drives innovation and growth.  Discover how to leverage failure as a learning tool, align initiatives with your core purpose, and cultivate energy for success. Key Takeaways Boldness is critical for innovationYou have to take big swings and learn from failureAlways have a North Star and align your initiatives with thatCalendar auditing is a great way for leaders to get back precious timeAI can be a thought partner that drives your businessBuild a strong support network and gather mentors at the right timeCreating a fulfilling life that fosters growthExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this insightful interview, Kass Laboucane and Michelle Scully share their seven-year journey to building a successful and sustainable creative agency. From finding the right mentor, to putting in systems and processes that improve staff attraction and retention, along with learning when to say no, Michelle and Kass share what it takes for creative founders to become well-rounded business owners. Key Takeaways Small business owners should seek out the right mentor early in their journeyMake sure you interview your mentor to find the right fitUnderstand what success is to you and then say no to any opportunity that doesn’t fitEmpower your team to make decisions so they don’t always have to consult you about every little detailBe disciplined with your scheduling and try to have employees work at 70 to 80 percent so they have time for other things that come up and also avoid burn outLearn how to have uncomfortable conversations and don’t be afraid to brag about your accomplishmentsBuild a business that fuels the life you wantExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this insightful interview, Krista Rabidoux shares her unique journey going from a creative arts background into accounting. She also talks about her authentic leadership journey and the self-awareness she has gained along the way and how that helps her to be a better leader. In addition, she talks about how she helped to triple the size of a boutique accounting firm in just 7 years. Key Takeaways Having an arts background combined with being an accountant gives you a big advantage, especially when you are disrupting in a historically rigid industryThe importance of authentic leadership and trustStrategic planning is important, but you also have to be able to adapt and pivotBuilding a strong foundation is essential for scaling a businessBi-weekly strategic check-ins are necessary for growthYou have to be yourself in order to appreciate successExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this insightful interview Ryan Malloy shares his entrepreneurial journey from trades to tech, highlighting the importance of adaptability, developer-centric software design, and responsible AI integration. Discover how his diverse experiences have shaped Liquid Software's innovative solutions for mid-sized businesses and charities. Key Takeaways Having a trade as a back-up allows you the freedom to take a chance on being an entrepreneurTaking a Developer-first approach allows you to come up with effective software solutionsLiquid Software helps companies that have outgrown Quickbooks by providing affordable ‘purpose built’ softwareDon’t compete with large LLM companies like ChatGPT, but instead integrate them into your workflowSupporting non-profits through technology helps the entire communityWestern Canada is highly competitive on a global scaleRelationship selling is key to sustainable growthCreate processes and systems that helps the business earn more moneyBeing featured in Business in Edmonton Magazine was a game changerBuilding a Canadian based enterprise solution is a significant opportunityExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this interview, Lisa Dressler, Executive Director of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, shares her insights on community building, leadership, and creating a lasting legacy. Discover how strategic planning, relationship focus, and resilience drive success in complex organizations. Key Takeaways Community building and leadership are essential for building a lasting legacyCrisis creates opportunityLeaders provide a true north during tough timesThe Southeaste Alberta Chamber of Commerce has won multiple awards, including Chamber of the YearChambers provide common ground for a wide variety of perspectives, while addressing the unique needs in specific areasThe Southeast Chamber is 125 years oldBoards and staff need to have the right level of diverse skill sets and a positive attitude to serve members at the highest levelChambers need to adapt to the times, especially by being leaders in the use of current tools like AI and multiple social media platformsExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this interview Doris Paquette shares her inspiring journey in women leadership, community support, and creating impactful networks in Edmonton. Discover her strategies for building inclusive leadership spaces, fostering collaboration, and empowering women and youth for a better future. Key Takeaways Women thrive when they feel safe to shareLeadership should be defined broadly. Women in Leadership isn’t just for executives — it includes stay-at-home mothers, students, small business owners, and anyone leading in any capacityConfidence is the real multiplier. Doris believes the biggest barrier for many women is not lack of ability, but fear of failure, judgment, or taking the first step.Community matters more than competition.Intentional networking beats crowded networking. Doris values events where people feel welcome, connected, and inspired — not pressured or sold toFlexibility unlocks participation. The chapter’s board structure was designed so busy women can contribute in ways that fit their capacity, instead of being excluded by rigid expectationsStrong women’s networks have ripple effects. Doris connects her work to better workplaces, stronger families, more confident girls, and eventually more women in decision-making roleExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

Discover how Kari Lotzien successfully navigated the challenges of building, scaling, and exit of her rehabilitation clinic amidst COVID-19, emphasizing leadership clarity, systematization, and values-aligned decision-making.  Her story highlights resilience, strategic planning, and the importance of developing others for lasting impact. Key Takeaways Understand the significance of listening to your inner voice during crisesHow intentional systematization and leadership development facilitated her successful exitThe importance of aligning business decisions with personal values and life goalsHow to implement strategies for developing leaders and creating a resilient teamThe impact of crisis on clarity and decision-making in businessCarrie's team took specific actions during COVID to pivot and thriveQuantitative results: a smooth sale, zero client or staff loss, doubling revenue during COVIDQualitative insights into leadership, work-life design, and legacy creationExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this thoughtful interview, Ian Chisholm shares his inspiring journey in leadership development, focusing on mentorship, strategic partnerships, and building impactful programs in Scotland. Discover how his innovative approach has created a legacy of leadership and community transformation. Key Takeaways Strategic partnerships are critical for successHaving a board of directors that is willing to have honest conversations is criticalYou have to earn the word mentor from someone else (you don’t give it to yourself).Trust your instincts when it comes to making major career transitionsMake everything you do impeccableFind ways to drive the revenue you need to realize your visionBeing a solid mentor has nothing to do with age and executives can gain a lot from being mentored by young peopleExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this insightful interview, Cecilia Bloxom shares her journey from communications to starting the Alberta Chiropractic Association. Throughout the conversation she highlights strategic wins, leadership principles, and the importance of clear communication and stakeholder engagement. Key Takeaways Focus on the right priorities to avoid getting bogged down in minutiaeDevelop a clear strategic plan and stick to it as a guiding mapBuild authentic relationships with stakeholders and membersUse data and research to drive policy and advocacy effortsMaintain high standards of professionalism and communicationExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this insightful interview, Mark Benning shares his journey from Silicon Valley startups to founding the Sprout Fund in Edmonton, highlighting the strategies, people, and operations behind successful venture capital investments in Western Canada. Discover how regional ecosystems can thrive with the right vision, network, and perseverance. Key Takeaways Having experience working in a start-up is important for becoming a solid investorInvestors learn as much from their losses as their winsBeing helpful to everyone you connect with helps to build the entrepreneurial ecosystem - and also can lead to future investment referralsKnowing your investment premise and what to say yes to, and what to say no to, is criticalWorking for a VC can really help you to understand start-ups, as well as help you to develop empathy and pattern recognition for what will workExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

This interview with Haidong Liang, CEO of We Seniors, explores innovative strategies in gerontology, social enterprise, and community impact. Discover how a data-driven, culturally rich approach is transforming senior services and building sustainable models for the future. Key Takeaways Building a strong organizational culture is key to successLeveraging data helps improve programs and sustainabilityA two-week onboarding process fosters a positive cultureLeadership involves humility, continuous learning, and peer supportStrategic partnerships expand impact and reachExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this insightful interview, entrepreneur Matt Aubin shares his journey of building multiple businesses, the importance of strategic thinking, and the power of saying yes to opportunities. Discover how he leverages community, leadership, and incremental improvements to achieve success and impact. Key Takeaways The importance of saying yes to opportunitiesWhy you have to have strategic alignment and values in business decisionsThe importance of building community and finding peer support for entrepreneursThe importance of Incremental improvements and the 1% change philosophyHow to balance multiple ventures and avoid distractionsExecutive Wins - https://executivewins.com Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/