Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the strategies and technologies that empower businesses to achieve sustainable growth. In today’s episode, we focus on key areas such as scaling operations, continuous learning, and leveraging customer experience as a driver of success.

Recent trends emphasize the importance of adaptability, a commitment to ongoing development, and customer-centric strategies in today’s competitive market. This episode will provide valuable insights for businesses of all sizes looking to thrive and expand.

Our guest today is Keith Murray, CEO of boostCX, a seasoned leader with extensive expertise in customer experience management and driving business growth. Keith shares his experience and strategies on how businesses can achieve lasting success.

Key Highlights:

1. Growth and Scaling: Key strategies for sustainable business growth and effective scaling, plus common pitfalls to avoid.

2. Continuous Learning as a Competitive Advantage: How to foster a culture of continuous learning and why ongoing employee development is crucial in today’s rapidly changing market.

3. Customer Experience as a Growth Lever: Key strategies for improving customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention to drive business growth.

4. Digital Risk Inc.: Insights into Keith’s side venture, Digital Risk Inc., and how it connects to customer experience and business strategy.

5. AI-Powered Insights Module: How the new AI-powered Insights module from boostCX helps businesses uncover actionable insights from verbatim feedback data.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For 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! I’m your host, Maheen Bari. Today, we’re highlighting the journey of a trailblazing female entrepreneur who’s revolutionizing the skincare industry. In a world where self-care is becoming more important than ever, we’re joined by Olga Roberts, Co-Owner and COO of Collage, a Canadian skincare brand dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their natural glow.

Olga shares her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Collage, and how the brand champions well-being for driven women. We also dive into Collage’s unique approach to skincare, their commitment to addressing concerns like fine lines, dull complexion, and blemishes, and how their products stand out in a crowded market. Let’s explore how Olga is helping women prioritize health and self-nurturing in today’s fast-paced world.

Key Highlights:

1. Olga's Entrepreneurial Journey: Olga talks about her journey as a female entrepreneur and the inspiration behind founding Collage.
   
2. Unique Skincare Approach: Collage stands out by listening to women’s skincare concerns and developing products tailored to real needs.
   
3. Prioritizing Well-being: Collage promotes health and self-nurturing, encouraging women to embrace their natural glow amidst a fast-paced world.
   
4. Powerful Ingredients: Collage uses ingredients like niacinamide and green tea to target issues like fine lines, dull skin, and redness.
   
5. Building Community: Olga shares how Collage is collaborating with local brands and participating in events to engage with the community.
   
6. Advice for Entrepreneurs: Olga offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, focusing on balance and authenticity.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• IHG Hotels and Resorts: https://businessedge.ihg.com/s/registration?language=en_US&CanSME
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For 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 technologies that empower businesses to thrive in the digital age.

In today’s episode, we dive into the evolution of mobile-first software development, explore effective growth strategies including the power of networking, and discuss the critical opportunities for modernizing legacy systems. Joining us is Matt Strentse, Co-Founder and Chief Relations Officer of Iversoft, a 100% Canadian custom software development firm. Matt shares his insights on delivering seamless digital experiences, scaling a tech business, and helping industries upgrade outdated software to stay competitive.

Whether you’re a startup or established company, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

1. Mobile-first software development has evolved to prioritize seamless, cross-platform digital experiences essential for business success.
   
2. Strategic networking and partnerships have been vital growth drivers for Iversoft, offering lessons for businesses aiming to scale.
   
3. Modernizing legacy systems presents both challenges and huge opportunities, requiring careful planning and execution.
   
4. Early partnerships shaped Iversoft’s trajectory and taught critical lessons about collaboration and market fit.
   
5. There remains a gap in market awareness about the benefits of modernization, and education is key to bridging that gap.
   
6. Businesses must embrace mobile-first strategies and legacy modernization to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For 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, where we explore the strategies and leadership that drive success in the fitness industry. Today, we dive into scaling a fitness brand, the power of community engagement, and the evolving trends shaping the future of fitness.

Our guest, Chris Smith, CEO of Fitness World Canada, shares insights on growing a multi-location gym chain, enhancing member experience, and launching a franchise model. Whether you’re a fitness professional or entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you thrive in this dynamic sector.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

Scaling Multi-Location Fitness Brands: Learn about the challenges and strategies involved in expanding from a single gym to a thriving multi-location fitness brand.

Elevating Member Experience Through Community: Discover how Fitness World leverages community engagement to build loyalty among increasingly sophisticated fitness consumers.

Innovations Shaping the Future: Explore the latest trends in fitness technology, design, and programming that are defining the next generation of successful gyms.

Leadership Inspired by Impact: Hear the personal story of a client’s transformation and how it influences leadership and company culture at Fitness World.

Franchise Expansion Plans: Get an inside look at Fitness World’s upcoming franchise model launch and what qualities they seek in franchise partners.

Advice for Fitness Entrepreneurs: Practical tips and inspiration for those looking to scale and innovate within the fitness industry.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For 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, where we explore strategies and insights that empower individuals and communities to thrive. Hosted by Maheen, today’s episode dives into the critical topic of financial literacy in Canada.

Join us as Krupal Vaghela, Sr. Deputy Leader at Vosyn and a passionate advocate for financial empowerment, shares expert perspectives on the current state of financial literacy, practical strategies to bridge knowledge gaps, and how digital tools combined with mindset shifts can promote financial well-being for all Canadians.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

1. Financial literacy in Canada shows significant gaps across age groups, impacting Canadians’ ability to make informed decisions.
2. Inclusive strategies—from early education to adult empowerment programs—are essential to improve financial knowledge nationwide.
3. Technology and community learning can democratize financial education without pushing specific products.
4. Common financial misconceptions limit many Canadians’ ability to build strong financial futures.
5. Financial literacy extends beyond budgeting and saving, encompassing mindset, planning, and long-term well-being.
6. Small daily steps can boost individual financial confidence, while collaboration among educators, policymakers, and communities is key to widespread improvement.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For 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! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible work of Immigrant Women in Business (IWB), an organization that empowers immigrant women to thrive as entrepreneurs in Canada’s vibrant business landscape. Immigrant women are a vital part of Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and their contributions to economic growth and diversity are invaluable.

Our guests today are Svetlana Ratnikova, CEO of IWB, and Maria Carolina Ojeda, Founding Member of IWB. Together, they’re driving a movement that uplifts, educates, and connects women entrepreneurs across Canada. Today’s episode will explore the power of community, the unique challenges faced by immigrant women, and the future of women entrepreneurship. Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights:

1. The Power of Community: Svetlana shares the vision behind IWB and how the organization helps immigrant women build, scale, and succeed in business.
2. Overcoming Obstacles: Maria Carolina highlights the challenges faced by immigrant women in business and how IWB provides the necessary support and resources to overcome them.
3. The Future of Women-Led Businesses: Svetlana discusses her vision for the future of women entrepreneurship in Canada, and the crucial role of corporate partnerships, government support, and funding in empowering women.
4. Personal Success Stories: Maria Carolina shares a personal entrepreneurial success story and the key lessons learned throughout her journey with IWB.
5. Upcoming Events and Opportunities: Svetlana talks about the exciting upcoming events like Speed-Friending Networking, Job Fair, and Green Summit, and how listeners can get involved.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For 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, where we explore the strategies and initiatives that empower Canadian entrepreneurs. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the crucial areas of community building, mental health, and brand development—all essential for the success of small businesses. As trends in the business world shift, building strong networks, prioritizing founder well-being, and crafting an impactful brand are more important than ever. This discussion will provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs who want to create sustainable and thriving businesses.

Joining us today are Julian Golden and Jeff Lei, co-founders of Pier Five—a platform designed to showcase and support creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. With their unique events, funding programs, and content, Pier Five has become a vital resource in the Canadian business community. Let's dive into the conversation!

Key Highlights:

1. Community Growth for Founders & Customers: Julian explains how Pier Five has fostered community growth for both founders and customers, emphasizing why building a strong, supportive community is essential for business success. He highlights how connecting founders with their audiences creates long-term loyalty and business sustainability.
   
2. Mental Health for Entrepreneurs: Jeff shares valuable insights on how Pier Five addresses the mental health challenges entrepreneurs face. He discusses strategies and initiatives that provide emotional and psychological support, enabling founders to manage stress and maintain focus during their entrepreneurial journey.
   
3. Brand Development & Awareness: Jeff elaborates on how Pier Five helps entrepreneurs with brand development and awareness. He provides practical strategies for building a strong, recognizable brand in today’s highly competitive market, including the importance of storytelling and authentic messaging.
   
4. Funding Programs and Support: Julian dives into Pier Five’s funding programs, including the Activation Grant. He explains how these initiatives support small business growth by providing access to resources, funding, and mentorship, empowering entrepreneurs to scale their ventures.
   
5. Brand Partnerships: Julian discusses the importance of brand partnerships and shares how Pier Five collaborates with various organizations within the small business space. He highlights how these partnerships are structured to benefit the community and create win-win opportunities for everyone involved.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For 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 exciting world of Artificial Intelligence and its game-changing potential for small businesses. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, understanding how to leverage this technology is key to staying competitive, even for smaller businesses.

We’re joined by Marc DiGiorgio, Co-founder and Managing Director of TekStack, to explore how AI can boost growth, efficiency, and customer experience for SMEs. From the basics of AI adoption to the new agentic AI capabilities introduced by TekStack, Marc offers practical insights that can help small businesses embrace this technology. Let’s get started!

Key Highlights:

1. AI is essential for small businesses to improve customer experience, automate tasks, and find new customers, without requiring large budgets.
   
2. AI can be a threat to businesses that fail to adapt, as larger competitors may use technology to outperform smaller firms.
   
3. Agentic AI simplifies tasks through natural language interactions, offering businesses a zero-click experience for greater efficiency.
   
4. Practical AI applications in sales, customer service, and back-office operations can help SMEs streamline processes and boost productivity.
   
5. Small businesses face challenges with AI adoption due to data limitations and technology gaps, but seeking expert guidance can help overcome these barriers.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For 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.