CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we move beyond basic automation to explore Agentic AI and how autonomous systems are being designed to operate inside real business workflows and deliver measurable outcomes.Our guest is Subrina Shawlin, Head of Product and Innovation at AgentSense. With experience spanning North America and the Middle East, Subrina shares how pre built, industry specific AI agents are transforming operations by integrating seamlessly with hundreds of enterprise systems.Key HighlightsAgents vs Chatbots: The real functional difference between conversational tools and autonomous agents. SME Quick Wins: Where smaller businesses should start to see value fast and what to avoid early. Pre Built Agent Strategy: How AgentSense approaches scalable, industry focused AI deployment. Global Use Cases: Real world impact across retail and logistics in multiple regions. Future Trends: What leaders must watch around adoption, governance, and trust in agentic AI.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 manual sales orders create hidden bottlenecks for manufacturers and distributors, and how automation can eliminate errors while boosting productivity and margins.Our guest is Scott Parker, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Conexiom. With over 20 years in B2B SaaS, Scott shares how AI powered automation transforms order processing from a messy, error-prone task into a seamless, hands-free workflow.Key HighlightsPMM Perspective: How Scott’s diverse background in sales, support, and product shapes complex automation positioning. The Myth of "Good Enough": Why executives often ignore manual processes until costly errors occur. The 100 Spools Nightmare: A real story of how a small error disrupted a distributor’s entire customer relationship. AI in Action: How Conexiom ensures order accuracy before data even reaches the ERP system. Frictionless Commerce: What a fully automated, customer-centric order workflow looks like for manufacturers and distributors.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 Canadian fintech is evolving, the rise of customer-centric platforms, and how technology is reshaping the way Canadians save, spend, and borrow.Our guest is Naga Parvatharajan, CEO of Ratehub.ca. With experience scaling businesses at Marcus by Goldman Sachs and SoFi, Naga is leading Ratehub into a "one-stop shop" super app serving over 17 million Canadians, driving innovation through AI and personalized financial solutions.Key HighlightsEvolution of Canadian Fintech: How Ratehub is positioning itself and the shift toward a super app model. Canada vs US Banking: Key opportunities for disruption compared to the early US fintech market. AI and Personalization: How AI predicts approval likelihood and improves decision making for Canadians. Expanding the Marketplace: The strategy behind launching personal loans and empowering consumers. Future of Consumer Finance: What to watch as fintech continues to mature and transform the Canadian banking landscape.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 Canadian SMEs can turn sustainability ambition into measurable action while navigating the growing challenges of climate finance.Our guest is Elisa Moscolin, Executive Vice President of Sustainability and the Sage Foundation at Sage. A global sustainability leader, Elisa shares how access to capital, smarter reporting, and inclusive policy design can unlock responsible growth for small businesses.Key HighlightsThe Stocktake Report: What it reveals about Canadian SMEs and how their sustainability journey compares globally. The Virtuous Circle: How access to finance, data, and sustainability reporting must reinforce rather than restrict SME growth. AI and Sustainability: How AI can help SMEs reduce reporting friction and scale impact. Finance Built for SMEs: What must change to create financial products that support climate resilience and growth. Global Implementation: How Sage is ensuring SMEs have a voice at COP30 and beyond.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 product marketing and go to market strategy, with a focus on turning early stage products into category leaders.Our guest is Laurier Mandin, Founder and Principal Consultant at Graphos Product, creator of the CLIMB scoring system and author of I Need That. Laurier shares practical insights on buyer psychology, specialization, and building products that stand out in an AI driven market.Key HighlightsStatus Quo Bias: Why products must be dramatically better to overcome buyer resistance and trigger behavior change. Human Advantage in an AI Era: How entrepreneurs can leverage human insight and creativity to stay profitable and relevant. Power of Specialization: Why focusing on a specific niche creates uniqueness and avoids costly go to market mistakes. Remote First Operations: Lessons from shifting to a fully remote model and what it reveals about efficiency and culture. Future of Graphos Product: Laurier’s vision for helping builders and risk takers bring better products to market.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 the future of wealth management and the forces shaping advisor success in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.Our guest is Brent Allen, EVP and Head of Sales and Distribution at IG Wealth Management. Drawing on insights from the new Advisor Perception Industry Study, Brent shares how technology, succession planning, and high net worth client strategies are redefining advisor growth as IG approaches its 100th anniversary.Key HighlightsAdvisor Technology Gap: Why advisors see technology as critical to efficiency and long term practice growth. HNW Client Growth: How strategic partnerships help advisors serve complex, high net worth client needs. Succession Planning Crisis: Why many advisors lack transition plans and how dealers can better support legacy building. Tech Driven Efficiency: How IG’s investments streamline compliance and elevate the advisor client experience. Looking Ahead to 2026: The trends shaping wealth management and how IG’s legacy informs its future vision.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 Canadian SMEs can modernize, optimize, and scale securely on AWS while balancing cost, security, and operational efficiency.Our guest is Benoit (Ben) Maheux, Partner and VP of Growth at Unicorne. With over 15 years in innovation, product strategy, and digital transformation, Ben helps SMEs leverage cloud technology and FinOps to reduce waste, improve governance, and achieve measurable business outcomes.Key HighlightsWhy AWS for SMEs: How Canadian SMEs can scale securely and modernize infrastructure without large IT teams. FinOps & Cost Optimization: How Unicorne’s Stable platform detects cloud waste and turns migration into a cost advantage. Security and Simplicity: Lessons from rebuilding MUUTAA’s architecture to improve hospital supply chains. Boutique Cloud Advantage: How Unicorne combines technical expertise and business strategy to deliver measurable ROI. Future of Cloud Scaling: Trends shaping cloud adoption for SMEs and Unicorne’s long term vision for smarter operations.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 social purpose and ESG principles are becoming powerful drivers of innovation, loyalty, and financial performance in the automotive industry.Our guest is Drew Collier, President and CEO of LGM Financial Services Inc. With a track record of building purpose led financial models and advancing responsible mobility, Drew shares how embedding social impact into strategy transforms culture, attracts talent, and delivers sustained growth.Key HighlightsPurpose as Strategy: How social purpose fuels innovation and profitability beyond branding. Responsible Mobility: What the future looks like when sustainability and scale work together. Culture Transformation: How aligning purpose with performance reshapes teams and outcomes. ESG and Governance: Why accountability and measurement drive long term growth and trust. Leadership Lessons: Advice for building high growth businesses rooted in impact and values.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 innovation ecosystems, strategic learning, and strong founder networks help Canadian entrepreneurs build world class ventures and achieve measurable growth.Our guest is Nirali Rathwa, Associate, Member Experience, Programming and Corporate Innovation at MaRS Discovery District, Canada’s largest innovation hub. Nirali shares how capability building, community driven support, and inclusive program design are shaping the next generation of successful founders across the country.Key HighlightsEvolving Startup Reality: How AI and global connectivity are reshaping entrepreneurship in Canada. Power of Networks: Why community, partnerships, and shared learning accelerate founder growth. Capability Building: How skills like pricing, hiring, and storytelling matter as much as capital. Accessible Pathways: How digital platforms and programs expand access beyond major cities. Future Vision: How MaRS is enabling founders to tackle climate and healthcare challenges.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 digital media, paid advertising, and AI driven platforms are reshaping how brands achieve measurable growth in an increasingly crowded market.Our guest is Sanjeays Fernando, Senior Digital Media Specialist at Vovia. With over seven years of international experience managing campaigns for brands like Red Cross, Tourism Calgary, and Edo Japan, Sanjeays shares how strategy, creativity, and analytics come together to drive real performance for Canadian SMEs.Key HighlightsAI in Digital Media: How AI is reshaping targeting, optimization, and the role of human media specialists by 2026. Creative as the Growth Lever: Why creative quality now outperforms media spend and how SMEs can test ideas efficiently. The Isolation Effect: How visual contrast and zero cost psychology help ads stand out on platforms like Meta. Platform Pitfalls: What Canadian SMEs should watch for with Performance Max and evolving social algorithms. Vovia’s Vision: How Vovia continues to innovate and deliver measurable growth for North American 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 SMEs can build a strong, secure, and scalable online presence by aligning web infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital marketing strategy.Our guest is Mudassir Ismail, Social Media Associate at HostNOC. With a strong foundation in social media strategy and a broad understanding of digital marketing and hosting technologies, Mudassir shares how dependable infrastructure, smart automation, and data driven creativity help businesses grow with confidence.Key HighlightsChoosing the Right Hosting: How SMEs can select between web hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers based on cost, security, and scalability. Cybersecurity for SMEs: The most common risks businesses face and practical, affordable steps to protect data and systems. AI and Automation: How managed services, AI, and automation improve efficiency and customer experience. Creative Meets Analytics: Why blending creativity with performance data is essential for effective social media and digital marketing. HostNOC’s Vision: How combining technology, design, and data will shape smarter digital experiences and future hosting solutions.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 seasonal e commerce businesses can stay visible year round and convert winter interest into spring sales through focused digital strategy.Our guest is Steisi Topalli, eCommerce Specialist at The Ultimate Deck Shop in Saskatchewan. With experience spanning software engineering, design, and marketing, Steisi shares how niche focus, customer journey thinking, and lean execution help small teams compete with national retailers.Key HighlightsSolo Marketing Reality: How one person manages multiple channels with limited budget and tools. Power of Specificity: Why selling a focused product category beats competing on scale. Seasonal Messaging Shifts: How winter content drives spring demand in e commerce. Customer Journey First: Why custom Shopify experiences outperform generic templates. Community Driven Growth: How TUDS X strengthens contractor and homeowner engagement.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 how public opinion and market research help businesses understand the real motivations behind consumer behavior and stay relevant in a shifting economic landscape.Our guest is Dan Arnold, Chief Strategy Officer at Pollara Strategic Insights. With extensive experience in economic polling, political research, and consumer sentiment analysis, Dan shares how SMEs can use research tools once reserved for large organizations to sharpen strategy, assess sustainability perceptions, and plan with confidence for 2026.Key Highlights2026 Economic Mood: How Canadians feel about finances and what it means for SME decision making. Polling vs Focus Groups: When to use each research method and why it matters. SME Market Insight: How small businesses can use research to validate products and messaging. Sustainability Findings: What recent SME polling reveals about ROI and perception gaps. Pollara Substack: Why Pollara launched a new platform for economic and public insight.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 AI powered retail and intelligent discovery are reshaping how Canadians search, compare, and shop in an increasingly non linear digital landscape.Our guest is Eric Morris, Managing Director and Head of Retail at Google Canada. Drawing on deep experience in search innovation and retail transformation, Eric shares insights from Google’s AI powered holiday season, new agentic solutions, and what Canadian retailers must do now to scale smarter with AI.Key HighlightsAI Powered Shopping Shift: How Canadian consumer behavior is changing in the AI era. AI Driven Discovery: How businesses can show up in non linear, AI led shopping journeys. Agentic AI Tools: How Ads Advisor turns data into clear, actionable growth steps. Canadian Retail Wins: Real examples of retailers scaling with Google AI solutions. Future Readiness: What retailers should build now for long term AI success in 2026.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 the essential strategies that help businesses master their IT operations, cybersecurity, and digital transformation in an ever-changing technological landscape.Joining us is Robert Baird, President and CEO of LOGIX Data Products Inc., a pioneer who has spent nearly four decades leading innovation in Canada’s tech industry. Robert shares his deep expertise on choosing the right Managed Service Provider, building a strong cybersecurity framework, and integrating AI to create smarter, more secure businesses.Key Highlights:Choosing the Right MSP: What business leaders should look for when selecting a Managed Service Provider for long-term success. Cybersecurity Essentials: Why a layered defense and annual testing are vital to avoid insurance claim denials. AI in Business: How SMBs can integrate AI tools for efficiency and automation without massive infrastructure costs. Pioneering Innovation: Lessons from building Pizza Pizza’s real-time micro-computer system and early IBM 1401 experience. LOGIX’s Legacy & Future: Robert’s leadership insights and vision for advancing cybersecurity and cloud solutions 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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how conscious communication, trust, and storytelling help leaders strengthen relationships and drive sustainable revenue growth.Our guest is Ravi Rajani, Communication Expert, Author, and International Speaker, and the author of Relationship Currency. Ravi shares how intentional dialogue, trust-first frameworks, and human-centered storytelling create influence in a world increasingly shaped by AI.Key HighlightsBreaking Limiting Labels: How self-labeling restricts growth and how leaders can reframe identity for greater influence. Relationship Currency in Business: Using trust-first storytelling and dialogue to grow revenue and referrals. Five Habits of Influential Communicators: Core practices that elevate leadership, even for introverts. Storytelling for Investors: How social proof stories attract capital and build credibility. Future of Human Connection: Why authentic communication matters more as AI reshapes business interactions.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 AI driven video intelligence is helping businesses move beyond basic security toward smarter, more proactive operations.Our guest is Michael Scott, Chief Marketing Officer at Solink. With a background in cybersecurity and experience building global marketing teams, Michael shares how Solink turns everyday security cameras into powerful business assets through AI and operational insights.Key HighlightsFrom Reactive to Proactive: How Solink helps SMBs address risk, efficiency, and decision making in real time. Accessible AI Video Intelligence: How enterprise grade innovation is delivered in a simple, cost effective way for small businesses. Value Beyond Security: Real examples of SMBs using video data to uncover operational issues and improve performance. Scaling with Simplicity: How Solink balances rapid growth and innovation while serving over 35,000 SMB customers. Leadership and Future Vision: Lessons in building high impact growth engines and Solink’s long term direction.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 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 HighlightsReducing 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 HighlightsBuilding 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 HighlightsGEO 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.