NextGen Business Podcast

Your co-hosts Linda Ockwell-Jenner and Kayla Droog have an awesome guest! Karima Kassam, a multifaceted entrepreneur, discussed her various ventures, including Event Depot, alongside her musical career. A key focus of the conversation centered around “Taste of the Region,” a yearly fundraising event she hosts for KW Habilitation, an organization providing affordable housing. The event involves six buses touring local restaurants, offering a multi-course meal and drinks to attendees. This year, the fundraiser aims to support the construction of a new 18-unit affordable housing complex on Frederick Street, intended for individuals and families in need. Karima explained her initial connection to KW Habilitation stemmed from friends volunteering with their fundraising committee, and highlighted the ongoing community need for affordable housing, particularly given the challenges faced by working families in Waterloo Region.

Linda and Kayla discuss approaching the new year in business, questioning the traditional focus on New Year’s resolutions. Linda shares her unique approach, having moved away from rigid goal-setting after 22 years with Motivational Steps. She now prioritizes “doing less and more self-care” rejecting overly ambitious plans. Key takeaways include setting specific, measurable intentions like “creating a simpler business experience” and acknowledging that flexibility and doing what works for you are more important than adhering to a strict timeframe or traditional goal-setting.

Kayla and Linda discuss whether social media remains essential for small business owners heading into 2026. They explore how younger generations use different platforms and how we can also use alternative marketing methods like email lists and networking events, and the challenges of maintaining an online presence. Both acknowledge that while social media shouldn’t be a sole marketing strategy, having some digital presence remains crucial for credibility and discoverability. They reflect on pre-social media marketing tactics and debate how businesses can succeed without a social media footprint, ultimately concluding that maintaining at least a minimal online presence is still important for modern business owners.

Join Carol Schofield as she shares her inspiring journey as a successful concierge business owner, and the unexpected challenge of hearing loss impacting her work. This episode explores resilience, adaptability, and the importance of seeking support when facing life’s hurdles. Carol discusses her current pivot – exploring e-farming and teaching others – highlighting the value of continuous learning and self-care. Discover how to navigate challenges with a positive mindset and build a fulfilling future.

The NextGen Business Podcast is back! We’re delighted to welcome our new Co-Host: Kayla Droog. Fans of the show may remember Kayla as a guest way back in episode 26. She now joins Linda Ockwell-Jenner to co-host the NextGen Business Podcast.

Your business has a lot to say – shouldn’t it have the voice to match? Your Co-Hosts Dennis Lewis and Linda Ockwell-Jenner are joined by a mainstay of the Canadian Professional Voiceover world: David Gilbert. Even if you don’t know David, you’re sure to know his voice.

Today’s guest is extra special: he’s a twelve-time survivor of cardiac arrest… and a hugely successful business expert helping people express their personal brand. Kevin Marcus Miller joins your hosts Linda Ockwell-Jenner and Dennis Lewis for an amazing chat.

In today’s episode, our hosts Linda Ockwell-Jenner and Dennis Lewis are joined by Lori Straus, a professional copywriter and author. Discover how clear communication can be a key strength when conveying your message.

Dennis and Linda spend some quality time with serial entrepreneur Bill Waters to discuss the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life. We also get a glimpse of Bill’s newest product which aims to revolutionize the way we consume liquid cleaners and more.

Finding the right balance between your work life and your personal life is important. Your hosts Linda and Dennis explore this subject and discuss some ways in which you can help find the ideal balance to make you more productive, less stressed and more fulfilled.

Your co-hosts Dennis and Linda discuss a topic very near and dear to both of them: Networking. Linda’s literally written the book on business networking and has almost two decades of professional networking experience running The Small Business Community Network (SBCN).

Your co-hosts Dennis and Linda are back once more and tackle the topic of Mentoring. What’s the difference between mentoring and teaching, and should you seek a mentor to help you reach for greater success.

We’re delighted to welcome our new co-host for the NextGen Business Podcast: Copywriter and Voiceover Artist, Dennis Lewis. He joins Linda as we kick off our new season of the NextGen Business Podcast.

Your hosts Linda and Aaron are joined by Cassie Shantz from CS Baked Goods. Hear how Cassie got into business baking delicious treats, her inspiration and what makes her business unique.

You may have heard in our previous episodes about our co-host Aaron’s new job at the bank. In today’s show he and Linda discuss this exciting new opportunity and some of the plans Aaron has already to succeed further.

We hear a lot that there are impending shortages in the skilled trades workforce. We hear less about the success of women in this field, but today’s guest Jennifer Green is devoted to changing all that! As an executive of Skills Ontario, Jennifer is an award-winning woman with a deep passion for skilled trades, and getting younger people involved. Find out more about Apprenticeship Youth Advisors at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-youth-advisors Also take a look at the report prepared for government by the Apprenticeship Youth Advisors at: https://www.ontario.ca/document/supporting-accessible-and-inclusive-skilled-trades-and-apprenticeship-system-ontario

We’d like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year. We’ll be back in January 2022!

In today’s world, the social element of a brand is many times the most critical part. With savvy consumers making purchasing decisions based on more social recommendations and interactions, this needs to be a core part of your branding strategy. Your co-hosts Aaron and Linda explore this topic on today’s show.

Co-hosts Linda and Aaron sit down for a candid chat about some of the unique viewpoints that people of different generations have.

Welcome to the latest episode of the NextGen Business Podcast. In today’s show Linda and Aaron are joined by not one, but two guests from Acid League – a unique food venture focusing on acidic creations. Find out how this company came to be and don’t miss tips for any entrepreneur from their journey so far.