The Business Development Podcast

In Episode 332 of The Business Development Podcast, Jeroen Kraaijenbrink challenges one of the most common misconceptions in business today: that strategy belongs to leadership. With over 20 years of experience across academia and consulting, Jeroen breaks down why traditional, top-down strategy approaches consistently fail and what it really takes to build strategies that stick. His human-centered approach reframes strategy as a shared capability, not a static plan, and introduces the idea that everyone in an organization should be thinking and acting strategically.This conversation dives into the shift from strategy as a one-time exercise to strategy as a daily practice. Jeroen explains how organizations can build strategic competence across teams, why adaptability is the most critical skill in today’s environment, and how leaders can move from control to empowerment to drive real execution. If you’ve ever built a plan that didn’t translate into results, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you a new way to approach strategy that actually works.Key Takeaways: Strategy should not belong only to leadership. It needs to become a capability built across the entire organization.Strategy works best as a daily practice, not a once-a-year planning exercise. Real execution happens when it becomes part of normal operations.Strategic thinking is not enough on its own. People also need the ability to act, align others, and execute.Most strategy failures happen because the human side gets ignored. If people do not believe in it, they will not carry it forward.Adaptability is one of the most valuable strategic skills a person can build. The people who adapt best tend to have stronger long-term success.A plan still matters, even if it changes. It gives you direction and helps you recognize the right opportunities when they show up.Tools do not make strategy work on their own. Frameworks only help when the people and processes behind them are strong.Everyone in a company should spend some time thinking strategically. That habit cannot sit only with executives.Big strategic change can start small. A single team or department can prove a better way before the whole company adopts it.The best strategy leaders stay open-minded. They listen, learn, and stay willing to challenge their own assumptions.🔗 Connect with Jeroen Kraaijenbrink🌐 Strategy Inc: https://www.strategy.inc🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeroenkraaijenbrink/📘 The One-Hour StrategyJeroen’s latest book, The One-Hour Strategy, flips the script on traditional planning and shows how to make strategy a daily habit across your entire organization.Get your copy here: https://www.jeroenkraaijenbrink.com/One-Hour-Strategy🎸 Sponsor ShoutoutsThe Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, and Atlas Elite Lifts. 🎸⭐Hypervac Technologies is North America’s leader in hydrovac excavation, delivering safe, non-destructive solutions for critical infrastructure projects. If you work in construction, utilities, or industrial services, learn more at www.hypervac.comHyperfab, the fabrication division of Hypervac, delivers custom-built solutions engineered to handle the toughest demands in the field. Learn more at www.hyperfab.caThunder Bay Hydraulics has been a trusted name in hydraulic cylinder repair and manufacturing for over 55 years, supporting industries like mining, forestry, and construction across North America. Visit www.thunderbayhydraulics.comAtlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions built for performance, safety, and reliability. If you are looking to upgrade your shop, check them out at www.atlaselitelifts.comMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down the real difference between people who build something meaningful and those who never get started. Drawing from the rapid launch of his new show and years of entrepreneurial experience, he challenges the idea of failure, reframing it as iteration, evolution, and intentional pivots. This is a powerful reminder that success is not about perfection, it is about momentum, action, and staying in the game long enough to win.Kelly dives into the 10 most common pitfalls that stop new ideas in their tracks, from overthinking and imposter syndrome to slow execution and poor resource allocation. He emphasizes moving fast, taking imperfect action, and building relentless momentum while others hesitate. If you are sitting on an idea, questioning your next move, or struggling to gain traction, this episode will give you the clarity and push you need to take that first step and keep moving forward.Key Takeaways: Ideas without action die quickly, and the people who win are the ones who move first while others are still thinking.Momentum is one of the most powerful forces in business, and small consistent actions will always outperform waiting for the perfect move.Failure is not the end, it is either a lesson or a pivot that creates space for something better.Nobody sees your vision the way you do, so you cannot rely on others to validate what you already feel is right.Good enough executed today will always beat perfect that never gets launched.Imposter syndrome disappears when you keep showing up and proving to yourself that you belong.The biggest risk is not starting, because hesitation kills more opportunities than failure ever will.Everything meaningful will take longer and cost more than expected, so staying in the game is the real advantage.Revenue and profitability must come early, because businesses cannot survive on effort alone.If you stick with anything long enough, keep evolving, and continue moving forward, success becomes inevitable.The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, and Atlas Elite Lifts. 🎸⭐Hypervac Technologies is North America’s leader in hydrovac excavation, delivering safe, non-destructive solutions for critical infrastructure projects. If you work in construction, utilities, or industrial services, check them out at www.hypervac.comHyperfab, the fabrication division of Hypervac, delivers custom-built solutions engineered to handle the toughest demands in the field. Learn more at www.hyperfab.caThunder Bay Hydraulics has been a trusted name in hydraulic cylinder repair and manufacturing for over 55 years, supporting industries like mining, forestry, and construction across North America. Visit www.thunderbayhydraulics.comAtlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions built for performance, safety, and reliability. If you are looking to upgrade your shop, check them out at www.atlaselitelifts.comJoin The Catalyst ClubIf you are serious about growth, leadership, and surrounding yourself with high-level thinkers, The Catalyst Club is where you need to be.This is a private community for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals committed to moving the needle every single week.Join us here:🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 330 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jordan Labelle, entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of Evergreen Growth Collective, to break down what actually drives long-term success in business. Jordan shares his journey through corporate, startup, and solopreneur life, revealing how each step wasn’t failure, but refinement. Together, they challenge the traditional “hustle harder” mindset and unpack why most founders burn out trying to do everything instead of focusing on what truly matters.This conversation dives deep into redefining failure, building a business around your strengths, and the importance of staying in the game long enough to reach clarity. Jordan explains why growth doesn’t come from doing more, but from doing the right things with the right people, and how the breakthrough most entrepreneurs are searching for only comes through iteration, awareness, and persistence. If you’ve ever questioned your path, your business model, or whether it’s all going to work, this episode will bring clarity, reassurance, and a powerful reminder to keep going.Follow Jordan Labelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-labelle/Check out Evergreen Growth Collective: https://www.evergreengrowthcollective.com/Email Jordan Labelle: jordan@evergreengrowthcollective.comKey Takeaways:Failure isn’t missing the result, it’s failing to learn and repeating the same mistakes.Every step in your journey is refinement, not failure, if you’re paying attention and adjusting.Most entrepreneurs burn out because they try to do everything instead of focusing on what actually matters.The breakthrough you’re looking for doesn’t come from planning, it comes from staying in the game long enough to find it.You should build your business around what you’re best at and what you enjoy, not what you think you “should” be doing.The things you’re best at are often invisible to you but obvious to everyone else, so ask for outside perspective.Growth isn’t always about scaling bigger, sometimes it’s about staying intentionally small and building smarter.Hiring should be based on trust, proactiveness, and willingness to learn, not just current skill level.You don’t need to solve every problem yourself, leveraging partners and specialists can create better outcomes with less effort.The people who succeed aren’t the smartest, they’re the ones who keep refining and don’t quit when things get hard.The Business Development Podcast is Proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, and Atlas Elite Lifts. 🎸⭐Hypervac Technologies is North America’s leader in hydrovac excavation, delivering safe, non-destructive solutions for critical infrastructure projects. If you’re in construction, utilities, or industrial services, check them out at www.hypervac.comHyperfab, the fabrication division of Hypervac, provides custom-built solutions designed to meet the toughest demands in the field. Learn more at www.hyperfab.caThunder Bay Hydraulics has been a trusted name in hydraulic cylinder repair and manufacturing for over 55 years, supporting industries like mining, forestry, and construction across North America. Visit www.thunderbayhydraulics.comAtlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions built for performance, safety, and reliability. If you’re looking to upgrade your shop, check them out at www.atlaselitelifts.comJoin The Catalyst ClubIf you’re serious about growth, leadership, and surrounding yourself with high-level thinkers, The Catalyst Club is where you need to be.This is a private community for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals who are committed to moving the needle every single week.Join us here:🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 329 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Nausheen I. Chen, 3x TEDx speaker and Fortune 500 communication coach, to unpack why so many capable leaders struggle when it’s time to speak. From the fight, flight, or freeze response to the pressure of being seen and judged, Nausheen explains what’s really happening in your brain when you feel nervous, lose your words, or freeze under pressure. This episode breaks down the psychology behind communication and why even highly successful professionals can sound flat, robotic, or disconnected when it matters most.More importantly, Nausheen reveals the shift that changes everything. Public speaking isn’t about confidence, it’s about focus. When you stop trying to perform and start focusing on delivering value, the pressure disappears and your ability to connect skyrockets. If you want to communicate with more clarity, presence, and authority in meetings, presentations, or content, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to finally take control.Connect with Nausheen I. Chen and learn more about her work:Website: https://www.speaking.coachSpeak as a Leader Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QTpeh8l5ow8y72rtr8np2YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nausheenichenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nausheenichen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nausheen.speaking.coach/Email: nausheen@speaking.coachKey Takeaways: You don’t freeze because you lack confidence, you freeze because your brain thinks you’re under threat.Public speaking fear is a primal response, not a personal weakness, and it can be trained.The biggest shift in communication is moving from performing to delivering value.When you focus on the audience instead of yourself, pressure drops and clarity rises.Confidence is not something you’re born with, it’s built through repetition, self-talk, and preparation.Your voice, energy, and body language are the three levers that determine how your message lands.Most people fail in communication because they focus too much on what to say and not how it’s delivered.Memorizing scripts creates pressure and increases the chance of freezing, speaking naturally creates connection.Exposure and repetition reduce fear, but only if you review and learn from each performance.The goal isn’t to impress people, it’s to make their time feel valuable, and everything changes when you do.Sponsor ShoutoutsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, a leader in hydro excavation equipment helping contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently across North America.Alongside Hypervac, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for durability, performance, and real-world industrial application. 🌐 https://www.hypervac.com 🌐 https://www.hyperfab.caThis episode is also proudly supported by Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc., specializing in hydraulic manufacturing, repair, and systems integration across Canada.Alongside them, Atlas Elite Lifts delivers high-end lift solutions for luxury homes, condos, dealerships, and elite garage spaces, with systems that are truly Bat Cave Ready. 🌐 https://www.thunderbayhydraulics.com 🌐 https://www.atlaselitelifts.comIf you enjoy the show, please take a moment to support these incredible companies who make conversations like this possible. 🎸⭐Join The Catalyst ClubIf you enjoy conversations like this and want to connect with entrepreneurs, leaders, and business builders focused on real growth, join us inside The Catalyst Club.🌐 https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 328 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with sales strategist Trystan Keller to break down why so many businesses are struggling to convert effort into real revenue. Trystan shares his journey from early challenges to building high-performing sales teams, and delivers a direct, no-nonsense perspective on the disconnect between marketing, sales, and business development. At the core of the conversation is a powerful truth: most companies are trying to scale before they’ve truly understood their customer or validated what actually drives buying decisions. Together, they explore how to uncover the real emotional drivers behind a purchase, why asking better questions is the foundation of effective sales, and why “marketing is just word of mouth amplified.” The episode also highlights Trystan’s work with Messed Up Mondays, an Edmonton-based initiative built around honest conversations about failure and growth. This conversation is a clear reminder that before investing in marketing or chasing scale, businesses must first earn trust, understand their audience deeply, and build real human connections that lead to long-term success.To connect with Trystan Keller and learn more about his work, including his Edmonton-based event series Messed Up Mondays, visit:🌐 https://messedupmondays.com/Messed Up Mondays is a growing community where entrepreneurs come together to share real business mistakes, lessons learned, and the realities of building something meaningful.Key Takeaways: Marketing only works when it amplifies something real. If nobody is already talking about your business, marketing has very little to build on.Sales and marketing are not the same job. Marketing gets attention, while sales turns that attention into action and revenue.Most businesses try to scale too early. They push ads and content before they truly understand their customer or why people buy.The first step to selling better is talking to more people. Real conversations reveal what customers actually care about far faster than guessing.Customers do not buy products for surface-level reasons. They buy because of deeper emotional drivers tied to identity, confidence, security, and meaning.Better questions lead to better sales. If you can ask questions that help people understand themselves more clearly, you can uncover what really moves them to act.Word of mouth has to be earned. You earn it by delivering value, getting results, and creating experiences people actually want to talk about.Validation should come before big marketing spend. Get people in a room, test the offer, gather feedback, and use that proof before trying to scale it.Business development, marketing, and sales each play different roles. Confusing them causes companies to miss the critical steps between awareness and conversion.Authenticity is becoming more valuable, not less. As AI-generated content increases, real human connection, direct communication, and honest insight will stand out even more.Sponsor HighlightsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies. Hypervac designs and manufactures industry-leading hydro excavation equipment used across North America to help contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently.Alongside Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for performance, durability, and real-world industrial application.🌐 www.hypervac.com🌐 www.hyperfab.caThis episode is also proudly supported by our 2026 Roadblock Sponsor, Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc. Thunder Bay Hydraulics specializes in hydraulic manufacturing, repair, and systems integration supporting industries across Canada.Alongside Thunder Bay Hydraulics, Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions for high-end homes, luxury condos, dealerships, and elite garage spaces, with lift systems so cool they are Bat Cave Ready.🌐 www.thunderbayhydraulics.com🌐 www.atlaselitelifts.comIf you enjoy the show, please take a moment to give these leaders and their companies some love for supporting the podcast and helping us continue bringing powerful conversations like this to the business community. 🎸⭐Join The Catalyst Club CommunityIf you enjoy conversations like this and want to connect with other entrepreneurs, leaders, and business builders who are focused on real growth, I invite you to join us inside The Catalyst Club Community.🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

Episode 327 of The Business Development Podcast features Joel Zeff, a nationally recognized speaker, humorist, and work culture expert who has spent more than 25 years helping organizations build stronger teams and better leaders. In this conversation, Joel shares how losing his job became one of the most defining moments of his life when he walked out with a harmonica he did not even know how to play and used that moment to choose energy, humor, and resilience over defeat. That story becomes the gateway into a much bigger conversation about leadership, mindset, and why fun is not something extra at work, it is often the very thing that helps people stay engaged, adaptable, and ready to perform at a higher level.Throughout the episode, Joel breaks down why celebrating small wins matters more than most leaders realize, how positive support creates momentum, and why staying in the game is one of the most important choices any professional can make. We also explore public speaking, confidence, workplace culture, embracing change, and how leaders can create environments where people feel energized instead of drained.Learn more about Joel Zeff:https://www.joelzeff.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/Get Joel’s book, Make the Right Choice:https://www.amazon.ca/Make-Right-Choice-Passion-Elevate/dp/1394278950Business Development Podcast listeners can also access Joel’s special offer, a free chapter on change, directly through his website. Just Mention the Show. Key Takeaways: Fun is not a distraction, it is a competitive advantage that drives energy, engagement, and performance.Celebrating small wins consistently builds momentum and fuels long-term success more than waiting for big milestones.Staying in the game is the most important decision you can make, because quitting guarantees failure while persistence keeps opportunity alive.Confidence does not come from perfect outcomes, it comes from choosing how you show up in difficult moments.Leaders create culture by giving people ownership and supporting them, not by demanding passion without building the foundation for it.Positive support multiplies performance, when people feel encouraged they take more risks, produce more, and grow faster.Most people do not fear public speaking, they fear making mistakes, and learning to embrace imperfection unlocks confidence.Fun looks different for everyone, the key is identifying what energizes you and leaning into it consistently.Your response to setbacks defines your trajectory more than the setback itself, mindset is the difference between collapse and growth.The best leaders bring humanity into their work by creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to contribute.Sponsor HighlightsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies. Hypervac designs and manufactures industry-leading hydro excavation equipment used across North America to help contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently.Alongside Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for performance, durability, and real-world industrial application.🌐 www.hypervac.com🌐 www.hyperfab.caThis episode is also proudly supported by our 2026 Roadblock Sponsor, Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc. Thunder Bay Hydraulics specializes in hydraulic manufacturing, repair, and systems integration supporting industries across Canada.Alongside Thunder Bay Hydraulics, Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions for high-end homes, luxury condos, dealerships, and elite garage spaces, with lift systems so cool they are Bat Cave Ready.🌐 www.thunderbayhydraulics.com🌐 www.atlaselitelifts.comIf you enjoy the show, please take a moment to give these leaders and their companies some love for supporting the podcast and helping us continue bringing powerful conversations like this to the business community. 🎸⭐Join The Catalyst Club CommunityIf you enjoy conversations like this and want to connect with other entrepreneurs, leaders, and business builders who are focused on real growth, I invite you to join us inside The Catalyst Club Community.🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

Episode 326 of The Business Development Podcast features Chris Yeung, one of Edmonton’s most recognized business leaders, as he shares the defining moments that reshaped his life, career, and perspective on success. From building momentum in business development and entrepreneurship to facing the very real possibility of losing everything, Chris opens up about the pressure, the setbacks, and the moment he was forced to confront his ego and ask for help. What followed was not a quick fix, but a complete reset that changed how he approaches business, leadership, and life.Now serving as Executive Director of Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels, Chris has rebuilt with intention, combining creativity, strategy, and personal brand to create new opportunities and impact. In this episode, we explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the growing importance of personal branding, and how professionals can stand out in an increasingly competitive world. Chris shares practical insights on overcoming fear, showing up authentically, and turning hard lessons into forward momentum, leaving listeners with a clear takeaway: real growth happens when you are willing to evolve, connect, and ask for help when it matters most.Key Takeaways: Success can unravel quickly, and when it does, the real test is how you respond, not how you got there.Waiting too long to ask for help can make a hard situation worse, while early conversations can open unexpected solutions.Ego is often the biggest barrier to growth, especially when you are used to being the one who has it all figured out.Financial pressure affects every part of your life, and protecting your stability is just as important as chasing opportunity.Your personal brand is what differentiates you in a crowded market where everyone is technically competent.You do not need a massive audience to win, you just need to connect with the right people consistently.Creativity is a powerful advantage in business, especially when you can take ideas from concept to execution.The best opportunities are often the ones you did not plan for but were open enough to pursue.Speaking directly to one person, not an audience, is the key to becoming more natural and effective on video.Real growth happens when you pause, reflect, and align your work with what genuinely drives and excites you.Learn more about Chris Yeung:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-yh-yeung/https://chrisyeung.co/Learn more about Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels:https://edmh.ca/Sponsor HighlightsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies. Hypervac designs and manufactures industry-leading hydro excavation equipment used across North America to help contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently.Alongside Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for performance, durability, and real-world industrial application.🌐 www.hypervac.com🌐 www.hyperfab.caThis episode is also proudly supported by our 2026 Roadblock Sponsor, Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc. Thunder Bay Hydraulics specializes in hydraulic manufacturing, repair, and systems integration supporting industries across Canada.Alongside Thunder Bay Hydraulics, Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions for high-end homes, luxury condos, dealerships, and elite garage spaces, with lift systems so cool they are Bat Cave Ready.🌐 www.thunderbayhydraulics.com🌐 www.atlaselitelifts.comIf you enjoy the show, please take a moment to give these leaders and their companies some love for supporting the podcast and helping us continue bringing powerful conversations like this to the business community. 🎸⭐Join The Catalyst Club CommunityIf you enjoy conversations like this and want to connect with other entrepreneurs, leaders, and business builders who are focused on real growth, I invite you to join us inside The Catalyst Club Community.🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.comMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

Episode 325 is a powerful conversation with Jodi Barrett that explores the gap between mental strength and physical capacity. As high performers, many of us pride ourselves on pushing through challenges, staying disciplined, and showing up no matter what. But as Jodi shares through her own experience, there comes a point where the body starts to push back. What looks like strength on the outside can hide fatigue, disconnection, and a system that is no longer able to support the pace of life we are trying to maintain.This episode dives into what it really means to rebuild from that point. Jodi breaks down the role of nervous system regulation, sustainable strength, and reconnecting with your body in a way that supports long-term performance. It is not about doing more, it is about doing the right things consistently. For anyone who has been running on empty while trying to maintain a high level of output, this conversation offers a grounded and practical path back to energy, resilience, and true strength.Get in touch with Jodi Barrett🌐 https://kbstronger.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/kbstronger/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-barrett-kbstronger/ ✉️ jodi@kbstronger.comKey Takeaways: Mental toughness can mask physical burnout, but eventually your body forces the conversation you have been avoiding.Strength is not just about how much you can push, it is about how well your body can support consistency over time.Most people do not change until the discomfort becomes too big to ignore, but waiting that long comes at a cost.Nervous system regulation is a foundation of performance, not a wellness add-on.If everything feels heavy, it is often a signal that your system is overloaded, not that you need to push harder.Sustainable progress comes from doing the right things consistently, not from extreme bursts of effort.Rebuilding strength requires reconnecting with your body, not fighting against it.High performance is limited by physical capacity, no matter how strong your mindset is.Slowing down and simplifying your approach can actually accelerate long-term results.True strength is the ability to show up fully in your life, not just grind through it.Sponsor HighlightsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies. Hypervac designs and manufactures industry-leading hydro excavation equipment used across North America to help contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently.Alongside Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for performance, durability, and real-world industrial application.🌐 www.hypervac.com🌐 www.hyperfab.caThis episode is also proudly supported by our 2026 Roadblock Sponsor, Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc. Thunder Bay Hydraulics specializes in hydraulic manufacturing, repair, and systems integration supporting industries across Canada.Alongside Thunder Bay Hydraulics, Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions for high-end homes, luxury condos, dealerships, and elite garage spaces, with lift systems so cool they are Bat Cave Ready.🌐 www.thunderbayhydraulics.com🌐 www.atlaselitelifts.comJoin The Catalyst ClubIf you enjoy conversations like this and want to go deeper, I invite you to join us inside The Catalyst Club. This is a private community of entrepreneurs, leaders, and business builders focused on real growth, real conversations, and real connection.Inside, we host live sessions, workshops, and open discussions designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence alongside people who are doing the same.🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 324 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Kris Marks, CEO of VIV Mental Health, keynote speaker, and psychological health and safety advisor, for one of the most powerful conversations on the show to date. Kris shares his deeply personal journey from trauma, homelessness, and a suicide attempt to becoming a national voice for mental health leadership and psychological safety in workplaces and communities. His story is raw, honest, and deeply human, revealing how years of quiet healing and self-reflection ultimately led him to transform pain into purpose.Throughout the episode, Kris and Kelly explore the growing importance of mental health in leadership, the cultural shift toward human-centered workplaces, and the reality that authenticity and psychological safety must be intentionally built within organizations. Kris also shares how he transitioned from a Red Seal machinist and musician into an entrepreneur and founder, building VIV Mental Health into a fast-growing organization focused on helping leaders support their people in meaningful ways.Key Takeaways: Your past does not define your future. Even the darkest experiences can become the foundation for a life of purpose and impact.Healing is rarely instant. Kris spent years doing quiet, difficult internal work before he was ready to speak openly about his experiences and help others.Authentic leadership starts with vulnerability. When leaders are willing to go first and model honesty, it creates the psychological safety others need to speak up.Mental health is one of the defining leadership challenges of this decade. Organizations that ignore it will struggle to attract, retain, and support great people.Psychological safety is not created by policy alone. It requires trust, consistent behavior from leaders, and environments where people feel safe being human.People often carry invisible struggles. Many individuals who appear confident and successful are privately dealing with experiences others never see.Your story has power. Sharing lived experiences, when done thoughtfully, can create connection, healing, and understanding for others facing similar struggles.Career pivots are possible at any stage. Kris transitioned from the trades into entrepreneurship and mental health leadership by leaning into his experiences and strengths.Leadership is about people first. The most effective leaders focus on empathy, communication, and understanding the human side of performance.Trying matters more than perfection. Growth often begins with the simple willingness to take the first step, even when the path forward is uncertain.Sponsor HighlightsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies. Hypervac designs and manufactures industry-leading hydro excavation equipment used across North America to help contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently. Alongside Hypervac, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for performance, durability, and real-world industrial application.🌐 www.hypervac.com🌐 www.hyperfab.caThis episode is also proudly supported by our 2026 Roadblock Sponsor, Thunder Bay Hydraulics. Thunder Bay Hydraulics specializes in hydraulic manufacturing, repair, and systems integration supporting industries across Canada. Alongside Thunder Bay Hydraulics, Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions for high-end homes, luxury condos, dealerships, and elite garage spaces, with lift systems so cool they are Bat Cave Ready.🌐 www.thunderbayhydraulics.com🌐 www.atlaselitelifts.comIf you enjoy the show, please take a moment to give these incredible companies some love. Their support helps make powerful conversations like this possible and allows us to continue bringing valuable insights to the business community.Join The Catalyst ClubIf you enjoy conversations like this and want to connect with other entrepreneurs, leaders, and business builders who are focused on real growth, I invite you to join us inside The Catalyst Club.The Catalyst Club is a private leadership community where we host live workshops, expert sessions, and real conversations about business development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth. It’s a room built for people who want to move forward, share ideas, and support one another along the journey of building great businesses and meaningful careers.We are now 80+ members strong and growing, filled with entrepreneurs and leaders who are serious about improving their craft and helping others succeed along the way.If that sounds like the kind of room you want to be in, come join us.🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 323 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy welcomes back entrepreneur, brand strategist, and bestselling author Pia Silva to dive into the philosophy behind her newest book, Scale Solo. Pia shares the story of how building a traditional agency with employees nearly pushed her business into debt and forced her to rethink everything about growth. Instead of chasing the conventional path of hiring more people and increasing overhead, Pia developed a radically different model focused on scaling expertise, increasing value, and designing a lean, highly profitable business that prioritizes freedom and simplicity.Throughout the conversation, Pia breaks down the practical math behind scaling solo, including how to price services based on lifestyle goals, why profitability matters more than revenue, and how experts can dramatically increase income by intensifying their process and focusing on fewer, higher-value clients. She also explains the importance of simplifying offers, building authority through proven processes, and creating businesses that generate real freedom rather than constant stress. The episode is a powerful reminder that growth does not have to mean bigger teams and more complexity—sometimes the smartest way to scale is to do less, better, and more profitably.Key Takeaways: Scaling a business does not always mean hiring more people. For many service businesses, adding employees too early increases complexity and overhead while reducing profitability.Profitability matters more than revenue. A smaller number of highly profitable projects can create far more freedom than chasing large projects with thin margins.Experts should price their services based on the lifestyle they want to support, not just what the market expects or what competitors charge.Many entrepreneurs unintentionally build businesses that look successful on the outside but generate very little take-home income once expenses and payroll are considered.Increasing the perceived and real value of an offer is one of the fastest ways to justify higher pricing and improve business sustainability.Raising prices gradually helps build confidence in your value and prevents the psychological shock that can come from doubling prices overnight.Fewer clients at higher value often lead to better outcomes for both the business and the client because focus and delivery improve dramatically.Simplifying your offers into clear packages, often small, medium, and large, removes confusion for buyers and makes the sales process easier.Entrepreneurs should build relationships and referral networks first rather than relying entirely on social media content to generate early clients.The ultimate goal of business growth should be freedom, the ability to control your time, work on meaningful projects, and design a life that actually reflects why you became an entrepreneur in the first place.Sponsor HighlightsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies. Hypervac designs and manufactures industry-leading hydro excavation equipment used across North America to help contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently. Alongside Hypervac, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for performance, durability, and real-world industrial application.🌐 www.hypervac.com 🌐 www.hyperfab.caThis episode is also proudly supported by our 2026 Roadblock Sponsor, Thunder Bay Hydraulics. Thunder Bay Hydraulics specializes in hydraulic manufacturing, repair, and systems integration supporting industries across Canada. Alongside Thunder Bay Hydraulics, Atlas Elite Lifts delivers premium automotive lift solutions for high-end homes, luxury condos, dealerships, and elite garage spaces, with lift systems so cool they are Bat Cave Ready.🌐 www.thunderbayhydraulics.com 🌐 www.atlaselitelifts.comJoin The Catalyst ClubIf you enjoy conversations like this and want to connect with other entrepreneurs, leaders, and business builders who are focused on real growth, I invite you to join us inside The Catalyst Club.The Catalyst Club is a private leadership community where we host live workshops, expert sessions, and real conversations about business development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth.We are now 80+ members strong and growing, filled with people who are serious about building better businesses and supporting each other along the way.If that sounds like the kind of room you want to be in, come join us.🌐 www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 322 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with entrepreneur, brand strategist, and bestselling author Pia Silva to explore what it really takes to build a brand that stands out and commands premium pricing. Pia shares her journey from hustling hourly design work with her husband to building a powerful branding business after facing a moment of crisis when their agency found itself $40,000 in debt with no cash left. That turning point forced them to rethink everything about how they worked with clients and ultimately led to a revolutionary approach to branding that helps service-based businesses position themselves as premium experts rather than commoditized providers.Throughout the conversation, Pia breaks down the mindset and strategic shifts required to stop blending in and start building a truly differentiated brand. She explains why most entrepreneurs misunderstand branding, how eliminating unnecessary complexity can transform both profitability and freedom, and why compressing work into focused brand intensives can dramatically increase value while eliminating the endless revisions and communication that often derail projects. The episode is a powerful reminder that strong branding is not just about design, it is about positioning, clarity, and the confidence to charge what your expertise is truly worth.Key Takeaways: A strong brand is not just about how your business looks, it is about how clearly you are positioned in the market and why people choose you over everyone else.Pia’s story shows that hitting a breaking point can become the exact moment that forces a smarter, more profitable business model.Many entrepreneurs start by selling their skills hourly, but real growth often happens when they package expertise into a higher value offer.Premium pricing becomes much easier when clients understand your process, trust your expertise, and see a clear outcome attached to your work.Too many businesses blend in because they never take the time to define what makes them different in a meaningful way.Branding should solve a business problem, not just satisfy a creative preference or make something look more modern.Pia’s intensive model proves that simplifying delivery and removing unnecessary back and forth can increase both client value and profitability.Endless revisions, scattered communication, and unclear direction are often the real reasons service businesses lose time, margin, and momentum.Entrepreneurs need to stop chasing every opportunity and start building offers that align with the kind of business and life they actually want.The episode reinforces that confidence, clarity, and a differentiated brand are what allow business owners to stop competing on price and start charging what they are truly worth.Explore Pia Silva’s work and the resources discussed in this episode:Pia Silva Website: https://www.piasilva.com/ No BS Agency Mastery: https://www.nobsmastery.com/Check out Pia’s books featured in this conversation:Badass Your Brand: https://www.badassyourbrand.com/ Scale Solo: https://scalesolobook.com/🎁 Special for listeners of The Business Development Podcast: Get a free copy of Badass Your Brand through Pia’s exclusive listener offer: https://www.nobsagencies.com/businessdevelopmentA powerful thank you to the incredible companies that make The Business Development Podcast possible.Our Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies, led by President Colin Harms, is setting the standard in hydro excavation technology across North America, helping contractors and infrastructure teams excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently. https://www.hypervac.com/Our Roadblock Sponsor, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, led by President Jamie Crozier, delivers trusted hydraulic manufacturing, repair, and systems integration solutions that keep critical industries moving across Canada. https://www.thunderbayhydraulics.com/Our Roadblock Sponsor, Atlas Elite Lifts, brings premium automotive lift solutions to high end homes, luxury condos, dealerships, and elite garage spaces, helping turn dream garages into reality. https://www.atlaselitelifts.com/If you’re looking for the leadership support community you never knew you needed, come join us inside The Catalyst Club. With 80+ members and growing, it’s a room filled with entrepreneurs, leaders, and business builders committed to helping each other move the needle forward.Join The Catalyst Club: https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

Episode 321 of The Business Development Podcast challenges one of the most common myths in business and life: that success is a future moment we eventually arrive at. In this solo episode, Kelly Kennedy reframes success as something far more powerful and accessible. Instead of waiting for a milestone like wealth, recognition, or a big breakthrough, Kelly explains that success is actually a daily pattern built through forward movement, personal standards, and the decision to keep showing up. If you are learning, growing, solving problems, and continuing to move forward, you are already living a successful life.Kelly also shares practical strategies to help listeners live in success today, including keeping your word to yourself, defining your own scoreboard, building standards instead of relying on motivation, and staying in the game even when things get difficult. Through personal stories, real-world examples, and a powerful mindset shift, this episode encourages entrepreneurs and leaders to stop waiting for success to arrive and instead recognize the success they are already building every single day.Key Takeaways: Success is not a moment you arrive at. It’s a pattern of daily actions and standards you live by.If you are consistently moving forward, learning, and improving, you are already living a successful life.Waiting for the world to declare you successful will leave you waiting forever. You must define success for yourself.Real success comes from keeping your commitments to yourself, especially when no one else is watching.Momentum beats intensity. Small actions taken consistently create massive results over time.Motivation fades, but standards last. Successful people operate based on discipline and personal expectations.Growth rarely happens in comfort. Choosing challenges over convenience is what builds capability.Most people don’t fail because they lack ability. They fail because they quit too soon.Gratitude for what you have and ambition for what comes next can exist at the same time.The question to ask every day is simple: “What would the successful version of me do today?” Then take that action.Here is a clean show notes sponsor section that combines both sponsors while keeping it professional and appreciative for the episode page.SponsorsThe Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by incredible companies that believe in the mission of educating, inspiring, and equipping leaders and entrepreneurs around the world.Our Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies, continues to lead the way in industrial vacuum excavation equipment and solutions across North America. Their commitment to innovation, safety, and industry leadership has helped power this show for years. A special thank you to President Colin Harms for his continued support and belief in what we are building together.Learn more about Hypervac Technologies:https://www.hypervac.comWe are also excited to welcome our newest Roadblock Sponsors, Thunder Bay Hydraulics and Atlas Elite Lifts. These companies are doing incredible work in their respective industries. Thunder Bay Hydraulics is known for delivering expert hydraulic system service, repair, and solutions for heavy industry, while Atlas Elite Lifts is raising the bar with innovative automotive lift solutions designed for professional shops that demand reliability, performance, and safety.A big thank you to Jamie Crozier, President of Thunder Bay Hydraulics and Atlas Elite Lifts, for getting behind the show and supporting our mission.Learn more about these companies:Thunder Bay Hydraulics: https://www.thunderbayhydraulics.comAtlas Elite Lifts: https://www.atlaselitelifts.comJoin The Catalyst ClubIf today’s episode resonated with you, then you belong in The Catalyst Club.The Catalyst Club is a private leadership community where entrepreneurs, executives, and business development professionals come together to grow, learn, and support each other’s success. Inside the Club you’ll find live expert workshops, leadership discussions, business development training, and a powerful network of people committed to moving forward every single day.If you’re serious about growth and want to surround yourself with leaders who are building something meaningful, I invite you to join us.Learn more and become a member here: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubSuccess isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you choose and build every day.Mentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 320 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Ron Szekely, Co Founder of BOS360 and a veteran marketing executive who helped scale powerhouse brands like L’Oreal and Keurig Dr Pepper. Ron shares what he learned working inside billion dollar organizations and how those lessons translate to founder led companies navigating growth today. He explains why businesses often become more fragile as they scale, how founders unknowingly become the bottleneck, and why clarity, alignment, and accountability become critical at the next level.Ron also breaks down the core pillars he believes every company must intentionally build business, brand, and team and how strategy, execution, and culture connect them. He offers practical insights into overcoming founder overwhelm, simplifying complexity, and building systems that allow companies to grow sustainably without losing what made them successful in the first place. This episode is a powerful look at what it really takes to scale a business with purpose, control, and long term success.Key Takeaways: Businesses rarely fail when they are small, they break when growth exposes the lack of systems, clarity, and alignment needed to scale.The same entrepreneur with the same product can experience completely different outcomes depending on whether they follow the right systems and best practices.Every company must intentionally build three things at the same time a strong business, a clear brand, and a high performing team.Scaling requires founders to stop holding all the accountability themselves and trust their team to own results, not just tasks.Growth becomes easier when leadership aligns on a clear vision for where the company is going over the next 10 years, 3 years, 1 year, and quarter.Your brand is not your logo, it is the reputation, expectations, and experience you consistently create in the market.Many companies struggle because they try to pursue too many opportunities instead of focusing on the few that truly move the needle.You can grow a business faster by increasing how often existing customers use your product, not just by finding new customers.Overwhelm comes from noise and lack of clarity, and taking time to think, write, and prioritize helps founders regain control.The companies that scale successfully simplify their operations, clarify accountability, and build systems that allow the business to run beyond the founder.Check out our guest Ron SzekelyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rszekely/BOS360 Growth Systems: https://bos360.caRon is the Co Founder of BOS360, a business operating system designed to help founder led companies build stronger businesses, brands, and teams.A huge thank you to our sponsors for making The Business Development Podcast possible. 🙏Title Sponsor: Hypervac Technologies and Hyperfabhttps://www.hypervac.comHypervac Technologies is a North American leader in hydro excavation and vacuum equipment, manufacturing industry leading solutions that support critical infrastructure, utilities, and construction. Hyperfab, their in house fabrication division, brings precision engineering and manufacturing expertise to every build. ⚙️Roadblock Sponsor: Thunder Bay Hydraulicshttps://www.thunderbayhydraulics.comThunder Bay Hydraulics specializes in hydraulic cylinder repair, manufacturing, and precision machining, supporting heavy industry with reliable, high performance hydraulic solutions across North America. 🛠️Special thank you to Colin Harms and Jamie Crozier. Give them a follow and show them some love for supporting this show. It means the world and helps us continue bringing these conversations to you. 🤝If you like The Business Development Podcast, you belong with us.The Catalyst Club is where founders and leaders from across Canada and the US connect, learn, and build together through live events and real conversations.Join here:https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubIf you know, you’re known. 🔥Mentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 319 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jamie Crozier, an entrepreneur who did something most people only dream about. He bought the company he once worked for. Jamie shares his journey from stocking shelves at a dollar store to building his career in industrial sales, eventually acquiring Thunder Bay Hydraulics and expanding through the acquisition of Custom Hydraulics and the founding of Atlas Elite Lifts. His story is a powerful reminder that ownership is not about where you start, but about the moment you decide to bet on yourself and step into uncertainty. This episode dives deep into the realities of acquisition, the emotional weight of taking over a legacy business, and the resilience required to build and scale manufacturing companies in Canada during a time of tariffs, competition, and global uncertainty. Jamie also shares his innovative approach to transparency in service businesses and his vision for building premium, design-driven lift solutions across North America. This is a conversation about risk, responsibility, and the identity shift that happens when you stop working for someone else’s future and start building your own.Key Takeaways: Ownership starts as an identity decision before it becomes a legal one.If you are going to be an entrepreneur, you have to get comfortable accepting risk and believing in yourself when everything depends on you.When acquiring a business, build your own relationships with your bank, accountant, and lawyer because those relationships will carry you through the process.Vendor take back financing can make acquisitions possible by aligning the seller with the future success of the business.Trust and personal relationships matter more than numbers because without trust, the deal will not happen or succeed.Buying a competitor requires patience, respect, and confidentiality because pushing too hard can destroy the opportunity.The emotional commitment to ownership begins before the deal closes, and the fear of losing the opportunity can be as powerful as the responsibility itself.Starting a company from nothing is far harder than buying one because you must build reputation, customers, and trust from zero.Transparency with customers during difficult times strengthens relationships and turns challenges into partnerships.Great companies differentiate themselves by solving real customer problems and making the experience easier, clearer, and faster.Check out Thunder Bay Hydraulics and learn more about the incredible work Jamie and his team are doing: https://thunderbayhydraulics.comLearn more about Custom Hydraulics: https://customhydraulics.comExplore Atlas Elite Lifts and their premium automotive lift solutions: https://www.atlaselitelifts.com/You can also connect with Jamie directly at jcrozier@thunderbayhydraulics.com and follow Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-crozier-128177104/The Business Development Podcast is proudly brought to you by our Title Sponsors, Hypervac Technologies and Hyperfab, and by a man who has been instrumental in supporting this show and the mission behind it, Colin Harms.Hypervac Technologies is a world class Canadian manufacturer, building industry leading hydrovac equipment that is trusted across North America and beyond. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence represents the very best of Canadian manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Learn more about Hypervac Technologies at www.hypervac.comHyperfab stands alongside them as a leader in custom fabrication, turning complex challenges into precision built solutions and proving every day that Canadian companies can compete and win on the global stage.And behind it all is Colin Harms, a leader who believes deeply in people, in business, and in building something that matters. Colin’s belief in this podcast has helped make these conversations possible and has helped us reach leaders around the world.You can follow Colin Harms and connect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-harms-03a27625/Hypervac, Hyperfab, and Colin, thank you for your continued partnership and for helping elevate the business development community.Join The Catalyst Club: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In Episode 318 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jemia and Tim Zagiel, Co-Founders of Pacific Ropes, to explore what it truly means to build a business in an environment where courage is not optional. What began as a small operation run from their living room grew into an industry-leading rope access company that helped modernize safety and training standards across Western Canada. Tim shares how his early experiences working on ropes without proper systems sparked a mission to professionalize the industry, while Jemia reveals how her transition from film into entrepreneurship helped shape the culture, operations, and leadership foundation that drives the company today.This episode goes far beyond rope access and into the mindset required to lead through uncertainty, fear, and constant external change. Jemia and Tim open up about surviving economic downturns, learning not to rely on a single client or industry, and the importance of diversification, relationships, and long-term thinking. At its core, Episode 318 is a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, partnership, and the defining moments every leader faces when standing at the edge of the unknown and choosing to move forward anyway.Learn more about Tim and Jemia and their work with Pacific Ropes: www.pacificropes.comKey Takeaways: The moment before you go over the edge is where growth lives, and success often requires committing fully despite fear.Safety, preparation, and mindset are what allow people to operate confidently in environments where mistakes are not survivable.Building an industry does not require inventing everything yourself, it requires learning from others and bringing proven ideas into your market.You cannot build a resilient business with a single client or industry, diversification is what allows you to survive external shocks.Culture is built on trust and shared responsibility, especially when your team’s lives depend on each other every day.Mindset is the foundation of resilience, and the ability to stay calm and find solutions during uncertainty determines long term survival.The best leaders are willing to ask for help and continuously learn, rather than pretending they already have all the answers.Partnership strength comes from respecting differences, where vision and caution work together to create sustainable growth.Fear never fully disappears, but learning to act despite fear is what separates those who build meaningful things.Success in business and life requires intentional boundaries, because achievement means nothing if you lose yourself or your family along the way.Special thank you to our 2026 Title Sponsors, Hypervac Technologies and Hyperfab.Hypervac continues to set the standard across North America for air excavation, bringing innovation, safety, and precision to some of the most demanding infrastructure projects in the world. Alongside them, Hyperfab represents the next generation of manufacturing excellence, delivering world-class fabrication built on the same commitment to quality and forward thinking leadership.These companies are not just sponsors of the show. They are builders of the business community and strong believers in the power of entrepreneurship, leadership, and growth.Learn more about Hypervac Technologies at www.hypervac.comLearn more about Hyperfab at www.hyperfab.caLast but not least, join The Catalyst Club.The Catalyst Club is my private leadership community for founders, business developers, and growth minded professionals who are serious about building, growing, and moving forward. It is a trusted room where real relationships are built, ideas are shared openly, and members support each other through the challenges that come with leadership.If you are ready to surround yourself with people who understand the journey, I invite you to join us.If you know, you’re known.Join The Catalyst Club: https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

Episode 317 is a three year anniversary reflection on what it actually takes to build something that lasts. Kelly shares how impossible 300 plus episodes felt at the beginning, how the early days were full of uncertainty and scrambling for guests, and how planning ahead became the foundation that made consistency possible. He breaks down how podcasting and entrepreneurship change you, why growth comes from staying in motion, and why the further you go, the more you realize you still have to learn.He then delivers ten hard-earned lessons that apply to podcasting, personal branding, and building a business: share what you are afraid to share, lean into your unique perspective, expect your impact to outgrow your imagination, and commit to routines that keep you showing up. Kelly also talks about rituals and habits that make a show yours, why listener messages matter more than you think, and why your show is never “good enough” if you want it to keep improving. He closes with gratitude for the Rockstars, a major shoutout to Hypervac Technologies and Hyperfab for supporting the mission, and an update on the upcoming launch of I Used To Work There.Submit a story for I Used To Work There: HR@IUSEDTOWORKTHERE.comKey Takeaways: The world needs what you are afraid to share, and the moment you step into that fear is the moment your real impact begins.Your unique experience is your greatest asset, and it is not about why you should do it, but why the world is waiting for you to.Your impact will grow far beyond what you can imagine if you stay consistent and keep putting your message out into the world.Showing up every week will reveal strengths, capabilities, and growth you never would have discovered otherwise.Building something consistently will naturally build your personal brand, even when that was never the original goal.Your podcast, your business, and your identity will evolve over time, and that evolution is proof that you are growing.The habits and rituals you create around your work become the foundation that makes long term consistency possible.The messages you receive from the people you help will remind you why you started and give you the fuel to keep going.Consistency is not accidental, it is the result of planning, preparation, and making the decision to show up no matter what.Your work will never be finished, and staying humble, improving constantly, and refusing to settle is what keeps you moving forward.This episode is proudly brought to you by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies, and I want to take a very special moment to recognize the man behind it all, Colin Harms.Colin, your belief in this show means more than you know. You didn’t just sponsor The Business Development Podcast, you invested in the mission. You invested in the Rockstars. You invested in the idea that business development knowledge should be shared freely with the world, and because of that, this show continues to grow, evolve, and reach leaders in over 150 countries.Hypervac Technologies is North America’s leading manufacturer of industrial vacuum trucks, setting the standard for performance, reliability, and innovation across the industries that keep our world moving. And now, with the launch of Hyperfab, they are bringing that same world-class excellence to custom fabrication, laser cutting, and precision welding right here in Alberta. Hyperfab is built for companies that demand the highest quality, the highest standards, and partners they can trust to deliver.Colin, thank you for standing beside this show. Thank you for believing in what we are building. And thank you for helping make the next chapter of The Business Development Podcast possible.To learn more about Hypervac Technologies and Hyperfab, visit www.hypervac.com.And if you are ready to take these lessons and apply them alongside a community of driven leaders, join us inside The Catalyst Club, where business development leaders from around the world come together to grow, learn, and support each other every single week. You can join us at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub.Mentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

Episode 316 of The Business Development Podcast features Aaron Lambert, mining technology innovator and founder of RIINO, a company developing a modular electric rail haulage system designed to transform how mines move rock, equipment, and eventually people. Aaron takes us deep into modern mining, explaining how underground operations have evolved, why development has become slower and more expensive over time, and how safety, logistics, and economics are constantly in tension.We then explore the RIINO breakthrough. Aaron explains why moving rock is one of the most expensive parts of mining, why rail is the most energy efficient method of transport, and how RIINO is engineering a hybrid electric system capable of operating on incline while integrating both grid power and onboard batteries. He also shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building deep tech from scratch, collaborating with industry leaders, navigating funding and grants, and pushing forward through uncertainty to turn a bold idea into a real world pilot with global potential.Check out this incredible mining technology! www.riino.comKey Takeaways: Mining becomes a completely different world once you are inside it, with its own language, realities, and way of operating.Modern mining is safer than decades ago, but underground work is still dangerous and seismic events can happen without warning.The way mines are built is shaped by the tools available, and bigger equipment often forces bigger tunnels, more ground support, and higher costs.In some regions, mines were being developed faster 20 years ago because smaller equipment and smaller tunnels allowed quicker progress.Mining is fundamentally a logistics game, and moving rock is one of the most expensive parts of the entire operation.Rail is the most efficient means of transportation for heavy material, which is why RIINO is built around electric rail haulage.RIINO is combining proven tech from outside mining, like electrified transit concepts, and adapting it to mine conditions with a system that can climb inclines using traction solutions beyond steel on steel.If you are building something that has never been done, there is no single right answer, and the product you start with will not be the product you finish with.The real path of entrepreneurship is not linear, and the only way through is one step at a time, adapting constantly, and not quitting when the plan changes.Big innovations require deep collaboration, a support network, and partners who believe in the purpose and help shape the system so it actually works in the real world.This episode is proudly brought to you by Hypervac Technologies, North America’s leading vacuum truck manufacturer.Hypervac doesn’t just build equipment. They engineer performance that professionals trust when uptime and precision matter most. Designed and manufactured for rugged job sites across utilities, infrastructure, oil and gas, and industrial sectors, Hypervac trucks deliver durability, power, and reliability operators depend on every single day.And now, their new division Hyperfab is expanding their impact even further. From laser cutting to expert fabrication and welding, Hyperfab can handle your fabrication needs with the same commitment to quality and performance that defines the Hypervac name.Hyperfab is coming to Southern Alberta.To learn more about industry leading vacuum solutions and fabrication expertise, visit www.hypervac.com.Leadership is lonely. It does not have to be.If you are serious about growth, accountability, and surrounding yourself with driven entrepreneurs who actually execute, join us inside The Catalyst Club.Workshops. Live sessions. Real conversations. Real momentum.Just $29 CAD per month. Month to month. No long-term commitment.If you know, you’re known.👉 Join now: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

Episode 315 dives into a conversation Canada needs to be having right now. Erin Benjamin, President and CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, breaks down why live music is one of the most powerful and misunderstood economic engines in the country. This episode goes far beyond concerts and culture, unpacking how live music fuels jobs, tourism, talent attraction, and city growth, while contributing billions to Canada’s GDP. Despite its impact, the industry remains largely undervalued and underinvested, not because it lacks potential, but because business and policy have failed to fully recognize what’s already working.Drawing from more than three decades in the music industry, Erin Benjamin explains what it will take to unlock the next phase of growth and why Canada is standing at a critical inflection point. From de-risking promoters and venues to integrating live music into economic development and tourism strategies, this episode makes a compelling case for why now is the moment to act. If Canada wants stronger cities, better talent retention, and globally competitive cultural industries, this conversation makes it clear that investing in live music isn’t optional anymore, it’s strategic.Rockstars, I just want to say thank you. Three years ago, this show started as an idea and a conversation I felt needed to exist. Today, it exists because you kept showing up, listening, sharing, challenging ideas, and supporting the journey week after week. Your support has turned this podcast into a global community, and I’m incredibly grateful for every download, every message, every conversation sparked because of it.Here’s to the last three years of growth, learning, and momentum and to what we’re building next. If you’ve been here since day one or you just joined us recently, know this: this show doesn’t happen without you. Appreciate you all more than you know. 🔥🎙️Key Takeaways: Live music is not just entertainment, it is a serious economic engine driving jobs, tourism, and city growth across Canada.Canada’s live music industry generates billions in GDP and supports over one hundred thousand jobs, yet it remains largely undervalued and underinvested.The biggest missed opportunity is not talent or demand, it is the lack of coordinated policy and business investment supporting live music infrastructure.Venues, promoters, and festivals are the backbone of the industry, and without protecting this infrastructure, artist development and touring collapse.De-risking live music is not about bailouts, it is about enabling smart growth and allowing promoters to take calculated chances on emerging talent.Live music plays a critical role in attracting and retaining talent, making cities more competitive places to live, work, and build businesses.Music tourism is one of Canada’s most underleveraged advantages and has the potential to scale economic impact far beyond ticket sales.COVID exposed how fragile the live music ecosystem was, but it also proved what is possible when government, business, and industry align.Business leaders have far more to gain from supporting live music than they realize, from brand alignment to employee experience to city vitality.As Erin Benjamin makes clear, Canada is standing at a moment where investing in live music is no longer cultural support, it is a strategic economic decision.Organizations & Partners Mentioned in This EpisodeThis conversation would not be possible without the organizations and leaders doing the real work behind Canada’s live music ecosystem. We’re grateful to highlight the groups Erin referenced throughout the episode and the impact they continue to make across the country.The Canadian Live Music Association is the national voice representing Canada’s live music infrastructure, including venues, promoters, festivals, and suppliers. Their advocacy and leadership have helped reshape how governments understand the economic, cultural, and social value of live music in Canada. https://www.canadianlivemusic.caThe Hear and Now initiative delivered the first-ever comprehensive economic impact study of Canada’s live music industry, fundamentally changing the national conversation around music as an economic driver. https://www.canadianlivemusic.ca/economic-impact-assessmentThe Canada Music Fund, administered by the Government of Canada, played a critical role in delivering historic first-time support to the live music sector, helping stabilize venues and promoters during an unprecedented period of disruption. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/music-fund.htmlFolk Canada continues to support artists, festivals, and presenters nationwide, helping develop sustainable pathways for Canadian music and live performance from the grassroots up. https://www.folkcanada.comThe National Music Centre in Calgary preserves, celebrates, and amplifies Canada’s musical heritage while serving as a hub for education, performance, and innovation within the industry. https://www.studiobell.caThe Music Cities Events team is bringing the Music Cities Convention to Calgary, creating an important platform for city builders, policymakers, and industry leaders to collaborate on the future of music-driven urban development. https://www.musiccitiesevents.com https://www.musiccitiesevents.com/alberta-mcc-2026West Anthem is helping advance music city strategies across Alberta, connecting municipalities, industry leaders, and cultural institutions to strengthen regional music ecosystems. https://www.westanthem.comA special thank you to Jake Gold for making the introduction and for his continued leadership through The Management Trust. When Jake connects people, it’s always with intention and impact. https://mgmtrust.caAnd finally, thank you to our title sponsor Hypervac Technologies for their nonstop support of The Business Development Podcast. Their commitment to meaningful conversations, Canadian leadership, and long-term thinking makes episodes like this possible. https://www.hypervac.comMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

Episode 314 features Adam Danyleyko from AMII (the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) breaking down what AMII actually does and how they help organizations move from AI curiosity to real adoption. Adam explains AMII’s foundation in world class research and how the institute translates that research into industry impact by supporting everyone from startups to large corporations through training, shared AI language inside teams, roadmap building, and hands on proof of concept work.The real lesson of the episode is that adapting to AI starts with clarity, not hype. Adam walks through how the “right tool for the problem” mindset changes everything, why data strategy matters especially for startups, and why AI projects often require experimentation with no guaranteed outcome the way a typical software build might. He also touches on where AI is headed next through more efficient models, edge computing, and practical real world constraints, plus how AMII screens work through a principled AI lens focused on impact, fairness, and responsible use.Additional note: This episode also marks three years of The Business Development Podcast.Follow Adam Danyleyko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-danyleyko/ Learn more about AMII: https://www.amii.caKey Takeaways: AI is not a strategy on its own; it only works when it supports a clearly defined business problem.Starting with the tool instead of the bottleneck almost always leads to wasted time and stalled initiatives.Businesses need a shared AI language internally before they can successfully adopt or scale it.Data readiness matters more than model choice when it comes to real-world AI outcomes.AI projects often require experimentation, iteration, and learning rather than guaranteed deliverables.The right AI solution depends on context, constraints, and environment, not what is trending.Building internal capability is more sustainable than outsourcing all AI decision-making.Responsible AI requires intentional choices around fairness, impact, and long-term use.AI works best as an amplifier of good processes, not a fix for broken ones.Organizations that adapt to AI successfully treat it as infrastructure, not a magic product.This episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly sponsored by Hypervac Technologies and Hyperfab, our 2026 Title Sponsors. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support of the show and the work they do building world-class industrial solutions right here in Canada. Hypervac and Hyperfab represent innovation, reliability, and execution at the highest level, and we genuinely appreciate them being part of this journey.If you’re in the industrial space, we highly encourage you to check them out at www.hypervac.com.If you’re the kind of Rockstar who wants more from your circle, more from your conversations, and more from your leadership journey, we want you inside The Catalyst Club.Inside the Club, you’ll get 4–5 live events every month, a private leadership community, curated resources, the Rockstar Marketplace, Catalyst GPT, and access to leaders who actually show up and engage. This is the leadership community you’ll want to talk about.Join us at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubMentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll

In episode 313, Kelly shares a hard lesson from a time he tried to “help” a client by booking a series of account management meetings he was not going to attend. The introductions were easy because the trust and credibility were already built, and the prospects said yes because of Kelly’s relationship with them. But once the client missed one meeting, then another, Kelly realized the damage was landing on his name, not theirs. Instead of doing business development, he found himself apologizing, rescheduling, and working to repair relationships that took years to earn.The core message is simple and sharp: if you are not accountable for the outcome, you should not be booking the meeting. Kelly breaks down exactly what went wrong and how quickly credibility can be spent when you put yourself in the middle of a process you do not control. He closes with clear principles to protect your reputation: only book what you are willing to own, control the first impression, treat your network like equity, remove yourself as the middleman, and ensure accountability before opening doors.Key Takeaways:If your name is on the meeting, you are accountable for the outcome whether you attend or not.Credibility is currency in business development and every introduction spends a little of it.Never book meetings you cannot personally control or confidently stand behind.Acting as the middleman without authority puts all the risk on you and none of the control.First impressions set the tone for the entire relationship so be present to guide them.Good intentions do not protect your reputation. Boundaries do.Relationships built over years can be damaged quickly by missed expectations.Accountability must exist before opportunity or you are gambling with trust.Your network is equity, not loose change. Treat every intro like it costs something.Protecting your reputation is more important than trying to help or say yes to everything.This episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies, North America’s leading manufacturer of industrial vacuum and hydro excavation trucks. If you are looking for world class equipment built for performance, reliability, and the toughest job sites, check them out at www.hypervac.com and see why so many companies trust Hypervac to power their operations.Got a wild, funny, unbelievable, or unforgettable story from your time at work? Submit your story to I Used To Work There and you might be featured on the show. Email us at hr@IUsedToWorkThere.com and we’ll send you the quick intake form and recording options. We review every submission and would love to hear yours.If you want to connect more directly, ask questions, and grow alongside other driven leaders, join The Catalyst Club. It’s Kelly Kennedy’s private leadership and business development community built for leaders by leaders, with live sessions, practical resources, and real conversations that help you move the needle every week. Learn more at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub.Mentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll