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Behind the Business is presented by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Gore Mutual, this podcast features weekly episodes hosted by Ian McLean, President and CEO of the Greater KW Chamber.
It is recorded on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee, peoples.
Each week Ian sits down for candid conversations, taking listeners beyond the boardroom and Behind the Business to uncover the real stories within Waterloo Region’s business community.
From innovation and sustainability to leadership and community impact, each guest offers invaluable perspectives and inspiring journeys. Discover what drives their ambition, and WHO is fueling the future of Waterloo Region’s success.
Join us as we go Behind the Business!
100 Episodes
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Dorothy McCabe, elected Mayor of Waterloo in 2022, brings decades of municipal experience and community-focused leadership to City Hall. In this episode we go behind the business of running a city — from the early career moments that shaped her, to the hands-on decisions that produce visible outcomes for residents. Dorothy discusses housing and growth, partnerships with post-secondary institutions and business, how leaders learn from setbacks, and the practical habits that keep her grounded.&...
In this episode of Behind the Business, we sit down with Andy Taylor, President & CEO of Gore Mutual Insurance Company, and Neil Parkinson, Chair of Gore’s Board of Directors. Built on a foundation of financial strength for more than 180 years, Gore is one of Canada’s first property and casualty insurance companies. They are deeply rooted in community and are driving bold change with their intention to merge with Beneva, bringing together two well established, financially strong, trusted ...
Today’s guest is John Thomas, CEO of Connect Airlines, a company on a mission to rethink regional aviation and lead the way in sustainable air travel. With a career that spans global airlines, startup ventures and bold innovation, John brings a unique perspective on leadership, infrastructure, and what it takes to build connectivity in today’s fast‑changing world. In this episode we’ll explore John’s journey from large carriers to launching his own operation, the vision for Connect Airlines, ...
Ronjiny Basu is the founder of Puddles Swim School in Kitchener, a program dedicated to helping children develop confidence, safety, and joy in the water. After years in corporate program management and marketing, Ronjiny followed her passion to create a high-impact, safety-focused swim school that combines Montessori-inspired teaching with sensory-friendly design. In this episode, we go behind the business to hear how she built Puddles from the ground up, how she leads a small but mission-dr...
Shawna Leifso and Greg Quaile, the husband-and-wife team behind Subtly You, have built a medical aesthetics business that stands out through creativity, community engagement, and personalized client experiences. In this episode of Behind the Business, we explore how they combine clinical expertise with smart marketing strategies to grow a thriving business while staying authentic. Tune in to hear how Shawna and Greg leverage partnerships, innovative campaigns, and hands-on community involveme...
Karen Gallant is the President and CEO of Junior Achievement JA South Western Ontario on, one of Canada’s most impactful youth organizations helping students develop financial literacy, entrepreneurial thinking, and work-readiness skills. Under her leadership, JA has expanded across the region, embraced digital learning, and continues to inspire young people to take ownership of their futures. We’ll talk about the importance of financial literacy, inspiring the next generation of innov...
Precious Julius, founder of Last Minute Gallery, is transforming how Waterloo Region experiences art. What began as a passion project has grown into a vibrant, award-winning platform that celebrates emerging artists, fosters collaboration, and brings art directly into the community through immersive, hands-on events. In this episode, Precious shares the journey of building Last Minute Gallery, the inspiration behind The Art Experience, and how he connects artists with audiences in meaningful ...
Vanessa Simon is the founder of Vanessa’s Cuisine. She made a bold career change from nursing to entrepreneurship, creating a Caribbean-rooted food brand that’s now featured on store shelves across Waterloo Region. Along the way, Vanessa has built strong community connections, earned the 2025 Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award (community-voted), and used her platform to inspire women and young entrepreneurs. Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, Presiden...
Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready. Today, we’re sitting down with Nicholas Preisenhammer of Gladiator Pro Wash. What s...
Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready. Today, we’re sitting down with Dimitrios Tsirgielis of Silver Cross Kitchener. What...
Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready. Today, we’re sitting down with Destiny Moser, Founder & Executive Chef of FoodZ...
Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready. Today, we’re sitting down with Bruce Ysselstein (Eyes-el-stein) of The WAR Ro...
As we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution and getting your business ready. Today, we’re sitting down with Paul Brosnan of Atum Financial Services. After over two decades working in corporate finance across industries like manufa...
Born in Croatia and raised right here in Kitchener, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has dedicated over three decades to public service. First, as a city councillor, and now serving his third term as Mayor. His leadership has helped shape Kitchener into the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive city it is today. In this episode, we’ll go behind the business of city building, exploring what drives his vision for Kitchener’s growth, how we’re preparing for a population of one million, and what’s ahead in his...
Amy Ballantyne is a multiple TEDx Speaker, Executive Life Coach, Workplace Wellness & Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Certified Trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programing, and Hypnosis, author of “Celebrate Yourself” and host of the podcast: Power to the People Pleasers. Her whole-person coaching approach serves executives, professionals and entrepreneurs to break through their barriers and excel to new heights. On this episode, Amy talks about Embracing Worthiness and how she helps leaders l...
Mark Bingeman is the President and CEO of Bingemans, a family-owned entertainment, hospitality, and event destination in Waterloo Region. After studying hospitality internationally and gaining experience with major hotel brands, Mark returned to lead the business founded by his grandfather. Under his leadership, Bingemans has evolved into a modern, multi-faceted destination, offering waterparks, live events, and innovative experiences like Putt Social. Tune in to hear Mark share his journey s...
Jim Estill of Danby Appliances is a Canadian technology entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. Jim started a computer distribution business from the trunk of his car while in university. He turned that modest business into a company doing $350,000,000 in sales before selling to SYNNEX in 2004. He then became CEO of SYNNEX Canada and grew sales from $800,000,000 to $2 Billion over five years. Jim is active on various boards and was a founding board member of Research in Motion/Blackberry,...
Abby Cooper is the Founder of Hearts Open For Everyone (H.O.P.E.). Abby immigrated as a young child from Sri Lanka and, after spending some time in Toronto, she settled in Elmira, where she launched H.O.P.E. Her work blends mindfulness, community engagement, DEI education, and grassroots activism. On this episode, she talks about what inspired her to launch H.O.P.E., and how mindfulness, leadership, and community building all come together in her work. We’ll talk about the impact of events li...
In this episode of Behind the Business, Ian McLean sits down with Lucia Harrison, CEO of the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, to explore what it takes to build a truly inclusive community. From her own immigrant story to her leadership at one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits, Lucia shares insights into the challenges newcomers face, the importance of community placemaking, and how cross-sector partnerships can create meaningful change. Lucia also previews this year’s KW Mult...
In this episode, our CEO Ian Mclean sits down with Suzie Taka is the Executive Director of Spectrum. She has been a dedicated community organizer and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate in Waterloo Region for over a decade. She has extensive experience in the non-profit and public sectors, most recently as part of the Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team at the Region of Waterloo. Suzie brings a strong background in stakeholder and government relations, community engagement, communication...
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