The Leadership Standard

Tune in to this latest episode of the Leadership Standard podcast and join host Jamie Mason Cohen, as he sits down with Erica Ehm, a renowned television host and entrepreneur. Erica's journey in the music industry began in high school, writing for her local newspaper, eventually leading to positions at CityTV and MuchMusic, where she became a prominent figure in live music television. Learn how Erica's persistence and willingness to ask for opportunities shaped her career, leading to the founding of Yummy Mummy Club, an online platform addressing modern motherhood challenges.

Despite being an introvert, Erica's passion for connecting with others shines through as she discusses her approach to creating meaningful content and engaging with her audience. Through authenticity and vulnerability, Erica emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself in both personal and professional endeavors. In part two of the interview, Erica dives into her interviewing techniques, reflecting on her viral interview with Kurt Cobain and sharing insights on empathetic leadership styles.

Join Erica as she recalls memorable encounters with musicians, from positive experiences with Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon to challenging interactions with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Looking ahead, Erica shares her excitement about her upcoming book, exploring themes of dystopia and technology while drawing from personal experiences and reflections on society. Don't miss this insightful conversation on persistence, authenticity, and purpose in navigating entrepreneurship and personal growth.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

1. Introduction and Background of Erica Ehm Jamie Mason Cohen introduces Erica Ehm, detailing her diverse career from a pioneering MuchMusic VJ to the host of "The Yummy Mummy."

Erica’s First Steps into the Music Industry Erica recounts her early foray into the music business, from her teen column in a local newspaper to securing her first music industry job.

Transition to Television and Entrepreneurship The conversation shifts to how Erica transitioned from music to television and then to entrepreneurship, highlighting her initiative and determination.

Creating Yummy Mummy Club and Embracing Motherhood Erica discusses founding the Yummy Mummy Club, addressing the realities and challenges of modern motherhood and fostering a community for shared experiences.

Leadership and Personal Growth Insights into leadership, the significance of persistence, and personal growth through Erica's entrepreneurial journey with the Yummy Mummy Club.

Interview Skills and Empathy Erica shares her approach to conducting interviews, focusing on empathy and active listening, illustrated by her notable interview with Kurt Cobain.

Facing and Overcoming Challenges A candid discussion about overcoming personal and professional hurdles, including Erica's resilience in rebuilding and selling her company.

Future Projects and Aspirations Erica reflects on future endeavors, specifically her ambition to complete a dystopian novel exploring themes of disinformation, technology, and mental health.

Welcome to a no-nonsense exploration of leadership essentials on this episode of The Leadership Standard Podcast. Host, Jamie Mason Cohen, dives into the intricate world of leadership, human behaviour, and the often-overlooked power of regret with the brilliant mind, Daniel Pink. In this candid conversation, Daniel Pink, celebrated #1 New York Times bestselling author and speaker, pulls back the curtain on leadership dynamics, offering practical insights that cut through the noise.

Throughout Daniel Pink and Jason Mason Cohen's discussion, this episode challenges conventional thinking and invites you to consider leadership in a new light, exploring how to harness the power of regret as a catalyst for positive change and growth. It's a captivating conversation that promises to inspire and equip you for leadership success. No fluff—just a straightforward exploration that has the power to reshape the way you approach leadership and navigate the intricacies of human dynamics. Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:01:06] Sales Evolution

In this segment, podcast host Jamie Mason Cohen talks with bestselling author Daniel Pink about the changing landscape of sales. They discuss the shift from solving to finding problems in the era of information parity and the importance of developing the skill of problem-finding.

[00:01:58] Problem-Finding Techniques

Our guest explores the art of problem-finding in a world of information parity. He discusses tactics like the "five whys" method and engaging in conversations to uncover business problems that may be overlooked.

[00:05:41] Employee Motivation

The conversation shifts to Daniel Pink's book "Drive," which focuses on motivation. The author emphasizes that motivation is self-driven and discusses the ABCs of motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—as well as creating an environment that fosters intrinsic motivation.

[00:06:42] Motivation Design Principles

Daniel Pink outlines essential design principles for motivation, highlighting fair compensation as a baseline. He explores autonomy, mastery, and purpose as critical elements in creating an environment where individuals can motivate themselves.

[00:08:40] The Power of Regret

Discussing Pink's latest work, "The Power of Regret," the conversation centers on reframing societal attitudes toward regret. Pink provides insights from his research, challenging the myth of "no regrets" and exploring the transformative nature of acknowledging and learning from regrets.

[00:08:55] Challenging the Myth of No Regrets

Daniel Pink challenges the notion of living without regrets, drawing on scientific research to emphasize that regrets are a universal aspect of the human experience. This challenges the cultural narrative encouraging constant positivity.

[00:10:58] Regret as a Transformative Emotion

The author explores the transformative potential of regret when approached correctly, arguing that it can be a powerful tool for personal development. Confronting and analyzing regrets can lead to valuable lessons and personal growth.

[00:19:31] Learning from Regrets and Moving Forward

Discussing the tendency to overestimate risks, leading to missed opportunities and regrets, the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author emphasizes learning from regrets and adjusting risk assessments. This allows for more informed and courageous choices, promoting personal growth.

[00:22:41] Normalizing Emotions and Giving Permission

Daniel Pink emphasizes normalizing the emotion of regret. Instead of suppressing or dwelling on regrets, individuals should give themselves permission to reflect, extract lessons, and formulate plans for future actions.

• 00:00 – Jamie Mason Cohen dives into a conversation with James Whitehouse—uncovering how James’ unique journey led him to run an educational institution as a business and also the growth it has brought him as a leader.
• 00:05:00 James discusses the skills, attributes, and approaches that young girls, like his daughter and his students, will need for the future of work.
• 00:10:00 James stresses the importance of teaching conflict resolution and emotional coaching to both students and adults. He shares how Elmwood School—an independent day school for girls located in Ottawa, teaching girls from pre-kindergarten to grade 12—has implemented emotional coaching for teachers, emphasizing that conflict can lead to growth.
• 00:20:00 James emphasizes the vital role of students’ mental wellness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting socialization gaps and the need for community support. He credits his mentors—including his TEC Chair, Tim Redpath, and his late father— for teaching him valuable lessons, including taking things one step at a time, embracing simplicity for effective outcomes, and trusting gut feelings. These lessons, he emphasizes, are crucial for leadership in the business world, too.
• 00:25:00  James stresses the importance of trusting intuition by making mistakes and learning from failures. He advocates taking risks to develop informed gut instincts. Additionally, he highlights the significance of not tolerating poor behaviour, emphasizing that addressing it is vital for shaping a healthy environment in classrooms, workplaces, and other settings.
• 00:35:00  James reflects on the challenges of running education as a business. Initially hesitant, he embraced the business approach for delivering quality education. Becoming a TEC Canada member, he learned from business leaders, transitioning to a higher leadership perspective, focusing on team empowerment. Understanding business metrics and organizational aspects was vital for his growth. Despite leadership’s loneliness, he finds support as a TEC Canada member, valuing a space for advice.
• 00:50:00  James stresses female leadership’s impact, citing Angela Merkel and his mother as inspirations for their belief, forgiveness, and understanding of complexities. He advocates diverse role models for students, fostering varied perspectives. James wishes for inclusive, safe educational environments enabling self-development and world-changing opportunities for all children. He emphasizes the need for higher education standards, underscoring leaders’ role in setting examples with kindness and respect.
• 00:55:00 Jamie Mason Cohen admires Whitehouse’s leadership at Elmwood, hoping his daughter can receive a similar education. Whitehouse encourages hope for inclusive education systems. The episode concludes, emphasizing leaders are made, not born, and invites subscriptions for more insights from diverse fields.

__________________________________ ✅ Click here to learn more about TEC Canada: https://bit.ly/467owFU

Brewing Success: Jamie Schreder's Journey in Real Estate, Craft Beer, and Leadership In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, Gair Maxwell sits down with Jamie Schreder, President and Co-Owner of Royal Lepage Wolstencroft Realty and Co-Founder of Camp Beer Co. Jamie Schreder’s impressive career in both the real estate and craft beer industries highlights his unique blend of business expertise, leadership skills, and innovative thinking—and his ability to thrive in diverse fields is a testament to his adaptability and determination to succeed.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell chats with Zahrah Al-Harazi—Co-founder of MySkillit.com, bestselling author of “What It Takes”, TEDx speaker, and international speaker.

A survivor of two civil wars, Al-Harazi immigrated to Canada with her three children in 1996. She had no higher education or connections and very little understanding of the business world, but her entrepreneurial spirit quickly led her to start her first company Foundry Communications, an internationally recognized Canadian creative powerhouse.

Zahra has been named one of Canada’s most powerful women among numerous other accolades including Top 40 Under 40 and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

With a specialty in understanding the complexities required for building an intelligent, talented, multi-generational workforce, Zahra Al-Harazi draws on her experience as a refugee, immigrant, entrepreneur and community builder to lead organizations to success.

Tune into this unforgettable conversation below.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell chats with guests Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil of Respect Group Inc. On a mission to empower individuals to recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD), Respect Group offers best-in-class interactive, online training courses to inspire a global culture of respect. To date, over two million organizations have become Respect Group certified.

Throughout his eight-year NHL career, Sheldon Kennedy won a Memorial Cup and a World Junior Gold Medal. By courageously sharing his experience as a teenage victim of abuse, Sheldon has played an impactful role in bringing governments, public and private sector partners together to change policies and the way child abuse is handled.

Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the Rocky View School Division and volunteer President of the Sheldon Kennedy Foundation, Wayne McNeil has served as Chairman of the Alberta Gymnastics Federation and as founding Board member of the Calgary and Area Child Advocacy Centre for six years. Respect Group Inc is also B-Corp certified—read our chat with Wayne here.

Wayne McNeil and Sheldon Kennedy’s story, advocacy, and perseverance has changed the landscape of respectful places to work, play, and learn. Join us for this unforgettable conversation.

HEAR WAYNE & SHELDON’S INSIGHT ON:

• [1:00] How Sheldon & Wayne crossed paths and decided to bring Respect Group to life
• [5:34] The red flags leaders need to be on the lookout for to identify bullying, harassment, abuse, and discrimination
• [16:09] How to intervene if you witness bullying, harassment, abuse, or discrimination in sport, school, or the workplace
• [37:46] How younger generations tend to have a deep understanding of respect
• [45:08] How Wayne & Sheldon define ‘leadership’
• [48:29] Leadership mistakes Wayne & Sheldon have made

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert, Gair Maxwell, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum.

Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell chats with guest Jill Van Gyn about launching Fatso in 2016 in the back of a health food restaurant in Victoria, BC.

Before this, Jill had graduated in 2005 with a political science degree specializing in genocide studies. Grappling with drug and alcohol addictions, Jill entered recovery in 2010, and in 2015, she completed her Master’s degree in Human Security & Peace Building with a drive to do humanitarian work. Before Fatso hit the scene, Jill describes herself as hitting rock bottom, being in a spiritual, professional, and personal crisis, and being “painfully unemployed”.

Now, she has found purpose and passion with Fatso—the healthy peanut butter—and has been named BC Business Women of the Year 2021, one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Start-Ups in 2020, and has confidently walked away from a Dragon’s Den deal. Last year, this B Corp Certified company donated over $250,000 in products and funding to underserved communities, organizations, and funds, and gives back to the community in a myriad of ways.

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with someone who isn’t afraid to talk about the dark side of success and has astounding knowledge around and a passion for peanut butter.

HEAR JILL’S INSIGHT ON:

• [8:54] Jill’s experience with the dark side of success
• [12:30] What Jill wishes people would know beyond the headlines
• [16:36] How experience with addiction made Jill a better leader
• [19:27] Facts about peanut butter you may not know
• [30:55] One of the things Jill is most proud of in her career
• [39:26] Why Jill thinks starting a business is a great way to find out what your insecurities are
• [45:06] Jill Van Gyn’s definition of leadership

ABOUT FATSO
Fatso peanut butter is boosted with plant-based super fats including organic coconut oil, MCT oil, chia seeds, and flax. They’re on a mission to provide more nutrition, benefits, and flavour, spoon-for-spoon, at a cost that is lower or competitive with high-priced specialty nut butters.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell and guest Blaine Penny discuss his current focus as the CEO of Lumiio Inc.—helping patient organizations, academic research groups, and pharmaceutical companies design world-class digital health programs to accelerate outcomes that impact patient care.

Blaine’s involvement in rare disease advocacy and research began in 2008 with the tragic onset of mitochondrial disease in his then 4-year-old son, Evan. Today, Evan is a quadriplegic and is unable to talk or eat. No one knows what his future holds, but Blaine is committed to giving his son the best life possible. Motivated to help others going through similar experiences, Blaine co-founded the MitoCanada Foundation in 2009. Since then, they have raised over $4 million to advance mitochondrial medicine and are building a MitoCommunity connecting patients, scientists, clinicians, and industry.

Blaine is a one-of-a-kind personality, who has been recognized for his achievements via Avenue Calgary Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, is the recipient of 6 Guinness World Records, and is an elite ultra-marathon runner competing on the international stage.

Join us for an unforgettable conversation as we celebrate one of the most inspiring people in our world and someone who has made it his life’s work to make humanity better than he found it.

ABOUT MITOCANADA
MitoCanada is constantly developing resources to help protect, enhance and restore mitochondrial health. They introduce initiatives and opportunities to not only understand mitochondrial disease but inspire, empower and connect those in our community to enhance lives. Proudly advocating for those living with mitochondrial disease, MitoCanada funds essential research that is patient-focused and transformational.

ABOUT LUMIIO
Lumiio helps patient organizations, academic research groups, and pharmaceutical companies design world-class digital health programs to accelerate outcomes that impact patient care.

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert Gair Maxwell, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum.

Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

This episode of The Leadership Standard podcast with host Gair Maxwell features an inspiring conversation with Toni Desrosiers—a Canadian entrepreneur who disrupted the billion-dollar plastic wrap industry by inventing the first reusable beeswax food wrap: Abeego.

Becoming the trailblazer of a global movement, Toni has been featured on Dragon’s Den (watch her pitch here!), won the 2018 TELUS Trailblazer Award, had Abeego named the Best Reusable Food Wrap by America’s Test Kitchen, named a Woman of Influence, and so much more.

Those 14 years ago, Toni Desrosiers was looking for a natural way to store her food and ended up discovering a way to disrupt the fully mature, billion-dollar industry of plastic wrap. Through extensive experimentation (and looking to lemon peels, cheese rinds, and onion skins for inspiration) she developed Abeego, the sustainable food wrap on a mission to “Keep Food Alive” by protecting it from air, light, and moisture while allowing it to breathe. The self-adhesive wrap can last over a year with proper care (hand-washed with cold water).

HEAR TONI’S INSIGHT ON:

• [7:33] The difficulty of disrupting a billion-dollar industry & sticking to your gut
• [10:41] Why she made the intentional decision NOT to patent her invention
• [13:59] How she had to “Kill Her Darlings” and what this can do for business
• [18:02] How having a “typical male’s name” has given her the upper hand in some business scenarios (like Dragon’s Den!)
• [22:47] What advice she would give to other women on their entrepreneurial journey
• [30:49] Why Abeego is a B Corp certified company implementing socially and environmentally responsible practices into every aspect of business
• [23:35] Her definition of leadership

ABOUT ABEEGO
Abeego is the original reusable beeswax food wrap that keeps fresh food for longer than ever imagined. Sold online and in countries around the globe, it’s your ticket to reducing food waste at home. Learn more on the Abeego website here!

This episode of The Leadership Standard podcast with host Gair Maxwell features an inspiring conversation with Kylie Woods, empowering voice for women in tech and Founder of Chic Geek—a welcoming non-profit organization and community for women exploring technology and entrepreneurship. Named one of Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, Metro News’ “Calgary Heroes”, and Alberta Venture’s “Need to Know”, Kylie is an avid learner, a tenacious question-asker, and an empowering voice for women in STEM.

Where did Kylie’s goal to build gender diversity in tech stem from, you might wonder? Well, not only are there not enough women in tech, the industry is losing the ones it does have—women are 2X as likely to quit the tech industry as men. If this attrition could be reduced by even just a quarter, 220,000 women would be put back into STEM. Sitting at the intersection of retaining the current women in tech to create leadership positions and building role model opportunities to encourage the recruitment of more women, Chic Geek is creating an inclusive space where women’s careers and lives can thrive.

Throughout this episode, Kylie provides insight on:

• How to raise capital for your small business
• Her biggest mistake as an entrepreneur and why it still brings her shame
• Why investing in relationships is critical
• Kylie’s experience in “The Messy Middle”—the moment when you realize you have come too far to turn around and look forward to see an impossibly long journey
• The impact Chic Geek has made on women in tech

Sitting on the advisory committee for the Chiu School of Business Dean’s Strategic Advisory Committee at the Bow Valley College, The51 Community Council, the Calgary Innovation Coalition Board, and the Women’s Economic Recovery Advisory Committee with the Status of Women, Kylie is a thought leader in the technology gender diversity space.

ABOUT CHIC GEEK

Chic Geek exists to build gender diversity in technology. Through programs, events, services, and partnerships, they create connections that help intermediate women in technology achieve thriving and meaningful careers. Learn more on the Chic Geek website here!

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert Gair Maxwell, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum.

Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

This episode of The Leadership Standard podcast with host Gair Maxwell features an inspiring conversation with Yuri Elkaim, NY Times Novelist and CEO of Healthpreneur®.

Yuri Elkaim's journey into health and business was inevitable. After dealing with a host of health issues as a teenager, he eventually lost all of his hair at 17 years old to an autoimmune condition. This, along with his passion for sports (which led him down the path of playing professional soccer in his early 20s), propelled him into the health and fitness field.

Yuri’s authentic and caring approach has allowed him to build a successful online health empire that went on to help more than 500,000 people to reach better health, while also providing him the platform to write 3 bestselling books and share his message on major media outlets like Dr. Oz and The Doctors. In 2018, he sold this health business after 13 years at the helm.

Throughout this episode, Yuri reveals more about how his journey in the health and wellness industry began, how he approaches business and strategic growth in his own business and the businesses of his clients, and his tips for both successful and aspiring entrepreneurs.

This episode of The Leadership Standard podcast with host Gair Maxwell features a candid conversation with Robin Bender, Founder of Mega Health at Work.

When thinking about the future of your business, creating strategies for employee satisfaction is one of the main pillars of growth. When leadership falls short on these demands, businesses often suffer from absenteeism, challenges with employee retention, lack of motivation, and an overall unhappy work environment.

As an NCS Certified Corporate Consultant, Robin Bender and Gair Maxwell discuss how your organization can thrive by inspiring an inside-out approach to wellness and productivity. They also discuss how businesses can create a positive work environment that encourages employees to be more engaged in their jobs and life at large. Additionally, Robin provides tips for leaders who are trying to improve employee satisfaction in the workplace.

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP STANDARD PODCAST

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert Gair Maxwell, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum.

Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

Dr. Rafiq Ahmad believes that smart manufacturing and production systems based on data, sensors, automation, green technologies, and AI are key to the innovation and sustainability of future industries and society.

In this episode of TEC Canada's The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell and Dr. Rafiq Ahmad discuss digital transformation and the challenges and opportunities that it presents.

Tune in below and discover how emerging digital tools can help your organization stay competitive and profitable—and how you as a business owner, executive, or manager can benefit the most from the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

By tuning in, listeners and viewers can expect to discover:

4:00 What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution? What does "Industry 4.0" mean?

21:43 How to invest in Industry 4.0 technology

22:55 The origins of Dr. Rafiq Ahmad's passion for improving the world

24:45 The role of additive manufacturing in the fight against COVID-19

33:40 Dr. Rafiq Ahmad's leading research in the Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing, Design and Automation (LIMDA) at the University of Alberta

40:40 The potential role of Industry 4.0 as the ‘Buy local’ mindset continues to rise with consumers

52:00 Dr. Rafiq Ahmad's advice for aspiring mechanical engineers 

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast hosted by Gair Maxwell, Don Schmincke helps executives accelerate business performance and reveals how to effectively lead organizational change, develop strategy and create and manage great teams.

When Don Schmincke left academia to research how leaders impact civilization, he was not prepared for the support and response he received. The journey began when entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners vented frustrations with the high failure rates of management theories, experts, and programs. Unaware of their world while he was pursuing the sciences at MIT, it was while teaching at Johns Hopkins University that the ideal laboratory emerged to explore why these failures happen – and how to fix them.

Now, after working with 15,000+ CEOs, he has validated the protocols for success. Many CEOs find them "delightfully irreverent with blinding flashes beyond popular theories" and are pleased with the unexpected impact on their balance sheets.

His work has been recognized in national media such as The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He flies 200,000 miles annually keynote speaking at conferences, training CEOs in his workshops, and working with clients in every industry from the Department of Defense strategy to large and small corporations that include the healthcare, manufacturing/distribution, information/ communications, and finance/insurance sectors.

As the CEO of ESG Global Advisors Inc., TEC member Sarah Keyes, CPA, CA is a leading expert in environmental, social, and governance issues for the Canadian business community.
In addition to serving as a member of the Institute for Corporate Directors Climate Strategy Advisory Board for the World Economic Forum's Climate Governance Initiative, Sarah is also on the Board of Leading Change and Sustainable Buildings Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, has ISO 14064-3 certification (ANSI National Accreditation Board/ANAB), and an Emerging Leader Award from CPA Ontario.
Don't miss this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast hosted by Gair Maxwell, as Sarah Keyes identifies ESG factors with the greatest potential to impact the value of your company over the short and long term, and reveals details about her leadership journey — so far.

Do you know the best ways to market your business? This episode of TEC Canada's The Leadership Standard podcast features a captivating conversation with guest Michael Brenner – revealing the key marketing strategies and tactics that any forward-thinking business leader needs to have on their radar.

Michael Brenner is a Best-Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, and CEO of Marketing Insider Group providing content marketing strategy, Speaking, and Writing. He is co-author of 2 books including The Content Formula, and Digital Marketing Growth Hacks and his writing has been featured by The Economist, The Guardian, and Entrepreneur Magazine. He has also been recognized as a Top Business Speaker by The Huffington Post and a top CMO Influencer by Forbes.

Over the last two decades, he has championed a customer-centric approach at organizations large and small. He led sales and marketing for software companies like Nielsen and FullTilt, and as an executive at ICR, SAP, and Newscred, his innovative leadership resulted in massive growth. His workshops and keynotes for Fortune 500 brands and tiny startups have inspired profound personal and professional change. When he's not working with clients, Michael travels the world helping even the most bureaucratic organizations break down silos, create cultures of innovation, and build engaged workforces.

Filled with marketing insights and discussions about which strategies truly deliver impact on the bottom line, don't miss tuning in to this episode of The Leadership Standard hosted by Gair Maxwell and featuring guest Michael Brenner!

A'Lelia Bundles is an Emmy award-winning producer who spent over 30 years as an executive with ABC News and NBC News – in addition to authoring several biographies about the trail-blazing women in her family. A'Lelia’s great-grandmother was a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, A'Lelia Walker, and her great-great-grandmother was the first female self-made millionaire in America, Madam C.J. Walker.

After publishing On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker, A'Lelia’s work became a New York Times Notable Book, a bestseller, and the non-fiction source for Self Made – the fictionalized four-part Netflix series starring Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer that premiered on March 20, 2020.

Tune in to this episode of The Leadership Standard hosted by TEC speaker & branding expert Gair Maxwell, as A'Lelia Bundles takes a break from writing her fifth book, The Joy Goddess of Harlem: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance, to bring her warmth, intelligence, and humor, to bridge the topics of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, financial literacy, and women’s and African American history.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard, A'Lelia Bundles and Gair Maxwell dive into timely topics and answer:

• How did Self Made – the fictionalized Netflix series starring Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer – come to be? (5:38)
• What can today’s business leaders learn from the history of Madame CJ Walker? (11:30)
• The common reasons why people in leadership positions struggle? (20:38)
• What should aspiring entrepreneurs – and young women in particular – should be asking themselves? (22:48)

…and many more!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a coveted Fortune 500 company? Look no further than this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast featuring award-winning thinker, author, broadcaster, Senior Editor at Large of Fortune Magazine, and speaker on today’s most significant trends in business – Geoff Colvin!

As someone who is frequently surrounded by multi-billionaires and visionaries such as Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson – Geoff Colvin’s conversation with host Gair Maxwell will bring you inside the mindsets of the world’s most influential business leaders, and reveal unconventional insights about the most valuable companies in the world.

Throughout this episode, branding expert and TEC speaker Gair Maxwell and Geoff Colvin also discuss topics found within Geoff’s latest book, Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know that Brilliant Machines Never Will. Determined a “must-read” for every business leader in the post-pandemic reality, Geoff argues that as technology advances with increasing speed, the most valuable skills in the economy will be skills of deep human interaction – empathy, creative problem-solving in groups, storytelling – and reveals why developing these skills will be crucial to the futures of individuals, companies, and nations.

Recognized as one the world’s sharpest and most respected commentators on leadership, globalization, wealth creation, the infotech revolution, and more, Geoff Colvin has analyzed companies and business leaders worldwide as they confront the largest issues of our time. Don’t miss this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast where Geoff Colvin shares his firsthand knowledge about what distinguishes the greats from everyone else – while reflecting on the business leaders and organizations that have prospered, the ones that have stumbled, and why.

In 2008, Tara founded Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd with a priority for providing value and insight to health outcomes research projects through robust methodology. The community-based research organization with headquarters in Calgary, Alberta is comprised of health-system trained statisticians, epidemiologists, health economists, clinical researchers, and successfully challenges the industry status quo with its female leadership representation.

From unconventional advice about how to handle the word “no” – to divulging lessons that are priceless to anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset – this episode is your introduction to an inspiring leader. As a Top 100 Female Entrepreneur in Canada, Tara Cowling and her organization are soon becoming a household name. Meet her in our latest episode of The Leadership Standard.

The Honourable Perrin Beatty, P.C., O.C, is the President and CEO of Canada’s largest and most representative national business association, the 200,000-member Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Since Perrin was elected to Parliament at 22 years old, he has made significant contributions to the development of Canada through his work as a politician and corporate business leader. During his 21 years in Parliament, he served as Minister in seven different portfolios, including Treasury Board, National Revenue, Solicitor General, Defence, National Health and Welfare, Communications and External Affairs. Following his political career, Perrin led the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, the latter of which he shepherded through a period of significant transition.

Perrin is currently a member of the board of directors of Mitsui Canada and in 2018, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his lifetime of public service and for his devotion to the development of our nation as a community leader and corporate visionary. In 2020, the Government of Japan awarded Perrin the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, in recognition of his many distinguished achievements in international relations and advancements in Canada-Japan business relations.

During this timely and candid conversation with Gair Maxwell – which is always exhibited through the lens of expert foresight, hindsight, and humanity – Perrin Beatty reveals a closer look at the adaptability and resilience demonstrated by Canadian businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and uncovers how major events in the past can guide CEOs and owners towards transforming their optimism into opportunities for the future.

He is a three-time main stage TED Speaker and is also the founder of the world’s first neuro-design studio, Lab of Misfits. Part lab, part creative studio, Lab of Misfits takes a disruptive approach to research, partnering with brands to blend science, art, and performance to explore pivotal principles in current culture.

He is also a best-selling author, and his latest book, Deviate: The Science of Seeing Differently, explores the surprising science of creativity and unveils the unexpected relationship between perception, reality, and innovation.

Beau has spoken at the G8, Google’s Zeitgeist, Wired, Oslo Freedom Forum, Big Think and contributed to the BBC, National Geographic, Netflix, and PBS – and in this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast hosted by TEC Speaker and branding expert Gair Maxwell, he provides listeners with the framework to expertly navigate periods of uncertainty, how to strategically approach personal and professional problems, and how to successfully inspire innovation within their teams.

Hailing from the small town of Blenheim, Ontario, Bob Izumi has become Canada’s “Most Recognizable Fisherman” – and you’ve likely seen him on your television for the past 38 years as the host of Bob Izumi’s Real Fishing Show since its premiere in 1983.

In addition to his iconic television show and tournament fishing career, Bob is also an award-winning author, seminar speaker, conservationist, and radio show host. Bob’s has unmatched credibility in the fishing world and has seen unprecedented success as a tournament angler. Since becoming Canada’s first full-time professional fisherman in 1979, Bob has won more than 70 major events, far surpassing any other Canadian angler. He has won multiple Angler of the Year and Team of the Year titles and he is the only Canadian angler to win the Triple Crown of fishing; capturing the Canadian Open, the Classic Championship, and Angler of the Year title in a single season.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast hosted by TEC Speaker and branding expert Gair Maxwell, Bob Izumi shares the blueprint for turning your passion into a career – and reveals how Bob’s Real Fishing television show and Real Fishing Radio program became Canada’s longest-running syndicated television and radio series, respectively.

Our latest episode of The Leadership Standard podcast features a master communicator and facilitator, David Maclean. As a TEC Canada Chair, the winner of numerous regional, national, and international awards, and the man behind MacLean Group Marketing – which made Profit Magazine’s 2004 list of Canada’s fastest-growing companies – David Maclean has an abundance of impactful takeaways for every leader – no matter the industry.

Through David’s passionate description of wholeheartedness – which is a hallmark of his approach to leadership and life – listeners will discover a vulnerable and moving conversation with Gair Maxwell, TEC Canada speaker and branding expert.

For insights surrounding self-leadership, marketing, social responsibility, and how others can begin leading from the heart – while divulging the story about how he beat Alanis Morrissette to #1 on the album charts – tune in below.

Thomas Benjoe – President and CEO of FHQ Developments and TEC Canada member – joins Gair Maxwell for a raw conversation that uncovers the triumphs, struggles, disruptions, and future opportunities of the fastest-growing population in Canada – Indigenous people.

As Thomas and Gair unwrap the effects of institutionalized racism against Indigenous populations, listeners will gain insights about how FHQ Developments is leading positive change within the Canadian business landscape, and how business leaders across Canada can take the first step to formalize Indigenous Engagement objectives and goals.

Accompanied by selfless-leadership perspectives and an explanation about why he weighs every business decision against its future impact (to the extent of seven generations in the future), listeners will be hard-pressed to leave this episode of The Leadership Standard without moments of reflection, introspection, and the resources to begin making a difference.

Born into a family of entrepreneurs in Wroclaw, Poland, and raised in Winnipeg, Iggy Domagalski always knew that he wanted to run his own company. In his captivating conversation with Gair Maxwell, TEC Canada speaker and branding expert, Iggy reminisces about the days of launching a painting business, the trials and tribulations of starting an online marketing company in the early ’90s, and how his leadership journey eventually led to him becoming the CEO of Tundra Process Solutions – where he drove its transformation of a small instrumentation distributor to an innovative $140-million industrial equipment integrator.

In addition to being the CEO of Tundra Process Solutions – an organization that is continuously distinguished as one of Canada’s best employers – Iggy has been recognized among Oilweek’s Rising Stars, Alberta Oil’s New Energy Leaders, and Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40.

Throughout Iggy and Gair’s conversation, listeners will become equipped with the secret to Tundra’s exponential growth, award-winning reputation, and how to facilitate a culture that employees really want to work at. Hint: it doesn’t matter how many table tennis or foosball tables you have within your organization.

Francis Cholle – Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-selling author – uses deep human learning and cognitive science to help leaders and organizations solve complex problems and thrive in times of disruption. As an international speaker, he has presented at Davos World Economic Forum, on the TED stage, Wharton and Columbia Universities, just to name a few.

His latest book, SQUIRCLE A New Way to Think for a New World, offers a simple yet unconventional science-based model for business leaders to make decisions in today’s dynamic environment – and provides the framework for a captivating conversation with Gair Maxwell, branding expert, and podcast host. In addition to revealing the origins of SQUIRCLE, which began over 10 years ago while consulting with his international clients, Francis shares actionable insights to help business leaders conquer the unique problems of today and guide them away from the techniques of the past.

Before listening to this fascinating and timely episode of The Leadership Standard, we encourage you to take the SQUIRCLE test, which was designed to foster self-reflection and promote open discussion with others. Whether your preference is for a SQUARE or a CIRCLE approach, your result will add context to Francis Cholle’s insights and provide you with a deeper understanding to make better decisions – personally and professionally.

For complimentary access to the SQUIRCLE test, Canadian residents can text EZSQUIRCLE to 393939.

“Birds of a feather flock together. We’re all in the same boat. Great minds think alike. While just figures of speech to some, they reflect a simple truth—it’s the company we keep that often determines the level of personal growth and professional success we achieve in life.” – Leo Bottary

Leo Bottary is the founder and managing partner of Peernovation, LLC. He is a sought-after thought leader on peer advantage, an emerging discipline dedicated to strategically engaging peers to realize their business and life goals.

Throughout Leo’s insightful conversation with Gair Maxwell, he details the introspective leadership journey that has guided him to become an expert about the power of peer groups and building higher-performing teams.

Passionate about creating beautiful jewelry, and empowering women in the process, Rachel Mielke‘s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in making a difference in the world – one sparkle at a time.

Since its creation in 2007, Rachel Mielke has grown grew her jewelry business — named Hillberg & Berk in homage to her great-grandmother, Hilda Bergman, and her dog, Berkeley — from a kitchen-table-operation to one of Canada’s most notable brands.

With a career that has included a showing at the Oscars, a pitch-turned-deal on Dragons’ Den, partnerships with Olympic athletes such as Tessa Virtue, and two designs commissioned for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Rachel Mielke’s interview with Gair Maxwell details a sparkling leadership journey that is sure to uplift and inspire.

Since joining Lee Valley Tools at the age of 22, Jason Tassé has embarked on an experience and inspiring journey of growth and leadership, recently becoming the COO of the celebrated Canadian business.

From detailing his definition of leadership to insightful reflections about management succession at Lee Valley – which was established in 1978 – Jason’s comprehensive discussion with Gair Maxwell provides an inspiring look at the mindset of a leader who was tasked with guiding the future of one Canada’s most iconic catalog companies.