Navigating career transitions can be daunting, but it’s also a chance to find purpose and joy in the workplace. In our last episode of the season, hosts Robin & Al sit down with Marlene Carrington, Practice Lead for People and Culture Solutions at CareerJoy, to explore how HR leaders can support employees through these pivotal moments. Marlene shares her inspiring journey to finding CareerJoy, the importance of outplacement services, and how mentorship and open conversations can transform workplace culture. From tackling challenges like menopause in the workplace to the impact of supportive leadership, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to thrive in times of change.

"You don't have to climb the ladder to be a leader." ~ Marlene Carrington

Key Takeaways:

1. Supporting Employee Well-Being: Managing stress, addressing menopause, and fostering morale during transitions are crucial for a healthy work environment.
2. The Evolving Role of HR: CHROs play a pivotal role in providing solutions like outplacement services and treating talent as a valuable asset.
3. The Power of Mentorship: Mentorship is a key driver of career development and meaningful work.
4. Finding Career Fulfillment: Taking time to discover passions can lead to a rewarding career journey, as shown in Marlene’s inspiring path to CareerJoy.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this captivating episode, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jon Shell, Chair of Social Capital Partners, for a compelling conversation about the transformative potential of employee ownership and the stakes involved. Jon takes us on his journey from the private sector to championing public policy changes that support Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) in Canada. Together, they explore how EOTs can preserve businesses, empower employees as owners, and create a more equitable economy. Tune in to discover the benefits, challenges, and profound impact employee ownership could have on wealth distribution and economic resilience in Canada.

"You can't salary your way to wealth." ~ Jon Shell

Key Takeaways:

1. Economic Resilience: Employee ownership enhances job security, loyalty, and company performance, particularly during economic downturns.
2. Public Policy and Wealth Distribution: Policy initiatives, like those supported by the Canadian Employee Ownership Coalition, are key to broadening access to wealth and fostering economic change.
3. Succession Planning with EOTs: Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) offer a tax-advantaged, sustainable succession option for business owners, with the first $10 million in capital gains being tax-free in Canada.
4. Ideal Candidates and Growing Interest: Stable, mature companies with strong cash flow are well-suited for EOTs, reflecting the growing interest in employee ownership across Canada.

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This conversation is packed with wisdom for leaders navigating transformation and growth. Ghassan Halazon, founder and CEO of Emerge Commerce, joins the Success Leaves Clues podcast to share his journey through the evolving e-commerce landscape post-pandemic. He offers candid insights on navigating challenges, building mental resilience, and how Emerge evolved from a diversified portfolio to a sharper focus with Emerge 2.0.

Ghassan delves into the importance of brand loyalty, customer relationships, and creating a 'sticky' experience to drive growth. He also explores his strategic approach to M&A versus organic growth, emphasizing synergy in acquisitions and the power of community. Through lessons learned, he highlights the value of seeing opportunities in challenges, nurturing talent, and the deep satisfaction of helping others succeed.

"I see opportunities, not problems." ~ Ghassan Halazon

Key Takeaways:

1. Evolving E-commerce Landscape: The dynamic nature of e-commerce demands adaptability, resilience, and a focus on building strong brands and strategic assets for growth.
2. Leadership and Well-Being: Mental health, physical fitness, and maintaining a long-term perspective are vital for leaders to sustain performance and navigate challenges.
3. Strategic Growth and Risk Management: Emerge 2.0 emphasizes fewer, larger opportunities, effective risk management, and strategic decision-making for navigating debt and volatile markets.
4. The Power of Community and Relationships: Community, brand loyalty, and strong networks are springboards for new opportunities and customer retention.
5. Nurturing Talent and Learning from Challenges: Investing in talent, fostering employee success, and seeing crises as opportunities to learn and grow are critical components of lasting success.

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From innovative strategies to building trust and accountability in the insurance industry, Jonathan DiPasquale, President of Instant Risk Coverage, shares powerful insights on leadership, the significance of mental health and work-life balance, and creating a seamless user experience. Listen in to discover the innovative approaches taken to adapt and thrive and the importance of building trust and accountability in the insurance industry. Hosts Robin and Al also uncover how Jonathan is shaping the future of insurance while leaving a lasting impact on the Canadian economy.

"Don't waste a good crisis." ~ Jonathon DiPasquale

Takeaways:

1. Adaptation and Innovation: Rapid adaptation and innovation during challenges, like COVID, can strengthen a business.
2. Trust and Accountability: Transparency and accountability are key to building loyalty and strong client relationships.
3. Employee and Mental Well-Being: Investing in employee growth and prioritizing mental health drive retention, productivity, and success.
4. Customer Experience and Culture: A seamless user experience and a strong company culture are essential for long-term success.
5. Leadership and Growth: Learning from mistakes and fostering homegrown businesses can help leaders and the Canadian economy thrive.

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In this episode, hosts Robin and Al are joined by Blayne Kumar, a visionary entrepreneur reshaping the immigration sector. He is the founder & CEO of Bright Immigration, a full-service Canadian immigration firm that emphasizes honest, client-focused and intelligent service. Blaine shares his inspiring journey into the world of immigration, fueled by a deep commitment to helping others navigate the challenges of relocating to Canada and building new opportunities for a brighter future.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by immigrants, the ethical considerations in the industry, and the role of technology in improving immigration processes. Blayne emphasizes the importance of managing stress in a high-pressure environment and offers advice for aspiring professionals in the field. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of immigration in Canada and the impact of technology on the industry.

Takeaways:

1. Challenges in Immigration: The immigration sector faces issues like deception, miscommunication, and the high stress faced by consultants managing vulnerable clients.
2. Ethical Practices and Technology: He emphasizes the need for integrity in the industry while acknowledging the risks and solutions technology can bring.
3. Personal Growth and Advice: Blayne manages stress through spirituality and advises aspiring professionals to focus on passion over financial gain.
4. Vision for the Future: Through his charity, Brighter Together, Blayne is working to create a healthier immigration system while advocating for better integration processes in Canada.

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What does it take to build a thriving workplace in today's ever-evolving business landscape? In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jav Saeidi, HR Director at CTM Biomedical, to uncover the answer.

Join us as we explore Jav's inspiring career journey, the pivotal role of HR in driving business strategy, and the art of building strong communities within organizations. From navigating generational differences to spotting trends reshaping workforce dynamics, Jav delivers invaluable insights—including when it’s time to bring HR into the mix. This is more than a conversation about work—it's a deep dive into what success looks like, both personally and professionally. Don’t miss this insightful episode!

"The earlier you bring HR in, the better." ~ Jav Saeidi

Takeaways

1. HR as a Strategic Partner: The role of HR has evolved beyond administration, becoming essential in shaping business strategy and driving better outcomes through people-focused initiatives.
2. The Power of Community and Culture: Building strong communities and fostering a positive workplace culture enhances engagement, satisfaction, and retention across all levels of an organization.
3. Adapting to a Changing Workforce: Emerging generations bring new expectations, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and aligning workplace values with personal aspirations.
4. Insights for Growth: Tools like HR metrics and exit interviews provide critical feedback for measuring success and identifying areas for improvement.
5. Personal and Professional Growth: Success is about striving to be the best version of oneself, often influenced by personal experiences, which shape perspectives on leadership and resilience.

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In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, Robin and Al welcome Brendan Taylor, President of Mavericks VFX, a Toronto-based visual effects studio.

Brendan takes us through his unexpected leap into entrepreneurship and the creative mindset that has driven his success in the visual effects industry. He opens up about the bold risks and challenges of scaling a business, highlighting the critical role of strong processes and a supportive network. Brendan also redefines what success truly means, shifting the focus from traditional accolades to the impact of a positive workplace culture and the importance of building a team that feels valued and inspired.

"Take the information, leave the emotion." ~ Brendan Taylor

Takeaways:

1. Embrace Risk and Creativity: Taking risks and navigating the messy creative process are essential for growth and innovation in any business.
2. Resilience and Support: Success requires resilience, stepping out of comfort zones, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network.
3. Empowering Workplace Culture: A strong, nurturing culture is built through clear direction, employee feedback, and connecting staff to the larger purpose of their work.
4. Long-Term Vision and Legacy: Fostering innovation, tracking employee satisfaction, and aiming to be the best employer are key steps in building a lasting legacy in the industry.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Hosts Robin and Al welcome Ryan Oliver, CEO of Ampere, for a thought-provoking conversation on breaking barriers in education. From empowering rural and Indigenous communities to redefining what’s possible, Ampere’s unique programs blend technology, art, and play to help people of all ages build vital STEAM skills. Ryan shares the innovative strategies behind their mission and the impact they’re making by unlocking new opportunities through creativity and hands-on learning.

The discussion also highlights the importance of adapting educational strategies to meet community needs, the collaborative nature of their work, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures.

"The very first thing you do whenever you're dealing with any underserved populations or equity-deserving groups is listen." ~ Ryan Oliver

Key Takeaways:

1. Inclusive, Community-Driven Education: STEAM education integrates arts into STEM, focusing on inclusivity and tailoring strategies based on community needs and feedback.
2. Collaboration and Listening: Successful educational initiatives rely on strong collaboration, active listening, and building good relationships with communities.
3. Growth Through Resilience: Embracing failure as part of the learning process is essential for growth and innovation in education.
4. Sustainable, Impactful Approach: Long-term success requires a forward-thinking mindset, community buy-in, and applying a business approach to nonprofit operations.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group