Podcast
CanadianSME Small Business Podcast
Hosted by SK Uddin · EN
Welcome to the CanadianSME podcast, a podcast for Canadian Small Businesses. In our podcasts, we interview Canadian experts and entrepreneurs to give small business owners access to expert knowledge that helps them grow their enterprises. Our mission is to empower Canadian small and medium enterprises and help them reach a bigger audience through our platform. Calling upon some of the most successful subject matter experts in the industry, the small business podcasts aim at identifying issues and finding solutions, all this while helping the business owners.
177episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The LLM Discoverability Trap: How Generative AI Completely Changes Customer Search
2d ago00:18:46Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore corporate customer acquisition pipelines and marketing ROI optimization across mature industries. Joining us is Dr. Khatereh Pourasadollahi, a marketing executive and researcher with over 11 years of experience. She serves on the BBB Board for British Columbia and Yukon, championing ethics and marketplace trust. Key Highlights Ad Failures: Structural gaps that make paid ads ineffective. AI & Discovery: How AI reshapes consumer search and brand visibility. Data to Action: Turning raw marketing metrics into strategic decisions. Budget Optimization: Prioritizing spend to maximize results on limited budgets. Trust & Value: How ethics and marketplace trust drive long-term corporate value. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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TD Insurance & REALTOR.ca Driving Growth Through Digital Collaborations
2d ago00:16:43Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore embedded distribution networks, consumer risk education, and affinity partnerships that simplify complex property protection models through a new collaboration announced with TD Insurance and REALTOR.ca. In 2026, businesses and homeowners must move past late-stage closing bundles to deploy early property education and proactive planning tools. Joining us is Steve Laurin, Vice-President of the Affinity Market Group at TD Insurance. With 25 years of expertise in digital transformation, distribution engineering, and partner relations, Steve manages one of Canada’s largest affinity insurance portfolios, helping millions of Canadians understand and access property protection. Key Highlights Early Insurance: Why buyers should integrate property insurance before closing. Annual Coverage: Common misconceptions and staying prepared with regular reviews. REALTOR.ca Integration: Using digital tools to connect buyers with insurance planning. Affinity Management: Simplifying complex coverage concepts across 700+ partnerships. Commercial Risk Steps: Practical actions to protect commercial properties immediately. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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The RevOps Premium: Why Un-Optimized CRMs Fail Small Business Sales Velocity
3d ago00:19:50Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Your biggest revenue opportunity may already be sitting inside your customer database. Today, we explore how businesses can transform overlooked data, AI tools, and sales processes into powerful growth engines. Joining us is Julio Viskovich, Chief Marketing Officer at Set 2 Close. A Forbes Top 30 Social Selling Influencer and former Hootsuite and Microsoft digital transformation leader, Julio helps B2B organizations unlock hidden revenue through smarter RevOps strategies. Key Highlights CRM Transformation: Turning scattered customer data into predictable revenue systems. Hidden Revenue: Recovering growth opportunities from dormant customer accounts. AI-Powered Selling: Using AI strategies to improve B2B visibility and conversions. Sales Efficiency: Unlocking team potential without increasing headcount. Pipeline Optimization: Practical steps to accelerate revenue growth quickly. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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The AI Hype Trap: How to Test AI Before You Waste Money on It
3d ago00:23:20Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore practical AI adoption, avoiding hype, and finding where automation can create real business value. Joining us is Kyle Lubieniecki, Founder and AI Product Lead at Fractions Studio, sharing insights on AI strategy, product leadership, and helping founders make smarter technology decisions. Key Highlights AI Without Hype: Identifying where AI creates real business impact. Problem-First AI: Avoiding chatbot traps by solving the right problems. Fractional Expertise: Accessing senior product leadership without full-time costs. AI Validation: Testing ideas before investing in development. Quick AI Wins: Practical first steps for businesses with limited resources. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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Beyond the Dashboard: Why Physics-Informed AI Beats Generic Models
3d ago00:22:58Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore industrial AI, manufacturing optimization, and intelligent platforms transforming complex operations in 2026. Joining us is Sunil Vedula, Co-CEO and Founder of NTWIST, sharing insights on AI-driven industrial transformation, operational efficiency, and how intelligent solutions are helping businesses optimize performance. Key Highlights 1. Mine-to-Mill Optimization: Unifying industrial processes to improve performance and yield. 2. SME Manufacturing Advantage: Unlocking hidden capacity through intelligent optimization. 3. Intelligence Layer Approach: Enhancing ERP and SCADA systems without replacing them. 4. Risk Mitigation: Addressing cybersecurity, IP, and platform adoption concerns. 5. Contextual AI Knowledge: Combining machine learning with operational expertise for accurate predictions. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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The Tipping Tension: How Back-of-House Automation Erases Tipflation Frustration
4d ago00:16:26Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore strategies for scaling hospitality businesses. Today, we dive into automation pipelines, back-of-house optimization, and operational compliance for modern restaurants. Joining us is Afshin Mousavian, Co-Founder and CEO of Actual, a hospitality automation platform. Afshin combines 20 years of tech leadership with hands-on restaurant experience to help operators optimize tips, payroll, and service workflows. Key Highlights Frontline Service First: Exceptional service reduces tipping tension more than technology alone. Back-of-House Optimization: Streamlined operations improve team efficiency and customer satisfaction. Handling High Traffic: Operational systems keep restaurants stable during peak demand. ROI in Automation: Owners should evaluate real impact before adopting new technology. Team & Margin Balance: Supporting staff while protecting profits is key to sustainable growth. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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The End of Silent Experts: How ProVoices Is Changing Professional Visibility on LinkedIn
5d ago00:18:03Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. LinkedIn is no longer just a networking platform—it’s becoming a growth engine for professional credibility. Today, we explore how experts can build visibility, trust, and business opportunities without spending hours creating content. Joining us is Mitt Korot, Founder and CEO of ProVoices.io. With leadership experience across enterprise AI, Accenture, and Novo Nordisk, Mitt shares how AI-powered thought leadership is helping professionals and organizations strengthen their digital presence. Key Highlights LinkedIn Evolution: Why professional visibility has become essential for business growth. AI-Powered Thought Leadership: How ProVoices.ai helps experts create authentic content efficiently. The Cost of Silence: Why avoiding LinkedIn can become a missed business opportunity. Enterprise Visibility: How organizations are scaling thought leadership across teams. Future of Influence: What successful professional firms will do differently in the years ahead. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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Why AI Contracts Are Ruining Your Business
6d ago00:12:03Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore proactive legal strategy, corporate foundations, and preparing businesses for sustainable growth and successful exits. Joining us is Elena Favaro Viana, Founding and Managing Partner of EFV Legal Professional Corporation, sharing practical legal insights to help entrepreneurs protect, scale, and strengthen their businesses. Key Highlights Proactive Legal Planning: Building strong foundations for long-term business success. Legal Growth Strategy: Using legal frameworks to support revenue and expansion. AI Contract Risks: Understanding the dangers of AI-generated agreements. Exit Readiness: Preparing businesses for successful investment or acquisition. Legal Misconceptions: Addressing common challenges faced by small business owners. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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The Expansion Premium: Why Unstructured Growth Plans Fail to Scale Canadian SMEs
6d ago00:28:04Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore fractional leadership, revenue growth, and operational strategies helping businesses scale efficiently. Joining us are Cindy-Lynn Steele & Mark Johnson, Executive Partners at BelMark Plus Inc., sharing insights on digital transformation, execution, and building stronger business systems. Key Highlights Revenue Expansion: Growing new revenue streams without losing core focus. Omnichannel Growth: Turning customer data into profitable digital strategies. Execution Discipline: Keeping teams aligned during market expansion. Fractional Leadership: Choosing the right executive model for business needs. Operational Integrity: Building trust through fairness and effective systems. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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Beyond the Breach: The Chronological Blueprint to Surviving an Active Security Incident
6d ago00:22:17Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Cyber threats are no longer just an IT problem—they are a business survival challenge. Today, we explore how organizations can build digital resilience, protect critical assets, and stay operational in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape. Joining us is Patrick Naoum, P. Eng., Chief Strategy Officer at ESI Information Technologies Inc. With nearly 30 years of executive leadership in technology, cybersecurity, and strategic growth, Patrick shares insights on building stronger defenses for modern enterprises. Key Highlights Beyond Basic Security: Why modern businesses need complete cyber resilience strategies. Hidden Targets: Breaking the myth that small businesses are safe from cyberattacks. Incident Response: The critical actions required during a live security breach. AI & Cyber Risk: How artificial intelligence is transforming business security challenges. Building Resilience: Practical steps to protect data and strengthen enterprise defenses. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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