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 Discovery Premium: Why Traditional Google Strategy Fails Generative AI Engine Citations
1w ago00:14:16Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we break down Generative Engine Optimization, local map pack tracking, and programmatic asset strategies for high-intent commercial keywords. In 2026, businesses must move beyond basic websites to AI-driven schemas and technical ledger architectures. Joining us is Martin Vassilev, Founder and CEO of Ottawa SEO Inc. Martin is an elite search strategist and software engineer, known for ranking over 200 web properties and being profiled in The New York Times for a record-breaking search engine achievement. He personally designs every technical brief and authority pipeline for his clients. Key Highlights NYT Profile Insights: Lessons learned from competing for the top Google spot. AI SEO Transition: How local brands should optimize for AI-driven search. Client Protection: Testing strategies on personal web portfolios to safeguard budgets. Local Map Dominance: How to secure top spots in local search and "Near Me" queries. Digital Audits: Practical steps for emerging businesses to capture local revenue 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 Insurance Revolution: How AI is Reclaiming Thousands of Broker Hours
2w ago00:25:51Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how AI-driven platforms are modernizing the Canadian insurance sector, transforming complex workflows into actionable business results in 2026. Joining us is Jeff Barsalou, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of QuickFacts, who shares insights on digital transformation, AI in B2B sales, and building a family-led Insurtech leader with near-zero customer churn. Key Highlights Insurance Transformation: Jeff explains how technology is modernizing Canadian brokerage operations. AI in B2B Sales: Jeff discusses AI’s role in reshaping business development strategies. Customer Trust: Jeff highlights maintaining trust at scale for long-term growth. Workflow Simplification: Jeff shows how Commercial Lines streamlines complex insurance processes. Family-Led Vision: Jeff shares how entrepreneurship and shared vision shape QuickFacts’ success. 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 Momentum Engine: How Shape-Build-Engage Frameworks and Practical AI Drive SME Growth
2w ago00:16:43Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Digital transformation fails when technology moves faster than strategy. Today, we explore how businesses can turn complex systems, AI investments, and digital platforms into measurable growth outcomes. Joining us is Scott Snowden, Partner at Flywheel Strategic. A technology strategist and enterprise digital architect with two decades of experience, Scott helps B2B organizations simplify operations, improve user experiences, and build sustainable digital momentum. Key Highlights Digital Transformation Gaps: Why businesses struggle to turn technology investments into results. Practical AI Adoption: What separates successful AI strategies from failed initiatives. Digital Frameworks: How structured approaches protect margins during system upgrades. Future Disruptions: The technology trends reshaping mid-market businesses. Smarter Investments: Identifying software solutions that deliver real business 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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The Appreciation Economy: Turning Rewards Into a Measurable Growth Driver
2w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how modern organizations are transforming employee experience with AI-driven feedback and culture enablement. Joining us is Rob Catalano, Co-Founder and Chief Engagement Officer at WorkTango, a global HR tech pioneer recognized for building platforms that amplify workforce engagement and retention. Key Highlights Annual Surveys Are Outdated: Traditional surveys fail to capture real-time employee sentiment. AI-Driven Feedback: AI can convert employee input into actionable management insights. Recognition Boosts Performance: Structured recognition programs improve retention and productivity. Incentives Drive Engagement: Operational incentives increase training adoption and workforce motivation. HR Tech Mindset: Innovative platforms elevate the employee experience and organizational culture. 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 Storytelling Secret: Why Your Digital Ads are Failing
2w ago00:15:41Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how brands can move beyond visibility and use strategic storytelling to influence real consumer behavior. Joining us is Andrew Wagar, President and CEO of Swerve Strategic Marketing. Andrew shares how PR, influencer marketing, and digital strategy come together to drive measurable growth. Key Highlights Influencer ROI: Andrew explains how influencer marketing can drive actual sales. Channel Synergy: Andrew shares how digital and influencer strategies boost conversions. PR Advantage: Andrew highlights why PR is the missing link in many campaigns. Scaling Smart: Andrew explains how small brands can grow without large budgets. 2026 Trends: Andrew outlines the key shifts shaping consumer marketing. 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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Fundable vs. Scalable: Why Early-Stage Startup Hype Fails
2w ago00:25:12Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we break down the operational mechanics of real startup growth and why structural foundations matter more than hype or valuations in 2026. Joining us is Elizabeth Thorsen, Owner and Principal at Elle Thorsen Consulting. Based in Vancouver, Elizabeth has 15+ years of experience guiding tech, climate, and innovation startups toward execution readiness and scalable growth. Key Highlights Fundable vs. Scalable: The difference between raising capital and building a business that lasts. Hype Gap: Why many startups crash after their first major funding round. VC Funding Disparity: The ongoing challenges women-led startups face in venture capital. Ecosystem Gaps: Missing pieces in Canada’s startup and accelerator landscape. Responsible AI Growth: How businesses can adopt AI while maintaining sustainability and community impact. 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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ROI in Education: Why Most Tech Fails and How to Fix It
2w ago00:25:02Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore the transformation of higher education in an AI-powered world. In 2026, classrooms are shifting from content delivery to active application, requiring educators to focus on engagement, personalization, and interactive learning. Joining us is Eric Gardiner, Director of Thought Leadership at Top Hat, co-host of the Higher Listenings podcast, and advisor to over 900 institutions across North America. Key Highlights Educator’s Role: Teachers now guide application and critical thinking, not just content delivery. Personalized Learning: ACE tools tailor the student journey to boost engagement. Tech ROI: Many institutions struggle to realize measurable returns from edtech investments. Content Evolution: AI transforms how course materials are created and delivered. Outdated Beliefs: Higher education must shift past traditional learning assumptions. 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 www.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 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 Ambition: The Data Blueprint to Bridging the AI Infrastructure Readiness Gap
3w ago00:24:42Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore AI-ready enterprise networks and secure platform deployment for Canadian businesses. In 2026, scaling AI safely requires context-aware infrastructure, unified data connectivity, and robust cyber threat intelligence. Joining us is Raj Juneja, President of Cisco Canada. Key Highlights AI Network Foundations: Strong physical networks are critical for scaling AI workloads. Readiness Gap: Many Canadian companies lack network preparedness, affecting competitiveness. Secure AI Deployment: Trust-first infrastructure is essential for daily AI operations. Unified Platforms: Consolidated systems simplify monitoring and strengthen security. Innovation Ecosystems: Complex cloud and analytics leadership shapes partner networks. 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 www.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 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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Taking Your XM to the Next Level
3w ago00:16:45Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore experiential marketing and brand activations that break through digital fatigue. Joining us is Margot Silverstein, Associate Director of Growth at XMC, guiding national brand activations, sponsorship evaluation, and strategic partnerships across multiple industries. Key Highlights Experience Premium: Real-world brand experiences now outpace traditional digital ads. Sponsorship ROI: Measuring performance in real time maximizes impact and optimization. National Program Execution: Data-driven intention ensures large campaigns move the brand needle. Regulated Sector Creativity: Compliance and creativity coexist through strategic storytelling. Community & Leadership: Youth philanthropy strengthens corporate leadership and purpose. 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 www.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 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 Future of Marketing Isn't More Content.It's Better Strategy.
3w ago00:20:21Tap to summarizeWelcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore high-impact creative execution and building unified brand ecosystems. Joining us is Danielle McNeill, Co-Founder and Marketing Director at Definitely Real, leading strategy for their top-tier client roster including Arc’teryx and Nimmo Bay Resort. Key Highlights Brand Foundation: Branding must precede marketing to guide all creative efforts. Marketing Flow: Build a consistent marketing river rather than chasing one-off trends. Earned Growth: Small businesses can win through community and word-of-mouth marketing. Creative Preservation: AI challenges the sustainability of creative talent if unchecked. Mentorship Safety Net: Mentorship helps future-proof creative careers in an AI-driven world. 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 www.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 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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