Iain Nairn | President & CEO, The Bay | The journey of digitally transforming a 350-year-old brand

In this episode, Mike Murchison, the co-founder and CEO of Ada, shares insights on redefining success beyond external measures and embracing intrinsic motivation for personal growth. He emphasizes the founder's role in intimately understanding and solving problems, advocates for commitment to the problem while staying open to innovative solutions, and provides valuable perspectives on scaling as a leader, including the importance of embracing discomfort and establishing clear decision-making processes.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• Defining success: Mike challenges the common notion of success tied to external measures like company valuation or financial success. He emphasizes the intrinsic motivation of learning and personal growth as more sustainable sources of fulfillment, rather than tying one's self-worth to the success of a company.
• Proximity to the problem: Mike highlights the significance of founders immersing themselves in the problems they aim to solve. He contends that a deep understanding of the problem is crucial for early company advancement. 
• Attachment vs. commitment: Mike advocates for founders to be committed to the problem they want to solve but not overly attached to a specific solution. This openness to alternative approaches fosters innovation and accelerates progress.
• Scaling as a founder and leader: Embracing discomfort as a pathway to learning, Mike emphasized the value of curiosity, drawing insights from experienced individuals, and establishing clear decision-making processes.

Enjoy!

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In this episode, Jeff delves into the vibrant realm of legal services alongside Brett Colvin, a fellow founder based in Calgary. Tune in as Brett unfolds his remarkable path from law school to transforming the legal landscape through his own venture, Goodlawyer.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• Solving industry challenges: Brett highlights how Goodlawyer addresses critical issues in the legal sector, including inefficient billing practices and industry hesitancy towards innovation.
• Harnessing the power of AI: Explore the intersection of technology and law as Brett delves into the integration of AI in legal processes and its potential to boost efficiency.
• Legal services as a business imperative: Brett emphasizes the vital role of legal services in the business domain and how they can be used as a strategic tool for effective risk management and the unlocking of untapped business opportunities.
• Capital chronicles in Canada: Brett openly shares his experiences navigating the Canadian market, shedding light on the complexities of raising capital and alternative approaches entrepreneurs can explore when seeking financial support in the distinctive landscape of Canadian business.

Enjoy!

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Discover more about Goodlawyer here.

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In this episode, Jeff sits down with Mark Harrison, Founder of MH3 Collective, who shares his approach to life and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-management and taking control of one's destiny. Mark highlights the significance of building relationships and going above and beyond to solve clients' problems. He shares stories of taking risks and making personal sacrifices to achieve success. 

In this conversation, Mark discusses the undervalued opportunities in the market and the importance of entrepreneurship in Canada. He believes that entrepreneurship is the profession of the future and provides innovation and resilience. 

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• How self-management and owning one's career are essential for success in entrepreneurship.
• Building strong relationships and going above and beyond for clients can lead to long-term success.
• Taking risks and making personal sacrifices are often necessary to achieve goals.
• Data and insights play a crucial role in decision-making for partnerships and sponsorships.

Enjoy!

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“This is the element of humanity and compassion and empathy of banking that we don't have today that really needs to come in.”

— Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf

Join us on this episode of Behind the Brand as we sit down with Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf, a dynamic force in the world of finance, ethics, and innovation. With an impressive academic background and a diverse portfolio of experiences, Dr. Sawwaf has dedicated his career to transforming the financial landscape and driving inclusive practices.

As the founder and CEO of Manzil, a company focused on ethically-conscious products and halal financing and investments, Dr. Sawwaf has been at the forefront of pioneering ethical financial solutions that empower communities in Canada while adhering to the principles of Islamic finance. His journey encompasses roles in academia, advisory boards, and impactful organizations, all working towards one common goal–financial inclusion.

Takeaways include: 

• Financial inclusivity and ethical banking: Manzil prioritizes financial inclusivity with an ethical approach, demonstrating the success of Islamic finance principles in serving a diverse demographic.
• Challenges in partnering and regulatory support: Exploring the potential benefits of official regulatory support, the discussion reflects on the UK's successful creation of an Islamic banking framework.
• Governmental role and policy changes: Highlighting the crucial role of government, the conversation underscores the need for proactive policy changes to support financial inclusivity.

This episode is filled with insights on financial inclusivity, challenges in collaboration with larger institutions, and the crucial role of government and policy changes in fostering a competitive and inclusive financial landscape in Canada.

Enjoy!

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Discover more about Manzil here.

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“I think specialization is really important. Do what you're really, really good at, be really well known for it, and then they will start giving you other things to do because they know that they can depend on you.”

—  Kirsten Gauthier

Join us in this episode of Behind the Brand as we sit down with Kirsten Gauthier, the founder of Public Office. From her early days in advertising to her entrepreneurial ventures, Kirsten shares valuable insights on adaptability, the changing dynamics of the creative industry, and the power of entrepreneurship with a social mission.

Takeaways include: 

• Adaptability and entrepreneurial journey: Kirsten's career journey is a captivating tale of adaptability and hands-on learning. Starting in advertising, she later made a daring entrepreneurial leap, establishing her production company, Production Kitchen. 
• Changing dynamics in the creative industry: In the fiercely competitive agency business, Kirsten sheds light on the evolving dynamics. Specialization and client relationships take center stage, and she advocates for a hub-and-spoke model. 
• Social impact and entrepreneurial wisdom: Goodfoot Delivery, a venture with a social mission, stands as a beacon of entrepreneurship. Kirsten shares her wisdom on viewing failure as a crucial learning process and the personal aspects of the entrepreneurial journey.

This episode is filled with inspiration, entrepreneurial wisdom, and a deep dive into the ever-changing landscape of the creative industry. 

Enjoy!

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Discover more about Public Office here.

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Connor Curran started Local Laundry equipped with a Google search, 50 dollars, and a vision for a mission-driven clothing company. But starting was the easy part. Many lessons, and many pivots later, Local Laundry is now a widely recognized Canadian brand. 

This week’s episode of Behind the Brand unveils the unique path to building a small business. Here are some insights from the episode: 

• Local Laundry chose to manufacture locally in Canada to differentiate themselves from competitors and to honour their values. Despite the higher costs, they believe that offering a better quality product and being true to their values gives them a competitive edge. 

• The company has a goal to donate a million dollars to local charities by 2030. Connor believes that being a profitable, well-run business allows them to invest in the community. 

Enjoy!

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In this episode, we sit down with ‌Senator Colin Deacon, a leading voice in Canada's financial landscape. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for empowering consumers, Senator Deacon's perspective is nothing short of enlightening.

Senator Deacon believes that open banking could be a game-changer for Canadians, shifting control of peronsal financial data from banks back to customers. Imagine having the power to improve your credit score as a new Canadian, paving the way for better financial opportunities. It's about creating opportunities from problems, a mindset that transcends sectors.

Here are some highlights from the episode: 

• Innovation as an attitude, and the need for more of it in our government services. 
• The need for regulatory change in Canada, especially in the banking and financial sectors. 
• The transformative potential of open banking. 

It's time to empower consumers and enhance competition in Canada's financial landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the world of finance.

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Discover more about Senator Colin Deacon here.

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With her extensive regulatory compliance expertise and forward-thinking approach, Hanna Zaidi has been a driving force behind innovation and transparency in the financial sector. Her leadership has propelled Wealthsimple to the forefront of digital finance, offering accessible and user-friendly investment solutions to empower individuals on their financial journeys. Under her guidance, Wealthsimple has played a pivotal role in advocating for modernizing payment systems and open banking frameworks in Canada, with the aim of enhancing competition and improving financial services for consumers nationwide.

In this episode, Hanna and Jeff deep dive into the transformative potential of modernizing payment systems, discussing the benefits for consumers and its impact on competition within the Canadian financial landscape.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• The lack of competition and modernization in the Canadian financial system can lead to higher costs for consumers and limited access to better services. 

• Trust factors are changing; younger generations prioritize user experience, speed, and convenience in trusting financial providers.

• Compliance is a chance for innovation, not a hindrance. Fintechs can gain a competitive edge by mastering regulatory requirements.

Enjoy!

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While working in Brazil, Ilya Brotzky joined a startup accelerator that aimed to connect American invcestors with Brazilian startups. Immersed in the startup culture, he observed a pool of skilled Brazilian developers wanting to move to Canada but facing language and soft skills barriers.

Upon his 2014 return to Vancouver and in the midst of his own job search, he identified a demand for developers but the lack of supply in Canada. Drawing from his Brazilian experience, he started an online school to teach developers English which quickly evolved into VanHack, a talent and recruitment platform. Now, with over 370,000 members across 100+ countries, VanHack strives to create a borderless world for tech talent.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• Creating defined career paths is crucial for preventing employee stagnation and offering a clear sense of direction within the organization.
• Offering engaging challenges sustains employee motivation and growth, while nurturing both personal and professional development.
• A clear mission and compelling purpose in an organization motivate candidates and foster deeper engagement in their roles.

Looking for more?

Discover more about VanHack here.

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Frustrated by the limited non-caffeinated options in cafes and a desire to move beyond commercial real estate, Karen Danudjaja harnessed her entrepreneurial prowess to launch Blume – a brand that would transform our approach to daily beverages.

Nearly 6 years later, Blume has emerged as North America’s premier superfood brand, offering a range of locally-crafted products comprising 100 percent natural and organic ingredients.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• Instead of fixating solely on the destination, find joy in the day-to-day process, learn from experiences, and take ownership of your happiness. 
• Every setback presents a chance to adapt, refine strategies, and enhance processes for future success.
• Successful entrepreneurship involves navigating challenges, uncertainties, and setbacks while maintaining the determination to keep moving forward.

Looking for more?

Discover more about Blume here.

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