The Business Leadership Podcast TBLP Network

We're thrilled to present "Charting the Course: Insights into Canada's Entrepreneurial Landscape," in partnership with RBC, as we continue our engaging discussion on the Growth Unlocked Podcast series. Our host, Edwin Frondozo, once again welcomes Don Ludlow from RBC, alongside the dynamic CEO of Futurpreneur, Karen Greve Young, and the forward-thinking CEO of OWNR, Shane Murphy. This episode further delves into the early stages crucial for aspiring and established entrepreneurs in the Canadian business ecosystem.
Our conversation navigates the intricate terrains of business planning, emphasizing its indispensable role as a catalyst for enduring success. With a blend of real-world experiences, our esteemed guests unveil insightful pathways through the entrepreneurial maze, highlighting the significance of mentorship, an adept financial framework, and leveraging evolving market trends.
What You Will Learn From This Episode:
Delving Deeper into Business Planning: Grasp the nuanced aspects of strategic business planning and its transformative impact on your entrepreneurial venture.Entrepreneurial Evolution in Canada: Delve into how the entrepreneurial scene in Canada has been evolving and what it entails for budding and seasoned business leaders.The Facets of Financial Structuring: Explore the financial considerations imperative for stability and growth, and learn how to build a robust financial foundation from the outset.Mentorship – A Cornerstone of Success: Understand the profound impact of mentorship and how it can significantly accelerate your journey toward achieving your business goals.Leveraging Technology for Growth: Learn how technology and digital platforms can be harnessed to propel your business amidst a competitive landscape.Risk Management and Insurance: Discover the importance of risk management and how innovative insurance solutions can safeguard your business against unforeseen challenges.Links:
Karen Greve Young on LinkedInShane Murphy on LinkedInDon Ludlow on LinkedInFuturpreneur WebsiteOWNR WebsiteRBC Business InsightsEmbark on this enlightening journey as we unfold the roadmap to navigating initial challenges for sustainable business success. Your feedback is our treasure; if you find value in this episode, kindly follow the show, rate us, and leave a review. Your insights refine our podcast and help reach other ambitious business aficionados like you. Until our next episode, uphold the spirit of excellence and make every day a transformative stride on your entrepreneurial voyage!


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In collaboration with RBC, we're ecstatic to roll out another episode of the Growth Unlocked Podcast series, your compass to navigating the evolving business domain while setting the stage for tomorrow's triumphs. Our host, Edwin Frondozo, welcomes Don Ludlow from RBC, along with Karen Greve Young, the vibrant CEO of Futurpreneur, and Shane Murphy, the innovative CEO of OWNR, to dissect the foundational stages crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs and the overarching entrepreneurial scene in Canada.
This episode navigates through the critical sphere of business planning, shedding light on its role as a linchpin for long-term success. Our distinguished guests share real-world experiences, unveiling pathways to maneuver through the entrepreneurial labyrinth, with a spotlight on mentorship, networking, and establishing sturdy financial scaffolds from the get-go.
What You Will Learn From This Episode:
Embarking on the Entrepreneurial Voyage: Unpack the essential first steps aspiring entrepreneurs should undertake to solidify the groundwork for their venture.Entrepreneurship in Canada: Explore the overarching landscape of entrepreneurship in Canada and its impact on the business arena.Mastering Business Planning: Delve into the criticality of strategic business planning for sustainable success, enriched with real-world experiences from seasoned entrepreneurs.Navigating Challenges: Learn how to confront hurdles and pitfalls in the entrepreneurial journey, transforming each stumble into a stepping stone toward your objective.Mentorship and Networking: Understand the indispensable role of mentorship and networking in the initial stages of your entrepreneurial venture.Financial Structuring: Grasp the financial deliberations crucial for long-term stability and how to architect your business for enduring success.Links:
Karen Greve Young on LinkedInShane Murphy on LinkedInDon Ludlow on LinkedInFuturpreneur WebsiteOWNR WebsiteRBC Business InsightsBe sure to tune in to gather actionable insights and propel your venture toward long-term success! Your feedback is invaluable to us. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the show, rating us, and leaving a review. Your insights not only help us enhance the podcast but also aid in reaching other ambitious business leaders like you. Until the next episode, strive for excellence and make every day a 100x day on your entrepreneurial journey!


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In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, we delve into the world of Indigenous entrepreneurship and showcase the transformative power of the SOAR Accelerator. Join host Edwin Frondozo as he speaks with Sunshine Tenasco, the co-founder of SOAR, and the visionary founders of five exceptional Indigenous-owned businesses from the inaugural cohort:
Sunshine Tenasco - Co-Founder of SOAR, Founder of Her Braids and Pow Wow Pitch, and Author of Nibi’s Water Song. (Link: Sunshine Tenasco)Cheekbone Beauty - Founded by Jenn Harper, the first Indigenous-owned and founded cosmetics company. (Link: Cheekbone Beauty)Indi City - Co-founded by Angel and Alex, the first global Indigenous designers to incorporate wearable technology into traditional regalia. (Link: Indi City)MINI TIPI - Founded by Trisha Pitura and Mélanie Bernard, it offers a unique line of goods inspired by Canadian and Indigenous heritage. (Link: MINI TIPI)Sequoia - Founded by Michaelee Lazore, a proudly Indigenous brand offering sustainable and Indigenous-inspired products. (Link: Sequoia)Wabanaki Maple - A 100% Indigenous female-owned company producing signature line barrel-aged maple syrup products. (Link: Wabanaki Maple)Discover their inspiring stories, the impact of the SOAR Accelerator, and how we, as business leaders, can support and uplift entrepreneurs like them to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Three Things the Listener Will Learn:
The Significance of the SOAR Accelerator: Learn about the first-of-its-kind SOAR Accelerator and its role in empowering high-growth Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada. Understand how this unique initiative fosters financial success, builds confidence, opens doors, and creates opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive.Inspiring Stories of Indigenous Business Leaders: Hear firsthand accounts from the founders of Cheekbone Beauty, Indi City, MINI TIPI, Sequoia, and Wabanaki Maple. Discover their entrepreneurial journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and their positive impact on their communities through their businesses.Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurship: Gain insights into the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and creating an inclusive space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to grow and succeed. Explore how business leaders can play a crucial role in uplifting and supporting Indigenous businesses and contributing to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.Additional Links and Resources:
SOAR Accelerator Press ReleaseSOAR Accelerator CohortToronto Star FeatureSOAR Digital Gathering of Indigenous EntrepreneursDate: September 21stTime: 12 PM - 4 PM ETEvent Description: Join 1,000 Indigenous entrepreneurs and allies in a digital entrepreneurship gathering featuring the five SOAR entrepreneurs, performances, workshops, and ceremony. Free registration for Indigenous attendees and $50 for non-Indigenous attendees.Discover more about the SOAR Accelerator, read the press release, explore the cohort of extraordinary entrepreneurs, and join the upcoming SOAR Digital Gathering to engage and support the Indigenous business community.


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We’ve teamed up with RBC to bring you a series of podcasts to help business owners and entrepreneurs navigate today’s ever-changing environment and position your business to win for tomorrow – the Growth Unlocked Podcast.
In this episode of the Growth Unlocked Podcast, our host Edwin Frondozo welcomes Don Ludlow, the Vice President of Small Business, Strategy & Partnerships at RBC, and Mark Patterson, the visionary Executive Director of Magnet. Today’s discussion revolves around the innovative strategies SMEs can use to attract and retain the dynamic young talent of today.
Don and Mark share their insights on balancing the promotion of flexibility, agility, and creative perks to enhance employee well-being. They explore the importance of nurturing career growth through varied challenges and opportunities to keep younger employees engaged and fulfilled in their roles.
With his unique expertise in leveraging technological solutions, Mark emphasizes fostering collaboration within the employment and training ecosystem. His perspective illustrates how such an approach can positively impact individual businesses and contribute to the broader Canadian economic landscape.
The conversation also highlights RBC’s efforts, including the launch of RBC Upskill, designed to help young Canadians navigate their early career journey. Furthermore, Mark delves into the benefits of Magnet, a platform that fosters connections between businesses and potential talent.
Be sure to listen for practical advice, ingenious ideas, and fresh perspectives designed to elevate your small business to unprecedented heights.
What You Will Learn From This Episode
Innovative Recruitment Strategies: Learn effective tactics SMEs can use to attract and retain younger employees in today’s competitive market. Dive into the importance of promoting flexibility and agility and offering creative perks catering to the younger workforce's unique demands.    Employee Wellbeing and Growth: Discover how to enhance employee well-being and foster career growth. Understand the crucial role of providing challenges and opportunities that help young employees grow and thrive.    Leveraging Technology for Collaboration: Mark Patterson shares his expertise in harnessing technological solutions to foster collaboration within the employment and training ecosystem. Grasp how this strategy can positively impact your business and contribute to Canada’s economic landscape.Links
Don Ludlow on LinkedInMark Patterson on LinkedInRBC Small Business NavigatorMagnet WebsiteRBC Starting Business PortalOwnrMoneris OnlineInsights Edge

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In this episode of the Growth Unlocked Podcast, a mini-series in partnership with RBC, Edwin welcomes Don Ludlow, the Vice President of Small Business, Strategy & Partnerships at RBC. He discusses the adoption of digital technologies in Canadian businesses. 
Don believes the pandemic accelerated digital engagement but has slowed down rather than peaked. Canadians still have a strong interest in digital experiences, although they also enjoy the in-person component of doing business. There is a gap between consumers' belief in continued digital growth and business owners' perception of it. 
Don emphasizes balancing digital and human experiences, especially when engaging with younger generations who value both. Small businesses can leverage digital tools and capabilities to become more competitive and reach a wider audience. They should invest in areas such as streamlining finances, digitizing the supply chain, and using data to understand their business and find new opportunities. Don suggests setting measurable goals to assess whether a business is on the right track, such as establishing a loyal customer base and innovating products and services. Small business owners should invest in digitization and technology while maintaining their human touch and customer interactions. 
Don also mentions RBC's resources and tools to support small businesses digital transformation journey. These include insights tools, digitizing payments, cash flow planning, automating payroll, and cybersecurity solutions. Interested individuals can visit the RBC website, specifically the RBC Small Business Navigator, for more information and access to these resources. 
Links
Don Ludlow on LinkedInRBC Small Business NavigatorRBC Cash Planning ToolOwnrMoneris OnlineInsights EdgeSherwoodKobalt


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Please tune in to this episode of The Business Leadership Podcast to explore how the pandemic has revolutionized work and what human-centred leadership looks like. Josh Bersin will discuss how the sudden shift to remote work has caused companies to re-examine their management practices and embrace empowering employees and providing them with resources, tools and support for success. Plus, we'll get his advice on promoting open communication between employees and management in an increasingly digital workspace.