East Trade Winds

Bernie Franzgrote
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Beyond networking. Forge alliances. East Trade Winds is a free weekly gathering for business owners, solopreneurs, coaches, creators, and entrepreneurs who are done collecting business cards and ready to build something real. Every Tuesday from 8 to 9 AM EST, we meet live on Zoom. One hour. Real conversations. Real introductions. No pitch decks. No pressure. The format is simple: bring one challenge you're working through and one introduction you can offer. That's it. That's the room. Since September 2023, ETW has been quietly building one of the most genuine B2B communities in Canada — and beyond. The people who show up aren't here to perform. They're here to connect, collaborate, and move forward. This podcast channel captures those conversations — the insights, the guest appearances, the real talk that happens when business owners stop posturing and start helping each other. Your hosts keep it grounded: ▸ Bernie Franzgrote — B2B connector, business strategist, and the architect behind the East Trade Winds ecosystem. Bernie has spent years building communities where introductions turn into collaborations, referrals, and revenue. ▸ Percy Barr of Percy Barr Consultancy — an AI consultant and trusted advisor with over 30 years in the tech industry. Percy helps business owners navigate key transitions — from moving operations online to integrating AI solutions that actually work. Practical. Honest. No jargon. ▸ Wayne Pratt of Motive8U — an author, life and business coach who helps professionals and entrepreneurs break through roadblocks, clarify their goals, and take real steps forward. If you're stuck, Wayne is the person in the room who sees the path. Together, they create a space that's warm enough to be honest and structured enough to be useful. ETW is free to attend. Always has been. The belief is simple — the right room changes everything, and access to that room shouldn't cost you anything to try. Come for one session. See what it feels like when a networking group actually works. Ready to be in the room? Register at easttradewinds.com and join us this Tuesday. --- Want to go deeper? Canada Growth Network is the next step — a $47 CDN/month membership that includes weekly Power Hour sessions, masterminds, real introductions, and a robust CRM platform that simplifies your entire tech stack. Find out more at canadagrowthnetwork.com. --- East Trade Winds. Every Tuesday. Free.

  1. 4d ago

    Private AI Won’t Fix SMB App Overload Until Apps Connect

    GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, and leaders building systems WHAT THEY’LL GAIN: A clear view of why disconnected SaaS tools hold AI back. A look at one way to bring apps, data, and private AI into one place. Questions to ask before you add another tool. Most owners think AI will fix their app mess. It won’t, not on its own. Until your apps connect, AI only gives you average answers, not answers about your business. Too many business apps hold a piece of your data, and none of them talk to each other. Jovan Strika, Chief Vision Officer at ElastaLink, shares an early look at what @Hive is exploring. Most business owners run on many SaaS tools that don’t connect. They copy and paste data and settle for features they didn’t pick. Jovan walks through a web-based business desktop that brings AI applications into one place, with tiles, windows, a dock, and saved views. One private AI assistant works across all your data. You can even ask it to build your own AI apps. It runs on a private cloud or on-prem, so your business data stays yours. He ends by asking the room what belongs on the wish list. This is for owners who want simpler business operations and are curious about private AI. Key topics covered Why disconnected SaaS apps lead to copy-paste and duplicate recordsWhy most apps are built for everyone, not for youWhy AI needs your real business data to helpThe business desktop concept: tiles, windows, a dock, and saved viewsPrivate cloud and on-prem optionsBuilding your own custom apps with AIThe wish list: what the room wants nextGuest links Jovan Strika on LinkedInElastaLink@HiveRequest the @Hive pilot@Hive on LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · YouTubeRead the full write-up: Read the full write-up Hosts: Percy Barr and Wayne Pratt Past episodes: Browse all episodes — PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE — East Trade Winds: free weekly networking. Bring one challenge and one introduction.@Hive: real-world business networking, in person and online. Starter membership is $99 CAD a year.Gentry Learning: real estate education from Fred Crouch, with listings, an Investor Club, and a free newsletter.Next Steps Email: info@kreativinsight.comJoin Canada Growth Network: a robust CRM platform plus community. $1 CAD first month, then $47 CAD a month. Real tools. Real people.Subscribe to the K4B blogSearch K4B episodesRegister as a K4B guestJoin East Trade Winds free every Tuesday, 8–9 AM ESTPast episodes (Ghost blog) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode. It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

    Private AI Won’t Fix SMB App Overload Until Apps Connect

  2. Oct 21

    Public Speaking Tips: You Don't Have a Confidence Problem

    GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, and leaders who have to speak about their business WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A bold way to open, a way to find your crutch word, a story method that builds trust, and a clear focus on what your audience should think, feel, or do.   You think you have a confidence problem. You don't. Until you learn the skill, every pitch and podcast keeps sounding smaller than you are. Nat Mailhot is a communication coach who helps professionals, leaders, and speakers sound clear and confident. In this East Trade Winds talk, she shares public speaking tips for business owners who want to speak about themselves with more impact. Nat says most people think they have a confidence problem. They don't. They are missing a skill. She teaches simple tools: start bold, find your crutch word, and use storytelling to share your "firsts" stories. She also asks speakers to focus on what the audience will think, feel, or do. Nat tells a vulnerable story about losing a TEDx license and what it taught her. This is for solopreneurs, founders, and leaders with a pitch, podcast, or networking talk coming up who want it to land. Key topics covered Why people remember how you made them feelStarting bold with a quote or a big claimWhy most "confidence problems" are skill gapsFinding and cutting your crutch wordTelling "firsts" stories: first client, first podcast, first frustrationUsing vulnerable moments as teaching momentsAsking what your audience should think, feel, or doGuest links Website: nathaliemailhot.comLinkedIn: Nat Mailhot on LinkedInInstagram: @natmailhotHave a talk or pitch coming up? Book a 30-minute call with Nat through her website.Read more Read the full write-upBrowse all episodesSupporting persons mentioned: Maya Angelou, whose quote opens the talk.   PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE East Trade Winds: free weekly networking. Bring one challenge, bring one introduction.Profit10: take the free Profit Snapshot. Ten questions to see where your business is strong and where it leaks.Web Indexer: a chatbot for your website that answers visitor questions 24/7.  Next Steps Email: info@kreativinsight.comJoin Canada Growth Network: $1 CAD first month, then $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people.Subscribe to the K4B blogSearch K4B episodesRegister as a K4B guestJoin East Trade Winds free every Tuesday, 8-9 AM ESTPast episodes Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode. It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

    Public Speaking Tips: You Don't Have a Confidence Problem

  3. Oct 15

    Bank Loan vs Alternative Financing for Canadian SMBs

    GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, and leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear way to compare bank loans with factoring, a script for keeping a vendor supplying you, and a simple team to build before trouble starts.   Most owners think the cheapest loan is the best loan. It isn't. Hit your credit limit and you lose the clients you worked hard to win. The problem Michael solves: how to fund growth when a bank line of credit is not enough. Michael Yasny, founder of Money Consultants and author, has helped business owners find financing for more than 30 years. In this East Trade Winds talk, he explains why bank loans are not always the best fit for a business. A bank line of credit can cost less, but it can also cap your growth. He shows how factoring and other growth capital can fill the gap. He also shares how to keep a key vendor supplying you when you owe them money. He covers how to handle taxes, the CRA, and collection agencies too. His advice is to build a team early: a lawyer, an accountant, and a business advisor. This talk is for new, growing, and struggling business owners who need financing options and a plan. Key topics covered •      Why a 3% bank line can cost more than a factoring deal •      Private money, factoring, purchase order finance, leasing, BDC and EDC •      Keeping a vendor selling to you when you owe them money •      Why to incorporate early, and the question to ask your accountant •      How unpaid CRA taxes grow, and how a garnishment works •      Lenders who tie you up, and how to handle collection agencies Guest links •      Money Consultants •      Michael Yasny on LinkedIn •      Michael's book on Amazon: So, You Want to Start Your Own Business Full write-up: Read the full write-up Supporting persons mentioned: None named in this talk. Past episodes: Browse all episodes — PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE — •      East Trade Winds: free weekly networking. Bring one challenge and one introduction. •      Profit10™: a free Profit Snapshot. Ten questions show where your business is strong and where it leaks profit. •      Web Indexer: a quick-install chatbot that gives your website visitors answers 24/7. Next Steps •      Email: info@kreativinsight.com •      Join Canada Growth Network (a robust CRM platform): $1 CAD first month, then $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people. •      Join East Trade Winds free every Tuesday, 8 to 9 AM EST •      Subscribe to the K4B blog •      Search K4B episodes •      Register as a K4B guest •      Past episodes (Ghost blog) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode. It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

    Bank Loan vs Alternative Financing for Canadian SMBs

  4. Oct 8

    Why AI Machines Are Skipping Your Business (And How to Fix It)

    GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners, solopreneurs, corporate escapees, and leaders building systems WHAT THEY’LL GAIN: A simple way to see why deals go quiet, what “boring content” AI tools look for, and a review habit that keeps it accurate. You are losing deals and nobody tells you why. Joshua Altman is the managing director of Beltway Media, a firm of fractional chief communications officers. In this East Trade Winds session, he shares tactical communication that helps businesses stop losing deals they never knew about. Buyers now ask AI tools to compare companies. If your pricing, specs, bios, and reviews are not clear, the machines skip you, and people never get to choose you. Joshua calls this boring content, and he says it matters as much as bold brand messaging. He ties both to sales strategy through his story, narrative, and brand framework. He also says a communication team should own this content and review it often. This is for small business owners and leaders who want to be found. Key topics covered •             Why buyers ask AI tools to compare companies before they ever call you •             What “boring” content is: pricing, specs, bios, return and cancellation terms, reviews •             What “bold” content is: ads, brand, email, creative campaigns •             The story, narrative, and brand framework •             Why a communications team should own and audit the boring content Guest links •             Joshua Altman on LinkedIn •             Beltway Media •             Beltway Media on LinkedIn •             Beltway Media free tools Read the full write-up Hosts: Percy Barr and Wayne Pratt Browse all episodes   PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE •             East Trade Winds ~ free weekly networking. Bring one challenge, bring one introduction. •             Profit10™ ~ a free Profit Snapshot. Ten questions to show where your business leaks profit. •             Web Indexer ~ a quick-install chatbot that answers visitor questions 24/7.   Next Steps •             Join Canada Growth Network ~ $1 CAD first month, then $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people. •             Subscribe to the K4B blog •             Search K4B episodes •             Register as a K4B guest •             Join East Trade Winds free every Tuesday, 8–9 AM EST •             Past episodes (Ghost blog) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode. It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

    Why AI Machines Are Skipping Your Business (And How to Fix It)

  5. Oct 1

    Podcast Guesting Isn't a Someday Plan. It's a Calendar!

    GROWTH PILLAR: Marketing & Branding WHO THIS IS FOR: Solopreneurs, SMB owners, speakers, and leaders building visibility WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A simple plan to get booked as a podcast guest: set a number, pick the right shows, track every pitch, and follow up. Someday isn't a plan, and it won't book you on a single podcast. Every month you wait, another guest gets the spot you wanted. Carl Richards helps people who want to be podcast guests but have no system for getting booked. Carl Richards, founder of Podcast Solutions Made Simple, shows East Trade Winds members how to fill a calendar with podcast guest booking for a full year. He says about a hundred million people want to be podcast guests, but few have a plan. Carl walks through how to set a goal, pick the right shows, track your pitches, and use PodMatch to find hosts. He also covers personal pitches, follow-up after the interview, and why a media page on your website matters. Podcast networking does not end when the recording does. This session is for solopreneurs, speakers, and small business owners who want more brand visibility and speaking gigs through podcast guesting. Key topics covered Why "someday" never books a showSetting a monthly guest goal (Carl aimed for one and landed two)Choosing where, when, and which topicsTracking pitches in a simple sheetUsing AI and PodMatch to find showsPersonal pitches, follow-up, and a media pageGuest links Website · LinkedIn · Company page · Instagram · YouTube · Facebook · TikTokTools Carl mentions: PodMatch · MyPublicist.AIFull write-up: Read the full write-up. Supporting persons mentioned: Thank you to Tony Gyenis of Phoenix Business Exchange for introducing Carl to Knack 4 Business. Past episodes: Browse all episodes. — PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE — East Trade Winds: free weekly networking. Bring one challenge, bring one introduction.Profit10™: the free Profit Snapshot. Ten questions to see where your business leaks profit.Gentry Learning: real estate courses, listings, an Investor Club, and a free newsletter.Next Steps Email: info@kreativinsight.comJoin Canada Growth Network (a robust CRM platform + community): $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people.Subscribe to the K4B blogSearch K4B episodesRegister as a K4B guestETW: Join free every Tuesday, 8–9 AM ESTPast episodes (Ghost blog) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode. It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

    Podcast Guesting Isn't a Someday Plan. It's a Calendar!

  6. Sep 23

    Why Your Leadership Style is Actually Toxic (And How to Fix It)

    GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Leaders building teams / Coaches and consultants WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear framework for identifying the hidden wounds shaping how they sell and lead ~ plus a practical five-step process for addressing harm in their organizations responsibly.   Most business owners don't realize their leadership style is costing them ~ until it already has. Julia Kline is a leadership coach, bestselling author, and keynote speaker who helps entrepreneurs and business owners heal the beliefs that make selling feel wrong. She created the Heal Your Sales Wounds™ system ~ six core wounds that shape how people handle money, power, and relationships in business. In this East Trade Winds session, Julia walks through each wound, with a deep focus on the power wound and how a lack of healing shows up in toxic leadership and workplace harm. She also shares a restorative justice framework for how communities and organizations can address that harm responsibly. This conversation is for business owners who want to lead and sell with real confidence, integrity, and self-awareness. Topics covered: The six Heal Your Sales Wounds™ ~ money, love and money, power, anti-selling, prostitution, and visibilityWhy the power wound is the most prevalent and least acknowledgedHow unhealed power shows up in leadership behaviour and workplace harmThe five restorative justice questions every organization should askWhat authentic personal power actually looks like in businessConnect with Julia Kline:Julia Kline | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook Full episode write-up: Read the full write-up Join East Trade Winds free every Tuesday 8–9 AM EST: easttradewinds.com Browse all episodes: blog.knack4business.com   — PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE — East Trade Winds ~ Free weekly networking for business owners who mean business. Tuesdays 8–9 AM EST. Bring one challenge, bring one introduction. Profit10™ ~ Free Profit Snapshot assessment. Ten questions that show you exactly where your business is strong and where it's leaking profit. Canada Growth Network ~ A business community with a full CRM and automation suite built in. Real tools, real people. $47 CAD/month.   Next Steps Email: info@kreativinsight.comJoin Canada Growth Network ~ $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people.Subscribe to the K4B blogSearch K4B episodesRegister as a K4B guestJoin East Trade Winds free ~ Tuesdays 8–9 AM ESTBrowse all past episodes Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode. It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

    Why Your Leadership Style is Actually Toxic (And How to Fix It)

  7. Sep 16

    Rejection Didn't Stop Him: How Batman's Writer Got Credit

    GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & OpsWHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systemsWHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A real example of how persistence pays off, even after years of rejection. Lessons on fighting for what's fair without burning bridges. *The image used here is AI generated of Marc Tyler Nobleman* Marc Tyler Nobleman helps people see what it really takes to get credit for work someone else tries to claim. Marc Tyler Nobleman, an author and keynote speaker, joins East Trade Winds to share the real story behind Batman's hidden co-creator. Marc used storytelling and creative writing to uncover Bill Finger, the writer who shaped Batman but went uncredited for 25 years. His seven-month hunt for the truth became a lesson in storytelling techniques ~ turning a forgotten history into a story people could not ignore. He explains how persistence and resilience led to a historic credit change at DC Comics, plus a Hulu documentary. This episode is for business owners and leaders who need a reminder that persistence pays off, even when everyone tells you it won't work. Key topics covered: The untold story of Bill Finger, Batman's uncredited co-writerNine Years of detective work to find lost photos and recordsThe nine-year fight to get DC Comics to change the official credit lineWhat persistence looks like when the odds are against youWhy AI research tools couldn't have done this work aloneGuest links: Marc's website · LinkedIn · Instagram · Bluesky · YouTube · Facebook · Threads · X · TikTok Read the full write-up Session hosted with Wayne Pratt and Percy Barr. Browse all episodes — PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE — East Trade Winds ~ free weekly networking, every Tuesday 8–9 AM EST.Web Indexer ~ a chatbot that answers your website visitors' questions 24/7.Gentry Learning ~ real estate education from Fred Crouch, host of Property Wizard.Next Steps Email: info@kreativinsight.comJoin Canada Growth Network ~ $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month. Real tools. Real people.Subscribe to the K4B blogSearch K4B episodesRegister as a K4B guestJoin free every Tuesday 8–9 AM ESTPast episodes (Ghost blog) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode. It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

    Rejection Didn't Stop Him: How Batman's Writer Got Credit

  8. Sep 9

    Leadership Isn't a Strategy - It's a Conversation

    GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systemsWHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A new way to think about culture problems, a real story about coming back from a serious setback, and one shift — curiosity — that changes how a room feels. Most leaders try to fix culture problems with a new program or a new system. Jessie-Lynn MacDonald says that misses the real starting point. Jessie-Lynn is an executive and transformation coach. She helps leaders and teams see what's actually holding them back — stress, limiting beliefs, or a lack of clear direction. In this East Trade Winds session, she explains why burnout, conflict, and low engagement are human problems first, not systems problems. She shares how one person's energy in a room can change how everyone else shows up — and how that ripple moves from a person, to a team, to a whole organization. She also shares her own story. A head injury at 20. Being told to go on long-term disability. Then being told, three years later, that she'd never manage university again. She went anyway. Graduated with high honors. Key topics covered: Why change starts with a conversation, not a strategyThe ripple effect — how one person shapes a whole roomWhy culture problems are human problems firstCuriosity as a leadership toolJessie-Lynn's own story of setback and recoveryGuest links:Jessie-Lynn MacDonald — Website · LinkedIn · Facebook · X · Instagram · Blog Co-hosts: Percy Barr and Wayne Pratt Browse all episodes — PARTNERS ON THIS EPISODE —East Trade Winds — free weekly networking, community first, sales second.Profit10 — a free ten-question snapshot that shows coaches and consultants where a client's business is leaking profit.Gentry Learning — real estate education from Fred Crouch, courses, listings, and an investor club. Next Steps Email: info@kreativinsight.comJoin Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/monthSubscribe to the K4B blogSearch K4B episodesRegister as a K4B guestJoin East Trade Winds free — Tuesdays 8–9 AM ESTPast episodes (K4B / ETW / CGN) Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode. It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

    Leadership Isn't a Strategy - It's a Conversation
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About

Beyond networking. Forge alliances. East Trade Winds is a free weekly gathering for business owners, solopreneurs, coaches, creators, and entrepreneurs who are done collecting business cards and ready to build something real. Every Tuesday from 8 to 9 AM EST, we meet live on Zoom. One hour. Real conversations. Real introductions. No pitch decks. No pressure. The format is simple: bring one challenge you're working through and one introduction you can offer. That's it. That's the room. Since September 2023, ETW has been quietly building one of the most genuine B2B communities in Canada — and beyond. The people who show up aren't here to perform. They're here to connect, collaborate, and move forward. This podcast channel captures those conversations — the insights, the guest appearances, the real talk that happens when business owners stop posturing and start helping each other. Your hosts keep it grounded: ▸ Bernie Franzgrote — B2B connector, business strategist, and the architect behind the East Trade Winds ecosystem. Bernie has spent years building communities where introductions turn into collaborations, referrals, and revenue. ▸ Percy Barr of Percy Barr Consultancy — an AI consultant and trusted advisor with over 30 years in the tech industry. Percy helps business owners navigate key transitions — from moving operations online to integrating AI solutions that actually work. Practical. Honest. No jargon. ▸ Wayne Pratt of Motive8U — an author, life and business coach who helps professionals and entrepreneurs break through roadblocks, clarify their goals, and take real steps forward. If you're stuck, Wayne is the person in the room who sees the path. Together, they create a space that's warm enough to be honest and structured enough to be useful. ETW is free to attend. Always has been. The belief is simple — the right room changes everything, and access to that room shouldn't cost you anything to try. Come for one session. See what it feels like when a networking group actually works. Ready to be in the room? Register at easttradewinds.com and join us this Tuesday. --- Want to go deeper? Canada Growth Network is the next step — a $47 CDN/month membership that includes weekly Power Hour sessions, masterminds, real introductions, and a robust CRM platform that simplifies your entire tech stack. Find out more at canadagrowthnetwork.com. --- East Trade Winds. Every Tuesday. Free.

Information

  • Creator
    Bernie Franzgrote
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 - 2026
  • Show Website
    East Trade Winds