Overdue Advice: Cash Flow & Debt Collection Strategies to Grow Your Business

MetCredit
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Overdue Advice is the podcast about cash flow strategies to grow your business. Each episode covers an aspect of credit management and accounts receivable. "Legal Collections (and How to Avoid Going to Court)," "Debt Doesn't Die: Estate Collections," and "How Professional Collectors Recover More," are just a few areas covered with rare industry insights. There's no show like it! Host Bryn Griffiths talks with guests including published authors, veteran collectors, accounts receivable trainers—and Brian Summerfelt, the CEO of MetCredit, North America's leader in ethical business debt collection, to examine all sides of debt recovery. Most importantly, you'll learn how to improve your business' cash flow—and put an end to bad debt forever.

  1. Oct 19

    Can They Pay? And will They? Credit Decisions with Andrea Browne

    Can you trust the numbers when deciding whether to extend credit? And what happens when the technology helping you analyze those numbers gets them wrong? In this episode of Overdue Advice, host Bryn Griffiths reconnects with Andrea Browne, Director of Finance at KBH Chartered Professional Accountants, at the National Credit Conference in Jasper, Alberta. Andrea brings decades of accounting experience and a passion for helping businesses make smarter financial decisions. She explains how credit professionals can use financial statements to assess a customer's ability and willingness to pay, identify potential risks and make more informed credit decisions. The conversation also explores how technology is transforming accounting and credit management. From Excel's often-overlooked capabilities to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, Andrea shares practical examples of how these tools can improve efficiency while introducing new risks. One particularly revealing example? Andrea asked AI to generate a financial case study for a presentation. The result looked impressive until she discovered that the balance sheet didn't balance. It's a useful reminder that better access to financial information doesn't automatically produce better financial decisions. Human judgment, professional knowledge and careful verification remain essential. Bryn and Andrea also discuss the challenges of obtaining financial information from prospective customers, the importance of professional networks and why continuous learning is increasingly important for credit and accounting professionals. The episode wraps up with a memorable observation about the difference between accounting profits and actual cash flow: "Profit is opinion. Cash is reality." Whether you're managing commercial credit, evaluating customer risk or simply trying to make better use of financial technology, this conversation offers practical insights into making decisions with greater confidence. Episode Highlights00:14 — Meet Andrea Browne01:57 — Excel: An Accountant’s Best Friend03:53 — Making Financial Information More Useful04:25 — Overcoming the Fear of New Technology05:31 — Using AI Safely with Financial Information05:59 — When AI Gets the Numbers Wrong07:04 — Can They Pay? And Will They?08:13 — How AI Is Changing Accounting08:57 — Why Human Judgment Still Counts10:49 — Getting Financial Information from Customers12:23 — Keeping Up with a Changing Profession13:44 — Andrea’s Unexpected Career in Credit15:01 — Learning to Love Public Speaking17:15 — Profit Is Opinion. Cash Is Reality.

    Can They Pay? And will They? Credit Decisions with Andrea Browne

  2. Oct 5

    Who’s Ready to Step Up? Succession Planning with Trina Casey-Myatt

    The people your business depends on today won’t be there forever. Who are you preparing to take their place? Host Bryn Griffiths sits down with Trina Casey-Myatt, Regional Director with Robert Half, to talk about succession planning and developing the people your organization will need next. After nearly three decades in recruitment, Trina says the workplace has changed more in the past six years than in the previous 23. Remote and hybrid work have shifted expectations, personal and professional lives have become more intertwined, and AI is changing both how work gets done and the skills employers need. Against that backdrop, succession planning becomes increasingly important. Trina argues that organizations should continually ask a simple question: who is being developed to step into each key role? The conversation explores mentorship, reverse mentorship and why good leaders shouldn’t be afraid to develop someone who could eventually become better than they are. Trina also explains why experienced professionals need to keep learning as technology changes their jobs, and shares a great example of a company that hired a summer student with one assignment: figure out how AI could help the rest of the team. For credit leaders and business owners, it’s a practical conversation about retaining knowledge, developing talent and making sure the departure of one important person doesn’t leave an organization scrambling. Chapters 00:00 — Meet Trina Casey-MyattBryn introduces Trina, her recruitment background and the growing importance of succession planning. 01:03 — Six Years That Changed the WorkplaceWhy Trina believes the workplace has changed more since 2020 than during the previous two decades. 02:37 — Is Hybrid Work Fading?What Robert Half is seeing as more employers return to four or five days in the office, and where flexibility remains. 03:41 — What Different Generations Want From WorkWhy younger employees may value the office for learning while experienced workers approaching retirement may increasingly value flexibility. 05:16 — When Work and Personal Life Blended TogetherHow remote work changed the boundaries between employees’ professional and personal lives. 06:53 — Who’s Ready to Take Over?Trina gets to the heart of succession planning: identifying the talent you already have and developing people to step into key positions. 08:07 — Your Mentee Should Become Better Than YouWhy mentorship benefits both sides, and why leaders shouldn’t be threatened by developing talented successors. 08:41 — The Opportunity in Reverse MentorshipExperienced employees have knowledge to share, but younger employees can return the favour with technology and new ways of working. 09:52 — Keeping Up When Work Keeps ChangingWhy experienced professionals who continue learning and adapting are better positioned as technology reshapes the workplace. 10:34 — What AI Changes About Our JobsTrina and Bryn discuss automation, eliminating mundane work and using AI to spend more time on higher-value thinking. 13:19 — Succession Planning Isn’t Only for ExecutivesWhy every organization should be thinking about who can step into important roles throughout the business. 14:13 — The Danger of “We’ve Always Done It This Way”How resistance to change can make it harder to retain and attract talented people. 14:52 — Why the Future of Work Still Excites TrinaAfter 29 years in recruitment, Trina explains why the pace of change has made her more interested in what comes next. 16:53 — The Summer Student Who Became the AI ExpertA company gives one student a deceptively simple summer assignment: learn how AI can help the team and teach everyone else. The result becomes a practical example of reverse mentorship in action. 18:25 — Finding the People Your Business Needs NextTrina explains how Robert Half works with employers and candidates to match changing organizational needs with people and career opportunities.

    Who’s Ready to Step Up? Succession Planning with Trina Casey-Myatt

  3. Sep 17

    Building Better Credit Decisions, With Amanda Anderson & Chris Noel

    What does it take to reinvent a family business without losing the values that made it successful in the first place? In this episode of Overdue Advice, host Bryn Griffiths sits down with Amanda Anderson, Vice President of Credifax, and Chris Noel, Manager of Customer Care, to explore the evolution of one of Canada's leading commercial credit reporting companies. Amanda shares how she unexpectedly joined the business founded by her father nearly three decades ago, while Chris explains why he once insisted he'd never work for the family company before ultimately helping shape its future. Together, they discuss taking over a successful business, modernizing a decades-old credit reporting platform, and embracing AI to improve efficiency while keeping people at the centre of every decision. The conversation also explores the lessons they learned leading through the pandemic, why industry collaboration strengthens credit decisions, and the importance of teaching financial literacy long before young people receive their first credit card. Whether you're responsible for credit, collections, or running a growing business, this episode offers practical insights into leadership, innovation, and why trusted relationships remain one of the most valuable assets in business. Episode Highlights00:00 – Meet Amanda Anderson and Chris Noel, the second generation leading the Credifax family business. 01:06 – Amanda shares how answering the phone after university turned into a lifelong career in commercial credit. 04:48 – Chris explains why he never planned to join the family business—and what changed his mind. 10:31 – How Credifax evolved into a nationwide credit reporting and industry information-sharing network. 13:00 – AI in the credit industry: improving efficiency while keeping privacy, security, and human judgment at the forefront. 15:21 – Leading through the pandemic: adapting quickly, protecting employees, and positioning the business for long-term growth. 20:14 – Why building relationships and helping clients avoid losses is more rewarding than simply collecting debt. 22:10 – Financial literacy: why young people should learn about budgeting, credit, and money management before entering adulthood. 25:49 – Looking ahead: modernizing the Credinet platform, listening to customer feedback, and shaping the future of commercial credit reporting. Relevant LinksCredifax Canada: https://www.credifax.on.ca/

    Building Better Credit Decisions, With Amanda Anderson & Chris Noel

  4. Aug 26

    Preparing Your Credit Team for the Unexpected, with Donna Burton

    Economic conditions can change in a heartbeat. For credit professionals, the challenge is recognizing what’s changing before it shows up in overdue accounts. In this episode of Overdue Advice, host Bryn Griffiths sits down with Donna Burton, Credit Manager with ZyTech Building Supplies and the Alfab Group, to talk about preparing for uncertainty when business is booming today and tomorrow is much harder to predict. Donna has seen what happens when conditions turn. During the 2008 downturn, construction customers with spotless payment histories suddenly disappeared. More recently, she helped navigate pandemic-era price volatility, disputes and rapidly changing credit requirements. Today, with construction busy but economic questions mounting, those experiences are shaping how she approaches risk. Donna explains why her team focuses closely on payment behaviour, how regular communication with sales and branch teams helps surface problems early, and why conventional credit limits sometimes need to give way to more responsive measures of customer risk. The conversation also explores tariffs and economic uncertainty, AI and automation, the value of industry intelligence, and the often-overlooked importance of relationships between credit professionals. For Donna, staying prepared means watching economic indicators, listening to people closest to customers and continually learning from peers facing the same challenges. It’s a timely conversation with a timeless lesson: you may not know what’s coming next, but your credit team can prepare for it. Episode Highlights: 00:48 — Why Credit Managers Need Other Credit ManagersDonna discusses the value of industry conferences, peer relationships and learning from people who understand the unique challenges of the credit role. 02:20 — Navigating the Pandemic and Its AftermathHow Donna returned to the workplace and joined ZyTech during a period of extraordinary activity and volatility in construction. 04:00 — When Pricing Changes Create Credit ProblemsRapidly changing material prices, shortened quotation periods and the customer disputes that followed. 05:35 — Getting Proactive About DisputesDonna explains the weekly reporting process that keeps branches and sales teams aware of outstanding issues and recognizes problems that get resolved. 06:22 — Business Is Booming. Will It Hold?Alberta construction is busy, but Donna draws on her experience during the 2008 downturn to explain why today’s success can’t be taken for granted. 08:33 — Tariffs, Trade and Economic UncertaintyDonna and Bryn discuss concerns around steel, employment and an economy that can send conflicting signals. 09:22 — Preparing for Whatever Comes NextHow ZyTech is positioning itself to respond proactively as economic and market conditions evolve. 10:00 — AI, Automation and Better Ways to WorkDonna discusses adopting new technology for efficiency and how automation in manufacturing produced an important additional benefit: improved worker safety. 11:25 — How a Credit Manager Watches the EconomyEconomic reports, sales-team intelligence and conversations with other credit professionals all help Donna assess what could be coming. 12:39 — When Traditional Credit Limits Stop WorkingDuring extreme price volatility, Donna’s team shifted its attention toward a highly practical indicator: how quickly customers were actually paying. 13:02 — Passing Along Decades of Credit ExperienceWith retirement on the horizon, Donna talks about mentorship and helping the next generation of credit professionals develop their skills. Relevant links:ZyTech Building Systems website: https://www.zytechtruss.com/

    Preparing Your Credit Team for the Unexpected, with Donna Burton

  5. Aug 11

    Will You Collect? Civil Litigation and AI Trends with Howie Sniderman

    Host Bryn Griffiths sits down with seasoned civil litigator Howie Sniderman, just back from speaking at the National Credit Conference in Jasper, Alberta. With 45 years of legal experience, Howie shares his insights on the real challenges credit professionals face: it's not so much about winning lawsuits, but actually collecting what's owed. They also explore how artificial intelligence is shaking up the legal landscape, from research tools to the risks of AI "hallucinations." Tune in for practical advice, real-world stories, and a forward-looking discussion on mastering technology and staying ahead in the credit industry. Episode Highlights:00:00 Due diligence and payment issues 04:17 Identifying serial offenders in credit industry 09:12 Robots in customer service 13:51 Appreciating conference attendees' diligence 16:26 Discussing Canada's current economic outlook 19:00 Signing off and contact info Disclaimer: always get legal advice specific to your own situation from a legal professional. The information provided here is general and does not apply to every situation.

    Will You Collect? Civil Litigation and AI Trends with Howie Sniderman

  6. Jul 27

    Bankruptcies Really Are Getting More Complicated, with Rhonda Fox-Miles

    Host Bryn Griffiths sits down with Rhonda Fox-Miles, founder of Fox-Miles and Associates, to unpack the evolving landscape of commercial and personal insolvency. Recorded at the National Credit Conference in Jasper, Alberta, the conversation covers everything from shifts in creditor and debtor behavior to the economic uncertainties influencing the industry today. Rhonda shares real-world examples, discusses the critical skills insolvency trustees need, and reflects on how businesses and individuals are adapting (and often struggling) in a changing environment. Whether you’re a creditor, debtor, or just curious about the world of insolvency, this episode offers timely insights and practical advice for navigating uncertain financial waters. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Debt Collection and Insolvency 01:07 Current Trends in Insolvency and Bankruptcy 03:57 Economic Influences on Debt Collection 07:01 The Role of a Licensed Insolvency Trustee 09:45 Navigating Information in the Age of AI 12:52 Best Practices for Debt Collection 14:50 Understanding Good vs. Bad Bankruptcies Fox-Miles & Associates: https://foxmiles.ca/

    Bankruptcies Really Are Getting More Complicated, with Rhonda Fox-Miles

  7. Jul 9

    What Credit Bureaus Know, and How it Affects Your Financial Future

    Host Bryn Griffiths explores the dynamic world of credit reporting with two experts from Equifax, a global leader in data analytics and credit information. Recorded at the National Credit Conference in Jasper, Alberta, today’s discussion features Ken Malin, a ten-year veteran of Equifax’s credit groups, and commercial data consultant Kevin Freeland. Together, they shine a spotlight on the evolution of credit management, the critical role of credit scores, and how companies like Equifax and MetCredit are helping Canadians and businesses navigate an ever-changing financial landscape. Whether you’re new to credit or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers timely perspectives and practical advice on leveraging credit data for smarter, safer business decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bryn Griffiths and Equifax 00:24 Equifax's Role in Global Credit Data 00:58 Reinvention and Cultural Change at Equifax 01:58 Changes in Business Practices Post-Pandemic 02:33 Managing Credit Groups During and After COVID 04:15 The Shift to Virtual Business Interactions 06:07 Selling Big Deals via Video Conference 07:23 Equifax’s Specific Role and Data Use 08:32 Personal Stories and Data Privacy in Credit 09:18 The Importance of Financial Literacy for Youth 10:33 Building Credit Early and Its Impact 12:08 Credit Reports and Personal Financial Health 13:19 The Ecosystem of Business Credit 14:29 Teaching Kids About Credit and Math Skills 15:22 The Role of AI and Digital Skills in Future Finance 15:50 Encouraging Responsible Credit Use Among Youth 16:57 Ken Malin on Credit Groups and Industry Collaboration 17:50 The Role of Credit Data in Industry and Risk Management 18:48 The Value of Relationships and Trust in Credit 20:11 Future Challenges in Personal and Business Credit 21:40 Using Data to Support Business and Credit Decisions 24:38 Connecting with Experts for Financial Education   Resources Equifax Canada Official Website - https://www.equifax.ca The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton - https://thewealthybarber.com/ A Rich Future, Essential Financial Concepts for Youth by Noah Booth  Credit Safe - https://www.creditsafe.com Guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/kenmalin LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/kevinfreeland

    What Credit Bureaus Know, and How it Affects Your Financial Future

  8. Apr 23

    Beyond the Will: Challenges and Changes in Estate Recovery with Jojo Staples

    In this episode, we're shining a spotlight on estate collections: a challenging and often misunderstood area of debt recovery. We're joined by Jojo Staples, MetCredit’s Director of Estate Recovery, who brings over 20 years of specialized experience to the conversation. Together, we’ll delve into the complexities of collecting on estates, how the landscape has evolved in recent years, and the increasing emotional and legal challenges faced by executors and collectors alike. Whether you’re managing an estate, dealing with unexpected debts, or simply curious about what happens to finances after someone passes away, Jojo Staples offers valuable insights into how compassion, legal know-how, and a human touch are all essential in this sensitive line of work. Stay tuned to learn how estate collections impact businesses, families, and the broader economy in ways you might not expect.

    Beyond the Will: Challenges and Changes in Estate Recovery with Jojo Staples
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About

Overdue Advice is the podcast about cash flow strategies to grow your business. Each episode covers an aspect of credit management and accounts receivable. "Legal Collections (and How to Avoid Going to Court)," "Debt Doesn't Die: Estate Collections," and "How Professional Collectors Recover More," are just a few areas covered with rare industry insights. There's no show like it! Host Bryn Griffiths talks with guests including published authors, veteran collectors, accounts receivable trainers—and Brian Summerfelt, the CEO of MetCredit, North America's leader in ethical business debt collection, to examine all sides of debt recovery. Most importantly, you'll learn how to improve your business' cash flow—and put an end to bad debt forever.

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