CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

SK Uddin

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.

  1. 2d ago

    The Spreadsheet Crisis: Why Your Construction Tech Strategy Is Failing

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how industrial companies can modernize operations and build resilience through practical digital transformation and operations-first architecture in 2026. Joining us is Frederic Elias, Head of Growth at OnTarget Group, a licensed engineer and MBA with global field experience in high-stakes environments. He now helps Canadian construction and manufacturing firms modernize through the Microsoft ecosystem. Key Highlights Execution Lessons: Insights from high-stakes international field operations. Operational Mistakes: The biggest gaps in industrial digital readiness today. Driving Adoption: Why transformation projects fail and how leaders can succeed. Practical Automation: Cutting through AI hype to implement usable solutions. Optimized Operations: What a fully streamlined construction or manufacturing operation looks like. 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.

    The Spreadsheet Crisis: Why Your Construction Tech Strategy Is Failing
  2. 2d ago

    The Overwhelm Cure: Simple Workflow Changes That Free Up 100+ Hours a Year

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore scaling service-based businesses, streamlining operations, and avoiding entrepreneur burnout in 2026. Joining us is Adriana Fierastrau, CEO of Ontario Assistant, sharing insights on systemizing back-end workflows, automations, and virtual support teams. Key Highlights Common Bottlenecks: Identifying the top operational hurdles in service-based businesses. High-Impact Automations: Simple automations that save hundreds of hours annually. AI vs. Human Support: How to decide between automation, AI, or hiring assistance. Burnout Signs: Recognizing when operations cause overwhelm and taking action. Immediate Relief: Quick steps leaders can implement this week to streamline operations. 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.

    The Overwhelm Cure: Simple Workflow Changes That Free Up 100+ Hours a Year
  3. 2d ago

    Is Your 'Text Me When You Get Home' Policy a Safety Risk?

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore the challenges and solutions for lone worker safety across small businesses in North America. Joining us is Lester Tiro, Marketing Manager at SafetyLine Lone Worker, who brings expertise in marketing, product storytelling, and translating complex workplace safety requirements into actionable solutions. Key Highlights 1.Hidden Risks: Small businesses often overlook critical lone worker hazards. 2. Digital Safety Tools: Affordable tech can significantly enhance worker protection. 3. Program Essentials: Core elements define a strong lone worker program. 4.Remote Coverage: Workers can stay safe even without cell or Wi-Fi access. 5. Business Impact: Improved lone worker safety boosts operations beyond compliance. 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.

    Is Your 'Text Me When You Get Home' Policy a Safety Risk?
  4. 2d ago

    The Brand Shift: Why High-Tech Companies Must Lead with Human Connection

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore AI-driven marketing and digital brand execution for B2B businesses. In 2026, building a dominant market presence requires translating complex technical capabilities into clear, trust-building stories. Joining us is Mikaela Nicholson, Senior Manager of Marketing at Agile Bookkeeping. Key Highlights AI in Marketing: AI is transforming how B2B brands strategize and execute campaigns. Organic Trust: Brands can foster genuine trust even in automated digital environments. Human-Tech Balance: Automation should complement, not replace, human connection. Lead-Gen Web Engine: Effective websites combine SEO, AI visibility, and conversion design. Cross-Sector Insights: Diverse experience drives scalable, adaptable growth strategies. 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.

    The Brand Shift: Why High-Tech Companies Must Lead with Human Connection
  5. 2d ago

    The Identity Engine: How Authentic Consumer Rituals Fuel Modern Enterprise Growth

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore strategies for modern marketing and customer engagement. Today, we focus on data-driven campaigns, authentic cultural insights, and community-first brand activation across Canada. Joining us is Björn Bruschke, Associate Vice President of Marketing, Insurance at TD Bank Group, with over 15 years leading national marketing programs and multi-million-dollar growth initiatives. Key Highlights Authentic Cultural Insights: How organizations can uncover and leverage cultural insights for high-performing campaigns. SME Participation in Major Events: Engaging local audiences during global events without large budgets. Horn Repair Goodwill Campaign: Using personal experience and strategic planning to drive community impact. Balancing Performance and Brand: Integrating short-term marketing wins with long-term brand equity. From Strategy to Execution: Frameworks that translate high-level marketing vision into flawless operational workflows. 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.

    The Identity Engine: How Authentic Consumer Rituals Fuel Modern Enterprise Growth
  6. 3d ago

    The Franchise Formula: How to Know If You Are Truly Backed to Buy

    Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore franchise expansion, credit modeling, and risk management in 2026. Joining us is Terry Thrower, National Manager of Franchise Banking at TD, sharing insights on scaling franchise portfolios and leveraging specialized banking strategies. Key Highlights: 1. Financial Readiness: How to determine if you’re ready to buy a franchise. 2. Brand Viability: Evaluating the true potential of a franchise opportunity. 3. Specialized Advisory: Why franchise banking expertise matters for owners. 4. Multi-Unit Scaling: Financial challenges when expanding to multiple locations. 5. Franchise Trends: Key macro trends shaping the Canadian franchise sector. 6. Banking Relationships: Advice for franchise owners on managing credit and capital. 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.

    The Franchise Formula: How to Know If You Are Truly Backed to Buy

About

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.

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