The Leadership Standard

Tune in to this latest episode of the Leadership Standard podcast and join host Jamie Mason Cohen, as he sits down with Erica Ehm, a renowned television host and entrepreneur. Erica's journey in the music industry began in high school, writing for her local newspaper, eventually leading to positions at CityTV and MuchMusic, where she became a prominent figure in live music television. Learn how Erica's persistence and willingness to ask for opportunities shaped her career, leading to the founding of Yummy Mummy Club, an online platform addressing modern motherhood challenges. Despite being an introvert, Erica's passion for connecting with others shines through as she discusses her approach to creating meaningful content and engaging with her audience. Through authenticity and vulnerability, Erica emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself in both personal and professional endeavors. In part two of the interview, Erica dives into her interviewing techniques, reflecting on her viral interview with Kurt Cobain and sharing insights on empathetic leadership styles. Join Erica as she recalls memorable encounters with musicians, from positive experiences with Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon to challenging interactions with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Looking ahead, Erica shares her excitement about her upcoming book, exploring themes of dystopia and technology while drawing from personal experiences and reflections on society. Don't miss this insightful conversation on persistence, authenticity, and purpose in navigating entrepreneurship and personal growth. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 1. Introduction and Background of Erica Ehm Jamie Mason Cohen introduces Erica Ehm, detailing her diverse career from a pioneering MuchMusic VJ to the host of "The Yummy Mummy." Erica’s First Steps into the Music Industry Erica recounts her early foray into the music business, from her teen column in a local newspaper to securing her first music industry job. Transition to Television and Entrepreneurship The conversation shifts to how Erica transitioned from music to television and then to entrepreneurship, highlighting her initiative and determination. Creating Yummy Mummy Club and Embracing Motherhood Erica discusses founding the Yummy Mummy Club, addressing the realities and challenges of modern motherhood and fostering a community for shared experiences. Leadership and Personal Growth Insights into leadership, the significance of persistence, and personal growth through Erica's entrepreneurial journey with the Yummy Mummy Club. Interview Skills and Empathy Erica shares her approach to conducting interviews, focusing on empathy and active listening, illustrated by her notable interview with Kurt Cobain. Facing and Overcoming Challenges A candid discussion about overcoming personal and professional hurdles, including Erica's resilience in rebuilding and selling her company. Future Projects and Aspirations Erica reflects on future endeavors, specifically her ambition to complete a dystopian novel exploring themes of disinformation, technology, and mental health.

🎙️ Elevate Your Leadership Game: Uncover the Strategies of a Visionary Entrepreneur! 🚀 Dive into a game-changing episode of the Leadership Standard podcast featuring the remarkable Mitch Joel. From rock band writing in the '80s to co-founding a digital marketing powerhouse, Joel's journey is a masterclass in creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge leadership. Building Powerhouse Partnerships: Discover Joel's secrets to forging unbreakable business bonds, emphasizing teamwork, and always directing efforts against challenges, not each other. 🤖 AI Unleashed: Navigate the delicate balance of utilizing AI for creativity without sacrificing quality. Joel's insights into leveraging AI as a "co-pilot" for ideation provide a roadmap for leaders seeking innovation. Podcasting Mastery: Uncover the magic behind Joel's two-decade-long podcasting consistency. Learn the art of maintaining passion, building a backlog, and engaging in insightful conversations with industry leaders. Leadership Alchemy: Explore the blend of innate talents and learned skills that define true leadership. Joel's advice on leading with empathy, emotional intelligence, and vision is a must-hear for every business leader. Don't miss this opportunity to supercharge your leadership skills! Tune in now to the Leadership Standard podcast for a dose of inspiration, practical insights, and strategies from a leader who's been there, done that, and continues to thrive. Your leadership journey is about to reach new heights—click play and join the conversation!

In this episode of TEC Canada's Leadership Standard, host Jamie Mason-Cohen invites Dr. Preet Banerjee, a respected Canadian personal finance expert known for his work as a Globe and Mail columnist, host of OWN's TV show Million Dollar Neighbourhood, and author of the popular blog WhereDoesAllMyMoneyGo.com. Prepare for a thoughtful exploration into the hidden psychology of money, offering insights that aim to reshape your financial approach. This discussion goes beyond the typical finance talk, delving into the mental aspects of financial decision-making. Dr. Banerjee draws connections between mental well-being and financial success, urging business leaders to enhance their financial literacy for smarter decision-making in today's dynamic landscape. The episode also addresses the intriguing "buy now, pay later" trend and its implications for both consumers and businesses. Dr. Banerjee introduces Money Gaps, a project that reimagines traditional financial advice, providing practical guidance at a fraction of the usual cost. The episode concludes with a lightning round of rapid-fire finance questions, encouraging you to press play and gain valuable insights for navigating the corporate world more effectively. Don't miss out – tune in now and elevate your financial leadership to new levels! Don't miss the opportunity – press play now! This podcast isn't just another episode; it's a valuable resource for business leaders seeking insightful perspectives, practical strategies, and an extra edge in the fast-paced world of finance. Tune in and enhance your financial leadership skills like never before! 🎙️💰 Episode Highlights 1. Introduction 00:00 - 01:15 Jamie Mason-Cohen introduces the episode and guests, setting the stage for an insightful discussion on the intersection of psychology and finance. 2. Preet Banerjee's Background 01:15 - 05:30 Learn about Preet Banerjee's impressive background as a Canadian personal finance expert, Globe and Mail columnist, TV show host, and author. 3. The Hidden Psychology of Money 05:30 - 15:45 Dr. Banerjee delves into the psychological aspects of money, offering unique insights that challenge conventional financial thinking and emphasize the importance of a mindset shift. 4. Navigating the "Buy Now, Pay Later" Trend 15:45 - 28:10 Explore the "buy now, pay later" trend, uncovering its appeal for consumers and the impact on businesses. Dr. Banerjee encourages listeners to enhance their financial literacy for smarter decision-making. 5. Money Gaps Project Unveiled 28:10 - 38:50 Discover the innovative Money Gaps project, where Dr. Preet Banerjee revolutionizes traditional financial advice, providing top-notch guidance at a fraction of the cost. 6. Lightning Round: Rapid-Fire Finance Questions 38:50 - 45:25 The episode concludes with a lightning round, where Dr. Banerjee answers rapid-fire finance questions, emphasizing the power of clarity in values as a key to effective decision-making. 7. Closing and Call to Action 45:25 - 47:10 Jamie Mason-Cohen wraps up the episode, urging listeners to apply the insights gained and take their financial leadership to the next level.

Join host Jamie Mason Cohen on an insightful episode of TEC Canada's The Leadership Standard podcast as he engages with distinguished speechwriter Simon Lancaster to uncover the secrets of effective leadership communication. In this thought-provoking conversation, Cohen and Lancaster delve into the historical foundations of communication, exploring the enduring relevance of Aristotle's ethos, logos, and pathos. They shed light on the importance of understanding and connecting with your audience, with Lancaster advocating for a deep dive into demographics, motivations, and concerns. As the discussion unfolds, Lancaster emphasizes the power of emotions over logic in influencing listeners. He champions the "less is more" principle in speechwriting, highlighting the impact of concise and impactful messages. Drawing from his own preferences and experiences, Lancaster reveals his admiration for impactful rhyming statements and his commitment to physical health, which he believes contributes to effective communication. Moving forward, the conversation takes a deeper dive into the significance of positive visualization and crafting clear and compelling metaphorical narratives for impactful speeches. Lancaster shares insights from neuroscience findings, highlighting the power of metaphor and storytelling in capturing the attention and engaging the minds of the audience. In the context of the digital age, Lancaster emphasizes the changing landscape of speechwriting and the need to adapt to new platforms and mediums. He encourages listeners to embrace technology while staying true to the timeless principles of effective communication. To provide practical strategies for speechwriting, Lancaster introduces a six-step technique rooted in ancient rhetorical principles. He breaks down each step, offering valuable insights and examples to help aspiring speechwriters craft powerful and persuasive messages. Throughout the episode, Lancaster's expertise shines as he demonstrates the importance of vision for a company. He shares anecdotes and real-life examples that illustrate how a compelling vision can inspire and motivate both employees and stakeholders. This captivating episode of TEC Canada's The Leadership Standard podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their leadership communication skills. Tune in to unlock the art of effective leadership communication and gain valuable insights from the expertise of Simon Lancaster.

Join host Jamie Mason Cohen on an insightful episode of TEC Canada's The Leadership Standard podcast as he engages with distinguished speechwriter Simon Lancaster to uncover the secrets of effective leadership communication. In this thought-provoking conversation, Cohen and Lancaster delve into the historical foundations of communication, exploring the enduring relevance of Aristotle's ethos, logos, and pathos. They shed light on the importance of understanding and connecting with your audience, with Lancaster advocating for a deep dive into demographics, motivations, and concerns. As the discussion unfolds, Lancaster emphasizes the power of emotions over logic in influencing listeners. He champions the "less is more" principle in speechwriting, highlighting the impact of concise and impactful messages. Drawing from his own preferences and experiences, Lancaster reveals his admiration for impactful rhyming statements and his commitment to physical health, which he believes contributes to effective communication. Moving forward, the conversation takes a deeper dive into the significance of positive visualization and crafting clear and compelling metaphorical narratives for impactful speeches. Lancaster shares insights from neuroscience findings, highlighting the power of metaphor and storytelling in capturing the attention and engaging the minds of the audience. In the context of the digital age, Lancaster emphasizes the changing landscape of speechwriting and the need to adapt to new platforms and mediums. He encourages listeners to embrace technology while staying true to the timeless principles of effective communication. To provide practical strategies for speechwriting, Lancaster introduces a six-step technique rooted in ancient rhetorical principles. He breaks down each step, offering valuable insights and examples to help aspiring speechwriters craft powerful and persuasive messages. Throughout the episode, Lancaster's expertise shines as he demonstrates the importance of vision for a company. He shares anecdotes and real-life examples that illustrate how a compelling vision can inspire and motivate both employees and stakeholders. This captivating episode of TEC Canada's The Leadership Standard podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their leadership communication skills. Tune in to unlock the art of effective leadership communication and gain valuable insights from the expertise of Simon Lancaster.

Welcome to a no-nonsense exploration of leadership essentials on this episode of The Leadership Standard Podcast. Host, Jamie Mason Cohen, dives into the intricate world of leadership, human behaviour, and the often-overlooked power of regret with the brilliant mind, Daniel Pink. In this candid conversation, Daniel Pink, celebrated #1 New York Times bestselling author and speaker, pulls back the curtain on leadership dynamics, offering practical insights that cut through the noise. Throughout Daniel Pink and Jason Mason Cohen's discussion, this episode challenges conventional thinking and invites you to consider leadership in a new light, exploring how to harness the power of regret as a catalyst for positive change and growth. It's a captivating conversation that promises to inspire and equip you for leadership success. No fluff—just a straightforward exploration that has the power to reshape the way you approach leadership and navigate the intricacies of human dynamics. Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:06] Sales Evolution In this segment, podcast host Jamie Mason Cohen talks with bestselling author Daniel Pink about the changing landscape of sales. They discuss the shift from solving to finding problems in the era of information parity and the importance of developing the skill of problem-finding. [00:01:58] Problem-Finding Techniques Our guest explores the art of problem-finding in a world of information parity. He discusses tactics like the "five whys" method and engaging in conversations to uncover business problems that may be overlooked. [00:05:41] Employee Motivation The conversation shifts to Daniel Pink's book "Drive," which focuses on motivation. The author emphasizes that motivation is self-driven and discusses the ABCs of motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—as well as creating an environment that fosters intrinsic motivation. [00:06:42] Motivation Design Principles Daniel Pink outlines essential design principles for motivation, highlighting fair compensation as a baseline. He explores autonomy, mastery, and purpose as critical elements in creating an environment where individuals can motivate themselves. [00:08:40] The Power of Regret Discussing Pink's latest work, "The Power of Regret," the conversation centers on reframing societal attitudes toward regret. Pink provides insights from his research, challenging the myth of "no regrets" and exploring the transformative nature of acknowledging and learning from regrets. [00:08:55] Challenging the Myth of No Regrets Daniel Pink challenges the notion of living without regrets, drawing on scientific research to emphasize that regrets are a universal aspect of the human experience. This challenges the cultural narrative encouraging constant positivity. [00:10:58] Regret as a Transformative Emotion The author explores the transformative potential of regret when approached correctly, arguing that it can be a powerful tool for personal development. Confronting and analyzing regrets can lead to valuable lessons and personal growth. [00:19:31] Learning from Regrets and Moving Forward Discussing the tendency to overestimate risks, leading to missed opportunities and regrets, the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author emphasizes learning from regrets and adjusting risk assessments. This allows for more informed and courageous choices, promoting personal growth. [00:22:41] Normalizing Emotions and Giving Permission Daniel Pink emphasizes normalizing the emotion of regret. Instead of suppressing or dwelling on regrets, individuals should give themselves permission to reflect, extract lessons, and formulate plans for future actions.

Join host Jamie Mason Cohen in an inspiring conversation with James Whitehouse, Head of Elmwood School and TEC Canada member. By tuning in to this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, you’ll discover the secrets to raising the bar in education and leadership, exploring innovative strategies that empower the next generation for unparalleled success post-graduation. James challenges the status quo, urging listeners to think beyond the ordinary, because education, he believes, should be nothing short of extraordinary. The episode also explores the profound impact of female leadership and the need for strong male and female role models in our society. James passionately argues for inclusive education systems that offer equal opportunities to all children and underscores the importance of leaders treating others with kindness and respect. Don’t miss out on this enlightening discussion that will leave you rethinking the future of education and leadership. Tune in now to gain valuable insights that could shape the way we prepare the leaders of tomorrow. Highlights: 00:00 – 00:05:0000:10:0000:20:0000:25:0000:35:00TEC Canada member00:50:0000:55:00

Get ready to step into a world of transformation and inspiration with Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky—a visionary dedicated to shaping vibrant workplace cultures through the power of speaking up! Hosted by Jamie Mason Cohen, this episode takes you on a riveting journey with Shed as he delves deep into the profound significance of fostering a Speak Up culture within organizations. Discover how this cultural shift holds the potential to revolutionize businesses, ignite innovation, and even save lives. Shed's personal transformation unfolds as he shares a pivotal encounter with Simon Sinek—an event that ignited his passion for a cultural revolution. Dive into how this moment became the cornerstone of a decade-long voyage with Simon Sinek, Inc., where Shed played instrumental roles in sculpting workplaces that are genuinely inspiring and fulfilling. As an exclusive bonus, listeners will gain a sneak peek into Shed's upcoming book, "Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up"—delving into the dynamic role of leaders in sparking change and cultivating an environment that empowers individuals to amplify their voices. Tune in and be part of this engaging journey, discovering how you can take the first step toward revolutionary changes within your own workplace! __________________________________ ✅ Click here to learn more about TEC Canada: https://bit.ly/467owFU

Join host Jamie Mason Cohen as he explores the world of executive search and leadership in a conversation with Brenda LaRose. Recognized as one of Canada’s most prominent specialists in Indigenous leadership and board diversity, Brenda brings 25+ years of experience across executive search, coaching, talent advisory, and governance. In this episode, Jamie and Brenda discuss a diverse range of topics from Brenda's inspiring career and the impact of executive search on organizations and individuals. Brenda shares her experience merging her company with a global organization, lessons learned from Toastmasters, and her involvement with TEC Canada. Tune in and gain inspiring insight into her journey of overcoming challenges and transforming crises into opportunities, and discover her inspiring vision for the future, where Indigenous business leaders thrive in Canadian society. This conversation will invigorate and enlighten you, inspiring you to pursue excellence in your personal and professional endeavours. Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your leadership potential and capabilities—press play now!

Brewing Success: Jamie Schreder's Journey in Real Estate, Craft Beer, and Leadership In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, Gair Maxwell sits down with Jamie Schreder, President and Co-Owner of Royal Lepage Wolstencroft Realty and Co-Founder of Camp Beer Co. Jamie Schreder’s impressive career in both the real estate and craft beer industries highlights his unique blend of business expertise, leadership skills, and innovative thinking—and his ability to thrive in diverse fields is a testament to his adaptability and determination to succeed.

In this episode of TEC Canada's The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell sits down with Wilson Acton, a serial entrepreneur and 4x tech start-up founder. With extensive experience in M&A, capital markets, venture building, and agriculture, Wilson has built and assisted a wide range of businesses across various stages, including strategic acquisitions and complex M&A transactions totalling over $160 billion. He has also built corporate development, sales and marketing teams, and advisory boards, taking companies from the back-of-the-napkin stage to successful exits. Wilson is also a director of KidSport Calgary and a member of the board of advisors for Alberta IoT, where he is working to grow the Province of Alberta into a global center of excellence for emerging technologies. The episode also features a discussion on Tall Grass Ventures, Canada's newest Ag-tech VC fund focusing on pre-Series A financing for startups focused on globally applicable Ag-tech innovation, where Wilson serves as Managing Partner. Tune in to learn more about Wilson's experience in entrepreneurship and his plans to help the next generation of Western Canadian Ag-tech companies scale quickly.

Get inspired and learn from the best in this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast! Host Gair Maxwell sits down with Holly Green, a renowned Behavioral Scientist, Keynote Speaker, and Consultant. Holly has a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked with top leaders from various industries, including Navy SEALs, Top Gun Fighter Pilots, Olympic athletes, senior NFL referees, the FBI Leadership Academy, and even two United States Presidents. As the expert in using brain science in the workplace, Holly is known as “The Brain Lady” by many and guides leaders and organizations to achieve greater success by leveraging the power of the brain. Listen in as Holly shares her real-life stories and provides valuable insights into what makes a great leader.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell chats with Zahrah Al-Harazi—Co-founder of MySkillit.com, bestselling author of “What It Takes”, TEDx speaker, and international speaker. A survivor of two civil wars, Al-Harazi immigrated to Canada with her three children in 1996. She had no higher education or connections and very little understanding of the business world, but her entrepreneurial spirit quickly led her to start her first company Foundry Communications, an internationally recognized Canadian creative powerhouse. Zahra has been named one of Canada’s most powerful women among numerous other accolades including Top 40 Under 40 and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. With a specialty in understanding the complexities required for building an intelligent, talented, multi-generational workforce, Zahra Al-Harazi draws on her experience as a refugee, immigrant, entrepreneur and community builder to lead organizations to success. Tune into this unforgettable conversation below.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell chats with guests Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil of Respect Group Inc. On a mission to empower individuals to recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD), Respect Group offers best-in-class interactive, online training courses to inspire a global culture of respect. To date, over two million organizations have become Respect Group certified. Throughout his eight-year NHL career, Sheldon Kennedy won a Memorial Cup and a World Junior Gold Medal. By courageously sharing his experience as a teenage victim of abuse, Sheldon has played an impactful role in bringing governments, public and private sector partners together to change policies and the way child abuse is handled. Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the Rocky View School Division and volunteer President of the Sheldon Kennedy Foundation, Wayne McNeil has served as Chairman of the Alberta Gymnastics Federation and as founding Board member of the Calgary and Area Child Advocacy Centre for six years. Respect Group Inc is also B-Corp certified—read our chat with Wayne here. Wayne McNeil and Sheldon Kennedy’s story, advocacy, and perseverance has changed the landscape of respectful places to work, play, and learn. Join us for this unforgettable conversation. HEAR WAYNE & SHELDON’S INSIGHT ON: [1:00][5:34][16:09][37:46][45:08][48:29] About The Leadership Standard Podcast The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert, Gair Maxwell, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell chats with guest Jill Van Gyn about launching Fatso in 2016 in the back of a health food restaurant in Victoria, BC. Before this, Jill had graduated in 2005 with a political science degree specializing in genocide studies. Grappling with drug and alcohol addictions, Jill entered recovery in 2010, and in 2015, she completed her Master’s degree in Human Security & Peace Building with a drive to do humanitarian work. Before Fatso hit the scene, Jill describes herself as hitting rock bottom, being in a spiritual, professional, and personal crisis, and being “painfully unemployed”. Now, she has found purpose and passion with Fatso—the healthy peanut butter—and has been named BC Business Women of the Year 2021, one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Start-Ups in 2020, and has confidently walked away from a Dragon’s Den deal. Last year, this B Corp Certified company donated over $250,000 in products and funding to underserved communities, organizations, and funds, and gives back to the community in a myriad of ways. Join us for an unforgettable conversation with someone who isn’t afraid to talk about the dark side of success and has astounding knowledge around and a passion for peanut butter. HEAR JILL’S INSIGHT ON: [8:54][12:30][16:36][19:27][30:55][39:26][45:06] ABOUT FATSO Fatso peanut butter is boosted with plant-based super fats including organic coconut oil, MCT oil, chia seeds, and flax. They’re on a mission to provide more nutrition, benefits, and flavour, spoon-for-spoon, at a cost that is lower or competitive with high-priced specialty nut butters.

In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell and guest Blaine Penny discuss his current focus as the CEO of Lumiio Inc.—helping patient organizations, academic research groups, and pharmaceutical companies design world-class digital health programs to accelerate outcomes that impact patient care. Blaine’s involvement in rare disease advocacy and research began in 2008 with the tragic onset of mitochondrial disease in his then 4-year-old son, Evan. Today, Evan is a quadriplegic and is unable to talk or eat. No one knows what his future holds, but Blaine is committed to giving his son the best life possible. Motivated to help others going through similar experiences, Blaine co-founded the MitoCanada Foundation in 2009. Since then, they have raised over $4 million to advance mitochondrial medicine and are building a MitoCommunity connecting patients, scientists, clinicians, and industry. Blaine is a one-of-a-kind personality, who has been recognized for his achievements via Avenue Calgary Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, is the recipient of 6 Guinness World Records, and is an elite ultra-marathon runner competing on the international stage. Join us for an unforgettable conversation as we celebrate one of the most inspiring people in our world and someone who has made it his life’s work to make humanity better than he found it. ABOUT MITOCANADA MitoCanada is constantly developing resources to help protect, enhance and restore mitochondrial health. They introduce initiatives and opportunities to not only understand mitochondrial disease but inspire, empower and connect those in our community to enhance lives. Proudly advocating for those living with mitochondrial disease, MitoCanada funds essential research that is patient-focused and transformational. ABOUT LUMIIO Lumiio helps patient organizations, academic research groups, and pharmaceutical companies design world-class digital health programs to accelerate outcomes that impact patient care. About The Leadership Standard Podcast The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert Gair Maxwell, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

This episode of The Leadership Standard podcast with host Gair Maxwell features an inspiring conversation with Toni Desrosiers—a Canadian entrepreneur who disrupted the billion-dollar plastic wrap industry by inventing the first reusable beeswax food wrap: Abeego. Becoming the trailblazer of a global movement, Toni has been featured on Dragon’s Den (watch her pitch here!), won the 2018 TELUS Trailblazer Award, had Abeego named the Best Reusable Food Wrap by America’s Test Kitchen, named a Woman of Influence, and so much more. Those 14 years ago, Toni Desrosiers was looking for a natural way to store her food and ended up discovering a way to disrupt the fully mature, billion-dollar industry of plastic wrap. Through extensive experimentation (and looking to lemon peels, cheese rinds, and onion skins for inspiration) she developed Abeego, the sustainable food wrap on a mission to “Keep Food Alive” by protecting it from air, light, and moisture while allowing it to breathe. The self-adhesive wrap can last over a year with proper care (hand-washed with cold water). HEAR TONI’S INSIGHT ON: [7:33][10:41][13:59][18:02][22:47][30:49][23:35] ABOUT ABEEGO Abeego is the original reusable beeswax food wrap that keeps fresh food for longer than ever imagined. Sold online and in countries around the globe, it’s your ticket to reducing food waste at home. Learn more on the Abeego website here!

This episode of The Leadership Standard podcast with host Gair Maxwell features an inspiring conversation with Kylie Woods, empowering voice for women in tech and Founder of Chic Geek—a welcoming non-profit organization and community for women exploring technology and entrepreneurship. Named one of Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, Metro News’ “Calgary Heroes”, and Alberta Venture’s “Need to Know”, Kylie is an avid learner, a tenacious question-asker, and an empowering voice for women in STEM. Where did Kylie’s goal to build gender diversity in tech stem from, you might wonder? Well, not only are there not enough women in tech, the industry is losing the ones it does have—women are 2X as likely to quit the tech industry as men. If this attrition could be reduced by even just a quarter, 220,000 women would be put back into STEM. Sitting at the intersection of retaining the current women in tech to create leadership positions and building role model opportunities to encourage the recruitment of more women, Chic Geek is creating an inclusive space where women’s careers and lives can thrive. Throughout this episode, Kylie provides insight on: Sitting on the advisory committee for the Chiu School of Business Dean’s Strategic Advisory Committee at the Bow Valley College, The51 Community Council, the Calgary Innovation Coalition Board, and the Women’s Economic Recovery Advisory Committee with the Status of Women, Kylie is a thought leader in the technology gender diversity space. ABOUT CHIC GEEK Chic Geek exists to build gender diversity in technology. Through programs, events, services, and partnerships, they create connections that help intermediate women in technology achieve thriving and meaningful careers. Learn more on the Chic Geek website here! About The Leadership Standard Podcast The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert Gair Maxwell, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

This episode of The Leadership Standard podcast with host Gair Maxwell features an inspiring conversation with Yuri Elkaim, NY Times Novelist and CEO of Healthpreneur®. Yuri Elkaim's journey into health and business was inevitable. After dealing with a host of health issues as a teenager, he eventually lost all of his hair at 17 years old to an autoimmune condition. This, along with his passion for sports (which led him down the path of playing professional soccer in his early 20s), propelled him into the health and fitness field. Yuri’s authentic and caring approach has allowed him to build a successful online health empire that went on to help more than 500,000 people to reach better health, while also providing him the platform to write 3 bestselling books and share his message on major media outlets like Dr. Oz and The Doctors. In 2018, he sold this health business after 13 years at the helm. Throughout this episode, Yuri reveals more about how his journey in the health and wellness industry began, how he approaches business and strategic growth in his own business and the businesses of his clients, and his tips for both successful and aspiring entrepreneurs.

This episode of The Leadership Standard podcast with host Gair Maxwell features a candid conversation with Robin Bender, Founder of Mega Health at Work. When thinking about the future of your business, creating strategies for employee satisfaction is one of the main pillars of growth. When leadership falls short on these demands, businesses often suffer from absenteeism, challenges with employee retention, lack of motivation, and an overall unhappy work environment. As an NCS Certified Corporate Consultant, Robin Bender and Gair Maxwell discuss how your organization can thrive by inspiring an inside-out approach to wellness and productivity. They also discuss how businesses can create a positive work environment that encourages employees to be more engaged in their jobs and life at large. Additionally, Robin provides tips for leaders who are trying to improve employee satisfaction in the workplace.