Best in the Biz

Hosted by College of the North Atlantic

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Episodes

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About the show

Learn tips and tricks for business success from successful entrepreneurs. Best in the Biz highlights the entrepreneurial achievements of College of the North Atlantic (CNA) students and alumni. Host Ian MacDonald, CNA Business Development Officer Entrepreneurship, chats with successful entrepreneurs about their ventures, entrepreneurial skills, and what it takes to run a business. Have a topic or question you’d like addressed? Contact Ian at cna.nl.ca/entrepreneurship

Listen to episodes

42 recent

23 min

Season 6, Episode 5 - Charlie White & Jeffrey Young

What does it mean to grow business while protecting the land and strengthening community? In this special episode, we sit down with Charlie White, Western Vice Chief of Qalipu First Nation, and Jeffrey Young, President and CEO of the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation. Charlie shares his perspective on sustainability and resource protection drawing from lived experience and deep connection to the land. Jeffrey offers insight into building community-driven social enterprises, including the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation’s new childcare and community hub, and the realities of creating long-term sustainability beyond grants and government funding. Want to learn more? Follow Qalipu First Nations and the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation on social media to explore initiatives and upcoming programs.

11 min

Season 6, Episode 4 - Allison Muise & Byron Alexander

Innovation and passion are at the center stage in this episode featuring Allison Muise of Triple Point Resources and Byron Alexander of Newfoundland Naturalist. Allison breaks down how an energy storage project in Western Newfoundland is helping make renewable energy more reliable. Byron shares his journey from decades in health and wellness to launching a land-based learning initiative. He discusses the vast potential for eco-tourism in Bay St. George region and shares his number one rule for entrepreneurs: follow your passion. To know more about these projects, please follow Triple Point Resources and Newfoundland Naturalist

15 min

Season 6, Episode 3 - Kosuke Toba & Ciel Murray

Youth empowerment takes the spotlight in this episode featuring Kosuke Toba of Money Moose and Ciel Murray of the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation. Kosuke shares how he’s making financial literacy accessible and engaging for K–12 students through fast-paced workshops, real-life budgeting scenarios, and a children’s book designed to spark generational change. Ciel introduces Youth Ventures, a free program supporting Indigenous youth ages 12 to 29 with business ideas, mentorship, and even “business-in-a-box” kits to help young entrepreneurs get started. Want to learn more? Check out Money Moose on Amazon and visit YouthVenturesNL.com to explore free support for young entrepreneurs.

12 min

Season 6, Episode 2 - Reisha Knott & Ray Brake

Careers don’t always follow a straight line and that’s where the learning happens. In this episode, we hear from Reisha Knott of Qalipu Holdings and Ray Brake of Digital Advertising Solutions. Reisha reflects on her journey as a CNA alumna who transitioned from finance to marketing and shares honest advice about discovering your strengths through real-world experience. Ray discusses the self-belief necessary to thrive. He highlights the wealth of local funding resources and explains why skepticism from others is often the best motivation to succeed. Tune in for a masterclass on networking, community giving, and professional pivoting.Find out more about Digital Advertising Solutions at digitaladvertisingsolutions.ca

13 min

Season 6, Episode 1 - Jonah Rowsell & Rob Thomas

Community, collaboration, and a shared vision for business growth. This episode features Jonah Rowsell of Qalipu Business Network and Rob Thomas of Saltbox and Everoutdoor Adventures. From supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs with business planning and partnerships to building tourism experiences rooted in culture, place, and sustainability, these conversations highlight the power of working together. Tune in to hear practical advice for aspiring business owners. Want to learn more or get involved? Visit the Qalipu Business Network and Everoutdoor Adventures

22 min

Season 5, Episode 6 - Adam Rowe, SubC Imaging

Join us for a deep dive with Adam Rowe of SubC Imaging! Discover how this Newfoundland-based company, co-founded by two CNA grads, has innovated to become a leader in underwater imaging for marine research, offshore energy, and defense across 30+ countries. Adam shares insights on building a tech business from the ground up, navigating international markets, and the vital role of community support.

22 min

Season 5, Episode 5 - Kayla Stride, Miawpukek First Nation

Kayla Stride of Miawpukek First Nation never planned on becoming a ceramic artist. After being waitlisted for flight school, she enrolled in Visual Arts and discovered pottery. In her words, the clay chose her. Since then, her journey has wound between full-time teaching, performing with the all-nations drum group Eastern Owl, and building her business Red Fire Ceramics. In this episode, Kayla reflects on embracing unexpected turns, making space for art on her own terms, and discovering new ways to create by drawing on available tools and supportive communities.

25 min

Season 5, Episode 4 - Josh Taylor, TxtSquad

Josh Taylor’s business, TxtSquad, simplifies communication for clients. He says making services more accessible can be a game-changer. Josh also shares why pacing growth matters in long-term markets and how strong relationships can open doors that speed alone cannot. Along the way, hear about TxtSquad co-founder Tim Bonnell, a CNA alum and recent winner of CNA’s Alumni Acclaim Award for Innovation. Tune in for practical insights on designing solutions that put people first.

19 min

Season 5, Episode 3 - Tera McDonald, Kalawik

In this episode, we sit down with Tera McDonald of Kalawikk Diversity Inc. Dive into her unique path from educator to entrepreneur, exploring how she's building inclusive spaces and empowering Indigenous women. Tera reveals the transformative power of storytelling, the critical role of transparency in business, and invaluable lessons learned from real-world challenges. A must-listen for anyone looking to lead with purpose and make a genuine impact.

13 min

Season 5, Episode 2- Dennis Shelley, DWS Mobile Welding

Welding isn’t just a trade—it’s a launchpad for entrepreneurship. In this episode, we meet the founder of DWS Mobile Welding, Dennis W. Shelley, who turned 18 years of experience into a business built on skill, patience, and grit. He grew his company from scratch, one job at a time. Hear how trusting his instincts, solving tough problems on-site, and building strong client relationships helped him go from employee to business owner in the heart of Newfoundland.