CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Hosted by SK Uddin

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Episodes

600

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 26, 202610 min

The Cyber Resilience Premium: Why Outdated Legacy Systems Expose SMEs to Total Shutdown

Welcome to a brand new episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari . Cyber threats are no longer a distant IT concern; one overlooked vulnerability can bring an entire operation to a standstill. Today, we explore how businesses can strengthen their defenses before a crisis puts everything on the line. Joining us is Stéphane Auger , Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, and CISO at Team Microfix . With more than 25 years of cybersecurity experience, Stéphane helps Canadian organizations strengthen security, navigate crises, and protect critical operations with specialized technology and governance. Key Highlights The SME Target: Why smaller organizations are increasingly attractive to cyber attackers. Legacy System Risks: Protecting older technology without bringing operations to a halt. OT Security: How Fortaress helps defend critical operational technology. Crisis Leadership: The decisions that matter most when a cyber incident strikes. Cyber Risk Check: A practical first step for leaders assessing their security exposure. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

October 26, 202613 min

Beyond 100 Years: The Blueprint for Enduring Growth

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. What does it take to build a technology company with a vision that stretches far beyond the next growth cycle? Today, we explore organic expansion, practical AI adoption, and the leadership principles behind building for the long term. Joining us is Kevin Crowe , Chief Operating Officer at Long View Systems . With experience spanning technology, philanthropy, and ultra endurance, Kevin has helped guide Long View from a three person startup to a 1,400 person North American IT company while advancing its AI transformation journey. Key Highlights The 100 Year Vision: Why Long View chose organic growth as its path to lasting scale. Client Zero: What testing AI internally revealed before taking it across the organization. Scaling AI: Moving from promising pilots to practical enterprise adoption. Purpose in Leadership: How endurance and philanthropy influence Kevin’s approach to leading people. AI Readiness: The first step technology leaders can take before scaling AI across the business. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

October 26, 202618 min

Why Smart Companies Struggle to Sound Clear

Welcome to today’s episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari . When a business knows its subject but struggles to explain its value, even great ideas can disappear in the noise. Today, we explore how clearer language, stronger storytelling, and better listening can turn expertise into connection. Joining us is Alison Copeland , Founder of Copeland Creative . An award winning creative leader with experience shaping thought leadership for brands including Accenture Song, BDO Canada, Deloitte, IBM, and Workday, Alison brings a refreshingly human approach to making complex ideas easier to understand. Key Highlights Clarity Over Jargon: Why simpler communication can make expertise more powerful. Listening as Strategy: How understanding your audience can transform the way you communicate. Authentic Representation: What brands need to consider when telling diverse stories. Brand Narrative Audits: How to identify whether your message needs clarity or your marketing needs work. Stronger Messaging: One practical way leaders can make their business easier to understand. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

October 23, 202612 min

The Talent Acquisition Premium: How Bridging Management Skill Gaps and AI Shifts Retains Top Talent

Welcome to today’s episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Hiring the right people is only one part of building a strong team; keeping them engaged, growing, and committed is where the real challenge begins. Today, we explore what separates successful talent strategies from costly hiring mistakes. Joining us is Freddy Rawji , President at Torus Talent . With experience scaling recruitment operations and helping organizations across engineering, finance, construction, and technology, Freddy brings practical insights into finding, developing, and retaining top talent. Key Highlights Winning Talent: Why top candidates choose one opportunity over another. AI Career Opportunities: The sectors and skills shaping Canada’s future workforce. Management Matters: How leadership gaps impact employee retention and growth. Better Interviews: The mistakes employers and candidates should avoid. Hiring Success: The first step businesses can take to strengthen their talent strategy. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

October 23, 202619 min

AI for SMEs: How to Build a Future-Ready Team Without the Risk

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, where Kripa Anand brings you conversations on the ideas shaping the future of Canadian businesses. AI adoption is not just about having the latest tools; it is about knowing where technology can create real value. Today, we explore how SMEs can adapt, experiment, and grow without enterprise-level resources. Joining us is Mark Patterson , Executive Director at Magnet . A leader in workforce innovation, Mark helps employers, workers, and communities navigate economic change while exploring how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping skills, jobs, and business strategy. Key Highlights Beyond AI Hype: Understanding when AI truly makes sense for small and medium businesses. SME Advantage: How smaller companies can use agility as a strength in digital change. Starting Small: Finding practical AI opportunities without large budgets or technical teams. Choosing Workflows: Identifying the right processes to redesign with technology. Building Trust: Involving employees to create stronger technology adoption and capability. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

October 22, 202615 min

The Canada–Africa Trade Opportunity: How Due Diligence and Local Partnerships Unlock Emerging Markets

Welcome to today’s episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Taking a business across borders is about far more than finding a new market; it takes trust, preparation, and the right local relationships. Today, we explore how Canadian SMEs can build stronger commercial bridges with Africa. Joining us is Ali Soumah , Founder, President and CEO of ALI SOUMAH BUSINESS CENTER (ASBC) . With a multicultural background spanning Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Canada, Ali brings a unique perspective on trade, investment readiness, due diligence, and international business development. Key Highlights Canada Africa Trade: Exploring overlooked opportunities across food, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and services. Investment Readiness: Turning promising business ideas into structured and financeable ventures. Cross Border Due Diligence: The checks businesses need before entering international partnerships. Cultural Fluency: Why language, relationships, and local understanding can strengthen global business. Market Readiness: The audit and pilot approach SMEs can use before committing to international expansion. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

October 22, 202615 min

The Process First Premium: Why Automating Broken Workflows Destroys Business Margins

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. AI should make a business better, not simply add another layer of complexity. Today, we explore how companies can fix inefficient processes, automate the right work, and build technology systems that genuinely improve the bottom line. Joining us is Adam Bowles , Partner and CEO of ACT360 Web & IT Inc . Since 2009, Adam has helped more than 500 businesses across Central and Southern Ontario modernize their technology, combining hands on IT experience with practical automation, integration, and data protection strategies. Key Highlights Structure Before AI: Why businesses need to fix underlying processes before automating them. Automation That Pays: Finding workflows where technology can create measurable financial impact. Safe AI Adoption: Protecting sensitive data while helping teams use AI confidently. Overcoming Resistance: Understanding the real cost of staying with outdated technology. Workflow Discovery: Identifying practical opportunities to eliminate repetitive manual work. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

October 20, 202618 min

The Death of Traditional Surveys? How AI is Rebuilding Civic Trust

Welcome to today’s episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. What happens when citizens have more ways to speak, but institutions still struggle to hear what is real? Today, we explore how AI and digital public infrastructure could reshape civic engagement and rebuild trust in a connected world. Joining us is Moustafa El Dahhan , CEO at Boulai . Combining machine learning, software engineering, and public engagement experience, Moustafa is building an AI powered civic platform designed to connect citizens, services, and real time feedback in one place. Key Highlights Rebuilding Civic Trust: How Moustafa’s experiences shaped his vision for Boulai. Smarter Cities: What digital public infrastructure could mean for everyday citizens. Filtering Civic Noise: Using AI to identify bots and improve the quality of public feedback. Canadian GovTech: Why Canada has an opportunity to lead the next generation of civic technology. Better Engagement: A practical step leaders can take to create stronger two way public conversations. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

October 20, 202621 min

The Dynasty Premium: How Business Acquisition Drives Generational Wealth Creation

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. What if building generational wealth starts with buying the right business rather than starting one from zero? Today, we explore acquisition entrepreneurship, responsible owner transitions, and what happens after the deal is signed. Joining us is Afam Elue , Managing Consultant at The Fugleman Group . An acquisition specialist and author of From Legacy to Dynasty , Afam brings experience across banking, wealth management, M&A, and technology to help entrepreneurs navigate deals and strengthen acquired businesses. Key Highlights Acquisition Entrepreneurship: Why buying an established business can create a path to long term wealth. Ethical Transitions: Preparing owners and buyers for a smoother change in leadership. Post Deal Transformation: Using CRM, AI, and automation to strengthen acquired companies. Avoiding Deal Pitfalls: The mistakes buyers and sellers should watch for during an acquisition. Acquisition Readiness: The first step leaders can take before pursuing a deal or preparing an exit. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

October 19, 202616 min

The Growth Recipe: How Scaling Tech Ventures from $1M to $100M Requires Cultural Mastery

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Going from $1 million to $100 million is not simply a bigger version of the same business. Today, we explore the leadership, culture, talent, and capital decisions that determine whether ambitious technology companies can truly make that leap. Joining us is Chris Hodgson , Partner, Growth at Maverix Private Equity . With more than 30 years across engineering, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and investing, Chris brings firsthand experience scaling major technology businesses and now works with growth stage leaders across North America. Key Highlights The Scaling Leap: What separates companies that reach $100 million from those that plateau. Culture Under Pressure: Why organizational culture can become a company’s biggest growth lever. The Great CEO: The leadership qualities investors look for in high growth executives. Canadian Tech Lessons: Insights from scaling some of Canada’s most ambitious technology businesses. Aligned for Growth: How leaders can connect their teams around the next stage of the journey. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA For more expert insights, visit https://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 https://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.

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