Firing On All Syllables

Hosted by Gary Kalaci

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

The Firing On All Syllables™ podcast leverages the knowledge of industry experts and brings to you unprecedented access to some of the world's most influential lawyers, financial experts, executives, and other prominent figures. Learn invaluable tips and lessons on matters related to business, technology, language and social responsibility. Brought to you by Alexa Translations, an A.I.-powered translation company, specialized in Breaking the Language Barrier™ all across the world.

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55 recent

May 18, 202632 min

Leadership in the Legal Industry: Building Community, Purpose & Impact with Kerri Parslow

Leadership in the legal industry is about more than professional success. It’s about building community, creating impact, and inspiring people to do work that matters.In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Gary Kalaci speaks with Kerri Parslow, family lawyer and founder of Law Suits, about leadership, resilience, career evolution, and the power of community within the legal profession.They discuss:• The story behind launching Law Suits in support of cancer research• How legal leaders can use their platforms to drive meaningful impact• Why community and relationships matter in professional services• Career pivots, reinvention, and taking calculated risks• What leadership really looks like beyond titles and accoladesIf you work in legal or professional services, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on leadership, resilience, and building something bigger than yourself.🔥 Explore the full series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiF6D6vbKoKPbDir0uEnGiHsBxSgyhtB7

May 18, 202635 min

Leadership in Regulated Industries: Perspective, AI, and the Future of Legal Work – With Lisa Mather

Global experience, cultural nuance, and evolving business demands are reshaping how legal leaders operate. As AI accelerates change, one thing remains constant: judgment, perspective, and human connection still drive value.In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Gary Kalaci speaks with Lisa Mather, General Counsel with global experience across North America, the APAC region, and the Middle East, about leadership in regulated environments and the future of legal work.They discuss:How global experience shapes legal judgment and decision-makingWhy AI is expanding access to legal knowledge and what that means for lawyersThe shift from reactive legal support to embedded, strategic partnershipHow cultural context and language impact business relationshipsWhy true connection still matters in a digital-first worldIf you're a legal leader, executive, or professional operating in regulated industries, this conversation offers a practical perspective on navigating change, exercising judgment, and staying relevant as the role of legal continues to evolve.🔥 Explore the full series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiF6D6vbKoKPbDir0uEnGiHsBxSgyhtB7

May 18, 202641 min

Executive Transitions in Regulated Industries: The Hidden Power of Networks - With CEO, Mark Hamill

Artificial intelligence, regulatory pressure, and evolving business demands are forcing leaders in regulated industries to rethink how they operate, but one constant remains: relationships drive opportunity.In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Gary Kalaci speaks with Mark Hamill about executive transitions, leadership in regulated environments, and how networks shape career outcomes, board opportunities, and business growth.They discuss: Why 80% of executive opportunities come from your networkHow leaders should approach career transitions and second careersThe role of boards in scaling businesses and managing riskWhy “giving” creates long-term advantage in executive leadershipHow to navigate uncertainty after leaving a long-term roleIf you’re a senior leader, board member, or executive operating in legal, financial, or other regulated industries, this conversation offers a practical perspective on staying relevant, building influence, andunlocking new opportunities.🔥 Explore the full series: https://alexatranslations.com/cpd-resource-hub/#ExecutiveLeadership #CareerTransitions #CorporateGovernance #RegulatedIndustries

March 23, 202640 min

A.I. in Law: You Cannot Outsource Accountability with Chad Aboud

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how legal work gets done, but accountability still sits with professionals.In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Gary Kalaci speaks with Chad Aboud, Chief Commercial Officer at Goodlawyer, about how legal leaders should approach A.I., technology, and the evolving role of in-house counsel and law firms.They discuss:Why accountability cannot be outsourced in the age of A.I.How legal teams should think about validation, risk, and governanceThe shift from legal “gatekeepers” to business partners and system architectsHow to stay close to the business while scaling with technologyIf you're a legal leader navigating A.I. adoption, this conversation will help you think more clearly about trust, responsibility, and where professionals add the most value.🔥 Explore the full series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiF6D6vbKoKPbDir0uEnGiHsBxSgyhtB7

March 6, 202638 min

Resilience, a tool to face challenge - Zabeen Hirji - Founder, Purposeful Third Act | Former CHRO, RBC

🎙️ Leadership is not about where you sit. It’s about how you show up.In our latest episode of Firing On All Syllables, Gary Kalaci speaks with Zabeen Hirji about what it takes to create opportunity inside organizations, especially when influence doesn’t come from title alone.From advancing values that leaders dismissed as “soft” to earning sponsorship and driving impact in the face of resistance, Zabeen reflects on how executives can move initiatives forward and build alignment across organizations.Recently appointed to the Order of Ontario and named Trent University’s 13th Chancellor, Zabeen brings a rare blend of conviction, humility, and purpose to the conversation.🔥 Explore the full series here: https://alexatranslations.com/firing-on-all-syllables/

March 3, 202643 min

Leadership, judgment, and restraint at the side of Nelson Mandela with Etienne van Eck

In this episode of Firing On All Syllables, Gary Kalaci speaks with Etienne van Eck, who served as a close protection officer to Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy. Drawing on firsthand experience during one of the most consequential periods in modern leadership, Etienne reflects on judgment under pressure, the discipline of restraint when power is absolute, and how fragile public trust truly is when every decision is visible. The conversation connects Mandela’s example to the realities leaders face today: moral complexity, heightened scrutiny, and the responsibility that comes with leadership in uncertain times. 🔥 Explore the full series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiF6D6vbKoKPbDir0uEnGiHsBxSgyhtB7

December 23, 202537 min

Global Deals and the Modern Legal Executive with Christelle Gedeon - Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, Canopy Growth Corporation

What does it take to build a global legal career in complex, highly regulated industries?In the latest episode of Firing On All Syllables, Christelle Gedeon (Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, Canopy Growth Corporation) joins Gary Kalaci to discuss her journey from the lab to the boardroom—and how multilingual roots, global dealmaking, and cross-functional leadership shaped her approach to legal and regulatory strategy. Christelle shares insights on advising governments, managing cross-border M&A across 14+ jurisdictions, navigating policy vs. enforcement regulators, and the growing role of A.I. in modern legal teams.🔥 Check more content like this in our free online CPD resource Hub:https://alexatranslations.com/cpd-resource-hub/#Leadership #LegalInnovation #GeneralCounsel #RegulatedIndustries #CorporateGovernance #ProfessionalDevelopment #AIinLaw

November 14, 202532 min

How Resilience Impacts Non-Profit Leadership with Miyo Yamashita

🎙️ What does it mean to lead with purpose and innovation?This episode features Miyo Yamashita, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, in conversation with Gary Kalaci, CEO of Alexa Translations.Miyo shares her journey from corporate strategy and A.I. to healthcare philanthropy, reflecting on what it takes to lead with empathy, adaptability, and vision across multiple industries.🔥 Check out the full series at firingonallsyllables.ca

October 28, 202532 min

How Technology deepens human connection with Cheryl Manuel - Chief Brand & Relationship Officer, Deloitte LLP

In this conversation with Alexa Translations CEO Gary Kalaci, Cheryl Manuel shares her journey from a small town in Ontario to a prominent leadership role at Deloitte. She discusses the importance of mentorship, embracing discomfort, and the evolving landscape of leadership in a technology-driven world. Cheryl emphasizes the significance of authenticity in leadership, effective team building, and understanding clients on a personal level. The conversation also touches on time management strategies and the role of technology in enhancing human connections.If you are an aspiring legal professional, or seasoned veteran, this is the podcast for you!Check more content like this in our free online CPD resource Hub:https://alexatranslations.com/cpd-resource-hub/#generalcousnel #legalprofessional #businesspodcast

October 10, 202534 min

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone - Sue-Lynn Noel, Senior Vice-President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Purolator Inc.

Sue-Lynn Noel shared this, and more, when she stopped by to talk with Gary Kalaci, Alexa Translations CEO and host of the business podcast ‘Firing On All Syllables”, you can catch their full discussion streaming now. If you are an aspiring legal professional, or seasoned veteran, this is the podcast for you!Check more content like this in our free online CPD resource Hub:https://alexatranslations.com/cpd-resource-hub/#generalcousnel #legalprofessional #businesspodcast