Just Good Business 🍁

Hosted by Al Grego, Moneris

Business Entrepreneurship Marketing

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Episodes

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

An award-winning monthly podcast with a focus on helping Canadian entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the ever-changing business landscape. The podcast delivers interviews with business leaders and industry experts offering advice and commentary on current events and business trends, with a focus on informing and educating Canadian businesses.

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59 recent

September 30, 202624 min

How comfortable are Canadians with letting AI influence their shopping decisions?

Just Good Business Digest: September 2026 Edition In September’s Just Good Business digest, we explore how A.I. is reshaping the way Canadians discover, research and buy products. Featuring insights from experts at Accenture and Hootsuite , this edition looks at how consumer shopping journeys are changing and what businesses can do to stay visible, relevant and competitive in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace. Chapter 1: How comfortable are Canadians with letting AI influence their shopping decisions? Suzana Colic from Accenture Canada joins Al on the podcast to share revealing consumer insights and predictions for the future of AI-powered shopping. Don’t miss this deep dive into how AI is revolutionizing retail! Chapter 2: Is your business invisible to AI? Why this matters heading into the holiday shopping season As more consumers turn to AI-powered tools to discover products, compare options and make purchasing decisions, small businesses need to rethink how they show up online. In this episode of Just Good Business , Allan sits down with Hootsuite's Cara Buscaglia, SVP of GTM Strategy and Innovation, to explore how AI is changing marketing, social media and customer discovery. They discuss what small business owners need to know before the holiday shopping season, how to improve visibility in an AI-driven world and where to focus your marketing efforts for the biggest impact. Whether you're wondering how AI affects your social strategy, which marketing trends are worth paying attention to or how to reach more customers online, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can put to work right away. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:19 - Chapter 1: How comfortable are Canadians with letting AI influence their shopping decisions? 00:09:52 - Chapter 2: Is your business invisible to AI? Why this matters heading into the holiday shopping season 00:23:31 - Outro Links of Interest: Moneris.com Accenture.com Accenture Social Channels: FB | IG | LI | YT Hootsuite.com Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.

August 31, 202614 min

What is agentic commerce? How AI is transforming the future of shopping

Chapter 1: What is agentic commerce? How AI is transforming the future of shopping AI is changing the way consumers discover, purchase and manage products. In this episode of Just Good Business , Jordan Williamson from Moneris explains agentic commerce and how AI-powered agents can help consumers shop more efficiently by managing shopping lists, comparing options and making purchases securely on their behalf. In this episode, you'll learn: What agentic commerce is and why it matters How AI shopping agents work The potential benefits for consumers and businesses Key considerations around trust, security and payments What the future of commerce could look like Whether you're a business owner, retailer or technology enthusiast, this conversation will help you understand one of the most important emerging trends in digital commerce. Listen now and explore the future of AI-powered commerce. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:49 - Chapter 1: Tracey McLennan of Edward Jones on Smart Financial Planning for Small Business Owners 00:13:37 - Outro Links of Interest: Moneris.com Moneris Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server Press Release Moneris Social Channels: FB | IG | LI | TT | YT Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.

July 31, 20269 min

Beyond the pitch: how a global soccer tournament influences Canadian spending

Just Good Business Digest: July 2026 Edition Chapter 1: Beyond the pitch: how a global soccer tournament influences Canadian spending What happens to consumer spending when the world's biggest soccer tournament comes to town? 🌎⚽ In our latest conversation, Sean McCormick from Moneris Data Services explores how international visitors can influence spending patterns across Canada, from tourism and hospitality to retail and local businesses. Tune in for insights on travel spending, consumer trends and the broader economic impact of major sporting events. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:52 - Chapter 1: Tracey McLennan of Edward Jones on Smart Financial Planning for Small Business Owners 00:08:51 - Outro Links of Interest: Moneris Data Services Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.

June 30, 202620 min

Tracey McLennan of Edward Jones on Smart Financial Planning for Small Business Owners

Just Good Business Digest: June 2026 Edition Chapter 1: Tracey McLennan of Edward Jones on Smart Financial Planning for Small Business Owners In this episode of the Just Good Business Podcast, Al sits down with Tracey McLennan, Director of the Client Consultation Group at Edward Jones, to talk about what small business owners should be doing after tax season ends. From connecting personal goals to business plans, to deciding when to reinvest vs. build reserves, to navigating succession in an aging workforce — Tracey shares practical strategies every business owner can use. 💡 Key takeaway: Your business is a tool — it should give you freedom, flexibility, or a legacy. If it doesn't, it's time to revisit the plan. Chapter 2: Retail Isn’t Slowing—It’s Evolving: What Canadian Consumer Data Reveals in 2026 In this episode of Just Good Business, Sean McCormick, VP Business Development at Moneris Data Services breaks down what’s really driving 2026 retail trends—from fewer but more intentional shoppers to the growing impact of AI on search and discovery. Learn why conversion matters more than traffic, how LLMs are changing customer behaviour, and what retailers need to do to stay competitive. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:05 - Chapter 1: Tracey McLennan of Edward Jones on Smart Financial Planning for Small Business Owners 00:10:50 - Chapter 2: Retail Isn’t Slowing—It’s Evolving: What Canadian Consumer Data Reveals in 2026 00:20:04 - Outro Links of Interest: Edward Jones Moneris Data Services Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.

May 29, 202635 min

Canadian Premier League: From Grassroots to Greatness

Just Good Business Digest: May 2026 Edition Chapter 1: Canadian Premier League: From Grassroots to Greatness Join Al in conversation with Michael Beckerman (Canada Soccer Media & Entertainment) as they explore the growth and impact of the Canadian Premier League (CPL). Michael breaks down how the CPL is: Building credibility in a competitive global soccer landscape Strengthening community engagement across Canada Creating a sustainable model for sports and business success Whether you're in sports leadership, media, or business strategy, this conversation offers practical insights into how your business can scale, differentiate, and thrive. 👉 Discover how the Canadian Premier League is shaping the future of soccer in Canada. Chapter 2: From AI to Trade: Navigating Canada’s Economic Landscape How are artificial intelligence (AI) advancements and global trade uncertainty reshaping Canada’s economy in 2026? In this episode, Al sits down with Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at BMO, to break down the biggest macroeconomic trends impacting Canadian businesses today. They explore: The real economic impact of AI adoption across industries Canada’s trade outlook amid shifting global supply chains Inflation, interest rates, and economic growth forecasts Key risks and opportunities facing business leaders Whether you’re a business professional, economist, or simply interested in Canada’s financial future, this conversation offers expert insights to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving economy. Chapter 3: Playoff Fever: How the Montreal Canadiens Are Boosting the Local Economy 🏒 What happens to a city’s economy when its hockey team goes on a playoff run? In this episode of Just Good Business, Al sits down with Data Expert Sean McCormick to explore the powerful ripple effects of the Montreal Canadiens’ NHL playoff surge—and what it means for local businesses, consumers, and the broader economy. Watch now to see how playoff momentum turns into real economic impact. Links of Interest: Canadian Premier League - Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIN | X BMO Economics Moneris Data Services Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:04 - Chapter 1: Canadian Premier League: From Grassroots to Greatness 00:16:12 - Chapter 2: From AI to Trade: Navigating Canada’s Economic Landscape 00:28:07 - Chapter 3: Playoff Fever: How the Montreal Canadiens Are Boosting the Local Economy 00:35:03 - Outro Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.

April 30, 202634 min

How Economic Development Organizations Help Canadian Small Businesses Grow, Export, and Attract Investment

Just Good Business Digest: April 2026 Edition Chapter 1: How Economic Development Organizations Help Canadian Small Businesses Grow, Export, and Attract Investment Al speaks with Traci Simmons, CEO of Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB), a provincial economic development agency, about how economic development organizations across Canada support small and mid-sized businesses. They explore how these agencies help companies scale and grow, navigate permits and regulations, expand into export markets, and attract domestic and international investment. They also discuss common success measures like job creation, productivity, GDP growth, and export wins, as well as challenges facing Canadian businesses today—including labour shortages, affordability pressures, and changing immigration dynamics. Chapter 2: Energy Efficiency Made Easy for Small Business Owners In the latest Just Good Business episode, Al explores how Ontario’s Save on Energy program helps small businesses cut costs and operate more sustainably. He is joined by Tam Wagner, Director of Demand Side Management at the IESO, to break down practical ways energy efficiency can make a real impact on your bottom line — and the planet. 🌍 🎧 Listen now to learn what support is available and how your business can start saving today. Chapter 3: 🔍 Insights Alert: Canadian Consumer Spending — Q1 2026 What’s driving Canadian consumer behavior in Q1 2026? How does your region compare to the rest of the country? In our latest podcast episode, Sean McCormick breaks down current consumer spend trends, regional performance differences, and the economic pressures shaping purchasing decisions. Learn what these insights mean for businesses and how to adapt your strategies for growth in 2026. Links of Interest: Opportunities New Brunswick Save On Energy Moneris Data Services FIFA Dream Contest Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:57 - Chapter 1: How Economic Development Organizations Help Canadian Small Businesses Grow, Export, and Attract Investment 00:13:14 - Chapter 2: Energy Efficiency Made Easy for Small Business Owners 00:23:55 - Chapter 3: 🔍 Insights Alert: Canadian Consumer Spending — Q1 2026 00:33:54 - Outro Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.

March 31, 202624 min

Trust in Canadian Business: Key Findings from the CanTrust Index and Insights from Bruce MacLellan

Chapter 1: Trust in Canadian Business: Key Findings from the CanTrust Index and Insights from Bruce MacLellan Building trust isn’t just a goal—it’s a business strategy. 🏆 Al welcomes Bruce MacLellan back on the podcast to discuss the 2026 CanTrust Index and explain how small businesses can leverage trust to drive growth. Do you know your trust strategy? Chapter 2: AI Driven Fraud in Canada: How Small Businesses Can Detect, Prevent, and Fight Back — Expert Insights from Yale Holder Is AI making fraud harder to detect for businesses? In our latest episode, Allan speaks with Yale Holder from Moneris about how scammers are using artificial intelligence and advanced technology to target organizations—and the practical steps businesses can take to stay ahead of AI driven fraud. Learn how fraud tactics are evolving and what leaders need to know to protect their operations. Links of Interest: Proof Strategies CanTrust Index Fraud Prevention Tools Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:04 - Chapter 1: Trust in Canadian Business: Key Findings from the CanTrust Index and Insights from Bruce MacLellan 00:17:10 - Chapter 2: AI Driven Fraud in Canada: How Small Businesses Can Detect, Prevent, and Fight Back — Expert Insights from Yale Holder 00:23:58 - Outro Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.

February 27, 202625 min

Music Licensing for Your Business Demystified: A Conversation With SOCAN

Chapter 1: Music Licensing for Your Business Demystified: A Conversation With SOCAN 🎶Dive into the world of music rights with SOCAN's Kit Wheeler! Discover why music licensing matters for businesses and how it supports artists. Chapter 2: Is Valentine’s Day A Bigger Shopping Event Than Black Friday? Dive into the numbers behind this year's Valentine's Day spending! 📊 Discover why it outshone even Black Friday in consumer impact. Find out why Canadians splurged more this year and what it means for our economy. Links of Interest: Moneris Data Services SOCAN Entandem Licensing Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:19 - Chapter 1: Music Licensing for Your Business Demystified: A Conversation With SOCAN 00:11:57 - Chapter 2: Is Valentine’s Day A Bigger Shopping Event Than Black Friday? 00:24:40 - Outro Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.

January 29, 202628 min

Economic Forecast 2026: Insights from BMO's Chief Economist

Chapter 1: Economic Forecast 2026: Insights from BMO's Chief Economist Al sat down with Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at BMO, to unpack the top 3 economic stories of 2025, and to look at the year ahead in Canada’s economy. He also offers some helpful insights for Canadian small business owners. Chapter 2: Reflecting on 2025 with Sean McCormick: A Flat Holiday Spend and Its Implications Data Expert Sean McCormick joins Al to break down the latest holiday consumer spending trends. Was spending up, down, or flat this year? Which provinces came out on top? Which days were the busiest—and has Boxing Day lost its traditional shopping momentum? Get these answers and more insights in the full conversation. Chapter 3: AI and Retail Evolution: Preparing for 2026 with Mastercard’s Benjamin Jacob Don't miss our chat with MasterCard's Benjamin Jacob on the evolving consumer behavior and adaptive economies. Discover how AI and strategic spending are revolutionizing the way Canadians shop! Links of Interest: BMO BMO Capital Markets Moneris Data Services Mastercard Mastercard Small Business Resources Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:13 - Chapter 1: Economic Forecast 2026: Insights from BMO's Chief Economist 00:11:34 - Chapter 2: Reflecting on 2025 with Sean McCormick: A Flat Holiday Spend and Its Implications 00:19:13 - Chapter 3: AI and Retail Evolution: Preparing for 2026 with Mastercard’s Benjamin Jacob 00:28:08 - Outro Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.

December 18, 202522 min

Small Business & Charity: How Communities Support Ronald McDonald House

Chapter 1: Small Business & Charity: How Communities Support Ronald McDonald House Al is joined by Kate Horton from Ronald McDonald House Canada. She shares stories of how the organization supports families during their child's medical treatments. Ronald McDonald House Canada has supported more than 500,000 families across Canada since inception in 1981. Learn how you can help make a difference. Chapter 2: Inside Black Friday 2025: What the Data Tells Us Join Al as he dives into the results from Black Friday 2025 with resident data expert Sean McCormick. Despite high hopes, spending was down 4% year-over-year, revealing intriguing regional differences and consumer behaviors. Discover key insights into the holiday shopping season, economic pressures, and strategic tips for merchants. Links of Interest Roncy Packs Ronald McDonald House Canada / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Moneris Data Services Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:52 - Chapter 1 : Kate Horton on Small Business & Charity: How Communities Support Ronald McDonald House 00:11:16 - Call For Small Campaign Winners 00:11:50 - Chapter 2 : Sean McCormick on Inside Black Friday 2025: What the Data Tells Us 00:21:22 - Outro Subscribe now! If you have a payment-related or business question you’d like to submit to one of our experts, you can email us at podcast@moneris.com . Just Good Business is a Moneris p odcast production hosted by Al Grego.