Small Business | Big Insights

Hosted by Eric Saumure

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Feb 2026

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You’re busy. We know! We cut through the BS and give you straight talk advice whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out. Small Business | Big Insights dives straight to the point on key topics and features interviews with industry experts and successful small business owners who share their deep insights. Tune in each month to gain new ideas and inspiration for your own business. Hosted by Eric Saumure, CPA, CA (https://ericsaumure.com) Send us any questions you've got to (podcast@zenbooks.ca) Check out our website at (https://zenbooks.ca/resources/podcast/) Sponsored by Zenbooks (Leading online accounting firm - https://zenbooks.ca/solutions/accounting/)

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34 recent

February 2, 2026Episode 3544 min

Scaling Secrets: What High Growth Entrepreneurs Know That You Don’t - With Annika Friesen

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric sits down with leadership coach and former consultant Annika Friesen to unpack what truly drives sustainable growth for entrepreneurs. Annika shares why fast-scaling businesses prioritize intentionality over volume, consistency over intensity, and long-term relationship building over transactional networking. Drawing from her experience in global consulting and executive coaching, she explains how clarity in decision-making, values, and personal definitions of success can dramatically change how leaders show up in their businesses and avoid the burnout traps so common in hustle culture.The conversation dives deeper into leadership plateaus, delegation fears, and the hidden cost of burnout on judgment, performance, and long-term business health. Annika challenges entrepreneurs to ask uncomfortable but necessary questions, including whether they may be the bottleneck holding their business back. She also demystifies coaching, explains how accountability accelerates growth, and shares insights from her upcoming book MBA Unlocked, a practical guide to career transformation. This candid discussion offers business owners practical frameworks to lead with confidence, protect their energy, and build companies that support both performance and life.Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:42 Meet Annika Friesen 02:37 What fast-scaling entrepreneurs do differently 06:53 Growth myths and the hustle trap 09:48 Why businesses plateau and how to break through 12:07 Delegation, hiring, and letting go 19:43 The real leadership cost of burnout 27:22 Shifting leadership identity and mindset 32:04 How coaching works and who it’s for 36:54 Annika’s upcoming book MBA Unlocked 39:15 The uncomfortable truths entrepreneurs need to hear 43:23 How to connect with AnnikaFollow Annika Friesen on LinkedInThe book waitlist page is here: https://annikafriesen.com/book-waitlist/Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com )

December 16, 2025Episode 3434 min

From Refugee to Luxury Brand CEO: Neri Karra Sillaman's Blueprint for Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric Saumure sits down with globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and Oxford lecturer Neri Karra Sillaman to explore the ideas behind her book Pioneers and what immigrant entrepreneurs do differently when building businesses that last. Drawing from her lived experience as a former refugee and founder of a luxury fashion brand, Neri shares why resilience, optimism, and reframing failure are not just personal traits but strategic business advantages. She explains how immigrant founders often spot overlooked opportunities, treat rejection as part of progress, and build companies with longevity in mind, especially during uncertain economic times.Neri also discusses the disconnect between academic theory and real world business practice, the role of ethics and uncompromising quality in long term profitability, and why purpose and profit do not need to be at odds. Through stories from her own entrepreneurial journey and research interviews with founders behind globally recognized brands, she offers practical insight into community as a competitive advantage, decision making under pressure, and why success in business is a long game. This conversation offers small business owners a grounded, realistic perspective on building resilient companies that endure.Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:15 Meet Neri Karra Sillaman 01:25 The inspiration behind Pioneers 06:22 What immigrant entrepreneurs do differently 11:53 Stoicism, agency, and reframing failure 12:30 Academia vs real world business practice 15:58 Purpose, profit, and sustainability 19:51 Building quality, pride, and long term value 23:53 Early setbacks and learning to pivot 26:42 Ethics, leadership, and business decisions 28:26 Daily habits and creative discipline 29:42 Overrated business advice 31:34 Tools, mindset, and advice for entrepreneurs 33:13 How to connect with Neri 34:07 Final thoughts and closingFollow Neri Karra Sillaman on LinkedInHosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com )

November 17, 202545 min

Contracts, Clients, and Costly Risks: The Legal Advice Every Small Business Owner Needs to Hear with Margot Pomerleau from MBC Law

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric sits down with litigation lawyer Margot Pomerleau to explore the legal risks that small and medium business owners often overlook. Margot shares why documenting deals matters more than most entrepreneurs think, how failing to get proper advice early can cost you significantly more later, and the most common mistakes she sees in contracts, hiring, firing, and business partnerships. She breaks down what actually happens when a lawsuit begins, how evidence is collected, and why putting pen to paper can be the difference between winning and losing a case.Margot also explains how business owners can avoid unnecessary legal trouble by setting realistic goals, avoiding unplanned expansions, and resisting the temptation to dabble in industries they do not fully understand. From mismanaged projects to bad investment advice, she walks through real situations that lead clients to her door and shares practical insight on how to avoid similar problems. This candid conversation will give business owners a clearer view of their legal rights and responsibilities and provide valuable tools to protect their companies before issues arise.Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:36 Meet Margot Pomerleau 01:26 What makes a strong litigator 03:35 Navigating client emotions and expectations 06:49 What business owners do not want to hear 08:31 The cost of ignoring legal advice 10:23 The biggest legal mistake owners make 12:33 Why documenting everything matters 16:01 What happens when you sue someone 19:57 How evidence and examinations work 23:59 Why full honesty with your lawyer is critical 26:21 The litigator’s role during a dispute 33:46 Suing financial advisors and investment loss cases 39:13 Controversial thoughts on scaling and risk 44:53 Final thoughts and how to connect with MargotHosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)The conversations in this podcast, including those with Margot Pomerleau, are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing discussed should be taken as legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, you should consult with a qualified lawyer or other appropriate professional. The hosts and guests make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of any information shared.

October 15, 202551 min

Communication Secrets from a Leadership Coach with Barry McLoughlin from TLC Transformational Leadership

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure welcomes Barry McLoughlin, leadership and communications consultant, author, and educator. Barry takes us inside his unique journey from stand-up comedy and television satire to coaching leaders across Canada and the U.S. He explains why communication is not a “nice-to-have” but an essential skill that defines your brand, builds trust, and fuels growth. With decades of experience helping executives, politicians, and business owners, Barry shares how storytelling, body language, and tone shape perception far more than words alone.The conversation dives into real-world lessons on crisis management, authenticity, and the art of delivering tough messages without losing trust. Barry offers practical tools such as the “persuasion ladder” and the “what, why, so what” framework, while reflecting on how small business owners can connect with employees—especially younger generations—through transparency and purpose. You’ll also hear insights on reputation management, technology’s role in modern communication, and why being a great listener is the ultimate leadership skill.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Meet Barry McLoughlin, leadership and communications consultant00:30 – From comedy and TV satire to coaching leaders06:30 – Common communication mistakes and why nonverbals matter09:20 – Becoming a trusted advisor in business12:40 – Tight messages, soundbites, and the power of framing13:00 – Crisis management: responding fast and building trust17:30 – Rebuilding reputation and taking accountability20:00 – Differentiated value and practical communication tools26:50 – Transparency, Gen Z employees, and authentic culture29:40 – Delivering bad news with empathy and structure34:15 – Leading through uncertainty and protecting brand trust38:15 – AI, technology, and the limits of machine communication46:30 – Can “bad communicators” still succeed as leaders?49:05 – One big takeaway: seek to understand before being understood51:00 – Closing: Connect with Barry and learn moreHosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

September 15, 202539 min

Mayor on the Mic: Small-Biz Lessons from Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure welcomes Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to explore the intersection of leadership, politics, and entrepreneurship. From his early days as a broadcaster and business coach to his current role as mayor of Ottawa, Mark shares candid reflections on authenticity, resilience, and the challenges of public life. He opens up about how small business values shaped his leadership style, why civility in politics matters, and what entrepreneurs can learn from the realities of City Hall. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories—from father-son baseball trips to lessons learned in community service—that highlight how staying true to yourself is the foundation of long-term success.This conversation also dives into Ottawa’s $5 billion budget, the role of Invest Ottawa, and how the city supports local business through tax policies, advocacy, and economic development initiatives. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply curious about what it takes to balance authenticity with responsibility, this episode delivers a thoughtful and practical perspective. You’ll walk away with lessons on leadership, community, and why small business owners should never compare their behind-the-scenes struggles to others’ highlight reels.Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Meet Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and leader 01:10 – Coaching, business values, and the Zenbooks connection 03:40 – Why politics struggles to attract good people 06:30 – Finding balance: running, family, and travel stories 10:40 – City Hall and small business: what levers really matter 14:30 – Listening to entrepreneurs and reducing red tape 17:40 – Invest Ottawa and building a defense innovation hub 20:00 – What Mark learned about government as mayor 23:15 – Music, hype songs, and leadership lessons across roles 27:30 – Authenticity, personal brand, and staying true to values 29:30 – Normalizing entrepreneurial challenges and struggles 33:50 – The pace of City Hall vs. entrepreneurship 36:00 – Rapid fire: podcasts, donuts, role models, and family 39:25 – Closing reflections on leadership and making a differenceHosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

August 15, 202535 min

Grants, Growth & Grit: The Real Talk Small Business Owners Need to Hear" (With Nishant Raina, Mastercard Canada)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, host Eric sits down with Nishant Raina, Vice President of Product Management at Mastercard in Canada. Nishant shares how Mastercard is helping small business owners tackle some of their biggest challenges. You’ll hear about the crucial role small businesses play in Canada’s economy, the pain points they’re facing right now, and how Mastercard’s programs and tools are making a difference.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:21 The Role of Small Businesses in Canada’s Economy06:34 Mastercard’s Initiatives to Support Small Businesses09:31 The Future of Financial Institutions and FinTech14:29 Mastercard’s Use of Data and Cybersecurity18:31 Barriers to Digital Tool Adoption21:13 Embracing AI and Digital Payments23:30 Mastercard’s Role in Supporting Small Businesses30:20 Building a Small Business Community33:05 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Nishant Rainahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nishantraina/Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

July 15, 202550 min

This One Funding Strategy Could Unlock Millions for Canadian Startups (with David Perry and Paul LaBarge)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure sits down with David Perry and Paul LaBarge—two champions of Canadian innovation—to dive deep into a bold proposal that could reshape the future of early-stage business funding. Drawing inspiration from Canada’s mining sector and successful UK policy, they explain how adapting flow-through share structures to tech startups and small businesses could ignite local investment, drive job creation, and help homegrown companies scale without fleeing the country. The idea is simple yet profound: allow investors to claim immediate tax deductions for backing early-stage ventures, effectively reducing their risk and increasing the viability of Canadian innovation. The conversation also touches on national economic resilience, the gaps in current programs like SR&ED, and how democratizing wealth through broader investor access can create meaningful change.This discussion isn’t just theory—it’s a roadmap. Canadian small business owners stand to benefit from a funding model that prioritizes simplicity, broad access, and real economic impact. You’ll learn how this approach compares to existing options, why it’s gaining political traction, and how it could unlock new opportunities in communities across the country—not just in major tech hubs. Best of all, you’ll find out how to get involved. Entrepreneurs and advocates can endorse the movement, share their stories, and help shape a funding ecosystem that truly supports Canadian-owned growth. If you’re building a business and looking for smart, scalable ways to grow, this episode is packed with insight and action. 00:00 – Intro: Meet David Perry & Paul LaBarge, and the power of flow-through shares 01:30 – What flow-through shares are, and why they matter beyond mining 06:30 – Focusing on tech first: a strategic step toward broader eligibility 08:15 – Canada’s economic vulnerability and why timing matters now 10:30 – How the idea gained political momentum and party platform attention 15:30 – Why flow-through shares are not just for the wealthy 17:00 – What the government gains: economic activity, jobs, and taxes 20:00 – The case for job creation in rural and underserved regions 25:00 – Simplifying what qualifies: reducing friction for small businesses 32:00 – Broadening access to capital and employee ownership 34:00 – Quality jobs: how this policy creates long-term economic value 36:00 – Innovation vs. commercialization: why Canada struggles with the latter 41:00 – The policy pitch: low cost, high return, and no bureaucracy 43:00 – Final thoughts: democratizing investment and wealth creation 45:00 – What small business owners can do: take action at canflowthrough.com 50:00 – Call to action: share your story and join the grassroots movementDavid Perry & Paul Labargecanflowthrough.comHosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

June 15, 202530 min

From Idea to Published Book: How Sam Laprade become ‘Ottawa Made’

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure sits down with Ottawa connector and storyteller Sam Laprade to explore how she co-authored Ottawa Made, a book celebrating local innovation and entrepreneurship. Sam shares the full behind-the-scenes of writing and launching the book—from managing self-doubt and editing challenges to finding time to write amid a busy life. She also dives into the sales side of authorship, explaining how thoughtful distribution, event-driven marketing, and community partnerships helped move books beyond the bookstore.But this episode is about more than just writing—it’s about building something real. Sam reveals how deep, authentic relationships became her competitive edge in Ottawa, leading to everything from radio shows to keynote invitations. Her approach is a masterclass in grassroots visibility: handwritten notes, consistent event attendance, and becoming known as a connector in the city. If you’ve ever wanted to grow your presence without spending a fortune, learn why every entrepreneur has a story worth telling, or if you simply wondered how to turn relationships into lasting business opportunities—this episode delivers both strategic insights and heartfelt inspiration.00:00 – Intro: Turning ideas into books and the power of local stories01:10 – How Ottawa Made began and why Sam brought on a co-author04:00 – Why writing this book became a legacy piece05:20 – What surprised Sam most during the writing process08:00 – Advice for first-time authors and why small daily progress matters10:50 – Selling the book: launches, corporate gifting, and local retail partners14:30 – Building a real competitive moat through consistent community presence16:45 – How Sam’s portfolio career evolved from being helpful and visible20:40 – Budget-friendly ways to be a “super-connector”22:00 – Why handwritten notes and showing up matter more than digital spam24:00 – Raw honesty: stories that didn’t make the book and the editing process26:00 – The courage it takes to share real experiences and hard truths28:30 – Rapid-fire round: favorite Ottawa spots, biggest lessons, and regrets31:00 – Final advice for small business owners: be visible, be helpful, be humanSam Laprade, Griffin Fundraising & Ottawa Media PersonalityConnect on LinkedInHer WebsiteHosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

May 15, 202554 min

Succession, Power, and the New Rules of Leadership: A No-Fluff Talk (With Monique Goffinet)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Eric Saumure welcomes Monique Goffinet, seasoned board leader and governance expert, for an energizing and insightful conversation about board leadership, governance trends, and how business owners can use board involvement to grow professionally. Monique shares the realities of board service, demystifies common misconceptions, and dives into leadership lessons from her years as a CEO and board member. From emotional intelligence to modern succession planning and the "three Cs" of leadership, this episode is packed with practical insights for business owners looking to sharpen their strategic edge and contribute more effectively in board environments.Whether you're thinking of joining your first board or already serve on one, this conversation will reshape how you view governance and leadership in today's fast-paced world.00:00 – Introduction and Guest Overview01:56 – Misunderstood Roles of Board Members06:16 – What Is Role Creep in Governance?07:50 – Boardroom Dynamics and Entrepreneurial Grit10:30 – Leadership Training and Real-World Lessons14:11 – Outdated Governance Ideas and Succession Challenges18:14 – The Risks of Rigid Bylaws and Outdated Board Culture22:26 – Founder-to-Chair Transitions and Power Balance27:08 – High-Growth Environments and CEO Vision Alignment32:12 – The Three C’s: Communication, Compromise, and Consensus38:45 – Emotional Intelligence in the Boardroom41:39 – Boards Aren’t Just for Retirement Anymore44:14 – Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned50:49 – Board Experience in Nonprofits and Public Sector53:38 – Staying Connected and Final ThoughtsMonique Goffinet, MAhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-goffinet-ma-a1754395/Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)

April 15, 202542 min

Stop Overpaying Your Taxes: Give to Charity Instead with Flow-Through Shares (with Albert Labelle, PearTree Canada)

Send us Fan MailToday, Eric sits down with Albert Labelle, partner at PearTree and a pro in strategic philanthropy.Albert breaks down flow-through shares—a powerful but often overlooked tax strategy that can help small business owners and individuals boost their charitable giving while lowering after-tax costs. They dive into how flow-through shares work, the tax advantages for Canadian donors, and how PearTree helps make it all happen. Albert also clears up common concerns around compliance and explains how to spot legitimate donation strategies.If you’re looking to give smarter and make a bigger impact, this episode’s for you.00:00 Intro00:51 Meet Albert Labelle02:17 What are Charity Flow-Through Shares?02:56 Donating Appreciated Securities04:38 PearTree’s Role in Changing the Game06:42 Tax Benefits Explained09:57 How to Donate with PearTree15:16 Compliance & Risk23:24 Alternative Minimum Tax Strategies39:56 Wrap-Up & ResourcesAlbert Labelle, MFA-P, Partner, PearTree Canadahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/albertlabellejr/https://peartreefinserv.comHosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com)