The Karmali Exchange

Hosted by Faisal Karmali

BusinessInterviews guests

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Nov 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to The Karmali Exchange, hosted by experienced business & financial expert Faisal Karmali. On this podcast, Faisal dives into conversations with successful business owners to learn how they grew their company and broke through. You can also find Faisal as the Business and Market Expert for CTV Morning Live and QR Calgary. All opinions voiced by Faisal are Faisal's own.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 10, 202511 min

E71: 5 Highlights to Kickstart Your Fiscal Mindset

As you head into a new fiscal year, take a moment to refocus on what really drives your business forward: your financials. In this special episode of The Karmali Exchange, we’ve compiled five standout moments to help you kickstart your fiscal mindset and lead your business with clarity and confidence. From margins to metrics, these leaders share how understanding your numbers shapes better decisions, stronger leadership, and smarter growth. Featuring insights from: Marcel Teunissen (Parkland Corporation) Connor Curran (Local Laundry) Chris Kneeland (Cult Collective) Stephen Deere (Modern Steak) Maeghen Cotterill (5 Elements Martial Arts) Robert Price (Bōde Canada) Jan Jaffer (TREC Dental)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 8, 202529 min

E69: Branding at Full Throttle: A Biker's Guide to Business

Joseph “JD” Dubois has lived through two serious motorcycle accidents, but instead of walking away from riding, he leaned in and built a business around it. In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, JD shares how resilience, passion, and “throttle therapy” inspired him to create Freedom Biker Tours - a company that’s as much about authenticity and brotherhood as it is about motorcycles. Listeners will also hear how JD’s military family upbringing shaped his values, why human connection is his most powerful marketing tool, and how he’s taking his brand global while staying true to its roots. From lessons in resiliency to building a brand on people first, his story offers practical takeaways for any entrepreneur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 14, 202525 min

E67: How a Rainmaker Built a Chocolate Empire by Starting a Social Media Storm

What does it take to build a chocolate empire from a condo kitchen? Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, joins Faisal Karmali to share the raw and emotional journey of scaling a startup from 50 handmade bars a day to over 135,000. Building a business with family brought both joy and tension and Jake quickly realized that success meant more than just strong numbers. It meant strong relationships. Therapy and open communication became essential tools for sustainable growth. Rather than trying to fix every weakness, Jake leaned into his natural storytelling strengths to build a message on social media that resonates. He shared the behind-the-scenes struggles, which helped Mid-Day Squares build not just a brand, but a community of loyal fans who believed in the mission from day one. Whether you're a startup founder, seasoned entrepreneur, or just curious how great brands are built, this is a raw and honest look at what it really takes to chase big dreams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 7, 202529 min

E66: Build a Beauty Brand that Stands the Test of Time

Adrienne Furrie cracked the code. While competitors chase every trend, she built something different - a trusted beauty brand that puts people first and grows sustainably. In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, discover how a childhood moment with a purple crayon became her business blueprint, why staying in Calgary was her secret weapon (not Toronto or Vancouver!), the "permission to grow" mindset that changed everything, how to keep your business personal while scaling up, and real strategies for building customer trust in a crowded market. This conversation is perfect for entrepreneurs just starting their journey, business owners ready to scale sustainably, and anyone building a brand in competitive industries. Adrienne's approach proves you don't need to follow the "hustle harder" playbook to succeed. Sometimes the most powerful business strategy is simply being human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 5, 202524 min

E65: Why Don’t More Canadian Small Businesses Go Global?

Andrea Mandel-Campbell joins Faisal Karmali for a deep dive into why so many Canadian companies, especially small and homegrown businesses, have never even thought about expanding beyond our borders. They talk about the red tape, the lack of a global mindset, and how our own policies and attitudes are holding entrepreneurs back. If you’ve ever wondered why Canadian small businesses struggle to scale internationally, this episode pulls back the curtain and offers a fresh perspective on what really needs to change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 7, 202524 min

E64: Mastering Customer Experience and Loyalty

On this episode of The Karmali Exchange, Wendy Bélanger, a serial entrepreneur and international hair fashion designer, discusses the importance of customer experience in the service industry. She emphasizes that pricing should reflect skill level, demand, and the unique value provided. Wendy's salon offers a high-end experience, including a welcoming team, personalized service, and attention to detail, which justifies higher prices. She shares a story about handling a dissatisfied customer, highlighting the importance of accountability and going the extra mile to ensure customer loyalty. Wendy advises business owners to maintain humility and always prioritize customer and staff satisfaction, ensuring everyone leaves feeling respected and valued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 10, 202526 min

E63: How Your Emotional DNA Shapes Your Wealth and Success

In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, host Faisal Karmali speaks with Judy Wilkins-Smith, author of Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint, about how inherited patterns from our DNA shape our personal and financial lives. Judy shares insights from The Hidden Laws of Money, revealing how unconscious beliefs about wealth are passed down through generations and influence financial success. She also explores concepts from Systemic Coaching & Constellations, explaining how recognizing and reshaping deep-seated emotional and behavioural patterns can lead to transformational change. This episode offers a powerful framework for breaking free from limiting cycles and building a future of financial and personal fulfillment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 10, 202530 min

E62: Unlocking Creativity & Transformational Leadership

What happens when brilliant minds come together?  Creativity explodes! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the power of collaboration with my guest Catherine Bell, Founder/Author of The Awakened Company. We explore how working with others can spark fresh ideas, fuel innovation, and push boundaries like never before. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or business leader, mastering the art of collaboration could be the game-changer you need!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

December 9, 202442 min

E61: The Naked Truth About Your Business

Welcome to BraTopia: the largest luxury lingerie and swimwear company in Calgary. Whether you're totally comfortable being surrounded by all things lacy, or if (like me) you blush just walking through the doors, this episode has something for everybody. I talked to Founder & CEO Colette Hamon about breaking down your customer's psychological barriers, responding to negative reviews, the 'Ozempic Effect', and where business owners are really dropping the ball. Plus what can we learn from Ted Lasso about leadership? If owning a business is like a long-term marriage, Colette will give you the tips and tricks you need to keep that spark alive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 4, 202421 min

E60: Is Google killing the Better Business Bureau?

Let’s face it . . . there’s a lot of shady shit out there. Enter the Better Business Bureau. For over 100 years, they have empowered consumers to find companies they trust. Their stamp approval is only given to businesses that show the highest commitment to integrity, ethical business practices, and customer service. But at a time when finding a trustworthy business is only a Google search away, is the BBB still relevant? I invited President and CEO Mary O’Sullivan-Anderson, Chair of the Board of Directors Riley Paterson, and Vice-Chair Nate Edwards on the show to talk about the non-negotiable traits of a trustworthy business, how to get accredited with the BBB, and what’s actually in it for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.