The Leadership Standard

Hosted by TEC Canada

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Facebook YouTube

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert, Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 28, 2026Episode 1148 min

Better Questions. Fresh Possibilities. | Live from the TEC Canada National Member Conference — Part One

On Part One of this special edition of The Leadership Standard, recorded live at the TEC Canada National Member Conference in Calgary, Jamie Mason Cohen sits down with Canadian entrepreneurs, CEOs, TEC Chairs, and business leaders to explore what leadership looks like when strategies, technologies, and expectations keep changing. Across industries ranging from healthcare technology and digital media to manufacturing, construction, and outdoor services, these leaders share how they’re navigating artificial intelligence, acquisitions, multigenerational ownership, expansion, talent, innovation, culture, and the human challenges that come with leading through change. Andrée-Anne Chevalier discusses second-generation leadership, completing a first acquisition, and protecting a company’s purpose while transforming how it operates. Anthony Kowalczyk explores AI, critical thinking, strategic partnerships, and why leaders should question the incentives behind the digital platforms they rely on. Steve Lendt, Sahiza Hossenbaccus, Brian Brennan, and John Richards dive into marketing, psychological safety, continuous improvement, expansion, and the value of building a business around people. Brian also shares why leadership coaching begins with curiosity rather than answers—and how asking the right questions can uncover potential that might otherwise go unnoticed. Byron Veldjesgraaf shares lessons from multigenerational family business and giving the next generation room to lead differently, while Chris Burns explores innovation, environmental change, mentorship, trusting your team, and learning to respond rather than react. Part One closes with Chris Hardwick and Alex Yakovyshenko discussing AI, loneliness at the top, succession, human connection, and the role communities like TEC play in giving leaders a place to challenge their thinking and speak openly with people who understand the responsibility of leadership. Throughout these conversations, one idea keeps returning: leaders don’t need to have every answer. They need the curiosity to ask better questions, the willingness to listen, and the courage to stay open to what becomes possible. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & The Human Work of Leadership 02:15 Andrée-Anne Chevalier — Second-Generation Leadership, Growth & Acquisition 08:10 Anthony Kowalczyk — AI, Critical Thinking & Strategic Growth 13:55 Steve Lendt, Sahiza Hossenbaccus, Brian Brennan & John Richards — Culture, Psychological Safety & Growth 23:10 Brian Brennan — Curiosity, Resilience & Unlocking Team Potential 31:05 Byron Veldjesgraaf — Family Business, Generational Change & Expansion 36:15 Chris Burns — Innovation, Mentorship & Responding Instead of Reacting 44:20 Chris Hardwick & Alex Yakovyshenko — AI, Loneliness, Succession & Human Connection Learn more about TEC Canada: https://bit.ly/3INwmxq

June 29, 2026Episode 1049 min

Can AI Replace You? Authenticity, Leadership, and the Human Advantage with Mark Bowden

On this episode of Signature Leadership , Jamie Mason Cohen sits down with communication expert, bestselling author, and body language authority Mark Bowden to explore one of leadership's biggest questions: What happens to trust, influence, and human connection in a world increasingly shaped by AI? Mark explains why the future of leadership depends less on technology itself and more on our ability to create authentic human experiences that AI cannot replicate. As artificial intelligence becomes more capable of mimicking our voices, faces, and personalities, genuine face-to-face connection may become our greatest competitive advantage. The conversation explores AI, digital identity, authenticity, and what it truly means to be human in an increasingly digital world. Mark also shares how movement, presence, and emotion influence trust and credibility—often more than the words we say. Jamie and Mark discuss why curiosity and experimentation are essential leadership traits, how AI can become a valuable thinking partner, and why the best leaders are often the first to explore new ideas before others recognize their value. They also dive into storytelling, with Mark revealing a simple principle for connecting with any audience: stories become powerful the moment another person enters them because listeners immediately begin relating the story to their own lives. If you're navigating rapid change, looking to communicate with greater influence, or wondering how to remain deeply human in an AI-driven world, this conversation offers practical insights that will reshape how you think about leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & The Future of Human Connection 01:45 Meet Mark Bowden 04:52 The Science of Trust, Presence & Communication 10:20 AI Avatars and the Question of Authenticity 16:02 Can Technology Capture the Human Spirit? 22:10 Why Real Human Experiences Will Become More Valuable 27:35 Communication, Credibility & Cognitive Bias 33:00 Experimentation, Curiosity & Leading Through Change 39:18 Using AI as a Thinking Partner 45:10 The Power of Storytelling and Human Connection 49:45 Leadership, Innovation & Taking Creative Risks 54:30 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Learn more about TEC Canada: https://bit.ly/3INwmxq Connect with Mark Bowden Website: https://truthplane.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbowden1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY392nFI08uc-qxUs5hDusQ

May 28, 2026Episode 937 min

The Psychology of Negotiation: What Every Leader Gets Wrong About Communication with Fotini Iconomopoulos

On this episode of Signature Leadership with Jamie Mason Cohen, negotiation expert and bestselling author Fotini Iconomopoulos delivers a practical and eye-opening conversation about communication, fear, and the hidden dynamics behind the conversations leaders struggle to have. Known globally for her work in negotiation and persuasion, Fotini challenges the outdated belief that negotiation is about dominance, pressure, or winning at all costs. Instead, she reframes negotiation as something far more human: two people trying to find agreement while navigating emotion, trust, uncertainty, and perception. Throughout the conversation, Fotini reveals why so many leaders avoid difficult conversations—not because they lack skill, but because they fear damaging relationships, looking incompetent, or losing control of the outcome. She explains how fear quietly shapes leadership behavior and why learning to reframe pressure as excitement can dramatically improve performance in high-stakes moments. Jamie and Fotini also explore the growing role of AI in communication and why technology still struggles to understand the emotional nuance that defines real human interaction. While AI can help leaders prepare, it cannot fully detect hesitation, discomfort, tone, or the subtle signals that often determine whether a conversation succeeds or fails. What makes this episode especially valuable is how actionable it becomes for leaders and business owners. Fotini shares practical frameworks for preparing for difficult conversations, using role play effectively, understanding what truly motivates the other party, and learning how to listen beyond words. The discussion moves beyond theory into the everyday realities leaders face with employees, clients, partners, and teams. The episode also dives into one of the most overlooked leadership skills: listening. Not surface-level listening, but the ability to recognize pauses, emotional shifts, hesitation, and the meaning underneath what is being said. Fotini explains why many negotiations are won or lost not through clever persuasion, but through the ability to pay attention more deeply than everyone else in the room. This conversation is not about manipulation or aggressive tactics. It is about becoming more aware, more prepared, and more emotionally intelligent in the moments that matter most. If you are leading through uncertainty, avoiding a difficult conversation, managing complex relationships, or simply wanting to become a stronger communicator, this episode will change the way you think about negotiation—and leadership itself. Connect with Fotini Iconomopoulos: Website: https://fotiniicon.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fotiniiconomopoulos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotiniicon/ The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

April 28, 2026Episode 829 min

The Thought Load Crisis: What’s Really Draining Your Team’s Performance with Dr. Liane Davey

On this episode of Signature Leadership with Jamie Mason Cohen , Dr. Liane Davey delivers a powerful reframe on what’s really driving burnout, overwhelm, and underperformance inside today’s teams—and it’s not what most leaders think. While many organizations continue to focus on reducing workload, Dr. Davey reveals a deeper issue: thought load — the invisible combination of cognitive overload, emotional burden, and depleted energy that quietly erodes focus, trust, and productivity. Drawing on decades of experience in organizational psychology, Dr. Davey explores why leaders often rush to tactics while overlooking the emotional reality their people are experiencing. She makes the case that emotional validation is not a “soft skill,” but a critical leadership capability. At the heart of the conversation is a memorable metaphor: when emotions rise, don’t get distracted by the fire—look for the treasure. Beneath every moment of tension, resistance, or conflict is something that matters deeply to someone. Dr. Davey also shares insights on navigating constant change, reducing overwhelm through ruthless prioritization, and why creating intentional space—what she calls “Do More Nothing” —may be one of the most important disciplines for modern leaders. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to the Leadership Standard 00:01:17 Meet Dr. Liane Davey / What If Burnout Isn’t About Workload? 00:03:28 Why Emotions Override Logic / The Missing Conversation in Leadership 00:06:24 The Big Idea: Thought Load vs Workload / Why Work Isn’t Working 00:09:55 Case Study: When Teams Try to Do Everything at Once 00:13:07 Mentorship That Sees the Whole Person / How to Handle Emotional Conversations 00:16:15 The Fire vs The Treasure / Understanding What Emotions Protect 00:19:55 Why Leaders Misread Emotions / Thought Load Beyond Work 00:23:52 Appreciation and Community / Strengthening Connection in a Busy World 00:26:11 Do More Nothing / The Counterintuitive Habit for Clarity and Energy 00:27:15 Final Takeaways / The Leadership Shift That Changes Everything TEC Canada is where the brightest minds in leadership gather. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3INwmxq Liane's Upcoming Book: https://lianedavey.com/books/thoughtload/ Connect with Dr. Liane Davey: Website: https://lianedavey.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianedavey/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lianedavey/

March 24, 2026Episode 742 min

Rethinking Leadership in a Complex World with Bob Anderson

On this episode of The Leadership Standard, Bob Anderson delivers a profound and future-focused conversation about evolution, awareness, and what leadership must become in a world that no longer offers clear answers. As the founder of The Leadership Circle and a pioneer in leadership development for over three decades, Bob has helped leaders uncover the hidden systems that drive how they think and lead. But this conversation goes far beyond frameworks and assessments. It explores the edge of leadership itself where logic alone is no longer enough. Bob introduces a powerful shift: leadership is moving beyond reactive and even creative stages into what he calls “integral” or “unity-based” leadership. At this level, leadership is no longer just about executing a vision; it’s about becoming receptive to a future that is still unfolding. In a world shaped by accelerating complexity and disruption, the ability to “figure it out” is being replaced by the capacity to sense, listen, and respond to what is emerging. The conversation also dives into the deeper inner work of leadership. Bob explores the relationship between growth and shadow, revealing that as leaders expand their awareness, they must also confront the parts of themselves they’ve avoided. True leadership development, he suggests, is not just about gaining new skills but about increasing the capacity to hold both clarity and uncertainty at the same time. What makes this episode especially compelling is its intersection of science, intuition, and human potential. Drawing from quantum physics, timeless wisdom traditions, and decades of real-world experience, Bob makes the case that intuition is not a soft skill; it’s a critical leadership capability — especially in moments where data runs out and decisions still need to be made. This episode is not about incremental improvement. It’s about transformation. It challenges leaders to rethink how they lead, how they decide, and how they prepare for a future that cannot be predicted, only created. If you are navigating uncertainty, leading through change, or sensing that the old ways of thinking are no longer enough, this conversation will expand how you see leadership and what is now possible. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to The Leadership Standard 01:33 Meet Bob Anderson / The Mind Behind The Leadership Circle 360 Assessment 03:47 Bob Anderson's Personal Journey and Recent Transformation 04:58 Moving Beyond Reactive to Unity-Informed Leadership 06:42 The Power of Listening to the Unknown for Breakthroughs 08:03 Quantum Physics and Spiritual Traditions: A Meta Pattern 09:21 Accessing Higher Capacities: Intuition, Manifestation, and Geometry 12:04 The Vision of E=MC^2 and Physics as a Source of Insight 13:23 Integrating Physics and Spiritual Wisdom for Leadership Development 15:58 Stalking Longing and Following Intuition 16:17 Enhancing Leadership Intuition: Practices and Techniques 18:22 Developing Deeper Awareness and Accessing the Quantum Field 22:26 The Role of Heart, Head, and Gut in Intuitive Leadership 24:35 Leadership and Shadow: The Unseen Inner Work 28:14 The Unity Academy: Purpose and Benefits 30:53 Target Audience and Next Steps for the Unity Academy 32:36 Why Moving Beyond Reactive Leadership is Urgent 34:00 The Disruption of Complexity and AI in Leadership 35:58 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways TEC Canada is where the brightest minds in leadership gather. Learn how membership supports growth-minded executives: https://bit.ly/3INwmxq Connect with Bob Anderson and explore the Unity Academy: https://leadershipcircle.com/leadership-coach-certifications/unity-academy/

February 27, 2026Episode 642 min

The Fog of More: Why Doing Less (With Purpose) Wins in 2026

On this episode of The Leadership Standard, Ron Tite delivers a compelling and timely conversation about clarity, conviction, and what it really means to build a business that stands for something. As the founder of Church + State Marketing Agency and Globe & Mail bestselling author of The Purpose of Purpose , Ron has advised some of the most recognized brands in the country. But this discussion is not about flashy campaigns or marketing trends. It’s about confronting the quiet confusion many leaders are experiencing — the pressure to do more, adopt more tools, gather more data — while feeling less certain than ever about direction. Ron introduces a powerful idea: purpose is not a tagline, not a charitable initiative, and not something you write to look good. It is a core belief that drives what you sell and how you grow. When that belief is clear, decisions become easier, strategy becomes sharper, and growth becomes intentional rather than accidental. Without it, organizations drift into what he calls “the fog of more,” mistaking activity for progress. The conversation also moves into the deeply human side of leadership. Ron speaks candidly about isolation at the top and throughout organizations, and how a clearly defined belief can become the thread that connects every role to something larger. When people understand not just what they do but why it matters, alignment replaces fragmentation and belonging replaces disengagement. This episode is not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. It challenges leaders to define the belief that guides their organization and to ensure their actions reinforce it every single day. If you are leading a business, building a team, or simply trying to cut through the noise and regain clarity, this conversation will challenge your thinking and leave you with a sharper sense of direction long after it ends. Chapters: 01:37 – Ron Tite's Approach to Simplifying Business Complexity 02:57 – Ron Tite's Background and Expertise 03:52 – Defining Purpose as a Strategic Belief 04:52 – The Fog of More and the Need for Clarity 06:16 – Creating Effective Shortcuts in Business 07:05 – Using AI for Data and Insights 08:14 – What Is Purpose in The Purpose of Purpose 09:39 – Common Mistakes in Purpose Definition 10:35 – Purpose as a Strategic Path, Not Just a Statement 12:26 – Connecting Growth and Purpose 13:48 – Misconceptions About Purpose in Business 15:33 – Leading with Purpose as a Business Owner 18:43 – Addressing Isolation in Leadership 19:32 – The Power of Connection in Organizations 20:52 – Purpose as a Unifying Force Across Teams 21:47 – Generational Shifts in Purpose and Motivation 24:26 – Ron Tite's Personal Why and Curiosity 26:53 – Ron Tite's Memorable Mentorship Quote 30:03 – The Role of Mentors in Purpose and Growth 33:11 – The Value of Finding a Better Way 34:03 – Exploring AI Use Cases and Innovation 35:01 – Decentralized Collaboration and Accountability 39:55 – Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways TEC Canada is where the brightest minds in leadership gather. Learn how membership supports growth-minded executives: https://bit.ly/3INwmxq Connect with Ron Tite: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/ Website: https://rontite.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite/ About The Leadership Standard Hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development expert Jamie Mason Cohen, The Leadership Standard features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts across the business spectrum. Through actionable insights and honest stories of business triumphs and struggles, each episode explores both the life of business — and the business of life.

January 29, 2026Episode 552 min

The Father Who Refused to Let His Son Be Defined with Leland Vittert

On this episode of The Leadership Standard, Leland Vittert shares a powerful story of resilience, mentorship, and becoming strong in a world that doesn’t always make room for difference. Diagnosed with autism as a child, Leland was relentlessly bullied, underestimated, and told—explicitly—that he didn’t fit. What followed was not a neat success story, but years of difficulty shaped by an extraordinary decision from his father: to step away from his career and devote himself fully to preparing his son for a world that would not bend for him. That choice, grounded in love, discipline, and unyielding standards, changed the trajectory of Leland’s life. Today, as one of America’s most respected journalists and news anchors, Leland offers a rare and deeply honest perspective on leadership forged through adversity. His reflections on earned self-esteem, emotional control, mentorship, loneliness, and standing up to bullies resonate far beyond his personal story—especially for CEOs and leaders navigating pressure, isolation, and high-stakes decision-making. This conversation is not about labels or limitations. It’s about refusing to quit, choosing strength over resentment, and learning how presence, discipline, and empathy can shape not only a career, but a life. For anyone leading others—or simply trying to lead themselves through challenge—this episode offers clarity, perspective, and hope that stays with you long after the episode ends. Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Leadership Standard with L 00:02:05 Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism 00:07:20 Why Born Lucky Isn’t Just About Autism 00:08:37 “Everyone Thinks Your Son Is Weird” – A Defining School Moment 00:08:59 Why Born Lucky Is Bigger Than Autism 00:11:06 Autism Doesn’t Look the Way People Expect 00:11:29 A 70-Point IQ Gap and a Devastating Diagnosis 00:12:50 The Decision to Never Let a Diagnosis Define Him 00:13:59 A Universal Story of Parental Love and Hope 00:14:32 When His Father Quit His Career to Be Fully Present 00:15:16 Recounting the Art Teacher Incident as an Adult 00:16:03 The Emotional Toll on a Father Who Never Quit 00:17:31 “Self-Esteem Is Earned, Not Given” 00:20:18 “If You Quit, They Win” – A Life-Defining Lesson 00:23:01 The Fraternity Rejection That Became a Turning Point 00:24:46 Realizing Self-Change Was Necessary 00:26:14 Learning Empathy, Conversation, and Human Connection 00:28:23 Advice for CEOs Dealing With Quiet or Narcissistic Bullies 00:32:27 Loneliness at the Top of Leadership 00:33:22 Vulnerability, Marriage, and a Small Trusted Circle 00:34:09 “You’re Not Alone” – The Real Impact of Born Lucky 00:35:24 Using Loneliness as Fuel Instead of Weakness 00:36:51 Mentorship in the Age of AI 00:38:04 His Mother’s Quiet Strength Behind the Scenes 00:39:37 The Cost of Autism on Siblings and Family Loyalty 00:41:05 First Professional Mentor Who Took a Chance on Him 00:43:09 The Three A’s: Appreciate, A Moment, An Action 00:49:26 Outro: Reflection TEC Canada is where the brightest minds in leadership gather. Learn how membership supports growth-minded executives: https://bit.ly/3INwmxq Connect with Leland Vittert at linkedin.com/in/lelandvittert Buy the book “Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism” on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Born-Lucky-Dedicated-Grateful-Journey/dp/140025468X The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

December 22, 2025Episode 341 min

How Leaders Make Bad Money Decisions and the Science to Fix It with Dr. Preet Banerjee

On this episode of the Leadership Standard, Jamie welcomes Dr. Preet Banerjee: neuroscientist, and one of Canada’s most compelling and respected voices on money and decision-making for a powerful, fast-moving conversation that every Canadian small-to-mid-size business leader needs to hear. Dr. Banerjee breaks down why 95% of AI projects fail, how employees are secretly using shadow AI tools to stay productive, and why scams are becoming more sophisticated than ever. He also reveals the behavioural traps that cause leaders to make poor financial decisions, shares vivid examples you’ll never forget, and offers clear strategies for navigating uncertainty, simplifying decisions, and planning proactively for 2026. This podcast is powered by TEC Canada. Learn how we’re building ⁠ ⁠better leaders⁠ .⁠ Follow Dr. Preet on Instagram Visit Dr. Preet at his website ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP STANDARD PODCAST The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

December 17, 2025Episode 438 min

The Strength of Human Connection in Leadership with Amanda Lindhout

On this episode of the Leadership Standard, Amanda Lindhout shares her profound journey of resilience and recovery. Amanda was kidnapped at gunpoint in Somalia and held hostage for 460 days. That experience, and the PTSD which followed, set into motion her healing, growth and transformation. Today, her fresh perspective on navigating challenges inspires audiences around the world to look for what is emerging from the ashes in times of personal and professional crisis. An unparalleled voice on the topics of resilience, extraordinary mindset and transformation , she has delivered over 500 keynotes in 28 countries for some of the biggest companies in the world. Her insights serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for leaders facing challenges in their own lives. This podcast is powered by TEC Canada. Learn how we’re building ⁠better leaders.⁠ ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP STANDARD PODCAST The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life. Connect with Amanda Lindhout at https://amandalindhout.com/ Read her remarkably moving memoir: A House in the Sky: https://www.amazon.com/House-Sky-Memoir-Amanda-Lindhout-ebook/dp/B00A27XEMW Connect with Jamie Mason Cohen at: https://jamiemasoncohen.com/

October 28, 2025Episode 239 min

From Perfectionist to Powerhouse: Michele Romanow’s Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Success

In this episode of The Leadership Standard, host Jamie Mason Cohen interviews Michele Romanow, renowned entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and Dragon on Dragons' Den. They discuss the importance of speed over perfection in business, the lessons learned from childhood, and the shift from perfectionism to execution. Michele shares her entrepreneurial journey, including her experiences with failure, the dynamics of investor-founder relationships, and how Clearco is transforming access to capital for entrepreneurs. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of entrepreneurship and its potential to drive societal change. This podcast is powered by TEC Canada. Learn how we’re building ⁠ better leaders .⁠ Follow Michele on ⁠Instagram⁠. Check out ⁠ Clearco.⁠ ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP STANDARD PODCAST The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.