Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Spina, CEO of LiveFit Foods and Denovia Labs. Nick shares his journey of growing his food business as he expands into the sustainable technology space. He discusses the importance of sustainability and how his companies are working towards 0% waste onsite as well as reducing plastic waste on a global scale. Nick emphasizes the factors for success as an entrepreneur: a clear vision, an understanding of customer needs, exceptional management, and resilience. He also shares his strategies for managing stress and the importance of having a supportive team.Key TakeawaysSustainability is an important aspect of business and can be a driving force for innovation and growth.Managing stress is crucial for entrepreneurs, and strategies such as cold plunges, breathing exercises, meditation, and staying organized can help.Building a supportive team and surrounding yourself with people who have your back is essential for long-term success.Investing in sustainable technology and working towards reducing plastic waste will have a significant positive impact on the environment."Success is not a destination, it's a constant journey of growth and levelling up." ~ Nick SpinaBrought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Jonathan Running, CEO of Running Cables, shares his journey in the data-com industry and his mission to set an example for other businesses. He emphasizes the importance of providing quality work and educating customers in an industry that lacks standardization. Jonathan discusses the core values of his company, including family first, extreme ownership, purple cow quality, and giant pumpkin discipline. He also talks about the challenges of building a business and the need to delegate and empower others. Success, for Jonathan, means having the freedom to do what he loves and leaving a positive impact on the industry and business as a whole.Kay Takeaways:The data com industry has room for improvement and growth, and it is important to provide quality work and educate customers about the value of professional services.Core values can guide a business and shape its culture.Delegating and empowering others is crucial for growth and success in business.Success is having the freedom to do what you love and leaving a positive impact on the industry and business as a whole.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

We really enjoyed talking with Roy Wainer, Founder & CEO at Townish, a platform for planning and organizing team meetings and events in unique and curated spaces. Roy discusses the origins of Townish and the growing trend of remote work. He explains how Townish aims to provide a one-stop shop for organizing off-site and team events, focusing on fun, team building, and work. Roy also shares the successes and challenges of building the platform and expanding to different geographies, choosing the right customers and the challenges of scaling a product across different markets. He envisions a future where Townish becomes a global platform for team collaboration and engagement.Key TakeawaysThe trend of remote work and distributed teams has created a need for platforms like Townish.Choose customers carefully as they can significantly impact the direction and success of a business.The nature of work is changing, and individuals need to be prepared for constant development and potential job displacement.Startups thrive in chaos and require flexibility and adaptability to navigate the challenges of building a new business.Failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey and should be embraced as a stepping stone to success.Building a successful business takes time and perseverance, and success often comes after years of hard work.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, we interview visionary executive Rob Barlow, CEO at 6Harmonics, a manufacturer of edge computer and mobile routing platforms for the mining industry. Rob specializes in transforming businesses and bridging the digital divide, enabling digital transformation. He shares his career journey and the challenges of raising funds in the current market, emphasizing the importance of people-first leadership and building a strong team. Rob also discusses the potential of AI and technology in modernizing the mining industry and improving safety, highlighting the need for balance between financial returns and the why behind companies. Takeaways• Building a strong team and prioritizing people-first leadership are crucial for business success.• The current market is challenging for entrepreneurs and companies seeking funding, with a lack of available capital.• The mining industry is undergoing modernization, and technology, such as AI, can play a significant role in improving safety and efficiency.• Finding time for personal hobbies and self-care is essential for managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

A steadfast volunteer and dedicated advocate for public safety and community well-being, Ron Chhinzer, VP of External Affairs at Paybilt, shares his journey from policing to politics and the pivotal moments that shaped his mindset and approach to life. Ron discusses the development of a winning mindset, self-awareness and the importance of facing challenges head-on. He also highlights the differences between public service, politics, and the private sector. Throughout the conversation, Ron emphasizes the impact of taking action, the importance of supportive relationships, and the lessons he has learned from everyday heroes, including his wife. Ron encourages planting seeds of positivity and offering genuine compliments to others.Key Takeaways• Journaling can be a powerful tool for gaining self-awareness and changing your mindset.• Take action and don't wait for someone else to save you.• Supportive relationships, like a spouse or partner, can provide stability and motivation.• Plant seeds of positivity by offering genuine compliments to others.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, Robin and Al interview Jordan Boesch, the CEO of 7Shifts, a scheduling and team management company for the restaurant industry. Jordan shares the genesis of 7Shifts and how his experience working for his dad's Quiznos restaurants inspired him to create a solution for managing staff schedules. He discusses the challenges and benefits of focusing on the restaurant industry and the importance of building a strong company culture with behaviour-based values. Jordan also shares his vision for the future of 7Shifts and the impact he hopes to have on the industry and the community.Key Takeaways:• Building a company based on solving a problem you are passionate about can lead to long-term success and fulfillment.• Focusing on a specific industry, like the restaurant industry, can help create a niche and differentiate your company.• Behavior-based values can be more effective than generic core values, as they provide clear guidelines for desired behaviours.• Reinforcing values through stories and recognizing employees who demonstrate those values can help create a strong company culture.• Long-term success requires making investments and decisions that align with your vision and staying committed to your goals.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Join us for a conversation that explores the rewards and challenges of being an entrepreneur in the Caribbean and the importance of finding success and satisfaction in meaningful work. In this episode, we converse with young entrepreneur Jennifer Harding-Marlin, a Citizenship- & Residency-by-Investment Lawyer based in St. Kitts and Nevis. Jennifer shares her unique path to practicing law in the Caribbean and discusses the challenges she faced in starting her own business, JH Marlin Attorneys at Law. She also talks about the importance of using YouTube to promote her services and the satisfaction she derives from helping people gain freedom and access to opportunities through citizenship-by-investment while highlighting the the impact she is making in the community. Key Takeaways• Starting a business in a new location can be challenging, but with determination and the right support, it is possible to overcome obstacles and find success.• Using platforms like YouTube can be an effective way to promote a business and share valuable information with a global audience.• Helping people gain freedom and access to opportunities through citizenship by investment can be a rewarding and impactful career.• Living and working in the Caribbean offers a unique lifestyle and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Returning to the show as a dynamic duo are People & Culture Leaders Amanda Small and Joshua Siegal. Our conversation explores the importance of kindness in leadership while navigating difficult situations and delves into the challenges faced by people & culture leaders and the strategic role they play in shaping company culture. Amanda & Joshua also highlight the revenue-generating aspect of people & culture and the need to define what 'good' looks like. Additionally, they touch on the potential for disruptors in the people and culture space.Key Takeaways• Kindness is a crucial aspect of effective leadership and can lead to transformative change.• People and culture leaders face challenges in balancing tactical execution with strategic initiatives.• People and culture play a revenue-generating role by supporting the development and performance of employees.• Defining what 'good' looks like in terms of company culture and engagement is essential for long-term success.• The people and culture space can benefit from disruptors who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Cory Chadwick is the Founder and CEO of The Mental Gym, a digital platform offering trainer-led group classes that help organizations and their people become their best selves. The conversation begins as Cory shares his journey and the importance of proactive mental health. His passion for mental fitness and training stems from his own experiences with mental health crises in his family. He emphasizes the need to address the stigma surrounding mental health and highlights the impact it has on families. Cory also discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace and the benefits it brings to both individuals and organizations, as well as how the mental gym program works and its impact on personal and professional growth.Key TakeawaysProactive mental health is essential for personal growth and overall well-being.The stigma surrounding mental health needs to be addressed to create a supportive environment.Prioritizing mental health in the workplace improves employee engagement, productivity, and retention.Leaders should recognize the business benefits of investing in mental health and create a culture that supports mental well-being. The sports community has successfully created a culture of mental fitness and serves as an example for other industries.The mental gym program focuses on building essential mental tools and habits through meaningful conversations and integration into real life.Measuring mental fitness requires a balance of qualitative and quantitative data, with a focus on how individuals feel and the positive changes they experience.The goal is to normalize mental health and make mental gym workouts as frequent as physical workouts.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Today we're joined by Rob McConnell, President and CEO of Gibson's Cleaners and his daughter Linley McConnell, Director of Client Experience at Gibson's Cleaners. Gibson's Cleaners boasts a rich heritage, originating as a textile dye house back in 1929 before transitioning into a dynamic enterprise offering dry cleaning services and uniform rentals. Together they discuss the history of Gibson's Cleaners, the trends in dressing for work, and the challenges and benefits of working as a family. They also share their leadership styles and approaches to running the business. Key TakeawaysThe pandemic has had a significant impact on the dry cleaning industry, however, Gibson's Cleaners has seen growth by adapting to new opportunities.The trend in dressing for work has become more casual, but there is a potential swing back to dressing up as people return to the office.Working as a father-daughter team has its challenges, but it also brings a unique dynamic and opportunity for mentorship and growth.Effective communication is crucial in both personal and professional relationships.Team sports teach valuable life lessons such as teamwork, resilience, and understanding roles.Dress for Success is an organization that empowers women into economic independence through career advancement programs.Embrace opportunities for growth in the future, both personally and professionally.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, hosts Robin Bailey and Al McDonald interview lawyer Michael Smitiuch, founder of Smitiuch Injury Law who shares his journey into personal injury and wrongful death law. Driven by his passion for helping the little guy in the fight against injustice, Michael discusses the emotional impact of dealing with traumatic cases and the coping strategies he has developed. He also talks about the importance of personal outlets and hobbies, the impact of AI on the legal profession, and the challenges of running a law firm. Finally, Michael emphasizes the importance of HR support and the benefits of hybrid work models. Key Takeaways• Passion for aiding the underdog and combating injustice serves as a motivating factor in personal injury and wrongful death law.• Dealing with traumatic cases requires coping strategies and personal outlets to maintain emotional well-being.• AI can assist with research and improve efficiency in the legal profession, but it cannot replace the creativity and advocacy of a human lawyer.• Running a law firm requires HR support, financial management, and a focus on cash flow.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, we welcome guest Lak Gill, the CEO of Pillway, a tech-first digital pharmacy. Lak shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the evolution of Pillway from a software solution to a full-fledged digital pharmacy. He discusses the importance of partnerships, including their successful collaboration with Sun Life and emphasizes the value of listening to customers while aligning with their needs to drive innovation. He also highlights the balance between innovation, day-to-day operations, and personal life. Lak's ultimate goal is to revolutionize the pharmacy industry and leave a lasting legacy in the digital healthcare space.Key Takeaways:• Pillway is a tech-first digital pharmacy that aims to revolutionize the traditional pharmacy model through the use of technology.• Partnerships with bigger organizations can be instrumental for success and growth.• Listening to customers and aligning with their needs is crucial for driving innovation and delivering value.• Balancing the pressures of innovation, day-to-day operations, and personal life is essential for success as an entrepreneur.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Entrepreneur and owner of People To Go, Chris Collins, shares his journey from studying history to starting a career in IT and eventually becoming part of the ownership team at PeopleToGo. He discusses the company's background and its focus on providing skilled IT resources and technology staffing services and solutions for companies of all sizes as the technology skills gap continues to grow and impact their businesses. As part of the leadership team, Chris highlights the importance of creating a positive employee experience and achieving Great Place To Work® Certification. He concludes by discussing his excitement for the future and his focus on investing in employees and creating growth opportunities.Key Takeaways:• Investing in employees and creating a positive employee experience is crucial for business success.• Overcoming personal obstacles and maintaining work-life balance is essential for long-term well-being.• Collaboration and consensus-driven decision-making can lead to a more inclusive and successful organization.• Planting seeds for the future by investing in employees and creating growth opportunities is key to long-term success.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Today's compelling conversation is with Nora Jenkins Townson, the founder of Bright + Early, a collective of forward-thinking HR consultants crafting A+ workplaces & employee experiences. The discussion delves into the pivotal role of HR in start-ups and the optimal timing for integrating HR practices. Nora shares her personal journey into HR, emphasizing the crucial elements that contribute to an outstanding workplace, such as intentional design and a commitment to inclusion. Highlighting the significance of values and attributes in hiring, she underscores the need to go beyond the traditional metrics of education and experience.The benchmarks for Nora's success extend beyond the conventional, encompassing the happiness of her team, client satisfaction, and the fostering of innovation. The episode wraps up with a thoughtful exploration of sowing the seeds for the future, underlining the importance of harmonious collaboration and innovative problem-solving. Key takeaways: the necessity for early-stage companies to prioritize HR practices; the multifaceted approach to designing an exceptional workplace; the focus on values in the hiring process; and the diverse metrics for gauging success in HR.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Joining us in this episode, exploring the nexus of health, leadership, and career excellence, is Mike Kessel, the President & CEO of Cleveland Clinic Canada, a pivotal figure within one of the world's largest and most respected healthcare organizations. Mike has been at the forefront of the Cleveland Clinic Canada team for nearly 15 years, working tirelessly to help individuals and companies across the nation lead healthier and more active lives. Today, we have the privilege of delving into his wealth of experience and the wisdom he's gained throughout his impressive career.We review the intersection of healthcare and the corporate world, uncovering the profound impact that a focus on well-being can have on both individuals and organizations and Mike shares some insights into how he prioritizes and takes care of his own well-being in this demanding role. We also tap into Mike's expertise for some career advice asking what pearls of wisdom he most often shares with others seeking success and fulfillment in their professional journeys. Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Joining us today is Sefunmi Osinaike. He is the Co-Founder of Co.Lab, an online school that empowers and prepares career switchers for success within the tech industry. Co.Lab facilitates collaborative, hands-on product development experience for product managers, designers and software engineers to gain real-world experience.Sefunmi has also been recognized for his bold entrepreneurial achievements, being named on Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023, a tribute to the accomplishments of emerging individuals who are making a difference in their respective fields. He is also the author of How to Product—a book on transitioning into product management from outside the industry. As we launch our 4th season of Success Leaves Clues, Sefunmi explores the vital significance of learning by doing for entrepreneurs and elaborates on how upholding commitments plays a crucial role in meeting the promise made to all his customers.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Joining us today is Talent Leader & Mentor, Cindy Diogo-Kociuba, aka 'maker of the best lasagna' (just listen!) She is also the founder of ConSoul, a digital healthcare platform whose mission is to help those caring for people with chronic, terminal or elderly illnesses to plan for what's next, connect with family and friends, and narrate their journey. The app supports family caregivers by providing them with resources and personalized community and social support.This impactful and, at times, emotional conversation touches on Cindy's career journey and intimate experience building startups. It captures her passion for creating human-centred solutions through the use of technology and reveals the amazing legacy of her father, who despite being told he wouldn't make it to her wedding beat the odds to walk her down the aisle before losing his battle weeks later to cancer. Don't miss this inspirational episode which ends our season with a message of gratitude and love. We'll be back in the New Year!Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Whether you're a music aficionado or just someone who enjoys a great story, you're in for a treat. Today we welcome Alan Cross to the podcast—a Canadian broadcasting legend, music historian, author and true connoisseur of all things audio. Based in Toronto, Ontario, he is best known nationally and internationally as host of the syndicated radio series The Ongoing History of New Music, which delves into various aspects of the music industry, including the evolution of genres, the influence of technology, and the stories behind significant bands and artists. Alan has interviewed some of the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters.The voice of a generation, Alan began his radio career in 1980 at the University of Winnipeg and has watched the radio media industry evolve with the times into today's digital world. He is described as "the definitive Canadian curator and contextualizer of Alternative Rock" having had a significant impact on the Canadian music scene. Hosts Robin & Al delve into Alan's journey through the world of broadcasting, his experiences with iconic musicians, and the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. He also gives us a glimpse into some unforgettable moments and a sneak peek into what's next for this music maven. Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Welcome to another episode of Success Leaves Clues, where we dive into the dynamic intersection of technology, innovation, and industry leaders. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Leon Punambolam with us, the visionary founder and CEO of Samos Insurance. With over two decades of experience in the insurance realm across North America, Leon has left an indelible mark on the industry. As the CEO of Samos Insurance, a venture-backed 'insurtech' at the forefront of innovation, Leon continues to revolutionize the landscape by providing on-demand insurance solutions while demonstrating how technology can revolutionize the accessibility and delivery of insurance coverage in Canada. Today he shares a bit about Samos Insurance—its mission, target audience, and the unique value it brings to the insurance landscape as well as his extensive background in the industry and how his journey has shaped his perspective on the critical interplay between technology and insurance.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Today, we welcome Success Architect Michael Stark, Co-Founder of Ungrind, a business consulting service that gives business owners the freedom to live their ideal lives.With over a decade of experience advising business owners on growth and strategy, Michael is a trusted expert in the field. Through his extensive management and strategy consulting work, he has helped numerous businesses navigate the complexities of scaling and growth. In this episode, Michael will share his insights and expertise on how to prepare for eventual business exit, align personal aspirations with post-business reality, and design a comprehensive and executable roadmap towards a fulfilling life. Join us as we discuss Michael's unique approach to empowering entrepreneurs to break free from the relentless cycle of business ownership. We'll delve into his personal journey, the core problem he's solving for his clients, his challenges with his new firm, and the path forward. Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group