Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, Robin and Al welcome Brendan Taylor, President of Mavericks VFX, a Toronto-based visual effects studio. Brendan takes us through his unexpected leap into entrepreneurship and the creative mindset that has driven his success in the visual effects industry. He opens up about the bold risks and challenges of scaling a business, highlighting the critical role of strong processes and a supportive network. Brendan also redefines what success truly means, shifting the focus from traditional accolades to the impact of a positive workplace culture and the importance of building a team that feels valued and inspired."Take the information, leave the emotion." ~ Brendan TaylorTakeaways:Embrace Risk and Creativity: Taking risks and navigating the messy creative process are essential for growth and innovation in any business.Resilience and Support: Success requires resilience, stepping out of comfort zones, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network.Empowering Workplace Culture: A strong, nurturing culture is built through clear direction, employee feedback, and connecting staff to the larger purpose of their work.Long-Term Vision and Legacy: Fostering innovation, tracking employee satisfaction, and aiming to be the best employer are key steps in building a lasting legacy in the industry.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Hosts Robin and Al welcome Ryan Oliver, CEO of Ampere, for a thought-provoking conversation on breaking barriers in education. From empowering rural and Indigenous communities to redefining what’s possible, Ampere’s unique programs blend technology, art, and play to help people of all ages build vital STEAM skills. Ryan shares the innovative strategies behind their mission and the impact they’re making by unlocking new opportunities through creativity and hands-on learning.The discussion also highlights the importance of adapting educational strategies to meet community needs, the collaborative nature of their work, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures."The very first thing you do whenever you're dealing with any underserved populations or equity-deserving groups is listen." ~ Ryan OliverKey Takeaways:Inclusive, Community-Driven Education: STEAM education integrates arts into STEM, focusing on inclusivity and tailoring strategies based on community needs and feedback.Collaboration and Listening: Successful educational initiatives rely on strong collaboration, active listening, and building good relationships with communities.Growth Through Resilience: Embracing failure as part of the learning process is essential for growth and innovation in education.Sustainable, Impactful Approach: Long-term success requires a forward-thinking mindset, community buy-in, and applying a business approach to nonprofit operations.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al engage in a fascinating conversation with Subhi Alsayed, the visionary Founder and CEO of Kulture Rebellion—a company that merges science and craft to reinvent social drinks. Subhi shares his transformative journey from a corporate career in engineering and construction to creating a gut-friendly beverage, Brücha©, that leverages fermentation technology and redefines an industry. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of personal health, and how AI is integrated into their production processes. "I was tired of being told that things can't be done differently." ~ Subhi AlsayedTakeaways: Path to Sustainability: Subhi’s journey from engineering and construction sparked his commitment to sustainability, leading to the founding of Kulture Rebellion.Innovation in Healthier Alternatives: Kulture Rebellion uses fermentation technology to create healthier social drinks, emphasizing community and connection through food and drinks.Entrepreneurial Resilience: Subhi highlights the challenges of entrepreneurship, where self-doubt and resilience play key roles, alongside trusting one’s instincts.Personal Definition of Success: For Subhi, success is deeply personal, defined by fulfillment and family time.Empowering Change: Subhi believes in the power of change at any stage in life and aims to make fermentation accessible for all.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership that goes beyond business as usual. Hosts Robin and Al sit down with Cerys Goodall, COO of Vetster, to explore her bold career journey across industries and her refreshing insights on success, bravery, and the art of building an intentional company culture. Cerys shares how taking risks, fostering empathy, and embedding values into everyday practices can transform both personal growth and organizational integrity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being curious and resilient in navigating career challenges, the necessity of intentional company culture, and how core values should guide business decisions. Cerys also highlights the future of telemedicine for pets and her commitment to community service and pay equity, advocating for early financial success for women in tech."Failure is just another step in your journey." ~ Cerys GoodallKey TakeawaysEmbrace Bravery and Learning: Success comes from being brave, trying new things, and embracing failures as steps in growth.Values-Driven Culture: Intentional culture-building and embedding core values into everyday practices strengthen integrity, especially during challenging times.Empathy and Trust: Building empathy and mutual respect are foundational for understanding customer needs and fostering strong business relationships.Inclusivity and Equity: Safe spaces, pay equity, and support for women in tech and underserved communities are vital for inclusivity and success.Adaptability in Leadership: Versatility, curiosity, and resilience are essential in tech careers, helping leaders navigate dynamic environments like telemedicine and evolving workplace dynamics.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Ready to rethink the future of work? Join hosts Robin and Al for a compelling conversation with Jodi Kovitz, author, founder (#movethedial), and CEO of HRPA, on the shifting landscape of HR leadership. From redefining empathetic leadership and securing a strategic seat at the table to tackling burnout and leveraging AI, this episode explores what it takes to build inclusive, thriving workplaces that drive success and national prosperity."Empathy is about humanity." ~ Jodi KovitzTakeaways:Evolving HR Leadership: Modern HR leaders must adapt to new challenges and actively shape business strategy, using AI to enhance, not replace, human work.Empathy and Communication: Empathetic leadership and clear communication are crucial for building trust, connection, and a supportive work environment.Employee Well-being and Flexibility: Preventing burnout requires proactive support and flexible work arrangements to maintain a healthy and engaged workforce.Inclusive and Engaging Cultures: Inclusive cultures drive employee engagement, retention, and foster a connected workplace.Development and Generational Understanding: Investing in employee development and understanding generational differences can significantly improve workplace dynamics and overall success.Interested in attending the “More Than Human: Passion driven, People Focused” HRPA Summit 2024? Go to this link and use discount code ARIA25 for virtual attendance.Details of the conference can be found here: HRPA Summit 2024 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al dive into a captivating conversation with AJ Tibando, a dynamic entrepreneur and forward-thinking innovator who’s transforming the people she works with and redefining success. They discuss the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, the importance of empathetic leadership, and the challenges of building connections in a hybrid work environment. AJ shares insights from her career journey, emphasizing the significance of being seen and heard in the workplace, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The conversation highlights the importance of impact-driven initiatives and the role of mentorship in shaping future leaders."You can't always control if you're going to be successful, but you can't be afraid to try or you'll never find out." ~ AJ TibandoTakeaways1. Adaptability & Resilience: Embrace change and learn from failure to achieve success. 2. Empathetic Leadership: Leadership requires a human element; people want to feel valued.3. Proactive Engagement: Encourage employees to take the initiative to be seen and heard.4. Connection & Communication: Building strong in-person and remote relationships fosters open communication.5. Customer & Impact Focus: Align with customer needs and pursue initiatives that drive meaningful impact.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al engage in a deep conversation with Joseph Diubaldo, President of Clarity Recruitment. They explore Joe's journey in the competitive recruitment industry, the founding of his company, and the challenges he faced along the way. Joe shares his insights on success, the importance of clarity in decision-making, and the impact of technology in recruitment. "Sometimes we abandon the right decision too early and we don't give it the time it needs to come into its own." ~ Joe DiubaldoKey Takeaways: 1. Differentiation and Focus: In the hyper-competitive field of recruitment, standing out and staying focused are critical for building a successful business. 2. Technology and Media: Investing in the right technology and media is essential to thrive in the recruitment industry. 3. Commitment to a Non-Linear Path: The journey to success isn’t always straightforward, requiring both perseverance and commitment. 4. Clarity and Self-Management: Personal and professional growth comes from clear decision-making, self-regulation, and understanding the impact of our actions on others. 5. Talent and Legacy: Great talent compounds over time, offering a competitive advantage, while how we treat others shapes the legacy we leave behind.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al engage with Rob Drynan, a Certified Implementer at EOS Worldwide. They explore the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a management framework designed to help businesses run more efficiently. Rob discusses the ideal stage for implementing EOS, common challenges faced by clients, and the importance of structure and accountability in organizations. He shares success stories of businesses transformed through EOS and emphasizes the need for founders to let go and empower their teams. The conversation also touches on the long-term value of EOS and the emerging trend of employee ownership in Canada."They might be amazing people. They might be fantastic people, but if they can't deliver, they're holding the business back." ~ Rob DrynanTakeaways:EOS is a management framework that helps entrepreneurial businesses overcome frustration and lack of structure.A clear vision and accountability are key to driving organizational success with EOS.Founders need to learn how to let go and empower their teams for greater effectiveness.Implementing EOS boosts collaboration, efficiency, and overall business value.Employee ownership and empowerment are emerging trends that can benefit future generations.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Today we’re joined by Alexis MacDonald, VP of People at Klue who is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams and driving business success through connection, empathy, and curiosity. Hosts Robin and Al sit down with Alexis to discuss the evolving role of HR and people leadership in modern organizations. She shares insights on the culture of innovation at Klue, the importance of networking among HR leaders, and how the role of HR has transformed from a support function to a strategic partner in business. Alexis also emphasizes the importance of personal growth and mentorship in developing future leaders."Your people...tend to drive most of the revenue. So that's a pretty big engine that you need to support." ~ Alexis MacDonaldTakeaways:Clue's culture values action, experimentation, and a supportive environment that fosters innovation and growth.The role of HR has evolved into a strategic partnership with business leaders, focusing on metrics that drive success.Networking and mentorship among HR leaders are crucial for sharing insights and developing future talent.COVID-19 broadened HR’s responsibilities, emphasizing the need for data analytics skills to navigate modern challenges.Maintaining personal and professional balance is key for leaders to thrive and lead effectively.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al engage in a rich conversation with Larissa Holmes, co-founder and CEO of Coterie. Larissa shares her mission to empower women through sports, emphasizing the importance of social connections and community. She discusses her personal journey from being a varsity athlete to management consulting and ultimately founding Coterie, a cutting-edge platform that empowers women by democratizing private club sports through technology. The conversation explores the barriers women face in sports and business, the challenges of scaling a startup, and the significance of focus and accountability for founders. Larissa also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, advocating for greater representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized groups. "Coterie is just an evolution of my own personal mission to continue to elevate and equalize women within this world." ~ Larissa HolmesKey Takeaways:Larissa’s mission is to empower women through sports.Coterie’s goal redefines what it means to be an athlete.There is a tendency for women to self-select out of opportunities in sports.Confidence is especially important for women’s participation in sports.Scaling a business requires focus, accountability, and vulnerability.Diversity in leadership provides unique and valuable perspectives.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Jeff Ruby, founder and CEO of Newtopia, shares his journey of starting a personalized health company and his passion for preventing chronic diseases. Newtopia helps people create positive lifelong habits proven to prevent, slow, or reverse chronic disease and enrich mental health – all while reducing healthcare costs. Jeff discusses the challenges of shifting from a sick-care system to a healthcare system focused on prevention, emphasizing the importance of value-based care and the need to change the incentive structure to prioritize healthy living. He also talks about the impact of the GLP-1 class of drugs and the role of insurers and employers in driving change. Jeff's mission? Helping people live healthy, longer lives."What we call healthcare has very little to do with keeping healthy people healthy." ~ Jeff RubyKey TakeawaysThe current healthcare system is focused on managing illness rather than keeping healthy people healthy.Shifting towards a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention requires changing the incentive structure and placing greater value on healthy living.Value-based care, where the economics are tied to outcomes rather than events, is a key approach to driving prevention.Insurers and employers have a significant role to play in promoting healthy living and preventing chronic diseases.The ultimate goal is to build something to help people worldwide achieve the greatest health span possible. Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Robin and Al sit down with Andrew Curtis, CEO of Clearco, to explore the company's mission and vision, focused on providing capital to direct-to-consumer e-commerce businesses. Andrew highlights the crucial role of transparency and clear communication in fostering trust with both employees and customers. He delves into the challenges startups face in securing capital and the necessity of sustainable growth. Sharing insights from his personal journey, Andrew reflects on how his upbringing has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of serving customers and driving economic growth."Transparency with our customers is extraordinarily important." ~ Andrew CurtisKey TakeawaysClearco's mission is to support direct-to-consumer e-commerce businesses by providing them with capital for growth.Transparency and clear communication are key values at Clearco, fostering trust with employees and customers.Access to capital is a major challenge for startups, and Clearco aims to provide non-dilutive financing to fuel their growth.Andrew's personal values, including honesty, hard work, and education, shape his leadership style and guide his decision-making.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, Robin and Al interview entrepreneur Charlie Kerrigan, the founder of VIL Landscaping. Charlie recounts his journey from mowing lawns at 10 years of age to stepping off the conventional path and becoming the founder of a profitable landscaping business at just 14. He has since expanded it into a thriving enterprise with a team of 30 employees, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people, constantly learning, and setting high standards. Charlie's motivation comes from helping others, growing his team, and changing the perception of contractors in the industry. The conversation also touches on the significance of doing hard things together to build a strong team culture.Key TakeawaysSurround yourself with the right people who can help you grow and learn.Constantly strive to set high standards and exceed them.Building a strong team culture involves doing hard things together.Success is defined by the impact you have on others and the good you can do for them.What motivates me is... "helping others and being able to give others the lessons without the scars." ~ Charlie KerriganBrought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Serial entrepreneur Mike Brcic, Founder & Chief Explorer of Wayfinders, discusses the importance of connection and storytelling in personal and professional life. Mike describes how he guides entrepreneurs to remote locations, creating a setting where they can let down their guard and be truly authentic—the perfect adventure for those seeking greater fulfilment from their work, and deeper connections with their fellow founders. He emphasizes the significance of psychological safety and belonging in the workplace, as it leads to increased productivity, employee satisfaction and retention. Mike's goal is to create more connections in the world and leave a legacy of meaningful relationships."Creating moments of connection throughout the day and week contributes to health, well-being, and a longer life." ~ Mike BrcicKey TakeawaysCreating a safe and welcoming environment where people can be authentic and vulnerable leads to deeper connections and personal growth.Psychological safety and a sense of belonging in the workplace are crucial for productivity and employee satisfaction.Storytelling is a powerful tool for building connections and understanding others on a deeper level.Investing in relationships and creating opportunities for connection should be a priority in both personal and professional life.Leaving a legacy of meaningful relationships and fostering connection is a valuable contribution to the world.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, hosts Robin and Al are joined by Joanna Muzzatti, the CEO of IT solutions provider Commerx. Joanna, who embraces the mantra "Choose kind," takes immense satisfaction in uncovering the key elements that drive her customers and contribute to their success. Joanna discusses the definition of success, the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry, and the importance of self-care and work-life balance. She shares her journey in the IT industry and the lessons she has learned while emphasizing the value of trust, kindness, and building a strong team. Joanna also talks about the importance of being present in the moment and appreciating the journey rather than just focusing on the destination."Success is when everyone that I touch is happy and feels safe and heard." ~ Joanna MuzzattiKey TakeawaysThe biggest obstacle to success is often your own self-confidence.Burnout is a real issue, and it's important to disconnect and take time for yourself.Focus on the journey and appreciate the small victories along the way.Tolerance and open-mindedness can transform society.Don't try to go to the top right away, take the time to learn and grow.Trust your gut instinct when making decisions about people and partnerships.Choose kindness, even in difficult situations.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, Robin and Al interview Eugene Hartman, CEO of Kognitive Sales Solutions, a company that helps businesses increase sales and profitability through dynamic, face-to-face employee training and an empowered team of field staff​. They explore the importance of building relationships with good people, the journey of Eugene's career in sales, and the obstacles he has overcome. Eugene emphasizes the value of developing people and the fulfillment he finds in helping others succeed. He also shares his approach to work-life balance and the value of time. "I don't think my life is going to change a lot when I retire... my goal is to live the life that I want now, not wait until." ~ Eugene HartmanKey TakeawaysBuilding relationships with good people is essential in business and life.Overcoming obstacles and adapting to change are key to success.Developing people and helping them succeed brings fulfillment.Prioritizing work-life balance and living a fulfilling life now is important.Leaving a positive impact on others is like planting trees for future generations.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, we interview Matt Brady, Director of Business Development at Advica Health. This company supports executives and individuals who want to personalize their healthcare journey to help improve their health outcomes. Matt discusses the services offered by Advica Health, including executive health assessments, virtual healthcare, and mental health support. He also talks about the importance of personalized healthcare and the role of precision health in improving health outcomes. Matt shares success stories and highlights the value of his work in helping individuals and their families."Preventative health and longevity are trending up." ~ Matt BradyKey TakeawaysAdvica Health helps executives and individuals navigate the healthcare system to find the best health solutions.Advica Health takes a personalized approach to healthcare, considering factors such as lifestyle, environment, and genetics.Precision health, which focuses on personalized healthcare, is an emerging field that aims to improve health outcomes.Advica Health has had success stories in detecting and treating health issues early, leading to positive outcomes.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode, host Robin Bailey and guest host Joshua Siegal interview talent strategist Drew Lindsay, co-founder of GuruLink—a candidate recruitment and career services provider with a reputation as the go-to resource for scaling technical teams in Canada. Drew shares insights on the impact of talent in startups, the challenges of management, and the need for constant growth and learning. He also emphasizes the value of relationships and connections in his career. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication required to succeed in the startup world and the importance of balance in life and work, emphasizing the need to disconnect and re-energize. Drew discusses his intentional focus on lifestyle design and making time for family and personal priorities and highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for his employees, where they can be open and authentic. He also talks about the future of talent acquisition, including the use of AI and agentic technologies."I didn't care about optics, I cared about results, and I cared about accountability." ~ Drew LindsayKeywords TakeawaysTalent can have a massive impact on the success of a startup, making it crucial to focus on finding the right people.Management in entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges, including interpersonal dynamics and the need for constant growth and learning.Building relationships and making connections is essential in the startup world, as it can lead to valuable opportunities and collaborations.Balance is a macro concept that should be approached with a long-term perspective.Creating a safe and supportive environment for employees fosters authenticity and engagement.Canada has the opportunity to become a global leader in AI and drive better business outcomes.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Join hosts Robin Bailey & Al McDonald as they celebrate the 200th episode of Success Leaves Clues reflecting on the friendships that have developed as a result of the podcast and the impact it has had on each of them. "To our wonderful guests, past and present, thank you for sharing your wisdom, experiences, and passion. You have made this podcast an enjoyable and enriching experience, one that we hope our listeners eagerly anticipate each week. Your contributions have not only made our show possible but have also left an indelible mark on our audience and on each of us personally. Here's to many more episodes of inspiration, growth, and shared success. Thank you for being a part of our story." ~ R & AThey are joined by special guest, employment and labour lawyer Rich Appiah, who shares his deeply personal journey of self-discovery and finding success. Rich emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and surrounding oneself with supportive and positive people. He also discusses the significance of authenticity and how it has contributed to his success. The episode concludes with a discussion on mental health and the importance of seeking help when needed."I feel like I can step into the world and just be myself." ~ Rich AppiahKey TakeawaysSelf-discovery is crucial for finding successSurrounding oneself with positive and supportive people is essentialAuthenticity is a key factor in achieving successSeeking help for mental health is important and can lead to personal growthBrought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this conversation, social entrepreneur Russell McLeod, Founder of Mightyhum, shares his career journey, starting from his love for team sports and the collaborative aspect of it, which led him to pursue a business career. He worked at Free the Children and played a key role in launching the Me to We movement, joining the social enterprise arm of the organization and helping grow it to 42 million in revenue. After leaving Me to We, he founded Mightyhum, a consulting firm that supports purpose-driven businesses. Russell emphasizes the importance of aligning a team and the challenges that can arise when things don't work well. He discusses purpose-driven organizations and his passion for working with companies that have a social impact. Russell also talks about the obstacles he faced during the collapse of WE and the effect it had on his personal and professional life. Finally, he discusses the shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset when it comes to success & wealth and the importance of building resilient and profitable businesses."When I see the problems in the world, I actually think that business is uniquely positioned to potentially be the most important tool for solving them." ~ Russ McLeodKey TakeawaysThe team aspect of sports can translate into the business world, where aligning a team is crucial for success.Running a business is like managing a growing organism, with humans being both the most powerful tool and the most disruptive force.Purpose-driven businesses founded with a social impact mission require careful alignment of mission and vision to create a multiplier effect.Obstacles and challenges are a part of the journey, and they can lead to growth and learning.Applying your skills in a way that challenges you, delivers meaningful outcomes, and allows you to put your values into action.Success should not be solely defined by wealth but by the ability to make a positive impact and find joy in the journey.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group