Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight Calgary's industry leaders and delve into the heart of entrepreneurialism in our vibrant city! Randy McCord is the founder of National Best Financial Network, an independent Life Insurance brokerage, headquartered in Calgary. Randy and his National Best Team are specialists at protection and investment strategies for Canadians. He has been licensed since 2007. Randy’s practice focuses on incorporated professionals. His team is...

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight Calgary's industry leaders and delve into the heart of entrepreneurialism in our vibrant city! Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder of Excuses to Connect, a business whose mission is to create a world without loneliness by empowering individuals and organizations to make meaningful connections in their daily lives. He is also a TEDx Speaker, co-author, and certified coach. Get Connected With...

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight Calgary's industry leaders and delve into the heart of entrepreneurialism in our vibrant city! Milena Radakovic is President and Chief Visionary of Nexus Exhibits, Western Canada's one-stop shop for complete turnkey visual branding services. Aside from being an accomplished entrepreneur, Milena has over 25 years of experience as a transformational branding, marketing and business strategist who has worked with internationally...

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight Calgary's industry leaders and delve into the heart of entrepreneurialism in our vibrant city. Our guest is Karissa Shemonichek. Karissa is deeply passionate about building strong connections  and understanding your needs and dreams.  Bringing mindfulness, compassion, and integrity to the soulful experience of designing spaces for you to thrive, heal and grow in. Get Connected With Karissa: https://www.pleiadianhome.com/...

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight Calgary's industry leaders and delve into the heart of entrepreneurialism in our vibrant city. Today, our guest is Pat Ottmann, a seasoned publisher and the force behind the Business In Calgary magazine, to discuss his remarkable journey and the unique advantages that Calgary offers to business owners. Get Connected With Pat: https://businessincalgary.com/ Visit www.calpeteclub.com for information on our next networking and...

Welcome to another episode of the Back to Business Podcast, where we connect with Calgary's industry leaders. Today, we sit down with Edward Callaway from Sonic Coaching Partners to explore essential principles for business development and growth. Bringing 20+ years’ experience coaching and developing diverse teams, Edward has a passion for helping people succeed. His business turnaround experience and reputation as a fixer provides him with the understanding of what it takes to guide a team...

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast, where we spotlight a thought-provoking conversation with Mike Shaikh, a recipient of the prestigious Order of Canada. Mike discusses the importance of community service, diversity, equity, and inclusion in business, and how each of us can contribute to making our neighborhoods safer and more connected. He also shares his inspiring journey from Pakistan to Calgary, emphasizing the importance of education and community. With a background in business...

Leah Fink is a reputable figure in the realm of workplace mental health and employee well-being. With a robust background in social work, complemented by extensive experience in addiction and mental health, Leah brings a practical and informed perspective to the table. Hailing from Calgary, she holds a comprehensive understanding of the local business landscape, allowing her to provide valuable insights into the impact of industry fluctuations on workplace culture. Leah's expertise lies in...

Temi Okesanya, a petroleum engineering master's graduate from the University of Alberta, shared his inspiring career journey on the Back to Business: Calgary podcast. His path in the oil and gas industry took unexpected turns, from technical roles to product management, all fueled by the power of networking. Temi's entrepreneurial drive was ignited when he experienced the inefficiencies of the roadside assistance industry firsthand, leading him to create a disruptive digital platform....

Sherri Shergill, a Calgary native, is a licensed therapist with a background in communications and a master's in clinical psychology. Her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations and racialized communities has earned her recognition, including a top 40 under 40 honor. Sherri's experience extends beyond Canadian borders, having worked on mental health initiatives for rural and vulnerable populations in India. Her work at PCHS focuses on providing mental health services for South Asian...

Melissa From serves as the President and CEO of the Calgary Petroleum Club Bank, boasting a robust 20-year tenure in the nonprofit sector. Her career encompasses the establishment and expansion of the International Justice Mission, a startup nonprofit that has since flourished into a multi-million dollar organization dedicated to rescuing victims of slavery and forced prostitution internationally. Additionally, Melissa's impactful leadership at Junior Achievement, where she spearheaded fund...

Cedna Todorovic, an accomplished and renowned photographer, has embarked on a fascinating journey from the corporate realm to entrepreneurial success. With two decades of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, project services, and business process improvement, Cedna's transition into a full-time photographer and the founder of Chedna Portrait Stories showcases her resilience and determination. Her unique background and extensive expertise make her a valuable resource for...

D'Andre Wilson-Ihejirika, a former engineer with a passion for education and mentorship, has made significant strides in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Her involvement in engineering outreach and the establishment of a nonprofit aimed at promoting STEM fields showcases her dedication to engaging youth in entrepreneurship and technology. With a background in chemical engineering and experience in the oil industry, D'Andre's transition to her current role as the Executive...

Jay McNeil, a former player for the Calgary Stampeders and the current President, brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the discussion of the team's impact on the local community. With an extensive background in both on-field performance and administrative leadership, Jay offers a unique perspective on the Calgary Stampeders' role in shaping the community. His deep understanding of the team's operations and community engagement initiatives provides valuable insights into the tangible...

Kate Briscoe, a proud Calgarian with a civil engineering background, brings a fresh and practical approach to commercial real estate and construction project management. Her hands-on experience on construction sites in Calgary has fueled her passion for the industry's tangible nature. As a pivotal figure in M3's journey, she has played a crucial role in steering the company's growth from a small team to a global leader in adaptive reuse. Kate's active involvement in CREW Calgary, a global...

Laureen Regan, the founder of Boom Group, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in building loyalty and engagement within business strategies. With a background in creating successful member rewards platforms, Laureen's insights into the benefits of such platforms and their impact on customer retention are invaluable for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Her journey from Ireland to Canada and her entrepreneurial roots provide a unique perspective on leveraging community and...

With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Dave Jones has become a trailblazer in sustainable adventure tourism. From his early days as a dishwasher to assuming the role of COO at Basecamp, Dave's journey exemplifies dedication and perseverance. His passion for fostering community growth and promoting career advancement within the industry resonates with the podcast's audience seeking opportunities in the Alberta Rockies. Dave's expertise extends beyond...

Skye Kaiss is an established co-owner of Orange Theory Fitness in Calgary, boasting extensive experience in the fitness industry since 2005. With a professional background in civil engineering, Skye's journey of personal transformation aligns with his insights into building discipline through fitness. His emphasis on the transition from motivation to discipline, coupled with practical strategies for creating sustainable fitness habits, provides valuable guidance for individuals seeking to...

Jon Cornish, a former professional football player and current RBC representative, is a highly regarded individual in both sports and community leadership. With a background in psychology and a successful transition to the finance sector, Jon's expertise and dedication are evident. His significant involvement in community support initiatives, particularly within the Calgary Black Chambers, demonstrates his commitment to driving positive change. Jon's emphasis on servant leadership and his...

Matt Booth brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, starting at Fairmont in Jasper. His journey has seen him delve into various departments, from golf and food & beverage to security. Eventually, he found his calling in sales and events, where he could connect with people on a personal level. Now as the sales manager of Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, a luxurious Marriott autograph collection hotel, Matt's expertise in enhancing guest experiences and personalized...

David Wallach is a distinguished figure in the real estate sector, boasting extensive experience in commercial real estate brokerage and property management. His expertise is further exemplified through his role as a seasoned podcaster and real estate expert. With an in-depth understanding of REIT opportunities and market dynamics, David provides valuable insights into the evolving trends within Calgary's real estate landscape. His contributions offer substantial guidance for real estate...

Shari Graydon is a seasoned speaker, writer, and advocate immersed in the realm of media and communications for over three decades. Her pivotal role in a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying women's voices in public discourse underscores her profound understanding of the challenges surrounding women's representation in media, business, and politics. With a keen focus on fostering gender diversity and empowering women, Shari's expertise brings a fresh and authoritative angle to the...

Gurpreet Lail, the CEO of Enserva, is our guest for today's episode. With a strong background in the energy sector, Gurpreet has been instrumental in advocating for the workforce behind the energy, representing the service, supply, and manufacturing sector. Her deep understanding of the industry's evolution and collaborative efforts within the sector provides valuable insights into dispelling industry misconceptions. As a born and bred Calgarian, Gurpreet's leadership in the energy sector...

W. Brett Wilson, a well-respected Canadian entrepreneur, is known for his extensive expertise in business and philanthropy. With a background in civil engineering and a successful transition into investment banking, Brett brings a unique blend of strategic acumen and a compassionate approach to entrepreneurship. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the business world exemplifies the power of effective leadership and networking skills. Brett's...