Chatter that Matters

Emma Beehler - Her Beautiful Autistic Mind. In today's episode of Chatter that Matters, we challenge perceptions about neurodiversity. Society often views neurodiverse individuals through a lens of limitation versus exploration. We overlook the extraordinary contributions of neurodiverse minds to our world. From scientific breakthroughs to artistic masterpieces, many of our advancements have been through their unique lens onto our world. Joining me are Emma Beehler, a remarkable young woman who is exceptional in math and music and a world-renowned competitive cheerleader, and her parents, Brian and Natalie. Emma offers profound insights into how she views the world and how the world views her. Listening to Emma, you'll discover how we can all learn and grow from her insights, why she is a crusader for positive change, and why we value her beautiful autistic mind.  

Canada. It’s Time. On our country's birthday, I break my show format to discuss what we need to do as a nation to pursue our future. This future is not a distant dream but a reality we must actively shape, marked by purpose, passion, pursuit, and laddering to prosperity and peace. I begin the show with my take on Canada and why we need to create a magnetic culture to attract the best and the brightest to stay in Canada and come to Canada to shift from a passive, reactive and negative mindset to one brimming with ambition and destiny. Next, we hear from two outstanding Canadians who offer their unique perspectives: John Ruffolo, a leading figure as the founder of Maverick Private Equity and a catalyst for positive change in shaping Canada's new economy, and John Stackhouse, who heads RBC's Economics and Thought Leadership group, influencing the organization's work on economic, technological, and social issues. Each offers powerful and profound thoughts on creating the opportunities and standard of living that we need, want and deserve.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone deeply invested in Canada and its future—and the future of all democracies. It is not only easy to listen to, but it also discusses, shares, and explores a wealth of topics. Happy Birthday, Canada. It's time to unwrap our future.  

You will soon hear why I found Derek Blais an exceptional guest. He has the spirit of youth but with the presence and insights of an elder. Derek's journey embodies the spirit of Chatter that Matters by sharing how he overcame circumstances to chase his dreams but change his world and ours for the better. Derek speaks candidly about his struggles and triumphs, including the pivotal moment of embracing his Indigenous identity and the profound impact of a life-threatening and then-changing motorcycle accident.  I begin the interview by sharing Derek's mantra - "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken," setting the tone for exploring authenticity, truth and reconciliation. Derek's mother is a victim of the sixties scoop, where Indigenous babies and children were taken from their parents and communities and placed in primarily white and middle-class homes. Derek's Father is Canadian, and Derek draws upon the tales of his two peoples to help shape who he is, why he matters and how through storytelling he can bring about positive change. Derek's international award-winning and groundbreaking project, Missing Matoaka, challenges the romanticized Disney portrayal of Pocahontas by telling the true story, a tale of tragedy and heartbreak, while also calling for justice in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Today, at LifeLong Crush a boutique advertising agency, Derek is a creative leader who works with his team to tackle many societal and brand issues. It is a fantastic tale of two peoples, with many lessons to be discovered and learned, all wrapped within his brilliant creative mind.   To learn more about LIFELONG CRUSH - https://www.lifelongcrush.com  

How do I follow up on last week's interview with Malcolm Gladwell? Joining me today is best-selling author and world-renowned speaker Joe Roberts. Joe shares his moving and incredible journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming an entrepreneur, CEO, and, today, an influential advocate for youth. Joe lives to inspire change and offers actionable steps for overcoming challenges, fostering resilience, and reclaiming dreams.  Andrea Barrack from RBC returns to the show to discuss their Purpose Framework and why investing $2 billion across three key pillars matters to you, to me, and to RBC.

Malcolm Gladwell is an outlier in his own right, as a journalist, author and public speaker. His unique perspective and engaging writing style have made him a prominent sociology and popular culture voice. He has five New York Times bestsellers — The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, What the Dog Saw, and David and Goliath. In addition to his best-selling books, Malcolm co-founded Pushkin Industries and hosted the hit podcast Revisionist History.  Malcolm shares his journey and offers many insights and lessons on what it takes to stand for and stand out in today's world.  I then bring back an interview with Alan Depencier, CMO from RBC, which is even more relevant today. Malcolm Gladwell is part of a series titled Legends Journey: Lessons in Leadership, which I am co-producing with the Toronto Chapter of the American Marketing Association. We celebrate the journeys of those who have been inducted into Canada's Marketing Hall of Legends. In my CTM library or the AMA's YouTube Channel, you can find our interviews with Joe Mimran, Angus Reid, Jeanne Beker, Miles Nadal, Arlene Dickinson, and Frank Palmer.                 

This week's episode features Nick Taylor, who captivated the golf world and all of Canada with his thrilling 72-foot playoff eagle putt, making him the first Canadian in 69 years to win the RBC Canadian Open. Nick takes us on a journey from his childhood dreams of being a professional golfer to being ranked the top amateur in the world. Nick then shares his experiences on the PGA Tour before reflecting on the exhilarating moments of that day when it all came together.  Mark Zecchino, from the PGA Tour Golf and one of the world's great golf commentators, shares his firsthand experience of witnessing Nick's incredible performance. We include Mark's call on Nick's historic putt, which was heard around the world. Mark Soder, RBC's Director of Brand Marketing, illuminates golf's profound role in Canadian culture and economy and then talks about RBC Community Jr. Golf, an initiative led by RBC in partnership with Golf Canada that is building greater diversity and equity in golf by providing affordable access for youth from equity-deserving communities across Canada.    0:01 Tony Chapman and Nick Taylor. 4:04 Nick Taylor - My Journey 10:36 Nick Taylor - It Takes a Team 15:50 Nick Taylor - Mind Over Matter 22:18 RBC 2023 Canadian Open - History is Made 30:12 - Mark Zecchino talks about RBC, Golf Canada, Nick Taylor's Day 38:45 - Nick Taylor why he was ready to make destiny a matter of choice 52:21 - Nick Taylor describing Day Four and Playoff - Iconic 72-Foot Eagle Playoff Putt 56:00 - Tony’s Three Key Takeaways 58:00 - Mark Soder - Talking about Golf, It's Importance and RBC Community Jr. Golf      

This is a true-life Ted Lasso story, taped in front of a live audience at the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers Conference. I love every word of what Jay DeMerit has to say about life, sports, ego, and leadership. Jay's journey extends beyond athletic supremacy to becoming a role model for youth, an entrepreneur, and a sought-after keynote speaker. Jay DeMerit shares his journey from being overlooked in the MLS Draft to making his way to England and then playing his way to Premier League stardom.  Jay also earned a place on America's World Cup Team, playing every minute in the South African World Cup and becoming the Vancouver Whitecaps' Captain. Jay emphasized the significance of perseverance and self-actualization. Discover how DeMerit's unique approach to leadership and focus on holistic development helped shape his career and inspire future generations. Gain insights into the pressures of youth sports and the importance of dreaming big while taking small steps. I close the show talking to Sam Effah, one of the fastest Canadian Sprinters ever, and who today is one of the stewards of RBC's Training Ground, on what it takes to dream and do.   To learn  about Jay DeMerit's entrepreneurial venture: RiseXShine https://www.risexshine.com To book Jay as a speaker:  https://speakerscanada.com To learn more about RBC Training Ground: https://www.rbctrainingground.ca    

Frank Palmer is a character of immense character. Frank is a true icon, creative genius, thought leader, visionary and entrepreneur.  Frank is being featured as part of The Legends Journey, Lessons in Leadership series. A collaboration between Chatter that Matters and the American Marketing Association's Toronto Chapter. In this series, we interview inductees from Canada's Marketing Hall of Legends. To date, I have chatted with Arlene Dickinson, Joe Mimran, Angus Reid, Miles Nadal, Jeanne Beker and, coming soon, Malcolm Gladwell. In this episode, Frank Palmer shares invaluable insights from his 50-year career. From practical jokes to profound business and brand strategies, Frank's stories encapsulate the essence of a life rich with creativity, daring and extraordinary entrepreneurial prowess. Frank talks about personal integrity in business, the art of maintaining top talent, and the evolution of advertising in the face of emerging technologies like AI. Wherever you are in your career, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and frankness on surviving and thriving in our fast-paced world. 00:00 - Introduction to Frank Palmer 05:20 - Lessons from business and maintaining integrity 15:45 - Strategies for retaining top talent 25:30 - The role of humour: Pranks and workplace culture 35:10 - Overcoming industry challenges and client relationships 45:50 - The impact of COVID-19 on the advertising world 55:15 - Frank Palmer's views on AI in creativity 1:05:00 - Reflections on mentorship and the future of advertising 1:15:00 - Closing thoughts and Frank's offer to chat again

Sometimes, the most gripping tales are not those of fiction. They're not from a bookshelf or a TV screen. They're real-life stories that unfold around us. Stories that remind us of the power of the human spirit. Today on Chatter That Matters, we share the indomitable spirit of Stacey Curtis, who survived a plane crash, cancer that roared through her body and where she was given only a few years to live.  I wish I could bottle Stacey's outlook on life and her positivity.  Here are two quotes from the show. The first was about the plane crash and what it was like to be one of the survivors, alongside her partner Marissa and her dog Emma.  "In that moment, everything changed, yet we found the strength we never knew we had," The second quote after discussing losing her brother and dealing with horrific cancer. "Despite everything, I've found reasons to laugh and live fully every single day,"  To add important context to why some refuse to surrender, I invited Amy Deacon, the founder and CEO of Toronto Wellness Counselling, to return to the show.  I also ask her about those who have near death experiences, change their approach, even appreciation for life.

Did you ever dream of building something with your best friend?  Discover the inspiring story of April Brown and Sarah Sklash, who quit their jobs and purchased a roadside motel in Prince Edward County.   With hard work, dedication, and little experience, they transformed the dingy motel into a beautiful space reflecting life's sunshine and simple pleasures. Their entrepreneurial adventures caught the attention of Netflix, which produced Motel Makeover, a show about their next motel venture in Sauble Beach. Today, The June Motel boasts three locations, including their latest project, the June in Beaver Valley, a cosy 8 room outpost, nestled in nature. This story is about following your heart and taking risks, believing in yourself and your vision, and on your terms. Join us as we learn how "The June" came to be, the inspiration behind its iconic pink doors, and why chasing dreams matters.   I am thrilled to introduce a new sponsor for Chatter that Matters. Mark Rolnick, EVP, Head of GreenShield Administration, then joins the show to talk about why small businesses matter and why they have launched GreenShield for Small Business to help small business owners promote employee well-being. A flexible benefit solution makes it easier to attract top talent so that small business owners spend more time doing what they do best - building a healthy business. To book a stay at the June Motel. https://thejunemotel.com To find out more about GreenShield for Small Business. Greenshield.ca/chatterthatmatters