How can organizations transform and scale, while promoting the greater good for Canada? For Brett Belchetz, CEO and Co-Founder of Maple, the answer was shifting from a consumer focused B2C model to an influential force in the B2B landscape. Host Russell Evans and guest Brett Belchetz engage in conversation, delving deep into the genesis of Maple’s journey – and more importantly, how other organizations can learn from the transformational pivot the virtual healthcare app made. With his unique experience as both a physician and CEO, Brett brings fresh, practical innovations to the market through Maple, emphasizing a collaborative and adaptive approach to expanding into the B2B space.Transitioning to a B2B focus came with its own set of unique challenges, and Brett shares insights into the intricacies of balancing the interests of individual patients with those of their employers.After this episode, you’ll learn:How Maple’s responsiveness to changing market dynamics led to remarkable growthHow Brett’s vision and strategic acumen steered the company toward successThe power of collaboration and how to swiftly adapt for sustained successWhy pivoting to a B2B model can improve alignment with individual customer needs and unlock untapped potential How organizations can prioritize different audiences, while ultimately supporting a better CanadaThe Contributors eBook, Lessons from the Leaders, is here! Discover the real stories, as told on Contributors episodes, about leaders who overcame a challenge and improved their business structure, culture, or approach.Download your copy here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpiShow Links: Download the free Contributors e-book, Lessons From the Leaders: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpiLearn more about CAAT Pension Plan here: https://www.caatpension.ca/Read the Contributors blog here: https://www.caatpension.ca/podcast/blogFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/contributors-podcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContributorsCA

Attraction and retention strategies are critical in the workforce today, and it’s becoming clear that the race for talent is here to stay. In this special panel episode, Russell sits down with two guests: Dr. Susan Black, CEO of the Conference Board of Canada, and Derek Dobson, CEO and Plan Manager of CAAT Pension Plan. Their conversation focuses on “the marathon for talent,” which refers to a shift in perceptions and perspectives around the trending term “race for talent.” Derek and Susan discuss how employers can capitalize on today’s hiring landscape, sharing their perspective on why it’s important to shift to a long-term approach in order to retain your employees. Susan’s career has focused on helping leaders solve intense challenges through groundbreaking research in human resources and inclusion, while Derek is a champion of sustainable solutions to Canada's biggest problems, like the growing retirement savings gap. After this episode, you’ll learn:A winning formula to overcome current talent attraction challengesTangible solutions to improve employee productivity, engagement, retention, and attractionHow to get an edge on your competitors by demonstrating a long-term investment in employees at a low costHow to bring more flexibility and financial wellness into the workplaceThis episode was originally released on January 18, 2023The Contributors eBook, Lessons from the Leaders, is here! Discover the real stories, as told on Contributors episodes, about leaders who overcame a challenge and improved their business structure, culture, or approach.Download your copy here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpiShow Links: Download the free Contributors e-book, Lessons From the Leaders: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpiLearn more about CAAT Pension Plan here: https://www.caatpension.ca/Read the Contributors blog here: https://www.caatpension.ca/podcast/blogFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/contributors-podcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContributorsCA

With influencer marketing driving an increasing percentage of online business, and more children dreaming of becoming YouTubers than astronauts, it’s abundantly clear that leveraging video content is the way of the future. In this episode, Russell sits down with Shahrzad Rafati, Founder & CEO of Broadband TV Corp. (BBTV). BBTV is a media-tech company that is advancing the world by helping creators succeed. With over 35 million pieces of content in its purview,  BBTV is the second-largest video property worldwide for unique viewers, following only Google. Russell and Shahrzad discuss the upsurge of the creator economy and how BBTV is empowering subject matter experts to create valuable content and develop strong partnerships. Video content is changing the way we live, learn and shop online.After this episode, you’ll learn:Why it’s time for Canadian businesses to embrace collaborating with subject matter expert content creatorsWhat BBTV is doing to enable under-represented Canadian voices to reach a global audienceHow BBTV’s quadruple bottom line business model enables a higher-performing organizationHow Canada’s multicultural atmosphere fosters powerful leadersThe future of content – how advancements in AI are transforming the content landscapeThe Contributors eBook, Lessons from the Leaders, is here! Discover the real stories, as told on Contributors episodes, about leaders who overcame a challenge and improved their business structure, culture, or approach.Download your copy here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpiShow Links: Discover the power of a workplace pension here: https://www.caatpension.ca/pensions-matter/en/Learn more about CAAT Pension Plan here: https://www.caatpension.ca/Read the Contributors blog here: https://www.caatpension.ca/podcast/blogFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/contributors-podcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContributorsCA

Dell has been a trusted name in technology since before the Internet made its way into the palms of our hands. Technology has evolved in countless ways since those days, and today, AI is making its way to the forefront of this evolution. In this episode, Russell speaks with Dr. Rola Dagher, Global Channel Chief at Dell. We’ll learn why the human element will always have a place in the evolution of technology, and how AI will continue to improve our lives, specifically in areas like education and healthcare. Russell and Rola also discuss servant leadership, and the importance of emotionally connecting with your colleagues and customers.After this episode, you’ll learn:How Dell uses AI to innovate and provide exceptional user experiencesWhy regulation and security is essential to the implementation of AIWhy companies need to embrace AI to stay competitiveWhy servant leadership can help attract and retain superior talentHow Dell is making an impact by encouraging young girls to embrace STEMThe Contributors eBook, Lessons from the Leaders, is here! Discover the real stories, as told on Contributors episodes, about leaders who overcame a challenge and improved their business structure, culture, or approach.Download your copy here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpi

With a looming recession, Canadians are becoming more selective about where their dollars are going. This is just one reason why it’s more important now than ever for brands to provide best-in-class customer experiences that are more than just transactional. In this episode, Russell sits down with Ross Wainwright, CEO of Alida, a customer experience management and insights platform. They discuss why Customer Experience (CX) needs to be top of mind for every Canadian organization vying to win the marathon for talent and build a loyal customer base. The pair also dig into the importance of building an exceptional employee culture based on feedback, empowerment, and trust.After this episode, you’ll learn:Why it’s more important than ever for retailers to build trusted relationships with their clientsHow embracing data and acting on feedback enables companies to build and maintain exceptional customer relationshipsHow Alida helps to close the feedback loop to create best in class customer experiencesHow courageous leadership and community building can transform an organization’s cultureWhy building ERGs is invaluable to employee cultureThe Contributors eBook, Lessons from the Leaders, is here! Discover the real stories, as told on Contributors episodes, about leaders who overcame a challenge and improved their business structure, culture, or approach.Download your copy here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpiShow Links: Download the free Contributors e-book, Lessons From the Leaders: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpiDiscover the power of a workplace pension here: https://www.caatpension.ca/pensions-matter/en/Learn more about CAAT Pension Plan here: https://www.caatpension.ca/Read the Contributors blog here: https://www.caatpension.ca/podcast/blogFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/contributors-podcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContributorsCA

"Accounting is the language of business" has been a long-held truth for decades, but language is subject to evolving, changing, growing. In this episode, Russell sits down with Pamela Steer, President and CEO of CPA Canada. Russell and Pamela dissect the evolution of the CPA profession, and discuss how accountants-turned-CFOs, in particular, are an organization's secret weapon. The episode also covers financial literacy, including why it’s a top priority for Chartered Professional Accountants and how the association provides resources and training to help Canadians and their future.After this episode, you’ll learn:The key role of CFOs in a changing worldHow to create meaningful ESG reporting by starting with the numbersWhat CPA Canada is doing to influence financial literacy in Canada’s high school curriculumA peek into the evolving "Integrated Reporting" approachAnd moreShow Links:  Download the Lessons from the Leaders eBook here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpi Learn more about CAAT Pension Plan here: https://www.caatpension.ca/Read the Contributors blog here: https://www.caatpension.ca/podcast/blogFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/contributors-podcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContributorsCA

In this episode, Russell tackles some of the big questions surrounding innovation in a traditional industry along with the leader of a company that’s seen more than 160 years of transformation. Colin Osborne is the CEO of Samuel, Son & Co.—an Oakville, Ontario-based advanced manufacturing company that traces its roots back to 1855. Together, Russell and Colin discuss how Samuel has made its way to the forefront of a new, green approach to manufacturing by upskilling its labour force, reducing material waste, and building partnerships with some of the fastest-growing businesses in the low-carbon economy. After this episode, you’ll learn:How Samuel, Son & Co. has had so much longevity in the marketWhy the company is a strong advocate for Canadian manufacturingSamuel’s dual-faceted approach to climate change What business leaders in Canada can learn from Mexico and the U.S.The unique advantages of leading a privately-held companyShow Links:  Download the Lessons from the Leaders eBook here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpi Learn more about CAAT Pension Plan here: https://www.caatpension.ca/Read the Contributors blog here: https://www.caatpension.ca/podcast/blogFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/contributors-podcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContributorsCA

Attraction and retention strategies are critical in the workforce today, and it’s becoming clear that the race for talent is here to stay. In this special panel episode, Russell sits down with two guests: Dr. Susan Black, CEO of the Conference Board of Canada, and Derek Dobson, CEO and Plan Manager of CAAT Pension Plan. Their conversation focuses on “the marathon for talent,” which refers to a shift in perceptions and perspectives around the trending term “race for talent.” Derek and Susan discuss how employers can capitalize on today’s hiring landscape, sharing their perspective on why it’s important to shift to a long-term approach in order to retain your employees. Susan’s career has focused on helping leaders solve intense challenges through groundbreaking research in human resources and inclusion, while Derek is a champion of sustainable solutions to Canada's biggest problems, like the growing retirement savings gap.  After this episode, you’ll learn: A winning formula to overcome current talent attraction challengesTangible solutions to improve employee productivity, engagement, retention, and attractionHow to get an edge on your competitors by demonstrating a long-term investment in employees at a low costHow to bring more flexibility and financial wellness into the workplaceShow Links:  Download the Lessons from the Leaders eBook here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpi Learn more about CAAT Pension Plan here: https://www.caatpension.ca/Read the Contributors blog here: https://www.caatpension.ca/podcast/blogFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/contributors-podcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContributorsCA

In this episode, Russell sits down with Christine Bergeron, the President and CEO of Vancity. As a values-based financial cooperative, Vancity uses its assets to improve the financial well-being of its members and their communities. The company puts its members, their communities, and the planet at the centre of everything they do by giving back 30% of their profits to members and communities every year. With over 500,000 members, Vancity is a profitable co-op that’s taking action on climate change, affordable housing, and reconciliation through a decision making process that depends on an impact lens. Despite being local to British Columbia, the thriving community co-op has a lot to offer other Canadian organizations that are looking for ways to improve their business and make Canada a better place. After this episode, you’ll learn: Why a “triple bottom line” includes people and the planetWhy Vancity takes an impact approach in decision makingHow Vancity is working towards reconciliationHow leaders can spark innovation at their own organizationsShow Links:  Download the Lessons from the Leaders eBook here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpi Learn more about CAAT Pension Plan here: https://www.caatpension.ca/Read the Contributors blog here: https://www.caatpension.ca/podcast/blogFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/contributors-podcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContributorsCA

What does a thriving Canada look like tomorrow, next year, in 2030? According to Deloitte, it’s time to spark a new, better future for the country, and while the challenges we face are big, so are the opportunities. In this episode, Deloitte’s CEO for Canada and Chile, Anthony Viel (also known as AV) joins Russell to discuss why we’re in a pivotal moment, and how we can make the most of our country’s current economic landscape. As a company that’s in the business of building a better future for Canada, Deloitte has plenty in common with the team at CAAT. Anthony shares some of the wisdom he’s gleaned during his years as a leader, as well as some of the key highlights of his personal journey as an immigrant to Canada.  After this episode, you’ll learn: How Deloitte Canada is approaching the race for talent, including strategies for retaining top talent in competitive industries Smart investments leaders can make to free up valuable time and resources Creating a better future for Canada by expanding access to knowledge and strengthening immigration Anthony’s secrets to success including passion, drive and a sense of perspectiveShow Links:  Download the Lessons from the Leaders eBook here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpi Learn more about CAAT Pension Plan here: https://www.caatpension.ca/Read the Contributors blog here: https://www.caatpension.ca/podcast/blogFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/contributors-podcastFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContributorsCAThis podcast episode was produced by Quill.*Derek Dobson is an associate of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.