Executive Wins Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this conversation, Joe Johnston emphasizes the importance of resilience in achieving success.

He shares personal experiences that illustrate how perseverance can lead to significant wins, even after facing challenges.

Johnston encourages listeners to maintain their determination and not give up, as the next big opportunity is always just around the corner.

Key Takeaways

• Perspective is everything, and realising how much opportunity there is in Canada, based on experience from world travels, helps Joe maintain his optimism
• Resilience is key to achieving success
• Big wins often come after tough times
• Don't give up; your next opportunity is near
• Persistence can lead to unexpected opportunities

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

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Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this engaging conversation, Nancy Mackay shares her journey as the founder of MacKay CEO Forums, emphasizing the importance of peer support for leaders.

She discusses her personal and professional wins, the strategies that have driven her business growth, and the challenges faced along the way.

Nancy highlights the significance of collaboration, the evolution of leadership, and the role of technology, particularly AI, in shaping the future of business.

Her insights on generosity, self-investment, and building strong relationships resonate throughout the discussion, providing valuable lessons for current and aspiring leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Nancy emphasizes the importance of peer support for senior leaders
• The journey of MacKay CEO Forums began with a vision to help others
• Generosity in leadership leads to mutual support and success
• Personal wins are as important as professional achievements for CEOs
• Surrounding oneself with successful people is crucial for growth
• The company has evolved to embrace AI and technology
• Collaboration among leaders enhances success and reduces isolation
• Building on strengths is key to effective leadership
• The role of attitude in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges is significant
• Investing in oneself is essential for long-term success

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter

Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this conversation, Michael "Buzz" Buzinski shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges and triumphs he faced while reinventing his business.

He discusses the importance of strategic shifts, cultural fit, and operational efficiency in achieving success.

Buzz emphasizes the significance of wisdom over mere knowledge in business and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking financial independence and impact.

Key Takeaways

• Buzz transformed his business model to escape entrepreneurial poverty
• He emphasizes the importance of profitability over revenue
• Cultural fit is crucial when hiring team members
• Wisdom is the combination of knowledge and experience
• Generational differences in the workplace require understanding and adaptation
• Strategic shifts can lead to significant business improvements
• Buzz's operational overhaul focused on simplifying services
• The journey of entrepreneurship is iterative and requires flexibility
• Impact on the world is a key measure of success

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter

Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this engaging conversation, Deborah Rosati shares her inspiring journey from a young girl influenced by her immigrant parents to becoming a prominent business leader and advocate for women in corporate boardrooms.

She discusses her career trajectory, the founding of Women Get On Board, and the significant strides made in increasing gender diversity on boards.

Deborah emphasizes the importance of mentorship, strong values, and continuous improvement in achieving professional success and empowering the next generation of women leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Deborah's father was a self-made immigrant who inspired her to want to be in business
• She faced challenges but never felt defined by her gender
• Women Get On Board was founded to empower women and help boards to reach gender parity
• The organization has grown to over 850 members in Canada
• Deborah emphasizes the importance of mentorship and sponsorship
• Her honorary doctorate is a recognition of her contributions
• Continuous improvement is key to operational success
• Quantitative results show significant progress in women on boards
• Having courage is essential for women leaders to make an impact

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter

Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this conversation, Nik Nanos, founder of Nanos Research, shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to data scientist, emphasizing the importance of integrity, transparency, and innovation in polling.

He discusses the evolution of his company, the anatomy of a successful election tracking process, and the significance of maintaining strong client relationships.

Nanos highlights the operational excellence required in polling and the qualitative and quantitative results that define success in his field.

He concludes with advice for leaders on humility and the importance of delivering on promises.

Key Takeaways

• Nik Nanos is a data scientist and founder of Nanos Research
• Nanos Research has been successfully tracking elections for over 20 years
• The company emphasizes quality at every step of the polling process
• Integrity and transparency are core values of Nanos Research
• Nanos treats client money as if it were his own, ensuring responsible decisions, and retaining the ability to say no to a bad idea
• The team at Nanos Research is vertically integrated, controlling all aspects of polling
• Nanos advises leaders to be humble and consistent in delivering quality

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter

Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this conversation, Tareq Hadhad shares his inspiring journey from Syria to Canada, detailing the challenges faced by his family as they fled war and rebuilt their lives through entrepreneurship.

He discusses the founding of Peace by Chocolate, emphasizing the importance of community support, the philosophy behind their brand, and the operational strategies that have led to their success.

Tareq highlights the significance of listening as a leader and the impact of their mission-driven approach on both their business and the community.

Key Takeaways

• Tareq Hadhad's family faced immense challenges as refugees from Syria
• Community support was crucial in establishing Peace by Chocolate
• The philosophy of peace is central to their brand identity
• Entrepreneurship provides freedom and a legacy for future generations
• Quality and ethical sourcing are priorities in their operations
• Success is measured by happiness and community impact, not just profits
• The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs
• Tareq emphasizes the importance of hiring smarter people to foster growth

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter

Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this conversation, Karina Lagarrigue shares her experiences and insights on global mobility, multiculturalism, and the challenges faced by expatriates, particularly mothers. 

She discusses her research on sensory processing sensitivity and its implications for families undergoing relocation.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of mobility, as well as the need for supportive environments to ensure successful adjustments for expatriates and their families.

Key Takeaways

• Karina identifies as a highly mobile, multicultural individual
• She moved 20 times before the age of 18, shaping her identity
• There is a growing community of expatriates due to increased global mobility
• Her research focuses on sensory processing sensitivity among expatriates
• 20-40% of expatriate assignments fail due to adaptability issues
• Mothers play a crucial role in the emotional dynamics of expatriate families
• Understanding the environment is key to supporting expatriates

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter

Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

 In this conversation, Andrea Linsky, the Director of Emissions Neutral Buildings at Alberta EcoTrust, discusses her background, the mission of Alberta EcoTrust, and the importance of emissions neutral buildings.

She highlights the Emissions Neutral Building Information Exchange (ENBIX) as a significant initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta's building sector.

Andrea shares insights on industry engagement, strategic planning, operational highlights, and the quantitative and qualitative results achieved through ENBIX.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, partnerships, and community engagement in driving sustainability efforts in Alberta.

Key Takeaways

• Andrea Linsky is the Director of Emissions Neutral Buildings at Alberta EcoTrust
• Alberta EcoTrust has been working for over 30 years to improve environmental sustainability
• The vision of Alberta EcoTrust is to create a thriving environment for people and nature
• Every building is unique and has its own story in terms of emissions reduction
• The Emissions Neutral Building Information Exchange (ENBIX) is a key initiative for Alberta EcoTrust
• Industry engagement is crucial for the success of ENBIX
• Operational tools are being developed to assist builders in reducing emissions
• Quantitative results include numerous training sessions and events held across Alberta
• Building strong partnerships is essential for achieving sustainability goals

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter

Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

 In this conversation, Janice Baskin, manager of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN), discusses her role in fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs and service providers in Edmonton's innovation ecosystem.

She highlights the importance of community engagement, the impact of strategic planning, and the operational activities that contribute to the growth and visibility of ERIN.

Janice emphasizes the need for unbiased collaboration and the removal of self-interest to achieve collective success in supporting startups and entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration among post-secondary institutions is a unique aspect of ERIN's approach
• Janice believes in community and giving back to foster success
• Visibility and accessibility are key metrics of success for ERIN
• Strategic planning involves engaging with the community and building relationships
• Operational activities include monthly events and community initiatives
• ERIN has seen significant growth in membership and grant distribution
• The organization focuses on unbiased collaboration without self-interest
• Community initiatives funded by ERIN have a positive impact on local startups
• Building trust takes time and is essential for long-term success

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter

Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/

In this conversation, Heather Fry, Director of Industry Training at Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), discusses the critical role of the transportation industry in combating human trafficking.

She shares insights on the realities of trafficking, the importance of education and awareness, and highlights success stories that demonstrate the impact of their training programs.

The conversation also delves into the strategies employed by TAT to engage transportation professionals, operational highlights, and the recognition of individuals making a difference in the fight against trafficking.

Key Takeaways

• Human trafficking is often misunderstood and it's often a homegrown problem
• Real-life success stories highlight the impact of training
• The transportation industry can be a valuable asset in combating human trafficking
• Bystander intervention can save lives
• TAT has trained over 2.3 million individuals since 2009
• Partnerships with companies like UPS enhance outreach efforts
• The Harriet Tubman Award recognizes significant contributions to the cause

Executive Wins - https://executivewins.com

Newsletter - https://executivewins.com/newsletter

Executive Wins Workshop - https://executivewins.com/workshops

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonsheppard/