CanadianSME Small Business Podcast
Welcome to the CanadianSME podcast, a podcast for Canadian Small Businesses. In our podcasts, we interview Canadian experts and entrepreneurs to give small business owners access to expert knowledge that helps them grow their enterprises. Our mission is to empower Canadian small and medium enterprises and help them reach a bigger audience through our platform. Calling upon some of the most successful subject matter experts in the industry, the small business podcasts aim at identifying issues and finding solutions, all this while helping the business owners.
10
Beyond the Checklist: Why Your Cybersecurity Strategy is Failing
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore why cybersecurity is no longer just about buying the latest software. In 2026, real protection comes from aligning people, processes, and technology to build true cyber resilience.</p> <p>Joining us is Brandon Krieger, President and CEO of KNSS Consulting Group. With more than 20 years of cybersecurity experience, Brandon works as a Fractional vCISO helping organizations turn security into a business enabler while guiding leaders through the realities of ransomware and risk management.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> The Silver Bullet Myth: Why most breaches occur...
Scaling to 400+: The Blueprint to Global Franchise Success
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how businesses scale from a single location into global franchise systems. In 2026, sustainable growth depends on building repeatable systems that protect brand quality while expanding across markets.</p> <p>Joining us is Arif Abdulla, VP of Franchise Development at Nurse Next Door. Over nearly two decades, Arif has helped grow the company from one location to more than 400 across North America, the UK, and Australia by focusing on strong partnerships and long term franchise success.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> Scaling Beyond One Market: The...
Is Your Container Strategy an Audit Failure Waiting to Happen?
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore the growing gap between rapid container adoption and the maturity of security practices. In 2026, businesses are realizing that modern development speed can easily outpace compliance and risk management.</p> <p>Joining us is Bob Shaker, Chief Product and Technology Officer at ActiveState. With more than 30 years in cybersecurity leadership at organizations like Symantec, Malwarebytes, and Trellix, Bob now focuses on strengthening security postures through trusted open source ecosystems.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> ActiveState’s Evolution: How the company has transformed to support modern software se...
Why Spreadsheets are Killing Your Supply Chain
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how data science and AI are transforming supply chains into predictive, high-performance systems.</p> <p>Joining us is Jasneet Kohli, Co Founder of TrueGradient. With experience from Amazon and Walmart, Jasneet shares how advanced modeling is helping modern brands make smarter, faster decisions.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> The Origin of TrueGradient: Jasneet shares what inspired building AI driven tools for mid market supply chains. The Limits of Spreadsheets: Jasneet explains why traditional tools fail in today’s complex supply environments. AI as a Multiplier: Ja...
AI is Steroids for Experts: Are You Using it to Scale or Just Stagnate?
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore why successful AI adoption starts with solving the right business problems, not chasing the latest tools.</p> <p>Joining us is Chris Dore, CEO of ScarlettNova Corp. and Founder of Rogue Ventures. With a global background and deep expertise in applied AI, Chris shares a grounded approach to building real impact through technology.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> Problem First AI Strategy: Chris explains why AI fails without clear business problems and strong expertise. Venture Studio Model: Chris shares how Rogue Ventures differs from traditional...
Building Trust: The AI Ethics Blueprint for SMEs
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore why AI adoption without governance can create more risk than value, and how businesses can build trust while scaling innovation.</p> <p>Joining us is Natalka Haras, Senior Counsel and Executive Legal Advisor at ADP Canada. With over 15 years of experience in technology and employment law, Natalka helps organizations align AI strategy with ethical and legal frameworks.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> The AI Policy Gap: Natalka explains why many organizations struggle to turn ethical intent into actual policy.<br> Risks Without Governance: Natalka highlights t...
Raise Millions: The (Sort-Of) Secret Guide to Fundraising from a VC
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore what it takes to build and scale a technology company in the age of AI, where execution, narrative, and timing define success.</p> <p>Joining us is Jonah Midanik, Managing Partner at Forum Ventures. With two decades of experience as both an operator and investor, Jonah now works closely with early stage founders to help them move from idea to scalable business.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> Entrepreneurial Mood in Canada: Jonah shares how founders are adapting and where Canadian startups are gaining an edge.<...
AI in Practice: Turning 30 Minutes of Work into 3
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how businesses can bridge legacy operations with modern AI driven systems to eliminate inefficiencies and unlock growth.</p> <p>Joining us is Pablo Rodriguez, President of Dye and Durham Canada. With deep expertise in scaling technology across regulated industries, Pablo shares how firms can streamline workflows and build confidence through smarter systems.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> The Workflow Audit: Pablo explains how businesses can identify operational gaps and what high performing firms do differently.<br> Choosing the Right Partner: Pablo shares the key indicators t...
Is Your SME Defence-Ready? Breaking Into Canada’s Security Sector
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today, we explore how cybersecurity is no longer just a technical function but a core business strategy shaping growth, trust, and resilience.</p> <p>Joining us is Judith Borts, Senior Director at Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University. With deep experience in public policy and cybersecurity leadership, Judith brings a unique perspective on bridging innovation with national security priorities.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> Entering the Defence Ecosystem: Judith explains how SMEs can position themselves as trusted partners in defence innovation.<br> Secure AI Adoption: Judith shares h...
Checkmate for Legacy Payroll: How Nmbr and Collage are Killing the Admin Burden
<p>Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how payroll, HR, and benefits systems are being modernized through embedded technology. In 2026, businesses can no longer afford disconnected tools that consume time and create operational inefficiencies.</p> <p>Joining us are Simon Bourgeois, Founder and CEO of Nmbr, and Mark Bluvshtein, CEO of Collage. Together they are building a unified people operations experience that connects payroll, HR, and benefits to help Canadian businesses streamline operations and scale more efficiently.</p> <p>Key Highlights</p> Legacy Payroll Challenges: Why traditional payroll platforms struggle to keep...
