CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK Uddin. In today’s episode, we explore how Voice AI is reshaping the future of entrepreneurship by removing complexity and making AI accessible through natural conversation.

Our guest is Vikram Shekhawat, Founder and CEO of ModalX, a serial entrepreneur with two exits and a track record of scaling Pariksha to three million dollars ARR. He is now building a voice-first AI...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how growth marketing, data intelligence, and AI-powered automation are helping small businesses transform complex information into clear, actionable strategies.

Joining us is Daniel Marques, Founder and CEO of Weggo Solutions, a Brazilian entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in Information Technology and Business Intelligen...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Today we explore AI governance, ethics, and accountability, and why responsible technology is essential as AI becomes deeply embedded in Canadian society and business.

Our guests are Max Brault and Ryan Carrier of ForHumanity Canada. Max is a national leader in accessibility and disability advocacy, while Ryan, a former finance executive, pioneered the concept...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK Uddin. In this episode, we explore how integrated advisory brings clarity to wealth management by aligning every professional around one coordinated strategy.

Our guest is Sophie Blais, President and CCO of The WealthCo Group of Companies. A CFP and Kolbe Certified Consultant, Sophie shares how WealthCo’s integrated approach and technology driven collaboration help busi...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK Uddin. In this episode, we explore what it really takes for founders and CEOs to scale successfully by turning strategic complexity into consistent, profitable execution.

Our guest is Larry Trenwith, Executive Coach and Growth Advisor at Trenstar Management Ltd. With 25 years of experience, multiple Series A financings, an IPO, and exits under his belt, Larry shares a p...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore the real engine behind digital transformation: people, culture, and the power of strategic storytelling.

Joining us is Sabahat Naureen, Founder and Chief Transformation Advisor at Audacious Strategy, a boutique consultancy helping energy and construction companies accelerate change. With a background in engineering, a global Executi...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK Uddin. Today we uncover how small businesses can scale smarter with the right digital strategy, strong SEO foundations, and content designed to convert rather than just attract attention.

Our guest is Smriti Middha, Founder of Care Digital. With experience across three continents, she helps businesses grow their online presence by integrating digital strategy, technical...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK Uddin. In this episode, we explore how Intelligent Mobility is redefining transportation by using data, AI, and connectivity to make streets safer, traffic flow smoother, and communities more resilient.

Our guest is Kurtis McBride, Founder and CEO of Miovision and an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ontario Winner. Since 2005, he has led the development of technologies that ...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore the mindset, strategy, and storytelling required for fintech founders to build traction and win in competitive markets.

Our guest is Amogh Oak, Founder of Clueless Monk Technologies, an immigrant entrepreneur who blends finance, storytelling, and practical go to market execution to help fintech and financial services companies conve...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK Uddin. In this episode, we explore how AI is reshaping public relations and communications, helping organizations build trust, measure real impact, and operate with greater efficiency.

Our guest is Ally MacLellan, Head of AI Innovation and Technology at Proof Strategies. Ally designs custom GPTs, trains teams to use AI responsibly, and helps organizations adopt practica...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how SMBs can cut through data chaos and use Business Intelligence to make clearer, faster, and more confident decisions.

Our guest is Damien Van Steenberge, Founder of Codex Consulting, who brings over twenty years of BI experience supporting major organizations like Desjardins and CN. He now helps SMBs modernize their data practice...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how Canadian entrepreneurs can navigate the digital frontier with clarity by embracing e commerce strategy, AI adoption, and data driven decision making.

Our guest is David Nagy, Founder and President of eCommerce Canada and Fractional CIO for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association. With experience helping more than fo...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how commercial equipment financing and workforce development work together to help businesses fuel growth, boost productivity, and stay competitive.

Our guest is Siraaj Grewal, Team Lead of Construction Finance at Mitsubishi HC Capital Canada. He supports construction companies in optimizing cash flow, investing strategically, and b...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how AI and empathy can transform the hiring experience by solving one of today’s biggest recruitment challenges: candidate ghosting.

Our guest is Devon Archer, Co Founder and CEO of JobGhost. A serial entrepreneur and advocate for neurodiversity, Devon brings a deeply human perspective to recruitment, building tools that restore tra...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore gender equity in Canada’s food and hospitality sector and how national brands can use their influence to champion women entrepreneurs.

Our guest is Melanie Fatouros Richardson, Vice President of Communications and Government Relations at Skip. Since 2019, she has helped transform the organization from a Prairie startup into a nation...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK Uddin. In this episode, we explore how strong advocacy, workforce development, and industry wide collaboration are shaping the future of Canada’s building materials sector.

Our guest is Liz Kovach, President of Supply Build Canada, a national association representing over fourteen hundred businesses. Through the pillars of attract, connect, educate, and advocate, Liz is...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by SK Uddin. In this episode, we explore the evolving world of venture capital and how investing in overlooked founders can unlock powerful innovation and economic opportunity.

Our guest is Mana Hosseini, Co founder and Managing Partner at Apex Innovative Investments Ventures, a thirty five million dollar VC fund backing early stage AI, FinTech, and Cleantech startups. Mana s...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how purpose, sustainability, and strategy come together to help companies deliver good business done better.

Our guest is Blair French, Chief Growth Officer at LMNO, a B Corp-certified creative and marketing consultancy. With over fifteen years in branding and strategy, Blair shares how purpose-aligned decision-making strengthens im...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how strategic planning, clarity of vision, and organizational alignment help leaders turn ambitious goals into real progress.

Our guest is Chris Ward, MBA, CMC, President of Strategic Directions. With experience across retail, manufacturing, consulting, and over 250 corporate retreats facilitated, Chris shares practical insights on ...