CEO Global Network Podcast

What happens when the strategies that built a successful business are no longer enough to carry it forward?

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson sits down with Tim Chugh, President of EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center, to explore the power of continuous learning, adaptability, and stepping outside your comfort zone as a leader.

As the third-generation leader of a family business founded more than 30 years ago, Tim has spent over two decades helping EPIC evolve alongside the changing needs of engineers and technical professionals. From transitioning to virtual learning during the pandemic to developing AI education programs, Tim shares how listening to customers and challenging long-held assumptions have helped shape the company's future.

Tim also reflects on the value of surrounding yourself with leaders from different industries, why asking better questions is often more important than having all the answers, and how transparent communication builds trust when balancing immediate results with employee development.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Tim discusses his 5 AM routine, the discipline of tackling difficult things early, and the uncomfortable but necessary conversations involved in changing the direction of a family business.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why great leaders must remain students, regardless of their experience.
• How outside perspectives can challenge assumptions and uncover new opportunities.
• Why transparency matters when balancing business performance and employee growth.
• How daily routines can strengthen discipline, confidence, and decision-making.
• What it takes to challenge established business practices while honouring a company's legacy.
• Why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for long-term leadership growth.

With EPIC having supported more than 70,000 engineers and technical professionals worldwide, Tim brings practical insights into building a business that continues to evolve without losing sight of its original purpose.

Whether you're leading a family business, navigating industry disruption, or looking to become a more effective CEO, this conversation offers valuable lessons on curiosity, accountability, and the courage to embrace change.

Tune in to the CEO Global Network Podcast for an insightful conversation on what it takes to keep growing as a leader.

What does it take to build a high-performing company without sacrificing its people, culture, or long-term vision?

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson sits down with Michael Malfa, CEO and Co-Founder of Boardwalk Insurance, to explore the leadership principles behind building a scalable business, empowering high performers, and navigating an increasingly AI-driven world.

With nearly two decades of experience in commercial insurance, Michael shares how he and his business partner built Boardwalk Insurance around technology, strong company culture, and a commitment to developing great people. He explains why clear values, employee recognition, and removing unnecessary barriers are essential to helping teams perform at their best.

Michael also reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, from learning difficult leadership lessons through experience to overcoming burnout by prioritizing focus and strategic planning. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, he discusses why emotional intelligence, human connection, and the ability to develop future leaders will become even more valuable.

Throughout the conversation, John and Michael explore what separates good CEOs from great ones, why experience is often the best teacher, and how leaders can prepare their organizations for a future where people and AI work side by side.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or business leader looking to build a stronger organization, this conversation offers practical insights on leading with purpose, raising standards, and creating a culture that drives sustainable growth.

What does it take to build a company that can thrive without the founder having their hands on everything?

On this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Gary Pearson, Founder and Principal of Pearson Engineering Ltd., to unpack the leadership lessons Gary has learned over 25 years in civil engineering and 20 years of building his firm.

Gary shares why learning to trust his team was one of the biggest shifts in his leadership, how patience has shaped the way he handles difficult decisions, and why listening is critical when balancing the needs of employees, clients, and project stakeholders.

They also discuss building and retaining a high-performing team, developing future talent through co-op programs, knowing when to step back from a problem, and creating the management structure needed to scale.

It’s a practical conversation about moving from doing everything yourself to building a team you can truly trust.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with David Singer, President of Thomas, Large & Singer Inc., to discuss leadership, culture, growth, and the lessons he has learned from leading a multi-generational Canadian business.

David shares his journey from working with global consumer brands including Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Pepsi Bottling, and Acosta to joining his family’s business and eventually becoming the fourth generation to lead Thomas, Large & Singer. With more than a century of history behind the company, David discusses the responsibility of carrying a legacy forward while continuing to innovate and grow.

The conversation explores the transition from being a hands-on contributor to becoming a leader who empowers others, the importance of servant leadership, and why great organizations are built around strong cultures and exceptional people.

David also shares lessons from his experience leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, how leaders can stay curious in a rapidly changing world, the role of AI in improving business processes, and why creating an environment where people feel trusted, respected, and supported is critical for long-term success.

Whether you are a CEO, executive, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical insights on building teams, developing culture, and leading organizations through change.

What does it take to move from technical expert to effective business leader?

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Jamal Denny, Co-Founder and President of Kaco Systems, to explore the leadership lessons he has learned while building and growing a technology company.

Jamal shares why he believes leadership is often more practical than complicated, and how creating space to slow down, unpack problems, and find simple solutions can make teams more effective. He also explains his philosophy of “iron sharpens iron”—actively learning from peers, competitors, and other leaders to challenge your thinking and improve how you operate.

The conversation also explores how Kaco Systems is approaching AI as a way to remove mundane work and give employees more time for critical thinking and higher-value activities. Jamal discusses his own evolution from a hands-on technical leader to someone who increasingly creates value by listening, providing perspective, and giving his team room to find their own solutions.

John and Jamal also discuss failure, resilience, vulnerability, and one of Jamal’s biggest leadership lessons: the value of building and actively participating in a strong professional network.

It’s a practical conversation about becoming a better leader, learning from the people around you, and recognizing that leadership doesn’t require having all the answers.

What separates leaders who successfully scale a business from those who eventually become the bottleneck?

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Adam Gordon, President of Gordon’s Downsizing & Estate Services, to explore the leadership lessons Adam has learned across family business, military service, consulting, and rapid-growth entrepreneurship.

Adam shares what it was like helping scale MaxSold from a small-town auction business to an operation with more than 500 employees, why a simple mission and clear values become even more important during rapid growth, and how his military experience shaped the way he approaches difficult decisions.

They also discuss leading through uncertainty during COVID, modernizing a family business with roots dating back to 1958, building trust with customers during some of life’s hardest transitions, and why great leaders must eventually make parts of their own role redundant.

For CEOs and executives trying to build organizations that can grow beyond them, this conversation offers practical lessons on trust, delegation, culture, empathy, and leadership.

What does it take to lead people through constant change while building teams that thrive?

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Michelle Micuda, Group Leader & Mentor at CEO Global Network and former President of Staples Professional, to explore the leadership principles that have guided her through decades of executive leadership.

Michelle shares why leadership visibility matters more than ever, how to keep teams engaged during times of uncertainty, and why balancing change with stability is one of the most important responsibilities of today's leaders. She also reflects on her transition from leading large organizations to mentoring CEOs and the leadership belief she completely changed over the course of her career.

Whether you're leading a startup or a large enterprise, this conversation offers practical insights on building trust, empowering teams, and creating cultures where people can perform at their best.

What does it take to stay motivated after nearly 40 years with the same company?

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Michael Polo, President of Hall Telecommunications Supply Ltd., to discuss the leadership principles that have stood the test of time.

Michael shares why relationships - not products - have been Hall's greatest competitive advantage, how customer trust helped the company thrive through decades of technological change, and what shifted when he moved from Vice President to President. He also explains why future CEOs will need to become exceptional stewards who build teams that learn, adapt, and innovate faster than ever before.

If you're a CEO or business leader looking to build a company that lasts, this conversation is full of practical leadership wisdom you can apply immediately.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson sits down with Marcelo Tamaki, Co-Founder and CEO of Red X Carbon Inc. With more than 30 years of experience in technology, Marcelo shares practical insights on how CEOs can leverage technology to drive business success without chasing every new trend.

Marcelo discusses the importance of technology literacy for leaders, why change management is critical during digital transformation, and how organizations can approach AI adoption strategically. He also shares lessons learned from leading through high-pressure situations and explains why continuous learning and teaching are essential habits for long-term leadership success.

Whether you're leading a growing company, navigating digital transformation, or exploring AI opportunities, this conversation offers valuable advice for today's business leaders.

What does it take to build a high-growth company in an industry where execution, service, and trust matter every day?

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Matthew Crimi, President & CEO of Canada Welding Supply, to discuss the leadership lessons he's learned while growing one of Canada's leading welding and industrial supply companies.

Matt shares how his background in the skilled trades shaped his leadership style, why empowering people is essential for growth, and how leaders can balance technology and AI adoption without losing the human connection that customers value most. He also explains the importance of finding the right customers, building a strong culture, and learning to work on the business instead of in it.

Whether you're leading a trades business, scaling an e-commerce company, or building a high-performance team, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, growth, and long-term success.