CEO Global Network Podcast

What does it take to rise from store manager to CEO and owner of a beloved Canadian brand? In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Pino Di Ioia, CEO of BeaverTails Pastry and Moozoo Creamery, to explore the values and lessons that have guided his remarkable journey since 1987.

From grit and perseverance to balancing nostalgia with innovation, Pino shares how he and his team continue to evolve a brand that Canadians love—while navigating challenges like COVID-19 and leading with joy and accountability. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a franchise operator, or a CEO, this episode is full of wisdom about resilience, culture, and the power of sticking to your core values.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson sits down with Glenn Sommerville, President of High Performance Leaders Inc. and CEO Group Leader and Mentor with CEO Global Network, whose career has spanned executive roles at Honeywell, Toyota, BlackBerry, and Amazon.

Glenn shares the biggest leadership lessons he learned while scaling Amazon, how his time at BlackBerry shaped his coaching approach, and why enabling others has been the foundation of his leadership philosophy from the very beginning.

From building sustainable high-performance teams to trusting instincts in both the boardroom and the backcountry, Glenn offers powerful lessons for leaders who want to achieve long-term impact.

Whether you’re a CEO, executive, or aspiring leader, you’ll walk away from this conversation with practical insights you can put into action immediately.

What does it look like when a restaurant group pushes beyond industry norms?

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, I sit down with Court Desautels, CEO of Neighbourhood Group of Companies, to talk about building a business that measures success beyond profit. Court shares how unconventional decisions - like providing fully paid health benefits, becoming a Certified B Corporation, and prioritizing sustainability - have transformed his company’s culture, strengthened community ties, and reduced turnover by nearly 45%.

We also dive into how Neighbourhood Group adapts to changing community needs, keeps teams motivated with purpose-driven work, and why stepping back as a leader can unlock greater growth for both people and business.

If you’re a leader looking to balance profit with purpose, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Jeremy D. Behar, Founder & CEO of Canadian Dental Services Corporation, to explore what it takes to lead with culture, empathy, and vision while scaling a business in a fast-changing industry.

Jeremy shares how he built an “A team” leadership circle, why dental care is no longer just about teeth and gums, and how CDS is redefining the connection between oral health and overall wellness. He also dives into the role of culture in sustaining growth, the fear that drives leaders to protect their purpose, and why developing future leaders is the key to long-term success.

If you’re a CEO, executive, or entrepreneur looking to balance growth with humanity, this conversation offers practical insights and bold perspectives.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson sits down with Grant Heggie, President & CEO of Melmart Distributors Inc., a third-generation Canadian flooring company with over 55 years of legacy.

Grant shares his insights from nearly 25 years leading Melmart, including how to keep a family-owned business competitive in a fast-changing market. From product innovation and global sourcing to culture and succession, Grant reflects on the power of staying close to the customer while constantly adapting.

They also explore what great leadership looks like in a legacy business, how to empower teams, and what Grant learned from his father. It’s a grounded and authentic conversation about resilience, change, and the long game in leadership.

Whether you’re leading a family business or navigating change in any organization, this episode is packed with insight and heart.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson sits down with Eric Phaneuf, President & CEO of Walter Capital Partners, to explore how private equity can go beyond capital and become a true operating partner to entrepreneurs. Eric shares key insights from his journey leading companies like Cascades and Mega Brands, scaling across sectors, and building a PE firm rooted in trust, operational excellence, and long-term partnership.

Eric discusses how Walter Capital blends capital deployment with deep operational support, the emotional intelligence required to lead through transitions, and the powerful impact of peer-to-peer CEO learning. He also opens up about one of his most meaningful deals in the funeral services space and what it taught him about leadership and value creation.

Whether you're a CEO navigating growth or a founder looking for the right investment partner, this episode offers practical wisdom from the front lines of leadership and private equity.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Nat Korol, Co-Founder of Hyphen Co., a B2B marketing strategist and advocate for sustainable growth. Nat shares how trail running informs her leadership, why joy must be protected amid entrepreneurial pressure, and what responsible marketing looks like in an increasingly digital world.

We explore the values that built Hyphen, the role of presence in leadership, and the powerful lesson Nat learned from losing a client due to a vacation conflict. She also reflects on her time teaching content strategy and the surprising lessons her students taught her in return.

If you’re a leader who believes in doing well by doing good, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Josie Erzetic, President and CEO of the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), to explore how leadership, data, and culture intersect in one of Ontario’s most vital sectors - electrical safety. Josie shares her journey from energy lawyer to CEO, how data-driven decisions are saving lives, and what it takes to lead innovation in a risk-averse industry. This is a masterclass in strategic foresight, stakeholder collaboration, and purpose-driven culture-building.

Whether you're a CEO, policymaker, or emerging leader in the energy space, this episode is packed with real-world lessons in leadership, governance, and bold transformation.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson speaks with Harry Blum, National Managing Partner of RSM Canada, about what it takes to build and lead one of the most distinctive advisory firms in the country - and beyond.

Harry shares the leadership philosophy that earned him the Global Leadership Award at the RSM Latin America Conference, the lessons he’s learned scaling from one office to a global platform, and why culture isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a system.

From empowering people through trust to building solutions across borders, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and real-world inspiration for CEOs, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders alike.

In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Stephen Kropf, President of Dundee Recycling, to explore the leadership lessons forged in one of the grittiest and most overlooked industries: scrap metal recycling. Stephen opens up about the challenges and rewards of running a family-owned business, keeping customer service top-tier in a high-volume operation, and how Dundee’s deep commitment to community involvement strengthens both culture and employee engagement. From radiation-triggering truck drivers to empowering team members with purpose, this episode is a candid look at what it means to lead with heart, hustle, and humility.