Power Shifts

In this conversation, Joseph Lavoie, Andrew Percy, and Ginny Roth discuss the current state of the Conservative movement in Canada, focusing on Pierre Poilievre's leadership, polling dynamics, and the coalition of voters supporting him. They explore the challenges Poilievre faces, including the influence of Trump, the balance between cultural conservatism and economic policies, and the future of the Conservative Party. The discussion highlights the complexities of Canadian politics and the evolving landscape as the next election approaches.

Here's what they reveal about communicating with Canadians today.

Andrew Percy and Joseph Lavoie welcome Janice Gross Stein on to the show to analyze the recent imposition of tariffs by Trump on Canada and Mexico.

A week ago, we had a picture of what the future economic structure would be for AI in 2025. Today, that structure has been blown up. Here's my take on why it matters.

On this episode of Craft Politics, we dive into the latest political and economic developments with a focus on Donald Trump's impact. Join Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy as they discuss DeepSeek's rise in the AI sector and its implications for U.S. tech stocks, Trump's provocative stance on Greenland, and the looming threat of tariffs on Canadian imports. We also explore the broader geopolitical landscape, including the U.S.-China AI race and Canada's strategic responses. Special guest Nicki Neily, Founder and CEO of Parents Defending Education, shares insights on Trump's first week, trade policies, and the evolving political climate. Grab a beer and tune in for an engaging conversation on these pressing issues!

Joseph discusses the evolving landscape of influence in politics, emphasizing the role of influencers and the importance of empathy in communication. He outlines the shift from traditional media to influencers as key players in shaping public discourse and provides a framework for effective engagement with audiences.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:41 The Rise of Podcast Influencers

02:26 Empathy as a Key to Influence

12:02 The Empathy Framework

16:19 Practical Steps for Engagement

In the latest episode of Craft Politics, recorded a couple hours after Trump's inauguration, we try to make sense of his inauguration speech, over an Octopus Wants to Fight IPA from Great Lakes Brewing.

What happens when ego gets in the way of collaboration? In this episode, I recount a recent experience that challenged my assumptions about mentorship and leadership. You’ll hear how a late-night call reminded me of the value of humility, the courage it takes to ask for help, and why even the most experienced professionals should never stop being students.

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Craft Politics! Hosts Joseph Lavoie and Andrew Percy are here to bring you a blend of politics, business, and craft beer analysis. This week, they kick things off by diving into the big headlines: Justin Trudeau’s resignation and what it means for governance and business in Canada, plus the latest drama from Meta—shutting down its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program and switching gears on content moderation.

But the real highlight? A chat with their very first guest, Ian Robertson, a seasoned strategist and partner at Jefferson Hawthorne. Ian takes us behind the scenes of corporate boardrooms, where big decisions meet bigger egos, and helps us unpack why corporate America is cooling off on DEI initiatives. He shares how businesses can move from virtue signalling to strategic empathy, why understanding stakeholder values is key, and what happens when you don’t have a plan for those tricky political and social issues.

Of course, it’s not all serious—Joseph and Andrew wrap things up with a pint in hand, rating the beer of the week and promising plenty more insights and fun in the episodes to come.

A new year, a new name, and a (slightly) new concept.

Power is always in motion—between political actors, within societies, and across boardrooms. In Power Shifts, Joseph Lavoie explores the forces upending the status quo: the rise of populism, the demographic waves reshaping economies and politics, governments asserting new authority, and the technological revolutions redefining how we live and work. 

Drawing on over 20 years of experience advising G7 leaders, premiers, and executives, Lavoie reveals the patterns driving these shifts—and what it takes to stay ahead in a world where power never stands still.