What does it take to build a thriving workplace in today's ever-evolving business landscape? In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jav Saeidi, HR Director at CTM Biomedical, to uncover the answer.

Join us as we explore Jav's inspiring career journey, the pivotal role of HR in driving business strategy, and the art of building strong communities within organizations. From navigating generational differences to spotting trends reshaping workforce dynamics, Jav delivers invaluable insights—including when it’s time to bring HR into the mix. This is more than a conversation about work—it's a deep dive into what success looks like, both personally and professionally. Don’t miss this insightful episode!

"The earlier you bring HR in, the better." ~ Jav Saeidi

Takeaways

1. HR as a Strategic Partner: The role of HR has evolved beyond administration, becoming essential in shaping business strategy and driving better outcomes through people-focused initiatives.
2. The Power of Community and Culture: Building strong communities and fostering a positive workplace culture enhances engagement, satisfaction, and retention across all levels of an organization.
3. Adapting to a Changing Workforce: Emerging generations bring new expectations, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and aligning workplace values with personal aspirations.
4. Insights for Growth: Tools like HR metrics and exit interviews provide critical feedback for measuring success and identifying areas for improvement.
5. Personal and Professional Growth: Success is about striving to be the best version of oneself, often influenced by personal experiences, which shape perspectives on leadership and resilience.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, Robin and Al welcome Brendan Taylor, President of Mavericks VFX, a Toronto-based visual effects studio.

Brendan takes us through his unexpected leap into entrepreneurship and the creative mindset that has driven his success in the visual effects industry. He opens up about the bold risks and challenges of scaling a business, highlighting the critical role of strong processes and a supportive network. Brendan also redefines what success truly means, shifting the focus from traditional accolades to the impact of a positive workplace culture and the importance of building a team that feels valued and inspired.

"Take the information, leave the emotion." ~ Brendan Taylor

Takeaways:

1. Embrace Risk and Creativity: Taking risks and navigating the messy creative process are essential for growth and innovation in any business.
2. Resilience and Support: Success requires resilience, stepping out of comfort zones, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network.
3. Empowering Workplace Culture: A strong, nurturing culture is built through clear direction, employee feedback, and connecting staff to the larger purpose of their work.
4. Long-Term Vision and Legacy: Fostering innovation, tracking employee satisfaction, and aiming to be the best employer are key steps in building a lasting legacy in the industry.

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Hosts Robin and Al welcome Ryan Oliver, CEO of Ampere, for a thought-provoking conversation on breaking barriers in education. From empowering rural and Indigenous communities to redefining what’s possible, Ampere’s unique programs blend technology, art, and play to help people of all ages build vital STEAM skills. Ryan shares the innovative strategies behind their mission and the impact they’re making by unlocking new opportunities through creativity and hands-on learning.

The discussion also highlights the importance of adapting educational strategies to meet community needs, the collaborative nature of their work, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures.

"The very first thing you do whenever you're dealing with any underserved populations or equity-deserving groups is listen." ~ Ryan Oliver

Key Takeaways:

1. Inclusive, Community-Driven Education: STEAM education integrates arts into STEM, focusing on inclusivity and tailoring strategies based on community needs and feedback.
2. Collaboration and Listening: Successful educational initiatives rely on strong collaboration, active listening, and building good relationships with communities.
3. Growth Through Resilience: Embracing failure as part of the learning process is essential for growth and innovation in education.
4. Sustainable, Impactful Approach: Long-term success requires a forward-thinking mindset, community buy-in, and applying a business approach to nonprofit operations.

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In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al engage in a fascinating conversation with Subhi Alsayed, the visionary Founder and CEO of Kulture Rebellion—a company that merges science and craft to reinvent social drinks. Subhi shares his transformative journey from a corporate career in engineering and construction to creating a gut-friendly beverage, Brücha©, that leverages fermentation technology and redefines an industry. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of personal health, and how AI is integrated into their production processes.

"I was tired of being told that things can't be done differently." ~ Subhi Alsayed

Takeaways:

1. Path to Sustainability: Subhi’s journey from engineering and construction sparked his commitment to sustainability, leading to the founding of Kulture Rebellion.
2. Innovation in Healthier Alternatives: Kulture Rebellion uses fermentation technology to create healthier social drinks, emphasizing community and connection through food and drinks.
3. Entrepreneurial Resilience: Subhi highlights the challenges of entrepreneurship, where self-doubt and resilience play key roles, alongside trusting one’s instincts.
4. Personal Definition of Success: For Subhi, success is deeply personal, defined by fulfillment and family time.
5. Empowering Change: Subhi believes in the power of change at any stage in life and aims to make fermentation accessible for all.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership that goes beyond business as usual. Hosts Robin and Al sit down with Cerys Goodall, COO of Vetster, to explore her bold career journey across industries and her refreshing insights on success, bravery, and the art of building an intentional company culture. Cerys shares how taking risks, fostering empathy, and embedding values into everyday practices can transform both personal growth and organizational integrity.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of being curious and resilient in navigating career challenges, the necessity of intentional company culture, and how core values should guide business decisions. Cerys also highlights the future of telemedicine for pets and her commitment to community service and pay equity, advocating for early financial success for women in tech.

"Failure is just another step in your journey." ~ Cerys Goodall

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Bravery and Learning: Success comes from being brave, trying new things, and embracing failures as steps in growth.
2. Values-Driven Culture: Intentional culture-building and embedding core values into everyday practices strengthen integrity, especially during challenging times.
3. Empathy and Trust: Building empathy and mutual respect are foundational for understanding customer needs and fostering strong business relationships.
4. Inclusivity and Equity: Safe spaces, pay equity, and support for women in tech and underserved communities are vital for inclusivity and success.
5. Adaptability in Leadership: Versatility, curiosity, and resilience are essential in tech careers, helping leaders navigate dynamic environments like telemedicine and evolving workplace dynamics.

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Ready to rethink the future of work? Join hosts Robin and Al for a compelling conversation with Jodi Kovitz, author, founder (#movethedial), and CEO of HRPA, on the shifting landscape of HR leadership. From redefining empathetic leadership and securing a strategic seat at the table to tackling burnout and leveraging AI, this episode explores what it takes to build inclusive, thriving workplaces that drive success and national prosperity.

"Empathy is about humanity." ~ Jodi Kovitz

Takeaways:

• Evolving HR Leadership: Modern HR leaders must adapt to new challenges and actively shape business strategy, using AI to enhance, not replace, human work.
• Empathy and Communication: Empathetic leadership and clear communication are crucial for building trust, connection, and a supportive work environment.
• Employee Well-being and Flexibility: Preventing burnout requires proactive support and flexible work arrangements to maintain a healthy and engaged workforce.
• Inclusive and Engaging Cultures: Inclusive cultures drive employee engagement, retention, and foster a connected workplace.
• Development and Generational Understanding: Investing in employee development and understanding generational differences can significantly improve workplace dynamics and overall success.

Interested in attending the “More Than Human: Passion driven, People Focused” HRPA Summit 2024? Go to this link and use discount code ARIA25 for virtual attendance.

Details of the conference can be found here: HRPA Summit 2024

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In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al dive into a captivating conversation with AJ Tibando, a dynamic entrepreneur and forward-thinking innovator who’s transforming the people she works with and redefining success. They discuss the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, the importance of empathetic leadership, and the challenges of building connections in a hybrid work environment.

AJ shares insights from her career journey, emphasizing the significance of being seen and heard in the workplace, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The conversation highlights the importance of impact-driven initiatives and the role of mentorship in shaping future leaders.

"You can't always control if you're going to be successful, but you can't be afraid to try or you'll never find out." ~ AJ Tibando

Takeaways

1. Adaptability & Resilience: Embrace change and learn from failure to achieve success.

2. Empathetic Leadership: Leadership requires a human element; people want to feel valued.

3. Proactive Engagement: Encourage employees to take the initiative to be seen and heard.

4. Connection & Communication: Building strong in-person and remote relationships fosters open communication.

5. Customer & Impact Focus: Align with customer needs and pursue initiatives that drive meaningful impact.

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In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al engage in a deep conversation with Joseph Diubaldo, President of Clarity Recruitment. They explore Joe's journey in the competitive recruitment industry, the founding of his company, and the challenges he faced along the way. Joe shares his insights on success, the importance of clarity in decision-making, and the impact of technology in recruitment.

"Sometimes we abandon the right decision too early and we don't give it the time it needs to come into its own." ~ Joe Diubaldo

Key Takeaways:

1. Differentiation and Focus: In the hyper-competitive field of recruitment, standing out and staying focused are critical for building a successful business.

2. Technology and Media: Investing in the right technology and media is essential to thrive in the recruitment industry.

3. Commitment to a Non-Linear Path: The journey to success isn’t always straightforward, requiring both perseverance and commitment.

4. Clarity and Self-Management: Personal and professional growth comes from clear decision-making, self-regulation, and understanding the impact of our actions on others.

5. Talent and Legacy: Great talent compounds over time, offering a competitive advantage, while how we treat others shapes the legacy we leave behind.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al engage with Rob Drynan, a Certified Implementer at EOS Worldwide. They explore the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a management framework designed to help businesses run more efficiently. Rob discusses the ideal stage for implementing EOS, common challenges faced by clients, and the importance of structure and accountability in organizations. He shares success stories of businesses transformed through EOS and emphasizes the need for founders to let go and empower their teams. The conversation also touches on the long-term value of EOS and the emerging trend of employee ownership in Canada.

"They might be amazing people. They might be fantastic people, but if they can't deliver, they're holding the business back." ~ Rob Drynan

Takeaways:

• EOS is a management framework that helps entrepreneurial businesses overcome frustration and lack of structure.
• A clear vision and accountability are key to driving organizational success with EOS.
• Founders need to learn how to let go and empower their teams for greater effectiveness.
• Implementing EOS boosts collaboration, efficiency, and overall business value.
• Employee ownership and empowerment are emerging trends that can benefit future generations.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Today we’re joined by Alexis MacDonald, VP of People at Klue who is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams and driving business success through connection, empathy, and curiosity.

Hosts Robin and Al sit down with Alexis to discuss the evolving role of HR and people leadership in modern organizations. She shares insights on the culture of innovation at Klue, the importance of networking among HR leaders, and how the role of HR has transformed from a support function to a strategic partner in business. Alexis also emphasizes the importance of personal growth and mentorship in developing future leaders.

"Your people...tend to drive most of the revenue. So that's a pretty big engine that you need to support." ~ Alexis MacDonald

Takeaways:

• Clue's culture values action, experimentation, and a supportive environment that fosters innovation and growth.
• The role of HR has evolved into a strategic partnership with business leaders, focusing on metrics that drive success.
• Networking and mentorship among HR leaders are crucial for sharing insights and developing future talent.
• COVID-19 broadened HR’s responsibilities, emphasizing the need for data analytics skills to navigate modern challenges.
• Maintaining personal and professional balance is key for leaders to thrive and lead effectively.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group