The Leadership Standard

On Part One of this special edition of The Leadership Standard, recorded live at the TEC Canada National Member Conference in Calgary, Jamie Mason Cohen sits down with Canadian entrepreneurs, CEOs, TEC Chairs, and business leaders to explore what leadership looks like when strategies, technologies, and expectations keep changing.

Across industries ranging from healthcare technology and digital media to manufacturing, construction, and outdoor services, these leaders share how they’re navigating artificial intelligence, acquisitions, multigenerational ownership, expansion, talent, innovation, culture, and the human challenges that come with leading through change.

Andrée-Anne Chevalier discusses second-generation leadership, completing a first acquisition, and protecting a company’s purpose while transforming how it operates. Anthony Kowalczyk explores AI, critical thinking, strategic partnerships, and why leaders should question the incentives behind the digital platforms they rely on.

Steve Lendt, Sahiza Hossenbaccus, Brian Brennan, and John Richards dive into marketing, psychological safety, continuous improvement, expansion, and the value of building a business around people. Brian also shares why leadership coaching begins with curiosity rather than answers—and how asking the right questions can uncover potential that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Byron Veldjesgraaf shares lessons from multigenerational family business and giving the next generation room to lead differently, while Chris Burns explores innovation, environmental change, mentorship, trusting your team, and learning to respond rather than react.

Part One closes with Chris Hardwick and Alex Yakovyshenko discussing AI, loneliness at the top, succession, human connection, and the role communities like TEC play in giving leaders a place to challenge their thinking and speak openly with people who understand the responsibility of leadership.

Throughout these conversations, one idea keeps returning: leaders don’t need to have every answer. They need the curiosity to ask better questions, the willingness to listen, and the courage to stay open to what becomes possible.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction & The Human Work of Leadership
02:15 Andrée-Anne Chevalier — Second-Generation Leadership, Growth & Acquisition
08:10 Anthony Kowalczyk — AI, Critical Thinking & Strategic Growth
13:55 Steve Lendt, Sahiza Hossenbaccus, Brian Brennan & John Richards — Culture, Psychological Safety & Growth
23:10 Brian Brennan — Curiosity, Resilience & Unlocking Team Potential
31:05 Byron Veldjesgraaf — Family Business, Generational Change & Expansion
36:15 Chris Burns — Innovation, Mentorship & Responding Instead of Reacting
44:20 Chris Hardwick & Alex Yakovyshenko — AI, Loneliness, Succession & Human Connection

Learn more about TEC Canada:
https://bit.ly/3INwmxq

On this episode of Signature Leadership, Jamie Mason Cohen sits down with communication expert, bestselling author, and body language authority Mark Bowden to explore one of leadership's biggest questions: What happens to trust, influence, and human connection in a world increasingly shaped by AI?

Mark explains why the future of leadership depends less on technology itself and more on our ability to create authentic human experiences that AI cannot replicate. As artificial intelligence becomes more capable of mimicking our voices, faces, and personalities, genuine face-to-face connection may become our greatest competitive advantage.

The conversation explores AI, digital identity, authenticity, and what it truly means to be human in an increasingly digital world. Mark also shares how movement, presence, and emotion influence trust and credibility—often more than the words we say.

Jamie and Mark discuss why curiosity and experimentation are essential leadership traits, how AI can become a valuable thinking partner, and why the best leaders are often the first to explore new ideas before others recognize their value.

They also dive into storytelling, with Mark revealing a simple principle for connecting with any audience: stories become powerful the moment another person enters them because listeners immediately begin relating the story to their own lives.

If you're navigating rapid change, looking to communicate with greater influence, or wondering how to remain deeply human in an AI-driven world, this conversation offers practical insights that will reshape how you think about leadership.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction & The Future of Human Connection
01:45 Meet Mark Bowden
04:52 The Science of Trust, Presence & Communication
10:20 AI Avatars and the Question of Authenticity
16:02 Can Technology Capture the Human Spirit?
22:10 Why Real Human Experiences Will Become More Valuable
27:35 Communication, Credibility & Cognitive Bias
33:00 Experimentation, Curiosity & Leading Through Change
39:18 Using AI as a Thinking Partner
45:10 The Power of Storytelling and Human Connection
49:45 Leadership, Innovation & Taking Creative Risks
54:30 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Learn more about TEC Canada:
https://bit.ly/3INwmxq

Connect with Mark Bowden
Website: https://truthplane.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbowden1/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY392nFI08uc-qxUs5hDusQ

On this episode of Signature Leadership with Jamie Mason Cohen, negotiation expert and bestselling author Fotini Iconomopoulos delivers a practical and eye-opening conversation about communication, fear, and the hidden dynamics behind the conversations leaders struggle to have.

Known globally for her work in negotiation and persuasion, Fotini challenges the outdated belief that negotiation is about dominance, pressure, or winning at all costs. Instead, she reframes negotiation as something far more human: two people trying to find agreement while navigating emotion, trust, uncertainty, and perception.

Throughout the conversation, Fotini reveals why so many leaders avoid difficult conversations—not because they lack skill, but because they fear damaging relationships, looking incompetent, or losing control of the outcome. She explains how fear quietly shapes leadership behavior and why learning to reframe pressure as excitement can dramatically improve performance in high-stakes moments.

Jamie and Fotini also explore the growing role of AI in communication and why technology still struggles to understand the emotional nuance that defines real human interaction. While AI can help leaders prepare, it cannot fully detect hesitation, discomfort, tone, or the subtle signals that often determine whether a conversation succeeds or fails.

What makes this episode especially valuable is how actionable it becomes for leaders and business owners. Fotini shares practical frameworks for preparing for difficult conversations, using role play effectively, understanding what truly motivates the other party, and learning how to listen beyond words. The discussion moves beyond theory into the everyday realities leaders face with employees, clients, partners, and teams.

The episode also dives into one of the most overlooked leadership skills: listening. Not surface-level listening, but the ability to recognize pauses, emotional shifts, hesitation, and the meaning underneath what is being said. Fotini explains why many negotiations are won or lost not through clever persuasion, but through the ability to pay attention more deeply than everyone else in the room.

This conversation is not about manipulation or aggressive tactics. It is about becoming more aware, more prepared, and more emotionally intelligent in the moments that matter most.

If you are leading through uncertainty, avoiding a difficult conversation, managing complex relationships, or simply wanting to become a stronger communicator, this episode will change the way you think about negotiation—and leadership itself.

Connect with Fotini Iconomopoulos:

Website: https://fotiniicon.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fotiniiconomopoulos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotiniicon/

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

On this episode of The Leadership Standard, Bob Anderson delivers a profound and future-focused conversation about evolution, awareness, and what leadership must become in a world that no longer offers clear answers.

As the founder of The Leadership Circle and a pioneer in leadership development for over three decades, Bob has helped leaders uncover the hidden systems that drive how they think and lead. But this conversation goes far beyond frameworks and assessments. It explores the edge of leadership itself where logic alone is no longer enough.

Bob introduces a powerful shift: leadership is moving beyond reactive and even creative stages into what he calls “integral” or “unity-based” leadership. At this level, leadership is no longer just about executing a vision; it’s about becoming receptive to a future that is still unfolding. In a world shaped by accelerating complexity and disruption, the ability to “figure it out” is being replaced by the capacity to sense, listen, and respond to what is emerging.

The conversation also dives into the deeper inner work of leadership. Bob explores the relationship between growth and shadow, revealing that as leaders expand their awareness, they must also confront the parts of themselves they’ve avoided. True leadership development, he suggests, is not just about gaining new skills but about increasing the capacity to hold both clarity and uncertainty at the same time.

What makes this episode especially compelling is its intersection of science, intuition, and human potential. Drawing from quantum physics, timeless wisdom traditions, and decades of real-world experience, Bob makes the case that intuition is not a soft skill; it’s a critical leadership capability — especially in moments where data runs out and decisions still need to be made.

This episode is not about incremental improvement. It’s about transformation. It challenges leaders to rethink how they lead, how they decide, and how they prepare for a future that cannot be predicted, only created.

If you are navigating uncertainty, leading through change, or sensing that the old ways of thinking are no longer enough, this conversation will expand how you see leadership and what is now possible.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to The Leadership Standard
01:33 Meet Bob Anderson / The Mind Behind The Leadership Circle 360 Assessment
03:47 Bob Anderson's Personal Journey and Recent Transformation
04:58 Moving Beyond Reactive to Unity-Informed Leadership
06:42 The Power of Listening to the Unknown for Breakthroughs
08:03 Quantum Physics and Spiritual Traditions: A Meta Pattern
09:21 Accessing Higher Capacities: Intuition, Manifestation, and Geometry
12:04 The Vision of E=MC^2 and Physics as a Source of Insight
13:23 Integrating Physics and Spiritual Wisdom for Leadership Development
15:58 Stalking Longing and Following Intuition
16:17 Enhancing Leadership Intuition: Practices and Techniques
18:22 Developing Deeper Awareness and Accessing the Quantum Field
22:26 The Role of Heart, Head, and Gut in Intuitive Leadership
24:35 Leadership and Shadow: The Unseen Inner Work
28:14 The Unity Academy: Purpose and Benefits
30:53 Target Audience and Next Steps for the Unity Academy
32:36 Why Moving Beyond Reactive Leadership is Urgent
34:00 The Disruption of Complexity and AI in Leadership
35:58 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways

TEC Canada is where the brightest minds in leadership gather. Learn how membership supports growth-minded executives:
https://bit.ly/3INwmxq

Connect with Bob Anderson and explore the Unity Academy:
https://leadershipcircle.com/leadership-coach-certifications/unity-academy/

On this episode of The Leadership Standard, Ron Tite delivers a compelling and timely conversation about clarity, conviction, and what it really means to build a business that stands for something.

As the founder of Church + State Marketing Agency and Globe & Mail bestselling author of The Purpose of Purpose, Ron has advised some of the most recognized brands in the country. But this discussion is not about flashy campaigns or marketing trends. It’s about confronting the quiet confusion many leaders are experiencing — the pressure to do more, adopt more tools, gather more data — while feeling less certain than ever about direction.

Ron introduces a powerful idea: purpose is not a tagline, not a charitable initiative, and not something you write to look good. It is a core belief that drives what you sell and how you grow. When that belief is clear, decisions become easier, strategy becomes sharper, and growth becomes intentional rather than accidental. Without it, organizations drift into what he calls “the fog of more,” mistaking activity for progress.

The conversation also moves into the deeply human side of leadership. Ron speaks candidly about isolation at the top and throughout organizations, and how a clearly defined belief can become the thread that connects every role to something larger. When people understand not just what they do but why it matters, alignment replaces fragmentation and belonging replaces disengagement.

This episode is not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. It challenges leaders to define the belief that guides their organization and to ensure their actions reinforce it every single day.

If you are leading a business, building a team, or simply trying to cut through the noise and regain clarity, this conversation will challenge your thinking and leave you with a sharper sense of direction long after it ends.

Chapters:

01:37 – Ron Tite's Approach to Simplifying Business Complexity
02:57 – Ron Tite's Background and Expertise
03:52 – Defining Purpose as a Strategic Belief
04:52 – The Fog of More and the Need for Clarity
06:16 – Creating Effective Shortcuts in Business
07:05 – Using AI for Data and Insights
08:14 – What Is Purpose in The Purpose of Purpose
09:39 – Common Mistakes in Purpose Definition
10:35 – Purpose as a Strategic Path, Not Just a Statement
12:26 – Connecting Growth and Purpose
13:48 – Misconceptions About Purpose in Business
15:33 – Leading with Purpose as a Business Owner
18:43 – Addressing Isolation in Leadership
19:32 – The Power of Connection in Organizations
20:52 – Purpose as a Unifying Force Across Teams
21:47 – Generational Shifts in Purpose and Motivation
24:26 – Ron Tite's Personal Why and Curiosity
26:53 – Ron Tite's Memorable Mentorship Quote
30:03 – The Role of Mentors in Purpose and Growth
33:11 – The Value of Finding a Better Way
34:03 – Exploring AI Use Cases and Innovation
35:01 – Decentralized Collaboration and Accountability
39:55 – Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways

TEC Canada is where the brightest minds in leadership gather. Learn how membership supports growth-minded executives:
https://bit.ly/3INwmxq

Connect with Ron Tite:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/
Website: https://rontite.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite/

About The Leadership Standard
Hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development expert Jamie Mason Cohen, The Leadership Standard features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts across the business spectrum. Through actionable insights and honest stories of business triumphs and struggles, each episode explores both the life of business — and the business of life.

On this episode of The Leadership Standard, Leland Vittert shares a powerful story of resilience, mentorship, and becoming strong in a world that doesn’t always make room for difference.

Diagnosed with autism as a child, Leland was relentlessly bullied, underestimated, and told—explicitly—that he didn’t fit. What followed was not a neat success story, but years of difficulty shaped by an extraordinary decision from his father: to step away from his career and devote himself fully to preparing his son for a world that would not bend for him. That choice, grounded in love, discipline, and unyielding standards, changed the trajectory of Leland’s life.

Today, as one of America’s most respected journalists and news anchors, Leland offers a rare and deeply honest perspective on leadership forged through adversity. His reflections on earned self-esteem, emotional control, mentorship, loneliness, and standing up to bullies resonate far beyond his personal story—especially for CEOs and leaders navigating pressure, isolation, and high-stakes decision-making.

This conversation is not about labels or limitations. It’s about refusing to quit, choosing strength over resentment, and learning how presence, discipline, and empathy can shape not only a career, but a life. For anyone leading others—or simply trying to lead themselves through challenge—this episode offers clarity, perspective, and hope that stays with you long after the episode ends.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction: The Leadership Standard with L

00:02:05 Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism

00:07:20 Why Born Lucky Isn’t Just About Autism

00:08:37 “Everyone Thinks Your Son Is Weird” – A Defining School Moment

00:08:59 Why Born Lucky Is Bigger Than Autism

00:11:06 Autism Doesn’t Look the Way People Expect

00:11:29 A 70-Point IQ Gap and a Devastating Diagnosis

00:12:50 The Decision to Never Let a Diagnosis Define Him

00:13:59 A Universal Story of Parental Love and Hope

00:14:32 When His Father Quit His Career to Be Fully Present

00:15:16 Recounting the Art Teacher Incident as an Adult

00:16:03 The Emotional Toll on a Father Who Never Quit

00:17:31 “Self-Esteem Is Earned, Not Given”

00:20:18 “If You Quit, They Win” – A Life-Defining Lesson

00:23:01 The Fraternity Rejection That Became a Turning Point

00:24:46 Realizing Self-Change Was Necessary

00:26:14 Learning Empathy, Conversation, and Human Connection

00:28:23 Advice for CEOs Dealing With Quiet or Narcissistic Bullies

00:32:27 Loneliness at the Top of Leadership

00:33:22 Vulnerability, Marriage, and a Small Trusted Circle

00:34:09 “You’re Not Alone” – The Real Impact of Born Lucky

00:35:24 Using Loneliness as Fuel Instead of Weakness

00:36:51 Mentorship in the Age of AI

00:38:04 His Mother’s Quiet Strength Behind the Scenes

00:39:37 The Cost of Autism on Siblings and Family Loyalty

00:41:05 First Professional Mentor Who Took a Chance on Him

00:43:09 The Three A’s: Appreciate, A Moment, An Action

00:49:26 Outro: Reflection

TEC Canada is where the brightest minds in leadership gather. Learn how membership supports growth-minded executives: https://bit.ly/3INwmxq

Connect with Leland Vittert at linkedin.com/in/lelandvittert

Buy the book “Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism” on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Born-Lucky-Dedicated-Grateful-Journey/dp/140025468X

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

On this episode of the Leadership Standard, Jamie welcomes Dr. Preet Banerjee: neuroscientist, and one of Canada’s most compelling and respected voices on money and decision-making for a powerful, fast-moving conversation that every Canadian small-to-mid-size business leader needs to hear. Dr. Banerjee breaks down why 95% of AI projects fail, how employees are secretly using shadow AI tools to stay productive, and why scams are becoming more sophisticated than ever. He also reveals the behavioural traps that cause leaders to make poor financial decisions, shares vivid examples you’ll never forget, and offers clear strategies for navigating uncertainty, simplifying decisions, and planning proactively for 2026.

This podcast is powered by TEC Canada. Learn how we’re building ⁠⁠better leaders⁠.⁠

Follow Dr. Preet on Instagram

Visit Dr. Preet at his website

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP STANDARD PODCAST

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

On this episode of the Leadership Standard, Amanda Lindhout shares her profound journey of resilience and recovery. 

Amanda was kidnapped at gunpoint in Somalia and held hostage for 460 days. That experience, and the PTSD which followed, set into motion her healing, growth and transformation. Today, her fresh perspective on navigating challenges inspires audiences around the world to look for what is emerging from the ashes in times of personal and professional crisis.

An unparalleled voice on the topics of resilience, extraordinary mindset and transformation, she has delivered over 500 keynotes in 28 countries for some of the biggest companies in the world. Her insights serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for leaders facing challenges in their own lives.

This podcast is powered by TEC Canada. Learn how we’re building ⁠better leaders.⁠

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP STANDARD PODCAST

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.

Connect with Amanda Lindhout at https://amandalindhout.com/

Read her remarkably moving memoir: A House in the Sky: https://www.amazon.com/House-Sky-Memoir-Amanda-Lindhout-ebook/dp/B00A27XEMW

Connect with Jamie Mason Cohen at: https://jamiemasoncohen.com/

In this episode of The Leadership Standard, host Jamie Mason Cohen interviews Michele Romanow, renowned entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and Dragon on Dragons' Den. They discuss the importance of speed over perfection in business, the lessons learned from childhood, and the shift from perfectionism to execution. Michele shares her entrepreneurial journey, including her experiences with failure, the dynamics of investor-founder relationships, and how Clearco is transforming access to capital for entrepreneurs. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of entrepreneurship and its potential to drive societal change.

This podcast is powered by TEC Canada. Learn how we’re building ⁠better leaders.⁠

Follow Michele on ⁠Instagram⁠.

Check out ⁠Clearco.⁠

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP STANDARD PODCAST

The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and leadership development and resilience expert Jamie Mason Cohen, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions—and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push—every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.