The Leadership Standard

By TEC CanadaBusiness

The Leadership Standard episodes

December 07, 2023 Mastering the Language of Leadership with Simon Lancaster
Join host Jamie Mason Cohen on an insightful episode of TEC Canada's The Leadership Standard podcast as he engages with distinguished speechwriter Simon Lancaster to uncover the secrets of effective leadership communication. In this thought-provoking conversation, Cohen and Lancaster delve into the historical foundations of communication, exploring the enduring relevance of Aristotle's ethos, logos, and pathos. They shed light on the importance of understanding and connecting with your audience, with Lancaster advocating for a deep dive into demographics, motivations, and concerns.
As the discussion unfolds, Lancaster emphasizes the power of emotions over logic in influencing listeners. He champions the "less is more" principle in speechwriting, highlighting the impact of concise and impactful messages. Drawing from his own preferences and experiences, Lancaster reveals his admiration for impactful rhyming statements and his commitment to physical health, which he believes contributes to effective communication.
Moving forward, the conversation takes a deeper dive into the significance of positive visualization and crafting clear and compelling metaphorical narratives for impactful speeches. Lancaster shares insights from neuroscience findings, highlighting the power of metaphor and storytelling in capturing the attention and engaging the minds of the audience.
In the context of the digital age, Lancaster emphasizes the changing landscape of speechwriting and the need to adapt to new platforms and mediums. He encourages listeners to embrace technology while staying true to the timeless principles of effective communication.
To provide practical strategies for speechwriting, Lancaster introduces a six-step technique rooted in ancient rhetorical principles. He breaks down each step, offering valuable insights and examples to help aspiring speechwriters craft powerful and persuasive messages.
Throughout the episode, Lancaster's expertise shines as he demonstrates the importance of vision for a company. He shares anecdotes and real-life examples that illustrate how a compelling vision can inspire and motivate both employees and stakeholders.
This captivating episode of TEC Canada's The Leadership Standard podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their leadership communication skills. Tune in to unlock the art of effective leadership communication and gain valuable insights from the expertise of Simon Lancaster.

45 min
November 21, 2023 Understanding Human Behaviour and the Power of Regret with Daniel Pink
Welcome to a no-nonsense exploration of leadership essentials on this episode of The Leadership Standard Podcast. Host, Jamie Mason Cohen, dives into the intricate world of leadership, human behaviour, and the often-overlooked power of regret with the brilliant mind, Daniel Pink. In this candid conversation, Daniel Pink, celebrated #1 New York Times bestselling author and speaker, pulls back the curtain on leadership dynamics, offering practical insights that cut through the noise.

Throughout Daniel Pink and Jason Mason Cohen's discussion, this episode challenges conventional thinking and invites you to consider leadership in a new light, exploring how to harness the power of regret as a catalyst for positive change and growth. It's a captivating conversation that promises to inspire and equip you for leadership success. No fluff—just a straightforward exploration that has the power to reshape the way you approach leadership and navigate the intricacies of human dynamics.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:06] Sales Evolution
In this segment, podcast host Jamie Mason Cohen talks with bestselling author Daniel Pink about the changing landscape of sales. They discuss the shift from solving to finding problems in the era of information parity and the importance of developing the skill of problem-finding.
[00:01:58] Problem-Finding Techniques
Our guest explores the art of problem-finding in a world of information parity. He discusses tactics like the "five whys" method and engaging in conversations to uncover business problems that may be overlooked.
[00:05:41] Employee Motivation
The conversation shifts to Daniel Pink's book "Drive," which focuses on motivation. The author emphasizes that motivation is self-driven and discusses the ABCs of motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—as well as creating an environment that fosters intrinsic motivation.
[00:06:42] Motivation Design Principles
Daniel Pink outlines essential design principles for motivation, highlighting fair compensation as a baseline. He explores autonomy, mastery, and purpose as critical elements in creating an environment where individuals can motivate themselves.
[00:08:40] The Power of Regret
Discussing Pink's latest work, "The Power of Regret," the conversation centers on reframing societal attitudes toward regret. Pink provides insights from his research, challenging the myth of "no regrets" and exploring the transformative nature of acknowledging and learning from regrets.
[00:08:55] Challenging the Myth of No Regrets
Daniel Pink challenges the notion of living without regrets, drawing on scientific research to emphasize that regrets are a universal aspect of the human experience. This challenges the cultural narrative encouraging constant positivity.
[00:10:58] Regret as a Transformative Emotion
The author explores the transformative potential of regret when approached correctly, arguing that it can be a powerful tool for personal development. Confronting and analyzing regrets can lead to valuable lessons and personal growth.
[00:19:31] Learning from Regrets and Moving Forward
Discussing the tendency to overestimate risks, leading to missed opportunities and regrets, the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author emphasizes learning from regrets and adjusting risk assessments. This allows for more informed and courageous choices, promoting personal growth.
[00:22:41] Normalizing Emotions and Giving Permission
Daniel Pink emphasizes normalizing the emotion of regret. Instead of suppressing or dwelling on regrets, individuals should give themselves permission to reflect, extract lessons, and formulate plans for future actions.
31 min
October 06, 2023Raising the Bar: Championing Change in Education with James Whitehouse
Join host Jamie Mason Cohen in an inspiring conversation with James Whitehouse, Head of Elmwood School and TEC Canada member. By tuning in to this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, you’ll discover the secrets to raising the bar in education and leadership, exploring innovative strategies that empower the next generation for unparalleled success post-graduation. James challenges the status quo, urging listeners to think beyond the ordinary, because education, he believes, should be nothing short of extraordinary.
The episode also explores the profound impact of female leadership and the need for strong male and female role models in our society. James passionately argues for inclusive education systems that offer equal opportunities to all children and underscores the importance of leaders treating others with kindness and respect. Don’t miss out on this enlightening discussion that will leave you rethinking the future of education and leadership. Tune in now to gain valuable insights that could shape the way we prepare the leaders of tomorrow.
Highlights:
00:00 – Jamie Mason Cohen dives into a conversation with James Whitehouse—uncovering how James’ unique journey led him to run an educational institution as a business and also the growth it has brought him as a leader.

00:05:00 James discusses the skills, attributes, and approaches that young girls, like his daughter and his students, will need for the future of work.

00:10:00 James stresses the importance of teaching conflict resolution and emotional coaching to both students and adults. He shares how Elmwood School—an independent day school for girls located in Ottawa, teaching girls from pre-kindergarten to grade 12—has implemented emotional coaching for teachers, emphasizing that conflict can lead to growth.

00:20:00 James emphasizes the vital role of students’ mental wellness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting socialization gaps and the need for community support. He credits his mentors—including his TEC Chair, Tim Redpath, and his late father— for teaching him valuable lessons, including taking things one step at a time, embracing simplicity for effective outcomes, and trusting gut feelings. These lessons, he emphasizes, are crucial for leadership in the business world, too.

00:25:00 James stresses the importance of trusting intuition by making mistakes and learning from failures. He advocates taking risks to develop informed gut instincts. Additionally, he highlights the significance of not tolerating poor behaviour, emphasizing that addressing it is vital for shaping a healthy environment in classrooms, workplaces, and other settings.

00:35:00 James reflects on the challenges of running education as a business. Initially hesitant, he embraced the business approach for delivering quality education. Becoming a TEC Canada member, he learned from business leaders, transitioning to a higher leadership perspective, focusing on team empowerment. Understanding business metrics and organizational aspects was vital for his growth. Despite leadership’s loneliness, he finds support as a TEC Canada member, valuing a space for advice.

00:50:00 James stresses female leadership’s impact, citing Angela Merkel and his mother as inspirations for their belief, forgiveness, and understanding of complexities. He advocates diverse role models for students, fostering varied perspectives. James wishes for inclusive, safe educational environments enabling self-development and world-changing opportunities for all children. He emphasizes the need for higher education standards, underscoring leaders’ role in setting examples with kindness and respect.

00:55:00 Jamie Mason Cohen admires Whitehouse’s leadership at Elmwood, hoping his daughter can receive a similar education. Whitehouse encourages hope for inclusive education systems. The episode concludes, emphasizing leaders are made, not born, and invites subscriptions for more insights from diverse fields.
57 min
August 15, 2023 Unveiling Speak-up Culture With Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky
Get ready to step into a world of transformation and inspiration with Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky—a visionary dedicated to shaping vibrant workplace cultures through the power of speaking up!
Hosted by Jamie Mason Cohen, this episode takes you on a riveting journey with Shed as he delves deep into the profound significance of fostering a Speak Up culture within organizations. Discover how this cultural shift holds the potential to revolutionize businesses, ignite innovation, and even save lives.
Shed's personal transformation unfolds as he shares a pivotal encounter with Simon Sinek—an event that ignited his passion for a cultural revolution. Dive into how this moment became the cornerstone of a decade-long voyage with Simon Sinek, Inc., where Shed played instrumental roles in sculpting workplaces that are genuinely inspiring and fulfilling.
As an exclusive bonus, listeners will gain a sneak peek into Shed's upcoming book, "Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up"—delving into the dynamic role of leaders in sparking change and cultivating an environment that empowers individuals to amplify their voices.
Tune in and be part of this engaging journey, discovering how you can take the first step toward revolutionary changes within your own workplace!
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1 hr 4 min
July 21, 2023 Bridging Executive Search, Talent Advisory, and Governance with Brenda LaRose
Join host Jamie Mason Cohen as he explores the world of executive search and leadership in a conversation with Brenda LaRose. Recognized as one of Canada’s most prominent specialists in Indigenous leadership and board diversity, Brenda brings 25+ years of experience across executive search, coaching, talent advisory, and governance.
In this episode, Jamie and Brenda discuss a diverse range of topics from Brenda's inspiring career and the impact of executive search on organizations and individuals. Brenda shares her experience merging her company with a global organization, lessons learned from Toastmasters, and her involvement with TEC Canada.
Tune in and gain inspiring insight into her journey of overcoming challenges and transforming crises into opportunities, and discover her inspiring vision for the future, where Indigenous business leaders thrive in Canadian society.
This conversation will invigorate and enlighten you, inspiring you to pursue excellence in your personal and professional endeavours. Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your leadership potential and capabilities—press play now!
57 min
May 30, 2023 Brewing Success: Jamie Schreder's Journey in Real Estate, Craft Beer, and Leadership
Brewing Success: Jamie Schreder's Journey in Real Estate, Craft Beer, and Leadership
In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, Gair Maxwell sits down with Jamie Schreder, President and Co-Owner of Royal Lepage Wolstencroft Realty and Co-Founder of Camp Beer Co. Jamie Schreder’s impressive career in both the real estate and craft beer industries highlights his unique blend of business expertise, leadership skills, and innovative thinking—and his ability to thrive in diverse fields is a testament to his adaptability and determination to succeed.
57 min
February 02, 2023 Holly Green on Leadership & Leveraging Brain Science
Get inspired and learn from the best in this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast! Host Gair Maxwell sits down with Holly Green, a renowned Behavioral Scientist, Keynote Speaker, and Consultant.
Holly has a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked with top leaders from various industries, including Navy SEALs, Top Gun Fighter Pilots, Olympic athletes, senior NFL referees, the FBI Leadership Academy, and even two United States Presidents.
As the expert in using brain science in the workplace, Holly is known as “The Brain Lady” by many and guides leaders and organizations to achieve greater success by leveraging the power of the brain. Listen in as Holly shares her real-life stories and provides valuable insights into what makes a great leader.
54 min
December 14, 2022 Zahra Al-Harazi on What it Takes to Lead with Purpose
In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell chats with Zahrah Al-Harazi—Co-founder of MySkillit.com, bestselling author of “What It Takes”, TEDx speaker, and international speaker.
A survivor of two civil wars, Al-Harazi immigrated to Canada with her three children in 1996. She had no higher education or connections and very little understanding of the business world, but her entrepreneurial spirit quickly led her to start her first company Foundry Communications, an internationally recognized Canadian creative powerhouse.
Zahra has been named one of Canada’s most powerful women among numerous other accolades including Top 40 Under 40 and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.
With a specialty in understanding the complexities required for building an intelligent, talented, multi-generational workforce, Zahra Al-Harazi draws on her experience as a refugee, immigrant, entrepreneur and community builder to lead organizations to success.
Tune into this unforgettable conversation below.
53 min
November 22, 2022Standing Up For Respect In Sport, School, and The Workplace
In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell chats with guests Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil of Respect Group Inc. On a mission to empower individuals to recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD), Respect Group offers best-in-class interactive, online training courses to inspire a global culture of respect. To date, over two million organizations have become Respect Group certified.
Throughout his eight-year NHL career, Sheldon Kennedy won a Memorial Cup and a World Junior Gold Medal. By courageously sharing his experience as a teenage victim of abuse, Sheldon has played an impactful role in bringing governments, public and private sector partners together to change policies and the way child abuse is handled.
Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the Rocky View School Division and volunteer President of the Sheldon Kennedy Foundation, Wayne McNeil has served as Chairman of the Alberta Gymnastics Federation and as founding Board member of the Calgary and Area Child Advocacy Centre for six years. Respect Group Inc is also B-Corp certified—read our chat with Wayne here.
Wayne McNeil and Sheldon Kennedy’s story, advocacy, and perseverance has changed the landscape of respectful places to work, play, and learn. Join us for this unforgettable conversation.
HEAR WAYNE & SHELDON’S INSIGHT ON:
[1:00] How Sheldon & Wayne crossed paths and decided to bring Respect Group to life

[5:34] The red flags leaders need to be on the lookout for to identify bullying, harassment, abuse, and discrimination

[16:09] How to intervene if you witness bullying, harassment, abuse, or discrimination in sport, school, or the workplace

[37:46] How younger generations tend to have a deep understanding of respect

[45:08] How Wayne & Sheldon define ‘leadership’

[48:29] Leadership mistakes Wayne & Sheldon have made
About The Leadership Standard Podcast
The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert, Gair Maxwell, 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.
1 hr 3 min
October 17, 2022The Proof Is in the Peanut Butter - Lessons From Jill Van Gyn, Founder/CEO FATSO
In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell chats with guest Jill Van Gyn about launching Fatso in 2016 in the back of a health food restaurant in Victoria, BC.
Before this, Jill had graduated in 2005 with a political science degree specializing in genocide studies. Grappling with drug and alcohol addictions, Jill entered recovery in 2010, and in 2015, she completed her Master’s degree in Human Security & Peace Building with a drive to do humanitarian work. Before Fatso hit the scene, Jill describes herself as hitting rock bottom, being in a spiritual, professional, and personal crisis, and being “painfully unemployed”.
Now, she has found purpose and passion with Fatso—the healthy peanut butter—and has been named BC Business Women of the Year 2021, one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Start-Ups in 2020, and has confidently walked away from a Dragon’s Den deal. Last year, this B Corp Certified company donated over $250,000 in products and funding to underserved communities, organizations, and funds, and gives back to the community in a myriad of ways.
Join us for an unforgettable conversation with someone who isn’t afraid to talk about the dark side of success and has astounding knowledge around and a passion for peanut butter.
HEAR JILL’S INSIGHT ON:
[8:54] Jill’s experience with the dark side of success

[12:30] What Jill wishes people would know beyond the headlines

[16:36] How experience with addiction made Jill a better leader

[19:27] Facts about peanut butter you may not know

[30:55] One of the things Jill is most proud of in her career

[39:26] Why Jill thinks starting a business is a great way to find out what your insecurities are

[45:06] Jill Van Gyn’s definition of leadership
ABOUT FATSO
Fatso peanut butter is boosted with plant-based super fats including organic coconut oil, MCT oil, chia seeds, and flax. They’re on a mission to provide more nutrition, benefits, and flavour, spoon-for-spoon, at a cost that is lower or competitive with high-priced specialty nut butters.
1 hr 3 min

About The Leadership Standard

From the publisher's feed

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.