The Leadership Standard

Our latest episode of The Leadership Standard podcast features a master communicator and facilitator, David Maclean. As a TEC Canada Chair, the winner of numerous regional, national, and international awards, and the man behind MacLean Group Marketing – which made Profit Magazine’s 2004 list of Canada’s fastest-growing companies – David Maclean has an abundance of impactful takeaways for every leader – no matter the industry.

Through David’s passionate description of wholeheartedness – which is a hallmark of his approach to leadership and life – listeners will discover a vulnerable and moving conversation with Gair Maxwell, TEC Canada speaker and branding expert.

For insights surrounding self-leadership, marketing, social responsibility, and how others can begin leading from the heart – while divulging the story about how he beat Alanis Morrissette to #1 on the album charts – tune in below.

Thomas Benjoe – President and CEO of FHQ Developments and TEC Canada member – joins Gair Maxwell for a raw conversation that uncovers the triumphs, struggles, disruptions, and future opportunities of the fastest-growing population in Canada – Indigenous people.

As Thomas and Gair unwrap the effects of institutionalized racism against Indigenous populations, listeners will gain insights about how FHQ Developments is leading positive change within the Canadian business landscape, and how business leaders across Canada can take the first step to formalize Indigenous Engagement objectives and goals.

Accompanied by selfless-leadership perspectives and an explanation about why he weighs every business decision against its future impact (to the extent of seven generations in the future), listeners will be hard-pressed to leave this episode of The Leadership Standard without moments of reflection, introspection, and the resources to begin making a difference.

The Leadership Standard – 013– Adam Hartung

As the CEO and Managing Partner of Spark Partners – an organization specializing in innovation-based business growth for technology companies, start-ups, and entrepreneurs – Adam Hartung boats over 30 years of experience in developing and implementing successful strategies that take advantage of emerging technologies and new business models.

Adam was named “Top Leadership Columnist” for Forbes.com, garnering more than 90 million readers for his columns which boldly predicted the success of industry changers like Netflix, Amazon.com, Apple, Facebook, and Tesla – as well as the unexpected negative impact these disruptors had on former giants who were unable (or unwilling) to adapt. In 2020, the Global Innovation Institute invited Adam to join GInI’s Board of Advisors. GInI is the world’s leading professional certification, accreditation, and membership association in the field of innovation with over 5,000 members and 2,500 certified professionals in 35 countries.

Throughout Adam’s eye-opening conversation with Gair Maxwell, TEC Canada speaker and branding expert, listeners will become equipped with Adam’s timely insights about how to deal with 2020’s market shifts and align your organization with post-COVID-19 trends to experience exponential growth.

As business leaders across the globe are forged in crisis due to the pandemic, pressing play on this gripping conversation between Adam Hartung and Gair Maxwell will bridge the gap between theory and practice – providing you with the insights and understanding to be at the forefront of your industry post-COVID-19.

Born into a family of entrepreneurs in Wroclaw, Poland, and raised in Winnipeg, Iggy Domagalski always knew that he wanted to run his own company. In his captivating conversation with Gair Maxwell, TEC Canada speaker and branding expert, Iggy reminisces about the days of launching a painting business, the trials and tribulations of starting an online marketing company in the early ’90s, and how his leadership journey eventually led to him becoming the CEO of Tundra Process Solutions – where he drove its transformation of a small instrumentation distributor to an innovative $140-million industrial equipment integrator.

In addition to being the CEO of Tundra Process Solutions – an organization that is continuously distinguished as one of Canada’s best employers – Iggy has been recognized among Oilweek’s Rising Stars, Alberta Oil’s New Energy Leaders, and Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40.

Throughout Iggy and Gair’s conversation, listeners will become equipped with the secret to Tundra’s exponential growth, award-winning reputation, and how to facilitate a culture that employees really want to work at. Hint: it doesn’t matter how many table tennis or foosball tables you have within your organization.

Francis Cholle – Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-selling author – uses deep human learning and cognitive science to help leaders and organizations solve complex problems and thrive in times of disruption. As an international speaker, he has presented at Davos World Economic Forum, on the TED stage, Wharton and Columbia Universities, just to name a few.

His latest book, SQUIRCLE A New Way to Think for a New World, offers a simple yet unconventional science-based model for business leaders to make decisions in today’s dynamic environment – and provides the framework for a captivating conversation with Gair Maxwell, branding expert, and podcast host. In addition to revealing the origins of SQUIRCLE, which began over 10 years ago while consulting with his international clients, Francis shares actionable insights to help business leaders conquer the unique problems of today and guide them away from the techniques of the past.

Before listening to this fascinating and timely episode of The Leadership Standard, we encourage you to take the SQUIRCLE test, which was designed to foster self-reflection and promote open discussion with others. Whether your preference is for a SQUARE or a CIRCLE approach, your result will add context to Francis Cholle’s insights and provide you with a deeper understanding to make better decisions – personally and professionally.

For complimentary access to the SQUIRCLE test, Canadian residents can text EZSQUIRCLE to 393939.

For Mark Sutcliffe, effective leadership and running a marathon are kindred subjects.

In addition to being a TEC Chair, Mark Sutcliffe is an award-winning broadcaster, columnist, author, blogger, podcaster, entrepreneur, volunteer, community activist, and Order of Ottawa member who has played a leadership role in several distinct fields throughout his 30-year career.

Throughout Marc’s insightful conversation with Gair Maxwell, TEC Canada speaker and branding expert, he depicts his leadership evolution and reveals the significance of “luck” in his personal and professional success – while drawing thought-provoking parallels between his experiences as a runner and a Canadian business leader.

Just as running a marathon starts with taking your first stride, realize and master your leadership potential by pressing play on this timely and gripping conversation between Mark Sutcliffe and Gair Maxwell.

“Birds of a feather flock together. We’re all in the same boat. Great minds think alike. While just figures of speech to some, they reflect a simple truth—it’s the company we keep that often determines the level of personal growth and professional success we achieve in life.” – Leo Bottary

Leo Bottary is the founder and managing partner of Peernovation, LLC. He is a sought-after thought leader on peer advantage, an emerging discipline dedicated to strategically engaging peers to realize their business and life goals.

Throughout Leo’s insightful conversation with Gair Maxwell, he details the introspective leadership journey that has guided him to become an expert about the power of peer groups and building higher-performing teams.

Passionate about creating beautiful jewelry, and empowering women in the process, Rachel Mielke‘s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in making a difference in the world – one sparkle at a time.

Since its creation in 2007, Rachel Mielke has grown grew her jewelry business — named Hillberg & Berk in homage to her great-grandmother, Hilda Bergman, and her dog, Berkeley — from a kitchen-table-operation to one of Canada’s most notable brands.

With a career that has included a showing at the Oscars, a pitch-turned-deal on Dragons’ Den, partnerships with Olympic athletes such as Tessa Virtue, and two designs commissioned for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Rachel Mielke’s interview with Gair Maxwell details a sparkling leadership journey that is sure to uplift and inspire.

There are two parts to every company: the mechanics and the soul. How does a leader achieve both in a  time of retail disruption?

Since joining Lee Valley Tools at the age of 22, Jason Tassé has embarked on an experience and inspiring journey of growth and leadership, recently becoming the COO of the celebrated Canadian business.

From detailing his definition of leadership to insightful reflections about management succession at Lee Valley – which was established in 1978 – Jason’s comprehensive discussion with Gair Maxwell provides an inspiring look at the mindset of a leader who was tasked with guiding the future of one Canada’s most iconic catalog companies.

What’s the secret to success? Carol Kitchen will tell you that it’s realizing there is no substitute for knowing your business. From humble beginnings on an Illinois farm to becoming the President and CEO of United Farmers of Alberta, and recently being named GROWMARK Vice President, Energy and Logistics – Carol’s 30 years of global, multi-channel success has been the result of embracing lifelong learning and a drive to knowing her industry better than anyone else.