The Navigating Disruption Podcast

In this episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, Shakeel welcomes Jason MacDonnell, Acting CEO and President of TELUS Digital Customer Experience. The two reminisce about their time together in business school and explore Jason’s journey from navigating the tech bubble burst to leading a digital transformation at one of Canada’s largest companies. Jason shares insights on balancing the entrepreneurial mindset within a large organization, the impact of sailing on his leadership style, and the importance of diversity and authenticity in driving innovation. Discover how teaching, mentorship, and goal setting have become pillars of his leadership approach.

In this episode, Shakeel Bharmal sits down with Mohamed (Mo) Jessa, President Emeritus and Corporate Director of Earls, an iconic Canadian restaurant brand. With a career spanning 35 years, Mo shares his journey from an entry-level kitchen position to leading the company's expansion across Canada and into the US. They discuss his early years as an immigrant teen navigating life in rural Alberta, his pivot from a planned career in medicine, and how his passion for learning and teaching shaped his leadership style. Mo's story offers valuable insights into the restaurant industry, his lasting influence on the careers of his staff, and the memorable customer experiences of millions.

In this insightful episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, host Shakeel reconnects with his junior high school classmate, Stephanie Bolster. Stephanie is an acclaimed Canadian poet, professor, and winner of the Governor General’s Award for Poetry. Together, they explore how the arts can help leaders strengthen self-awareness and creativity and build character. They compare notes on the similarities and differences of providing candid feedback as a leader and as a creative writing teacher. Listen in as they reminisce about their school days and dive deep into the complexities of turning a passion into a profession, journaling, and navigating the world’s challenges as a leader.

In this episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, Shakeel is joined by his childhood friend Riaz Bandali, president of Nordion. They reminisce about how their shared adolescent experiences have shaped them as they delve into their leadership experiences in times of uncertainty.

Riaz delves into the profound lessons he has learned throughout his journey, the role of lifelong learning in Riaz's personal and professional development and what continuous learning looks like for Riaz and why it's crucial for leaders.

Through their candid discussion, they uncover the power of friendship, resilience, and the never-ending pursuit of knowledge in shaping successful leaders. Join them as they navigate through memories, experiences, and insights in this thought-provoking episode.

Don't miss this episode filled with wisdom, personal stories, and actionable takeaways.

In this episode of the Navigating Disruption Podcast, we sit down with Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of The Ivey Academy, to explore the essentials of building stronger leadership capacity. Bryan shares his experiences at The Ivey Academy, the importance of lifelong learning, and how embracing discomfort and curiosity can enhance leadership skills. We also delve into his perspectives on AI's role in leadership, the importance of becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, and what’s next for The Ivey Academy.

Show Notes:
Season 2 Episode 12 of The Navigating Disruption Podcasts: Hercules Meets Buddha with Professor Martha Maznevski

Join us as we delve into the early memories and foundational experiences that shaped one of the supply chain industry's foremost leaders, Frank Bozzo, Vice President and General Manager of CHEP Canada and Pallecon North America. What impact did afternoons with his grandparents have on his leadership style? How do these personal experiences translate into professional excellence?    I first met Frank during an executive development program at The Ivey Academy. In this eagerly awaited episode—our first in two years—I reconnect with Frank to explore his leadership evolution and his relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth. Listen in and gain invaluable insights as Frank shares the intimate stories and significant moments that define his journey and continue to drive his success in an ever-evolving industry. 

Exciting news! The Navigating Disruption Podcast is officially back after 2 years off. In this trailer, I reflect on the transformative events of the past two years—both personally and globally. The conversations have been deeply missed, and I am grateful to everyone who encouraged my return.

Mark your calendar! The first new episode drops on Wednesday, June 5th. Join us as we dive back into exploring leadership and learning in our ever-changing world.

I have long held a belief in the power of a coaching approach to sales and customer relationship management. I think there is potential to expand coaching in business into customer relationships. In this episode I speak to Robert Gray, Certified Leadership Coach with Essential Impact, one my instructors during my coaching certification. He provides a perspective on what coaching is and how it benefits people in achieving what they want for themselves. Rob shares my view about the applicability of coaching to customer relationship management and in this episode we compare notes and see what he has to say about it.

In this episode I chat with Amy Ballon, a seasoned business coach and strategic advisor. Amy and I were seat mates in our first corporate job 22 years ago as newly minted MBAs. We were both grateful and eager but then the world changed, and that disruption set Amy on a very different path as an entrepreneur and co-author of the book Mom Inc.: how to raise your family and your business without losing your mind or your shirt. Today she works as an entrepreneur coach with the Business Development Bank of Canada and is the co-founder of Spark Consulting. She is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs as they navigate their own journeys. Listen as we catch up for the first time in 20 years and trade lessons learned in our careers.

Alyssa Barry reminds us that it is possible to pursue a drive for helping others with a career in business. We met 9 years ago united by our passion for making the world a better place and improving quality of life for all. I had a feeling then we were deeply connected and this conversation confirms it.

Alyssa, principal and co-founder of irlabs, has created a firm to help organizations unlock hidden value. She has had an extensive career in strategy, investor relations, and communications. You would typically not associate these areas with the career of a self-declared activist but that is indeed where this activist inside found her calling.

Listen carefully to hear some lessons that we can all leverage to make an impact on people regardless of the profession we pursue.