What CEOs Talk About

Marc Billard is the Vice President of Contact Strategies & Performance at MetCredit, a Canadian debt collection agency. MetCredit helps organizations of all sizes collect business debts and turn accounts receivable into accounts received. 

In addition to his 28 years of experience in the financial services industry, Marc is a licensed commercial helicopter pilot and an avid fisherman.

In this episode…

If you’re a visionary CEO, you know how critical it is for your company to generate consistent cash flow. Dependable revenue ensures that a company can maintain its daily operations, pay suppliers and employees, and avoid losses. However, many businesses have experienced customers who do not pay their debts on time—or who refuse to pay at all. So, what should you do when this happens, and how can you effectively mitigate risks in the future? 

In many cases, it is advisable for CEOs to seek out the services of a debt collection agency. According to Marc Billard of MetCredit, a good agency will know how to reach out and effectively communicate with customers to ensure that the debts are paid. But, as Marc says, it is also up to the CEO to mitigate future risks by encouraging feedback, creating payment plans, and forming strong relationships with customers. 

In this episode of What CEOs Talk About, Martin Hunter is joined by Marc Billard, the Vice President of Contact Strategies & Performance at MetCredit, to discuss accounts receivable and why you should start with the end in mind. Marc explains how he helps companies collect debts from customers, his tips for mitigating risk and ensuring regular payments, and best practices for staying at the top of a customer's priority list. Stay tuned. 

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact

Keith Deighton is the Strategic Alliance Director at Kobalt, a cybersecurity company that provides continuous monitoring of cloud, SaaS, and corporate environments to ensure security and compliance. Kobalt offers monitoring-as-a-service as well as complete security-program-as-a-service for organizations that need assistance with assessing, developing, and running their security programs.

Keith is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) with over 25 years of experience in the information technology field. Prior to joining Kobalt, Keith was the Global Channel Sales Director of Cybersecurity at Hitachi Systems Security. He holds an MBA in Strategic Management from The Open University and a certification in Cyber Resilience (RESILIA) from APMG International.

In this episode…

With advances in technology and increasingly intelligent hackers, every company has the potential to be exposed to security risks or breaches. These risks can be attributed to cracks in your supply chain, poor password management, clever phishing emails, and more. So, how can you identify and manage your organization’s cybersecurity risks in order to protect its crown jewels?

According to cybersecurity expert Keith Deighton, visionary CEOs must have the know-how to mitigate cybersecurity risks in 2021. As he says, companies of any size can be targets for cybercrime, and a security breach could compromise an organization’s business operations and brand reputation. Luckily, Keith has some tried-and-true strategies for improving your company’s privacy and security and protecting your clients and business assets today.

Keith Deighton, the Strategic Alliance Director at Kobalt, joins Martin Hunter in this week's episode of What CEOs Talk About to share the best strategies for protecting your crown jewels against cybersecurity attacks. Keith explains how to mitigate security risks at your organization, the different types of hackers and breaches to look out for, and the benefits of investing in risk management services today. Stay tuned.

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact

Stephen Daniels is a Licensee for Leadership Management International (LMI) Canada, a leadership development and management consulting firm. He is the CEO of LMI Canada - Slight Edge Group, a company that uses process-driven techniques and programs to develop professional leaders for companies of all industries. 

Stephen has received many honors for his work, including America’s 2018 Motivator of the Year and America’s 2015 Sales Leader of the Year awards. His philosophy is simple: to inspire a passion for life and leadership in everyone he meets.

In this episode…

After starting his own business, Stephen Daniels faced his fair share of challenges. But, thanks to his hard work, consistency, and confidence in himself, he learned how to grow and scale his company to success. 

According to Stephen, the key to success is never letting yourself get too comfortable. To be a visionary CEO, you should always be striving to follow your passions, take risks, and achieve your goals—no matter what obstacles come your way. As he says, this means you have to learn how to work both hard and smart. So, what are Stephen’s tips for embracing discomfort and hard work in order to achieve success? 

In this week's episode of What CEOs Talk About, Stephen Daniels, the CEO of LMI Canada - Slight Edge Group, sits down with Martin Hunter to explain why there is no magic pill or shortcut to success. Stephen talks about the challenges he faced while growing his LMI business, the valuable lessons he learned along the way, and the benefits of working both hard and smart at the same time. Stay tuned for more.

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact

Mona Forster is a Strategic Consultant at Foran Mining, a diversified exploration and development company with projects in central Canada's Flin Flon mining belt. Mona has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry, both domestic and international, at all stages of the mining life cycle.

Before joining Foran Mining, Mona was the Executive Vice President at Entrée Gold Inc. for 12 years, where she worked in multiple international jurisdictions and managed disparate project teams. She holds an Executive MBA from Simon Fraser University and currently serves as the Chair and interim President of Women in Mining BC.

In this episode…

Every company needs a CEO with a clear vision of what they want to achieve with their organization and team. But, once you’ve determined your singular vision, how exactly do you go about executing it? 

According to Mona Forster, the first step of execution is to start working backward from your vision. You need to identify and obtain the resources necessary, the best team for the job, and some trusted advisors to guide you forward. However, as Mona says, this is only possible if you are leading effectively. That’s why she advises fellow leaders to build trust with their teams—because the best way to execute on your vision is to work together. 

Mona Forster, a Strategic Consultant at Foran Mining, joins Martin Hunter in this week's episode of What CEOs Talk About to discuss how to execute on a vision. Mona talks about her career background in the mining industry, what it means to be a female leader in a male-dominated field, and her tried-and-true strategies for successfully executing on your vision. Stay tuned for more!

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact

Sebastien Nault is the Founder and Chief Service Officer of Black Tie Property Services, an exterior building maintenance company that specializes in high-reach cleaning. Black Tie operates in four major Canadian markets—Greater Vancouver, Greater Victoria, Calgary, and Edmonton—with plans to expand across Canada by 2025.

Outside of Black Tie, Sebastien volunteers on the board of the Vancouver chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). He also mentors college students in entrepreneurship at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and teaches financial basics to high school students through the Junior Achievement program (JABC).

In this episode…

Many CEOs and business owners share the same goal: to create successful businesses and achieve the freedom to live their lives as they wish. For different entrepreneurs, this goal might vary from financial freedom, freedom to travel, or the freedom to follow their own path while running their businesses. However, one thing remains the same: achieving this mission takes hard work, determination, and a strong business plan.

As a successful business owner who travels for multiple months during the year, Sebastien Nault has some expert strategies for achieving freedom while running a company. As he says, the first step is to create a clear business plan that details what you want for yourself, your business, and your time. From there, a CEO must find the right people to delegate important work and responsibilities to. So, what is Sebastien’s advice on how to choose your team, share the load, and enjoy freedom as a business owner? 

Sebastien Nault, the Founder and Chief Service Officer of Black Tie Property Services, joins Martin Hunter in this week's episode of What CEOs Talk About to discuss how to incorporate freedom into your business. Sebastien shares his expert strategies for building a lifestyle business, the importance of trusting employees when delegating work, and how he uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to run his business. Stay tuned for more! 

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact

Grant Bullington is a Franchise Specialist with FranNet. He started his franchising career in 2005 and has been a FranNet franchisee for 12 years. At FranNet, Grant helps prospective franchise buyers zero in on the best businesses to start. By providing education on the franchise industry, powerful decision-making tools, and introductions to various professional services, he helps potential buyers make defensible, data-based decisions.

Before joining FranNet, Grant was a Senior Franchise Development Manager at 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, where he oversaw the North American Franchise Development Department. Grant also recently started his own podcast, The Franchise Scout.

In this episode…

Many people dream of owning their own businesses, but the challenges associated with starting one from scratch may be holding them back. For these aspiring CEOs, the solution is simple: franchises. Not only will purchasing a franchise allow someone to run an established business with fewer risks, but it will also help the franchise founder expand and scale their business to new heights. 

However, there are a number of factors that both the franchisee and franchisor must consider before deciding to enter into a franchise relationship. From costs to competitors to growth potential, it can be tricky to determine when and how to open a franchise business. That’s where Grant Bullington comes in. As a Franchise Specialist, he wants to help you zero in on your best franchise options and make the business decision that is right for you.

Grant Bullington, a Franchise Specialist with FranNet, joins Martin Hunter on this week's episode of What CEOs Talk About. Together, they discuss the factors that franchisees and franchisors should consider before entering the franchise industry. Grant also shares the benefits of purchasing or opening a franchise, the character traits of successful franchise CEOs, and some of the best franchise businesses to start in 2021. Stay tuned for more.

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact

Ryan McKenzie is the Co-founder of Tru Earth, a company that offers a zero-waste laundry detergent alternative in a revolutionary strip form. In less than a year, Ryan helped grow the company to an eight-figure monthly run-rate. His mission is to save the planet by eliminating plastic detergent containers from landfills. In addition to this, Ryan also runs an adventure club with his Tru Earth co-founders that helps families around North America get off their screens and spend more time together outdoors. 

Before co-founding Tru Earth, Ryan ran a subscription box company, growing premium boxes to multimillion-dollar businesses. He was also the Vice President of Content & Marketing at Canada Wide Media and the Owner and Marketing Director at Hinzie Media Inc. 

In this episode…

How do your products impact your customers' lives, or the lives of your employees and their families? Are they creating a positive impact on your community, your consumers, and the world? And, how does this impact affect your company’s success? 

As a leader, building a company that has impact can be critical for your business’ success. While every business has its highs and lows, a strong purpose can help you overcome any obstacles in your way. As Ryan McKenzie, the Co-founder of Tru Earth, says, if you don’t have a real reason for wanting to build your company, it can be almost impossible to achieve consistent success. By focusing on impact rather than revenue, Ryan has found it easier to move past difficult points and reach his company’s goals. 

Ryan McKenzie, the Co-founder of Tru Earth, joins Martin Hunter in this episode of What CEOs Talk About to discuss the ins and outs of building a company that has impact. Ryan explains how his eco-friendly laundry detergent company was formed, the massive impact it's had on the environment, and why he’s more focused on his company’s mission than its competitors. Stay tuned for more.

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact

Justin Levine is a lawyer, business advisor, and Partner at Golbey Law. With a focus on business law and real estate, Justin provides strategic and practical legal advice to businesses. He assists clients with business formation and structuring, debt and equity financing, buying and selling businesses (M&A), developing real estate, and more. 

Outside of work, Justin is actively involved with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and also volunteers as a guest instructor and lecturer at Douglas College. He holds degrees in both Law and Anthropology from the University of Victoria.

In this episode…

A CEO has significant responsibilities, from making the best strategic decisions for their company to ensuring that its mission and goals are achieved. However, even with the best of planning, things don't always work out as expected. Contracts can be breached, employees can make mistakes, and suppliers can fail to deliver. So, how can CEOs prepare for—and effectively handle—these unforeseen circumstances? 

As a lawyer and business advisor, Justin Levine believes in the power of positive pessimism. As he says, being a pessimist is an effective risk management strategy when making deals and building business contracts. By preparing for the worst, CEOs can take precautionary measures to successfully protect their companies—before trouble strikes. 

In this episode of What CEOs Talk About, Justin Levine, a Partner at Golbey Law, is interviewed by host Martin Hunter about positive pessimism and the power of negative thinking. Justin and Martin discuss the benefits of taking a pessimistic perspective when doing business, why you should surround yourself with trusted legal counsel, and how to effectively analyze every contract. Stay tuned.

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact

Amanda Mungal is the Founder and CEO of It's Your Time, a firm that provides virtual administrative support services to help businesses succeed and thrive. Throughout her 20 years of administrative support experience, Amanda has worked in a variety of industries, including education, criminal justice, community living, municipalities, private medical practices, and consulting firms. Her roles have spanned office management, executive support, strategic planning, payroll administration, and more.

At It’s Your Time, Amanda is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and executives refocus their priorities, build viable businesses, and realize their goals and dreams.

In this episode…

As a CEO, one of your top priorities should be creating a great working environment for your team. Not only does a positive environment result in happier employees and a lower turnover rate, but it also leads to more transformational interactions with clients and customers. So, how can you build a better workplace for your team in 2021? 

According to Amanda Mungal, there are a few essential elements to any great working environment. As she says, there should be pathways for growth and opportunities to learn new skills. Team members should also be well compensated, free from shame, and encouraged to express their creative selves. In Amanda’s words, CEOs should make a point to take care of their team’s “creature comforts” in the workplace. 

Amanda Mungal, the Founder and CEO of It's Your Time, joins Martin Hunter in this episode of What CEOs Talk About to discuss creating a great workplace for your team. Amanda explains what a great workplace looks like to her, how CEOs can effectively support and empower their teams, and her strategies for living her company's core values. Stay tuned for these insights and many more.

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact

Mark Raffan is a serial entrepreneur and podcast extraordinaire who helps entrepreneurs and business leaders negotiate better deals and make more money. He is the Founder of Negotiations Ninja, where he offers world-class negotiation training. He is also the Founder of Content Callout, a content creation and social media marketing firm that develops B2B brands.

Mark is an expert on negotiation, influence, and persuasion. He has coached executives and teams in some of the largest companies in the world, and his Negotiations Ninja Podcast is the #1 negotiation podcast online.

In this episode…

As a world-renowned negotiations trainer, Mark Raffan has discovered that many startup CEOs and VCs lack the negotiation skills necessary for running a successful business. As he says, this is typically because the majority of them focus on growing and scaling too quickly and simply overlook this critical skill. 

So, what is Mark’s advice to CEOs and VCs looking to become better negotiators in 2021? According to him, the secret is learning how to be disciplined in the negotiation process. The best way to do this is to implement an effective negotiation system and strategy, as this will save you from leaving any money on the table. 

Mark Raffan, the Founder of Negotiations Ninja, joins Martin Hunter in this episode of What CEOs Talk About to discuss the ins and outs of negotiating for startups. Mark shares his strategies for negotiating with different types of companies and people, how to incorporate creativity into the negotiation process, and the importance of discipline when creating a negotiation strategy. Stay tuned. 

This podcast is brought to you by URGEO, Operational excellence in action through the Are you Ready Program!

https://www.urgeo.com/

Are you READY to free up your time?

Optimize your Organization?

Grow revenue and reduce costs?

Build your leadership team?

Partnering with organizations like yours, we work with you to implement our proven methodology designed to transform your operations, while providing accurate advice and support for real success.

Translating strategy into frontline operations, URGEO helps leaders and the people within their organization excel at safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Let’s touch base so we can learn how we can level up your business. Contact us today: https://www.urgeo.com/contact