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Michael Bellows, the visionary co-founder and CEO of GoMaterials and member of CorporateConnections® Montreal 2, shares his journey from startup dreams to leading a quickly expanding B2B marketplace. Discover how Michael gracefully navigated the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, transforming GoMaterials from a small team into a powerhouse of 75 across 11 countries. As we explore the complexities of his role, Michael offers a unique perspective on the mindset needed to tackle growth challenges and the strategic implementation of process-driven methodologies like OKRs to fuel this remarkable expansion.

Amidst market volatility and seasonal revenue fluctuations, GoMaterials set its sights on the U.S. to stabilize its operations, demonstrating agility and foresight in a competitive market. Michael shares insights into the strategic benefits of establishing a formal U.S. base and the company's journey from an innovative startup to a potential acquisition target within the robust B2B landscape. Through this conversation, we unveil how GoMaterials is not just adapting but thriving by setting new standards for efficiency and growth while maintaining a strong focus on employee aspirations and company culture.

The duality of entrepreneurship shines through as Michael emphasizes the joy of empowering his team and nurturing a supportive environment where dreams can flourish. Inspired by concepts from "The Dream Manager" and Steve Farber's philosophy of love in business, Michael highlights the fulfillment found in seeing employees succeed. As GoMaterials explores new investment avenues and engages with potential investors, the excitement of meeting company representatives in Montreal comes alive, showcasing the company's commitment to growth and collaboration. Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the ever-evolving entrepreneurial journey.

www.gomaterials.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bellows-21088846/

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Phil Prevost shares valuable insights on leadership and teamwork, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and the importance of investing in oneself to unlock business potential. The discussion also touches on technology's role in shaping the future of business, the challenges leaders face in transitioning from doers to guiding forces, and why caring for teams is imperative for success.

• Phil's journey and the essence of One Plus One Consulting 
• The significance of quality leadership in business success 
• Challenges faced during the transition from doing to leading 
• The importance of self-awareness and team dynamics 
• Why investing in oneself is crucial for leaders 
• The necessity of AI in the business landscape of 2025 
• Phil's motivation for consulting and helping others 
• Closing thoughts on connection and the value of relationships in business

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Luigi Infranchesco's transformation from a CPA to a commercial mortgage broker illustrates the power of adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking in the face of challenges. His story highlights the importance of balancing ambition with personal relationships and the invaluable role of a supportive partner in entrepreneurial ventures.

• Luigi’s early journey from CPA to mortgage specialist 
• The importance of adaptability in a changing market 
• How accounting knowledge enhances mortgage brokerage success 
• The significance of building a strong team in a competitive industry 
• Balancing personal and professional aspirations as an entrepreneur 
• Insights into the commercial versus residential mortgage landscape 
• Developing strategic relationships and connections in business 
• Future goals as an international mortgage broker 

Thank you for trusting us to share your journey!

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Discover how technology is reshaping workforce training and management as we sit down with Shawn Smith, COO of LogicalDox Inc. Sean takes us through his captivating career journey across diverse industries like natural health and oil, culminating in his passion for software development. He shares how Logical Docs is leveraging AI to bolster the skills of experienced developers, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces human workers. Shawn's perspective is a breath of fresh air, offering innovative ways to empower the workforce, particularly in environments where safety is paramount.

Explore the transformative role of virtual reality (VR) in workforce management. Shawn and I dive into how VR is revolutionizing industries with low technology adoption rates by offering immersive training and skill assessments. From refining communication skills in hospitality to streamlining workforce deployment, VR's potential is vast. As digital transformation becomes not just advantageous but necessary, particularly for medium-sized organizations, these solutions are paving the way for unmatched efficiency and resource management.

In an era where skilled trades are garnering renewed interest, Shawn shares how LogicalDox is expanding its technological offerings to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for workforce development. By collaborating with government bodies and strategic HR partnerships, the company is building a network that connects skilled workers with businesses in need. We discuss how these cutting-edge solutions are not just about managing human capital but about elevating it, focusing on training, safety, and job satisfaction. Join us for an insightful conversation that uncovers the future of workforce development and management.

www.logicaldox.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-smith-56b4a411/

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Unlock the secrets of business success with Paul Maco, a director at Leyton, as he takes us on an inspiring journey from his early dreams of owning a studio to becoming a trailblazer in the jingle industry. Paul shares how he built a powerhouse creative team that conquered both the Quebec market and international brands like McDonald's and Perrier. Break down how music can transform marketing strategies, rebrand businesses, and connect with audiences on an emotional level. Paul's stories, including a memorable 4th of July campaign with Ingrid Michaelson, offer invaluable insights into the dynamic world of advertising.

Ever wondered how cultural nostalgia can be a game-changer in marketing? Paul's perspective on leveraging emotions through music reveals just that. From navigating the decline of traditional TV models to selling his company and embracing new entrepreneurial ventures, Paul's experiences are a treasure trove of lessons for marketers and business leaders. His innovative approaches and strategic mindsets will leave you rethinking how you connect with your audience and adapt to evolving market landscapes.

Beyond business, Paul dives into essential financial wisdom for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of economic education, credit management, and strategic planning. He shares his journey of balancing professional success with personal fulfillment, underscoring the significance of meaningful relationships and living purposefully. Whether it's hitting the slopes on a powder day or fostering a 20-year marriage, Paul’s philosophy is a testament to integrating work with life's passions. Tune in for an episode that promises inspiration, practical tips, and a roadmap to unlocking your business potential.

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Can the evolution of technology truly reshape the way we work and lead? Join us as we sit down with Nancy Demers, President of Gestion COPE, who has not only witnessed but also driven monumental changes in the tech landscape over the past 25 years. From the days of desktop-bound operations to the mobile flexibility ushered in by iPhones and iPads, Nancy shares her incredible journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She offers a unique blend of top-down and bottom-up strategies for fostering corporate innovation and creating a center of excellence that truly empowers employees and aligns their efforts with the company’s vision for growth.

We also dive deep into the future of technology, exploring emerging trends like augmented reality and vocal interfaces, using examples like Meta and Ray-Ban's smart glasses. With insights from thought leaders like Cory Doctorow, we navigate the ethical waters of AI development and discuss OpenAI's controversial shift to a for-profit model. For small businesses looking to ethically integrate AI, we outline clear steps including setting objectives, educating employees, and securely handling sensitive information. Nancy’s passion for tech education and ethical considerations provides a roadmap for preparing our children and businesses for a rapidly changing world. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your business is ready for what's next.


https://gestion-cope.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancydemers/

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 Notre invitée, ancienne ingénieure en corrosion devenue coach en développement personnel, partage avec nous son incroyable parcours et les leçons qu’elle a tirées de sa transformation. Avec plus de 25 ans d'expérience dans des secteurs variés et une incursion réussie dans l'immobilier, elle nous raconte comment la Programmation Neuro-Linguistique (PNL) a radicalement changé sa vie. Découvrez son approche structurée et organisée, héritée de son passé d'ingénieure, qui l'aide désormais à poser les bonnes questions et à guider ses clients vers leurs propres solutions.

Nous discutons également de l'importance de s'entourer de personnes inspirantes pour réaliser ses objectifs ambitieux. Ayant vendu leur première entreprise et jonglant avec quatre enfants, notre invitée nous fait part des défis qu'elle a surmontés pour maintenir l'équilibre entre vie personnelle et professionnelle. Enfin, nous explorons l'impact positif du développement personnel et de la communication sur les enfants, et comment ces changements peuvent les orienter vers des chemins prometteurs comme l'entrepreneuriat. Écoutez cette conversation inspirante pour comprendre comment le développement personnel peut transformer non seulement votre vie, mais aussi celle de vos proches.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-dontigny-ing-coach-osetre/

https://www.osetre.ca

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Qu'est-ce qui peut bien transformer un joueur de football en un expert financier ? Rejoignez-nous alors que nous découvrons l'histoire inspirante de Sébastien Roy, ancien joueur vedette de la Ligue canadienne de football, qui a su faire une transition impressionnante vers le monde de la finance. Sébastien partage avec nous ses moments forts sur le terrain avec les Blue Bombers de Winnipeg, les Alouettes de Montréal, et les Stampeders de Calgary. Vous découvrirez comment son engagement dès l'âge de 12 ans à poursuivre une carrière en football a façonné non seulement son parcours sportif, mais aussi sa transition réussie vers le monde des affaires.

Nous explorons ensuite les parallèles fascinants entre les exigences du sport professionnel et celles de la gestion d'entreprise. Sébastien nous livre des anecdotes personnelles et des citations inspirantes pour illustrer comment la discipline, le travail d'équipe et une approche systématique peuvent mener au succès. Avec son parcours en football, il a appris à viser la perfection dans chaque petite action, une leçon qu'il applique aujourd'hui dans son rôle de gestionnaire de patrimoine chez Asante. Cette perspective unique lui permet de comprendre l'importance de chaque membre d'une équipe et la résilience nécessaire face aux échecs, des qualités essentielles pour tout chef d'entreprise.

Enfin, nous plongeons dans la vision holistique de Sébastien en matière de gestion de patrimoine. Tout comme la santé globale d'un corps humain, il est crucial de prendre en compte tous les éléments financiers et légaux pour optimiser la santé patrimoniale. En tant que membre actif de Corporate Connections Canada, Sébastien est également un leader communautaire exceptionnel. Connectez-vous avec lui via son site web et LinkedIn pour découvrir comment il combine ses expériences sportives et financières pour créer un impact positif. Ne manquez pas cette opportunité d'entendre des histoires inspirantes et des perspectives précieuses de leaders dans divers secteurs d'activité.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/assantesebastienroybrossard/

https://www.cifinancial.com/ci-assante/ca/fr/index.html

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What if your passion for music could be the key to unlocking leadership potential in the business world? Join us as we sit down with Annie Mayrand, the inspiring president and founder of Evollead, who transitioned from a dedicated music teacher to a trailblazing leader in the tech industry. Annie opens up about her unique journey, sharing how the skills she honed while teaching music became the cornerstone of her success at corporate giants like Bell and Rogers. Through her compelling story, you'll learn about the power of trust, cultural change, and the human touch in driving business growth.

But that's not all—Annie's path took another fascinating turn as she moved into full-time coaching and hypnosis. She shares the profound emotional connections that come with face-to-face coaching versus the digital hustle of e-commerce. We'll also explore the resilience needed to build a business from scratch in a new location, and the joy of guiding clients towards their own "aha moments." Plus, Annie reveals how she balances professional dedication with personal passions, like her love for playing Beethoven. Tune in for an episode filled with insights on leadership, personal fulfillment, and the magic of human connection.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-mayrand/
https://www.evollead.com/
https://www.rfaq.ca/fr/

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Ever wondered how a top sales coach transitioned from real estate to revolutionizing sales training? Join us on Where Leaders Connect as we sit down with Maxime Béland, the dynamic Quebec sales coach and owner of a Sandler Training franchise. This episode promises a deep dive into Max's captivating journey, starting in real estate, moving on to banking, and eventually owning a real estate franchise. Learn about the pivotal moment when Max made the bold decision to leave real estate behind and pursue sales coaching, armed with unique insights from managing over 100 brokers.

Max shares how his extensive experience in real estate informs his innovative approach to developing effective sales training programs across various industries. He emphasizes the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset in building a cohesive team and inspiring collective goals. Listen to his passion for cycling as a therapeutic activity and his heartfelt dedication to raising funds for ALS, which adds a personal touch to his professional narrative. Our conversation also sheds light on his vision for transforming sales culture from transactional to value-driven, fostering trust, and encouraging everyone in an organization to contribute to the sales process.

With a focus on storytelling and a holistic view of sales improvement, Maxime aspires to make a positive impact by fostering understanding and reducing suffering. Discover how meaningful conversations can transform lives and gain new perspectives from a true industry leader. Don't miss the invaluable insights from Maxime Béland that could change the way you think about sales and coaching forever!

https://go.sandler.com/formation/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxime-b%C3%A9land/