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Culture isn’t something you hand down—it’s something you build together.
In this episode, Robin and Al sit down with Jess Johannson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Canada Goose, for an insightful conversation on shaping company culture in today’s evolving workplace. Jess shares why authenticity, employee voice, and shared ownership are critical to building a strong organizational foundation.
They explore how post-COVID expectations are reshaping HR strategies, the importance of measuring engagement, and how investing in development and flexibility is key to attracting and retaining top talent. Jess also opens up about the lessons learned from career challenges and the long-term mindset required to plant the seeds of culture for future generations.
💡 Key takeaways:
✨ Culture is Co-Created – Building culture with employees ensures alignment and authenticity.
✨ Listen, Then Lead – Trust and engagement grow when leaders truly listen and admit what they don’t know.
✨ Invest in People – Development, flexibility, and diverse offerings drive retention and performance.
✨ Growth Through Challenges – Personal and cultural growth often stem from obstacles and shared experiences.
✨ Think Long-Term – Planting foundational “trees” today creates opportunities for tomorrow’s teams.
A must-listen for HR leaders, founders, and anyone shaping the future of work.
🎧 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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What makes a startup thrive through rapid growth? According to this week’s guest, it starts with communication, culture, and courageous leadership.
Join us on Success Leaves Clues as Robin and Al sit down with Jenny do Forno, Chief People Officer at TouchBistro, for a powerful conversation on leading people-first organizations, especially during high-growth phases.
Jenny shares lessons from her remarkable career in People & Culture, from learning under great leaders to facing the realities of scaling fast. She speaks candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing opportunities, and why early investment in HR is critical for startup success. The conversation also unpacks the evolving needs of today’s workforce and how leaders can build a legacy that empowers the next generation.
"Optimize for who you work for." ~ Jenny do Forno
Key takeaways:
✨ Say Yes & Grow – Taking chances and saying yes opens doors to personal and professional growth.
✨ Start With People – Founders should bring in HR early to build aligned, scalable cultures.
✨ Communication Is Everything – Clear, consistent communication is the cornerstone of alignment and trust.
✨ Authentic Leadership Wins – Self-awareness, reflection, and humility are traits of impactful leaders.
Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading a growing team, Jenny’s insights offer a roadmap for building stronger cultures and lasting impact.
🎧 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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Fehlende Folgen?
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What happens when personal adversity meets professional leadership?
On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jeff Waldman, founder of ScaleHR, to explore how personal stories and community shape success in the HR world.
Jeff opens up about how his hearing loss became a professional superpower, offering a powerful lens through which he’s navigated adversity and led change. From the power of community in HR to the transformative role of AI, Jeff’s story is both inspiring and deeply practical. He emphasizes the value of aligning with clients who share your values, taking bold risks, and creating space for mentorship and meaningful relationships.
"...start to become more attuned to what other people face.” – Jeff Waldman
Key Takeaways:
✨ Community is essential for learning and growth in HR
✨ Hearing loss and adversity can become leadership superpowers
✨ Aligning values with clients leads to healthier work relationships
✨ AI is reshaping HR operations and talent strategy
✨ Taking risks and owning your personal story empowers career growth
🎧 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al sit down with seasoned entrepreneur Clive Kinross, CEO and co-founder of Propel Holdings, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and legacy.
Clive shares his journey from immigrant entrepreneur to tech leader, emphasizing the challenges faced along the way and the power of perseverance. He discusses the importance of building teams with complementary skills, creating redundancy in business systems, and staying motivated through a competitive spirit. Clive also highlights the role of mentorship and the meaningful impact of surrounding oneself with successful, driven individuals.
"Ultimately, there's no substitute for hard work." ~ Clive Kinross
Key Takeaways:✨ Resilience is vital—every entrepreneur faces tough days
✨ Surrounding yourself with successful people fosters growth
✨ Redundancy in business systems is a smart safeguard
✨ Mentorship and complementary team skills fuel success
✨ Human connection lies at the heart of lasting impact
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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How do you build strong teams while navigating rapid growth and the rise of AI?
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, Robin and Al sit down with Nora Beatty, VP of People Operations at Cohere, one of Canada’s leading AI companies. Nora shares her inspiring career journey—from her early passion for PeopleOps (inspired by her mom) to leadership roles at Oracle, FreshBooks, and now at the forefront of innovation in AI.
The conversation explores how AI is reshaping the workforce, the role of PeopleOps in a high-growth startup, and how companies can better support employees in balancing career and family life. Nora also highlights the importance of addressing generational dynamics and being intentional during times of transformation.
Key takeaways:
✨ AI as an Enabler – AI isn’t here to replace employees; it’s here to enhance creativity and capability.
✨ Growth with Purpose – Rapid expansion requires strategic trade-offs and strong people leadership.
✨ Supporting the Whole Employee – Balancing family, career, and mental well-being is a must for long-term success.
✨ Generational Awareness – Understanding workplace dynamics across age groups improves collaboration and leadership.
✨ Timing is Everything – Bringing in PeopleOps at the right moment can shape a company’s future.
This episode is a must-listen for leaders, founders, and PeopleOps professionals navigating the evolving intersection of tech, people, and purpose. 🎙️
🎧 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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Success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about how you get there.
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, Robin and Al sit down with Jenn Gebel, Director of Operations at Patlon Aircraft, to explore her remarkable career in the aerospace industry, the lessons learned along the way, and her commitment to fostering a more inclusive future.
Jenn shares her experiences navigating a male-dominated field, the importance of self-advocacy, and how daily reflection and values-based leadership have shaped her professional growth. From mentorship to meaningful connections, the conversation highlights the personal and professional traits that have helped her thrive—and how she’s paying it forward by championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in aerospace.
"You need to speak up and seize those opportunities." ~ Jenn Gebel
Key takeaways:
✨ Self-Advocacy Matters – Speaking up and owning your path is essential to growth.
✨ Mentorship is Powerful – Guidance and support are key to overcoming challenges.
✨ Reflection Fuels Growth – Daily reflection helps align values and purpose.
✨ Breaking Barriers – Thriving in a male-dominated space requires courage and perseverance.
✨ Legacy & Inclusion – Creating opportunity for future generations is a lasting success.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, resilience, and paving the way for others.
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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Coaching is no longer just a perk—it’s becoming a must-have for high-performing individuals and forward-thinking organizations.
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, Robin and Al sit down with Makenzie Chilton, Director of Coaching at Arcora, to explore the evolving role of coaching in today’s workplace. Makenzie shares how her personal journey led her into the world of coaching and why it’s gaining traction across Canada, especially among top performers.
The conversation dives into the difference between proactive and reactive coaching, the power of setting boundaries, and the measurable impact coaching has on both people and performance. Makenzie also highlights how investing in coaching helps create workplaces where employees thrive—benefiting individuals, companies, and communities alike.
"You can't always just say yes." ~ Makenzie Chilton
Key takeaways:
✨ Coaching = Growth – It’s not just about solving problems, but about unlocking potential.
✨ Proactive & Reactive Value – Coaching supports both development and resilience.
✨ Boundaries Matter – Personal traits like boundary-setting are key to sustainable success.
✨ A Strategic Investment – Organizations that invest in coaching signal real commitment to employee growth.
✨ Track the Impact – Data helps demonstrate coaching’s ROI and long-term value.
If you’re curious about how coaching can shape culture, drive performance, and support your people, this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al reconnect with Subhi Alsayed, Founder/CEO of Kulture Rebellion, to talk about his courageous pivot—from launching a gut health beverage brand to licensing his cutting-edge fermentation technology to other producers.
Subhi shares hard-won lessons on market fit, focusing on core strengths, and embracing AI to simplify complex processes in the beverage industry. The conversation dives into consumer trends, the rise of health-forward drinks, and the mindset needed to evolve with your business.
💬 "Focus on one area and make sure it's actually needed." ~ Subhi Alsayed
Key Takeaways:
✨ Subhi transitioned from brand-building to licensing tech to simplify scale
✨ Market fit and customer insight are everything
✨ AI is transforming the fermentation process
✨ Gut health beverages are no longer niche—they’re the future
✨ Adaptability and surrounding yourself with smart people are key to growth
🎧 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, Robin and Al sit down with Amanda Mitchell, a seasoned people and culture leader at Clearco, to explore what it means to build strong teams across borders, create meaningful roles, and lead with intention in high-growth environments.
Amanda shares her non-traditional path from theology to HR, her experience in the gig economy, and how those perspectives have shaped her people-first leadership style. From juggling priorities to setting boundaries and planting seeds for the next generation, Amanda brings a fresh, thoughtful take on building inclusive, resilient cultures.
💬 “Healing people heal people.” – Amanda Mitchell
Key Takeaways:
✨ Respect is foundational in cross-border and diverse environments
✨ Listening is essential for culture, engagement, and growth
✨ Boundaries and self-awareness are key to personal and professional success
✨ Flexibility and adaptability drive high-growth team success
✨ What we say no to can matter more than what we say yes to
🎧 Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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As the world of work continues to evolve, so does the role of leadership and company culture—especially in tech. On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, host Robin and co-host Al sit down with Sara Cooper, Chief People Officer at Jobber, to discuss how the company has navigated growth, hybrid work, and the future of HR.
Sara shares valuable insights into Jobber’s transition from in-office to hybrid, the communication challenges that come with it, and the shift from traditional leadership models to a more servant-leadership style. The conversation explores the critical role of mentorship, the importance of aligning people operations with business strategy, and how data can empower better decision-making. Sara also reflects on what it means to be a leader today and the importance of planting seeds that will shape the future of the workplace.
"Good ideas come from everywhere." ~ Sara Cooper
Key Takeaways:
✨ Leadership is shifting—from command-and-control to empathy and empowerment
✨ Communication is critical in a hybrid work model
✨ Business success = thriving people + thriving company
✨ Mentorship builds long-term impact
✨ Data is a game-changer for HR decision-making
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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The journey through infertility can be overwhelming—both emotionally and financially. But what if there was a better way to navigate it?
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, Robin and Al sit down with Jessica Chalk, Founder of MyStoria, to discuss her personal fertility journey and how it inspired her to create a comprehensive care platform for fertility patients. Jessica shares the challenges of self-advocacy, the gaps in fertility healthcare, and the growing demand for better support in employee benefits. She also opens up about her experiences as a founder in the male-dominated FemTech industry and the emotional toll of working in such a deeply personal space.
"I need to build my story." ~ Jessica Chalk
Key takeaways:
✨ The Fertility Journey Can Feel Isolating – Mental health and community support are crucial for patients.
✨ Advocacy & Awareness Matter – Patients must be empowered in their healthcare decisions, and fertility shouldn’t be seen as just a women’s issue.
✨ The Role of Employers – Integrating fertility benefits into workplace policies can remove barriers and support employee well-being.
✨ Breaking Barriers in FemTech – Female founders face funding challenges, but collaboration and education are key to driving change.
✨ Balancing Passion & Well-Being – Entrepreneurship in healthcare comes with emotional challenges—building the right team and support network is essential.
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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Organizational culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation for how decisions are made, teams collaborate, and companies grow.
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Hilton Barbour, a culture and change consultant, to uncover how leaders can build a workplace culture that drives success. Hilton shares insights on aligning culture with strategy, the power of informal influencers, and why leadership legacy matters for future generations. The conversation also explores the shift toward flatter organizations and the critical role of cultural dynamics in mergers and acquisitions.
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast." ~ Hilton Barbour
Key takeaways:
✨ Culture Shapes Decision-Making – Every choice within a company is influenced by its culture.
✨ Aligning Leadership & Strategy – Strong leadership ensures culture supports business goals.
✨ The Power of Informal Influencers – Employees trust peers as much as (or more than) leadership.
✨ Flatter Organizations & Agility – Less hierarchy leads to faster, more effective decision-making.
✨ Legacy Leadership & Long-Term Impact – A strong culture isn’t just about today—it shapes the future.
Innovisor 3 Percent Rule
https://www.innovisor.com/three-percent-rule/
Hilton Culture Book on ONA
https://jeppehansgaard.gumroad.com/l/fixyourculture
Hilton Culture Book Volume 7 - Canada Focus
https://barbourville6.gumroad.com/l/canadaculture?
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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HR is evolving, and so are the ways businesses approach workplace culture, communication, and employee engagement. On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Aamna Coskun, founder and CEO of Pocket HR, to discuss the changing landscape of human resources—especially for startups. Aamna shares her journey of launching Pocket HR and the role of fractional HR in driving organizational success.
The conversation dives into key HR challenges, from bridging the gap between employees and leadership to ensuring diversity efforts are more than just a checkbox. Aamna also explores the role of AI in HR, its potential to revolutionize workplace dynamics, and the importance of managing change effectively. With insights on generational shifts and the power of designing one’s career path, this episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to build thriving, forward-thinking workplaces.
"I don't want to be a checkbox." ~ Aamna Coskun
Takeaways:
✨ The Future of HR – Pocket HR is redefining traditional HR through technology and engagement.
✨ Culture & Leadership – Fractional HR helps shape strong workplace culture, especially for startups.
✨ AI & Change Management – AI is transforming HR, but successful adoption requires the right approach.
✨ Beyond the Checkbox – Diversity efforts must be genuine and impactful to drive real change.
✨ Career Empowerment – Employees thrive when they have flexibility and a strong support network.
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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As AI reshapes the workplace, the role of HR is evolving faster than ever. On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, Robin and Al sit down with Roald Harvey, Senior Director of People at Athenian, to explore the shift from traditional human resources to cognitive resources. Roald shares his insights on how AI is transforming HR functions, its impact on job security, and why embracing technology is key to staying ahead. The conversation dives into the importance of building strong relationships, overcoming resistance to change, and leveraging AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—the human element in HR. If you’re curious about the future of work and how HR leaders can thrive in the age of AI, this episode is a must-listen.
"Start with something fun to dabble in AI." ~ Roald Harvey
Key takeaways:
✨ AI is revolutionizing HR by automating tasks and enhancing talent acquisition
✨ Professionals must focus on their unique value and embrace continuous learning
✨ AI frees up HR teams to prioritize strategy, relationships, and business growth
✨ Organizations must balance AI adoption with ethical data usage and privacy concerns
✨ Embracing AI can lead to better business outcomes, career growth, and efficiency
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about confidence, vulnerability, and the willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth.
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, Robin and Al sit down with Laurie Fainer, founder and CEO of Dynamic Alchemy Advisors, for a powerful conversation on leadership and personal growth. Laurie shares why true leaders prioritize collaboration over competition, build trust through authenticity, and use curiosity as a tool for continuous learning. She also highlights the importance of mentorship and meaningful relationships in shaping leadership success.
"Trust is the foundation of collaboration." ~ Laurie Fainer
Key takeaways:
✨ Confidence and bravery are essential for strong leadership
✨ Embracing failure leads to growth and valuable learning experiences
✨ Authenticity and trust create stronger team dynamics
✨ Mentorship and meaningful relationships are the foundation of success
Laurie’s insights will challenge you to rethink leadership and the role of vulnerability in building high-performing teams. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! 🎙️
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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Building a successful startup takes more than just a great idea—it requires resilience, the right team, and a strong network of mentors and supporters. In this episode, Robin and Al sit down with Neil Grunberg, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, to explore the highs and lows of startup growth and investment. Neil shares insights from his journey, from taking bold career risks to shaping team culture and leadership. He also discusses his passion for mentorship, the importance of giving back, and how supporting young athletes aligns with his philosophy of building strong communities. Tune in for a dynamic conversation on leadership, learning from setbacks, and the power of connections in the entrepreneurial world.
"I love meeting founders." ~ Neil Grunberg
Takeaways:
✨ How early experiences shape an entrepreneurial mindset
✨ The importance of team culture and leadership in scaling a business
✨ Why mentorship, resilience, and strong connections drive success
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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What separates good leaders from truly great ones? The answer often lies in psychological safety—the foundation of high-performing, innovative teams. In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Fahd Alhattab, keynote speaker and founder of Unicorn Labs, to explore how leaders can cultivate environments where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and thrive.
Fahd shares his journey into leadership and unpacks some of the most common pitfalls founders face—especially around ego and control—and how these challenges can make or break a team. He discusses why empowerment, trust, and communication are essential for building a collaborative culture and how leaders can create long-term impact for future generations.
"Confidence without humility is a problem." ~ Fahd Alhattab
Key takeaways:
Building High-Performing Teams – Strong teams thrive on psychological safety, effective communication, and shared purpose. Founders must foster trust and encourage open dialogue to enable growth and learning.Leadership as Leverage – Great leaders identify critical leverage points that drive success or failure. Delegation isn’t about letting go entirely—it’s about focusing on strengths while empowering teams to take ownership.Overcoming Common Pitfalls – Ego, lack of systems, and resistance to change can hinder leadership. Successful founders embrace adaptability, develop scalable systems, and encourage exploration in their businesses.Empowering Teams for Growth – Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about creating an environment where teams can take risks, make decisions, and evolve. A supportive network and strong group norms enhance team performance and long-term success.If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or someone who wants to bring out the best in your team, this conversation is filled with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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Success in the tech startup world is rarely an overnight phenomenon. On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, Robin and Al sit down with James Wu, CEO of InnerSpace, to uncover the realities of building a thriving business. James shares his journey of growth, the pivotal lessons learned through entrepreneurship, and the role of Canadian values in shaping his company’s culture. He highlights the power of personal relationships in fostering a strong work environment—whether in person or remote—through meaningful initiatives like the ‘Question of the Week.’ From navigating challenges to redefining leadership, James offers insights on creating impact, embracing pivots, and leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.
"Challenges should be energizing." ~ James Wu
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Success takes time – It’s rarely an overnight journey; real success is built through years of hard work and evolution.More than financial gains – The definition of success shifts over time, encompassing purpose, impact, and growth.Embracing change – InnerSpace transformed from a sensor-based company to a data-driven platform, highlighting the power of strategic pivots.The role of Canadian values – Community and people-first leadership often outweigh aggressive growth strategies.Connection drives leadership – Strong personal relationships foster engagement, whether through workplace culture, leadership approach, or initiatives like the ‘Question of the Week.’Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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What happens when family wealth meets family dynamics? Estate planning isn’t just about assets—it’s about navigating relationships, responsibilities, and the unexpected challenges that come with managing a legacy. In this episode, hosts Robin and Al welcome Andrea Love, President and CEO at Legacy Private Trust.
The conversation delves into the complexities of estate planning, the role of independent trust companies, and the importance of having professional help in managing estates. Andrea shares insights on the challenges faced by executors, the significance of family dynamics in estate administration, and the need for open communication about financial matters within families. The discussion also highlights the accessibility of trust services for individuals of varying net worth and the importance of instilling values in future generations. Andrea's personal journey into the trust business adds a unique perspective to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of legacy and planning for the future.
"...this idea of a simple estate, it's not a thing." ~ Andrea Love
Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Manu Varma, Head of People and Culture at SWTCH Energy, for an inspiring conversation about leveraging business as a force for good. Manu delves into his personal journey, sharing how his upbringing and values shaped his leadership approach. The discussion explores the profound impact of community engagement, the critical role businesses play in supporting newcomers, and the tangible benefits of aligning business practices with ethics, values, and sustainable development goals. Discover how Manu’s initiatives create meaningful change while driving success for his organization.
Key takeaways:
Purpose and Impact: The meaning of life is to discover your gift and share it, a principle businesses can apply by supporting community initiatives and empowering others.Community-Centered Strategies: Businesses should align with Sustainable Development Goals, engage all employees in community building, and prioritize ethics and values in decision-making.Empowering Change: Training programs for marginalized groups and collaborations with other businesses amplify community impact and foster inclusivity.Inspiring Leadership: Personal involvement in community efforts can inspire others and lead to meaningful connections and unexpected business benefits.Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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