Jenoir® Leadership Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dirk Schlimm
Join podcast host, Christian Clement-Schlimm, and leadership expert, Dr. Dirk Schlimm, for a relaxed conversation on real-world leadership challenges. We focus on practical ideas, engage in some friendly banter, and welcome special guests from time to time.
In this episode, we delve into the world of startup innovation with KT and KM the young entrepreneurial minds behind Gastronomous—a company revolutionizing the fast-food industry through cutting-edge robotics and AI. Kristian, an engineering school dropout turned entrepreneur inspired by his grandfather, and KM, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from McGill University, share their journey of creating the “kitchen of the future.” Situated in Oakville, Canada, Gastronomous is at the forefront of automating commercial kitchens, aiming to enhance cooking processes, supply chain management, and waste disposal for the fast-food sector. Join us as KT and KM discuss navigating the challenges of growth, maintaining independence in a competitive industry, and their leadership strategies for managing a dynamic, innovative team. Tune in to hear how their passion for technology and entrepreneurial spirit is tastefully disrupting the restaurant industry, all while fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
Get in touch with us at: podcast@jenoir.com
In this episode, we delve into the world of startup innovation with KT and KM the young entrepreneurial minds behind Gastronomous—a company revolutionizing the fast-food industry through cutting-edge robotics and AI. Kristian, an engineering school dropout turned entrepreneur inspired by his grandfather, and KM, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from McGill University, share their journey of creating the “kitchen of the future.” Situated in Oakville, Canada, Gastronomous is at the forefront of automating commercial kitchens, aiming to enhance cooking processes, supply chain management, and waste disposal for the fast-food sector. Join us as KT and KM discuss navigating the challenges of growth, maintaining independence in a competitive industry, and their leadership strategies for managing a dynamic, innovative team. Tune in to hear how their passion for technology and entrepreneurial spirit is tastefully disrupting the restaurant industry, all while fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
Get in touch with us at: podcast@jenoir.com
A recent McKinsey study reports that family-owned businesses account for more than 70 percent of global GDP and about 60% of global employment. So we are excited about our guest Brian Boucher, Vice President, Commercial & Residential Fuels at MacEwen Petroleum Inc. Starting in 1976 in Eastern Ontario, MacEwen has grown to become a leading Canadian independent fuel and convenience provider - and has retained its heritage as a family business. Our conversation with Brian offers a deep dive into the nuances of leadership within a family-owned business context. We will hear from an experienced, non-family executive how to operate and build a career in a family-owned business and discover why family businesses play such a large and important role in the economy. Chances are you will at some point work for one of them! Thanks, as always, to our host Christian Clement-Schlimm.
Get in touch with us at: podcast@jenoir.com
A recent McKinsey study reports that family-owned businesses account for more than 70 percent of global GDP and about 60% of global employment. So we are excited about our guest Brian Boucher, Vice President, Commercial & Residential Fuels at MacEwen Petroleum Inc. Starting in 1976 in Eastern Ontario, MacEwen has grown to become a leading Canadian independent fuel and convenience provider - and has retained its heritage as a family business. Our conversation with Brian offers a deep dive into the nuances of leadership within a family-owned business context. We will hear from an experienced, non-family executive how to operate and build a career in a family-owned business and discover why family businesses play such a large and important role in the economy. Chances are you will at some point work for one of them! Thanks, as always, to our host Christiab Clement-Schlimm.
Get in touch with us at: podcast@jenoir.com
"Negotiating Success at the Intersection of Law, Politics, Business, and Culture” - with Bernd Christmas K.C.
Our guest Bernd Christmas K.C. is an expert in corporate, commercial, and Indigenous Peoples law. Drawing on his illustrious career and journey from first Mi'kmaw lawyer in Canada to national consulting practice leader, CEO, board member, and senior legal advisor, Mr. Christmas shares his experience in facilitating collaboration between Indigenous and non-indigenous corporations, communities, and governments at a local, national, and international level. His career as a board member includes Canada Post, CBC, and Prime Minister’s External Advisory Committee among a wide variety of for profit and not for profit organizations. He has negotiated contracts and agreements with Georgia Pacific, Starbucks, Lockheed Martin, Loblaw and Ultramar among many others. This episode is a must-listen for professionals and leaders eager to enhance their negotiation and intercultural management skills at the intersection of law, politics, business and culture as a basis for effecting change and transformation.
Get in touch with us at: podcast@jenoir.com
"Negotiating Lasting Success at the Intersection of Law, Politics, Business, and Culture” - with Bernd Christmas K.C.
Our guest Bernd Christmas K.C. is an expert in corporate, commercial, and Indigenous Peoples law. Drawing on his illustrious career and journey from first Mi'kmaw lawyer in Canada to national consulting practice leader, CEO, board member, and senior legal advisor, Mr. Christmas shares his experience in facilitating collaboration between Indigenous and non-indigenous corporations, communities, and governments at a local, national, and international level. His career as a board member includes Canada Post, CBC, and Prime Minister’s External Advisory Committee among a wide variety of for profit and not for profit organizations. He has negotiated contracts and agreements with Georgia Pacific, Starbucks, Lockheed Martin, Loblaw and Ultramar among many others. This episode is a must-listen for professionals and leaders eager to enhance their negotiation and intercultural management skills at the intersection of law, politics, business and culture as a basis for effecting change and transformation.
Get in touch with us at: podcast@jenoir.com
Join us for the debrief episode of our conversation with Gerardo Chiaia, CEO of Logoplaste on “energizing leadership”. Host Christian and Dirk review six key leadership concepts that were highlighted and filled with life by Gerardo:
- Authenticity
- Resilience
- Humility
- Authority
- Domain knowledge
- Thought leadership
Please send your feedback to podcast@jenoir.com.
Join us for part 2 of our podcast episode with Gerardo Chiaia, CEO of Logoplaste on “energizing leadership”! Thanks, as always, to Jenoir Leadership podcast host, Christian Clement-Schlimm.
We are thrilled to have Gerardo Chiaia, CEO Logoplaste, as our guest on the Jenoir Leadership podcast. Gerardo is an accomplished leader who is known well beyond his industry for his ability to energize and motivate people while achieving outstanding results. In fact, Gerardo is featured as an outstanding leader in the best selling leadership book Leading to Greatness by Jim Reid. With many years of global leadership experience, Gerardo has a wealth of knowledge to share.
Join podcast host Christian and leadership expert Dirk as they debrief our two-part series on "healthy leaders" with Dr. James Aw, Chief Medical Officer, OMERS. And, as always, please send us your feedback, insights, and plan for professional development.
Dr. James Aw, Chief Medical Officer at the Canadian pension giant OMERS is our guest on the topic of healthy leaders. Dr. James and Dirk will explore what essential health habits leaders can and must adopt to thrive in a volatile and uncertain global environment, which corporate health and wellness initiatives have the most impact, and how leaders and corporations can get involved in global health initiatives. Dr. James and Christian will also talk about advice for early career leaders and professionals, and about Dr. James' health adventures in Barbados. Spoiler alert: volunteerism, adventurism and plain having fun are powerful health boosters!
Dr. James Aw, Chief Medical Officer at the Canadian pension giant OMERS is our guest on the topic of healthy leaders. Dr. James and Dirk will explore what essential health habits leaders can and must adopt to thrive in a volatile and uncertain global environment, which corporate health and wellness initiatives have the most impact, and how leaders and corporations can get involved in global health initiatives. Dr. James and Christian will also talk about advice for early career leaders and professionals, and about Dr. James' health adventures in Barbados. Spoiler alert: volunteerism, adventurism and plain having fun are powerful health boosters!
Please join host Christian and international leadership expert Dirk for our season three opening episode. Today we are delving into the fascinating world of coffee. We are discussing what one international coffee house that started in Canada can teach us more broadly about international business expansion, strategy, & execution. https://www.cartesiangroup.com/investments/tim-hortons-china/https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/Latest/News/2023/August/Tims-China-achieves-record-revenues-in-strong-secohttps://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/starbucks-china-coffee-growth-3fc112a9?mod=hp_minor_pos20
Economic headwinds, market pressures and uncertain outlooks are taking companies back to the virtues of strategic focus, operational efficiency and organizational simplicity. In that context, many are (re)discovering the virtue of the “flat” organization marked by fewer layers of management, wider spans of control, and more collaborative vs. hierarchical structures. So, are managers indeed overrated and standing in the way of higher performance? Join us in this episode of the Jenior leadership podcast where we ask the question: “When does flat become too flat?” https://www.economist.com/business/2021/10/02/why-companies-need-middle-manager
How to get along with and “navigate” a powerful and demanding boss is one of the enduring questions of high performance leadership. The WSJ’s journal story about Zach Kirkhorn, the CEO of Tesla described him as exceptionally capable in this domain. In fact, Mr. Kirkhorn’s ability to work well with “larger-than-life” CEO, Elon Musk, is a master class on the topic. Please join host Christian Clement-Schlimm and me as we discuss what we can learn from Zach Kirkhorn and his approach to working well with a powerful and demanding boss and moving important initiatives forward in the process. https://www.wsj.com/articles/tesla-executive-elon-musk-cfo-zach-kirkhorn-b1998ae7
Richard C. Powers MBA, LLB, ICD.D, National Academic Director of the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program (DEP), joins us as special guest to discuss what to expect when taking on a position on a board of directors, how to identify the right board for you, and how to go about pursuing a board appointment. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a young professional looking to make a difference, Rick’s practical insights are of value to anyone thinking about joining a board of directors.
We are thrilled to welcome renowned governance expert David Beatty, O.B.E. as a distinguished guest on the Jenoir leadership podcast. Our topic is board leadership at a time of great change. The pace of environmental, societal, technological, and geo-political change and disruption keeps accelerating, and this change and uncertainty has huge implications for boards of directors in the for-profit and the not-for-profit sector. Please join us for our conversation and you can learn more about David at https://boardchair.com/.
We are thrilled to welcome renowned governance expert David Beatty, O.B.E. as a distinguished guest on the Jenoir leadership podcast. Our topic is board leadership at a time of great change. The pace of environmental, societal, technological, and geo-political change and disruption keeps accelerating, and this change and uncertainty has huge implications for boards of directors in the for-profit and the not-for-profit sector. Please join us for our conversation as David draws on his tremendous experience as a Director on 40 boards in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Australia and England and chairman of 9 public and 2 private companies. You can learn more about David at https://boardchair.com/.
After entering the Canadian market in 2014, American luxury retailer Nordstrom announced on March 2nd, 2023 that it would be closing its stores and winding down its operations in the country by June. A liquidation sale at six stores in the Toronto region began March 21st. So why did Nordstrom leave Canada? Were it the challenges of the local Canadian market, global economic headwinds, or both? And what can managers everywhere learn from Nordstrom's decision? Please join host Christian Clement-Schlimm and me as we ponder these questions on the Jenoir Leadership podcast and discuss practical learnings for managers in any industry.
https://www.nordstrom.ca/main.html https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/nordstrom-retail-analysis-1.6767321 https://www.wsj.com/articles/nordstrom-to-close-liquidate-its-canadian-stores-2c1aa7fb https://investor.nordstrom.com/static-files/373ef026-7361-4c47-b171-90c52c9646d3
The demise of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has sent shockwaves through the tech industry and the financial services industry prompting a televised reassurance from US President Joe Biden that “the US banking system is safe” and a statement from the Bank of England that “the wider UK banking system remains safe, sound, and well capitalized. While financial regulators, banking executives, tech investors, start-ups and others will continue grappling with the fall-out from SVB over the coming months we are asking whether managers at large should take away lessons from the SVB failure. Please join host Christian Clement-Schlimm in this timely podcast episode on Lessons for manager from SVB. https://www.wsj.com/articles/silicon-valley-bank-svb-financial-what-is-happening-299e9b65 https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2023/03/10/what-does-silicon-valley-banks-collapse-mean-for-the-financial-system https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/usa-warum-die-silicon-valley-bank-kollabierte-a-f446adf6-1447-445f-bbf7-698953142df9?sara_ref=re-so-app-sh
In today’s episode of the Jenoir Leadership Podcast, host Christian Clement-Schlimm and I talk about the power of a narrative for your business, for your team and for yourself. A narrative is a “story with a purpose” that will help you connect with and engage your critical constituents. We will look at how a good narrative is constructed, how it can be adapted to different circumstances, and how we can make sure to keep it real. Your feedback is welcome as always.
https://hbr.org/2023/02/your-strategy-needs-a-story
Conflict is a growth industry and senior teams or boards are no exception. In fact, at the top of the house dysfunction can be an even bigger issue because of the various personalities in the room. This ranges from brash, strong will characters ready to engage in conflict to skillful diplomats working skillfully to steer clear of it. But a battle of the wills or the avoidance of necessary conversations are equally problematic. What we want is robust engagement with the issues and healthy decision making. Today Christian Clement-Schlimm and I are talking about some ideas to help us get there.
On January 15th, 2023 Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was removed by police along with other protesters as they demonstrated against the razing of the German village of Lutzerath for the expansion of a coal mine. In and of itself, this might have been just another day in climate activism had it not been for the fact that the police action was supported by the governing Green party in Germany. The ensuing spirited exchange between Luisa Neubauer, Germany’s “face of climate activism”, and Katharina Droege, co-chair of the Green Party’s parliamentary group in the federal parliament, lays bare the conflict between “ideological” and “pragmatic” approaches of people equally committed to the fight against climate change and teaches us valuable lessons in “assertive conflict management.” Listen in as host Christian and I work to draw out those lessons. As always, thanks for comments and feedback.
https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/01/30/climate-climb-downs-fail-to-damage-germanys-greens
https://www.politico.eu/article/greta-thunberg-removed-by-german-police-from-lutzerath-protest-site/
https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/luisa-neubauer-und-gruenen-fraktionschefin-katharina-droege-im-streitgespraech-a-51b49c93-a33e-4995-9b58-7c16d4a1d343?sara_ecid=soci_upd_KsBF0AFjflf0DZCxpPYDCQgO1dEMph
On January 7th, after four days of voting and 15 ballots, Representative Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, finally clinched the speakership of the United States House of Representatives. It was the longest election since 1859 and - as an unexpected side effect - it caused a surge in the ratings of C-SPAN, the public affairs cable network televising the proceedings. While C-SPAN sometimes has a reputation of being a bit dull it was anything but this time around. The exchange between representative Matt Gaetz (R - Florida) and representative Mike Rogers (R - North Carolina), in particular, teaches valuable lessons in conflict management well beyond politics. Please join host Christian Clement-Schlimm and me as we discuss what we as business people can learn.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-gops-house-immaturity-caucus-election-republicans-kevin-mccarthy-white-house-ballots-11673471380
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/01/04/what-the-kevin-mccarthy-saga-means-for-americas-congress
The release of ChatGPT, an AI enabled chatbot that does everything from answering questions, to writing essays, programming computers, and even generating art, has created a stir. Many have pointed to its transformative capacity and wide range of applications. With this and other technology advancements one may ask (again) whether technology is displacing people or whether technical skills are displacing people skills. So is this, at last, the end of people skills? Join host Christian Clement-Schlimm and me as we ponder this question and talk about two critical concepts when it comes to leadership, collaboration and other uniquely human endeavors: results and relationships, and the role people play in both.
https://www.economist.com/business/2022/12/06/artificial-intelligence-is-permeating-business-at-last
Communication is the quintessential “multiplier skill:” No matter what it is that you do, it is one skill that will help you do it better. Thankfully you do not need to be or become an English major to communicate more effectively. Three habits - bringing people into the conversation, organizing your thoughts, and finishing strong - will help anyone to communicate with more impact in a business setting. This applies whether English is your first, second, or third language. Join host Christian Clement-Schlimm and me as we discuss how managers and professionals in any function and at any level can improve how others receive what they have to say.
Elon Musk taking the helm at Twitter is captivating the business press from around the world. His approach to business strategy, work culture, and decision making has provoked reactions ranging from disdain to admiration and everything in between. Some commentators even believe that Mr. Musk’s mode of operating requires a rewrite of the generally accepted rules of management. So is this really the end of management theory as we know it?
https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-defies-management-mantras-with-his-rapid-overhaul-at-twitter-11667730675
https://www.economist.com/business/2022/11/07/elon-musks-challenge-to-management-thinking
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/11/technology/elon-musk-twitter-takeover.html
https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3200445/elon-musk-would-have-loved-chinas-996-work-culture
Neil Cawse, founder & CEO, Geotab Inc., joins us as a special guest on the topic of business strategy. Geotab has been recognized by ABI Research as the world’s leading commercial telematics company with over 3 million connected vehicles and global presence in more than 160 countries. Neil shares his experience, insight and perspective on business strategy in this two part interview on the Jenoir leadership podcast.
Neil Cawse, founder & CEO, Geotab Inc., joins us as a special guest on the topic of business strategy. Geotab has been recognized by ABI Research as the world’s leading commercial telematics company with over 3 million connected vehicles and global presence in more than 160 countries. Neil shares his experience, insight and perspective on business strategy in this two part interview on the Jenoir leadership podcast.
If there is one organizational structure that continues to rankle managers around the world it is “matrix management.” The idea is easy enough in theory: Deal with the complexity of the modern enterprise by structuring hierarchy along multiple lines, such as functional, geographical, and/or product. But in practice this structure comes at the cost of clarity, and especially if managed poorly, the matrix can lead to confusion and even frustration. So, really ask whether you “must matrix” and if you do, make sure you do it well. Don’t leave it to the rank and file to figure out their multiple bosses but hold the bosses accountable for making the matrix work. It is their job to ensure that two bosses are indeed better than one. As always, thanks to Christian Clement-Schlimm for hosting.
https://www.economist.com/business/2022/10/06/the-magic-formula-of-management
Different ownership models (entrepreneurial, publicly-traded, family-owned, state-owned) have huge implications for corporate culture, strategy and purpose). This can lead to friction when ownership models transition or get blended. The WSJ reports that “private-equity firms are joining family businesses” as part of the founders’ succession planning. Understanding the reality and power of corporate culture and a commitment to building strong relationships are critical to making the transition work. In fact, the ability to adjust to and move between corporate cultures is a critical part of the modern manager’s toolkit.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/who-will-inherit-the-family-business-often-its-private-equity-11663362421
We are living at a time of great change, and leaders are challenged to manage in an environment of uncertainty and turmoil. While experts will point to the need to adapt, recalibrate and even reinvent, stability can add unexpected value as well and even become a competitive advantage. Recent business news from Starbucks and Target make the point and have broader lessons for us as managers.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/target-ceo-brian-cornell-to-stay-three-more-years-11662548401
https://www.wsj.com/articles/starbucks-howard-schultz-change-frappuccinos-11661888871?mod=Searchresults_pos12&page=1
https://www.wsj.com/articles/starbucks-spills-the-beans-on-its-future-11663158780?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1
The court battle between Elon Musk and Twitter over what was heralded as one of the biggest buy-outs in corporate history has all the makings of an epic legal drama; adjudicating it will not be for the faint of heart. But, by all accounts, Judge (“Chancellor”) Kathaleen McCormick, is the firm hand that is needed. Legal experts describe her as well-prepared, comfortable with complexity, and known for hard & quick work. Those qualities are not just great in a judge, however, but in any manager or professional. So, today Christian Clement-Schlimm and I are taking a closer look at Chancellor McCormick to discuss what all of us can learn from her. We are asking: “Do you have what it takes?”
https://www.wsj.com/articles/judge-in-twitter-elon-musk-case-known-for-quick-work-11659791075?mod=Searchresults_pos8&page=1
https://www.economist.com/business/2022/07/11/with-or-without-elon-musk-twitter-is-overdue-a-shake-up
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/23/business/airbnb-china.html
https://www.wsj.com/articles/airbnb-to-quit-china-business-as-harsh-lockdowns-and-competition-weigh-on-demand-11653336953?mod=article_inline
https://www.amazon.ca/Necessary-Endings-Employees-Businesses-Relationships/dp/0061777129
Innovation is about more than just having a good idea, it is about making it happen. In today’s Jenoir podcast episode, Christian and I are taking the “100% recyclable running shoe that’s only available by subscription” as a case study for how innovation works and what we can learn for everyday application. We discuss (1) understanding the times we live in, (2) keeping the customer central, and (3) thorough planning for execution. The economist Josef Schumpeter said that “doing the old in a new way, that’s innovation.” The “shoe you will never own” serves as a fresh illustration of just that. So, where and what are you innovating?
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-100-recyclable-running-shoe-thats-only-available-by-subscription-11657188000
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62142208
https://www.wsj.com/articles/recession-economy-unemployment-jobs-11656947596?mod=automatedsf_trending_now_article_pos2
https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/06/30/why-hasnt-the-british-economy-grown-faster
https://blogs.imf.org/2022/07/13/facing-a-darkening-economic-outlook-how-the-g20-can-respond/
https://www.wsj.com/articles/rude-awakening-ahead-for-young-employees-unemployment-job-market-inflation-competition-layoffs-job-hopping-security-11656942280?mod=opinion_lead_pos7
https://www.jenoir.com/blogs/blog/912027-how-to-be-great-at-work
https://www.mortenhansen.com/book/great-at-work/
https://www.jenoir.com/blogs/blog/555066-ipp-2-0--from-seminary-to-theological-phd-program---the-importance-of-a-good-first-impression-in-influencing-powerful-people
https://www.jenoir.com/blogs/blog/625632-stop-doing-these-10-things-to-become-a-more-effective-negotiator-in-2021#.YnLbLNqZO5c
https://www.jenoir.com/blogs/blog/462258-how-to-project-executive-presence-while-working-from-home#.YifMTnqZND8
Six Questions That Will Help You Manage/Lead Better While Working From Anywhere: https://www.jenoir.com/blogs/blog/500868-six-questions-that-will-help-you-manage-lead-better-while-working-from-anywhere#.Yh9qnuj0lD8