The Karmali Exchange: Recent Episodes
The Karmali Exchange
Welcome to The Karmali Exchange, hosted by experienced business & financial expert Faisal Karmali. On this podcast, Faisal dives into conversations with successful business owners to learn how they grew their company and broke through. Faisal will also share his views on real-time news affecting business owners, explorations of the many challenges they face, and other strategies to help others achieve the lifestyle they want.
You can also find Faisal as the Business and Market Expert for CTV Morning Live and 770CHQR in Calgary.
All opinions voiced by Faisal are Faisal's own.
As you head into a new fiscal year, take a moment to refocus on what really drives your business forward: your financials.
In this special episode of The Karmali Exchange, we’ve compiled five standout moments to help you kickstart your fiscal mindset and lead your business with clarity and confidence.
From margins to metrics, these leaders share how understanding your numbers shapes better decisions, stronger leadership, and smarter growth.
Featuring insights from:
Marcel Teunissen (Parkland Corporation)
Connor Curran (Local Laundry)
Chris Kneeland (Cult Collective)
Stephen Deere (Modern Steak)
Maeghen Cotterill (5 Elements Martial Arts)
Robert Price (Bōde Canada)
Jan Jaffer (TREC Dental)
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Joseph “JD” Dubois has lived through two serious motorcycle accidents, but instead of walking away from riding, he leaned in and built a business around it.
In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, JD shares how resilience, passion, and “throttle therapy” inspired him to create Freedom Biker Tours - a company that’s as much about authenticity and brotherhood as it is about motorcycles.
Listeners will also hear how JD’s military family upbringing shaped his values, why human connection is his most powerful marketing tool, and how he’s taking his brand global while staying true to its roots. From lessons in resiliency to building a brand on people first, his story offers practical takeaways for any entrepreneur.
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What does it take to build a chocolate empire from a condo kitchen?
Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, joins Faisal Karmali to share the raw and emotional journey of scaling a startup from 50 handmade bars a day to over 135,000.
Building a business with family brought both joy and tension and Jake quickly realized that success meant more than just strong numbers. It meant strong relationships. Therapy and open communication became essential tools for sustainable growth. Rather than trying to fix every weakness, Jake leaned into his natural storytelling strengths to build a message on social media that resonates. He shared the behind-the-scenes struggles, which helped Mid-Day Squares build not just a brand, but a community of loyal fans who believed in the mission from day one.
Whether you're a startup founder, seasoned entrepreneur, or just curious how great brands are built, this is a raw and honest look at what it really takes to chase big dreams.
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Adrienne Furrie cracked the code. While competitors chase every trend, she built something different - a trusted beauty brand that puts people first and grows sustainably. In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, discover how a childhood moment with a purple crayon became her business blueprint, why staying in Calgary was her secret weapon (not Toronto or Vancouver!), the "permission to grow" mindset that changed everything, how to keep your business personal while scaling up, and real strategies for building customer trust in a crowded market. This conversation is perfect for entrepreneurs just starting their journey, business owners ready to scale sustainably, and anyone building a brand in competitive industries. Adrienne's approach proves you don't need to follow the "hustle harder" playbook to succeed. Sometimes the most powerful business strategy is simply being human.
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Andrea Mandel-Campbell joins Faisal Karmali for a deep dive into why so many Canadian companies, especially small and homegrown businesses, have never even thought about expanding beyond our borders. They talk about the red tape, the lack of a global mindset, and how our own policies and attitudes are holding entrepreneurs back. If you’ve ever wondered why Canadian small businesses struggle to scale internationally, this episode pulls back the curtain and offers a fresh perspective on what really needs to change.
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On this episode of The Karmali Exchange, Wendy Bélanger, a serial entrepreneur and international hair fashion designer, discusses the importance of customer experience in the service industry. She emphasizes that pricing should reflect skill level, demand, and the unique value provided. Wendy's salon offers a high-end experience, including a welcoming team, personalized service, and attention to detail, which justifies higher prices. She shares a story about handling a dissatisfied customer, highlighting the importance of accountability and going the extra mile to ensure customer loyalty. Wendy advises business owners to maintain humility and always prioritize customer and staff satisfaction, ensuring everyone leaves feeling respected and valued.
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In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, host Faisal Karmali speaks with Judy Wilkins-Smith, author of Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint, about how inherited patterns from our DNA shape our personal and financial lives.
Judy shares insights from The Hidden Laws of Money, revealing how unconscious beliefs about wealth are passed down through generations and influence financial success. She also explores concepts from Systemic Coaching & Constellations, explaining how recognizing and reshaping deep-seated emotional and behavioural patterns can lead to transformational change.
This episode offers a powerful framework for breaking free from limiting cycles and building a future of financial and personal fulfillment.
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What happens when brilliant minds come together? Creativity explodes!
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the power of collaboration with my guest Catherine Bell, Founder/Author of The Awakened Company. We explore how working with others can spark fresh ideas, fuel innovation, and push boundaries like never before. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or business leader, mastering the art of collaboration could be the game-changer you need!
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Welcome to BraTopia: the largest luxury lingerie and swimwear company in Calgary.
Whether you're totally comfortable being surrounded by all things lacy, or if (like me) you blush just walking through the doors, this episode has something for everybody.
I talked to Founder & CEO Colette Hamon about breaking down your customer's psychological barriers, responding to negative reviews, the 'Ozempic Effect', and where business owners are really dropping the ball.
Plus what can we learn from Ted Lasso about leadership?
If owning a business is like a long-term marriage, Colette will give you the tips and tricks you need to keep that spark alive.
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Let’s face it . . . there’s a lot of shady shit out there.
Enter the Better Business Bureau.
For over 100 years, they have empowered consumers to find companies they trust. Their stamp approval is only given to businesses that show the highest commitment to integrity, ethical business practices, and customer service. But at a time when finding a trustworthy business is only a Google search away, is the BBB still relevant?
I invited President and CEO Mary O’Sullivan-Anderson, Chair of the Board of Directors Riley Paterson, and Vice-Chair Nate Edwards on the show to talk about the non-negotiable traits of a trustworthy business, how to get accredited with the BBB, and what’s actually in it for you.
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“Entrepreneurship sounds sexy, but it’s a learning process.” - Zahra Al-Harazi, founder and CEO of Skillit, author, speaker, and consultant.
And there’s no guidebook.
You’re going to love this guest. Zahra is an immigrant to Canada who established herself as one of the most powerful female entrepreneurs in this country.
We talk about key competencies for entrepreneurs, what true grit really means, and the difference between passion and purpose.
If you got tired of working for someone else and are hustling to do things differently, this episode is for you.
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Meet Dr. Bill Cherniak, Emergency Room Physician and CEO & Founder of Rocket Doctor. He's the future of healthcare.
In his words, "It took a global pandemic to pull medicine kicking and screaming out of the dark ages and into the 21st century." Now, his virtual platform connects patients to physicians . . . right from the comfort of their own home.
We talk about pioneering a new way to do business, adapting to a changing world, and solving your customers' pain points (in this case, both literally and figuratively).
We also talk about the privatization of healthcare and if the government is helping or hurting.
And don't miss out on my thoughts on how to leverage companies like Rocket Doctor to attract great talent to your company.
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A recent survey says that 75% of business owners are optimistic about the future of their business. But if I’m being honest . . . I’m not sure if I buy it.
In this episode, I sit down with Andreea Bourgeois, Director of Economics with CFIB, to discuss the future of business and how to actually measure optimism. We talk about the COVID benchmark, going with your gut, and getting creative about running your business.
Whether you see the glass as half full or half empty, I can’t wait to hear what you think about this episode.
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Going green is all the rage . . . but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
It’s a question I wanted to ask Jess Douglas, CEO and Director of Green Impact Partners Inc., in the latest episode of The Karmali Exchange.
His answer? “If you do the right thing profitably, you can do it for a long time.”
Our conversation covers a lot of ground including the importance of education, how to challenge the status quo, and the government’s agenda when it comes to being green. Plus I get Jesse’s take on the carbon tax.
So if you’re a business owner who wants to be environmentally friendly but also be successful, you don’t want to miss this episode!
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What does it mean to be a 'Keeper of the Brand'?
It means looking out for opportunities to promote your business.
It means being good at crisis management.
It means protecting your company through the good and the bad.
In this episode, I talk to PR expert Paula Worthington about communicating your company's values, responding to criticism, and the dos and don'ts of building your brand.
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What are the issues that matter to entrepreneurs?
Carbon tax. CEBA loans. Universal basic income.
And who better to talk about them than Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the CFIB?
So if you feel like the government is giving business owners the stick without the carrot, listen to this episode to find out what to do about it.
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Can you learn anything about running your business from a charity?
The fact is that charities and non-profits are some of the most entrepreneurial and innovative organizations out there. They have to think outside the box when it comes to generating the funds they need to achieve their mission and serve our communities.
That's why I'm excited about my guest, Sharon Hapton. Sharon is the founder and CEO of Soup Sisters, an organization that has produced literally millions of bowls of soup to feed families in need. And how they do it is fascinating.
Want to get involved? Check out what the Soup Sisters are doing and how you can help here: https://www.soupsisters.org/donate-with-miso-money-in-soup-out
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Finding your purpose as an entrepreneur. It’s easier said than done. But purpose is one of the 5Ps that separate the business owners who make it from the ones who don’t. Who better to talk about it than the founder and CEO of Purpose Investments, Som Seif?
Som is one of Canada’s leading entrepreneurs in the financial service industry. Before he turned 40, he founded a successful company, was forced to sell that company, and decided to get back in the ring and start a second business in the same industry.
Through it all, he was able to maintain his vision: to make investing simple, intuitive, and more affordable for everyone. Ever heard of Wealthsimple? That’s him.
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'Calm down' . . . 'Don't let your true feelings show' . . . 'Don't let emotions cloud your judgement' . . . As business owners, we hear stuff like this all the time. These kinds of comments make it seem like emotions are a weakness. But the fact is business owners aren't robots. We're thinking, feeling, physical people. Take one of those elements away and you're not seeing the whole picture. As my guest Catherine Bell, Author/Founder of The Awakened Company says, “we're at our best when we feel.”
Great leaders know the difference between feeling and reacting. People want to work for a boss who shows emotions, but who doesn't have emotional outbursts. Someone who lets them know where they stand, but doesn't fly off the handle. Someone who communicates, but doesn't yell. What kind of leader are you?
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I had the amazing opportunity to speak at CN! Magazine's Annual Mental Health Summit.
I got vulnerable in a conversation with Jade Alberts and Tyler Chisholm about my struggle with imposter syndrome, learning to take care of myself so I can take care of others, and finding that elusive balance between giving and receiving help.
Thank you so much to Krista Malden for organizing the event and inviting me to speak!
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Had the pleasure of talking to Mike Cottingham of Razor Sharp Consulting and it was an amazing conversation.
We talked about how he turned his side business into his full time job. We also took comments from YOU, the audience, and chatted about it
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You can have an innovative idea. You can have passion. But if you're not getting paid, you don't have a sustainable business. If you want to learn how to make it even easier to get paid, this episode is for you!
I talk to Leo Bailey, Client Partnership and SMB Director at Interac Corp, and David Nagy, Founder of eCommerce Canada, about what they're doing to help business owners navigate the world of eCommerce.
We talk about understanding your cash flow, the difference between cost and investment, and the importance of having a community on your business journey.
Plus you'll hear my personal challenge to business owners for 2024.
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Who is Catherine Bell? Catherine Bell is the author of The Awakened Company. She was awarded the Nautilus Book Award in Business and Leadership and became a best seller just one week after its release. As CEO and founder of her consulting firm, Catherine works with companies all over the world. She was named as one of the top 10 "innovative CEOs revamping the future" by Inc. Magazine and uses her platform to give back to the community where ever she can.
We talk about leadership fails, what it means to be a leader and why your team needs to be involved in corporate vision. Is your team engaged at work? Or are they actively working against your organization?
The conversation was so amazing, that we forgot to mention Catherine's secret sauce for individuals and teams: knowing the Enneagram! "It is a personality roadmap that allows us to be more present and this improves corporate culture. We lead sessions with teams on it all the time and it is transformative." -Catherine Bell
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Picture this: you hire a temporary replacement for you maternity leave and you love your new hire. But your staff is divided. Some of them like the new hire, some prefer the old ways of doing things. Your employee is returning from maternity leave but you don't have the budget to keep both of them...
We chatted about this at the last Exchange x Joydrop event and it was incredibly insightful.
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Working with people is not black and white. In the last Exchange x Joydrop event, we got into an AMAZING discussion about what it means to work with your employees and manage performance.
It's so important to stay curious about your employees. When there is a staff member who isn't performing, sometimes we have to look at ourselves.
Shashi Behl, Founder, Joydrop
Leona Moser, HR Director, Forward Level
Tara McCool, Chief People Officer, Foundation Automotive
Peter Fenwick, Director of Growth Catalyst, Director of Scale-Up and Growth Programs, Mount Royal University
Thomas Ross, Partner, McLennan Ross
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Science, technology and coaching.
Blake MacDonald is the person responsible for bringing OrangeTheory to Canada. He opened the first location in St. Albert.
But how did he take a new concept, open one location, then grow this franchise into one of the most popular fitness boutiques in Canada?
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Business owners have to be able to communicate. They have to be able to network and build relationships. But how do you do that if you have social anxiety? How do you do that on top of the million different roles you have as a business owner?
I had a chance to talk to Blake MacDonald of Orange Theory and we chatted about what it means to prioritize and work through those challenges.
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This week's weekly roundup is about something interesting out of the United Kingdom: giving staff time off to care for their elders.
Also, do you know all of the logistics that come with outstanding CEBA loans?
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At my last event with Shashi Behl, we had an incredible discussion about what to do with an employee who isn't performing. They come late, they don't participate, and other employees are noticing.
Tara McCool and Leona Moser give us some incredible insight on this.
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Ever been told you are lucky to have a job?
Catherine Bell, founder of the Awakened Company, shares her thoughts on gratitude for your staff and how we need to shift our perspective.
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Bernard Callebaut is a household name in Calgary. He's been in the chocolate business for 40+ years but it hasn't been all smooth sailing.
Financial troubles, economic woes, a receivership... and still, Bernard refuses to give up. Learn about his resiliency and his passion for quality in this episode.
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Hire slow, fire fast.
Your team is smart. They know when someone is not doing their job.
I talked to Dr. Jan Jaffer, CEO of TREC Dental, about what happens when someone isn't puling their weight, the impact it has on the team and what happens when you have to make the tough decision to let someone go.
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Let's talk about urgency culture. Are you unintentionally making more work for your employees?
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Chatting with Deborah Yedlin, the President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses stimulate the economy. No one understands that better than Deborah. She's an advocate for Calgary businesses and wanted to break down barriers to business success. Check out this interview where we talk about talent, government and how to connect with fellow business owners.
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"I don't really identify with my company." Holly Singer, Founder of MilkJar Candle Company.
This was a really interesting conversation for me because Holly and I have such different backgrounds. We're both business owners but I would say I have identified with my business. But hearing her perspective and listening to how her business began showed me why her business is so successful.
Holly's business is about creating opportunities for people, building community and supporting communities and she has never strayed from that foundation.
Now, MilkJar is a household name, sold across Canada and maybe dipping in the U.S. market. So how did she do it? Check out the interview!
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What is the magic combo you need to see in your employees? For Kevin Wilhelm, founder of Pod Marketing, it's high culture and high performance.
The goal is to find unicorn employees who have both culture and performance. But what do you do when they don't have one or the other?
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Kevin Wilhelm, Founder of Pod Marketing, takes his experience as an employee to create a culture at his business that he's proud of.
It's been his goal from day one. What kind of culture are you building at your business?
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Bringing back this interview because Zak Hussein and I had such a great time and a ton of the conversation didn't make it into the original video. Zak hosts his own podcast, Canadian Podcast, and it shows. He flipped the script on me and kind of started interview me hahaha We talk about whether or not business owners can still be successful nowadays, purpose, what it means to be self employed vs. entrepreneurs and why failure stops you.
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Does it seem like you're doing everything you possibly can and you're still not seeing results in your business?
Process may be the piece you're missing.
After all, you can't grow your company if you don't have a process for how to handle your current operations.
We recently hosted a workshop to help entrepreneurs hone in on their process so they can run their business to its fullest potential.
Here are a few highlights from the event!
Thanks to my business partner, Dave Popowich and all of the experts that joined us:
Tim O'Connor - Founder and Strategic Projects, Unleash Results
Adam Thompson - Founder, Friday Sock Co.
Jan Jaffer - CEO, TREC Dental
David Nagy - Founder, E-Commerce Canada
Join us for our next event! Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hiring-and-firing-building-your-team-with-the-exchange-and-joydrop-tickets-601723580427?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
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In a social media world, we all know how to unsubscribe but can you unsubscribe from doubt?
I believe in the collective wisdom of business owners helping business owners. One thing that we have all experienced is imposter syndrome. Here's a tip that helps me push through that doubt that holds us back so we can keep moving forward.
Join us at our next event on June 6, 2023! Hiring and Firing: Building Your Team with The Exchange and Joydrop. Get your tickets here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hiring-and-firing-building-your-team-with-the-exchange-and-joydrop-tickets-601723580427?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
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Fitness World CEO and Founder Chris Smith has been through it all, from filing for bankruptcy during the pandemic to now having 16 locations. Talk about grit and perseverance.
Did I mention he also advocates for his business and other local businesses on a political level? We talk about his journey from worst to first as well as why he isn't afraid to educate the government about the world of business owners.
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Sometimes your business will grow organically in directions you didn't expect. When enough clients ask you to expand your services, should you explore those opportunities? What if you don't feel passionate about it? This is the time to remind yourself why you started this business. Don't forget what you are building and why.
I chatted with Fred Litwiniuk, Co-CEO of Litco Law about how he stays connected with the core purpose behind his business to ensure he brings passion to everything he does.
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Connor Curran, founder of Local Laundry is BACK everyone and he is a social media superstar.
We catch up with him and discuss some of the challenges he and his business faced since the last time we chatted on the show.
How did he increase his bottom line and brand exposure for free?
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"Mistakes are learning points." Brian Smith, UGG Founder
Brian's ability to disaster manage makes it very clear as to why he has experiences the success he has. It's because he sees them as opportunities to grow and edge out the competition.
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It's not all rainbows and sunshine building an internationally know brand.
Brian Smith founded UGG back when he was surfing in Malibu looking to fit this niche market: footwear for surfers. And he thought this is it, instant millionaire. Fast forward to his first attempt at the business and he sold 28 pairs... hard to believe knowing what we know now about UGG.
Brian also talks about his book, "The Birth of a Business." You don't give birth to an adult, the same thing goes for your business. You have to raise it nurture it and build it up to success.
How did he take this idea and create the cult brand we see today? Learn about the failures he endured, low and high moments and how his business started out just like yours in this interview.
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Did you know?
The average self-employed individual earns 30% less than a paid employee.I find that fascinating.
Are you playing favourites as a boss?
Or are you your leader's favourite?
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Burnout is real and your employees burn out is 100% something you need to address.
How do you handle backlash?
Career cushioning is the latest hot term in the business world... but what is it?
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“We look for people who are humble, hungry and smart.” - Todd and Fred Litwiniuk, Co-Ceo’s, Litco Law
I've wanted Litco Law on this show for a LONG time. Why? Because Litco Law does their business differently. It's not about being a stuffy lawyer. For Fred, it's about actually following through with your values and creating an environment that is geared towards their clients needs AND their employees needs.
When you can build a brand like Fred has with his brother Todd, the public perception of the brand is driven by the word of clients and employees. People are happy to be brand ambassadors for you because you're doing things differently.
How do they do that? By building trust.
How do you build trust? Listen to this episode...
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Let's discuss two incredible important things for your business, transportation needs and toxic personalities.
How does transportation impact your business? How would it improve business?
Also, what is toxic prosperity and how does it differ from being grateful?
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Let's talk about Subway. Would you be willing to buy it?
Also, would you fine your employees for reaching out to staff members who are on vacation?
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Do you see the glass as half full or half empty?
Either way, there's still a glass you need to deal with. I recently presented at the Canadian Association of Movers Conference in Edmonton.
It was a great opportunity to discuss the biggest challenges facing business owners including inflation, government regulation, and labour shortages.
But it's not just about what's going wrong.
If entrepreneurs can get creative about the way they do business and how they provide value to their customers, there are endless possibilities to take this industry to the next level.
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Quiet quitting. So... we all have thoughts about quiet quitting.
Want the TLDR? We as business owners expect our employees to do more work than us. If they are... they should start their own business.
They don't own the business. They don't have equity. Why do we treat them like they do?
I loved this conversation with Zak from Canadian Podcast because I had the opportunity to get some things off my chest.
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"Build your brand."
But what the heck does that mean?
I talk about this with Zak Hussein, host of the Canadian Podcast.
Some people don't know but Zak is actually a brand and marketing genius. That's his job beyond just being a terrific host.
We talk about navigating social media, Gary Vaynerchuk's model for posting, leadership and so much more. On top of that, we react to some of the best advice we received from Exchagne guests in 2022.
This is also Part 2... have to seen Part 1?
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Just two podcasters podcasting.
It was so much fun having Zak Hussein, host of Canadian Podcast, in our studio to react to some of the best advice I've gotten from guests over the year of 2022. We talk about influencers, market research, brand and so much more.
Actually... we talked about so much stuff, we had to break this into 2 parts.
Stay tuned for part 2 which will be released on December 9th!
Thanks for listening!
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How is the best soccer player in the world?
Popularity versus skill can be an interesting discussion and it's something you can use to your business advantage.
Most CEOs or higher ups are brought on board for their vision but the thing is, not everyone executes. How do you ensure your vision is executed?
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Who's never made a bad decision as an entrepreneur? crickets
Ya we all have. It's a part of the gig.
The secret is you have to make mistakes in order to be successful. This isn't new information. But the reminder is crucial. On social media, we often only see the best everyone has to offer.
Then you see someone like David Wallach, who is wildly successful, telling you mistakes are a part of the process.
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How are you paying yourself from your company?
Paying yourself 100% dividends may land you in court. Getting the advice you need from a tax professional can help you avoid a run in with the CRA.
Also, spending is on its way down this holiday season. What impact will that have on your business?
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What does it take to be successful in your industry for over two decades? That's the questions every business owner and entrepreneur wants to know the answer to.
You know who has the answer? David Wallach, Broker/Owner of Barclay Street Real Estate Ltd. His answer may surprise you. David is a wealth of knowledge. He has so much experience in every role his business has and it gives him incredible perspective.
85-90 per cent of people who enter the real estate industry will be done within 5 years. They can't survive. David... well he's been doing this for 22 years. It's about passion (one of the 5 Ps) but it's also about being ok with being told "no" and moving on quickly so you can get to that "yes."
Check out the episode and let me know what you think is the secret to longevity.
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How do you beat the competition? Look internally. Work on the culture.
How your business operates internally will make ultimately improve work productivity and empower your team.
David Wallach has been in the commercial real estate industry for over two decades and he is still striving. But here's the thing, he doesn't compete with others, he wants them to compete with him.
We have a FULL interview coming out with David this Friday on YouTube and next Monday on podcast. What are you hoping he talks about?
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Do you feel like you’re faking it until you make it as a business owner?
Are you struggling to promote yourself or your business because you’re questioning your worth?
Let’s talk about it.
We'll be talking about imposter syndrome, worth and the 5Ps or what Shashi likes to call the 5 Pillars: process, people, passion/plan, profit/financials and product.
Our upcoming event with founder of Joydrop, Shashi Behl, is completely sold out! But keep an eye on social media for key takeaways from the event!
This event is all about business owners walking into a room, and leaving with a community that is there to support them. We will also be joined by some other incredible entrepreneurs who will be sharing their business knowledge.
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Let the advertising begin!
It looks like Uber will start advertising in its cars while you ride. It's an interesting move to generate more revenue. If it works for Uber, it could work for you.
Also, retailers are heading into the holiday shopping season and consumers are feeling the pinch of inflation. How is your business encouraging customers to spend the few dollars they have left?
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Have you ever run a half marathon? Marathon? It's one of those things where you know it will be work. You need to train and have discipline but sometimes you think, well it's running. One foot in front of the other.
That's a lot like running a business.
Shashi Behl and I talked about this on her episode of the Karmali Exchange but it didn't make it into the episode.
We face obstacles as business owners. We get tired. But at the end of the race, we reach the finish line and say, "I'd do it again."
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Finances, acquisitions, growth... OH MY!
I know what you're thinking, "acquisitions are not what my business is about." I think you're wrong.
Acquisitions are not just something for large companies to be considering. The mentality and approach to them is something you should actually apply to your business.
Who better to talk about that than the CFO of Parkland, Marcel Teunissen? Marcel discusses the Parkland business model to growth and why sometimes, you have to spend money to make money... but be smart about it and learn from your mistakes.
We also discuss one of my favourite topics (besides finances), your people. Your success replies on your people. At the end of the day, this is a company that started as a small cattle feed company and grew to an international business.
So why not learn from their journey?
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Tax tips! Look, no one likes taxes but we have to talk about it.
Also on this episode, why do businesses fail when they enter new markets? I got to talk to Marcel Teunissen, CFO of Parkland, and I asked him this question. He is so knowledgeable and I know what you're thinking... I want to hear more. Well, we have a full episode of the Karmali Exchange releasing this Friday with Marcel. Stay tuned!
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It's getting ridiculous... stop spying on your employees. If you don't trust them, that's a different issue. But if you trust them, let them get the work done!
Also, everyone's favourite topic: taxes. It's so important to make sure you're keeping on top of this so the tax man doesn't come for you.
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As we've all heard, Apple has launched a new iPhone AND watch (series 8).
Are you interested in the new devices? What about the updates to iOS that were announced?
Also, I talk about the 5Ps with Erin Creegan-Dougherty, founder and owner of Maskwa Backcountry Foods. She's an inspiring new business owner and I'm excited to see how her business grows.
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There's a right and wrong way to start your business. Erin Creegan- Dougherty, owner of Maskwa Backcountry Foods is doing it right.
I love talking to young entrepreneurs because there is so much passion behind what they do. They are eager to learn and grow and it reminds me of why we all started our businesses.
Erin saw a gap in the market: backcountry food that was friendly for people with dietary restrictions. So if you're gluten free or vegan, she has something that will work for you AND for a personal touch, Erin's recipes are all inspired by her Metis roots.
Learn more about how she built connections through winning awards and how she got her business off the ground in this episode. I also give her a few tips on how to keep growing.
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Bed Bath and Beyond just took off on their price per share. Why? Because a lot of retail investors shot up the stock price.
Zellers coming back from the dead with Hudson Bay stores. They're starting with e-commerce then slowly releasing more bricks and mortar locations over time.
What it means to value your employees as a business owner. We get great insight from Kevin Wilhelm, Co-Founder and President of POD Marketing.
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Some very important topics that have gained a lot of traction in the business community.
- Do you know if your business is making a profit?
- Let's say you're getting a lot of complaints about an employee. What do you do?
- What is your strategy when your talent starts to retire?
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When you've started a business (or multiple), sold a business, and started another one with even more success than the first, it's safe to say you know your shit. Shashi Behl, CEO/Founder of Joydrop has refined the art of building businesses to sell.
Why though?
Why build a business and put your heart and soul into it with the intention of selling to someone else? Because passion isn't embedded in making money or selling the most necklaces. It's about supporting other business owners. That's the foundation Shashi built her business on.
But it still leaves this question unanswered: how do you build a business worth buying?
In this interview, Shashi tells us all her secrets from processes, to marketing, financials and searching for the right talent. Everything she's learned has contributed to JoyDrop being the 2022 Canadian Independent Retail Ambassador.
Want to know more about Shashi? She has been on the W100 profit list, P200 list, represented Canada at the G8 Young Business Summit, been awarded Calgary Leader of Tomorrow and was named Retailer of the Year for Canada. So you're probably going to want to listen to her advice...
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Weekly roundup!
Online returns are a huge... so how do you prevent returns? How do you ensure your customer buys your product and incorporates it into their everyday life?
Elon Musk made headlines again for saying those who work from home aren't actually working, they're pretending. Well Elon, I think many would disagree.
What is the most important thing to think about as a business owner? It's not about the money. It's about the experience.
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"They're not revolting against 'I don't want to work anymore'. They're revolting against, 'I don't want to work for you.'"
Let's talk about the employee renaissance. Your employees make your business. So you better be treating them well. You better be selecting people that align with your values. It is your job to ensure that it is a mutually beneficial relationship.
How are you ensuring your employees are feeling fulfilled and achieving their goals while also growing your business?
There is an employee empowerment movement. Time to get on board.
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We have so many amazing moments on the Karmali Exchange that don’t make it into the full episodes. In this bonus moment Robert Price, founder and CEO of Bōde Canada, shares his thoughts on growing an exciting business with a purpose that employees can get behind.
We discuss growth versus profitability, finding the right talent in a competitive market, and creating a culture of connection.
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Business owners are taking on a million roles and I often get asked "how do you balance it all?" That word... balance. It does not exist in this career path.
You won't have "balance" as an entrepreneur. Deal with it.
You have to prioritize. You have to know where you have to let go so you can give your full energy into whatever is the most important in that moment.
Every business owner I've spoken to has beef with the idea of work/life balance because we're sold this idea that you can have it all. But here's the thing, you can have it all when you are able to properly dedicate your time and energy. You can have all the balance you need but you have to determine what that means for you.
Check out this episode where business owners I've spoken to give their hottest takes on why balance is bullshit.
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How do you feel about user fees? I personally would rather it just be buried in the price of the product or service.
Also, as a business owner, do you care about how many vacation days your employees take off?
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Do you know how to differentiate between an entrepreneur and business owner?
More and more Canadians are claiming to be entrepreneurs but I'd argue they're business owners.
Also on this episode, what does it mean to add value to your business?
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Inflation is greatly impacting business owners. But that also means it's greatly impacting our customers.
Are we ensuring we are continuing to add value to our clients?
Are we communicating changes that might be occurring as a result of inflation?
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“I feel like my job in the world is to get to a point in this world where we don’t have to say female entrepreneur and we just say you are an entrepreneur.” - Shashi Behl, Owner/Founder, Joydrop.
Another panel of strong, successful business owners!
I specifically asked for an all female entrepreneurs panel because let's face it, when creating my business, although I faced challenges, they were different challenges from what women face. So we invited Jenn Lofgren, Founder of Incito Executive and Leadership Development, Amanda Ovaici, Co-founder of Cafe Alchemist and YYC FuckUp Nights, and Shashi Behl, Founder and Owner of Joydrop.
But what I found incredibly interesting about this panel is although each of them did not shy away from the struggles they faced, they didn't dwell on it. Their goal is to build a future where any young entrepreneur of any gender, race, etc., can think to themselves "I'm going to start a business".
We discuss why the traits that made them "bad" employees made them incredible employers, the most ridiculous things people have said to them, and how they run their business with grace and strength, even through all the bullshit.
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Sometimes, the best advice is simple. I asked Robert Price, Maeghen Cotterill and Jan Jaffer what their top piece of advice is for business owners and they said: STOP hiring for resumes Culture eats strategy for breakfast Give back wherever possible
If you can ensure your business is following those three tips, you will see results.
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Thanks for watching!
For other ways to engage with me, subscribe for new episodes, and check out: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaisalKarmali Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisalkarmali/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaisalKarmal... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-ka...
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Welcome to The Karmali Exchange, hosted by experienced business & financial expert Faisal Karmali. On this podcast, Faisal dives into conversations with successful business owners to learn how they grew their company and broke through. Faisal will also share his views on real-time news affecting business owners, explorations of the many challenges they face, and other strategies to help others achieve the lifestyle they want.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Battle of Alberta in the NHL playoffs have not happened in about 3 decades.
What an opportune time for you to gain business, create brand awareness AND connect with your customers.
Now's the time to think and get creative!
GO FLAMES GO!!!
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Did you know that Tiffany's has been making the NBA Championship trophies for the past 45 years? This got me thinking about ways that you can apply this strategy to your business.
High unemployment can be a big opportunity for business owners. Do you plan to capitalize on the huge talent pool that's available?
Culture is the most important influence on the success of your company. Do you know what your team needs from you in order to show up everyday happy, healthy and excited about the opportunities ahead?
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“If you’re too involved in the day to day, you won’t be able to grow the way that you want to." - Chief Visionary Officer, Dr. Jan Jaffer
Entrepreneurs love hats. We love wearing as many as possible. We love having a hand on every aspect of our business. Wearing multiple hats is what we do to grow a business out of an idea.
But here’s the thing, this isn’t sustainable. As a business owner you have to know when to let go and trust your team. This will free you up to focus on the broad strategies needed to drive your business forward. At the end of the day, you are the one with the best vision of your company.
Take it from me and THREE (!!!) other entrepreneurs with thriving businesses, CEO of Bode Canada - Robert Price, CEO of 5 Elements Martial Arts - Maeghen Cotterill and CVO of TREC Dental - Dr. Jan Jaffer. We talk about the importance of being intentional with your time, creative ways for your business to stand out and my favourite topic to rant about - financial failures.
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Thanks for watching! For other ways to engage with me, subscribe for new episodes, and check out:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaisalKarmali
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisalkarmali/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaisalKarmaliBusiness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-karmali-37444914
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Welcome to The Karmali Exchange, hosted by experienced business & financial expert Faisal Karmali. On this podcast, Faisal dives into conversations with successful business owners to learn how they grew their company and broke through. Faisal will also share his views on real-time news affecting business owners, explorations of the many challenges they face, and other strategies to help others achieve the lifestyle they want.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“You have to leave space and oxygen for opportunity to present itself.”
Leadership requires a special skillset. It’s crucial for all entrepreneurs but not many know what it takes to be a good leader. Jeff Popiel, President of Village Brewery shares his advice on how we can strengthen our leadership skills to better our businesses.
We talk about what it takes to have meaning behind your work, the advantages of past experience and the importance of finding a balance between control and opportunity. Only within that balance will you be able to grow and lead at the same time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I talk to a lot of entrepreneurs. When I sat down with Jeff Popiel, the President of Village Brewery, I noticed something different. Something that a lot of business owners could use some practice in.
What is your company’s purpose? How does that inspire product? Why should people support your businesses vision? Jeff consistently finds opportunities to explain the emotional connection to the Village Brewery brand. He even goes into detail about specific products and the inspiration behind their creation to further give consumers a reason to connect with the products. By doing this, he is encouraging customers to support the business not just now, but for years to come.
Everyone loves a great story about the startup of a business and the passion that drove the founders to success. But the ultimate goal is to show consumers how your brand fits into their lifestyle and their sense of community. Show them how your product can be personal to them.
This is an important skill for entrepreneurs to learn because at the end of the day, you want your business to outlast you.
Thanks for listening! For other ways to engage with me, subscribe for new episodes, and check out:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaisalKarmali
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisalkarmali/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaisalKarmaliBusiness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-karmali-37444914
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This weekly roundup is an important one.
We're talking about new beginnings... even if that means going through some tough times to get there.
Also, do you sell products on Etsy? I don't know much about it but there are a lot of users on the platform who are unhappy about rising fees.
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The population in Canada is up. This is a big opportunity for businesses.
Are you getting to know who is moving to Canada so you can prepare your product and service for this new wave of buyers?
A great example of this is my most recent interview with Village Brewery. They are jumping on a new demographic with their non-alcoholic beer.
What are your thoughts?
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“I believe passion is something you bring to your work, not something you get from your work.”
Talk about an interview full of passion and tangible advice that you can apply to your business. Jeff Popiel, President of Village Brewery, took on this role about a year and a half ago, right in the midst of the pandemic. On top of that, Village Brewery is a well-known, well-established business. It's been around for over a decade and is known as the big brother of craft breweries in Alberta.
So how does Jeff hop in the driver's seat and guide this business towards even more growth and success? You'll find out in this interview along with tips on how to growth hack through organic growth and acquiring businesses, how to properly conduct market research, and developing processes for success. So grab a beer and enjoy!
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Theft is a growing concern for a lot of business owners I've been speaking to. How would you address this tough scenario?
What do you think about a one-time payment to your employees to account for inflation?
We all have our star players on team but what happens if they choose to leave?
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“The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
That’s just one of the amazing tips Ashley Freeborn, CEO/Co-Founder of Smash+Tess has in this video. But she also answers the questions like, how do you position your business for 66% year over year growth? How do you grow from 28 staff to 75 in just one year? How do you achieve 27 million annual revenue after only 5 years in business? Check out our full conversation
For other ways to engage with me, subscribe for new episodes, and check out: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaisalKarmali Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisalkarmali/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaisalKarmaliBusiness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-karmali-37444914
Welcome to The Karmali Exchange, hosted by experienced business & financial expert Faisal Karmali. On this podcast, Faisal dives into conversations with successful business owners to learn how they grew their company and broke through. Faisal will also share his views on real-time news affecting business owners, explorations of the many challenges they face, and other strategies to help others achieve the lifestyle they want.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Interest rates are on the rise so now you have to think about your personal AND business finances.
How are you keeping employees motivated as they return to office?
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“If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not taking risks so make new mistakes. Just don’t make old mistakes, that’s the key.”
This is the philosophy of Ashley Freeborn, CoFounder/CEO of Smash+Tess and my guest on this episode of The Karmali Exchange. Smash+Tess is a clothing brand disrupting the fashion industry with stylish “everywear” ethically produced and manufactured in North America. They celebrate women with a thriving digital community that has a cult-like following. While building that community they surpassed $16.5 million in sales and were #8 on the Globe and Mail’s Top Growth Companies in 2020.
We talk about the power of social media, her strategy of “pivot hard and fail fast” and the silver lining of Covid. Ashley answers the million dollar question - how do you get so many celebrities and influencers to wear, promote and collaborate on your products?
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Do you find that as a business owner, you are experiencing a high amount of stress and anxiety? Here are my tips to assist with those feelings.
Also, would you move your business to a four day workweek?
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Do you know the difference between Producer Price Index and Consumer Price Index? Knowing the difference could save your business.
Entrepreneurs sometimes get a bad reputation but I genuinely think they are the backbone of this economy.
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Have you felt the impacts of inflation on your businesses? What are you doing to help your company through this time?
Peloton is in the news again and I'm wondering, how do businesses who don't get as much public attention self-assess?
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Role reversal!
In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, I am the guest and who better to interview me than my business partner Dave Popowich. There are many new subscribers to the channel so I thought it was a good time to share more about myself and my business journey. We talk about early influences, why I started playing hockey, how I almost broke Dave in Vegas and why I believe business owners should have a community and a voice.
Thanks for watching! For other ways to engage with me, check out: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaisalKarmali Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisalkarmali/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaisalKarmal... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-ka...
Welcome to The Karmali Exchange, hosted by experienced business & financial expert Faisal Karmali. On this podcast, Faisal dives into conversations with successful business owners to learn how they grew their company and broke through. Faisal will also share his views on real-time news affecting business owners, explorations of the many challenges they face, and other strategies to help others achieve the lifestyle they want.
Watch the YouTube video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf8z5qFCY2A&t=23s
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Are you interesting in selling your business? Maybe you know someone who is...
Wordle has taken over the interview and the New York Times has picked up on it, so the NYT purchased it.
Facebook is plummeting. Is that going to have a big impact on your business?
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This weekly round-up has a bunch of interesting topics for you to think about and apply to your business.
McDonald's is testing a new plant burger... testing products isn't new but I'm wondering how often you are testing products.
Would you accept crypto-payments at your business?
The CEO of Better.com who fired 900 employees over a video call is back. But do you think the business can bounce back from that?
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More Canadians are getting full time jobs which is great for the economy but what does that mean for business owners looking to hire new talent?
A new wave of business problems... employees getting sick and now, you're short staffed. How do you handle that scenario?
Would you pay employees $5000 to quit? A business in Arizona uses this strategy to find out who wants to stay in the business.
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We're starting the calendar year with more restrictions impacting businesses.
What is your strategy for this fifth wave and working from home? Many people want to work from home. They see it has a major benefit. So how are you strategizing to build job satisfaction?
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2021 was such a crazy year. It was filled with highs, lows and more uncertainty than ever before. But one thing I am certain of is how much I LOVE spending time with other entrepreneurs! I have so much fun whether we’re trading advice and tips or when they’re trying to teach me martial arts or how to play piano. These are the moments when I can escape my stresses and refuel by sharing my passion for #business with my community.
I’ve had the privilege of talking to so many incredible business owners in 2021, so in this episode of The Karmali Exchange, we’ve taken all of that knowledge and compiled it into one video full of advice.
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On this week's weekly roundup, I'm asking you if it's time to get more aggressive in your business. The new year is right around the corner and it's a great time to start analyzing your company and make some changes if needed.
Also, what kind of data are you gathering from your customers that could help your business grow?
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What is my number one tip for year end taxes? It has a lot of do with preparedness.
Omicron is the latest variant out there. With the fifth wave creeping in, how are you preparing your business? Are you reconsidering your return to office plans?
And finally, I share how I plan on supporting local this holiday season.
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Have you heard this story about a CEO who fired 900 people over a Zoom call? It's something that really upsets me as a business owners.
We're also facing an increase in food prices. How will that affect your business and your customers?
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“The bigger they got the less profit they made.”
Could expanding your business too quickly be detrimental to your company’s growth? As business owners, we get excited about expanding and taking on new ventures. But here’s the thing, expanding your business doesn’t always mean expanding your profits.
In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, I sit down with restaurant owner Sam Chanhao. Sam has been wowing Calgarians with authentic Thai food and a rich fine dining experience for over 30 years at Thai Sa-On. He adapted the menu to quick service and started the franchise Tuk Tuk Thai. That’s where Jimmy Chamoun comes in! He is the president at Tuk Tuk Thai and shares his wealth of knowledge from his experiences after decades in the world of franchising. We discuss the importance of connecting with your customers, motivating your staff and how valuable it is for entrepreneurs to know which situations to act quickly and when to slow down.
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This week's weekly roundup brings up an interesting topic. What do you think are the most common misconceptions about being self-employed?
Also holiday shopping is upon us. Have you ever implemented a buy now, pay later program?
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Elon Musk is selling shares in order to pay tax bills. Is this something you've run into?
Have you paid your taxes to the CRA? It's our responsibility as business owners to make sure we remember to stay on top of these things.
We're seeing a lot of problems getting products for businesses right before the holidays... so what should you do?
Apple is implementing a new strategy, allowing customers to fix their own Apple products.
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I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down and talking to Khaliya and her parents, Aziz and Sheniza, about her latest business venture.
At just 10-years-old, Khaliya has created two colouring books for the Christmas season and one dollar from every book sold will go to the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton.
Listen to her story and her advice for any entrepreneur out there looking to get started.
If you're interested in purchasing one of these colouring books, please reach out to me on social media @FaisalKarmali
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Hot take: Creative people are not good at business. I couldn’t disagree more and it’s time to clear up that stigma. My guest on this episode of The Karmali Exchange, is Carmen Morin, Owner/Executive Director of Morin Music Studio. Carmen has been playing the piano since she was two and now leads a team of almost 40 faculty where they teach nearly 1000 students at her private music school. We give you tips on how to hire, how to capitalize on the value of your expertise and how Carmen expanded online and grew her business during the pandemic. Ever been told you’re “marketing your business too aggressively”? Carmen has and how she handled that type of criticism shows her skill as an entrepreneur.
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On this week's weekly round up, I give new business owners and entrepreneurs some advice to get started.
Is the idea of the 'Great Resignation' overhyped? In Canada, that stats say maybe there isn't a huge influx of resignations happening.
Algorithms on social media are changing constantly... how does it affect your business?
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Another weekly roundup in the books!
I shout out a few businesses in Calgary for #smallbusinessweek. It is so important to support each other. So thank you to Local Laundry, Friday Sock Co., 5 Elements Martial Arts, and Vin Room!
Have you looked into this business purchase by Sleep Country? It's very interesting because it incentives both Sleep Country and Hush to make more money.
And finally, this story about Spanx is INCREDIBLE. The owner took her life savings which turned out to be five thousand dollars and now, 20 years later, her company is worth 1.2 billion dollars.
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Have the roles reversed in retail? The movement to shop local has never been stronger. Big box stores are seeking out local companies to distribute their products. How can business owners capitalize on this great opportunity?
Also on this episode, is this the end of the fine dining industry? How do you survive the challenges of this pandemic when your business model relies so heavily on the in-person experience? Is the tide shifting from employers to employees?
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More than 56,000 businesses shut down in Calgary in June alone... What are the reasons businesses are shutting down?
Also on this episode, there are bunch of ships waiting on the coastline around the world. What does this mean when it comes to getting goods for your business?
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“Advertising is a tax that brands pay for being unremarkable.”
This is one of the many quotes that resonated with me while I chatted with Chris Kneeland, CEO & Co-Founder of Cult Collective during this episode of The Karmali Exchange.
By combining a traditional ad agency with business consulting, Chris created a new species called a Marketing Engagement Agency. We talk about the changing dynamics between leadership and employees, the difference between being successful vs being significant and of course, social media and marketing.
Years of experience working with industry giants Harley-Davidson, John Deere, Home Depot, Best Buy, Keurig (just to name a few) led to valuable insights and advice that will help every entrepreneur.
Chris has a way of making you rethink your approach to your business through fun, relatable stories of the brands that you know and love.
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It's been 2 years since I last spoke with Andrew McCreath, BNN contributor and CEO/CIO of Forge First Asset Management, to talk about where he sees the opportunities for businesses and business owners.
Well, with this big shift that has happened since the last time we spoke, I thought I would catch up with Andrew again to see if his view has changed. How has Covid-19 impacted how businesses are run? How are entrepreneurs pushed to pivot and actually improve because of the challenges they face?
We also talk about what customer loyalty really is and what it means to gain it.
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What are the step-by-step things you need to do so your business succeeds?
Amazon is adding 15,000 jobs to Canada but this may mean more competition for small and medium size businesses.
Business owners are left with the responsibility again when it comes to Alberta's restriction exemption program.
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It's a new week which means it's time for a weekly business roundup!
Here are a few pieces of advice and news that I think are relevant to business owners right now.
First up, what do you know about consumer confidence and how are you using that information to improve your business?
I also talk about employee incentives and something I like to call "The Great Resignation."
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I talk to Ernie Tsu, President of the Alberta Hospitality Association and owner of Trolly 5 Brewing about what the hospitality industry needs from the federal government to get back on their feet after a truly difficult year.
Interested in talking to federal candidates about the business issues you're most concerned about?
Register for The Karmali Exchange Live: Federal Candidates Business Forum here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/karmali-exchange-live-2021-federal-government-mp-candidate-business-forum-tickets-166980177205?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
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In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, I sit down with Tammy Phan, CEO and founder of Luxe Du Jour, an online destination where you can shop, sell, rent or restore designer luxury handbags. We discuss staying relevant, using social media to educate your market and why entrepreneurs should feel uncomfortable.
Some topics we covered: How to Build a Successful E-commerce Business Social Media and Marketing for Your Demographic How to Tackle the Fear of Being Uncomfortable 3 Tips for Making Your Process More Efficient Handling Employee Mistakes How To Stay Connected and Build Loyalty How to Get Customers to Trust You How to Beat Your Competition
We had some fiery debates!
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What can be done on a local, municipal level to help businesses recovery in our city?
I talked to Deborah Yedlin, CEO and President of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, about what the Chamber wants to see from a new mayor and a new council to better support local businesses.
Check out their full report here: https://www.calgarychamber.com/pathwaystopotential
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Are you as an entrepreneur equipped with information before heading to the polls for the federal election?
The Calgary and Edmonton Chambers of Commerce have released a a joint issues policy on what they want to see when it comes to prioritizing businesses in the federal election.
CEO and President of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Deborah Yedlin, and I discuss the importance of economic recovery, diversification, and more business topics pertaining to business owners.
Check out the report here: https://www.calgarychamber.com/fromchallengetochange
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Who is there to support you? Have you built up your network full of people who have business experience? There is so much you can learn from others. It's a missed opportunity if you don't interact with them.
Welcome to the first episode of my business round-up. This is where you'll get a few tips, business news, and stories to help you get your week started.
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Special guest Stephen Deere, Owner of Modern Steak in Calgary, chats with Faisal Karmali about getting to the top of the food chain in the restaurant business. Plus, find out the secret behind an amazing steak.
Business owners, don't miss Stephen Deere's insights on: what to do when a customer gives you a negative review, the importance of your supply chain and buying local, and how he has built a series of restaurants that are able to compete with the longest-standing institutions in the city.
In The Exchange, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guests Brandon Carbol and Marwan Hilal of Weatherskin chat with Faisal Karmali about creating a storm-proof business, how tough times and their own experiences have shaped how they run their company, and the philosophy that keeps them covered, regardless of what happens.
Find out: the accident that caused a shift in perspective for Brandon, how their business lives its values, and how they try to protect their business from market dangers that change as fast as the weather.
In The Exchange, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Maeghen Cotterill, Owner and Head Instructor at 5 Elements Martial Arts Ltd. and kickboxing world champion, joins host Faisal Karmali to talk about how her martial arts training and personal philosophy has driven her to business success.
Find out: how she uses her training to fight back against competition, why creating an inclusive space is so important, and her personal philosophy that has allowed her to build the biggest martial arts training centre in Canada.
In The Exchange, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guests Afshin and Alkarim Devani, Co-Founders of RNDSQR, join host Faisal Karmali to talk about facing hardship in business, working together as family, and how to build partnerships with other businesses.
In The Exchange, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Ryan Holtz, Marketing Expert, Speaker and Host of The Ryan Holtz Show, joins host Faisal Karmali to talk about family, balancing his life and his business, and the secrets of his success as he built his podcast. Check it out here: http://ryanholtz.ca/podcasts/
In The Exchange, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Amanda Ovaici, Co-Owner at Cafe Alchemist, Co-Founder of Fuckup Nights YYC, and lawyer, joins host Faisal Karmali to talk about failure, juggling multiple businesses, and the lessons she has learned from running several businesses simultaneously. In The Exchange, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guests Salina and Almin Kassamali, Co-Managing Partners of Stylelabs Inc., share their secrets to a successful business partnership, and maintaining their marriage outside of the business. Plus they talk about how they have grown multiple successful companies together, and the strategies they use to find the right people to grow their business the way they want.
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Faisal Karmali collects the best pieces of business advice from the successful entrepreneurs that he has interviewed over the course of 2020! He shares the best advice in each of the 5Ps that are keys to a successful business: People, Product, Process, Passion, and getting Paid.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Kevin Wilhelm, Co-Founder and President of POD Marketing, shares the marketing and promotion strategies he uses, and how he builds marketing strategies for other brands. Plus, find out how he started his business, how he discovered a niche, and how he has grown that business to other areas.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Claudio Migliaccio, Co-Owner of Umberto's Custom Tailors, talks modernizing the custom tailoring experience, why traditions matter, and about the unique mindset that helps his business remain true to his goals and vision regardless of competition.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Robert Price, Founder and CEO of Bode Canada, is disrupting the real estate industry -- but this is the third industry he's been a part of disrupting, and the third major company that he and his family have helped to build. Find out how he innovates, changes industries, and stays nimble in his business.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Connor Curran, Founder of Local Laundry, shares how he turned a $50 startup selling t-shirts into a revenue stream of hundreds of thousands of dollars in just a few years. Learn about drop shipping, how and why to fail fast, how to test product ideas, and how his philosophy can help you grow your business - by looking at the way you relate to your customers.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Adam Thompson, Owner, Friday Sock Co., who went into business for himself to live as a creative entrepreneur, using his imagination to create brand new products. Five years later, he's still working with that first creative idea, because he has been so successful, he's sold millions of dollars worth of socks - with no sign of stopping! His success with his brand that is known for their values --eco-friendliness, sustainability, charitable giving -- has led him to be named one of Calgary's Top 40 Under 40.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Alykhan Velji, founder and Principal of Alykhan Velji Designs and media personality (with appearances on several HGTV shows, as one of The Style Guys, and across TV networks as a style and design advisor), shares how he has followed his creative passion to build a successful business, and how he turned a few opportunities into a national media presence.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special guest Jenn Lofgren, Founder of Incito Executive and Leadership Development, Master Leadership Coach, Member of the Forbes Coaches Council, one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women In Canada as named by the Women's Executive Network, shares how she built her business to become one of Canada's top leadership coaches, including what she did instead of 'networking'. She also talks about starting a business during a crisis, and shares some of her leadership wisdom, including how to spot dysfunction in your team, and how to make decisions you won't regret!
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Real Talk With Faisal Karmali, with special guest Kim Moody, CEO of Moodys Tax Law, a nationally-recognized Canadian firm.
Kim talks about the way that he has grown his relationships with people and created a service-based business with national reach, from his pricing strategy to hiring the right people, and how to position your business from basic trust building to becoming an expert in your field.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Real Talk With Faisal Karmali, with special guest Shane Wenzel, the name behind and leader of Shane Homes and the Shane Homes Group of Companies, one of the biggest and most recognized homebuilders in Calgary.
Shane talks about the tools and areas of focus that have helped him grow his company to be one of the pre-eminent builders in Calgary, from their customer focus to the type of research they conduct.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Real Talk With Faisal Karmali: Episode 4, with special guest Joe McFarland, broadcaster, journalist and talk show host.
Joe McFarland has maintained a number of successful side hustles for years, pursuing his passion for sports as a broadcaster for several major teams while becoming one of Calgary's favourite radio hosts. He talks about developing side hustles and succeeding in all of his pursuits in his conversation with business expert Faisal Karmali.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Real Talk With Faisal Karmali: Episode 3, with special guest Dr. Jan Jaffer, CEO of TREC Dental.
Dr. Jaffer has scaled his dental practice from 5 locations 5 years ago, to 22 in the city by the end of this year. He shares his unconventional approaches and the secrets that have driven the hyper-growth of his practice in his conversation with business expert Faisal Karmali.
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Real Talk With Faisal Karmali: Episode 2, with special guest Monica Kretschmer, Founder and CEO of the Universal Women’s Network.
Hear Monica share her incredible journey from an emergency women’s shelter to CEO of her own company in just a few years, plus some tips for ways you can scale your own business in the face of adversity!
In Real Talk, Calgarian, business expert and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Real Talk With Faisal Karmali: Episode 1, with special guest Andrew McCreath, Founder and Head of Forge First Asset Management and Host of Weekly with Andrew McCreath on BNN Bloomberg. Andrew tells his story about his journey from rock & roll agent to head of an asset management company, and shares a few of the most valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.
In Real Talk, Calgarian and media personality Faisal Karmali talks to successful business owners to find out the secrets of their success. Learn from the success of other entrepreneurs as Faisal digs in to their leadership, management, marketing, structure and planning tools that can help you grow your business. Real Talk also features entrepreneurs that are hoping to take their business to the next level; weigh in with your own advice if you think you see a way for them to solve their problems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.