Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we’re discussing the transformative power of technology, the advantages of embracing remote work, and the strategic benefits of diversifying your business offerings. With AI and automation driving efficiency and remote work models gaining traction, businesses must evolve to meet market demands.

Joining us is Adam Mitchell, CEO of Mitch Insurance, an Ontario-based brokerage recognized as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies. We’ll explore how embracing AI, automation, and remote work has fueled Mitch Insurance’s growth and discuss how diversifying business offerings can drive future success.

Key Highlights:

1. The Importance of Embracing AI and Automation: Adam will explain why embracing AI and automation is essential for businesses, including those in relationship-driven sectors like insurance, and how Mitch Insurance has benefited from these technologies.

2. The Benefits of Remote Work for Companies and Their Teammates: Adam will discuss the advantages Mitch Insurance has seen since adopting remote work indefinitely, for both the company and its employees.

3. Diversifying Your Business by Adding New Products/Departments to Offer Consumers More Solutions and Accelerate Growth: Adam will explain how diversifying offerings through new products and departments has helped Mitch Insurance grow and provide more comprehensive solutions to consumers.

4. Mitch Insurance's Unique History: Adam will share key moments and the vision that has driven Mitch Insurance’s growth from a small operation to a leading brokerage.

5. The Future of Work at Mitch Insurance: Adam will discuss Mitch Insurance’s commitment to remote work, including downsizing its headquarters, and what this means for the future of company culture and operations.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore the latest technological advancements and their impact on Canadian businesses. Today, we're diving into how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing customer service.

Joining us is Chris Ellison, Group Vice President and General Manager for ServiceNow Canada, with over 22 years of experience in sales and leadership. Chris will discuss the rise of Agentic AI in customer service, how Canadian consumers’ expectations are evolving, and how businesses can tackle the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating AI solutions.

Key Highlights:

1. The New Era of Customer Service with Agentic AI: Chris will explain what Agentic AI is and how it differs from the rule-based chatbots of the past, and the practical benefits for businesses.
   
2. Emotional Context and Seamless Customer Service: Chris will discuss how Agentic AI understands emotional context and offers a more seamless and empathetic customer service experience, including its ability to hand off to human support when necessary.
   
3. Canadian Consumer Expectations and the Trust Gap in AI: Chris will share the key findings from the Consumer Voice Report, particularly regarding Canadian expectations for emotional cue recognition and current trust levels in AI voice assistants.
   
4. Bridging the Trust Gap in AI for Sensitive Interactions: Chris will discuss how companies can bridge the trust gap when implementing Agentic AI in customer service, especially for more sensitive interactions, given the significant majority of Canadians still prefer human support for emotionally charged issues.
   

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the strategies and technologies that empower small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive in today's turbulent markets. Today, we focus on inventory management and its critical role in helping businesses navigate challenges like rising tariffs and disrupted supply chains.

Joining us is Ben Hussey, Co-CEO of Katana, a cloud inventory management platform. We'll discuss how smart inventory management, data-driven forecasting, and technology can help SMBs optimize operations, maintain healthy cash flow, and meet evolving consumer demands. Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights:

1. Navigating Tariff Turbulence: Ben will discuss the current challenges regarding unit costs and how tariffs are contributing to market chaos for SMBs, based on Katana's data showing dramatic surges.

2. The Importance of Data-Driven Forecasting: Ben will explain how SMBs can leverage inventory management platforms to gain the data-driven insights needed to make crucial supply chain changes, optimize operations, and maintain healthy cash flow.

3. How Katana Has Supported Customers During Market Fluctuation: Ben will share how Katana, as an inventory management platform, has specifically supported its customers during times of market fluctuation.

4. Proactive Strategies for Turbulent Times: Ben will outline proactive strategies that Katana’s customers are implementing within their inventory management that are proving to be effective in navigating turbulent times and mitigating the impact of tariffs.

5. Katana's Holistic Optimization for SMBs and Future Growth: Ben will discuss how Katana helps SMBs holistically optimize their operations in the current climate and strategically prepare for future growth and success.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore cutting-edge technology and innovation shaping our future. Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of quantum computing, a field that promises to revolutionize industries and solve problems beyond our current capabilities.

Joining us today is Christian Weedbrook, CEO and Founder of Xanadu, a Canadian quantum computing company dedicated to making quantum computers accessible and useful worldwide. We'll discuss what sets Xanadu apart, their latest innovations, and the long-term potential of quantum computing. Let’s begin!

Key Highlights:

1. What Separates Xanadu from the Others: Christian will discuss what unique approaches or technological advancements set Xanadu apart from its competitors in the fast-evolving field of quantum computing.

2. Xanadu's Latest Innovations: Christian will share insights into Xanadu's significant innovations such as Borealis and Aurora, and their importance in the world of quantum computing.

3. The Long-Term Promise of Quantum Computing: Christian will outline the long-term promise of quantum computing, its potential impact on various industries, and how it will benefit people everywhere.

4. Why Canada? Building Quantum Computing Here: Christian will explain why Canada is the ideal place for Xanadu to lead the charge in quantum technology and the global race for quantum computing dominance.

5. Recent Peer-Reviewed Publication in Nature: Christian will discuss the significance of Xanadu's upcoming peer-reviewed journal article in Nature and its contribution to the quantum computing field.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand, where we explore the journeys and strategies of Canadian companies achieving long-term success and driving innovation. Today, we’re spotlighting Pleora, an Ottawa-based SME that has thrived for 25 years, leading the way in real-time connectivity solutions for industries like automation, security & defense, and medical imaging.

Joining us today is Harry Page, President of Pleora, to discuss the company’s 25th anniversary, how it has remained relevant in Ottawa’s tech hub, and the strategies they’ve used to innovate and excel as a small private company. Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights:

1. Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation: Harry will reflect on key moments and milestones pivotal to Pleora’s journey and evolution over the past 25 years as a leader in real-time connectivity solutions.

2. Being an SME in Ottawa, Canada’s Tech Capital: Harry will discuss the unique advantages and challenges of building and scaling a technology SME in Ottawa, Canada’s tech capital, and how the ecosystem influenced Pleora’s growth.

3. How We Have Remained Relevant: Harry will explain how Pleora has managed to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving tech industry and lead real-time connectivity for 25 years, sharing the secrets to longevity in this competitive market.

4. How We Innovate as a Small Private Company: Harry will explore how Pleora, as a small private company, approaches innovation, and the advantages and challenges of innovating in this context compared to larger, publicly traded entities.

5. Genesis of Perpetual Innovation: Harry will discuss the genesis of Pleora and how the company’s initial focus on real-time connectivity has fueled perpetual innovation for the past 25 years, despite evolving challenges.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the strategies driving innovation and growth in Canada’s tech sector. Today, we’re focusing on tech talent, government support, and practical tips for startups scaling amidst economic uncertainties.

Joining us is Adam Froman, Founder and CEO of Delvinia, an innovation company transforming digital businesses. Adam will share insights on fostering a thriving tech ecosystem, supporting Canadian companies, and navigating the challenges facing the industry. Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights:

1. Canada's Tech Talent and Innovation Landscape: Adam will share his perspective on the current state of Canada's tech talent and innovation landscape, highlighting key strengths and areas that need significant improvement.

2. How Government Can Support the Startup and Tech Industry Better: Adam will discuss immediate and practical steps that governments, funders, and the private sector can take to better support innovation and help Canadian companies grow and scale at home.

3. Tips for Startups and Businesses to Scale Amidst Economic Uncertainties: Adam will offer his top tips for startups to not only survive but scale and find growth opportunities in the current economic climate.

4. Retaining IP, Talent, and Capital in Canada: Adam will explain what specific actions Canada needs to take to retain intellectual property, top talent, and crucial capital within the country.

5. The Power of Successful Scale-Up Stories: Adam will discuss how successful scale-up stories from Canadian companies can help policymakers, aspiring startups, and investors better understand the potential and path forward for innovation in Canada.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen. Today, we're exploring how cutting-edge technologies like customer experience platforms, Artificial Intelligence, and enterprise security are revolutionizing business operations. With AI's increasing integration and the growing importance of customer privacy, we'll dive into how these tools are becoming more accessible and effective for businesses.

Joining us today is Chandrashekar LSP, Managing Director at Zoho Canada. Zoho Corporation is a leading technology company offering over 55 apps across key business categories. Today, we'll discuss Zoho's updated Customer Experience Platform, the role of AI in driving value and privacy, and the introduction of Ulaa Enterprise Browser with enhanced security. Let’s get started!

Key Highlights:

1. Zoho Deepens Customer Experience Platform, Adding Generative AI and Workflow Orchestration Capabilities Powered by Zia: Chandrashekar will explain Zoho’s "CRM for Everyone" initiative, focusing on how Zia’s generative AI and workflow orchestration capabilities set Zoho apart from competitors.

2. Zoho Artificial Intelligence Differentiation: Customer Privacy and Value: Chandrashekar will discuss how Zoho ensures its AI models are not trained on consumer data, emphasizing the company’s commitment to privacy and value in today’s AI landscape.

3. Zoho Introduces "Ulaa Enterprise" Browser With Enhanced Security and Granular Control Options: Chandrashekar will explain how Ulaa Enterprise addresses gaps in enterprise security, balancing robust security with a user-friendly experience, making it a significant solution in modern cybersecurity.

4. How CRM for Everyone Changes CRM's Role Across Departments: Chandrashekar will explain how "CRM for Everyone" is transforming CRM’s utility beyond sales and customer service to departments like finance, legal, and marketing.

5. Ulaa Enterprise: Reducing IT Overhead and Improving Browse Speed: Chandrashekar will share how Ulaa Enterprise helps businesses reduce IT overhead while enhancing browsing speed, all without compromising security.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the tools and strategies that empower businesses to thrive in today’s digital economy. In today’s episode, we focus on fraud prevention, dispute resolution, and enhancing the customer experience through innovative payment solutions.

Recent trends indicate a significant rise in digital fraud and chargebacks, putting a strain on businesses’ bottom lines and customer trust. This highlights the importance of finding effective solutions to bridge communication gaps and ensure smooth transactions.

Joining us today is Gaurav Mittal, Executive Vice President of Ethoca, a Mastercard company, and a leading provider of collaboration-based solutions that help businesses fight fraud and improve customer interactions.

Key Highlights:

1. The Era of Rising E-Commerce: How rising e-commerce affects merchants and consumer shopping habits, and key shifts observed from Mastercard’s perspective.

2. Post-Transaction Experience: How improving the consumer experience post-transaction helps businesses in the e-commerce space.

3. Customer Retention and Lifetime Value: The relationship between simplifying disputes and enhancing customer retention and lifetime value for businesses.

4. Maintaining Consumer Expectations: Key pain points businesses face in meeting rising consumer expectations for a seamless e-commerce experience.

5. Projections for the Next Five Years: Insights into the future of chargebacks, first-party fraud, and progress in the disputes and transactions sector.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.