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In this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric Saumure sits down with globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and Oxford lecturer Neri Karra Sillaman to explore the ideas behind her book Pioneers and what immigrant entrepreneurs do differently when building businesses that last. Drawing from her lived experience as a former refugee and founder of a luxury fashion brand, Neri shares why resilience, optimism, and reframing failure are not just personal traits but strategic business advantages. She explains how immigrant founders often spot overlooked opportunities, treat rejection as part of progress, and build companies with longevity in mind, especially during uncertain economic times.

Neri also discusses the disconnect between academic theory and real world business practice, the role of ethics and uncompromising quality in long term profitability, and why purpose and profit do not need to be at odds. Through stories from her own entrepreneurial journey and research interviews with founders behind globally recognized brands, she offers practical insight into community as a competitive advantage, decision making under pressure, and why success in business is a long game. This conversation offers small business owners a grounded, realistic perspective on building resilient companies that endure.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

01:15 Meet Neri Karra Sillaman

01:25 The inspiration behind Pioneers

06:22 What immigrant entrepreneurs do differently

11:53 Stoicism, agency, and reframing failure

12:30 Academia vs real world business practice

15:58 Purpose, profit, and sustainability

19:51 Building quality, pride, and long term value

23:53 Early setbacks and learning to pivot

26:42 Ethics, leadership, and business decisions

28:26 Daily habits and creative discipline

29:42 Overrated business advice

31:34 Tools, mindset, and advice for entrepreneurs

33:13 How to connect with Neri

34:07 Final thoughts and closing

Hosted by Eric Saumure (https://ericsaumure.com )

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In this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric sits down with litigation lawyer Margot Pomerleau to explore the legal risks that small and medium business owners often overlook. Margot shares why documenting deals matters more than most entrepreneurs think, how failing to get proper advice early can cost you significantly more later, and the most common mistakes she sees in contracts, hiring, firing, and business partnerships. She breaks down what actually happens when a lawsuit begins, how evidence is collected, and why putting pen to paper can be the difference between winning and losing a case.

Margot also explains how business owners can avoid unnecessary legal trouble by setting realistic goals, avoiding unplanned expansions, and resisting the temptation to dabble in industries they do not fully understand. From mismanaged projects to bad investment advice, she walks through real situations that lead clients to her door and shares practical insight on how to avoid similar problems. This candid conversation will give business owners a clearer view of their legal rights and responsibilities and provide valuable tools to protect their companies before issues arise.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and episode overview
00:36 Meet Margot Pomerleau
01:26 What makes a strong litigator
03:35 Navigating client emotions and expectations
06:49 What business owners do not want to hear
08:31 The cost of ignoring legal advice
10:23 The biggest legal mistake owners make
12:33 Why documenting everything matters
16:01 What happens when you sue someone
19:57 How evidence and examinations work
23:59 Why full honesty with your lawyer is critical
26:21 The litigator’s role during a dispute
33:46 Suing financial advisors and investment loss cases
39:13 Controversial thoughts on scaling and risk
44:53 Final thoughts and how to connect with Margot

The conversations in this podcast, including those with Margot Pomerleau, are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing discussed should be taken as legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, you should consult with a qualified lawyer or other appropriate professional. The hosts and guests make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of any information shared.

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure welcomes Barry McLoughlin, leadership and communications consultant, author, and educator. Barry takes us inside his unique journey from stand-up comedy and television satire to coaching leaders across Canada and the U.S. He explains why communication is not a “nice-to-have” but an essential skill that defines your brand, builds trust, and fuels growth. With decades of experience helping executives, politicians, and business owners, Barry shares how storytelling, body language, and tone shape perception far more than words alone.

The conversation dives into real-world lessons on crisis management, authenticity, and the art of delivering tough messages without losing trust. Barry offers practical tools such as the “persuasion ladder” and the “what, why, so what” framework, while reflecting on how small business owners can connect with employees—especially younger generations—through transparency and purpose. You’ll also hear insights on reputation management, technology’s role in modern communication, and why being a great listener is the ultimate leadership skill.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Meet Barry McLoughlin, leadership and communications consultant

00:30 – From comedy and TV satire to coaching leaders

06:30 – Common communication mistakes and why nonverbals matter

09:20 – Becoming a trusted advisor in business

12:40 – Tight messages, soundbites, and the power of framing

13:00 – Crisis management: responding fast and building trust

17:30 – Rebuilding reputation and taking accountability

20:00 – Differentiated value and practical communication tools

26:50 – Transparency, Gen Z employees, and authentic culture

29:40 – Delivering bad news with empathy and structure

34:15 – Leading through uncertainty and protecting brand trust

38:15 – AI, technology, and the limits of machine communication

46:30 – Can “bad communicators” still succeed as leaders?

49:05 – One big takeaway: seek to understand before being understood

51:00 – Closing: Connect with Barry and learn more