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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

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure welcomes Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to explore the intersection of leadership, politics, and entrepreneurship. From his early days as a broadcaster and business coach to his current role as mayor of Ottawa, Mark shares candid reflections on authenticity, resilience, and the challenges of public life. He opens up about how small business values shaped his leadership style, why civility in politics matters, and what entrepreneurs can learn from the realities of City Hall. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories—from father-son baseball trips to lessons learned in community service—that highlight how staying true to yourself is the foundation of long-term success.

This conversation also dives into Ottawa’s $5 billion budget, the role of Invest Ottawa, and how the city supports local business through tax policies, advocacy, and economic development initiatives. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply curious about what it takes to balance authenticity with responsibility, this episode delivers a thoughtful and practical perspective. You’ll walk away with lessons on leadership, community, and why small business owners should never compare their behind-the-scenes struggles to others’ highlight reels.

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and leader
01:10 – Coaching, business values, and the Zenbooks connection
03:40 – Why politics struggles to attract good people
06:30 – Finding balance: running, family, and travel stories
10:40 – City Hall and small business: what levers really matter
14:30 – Listening to entrepreneurs and reducing red tape
17:40 – Invest Ottawa and building a defense innovation hub
20:00 – What Mark learned about government as mayor
23:15 – Music, hype songs, and leadership lessons across roles
27:30 – Authenticity, personal brand, and staying true to values
29:30 – Normalizing entrepreneurial challenges and struggles
33:50 – The pace of City Hall vs. entrepreneurship
36:00 – Rapid fire: podcasts, donuts, role models, and family
39:25 – Closing reflections on leadership and making a difference

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In this episode of The Small Business Big Insights Podcast, host Eric sits down with Nishant Raina, Vice President of Product Management at Mastercard in Canada. Nishant shares how Mastercard is helping small business owners tackle some of their biggest challenges. You’ll hear about the crucial role small businesses play in Canada’s economy, the pain points they’re facing right now, and how Mastercard’s programs and tools are making a difference.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:21 The Role of Small Businesses in Canada’s Economy
06:34 Mastercard’s Initiatives to Support Small Businesses
09:31 The Future of Financial Institutions and FinTech
14:29 Mastercard’s Use of Data and Cybersecurity
18:31 Barriers to Digital Tool Adoption
21:13 Embracing AI and Digital Payments
23:30 Mastercard’s Role in Supporting Small Businesses
30:20 Building a Small Business Community
33:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Nishant Raina
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishantraina/

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure sits down with David Perry and Paul LaBarge—two champions of Canadian innovation—to dive deep into a bold proposal that could reshape the future of early-stage business funding. Drawing inspiration from Canada’s mining sector and successful UK policy, they explain how adapting flow-through share structures to tech startups and small businesses could ignite local investment, drive job creation, and help homegrown companies scale without fleeing the country. The idea is simple yet profound: allow investors to claim immediate tax deductions for backing early-stage ventures, effectively reducing their risk and increasing the viability of Canadian innovation. The conversation also touches on national economic resilience, the gaps in current programs like SR&ED, and how democratizing wealth through broader investor access can create meaningful change.

This discussion isn’t just theory—it’s a roadmap. Canadian small business owners stand to benefit from a funding model that prioritizes simplicity, broad access, and real economic impact. You’ll learn how this approach compares to existing options, why it’s gaining political traction, and how it could unlock new opportunities in communities across the country—not just in major tech hubs. Best of all, you’ll find out how to get involved. Entrepreneurs and advocates can endorse the movement, share their stories, and help shape a funding ecosystem that truly supports Canadian-owned growth. If you’re building a business and looking for smart, scalable ways to grow, this episode is packed with insight and action.

00:00 – Intro: Meet David Perry & Paul LaBarge, and the power of flow-through shares
01:30 – What flow-through shares are, and why they matter beyond mining
06:30 – Focusing on tech first: a strategic step toward broader eligibility
08:15 – Canada’s economic vulnerability and why timing matters now
10:30 – How the idea gained political momentum and party platform attention
15:30 – Why flow-through shares are not just for the wealthy
17:00 – What the government gains: economic activity, jobs, and taxes
20:00 – The case for job creation in rural and underserved regions
25:00 – Simplifying what qualifies: reducing friction for small businesses
32:00 – Broadening access to capital and employee ownership
34:00 – Quality jobs: how this policy creates long-term economic value
36:00 – Innovation vs. commercialization: why Canada struggles with the latter
41:00 – The policy pitch: low cost, high return, and no bureaucracy
43:00 – Final thoughts: democratizing investment and wealth creation
45:00 – What small business owners can do: take action at canflowthrough.com
50:00 – Call to action: share your story and join the grassroots movement

David Perry & Paul Labarge

canflowthrough.com

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

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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure sits down with Ottawa connector and storyteller Sam Laprade to explore how she co-authored Ottawa Made, a book celebrating local innovation and entrepreneurship. Sam shares the full behind-the-scenes of writing and launching the book—from managing self-doubt and editing challenges to finding time to write amid a busy life. She also dives into the sales side of authorship, explaining how thoughtful distribution, event-driven marketing, and community partnerships helped move books beyond the bookstore.

But this episode is about more than just writing—it’s about building something real. Sam reveals how deep, authentic relationships became her competitive edge in Ottawa, leading to everything from radio shows to keynote invitations. Her approach is a masterclass in grassroots visibility: handwritten notes, consistent event attendance, and becoming known as a connector in the city. If you’ve ever wanted to grow your presence without spending a fortune, learn why every entrepreneur has a story worth telling, or if you simply wondered how to turn relationships into lasting business opportunities—this episode delivers both strategic insights and heartfelt inspiration.

00:00 – Intro: Turning ideas into books and the power of local stories

01:10 – How Ottawa Made began and why Sam brought on a co-author

04:00 – Why writing this book became a legacy piece

05:20 – What surprised Sam most during the writing process

08:00 – Advice for first-time authors and why small daily progress matters

10:50 – Selling the book: launches, corporate gifting, and local retail partners

14:30 – Building a real competitive moat through consistent community presence

16:45 – How Sam’s portfolio career evolved from being helpful and visible

20:40 – Budget-friendly ways to be a “super-connector”

22:00 – Why handwritten notes and showing up matter more than digital spam

24:00 – Raw honesty: stories that didn’t make the book and the editing process

26:00 – The courage it takes to share real experiences and hard truths

28:30 – Rapid-fire round: favorite Ottawa spots, biggest lessons, and regrets

31:00 – Final advice for small business owners: be visible, be helpful, be human

Sam Laprade, Griffin Fundraising & Ottawa Media Personality

Connect on LinkedIn

Her Website

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In this episode, Eric Saumure welcomes Monique Goffinet, seasoned board leader and governance expert, for an energizing and insightful conversation about board leadership, governance trends, and how business owners can use board involvement to grow professionally. Monique shares the realities of board service, demystifies common misconceptions, and dives into leadership lessons from her years as a CEO and board member. From emotional intelligence to modern succession planning and the "three Cs" of leadership, this episode is packed with practical insights for business owners looking to sharpen their strategic edge and contribute more effectively in board environments.

Whether you're thinking of joining your first board or already serve on one, this conversation will reshape how you view governance and leadership in today's fast-paced world.

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Overview

01:56 – Misunderstood Roles of Board Members

06:16 – What Is Role Creep in Governance?

07:50 – Boardroom Dynamics and Entrepreneurial Grit

10:30 – Leadership Training and Real-World Lessons

14:11 – Outdated Governance Ideas and Succession Challenges

18:14 – The Risks of Rigid Bylaws and Outdated Board Culture

22:26 – Founder-to-Chair Transitions and Power Balance

27:08 – High-Growth Environments and CEO Vision Alignment

32:12 – The Three C’s: Communication, Compromise, and Consensus

38:45 – Emotional Intelligence in the Boardroom

41:39 – Boards Aren’t Just for Retirement Anymore

44:14 – Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned

50:49 – Board Experience in Nonprofits and Public Sector

53:38 – Staying Connected and Final Thoughts

Monique Goffinet, MA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-goffinet-ma-a1754395/

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