Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Shama Walji

Carrie is joined by Shama Walji, Director of Human Resources at Royop Development Corporation. A human-centered HR professional and CPHR, she has a passion for developing organizational culture, employer branding, and occupational health and safety. She describes how she joined at a time post-Covid when Royop’s fragmented culture needed structure and “scaffolding” to support growth, and has now doubled the team size to over 80 employees and counting.

Shama explains how values like “respectful collaboration and entrepreneurial mindset” became more than just words, and how new initiatives in health, wellness, and team training helped bring employees together—and keep them engaged. Shama points out how they are gender-balanced and culturally diverse, not by design, but by focusing on hiring the right people for the job. She explains how intentional recruitment and bias checks set the foundation for meaningful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

She is proud of the “Canada’s Best Managed” award, won for environmental, social, and governance standards—and she’s excited to keep building on that success. Listen in for more on how she’s been helping reshape a 60-year-old company’s culture from the inside out.

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

"There's power in the pause."

"Some of the best HR work will never be shared because itlives in stories that can’t be told.”

"Clear is kind."

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Shama emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational culture before implementing changes
• Building relationships within the team is crucial for effective HR management
• Values should align with both personal and professional lives for better buy-in
• An entrepreneurial mindset can lead to innovative practices within a company
• Clear communication is a key aspect of effective leadership
• HR professionals must balance administrative and compliance duties with employee support
• Investing in employee development leads to higher retention rates
• Diversity in leadership roles can positively impact company culture
• AI can enhance HR processes but requires careful policy management
• Continuous improvement in health and safety practices is essential for employee well-being

LINKS FROM EPISODE:Learn more about Royop @ Website: https://royop.com/

Shama Walji on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shama-walji-b5825457/

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Enrique Dubon-Roberts

What do family law and time accounting have to do with leadership? Enrique Dubon-Roberts, partner at BDL family law shares his take on leading law professionals with a gentle approach. As an award-winning lawyer, mediator and former high school teacher, he has a lot of experience reading the room and connecting with his team.

Enrique’s journey from a classroom to founding partner was anything but linear, and he explains how letting his “teacher heart” guide his leadership style leads to both team cohesion and client care. His firm is nothing like the popular legal drama “Suits”. They work to be proactive in client work, so that late nights aren’t the norm.

He and his partner make intentional choices in their physical space, services they offer and how they choose who they work with to ensure alignment throughout. We talked about the differences between individual contributor vs. the mindshare of ownership and leading a team.

Enrique is candid about his time and priorities and having his family’s support after moving from El Salvador.

Listen in to hear where he gets his inspiration!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “As lawyers we’re taught that our productivity has to be measured in six-minute intervals all day, every day. And the reality is we're not machines.”
• “Be a little gentler on yourself.”
• “It takes me 40 minutes to get my coffee. Not because it takes that long to make a cup of coffee. But because I want to sense how the office is.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Creating a supportive culture is essential for employee satisfaction.
• Work-life balance is prioritized in Enrique's law firm.
• Mentorship is a key focus for developing young lawyers.
• Gentle leadership fosters a positive work environment.
• Personal well-being is vital for effective leadership.
• Alignment of vision is crucial for team dynamics.
• Teaching experience enhances social awareness in the workplace.
• Setting clear expectations helps avoid misunderstandings.
• Inspiration can be drawn from public figures and their wisdom.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Learn more about BDL Family Law @ Website: https://bdlfamilylaw.com/

Enrique on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/enrique-dubon-roberts-a2281a70/

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Sandra Kokotovic

Discover how a quest for freedom and travel led Sandra Kokotovic, Co-founder and Creative Director of Snap Advantage, from startup employee to a role driving the future of biohacking and wellness marketing as a Fractional CMO.

Whether dealing with team members who instinctively “get it” before she asks, or facing resistance from entrenched staff (“I don’t work for her!”), Sandra’s candid stories reveal the importance of top-level endorsement and providing a genuine ‘why’ behind every decision, especially when managing cross-culturally.

Ever had a client light up a cigarette during a Zoom call? Sandra drops nuggets from around the globe, using analogies like the old “smoke break” for stress relief, and how different cultures embed flexibility in remote professionalism. As an immigrant from Romania, and an avid traveller, she has international perspectives and experience.

Leading contractors and staff in a remote work environment has its challenges and she talks about having to fire someone quickly. Sandra leads a lean team spanning Ecuador, the Philippines, Bosnia, Tunisia, Portugal, and beyond. She shares the pitfalls and the upsides!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “To keep everyone excited and on track, we're breaking that [company goal] down and explaining at every stage of the funnel, what moves the needle.”
• “I can buy time; I can’t buy attention.”
• “I’m very protective of the quality of my team.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Data-driven marketing strategies are critical to achieving sustainable growth
• Build trust in remote teams for effective collaboration and project success
• Metrics should be tailored to each role within the team to ensure accountability and clarity
• Hiring the right team members is essential; founders should focus on sales before bringing in help
• Leaders should back their team members publicly while addressing issues privately
• Delegating tasks sooner leads to better focus on high-leverage activities

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Learn more about Snap Advantage @ Website: https://snapadvantage.com/

Sandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrakokotovic/

Sandra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrakokotovic/

Sandra on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sandrakokotovic

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Markku Kauppinen

What if you focused on making a life, instead of making a living? That is one of the deep topics Carrie discussed with Markku Kauppinen, President and CEO of Extended DISC North America. Markku shares the unexpected story of how a $12 dare and a family emergency led him from Helsinki to the helm of his company. Extended DISC has become one of the top assessment companies in the world that provides data to develop self awareness, make better decisions, build better teams and support improved results.Quick reference on DISC styles:

• D (Dominance/Driver): Fast-paced, risk-takers, focused on immediate results.
• I (Influence): Outgoing, social, energized by people and excitement.
• S (Steady-relater): Team-oriented, patient, focused on long-term plans and stability.
• C (Compliance): Detail-oriented, analytical, driven by accuracy and facts.
  Every leader and team member is a blend of all four, but one usually feels most natural.

From elevator rides to emergency rooms, Markku brings the DISC behavioral model to life with real-world analogies and stories, showing leaders how to spot—and leverage—the unique communication styles on their teams. He discusses how the sports world is set up to break down roles and identify improvement areas, but in our personal and professional lives, we can do a better job of that. Having a system like DISC helps. Markku reminds us the most successful leaders don’t just know their own style—they adapt their communication and leadership to meet others where they are. Listen in for life lessons and wisdom to live by, like treating time as the most precious currency!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “One thing I've noticed observing successful people… that they all have in common. They are all confidently self-aware.”
• “Don’t build a happy life—build a happy today.”
• “If you want success in any part of your life, you need to develop good habits.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Self-awareness is crucial for successful leadership.
• The DISC model helps in modifying behavior and communication.
• Leaders must adapt their communication to differentstyles.
• Different DISC styles impact team dynamics andcommunication.
• Integrating DISC into organizational culture enhances teamwork.
• Understanding DISC styles aids in better hiring decisions.
• Good habits are essential for effective leadership.
• Time is a valuable currency that should be spent wisely.
• Clarity in personal and professional goals leads to fulfillment.
• Leadership is a collective effort, not a solo act.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Learn more about Extended DISC @ Website: https://www.extendeddisc.org/

Markku on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkukauppinen/

Extended DISC on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/extendeddisc/

Extended DISC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extendeddisc/

Resources mentioned:

Book: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by MarshallGoldsmith https://amzn.to/4lqRbfY

Book: Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith https://amzn.to/3G38k07

Extended DISC Quick explainer videos - https://www.extendeddisc.org/videos/

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Shauna MacDonald

This episode of Suits & Sneakers pulls back the curtain on the PR world with Shauna MacDonald, the powerhouse founder and principal of Brookline Public Relations. Their client roster spans major brands, hotels, and community organizations like the Edmonton Oilers Ice District, The Brick, Sobey’s Inc. and Calgary Public Library.

Shauna nurtures talent, builds culture and leads with both heart and backbone. You’ll hear how her leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment and clarity—she’s direct, but always gives her team plenty of rope to grow. She explains why being “all in” is the only way to make it as an entrepreneurial leader.

Shauna talks about the importance of over-communicating with intention, and why authenticity and respect are the secret sauce for both brands and leaders. She shares her take on personal branding, and the risks of leader-as-brand (hello, Elon Musk).

Whether you’re a new leader or just someone who loves a good story about grit and growth, you’ll leave this episode inspired to own your journey—and maybe even take a few risks of your own.

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “Whether you win or lose, you need to own it no matter what.”
• “Even if you feel that you've given the rationale of this is why we're doing it, there still might be some people that just don't understand it. And you have to be okay with that.”
• “I will look for someone and I will hire someone that's passionate and eager versus someone who knows exactly what to do… but also willing to accept the consequences if it's not done right and learn from that.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Brookline PR offers a full range of services, from crisismanagement to media relations.
• Leadership involves making tough decisions and listening to different perspectives.
• Mentorship is crucial for developing new talent
• Leaders can’t over-communicate when setting expectations
• Clear communication of expectations is essential for effective leadership.
• Brand communication should tell a compelling story and connect with audiences.
• Motivating teams requires understanding individual needs and celebrating successes.
• Authenticity in communication builds trust and respect in leadership.
• Leaders should embrace change and be adaptable.
• Entrepreneurs must be all-in and ready for continuous engagement.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:Learn more about Brookline Public Relations @ Website: https://www.brooklinepr.com/

Shauna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunamacdonald/

Brookline on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/brookline-public-relations-inc./

Shauna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaunabpr/

Brookline on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/brookline_pr/

Beyond PR podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rexC3J2jkd4LJEA4p1LTF?si=c5c37e453b4e42a7

Resources mentioned:

Book: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins - https://amzn.to/4l38lQp

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Ian Tell

What happens when a chemist-turned-sales leader meets the AI revolution?

In this episode, Carrie sits down with Ian Tell, Chief Revenue Officer at Bison and Bird, to demystify the real-world impact of AI on operations, sales, and leadership.

Ian breaks down how AI agents can take on specialist roles in your organization, from summarizing emails to analyzing complex schedules. Learn why the future isn’t one all-knowing AI, but a team of specialized agents working together, like staff would do. He shares how AI support helps him be more present in human-to-human interactions and speed up contract review.

Before you go implementing the next shiny new tech, he calls out the importance of understanding organizational needs and analyzing your activities, especially repeatable tasks, to see where AI can help.

Once you start implementing, Ian suggests treating AI like a new team member. Give it context, set expectations, and get specific. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in interactions with AI and human teams, the necessity of onboarding and training AI systems, and how AI tools can enhance leadership effectiveness. The more you communicate, the better the results—just like with people.

Leaders, take note: Even if you haven’t rolled out an official AI policy, odds are your team is experimenting on their own. Ian talks about governance, security, and onboarding to keep your data safe and your team empowered.

Ian’s Top AI Tools:

• Copilot: For secure, private work environments.
• ChatGPT: For creativity and brainstorming.
• Claude: For detailed documentation and SOPs.

About Our Guest

Ian Tell is the Chief Revenue Officer at Bison and Bird, where he helps companies streamline operations, predict trends, and drive growth through cloud, AI, and tech-driven leadership. With a background in chemistry and over 25 years in sales and leadership, Ian brings a unique blend of technical know-how and people-first wisdom.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make AI work for your team—or what “data therapy” really means—this is the episode for you.

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “The more specialized the [AI] agent is, the better it's going to be able to perform a specific task.”
• “Software isn’t the answer. It’s a gateway to better answers.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Small, specialized AI agents can drive big efficiency gains when they’re given clear roles and context.
• AI can automate administrative tasks, freeing up time for high-value work.
• Digital transformation begins with understanding your team’s roadblocks and goals
• Leaders should establish governance around AI usage to protect sensitive information
• Different AI tools serve different purposes
• Ask AI questions about it’s capabilities and limits, so AI teaches you to use AI effectively
• Effective leadership involves understanding team members' goals.
• The best leaders are those who know themselves and empower their teams to do the same.
• The fastest way to learn about AI is to start testing it and try to break it

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Learn more about Bison and Bird @ Website: https://www.teambisonandbird.com/

Bison and Bird on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bison-bird/

Portal Mill https://www.portalmill.com/

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Margaret Glover

In this candid conversation, Carrie interviews Margaret Glover, Fractional Chief Product Officer at Product Better and a strategic product leader with over 20 years of experience.

As former COO at Virtual Gurus, she drove a 678% revenue increase through U.S. expansion. At Poynt Corporation, Margaret led global product strategy and marketing initiatives. She played a pivotal role in securing strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Apple, Google, and Nokia.

Margaret shares the importance of data analysis, and how listening to customers through user feedback shapes successful products. She emphasizes the need for effective communication and the balance between data-driven decisions and intuition in innovation.

Margaret talks about how her no-B.S. approach has helped her leadership and balances her compassionate side. She takes pride in mentoring others. The moment when she shares the advice she would give to her younger self is gold!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

“There's a point when technology and data actually gets in the way of operations and progress because we start to rely too heavily on the data and forget that there are humans behind every interaction.”

“…as a product manager, you are bringing all of the disciplines together. So you effectively are the bridge between marketing operations, customer success, the technology team, and you're talking to customers.”

“If you're really attuned to it, there's data everywhere that you can find and figure out how to use it to your benefit.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Product management is about being the bridge between various disciplines.
• Data analysis is crucial for understanding user behavior and preferences.
• Effective communication is key to team efficiency and success.
• Customer feedback should drive product development decisions.
• Leadership involves empathy and understanding team dynamics.
• Innovation often requires a balance between data and gut instinct.
• Building rapport with clients is essential for understanding their needs.
• A good leader challenges their team to strive for excellence.
• Humility is important in leadership roles.
• Everything starts with the customer in product development.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:Margaret Glover on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretglovercampbell/

Product Better on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/productbetter/

Product Better Website: https://productbetter.ca/

Resources Mentioned:

Atomic Habits – James Clear https://amzn.to/3Ziy92q

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Loreen Wales

In this episode, Carrie sits down with Loreen Wales, registered dietician, tech entrepreneur, and founder of My Viva Plan for a conversation that’s as real as it gets about healthcare, leadership, and the wild ride of building something that matters.

Loreen shares the jaw-dropping moment early in her career when patients told her, in no uncertain terms, how broken the system was. Her response? Become part of the solution by transforming clinical “if-then” logic into a digital platform that brings individualized, evidence-based health plans topatients and gives them agency over their health. Her sense of purpose is clear and so is her view on the solution.

Loreen’s journey takes us from the frontlines of public healthcare in Edmonton to the global stage, where she’s shaking up how we think about patient care and digital health. Loreen’s stories—equal parts grit, humility, and humor—are packed with wisdom for leaders who wear everything from lab coats to sneakers. Loreen shares how defining clear values has guided hiring team members and creating a culture she is proud of.

If you want to hear from a leader who refuses to accept the status quo, and how a team can thrive through uncertainty, this episode is for you.

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “I will never fire people for making mistakes. Ever.”
• “We’re building a digital health company. …the entire team needs to be compassionate about wanting to help improve the care for patients.”
• “I definitely like to give everybody on the team autonomy and a clean slate into building out their position, whatever they want it to be, and to reach for the sky on it.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Integrated healthcare is essential for effective treatment
• Daily reflections help leaders manage stress and improve self-awareness
• Digital health solutions can personalize patient care plans
• Mental health is a crucial component of overall health
• Leadership requires humility and a focus on core values
• Mistakes are part of the learning process for the team and the leader
• Building a supportive team culture is vital for success
• Self-efficacy is key for patients managing their health
• Team culture is a priority and you have to actively work on it
• Patients often feel overwhelmed by conflicting medical advice
• Personalized care plans are crucial for individual health needs.
• My Viva Plan has proven effective in reducing burnout amonghealthcare professionals
• Global expansion is part of the vision for My Viva Plan

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Learn more about My Viva Plan @ Website: https://discover.myvivaplan.com

My Viva on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-viva-inc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvivainc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myvivainc/

Resources Mentioned:

Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni https://amzn.to/3GlQBAB

Leading With Engagement program @ Team Mojo: https://www.teammojo.ca/lead-with-engagement

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