Behind the Business
Behind the Business is presented by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Gore Mutual, this podcast features weekly episodes hosted by Ian McLean, President and CEO of the Greater KW Chamber.
It is recorded on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee, peoples.
Each week Ian sits down for candid conversations, taking listeners beyond the boardroom and Behind the Business to uncover the real stories within Waterloo Region’s business community.
From innovation and sustainability to leadership and community impact, each guest offers invaluable perspectives and inspiring journeys. Discover what drives their ambition, and WHO is fueling the future of Waterloo Region’s success.
Join us as we go Behind the Business!
Episodes
99 episodes
The Good Effect: Reimagining Insurance Through Purpose, People, and Progress with Andy Taylor and Neil Park
In this episode of Behind the Business, we sit down with Andy Taylor, President & CEO of Gore Mutual Insurance Company, and Neil Parkinson, Chair of Gore’s Board of Directors.Built on a foundation of financial strength for m...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 17
•
55:12
Flying Forward: How Connect Airlines is Changing Regional Aviation
Today’s guest is John Thomas, CEO of Connect Airlines, a company on a mission to rethink regional aviation and lead the way in sustainable air travel. With a career that spans global airlines, startup ventures and bold innovation, John brings a...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 16
•
45:14
Building Water Confidence & Community with Ronjiny Basu
Ronjiny Basu is the founder of Puddles Swim School in Kitchener, a program dedicated to helping children develop confidence, safety, and joy in the water. After years in corporate program management and marketing, Ronjiny followed her passion t...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 15
•
26:30
Subtly You: How a Husband-and-Wife Team Builds Business & Community
Shawna Leifso and Greg Quaile, the husband-and-wife team behind Subtly You, have built a medical aesthetics business that stands out through creativity, community engagement, and personalized client experiences. In this episode of Behind th...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 14
•
33:23
Empowering Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs with Karen Gallant
Karen Gallant is the President and CEO of Junior Achievement JA South Western Ontario on, one of Canada’s most impactful youth organizations helping students develop financial literacy, entrepreneurial thinking, and work...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 13
•
25:47
Immersive Art and Community Impact: The Precious Julius Story
Precious Julius, founder of Last Minute Gallery, is transforming how Waterloo Region experiences art. What began as a passion project has grown into a vibrant, award-winning platform that celebrates emerging artists, fosters collaboration, and ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 12
•
27:36
From Nursing to Cuisine: Vanessa Simon’s Recipe for Business Through Care
Vanessa Simon is the founder of Vanessa’s Cuisine. She made a bold career change from nursing to entrepreneurship, creating a Caribbean-rooted food brand that’s now featured on store shelves across Waterloo Region. Along the way, Vanessa has bu...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 11
•
27:55
BDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind Gladiator Pro Wash
Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who pow...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 10
•
26:22
BDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind Silver Cross Kitchener
Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who pow...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 9
•
25:14
BDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind FoodZen
Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 8
•
41:17
BDC Small Business Week: Behind The WAR Room Baseball Training Centre
Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 7
•
36:45
BDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind Atum Financial Services
As we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excite...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 6
•
29:27
Building the Future of Kitchener: A Conversation with Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
Born in Croatia and raised right here in Kitchener, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has dedicated over three decades to public service. First, as a city councillor, and now serving his third term as Mayor. His leadership has helped shape Kitchener...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 5
•
51:07
Empathy, Energy, and Executive Coaching: The Amy Ballantyne Way
Amy Ballantyne is a multiple TEDx Speaker, Executive Life Coach, Workplace Wellness & Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Certified Trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programing, and Hypnosis, author of “Celebrate Yourself” and host of the podc...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 4
•
29:40
Reinventing Fun and Function : A Deep Dive with Mark Bingeman
Mark Bingeman is the President and CEO of Bingemans, a family-owned entertainment, hospitality, and event destination in Waterloo Region. After studying hospitality internationally and gaining experience with major hotel brands, Mark returned t...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 3
•
33:26
From BlackBerry to Danby: Jim Estill’s Playbook for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Jim Estill of Danby Appliances is a Canadian technology entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. Jim started a computer distribution business from the trunk of his car while in university. He turned that modest business into a company doing...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 2
•
45:18
From Sri Lanka to Elmira: Cultivating Community and Inclusion with Abby Cooper
Abby Cooper is the Founder of Hearts Open For Everyone (H.O.P.E.). Abby immigrated as a young child from Sri Lanka and, after spending some time in Toronto, she settled in Elmira, where she launched H.O.P.E. Her work blends mindfulness, ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 1
•
30:31
Behind the Business of KW Multicultural Centre (with Lucia Harrison)
In this episode of Behind the Business, Ian McLean sits down with Lucia Harrison, CEO of the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, to explore what it takes to build a truly inclusive community. From her own immigrant s...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 40
•
30:08
Behind the Business of Spectrum (with Suzie Taka)
In this episode, our CEO Ian Mclean sits down with Suzie Taka is the Executive Director of Spectrum. She has been a dedicated community organizer and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate in Waterloo Region for over a decade. She has extensive experience in the ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 39
•
27:07
Behind the Business of Calming Tree (with Melissa Reid)
Melissa is a compassionate and experienced therapist who supports individuals and families through challenging times. She works with clients experiencing grief and loss, as well as those navigating symptoms or experiences of trauma. In addition...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 38
•
27:47
Behind The Business of Rogers (with Robin Farrell)
In this episode our CEO Ian Mclean sits down with Robin Farrell who is an award-winning broadcaster with over 20 years of radio morning show experience. She currently hosts “Mornings with Robin & PJ” with Paul Johnson weekdays from 5:30-10a...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 37
•
33:25
Behind the Business of AskEllyn (with Ellyn Winters)
This week, Ian McLean speaks with Ellyn Winters, Chief Marketing Officer, Ignition Communications Inc., and CEO of The Lyndall Project & AskEllyn.Learn about Ellyn's incredible career journey in marketing/communications, her courage...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 36
•
32:57
Behind the Business of 570 CityNews with (Mike Farwell)
Get ready for an exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast as Ian McLean sits down with Mike Farwell, host of the Mike Farwell Show on 570 CityNews Mike Farwell has more than 20 years of radio and television broadcasting e...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 35
•
35:49
Behind the Business of KW Humane Society (with Victoria Baby)
Get ready for an exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast as Ian McLean sits down with Victoria Baby, CEO of KW Human Society. Baby has dedicated her career to supporting communities through work with a variety of provinc...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 34
•
20:13
Behind the Business of Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (with Bob Connors)
Get ready for an exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast as Ian McLean sits down with Bob Connors, general manager of Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre Bob has been at WWFC since 17 years and has played a vital part in t...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 33
•
20:15