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
86 episodes
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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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...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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33:27
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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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, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 38
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 37
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 36
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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20:15
Behind the Business of GVCA/Champions for Charity (with Mandy Bujold)
Get ready for an exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast as Ian McLean sits down with Mandy Bujold, former Canadian Boxing Champion & gold medalist. She now works as a Manager of Industry/Community Partnerships at th...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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30:21
Behind the Business of Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (with Chris Floyd)
In this episode our CEO Ian McLean sits down with Chris Floyd - President of OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan) Chris began his career in insurance as a claims adjustor at Gore Mutual Insurance in 1986. He joined OTIP...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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29:44
Behind the Business of The Dessert Artist (with Rochelle Williams)
Black-owned businesses are very much a part of the food scene in Waterloo region.Specialty grocery stores, ice cream shops, restaurants where you can enjoy Ethiopian doro wot and Jamaican patties and local bakeries offer delicious dishes...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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24:08
Behind the Business of Brentwood Livery (with Brent Ferguson)
Brentwood Livery, offering services in chauffeured-driven service, is proud to contribute to the best community in Canada, not only for work but for play. At Brentwood, “transforming transportation into an unforgettable life experience” is the ...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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27:36
Behind the Business of Ascnd Media (with Sheldon Thompson)
Ascnd Media is a full-service production company offering dynamic cinematography and photography.Founded in 2019 by Sheldon Thompson, the purpose of Ascnd is to pursue creativity in every way possible while continuing to raise the bar.
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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28:17
Behind the Business Special with Director of Physician Recruitment for the Region (with Jenna Petker)
Welcome to a very exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast hosted by Ian McLean, President/CEO of the KW Chamber. This week, Ian sits down with the Chamber's very own Jenna Petker, Director of Healthcare & Physician Recruitment o...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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25:52
Behind the Business of Waterloo Region Community Foundation (with Eric Avner)
Eric leads Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF), and works with the Board of Directors, committees, and team to further the vision of ensuring our communities are “equitable, connected, and sustainable; and people are thriving”. He has o...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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32:23
Special Episode: Canada Tariff Threats with host (Ian McLean)
Welcome to a very unique episode of the Behind the Business Podcast with Ian McLean. Today’s episode is going to be a bit different. Ian will not be joined by a business owner or community builder. Instead, he's using today’s episod...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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25:06
Behind the Business of Little Mushroom Catering (with Stephanie Soulis)
Stephanie Soulis is the President & CEO of Little Mushroom Catering. She created LMC in 2010 as a natural extension of her love for food and quality service. Stephanie was featured in a commercial for CTV in Libro’s Share the Future ...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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27:09
Behind the Business of The Charcoal Group of Restaurants (with Jody Palubiski)
Jody Palubiski has been the CEO and managing partner of the Charcoal Group since 2003. Jody helped lead the Charcoal Group to developing the Wildcraft Grill Bar in 2007, The Bauer Kitchen in 2009 and Beertown Public House in 2012, with many of ...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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42:48
Behind the Business of Catalyst Capital Inc (with Amber French)
Amber French is Managing Partner at Catalyst Capital. Co-Founded with Kurtis McBride (Miovision, Catalyst 137), Catalyst Capital connects investors to early stage technology and tech-based commercial real estate opportunities in Waterloo Region...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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27:47
Behind the Business of Good Co. Productions (with Amit Mehta)
Good Company Productions is a hyperlocal music and event production company based in Waterloo Region. They specialize in creating intimate popup concert experiences in unusual spaces, featuring emerging musicians, designers, and unique local ve...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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34:48
Behind the Business of The Scented Market (with Kristy Lynn Miller)
The Scented Market began with a simple idea: to create a space where high-quality, thoughtfully crafted scents could bring comfort and joy to every home. Founded by Kristy Lynn Miller, The Scented Market has blossomed into a beloved destination...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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28:39