On this episode we have the privilege of speaking with Jeff Leger. Jeff Leger is President of Shoppers Drug Mart, a leading Canadian pharmacy retailer with over 1,350 stores that has been named one of the most admired companies and trusted brands in Canada. Under his stewardship, Shoppers Drug Mart has expanded into virtual health care, launched Shoppers-branded Health and Beauty Clinics, and most recently acquired Lifemark Health Group. In 2019, Jeff was recognized as Chain Drug Review’s 2019 Retailer of the Year. Prior to joining Shoppers Drug Mart, Jeff worked in the hospital and generic pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors. Jeff is a licensed pharmacist, having graduated from Dalhousie University, later earning an MBA from the University of Moncton. In our broad discussion, we covered the need for leaders to listen first, how to nurture a trusted company brand, being empathetic while driving change, and the utility of radical candor.

Book Recommendation: 1. Radical Candor by Kim Scott

Connect with Jeff Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffleger/

Opinions expressed represent those of the individuals and not of any organizations with which they may be affiliated.

Original music by Peter Janiszewski © 2022.

On this episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Jim Hall. Jim is Senior Vice President and Canadian General Manager at Covis Pharmaceuticals, a global specialty pharmaceutical company. Over his 20-year career in the health sciences sector Jim successfully led business unit reorganizations, established and reinforced organizational mission and direction, and revitalized and refocused new business development. Jim is a Seasonal Lecturer in the MBA program at the DeGroote School of Business. He was recently inducted into the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame both for his contributions to the industry and his support in the development of others. In our wide-ranging discussion, we covered being proactive about building your network, keeping employees focused and engaged during turmoil, and being featured on TSNs Game of the Week.

Book Recommendation:

1.Bringing out the Best in People by Aubrey C. Daniels

Connect with Jim

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-hall-378561/

Opinions expressed represent those of the individuals and not of any organizations with which they may be affiliated.

Original music by Peter Janiszewski © 2022.

On this episode, we had the honour of speaking with Theresa Firestone. Over her impressive career, Theresa has held senior executive positions in Canada, Europe and Asia, across various sectors including retail, healthcare, and government. She has more than two decades of board experience, and currently sits on the boards of a number of biotech companies as well as the Board of Governors of the University of Guelph. Prior to her recent retirement, Theresa was Senior Vice President at Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM). Theresa has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, and an induction into the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame. In our discussion, we cover adjusting your leadership style when working in different geographies and cultures, socializing ideas within an organization, and the utility of skip-level meetings.

Book Recommendation:

1. The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins

2. Blink by Malcom Gladwell

3. Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell

Connect with Theresa Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresafirestone

Opinions expressed represent those of the individuals and not of any organizations with which they may be affiliated.

Original music by Peter Janiszewski © 2022.

On this episode we chat with the outstanding Chris Sinclair. Chris is the Vice President of Brand Blvd, a Niagara-based company providing branded merchandise, which he co-founded in 2007 with business partner Shaun Lichtenberger. Brand Blvd was recognized as one of the “Greatest Companies to Work For” and as one of the “Fastest Growing Canadian Companies.” Chris also co-founded the Niagara Business Group and the Niagara Golf Marathon charity event. While he may have started as “tractor-driving, cow-tipping country boy”, thanks to his passion for continuous learning and for giving back to the community, Chris has been recognized with a 40 Under Forty award as well as a Niagara College Distinguished Alumni Award. In our broad conversation we covered Chris’ 4 pillars of leadership, how to attract and motivate younger employees, launching and running a business with a partner, and building epoxy river tables.

Book Recommendation:  1. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie 2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 3. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty 4. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

Connect with Chris: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinclairchris/ Brand Blvd: https://brandblvd.ca/

Opinions expressed represent those of the individuals and not of any organizations with which they may be affiliated.

Original music by Peter Janiszewski © 2022.

On this episode we have the thrill of speaking with Sheila Frame. Sheila is the current President Americas at Amryt Pharma, a global pharmaceutical company focused on novel treatments for rare diseases. She is a well-seasoned pharma executive, having led major functions in Canada, the US and Europe across general management, marketing and public affairs within companies such as Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and AstraZeneca. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Sheila worked as a professional communicator and lobbyist, holding senior positions with the Government of Canada and with the Canadian National Railways. Sheila received her BA from York University and an MBA from Concordia University. In our wide-ranging conversation we cover the importance of a “personal board of directors”, benefits of sharing personal learnings across an organization, how mindfulness practice can help your ability to lead, and the number of careers you should have in your lifetime.

Book recommendations:

1. Sink, Float, or Swim by Jogi Rippel & Scott Peltin

2. The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fable by Patrick M. Lencioni

3. The Five Temptations of a CEO: A Leadership Fable by Patrick M. Lencioni

Connect with Sheila: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-frame-78b2611/

Opinions expressed represent those of the individuals and not of any organizations with which they may be affiliated.

Original music by Peter Janiszewski © 2022.

On this episode, we had the thrill of speaking with Erik Simins. Erik is the co-founder of 2 companies - MAGNUS, a recruitment firm specializing in the healthcare space, and Workwolf, a tech company which provides real-time verification of resume credentials using blockchain technology. In the brief time since its inception, Workwolf has received numerous awards, including first prize at VivaTechnology’s Innovation Start Up Challenge for “Automating Recruitment” in 2021, as well as the Transformational Platform and Entrepreneurship prize at the 2020 Enterprise Blockchain Awards. Erik's career has spanned the fitness and nutrition industry, pharmaceutical industry, recruitment, and if that doesn’t sound impressive enough, he also had a professional music career. During this very wide-ranging conversation we spoke about the importance of adaptability among today’s leaders, why you can’t trust a resume when recruiting new employees, spirituality, and the moment when Erik first heard his song on the radio.

Book Recommendation: 1. The Seven Habits of Highly effective People by Stephen Covey

Connect with Erik:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empoweryourpeople/

Personal website: https://eriksimins.com/

Workwolf: https://workwolf.com/

MAGNUS: https://magnushrs.com/

Opinions expressed represent those of the individuals and not of any organizations with which they may be affiliated.

Original music by Peter Janiszewski © 2022.

On this episode, we chat with the brilliant Stephany Lapierre. Stephany is a serial entrepreneur who started her first business at 18 years of age. She’s the founder and CEO at Tealbook, one of the fastest growing tech companies in Toronto (experiencing 160% employee growth in 2021). Tealbook has received a number of accolades, including a Cool Vendor Award by Gartner and being named one of Spend Matters “50 Procurement Providers to Know.” Prior to Tealbook, Stephany spent 10 years building a successful strategic sourcing and procurement consulting firm. Stephany is a prominent thought leader, having been recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Supply Chain. In our discussion we cover leading an organization during rapid growth, hiring quality candidates during the great resignation of 2021, how Stephany’s entrepreneurial journey was inspired by her grandmother, and how the best leaders are like “snow plows.”

Book Recommendations:

1. Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt et al.

2. The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon Brent Adamson

Connect with Stephany:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tealbook

Opinions expressed represent those of the individuals and not of any organizations with which they may be affiliated.

Original music by Peter Janiszewski © 2022.

On this episode, we had the privilege to speak with Dr. Brett Belchetz. Brett is a practicing emergency room physician in Toronto, and is the co-founder and CEO of Maple, a telehealth provider that connects patients with a doctor by video, instant message or phone. While Maple was launched in 2016 and grew steadily, the covid pandemic massively accelerated the company’s trajectory, resulting in a tripling of the client base in the span of two months. Prior to practicing medicine and founding a company, Brett was a management consultant with McKinsey and Company. He is a regular commentator on health-related issues and is featured regularly as a medical expert on television. In our discussion, we cover the benefits of a meandering career path, why leaders need to listen to their team members, and how some of the most inspiring innovators of our time may be poor examples of leadership.

Book Recommendation:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Connect with Brett:

Twitter: @brettbel https://twitter.com/brettbel

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-belchetz-83ab3b9b/

Original music by Peter Janiszewski © 2022

Opinions expressed represent those of the individuals and not of any organizations with which they may be affiliated.