INspired INsider Podcast

Carl Smith is the Owner of Bureau of Digital, a community made up of a diverse mix of digital professionals. Carl spent about 15 years in advertising before launching his first digital agency, nGen Works. He ran nGen Works for 12 years, constantly experimenting with different models of management and team structure.  Toward the end of the run, Carl attended his first Bureau of Digital event and loved the concept of building a community in the web industry. A few years later, he closed his agency and took over the Bureau of Digital in 2016. He now spends every day connecting with digital professionals to give them the support they need. In this episode… Navigating the complexities of the digital agency space can be daunting. How would connecting with like-minded professionals change that experience? Have you ever considered the impact of peer support in the entrepreneurship world? Carl Smith, a leading voice in the digital industry, uncovers the power of community in the digital agency landscape. He shares his experiences with nGen Works, highlighting lessons from trying unconventional management models to engaging with the first-ever digital event — lessons that carved the path for the Bureau of Digital. He also addresses the intricacies of agency finances, from facing potential layoffs to making strategic hiring decisions. Carl’s approach emphasizes the value of transparency, company culture, and the realization that every agency head has unique challenges. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Carl Smith, Owner of the Bureau of Digital, about fostering a supportive environment for digital professionals. Carl talks about the Bureau of Digital and how it helps professionals in the digital landscape, how digital agencies can navigate layoffs and maintain culture, strategies for overcoming the fear of hiring in volatile markets, and the essentials of running the Bureau of Digital efficiently with a small team.

Andrea Shaw is the Founder and Executive Chair of TTG Canada and TORQUE Strategies. Operating in Toronto, these marketing and sponsorship agencies are leaders in Canada, working with an exceptional roster of clients and guided by the aspiration to elevate sports, culture, and community. Andrea played a pivotal role in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, raising a staggering $760 million in corporate sponsorship and overseeing the longest torch relay in Olympic history. She has a strong focus on values-based hiring, the importance of team culture, and a passion for empowering women in sports and business. In this episode… Imagine navigating through a high-stakes negotiation where walking away from a $3 million deal feels like the right move. What would make a seasoned professional take such a dramatic step? Could it be a profound lesson in values and alignment that not only guides personal decisions, but also shapes corporate cultures and successes? Andrea Shaw shares her pivotal role in raising over $760 million in corporate sponsorship for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, highlighting the importance of aligning with partners who share similar values. The decision to reject a $3 million sponsorship deal due to a misalignment of values illustrates the deep commitment to integrity. Andrea also delves into the creation of TTG Canada and TORQUE Strategies, detailing how these ventures were born from the desire to leverage her Olympic experiences and contribute to the sponsorship and marketing industry. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Andrea Shaw, Founder and Executive Chair of TTG Canada and TORQUE Strategies, to talk about maximizing business growth and creating a positive corporate culture. Andrea takes listeners through the ins and outs of the sponsorship marketing industry, detailing the lessons learned from handling sponsorships for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and how companies can leverage sponsorships to meet business objectives and increase employee motivation. Finally, Andrea discusses her hiring philosophy and why nurturing the team is the key to scaling a company successfully.

Andrew Wu is the Brand Director and Co-founder of Hive Invest, a company dedicated to assisting individuals lacking prior e-commerce experience in establishing highly profitable Amazon brands. With a wealth of knowledge spanning two decades, he has honed his expertise in e-commerce, start-up development, real estate branding, marketing, investment strategies, partnership building, and business expansion. Andrew's track record includes the successful establishment of over six businesses across diverse niches, providing him with the operational experience necessary to drive the growth of Hive Invest.  Chad Friesen is the CEO and Co-founder of Hive Invest, who transitioned from telecommunication operations to the entrepreneurial world of e-commerce. With an extensive three-decade tenure in business, he brings a wealth of experience encompassing entrepreneurial endeavors and corporate leadership. Chad has played pivotal roles in various industries, engaging in activities such as capital procurement and board of directors participation for emerging ventures. His passion for e-commerce compelled him to establish a lucrative FBA store with Hive, culminating in his integration into the team. In this episode… Most people have ambitious e-commerce ideas that they would want to turn into profitable brands on Amazon. However, navigating the challenging terrain of online retail can be daunting. So, could there be a surefire method to navigate these treacherous waters? Successful e-commerce entrepreneurs Andrew Wu and Chad Friesen delve into the intricacies of starting and scaling an Amazon business. Sharing their unique approach to Amazon entrepreneurship, Andrew and Chad reveal why Hive Invest is more of an incubator than an aggregator, helping to build brands from the ground up. They discuss the importance of proper product selection, marketing investment, and avoiding common pitfalls. By offering their partnership model, they explain how they equip entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and strategies necessary to thrive in the competitive world of online retail. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Andrew Wu and Chad Friesen, Co-founders of Hive Invest, about building profitable Amazon businesses. They discuss the inception of Hive Invest, the support it provides to budding Amazon brands, its investment and profit-sharing structure, and how to avoid the common pitfalls in product selection for Amazon businesses.

Peter Palarchio is Co-founder of NAV43, a digital marketing agency specializing in full-funnel digital marketing through paid media and SEO. With a background that began in the event marketing space, he has transitioned into overseeing digital growth across numerous projects, from startups to enterprises. Peter is recognized for his expertise in SEO, paid media, and CRO, and has worked with prominent clients like Marriott, Hyatt, and Fairmont. Equipped with an entrepreneurial spirit, he's also experienced the nuances of agency partnerships, exit strategies, and the journey from burnout to renewed passion. In this episode… Unlocking success in b2b sales requires a deep understanding of effective selling techniques, navigating complex decision-making structures, and ultimately sealing lucrative deals. So, what strategies and insights are vital for excelling in b2b sales? Peter Palarchio, a highly regarded brand specialist, delves into his entrepreneurial roots that began in the event marketing space and evolved into a top-notch agency known for SEO, paid media, and CRO. He shares the rollercoaster ride of starting NAV43 with his university roommate Ben, managing a full-service agency, coping with burnout, and his unexpected departure for a consultancy role. He uncovers what compelled him to return and revamp their approach — tackling the complex world of inbound b2b sales head-on. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Peter Palarchio, Co-founder of NAV43, about mastering the b2b sales process. Peter describes NAV43's focus on SEO, paid media, and CRO for e-commerce and lead generation, how NAV43 started, grew, and evolved, the complications and resolutions of the shotgun clause in business partnerships, and how to improve the b2b inbound lead sales process.

Ronna Chisholm is the Business Director and Co-founder of Dossier Creative, a brand design studio in Vancouver specializing in food, beverage, health, wellness, and professional service rebranding. With over 30 years of experience, she has led her studio to create and reposition some of Canada's most iconic brands, including Mike's Hard Lemonade and Naked Grape Wines. Ronna is also the Founder of Railyard Lab, an internship-powered design studio focusing on strengthening the business-design connection and serving social impact organizations. A visionary entrepreneur, she leverages her passion for embracing differences and love within her company's culture to inspire innovation and foster long-standing client and team relationships.  In this episode… How can one build an iconic brand that resonates with a generation — navigating the dynamic landscape of the design industry? Sometimes, all it takes is a single, focused idea. Ronna Chisholm, the guru behind some of the most recognizable brands, dives into the branding, innovation, and design world. Ronna recounts her journey with Dossier Creative, shedding light on her strategies for developing and positioning brands that stand the test of time. She explains how critical details like naming can ignite a brand’s legacy, revealing the intricate balance of art and commerce and what it takes to maintain a creative team for over three decades. Ronna details the challenges of mergers and acquisitions and how personal values can shape business decisions. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ronna Chisholm, Co-founder and Business Director of Dossier Creative, about design thinking, managing creative teams, and driving social impact. Ronna discusses how Dossier Creative helps create iconic brands, navigating partnerships and the acquisition process with larger agencies, and the innovative concept of Railyard Lab and how it empowers social impact through design.

Lucas Béland is the Founder and CEO of Goloot, a fast-growing ad network startup. Under his direction, Goloot has raised close to $8 million in venture capital and grown its team to nearly 20 industry veterans. The company's innovative technology is changing digital advertising by offering gamified, user-friendly ad experiences on over 50 premium content sites. Lucas is a 22-year-old Canadian entrepreneur who began his journey as a college student disillusioned with traditional advertising methods. He has since pioneered a dual-market marketplace connecting publishers with top brands like Foot Locker and Microsoft. In this episode… The digital advertising world is saturated with banners, pop-ups, and other intrusive ads that many users have learned to ignore. But what if there was a way to engage users differently, in a manner that rewards their activity on the web, enhancing their experience rather than disrupting it? Successful entrepreneur Lucas Béland delves into his journey from a college student disdainful of advertising to the pioneering founder of Goloot.io. He describes how the startup connects publishers and brands, offering a gamified ad experience that rewards users' web activity with exclusive e-commerce offers. His approach involves integrating ad units with content sites in a non-disruptive manner, ensuring organic engagement for users and higher conversion rates for advertisers like Foot Locker and Uber. Lucas also sheds light on Goloot’s initial focus on the gaming industry and the strategic pivot to partnering with content publishers amidst evolving market dynamics. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Lucas Béland, Founder and CEO of Goloot, about revolutionizing the digital advertising space. Lucas discusses how Goloot is reimagining the ad experience to reward user behavior, how its tailor-made ad units mesh seamlessly with content, and the evolution of its services.

Jason Fladlien is the Co-founder of Rapid Crush, a company renowned for its groundbreaking marketing strategies and expertise in webinars. He has driven over $250 million in sales, reaching over 150,000 customers across 131 countries, making him a pivotal figure in the online marketing arena.  Known for his unique journey from a Hare Krishna monk to a rapper before diving into the world of marketing, Jason’s diverse background fuels his innovative approaches to digital marketing and product launches. His work with webinars has set sales records across various industries and has led him to develop best practices that define today’s digital marketing strategies. In this episode… Are you looking to turn your knowledge into profit through engaging webinars? Where do you start, and what makes some webinars sell millions while others flounder? Could the answer lie in how they're offered? Jason Fladlien, the webinar mogul who has sold over $250 million worth of products, delves into the fine art of crafting captivating and lucrative webinars. With years of experience and a record for the biggest launch in internet marketing, he breaks down the anatomy of a successful webinar and the pivotal role of the offer. He recounts how direct response techniques and articulate transitions can transform pitches, demystify the selling process, and share actionable insights for anyone looking to leverage webinars for substantial profits. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jason Fladlien, Co-founder of Rapid Crush, about webinars and direct sales success. Jason discusses the origins of his One to Many: The Secret to Webinar Success book, the transition techniques that elevate selling on webinars, the importance of beta launches for webinars, and how longer webinars can lead to higher conversions.

Chase Harmer is the Founder of Wishes Inc., a fintech platform aiming to bring unparalleled transparency and impact to every contribution made. He is a seasoned entrepreneur who has built and scaled successful businesses, including his last fintech venture, which was acquired for over $100 million. Chase is now dedicated to disrupting the charitable space by transforming donations into retail credit cards, ensuring donors can see the direct impact of their contributions. His innovative approach to fintech and charitable giving is setting new standards for accountability and efficiency. In this episode… In the charity world, many people often wonder where their donations go. They donate hoping for impact but are left without clear answers. What if there was a way to track every dollar and be assured you’ve made a real impact? Successful entrepreneur Chase Harmer faced this very challenge and decided to make a change. He takes us through his journey building ProfitPay, a highly successful fintech business, before selling it and beginning his new venture Wishes.Inc. He shares the struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of transparency in donations and the need for accountability in charitable giving. Chase explains how Wishes Inc. leverages fintech to reward donors while ensuring their contributions make a tangible impact. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Chase Harmer, Founder of Wishes.Inc, about creating a transparent donation platform. Chase explains how Wishes.Inc is changing the charitable giving landscape, the challenges of starting a new fintech platform, the genesis of ProfitPay to its acquisition, and how Wishes.Inc elevates the roles of wishers, nonprofits, and donors.

Jeffrey Madoff is the Founder and CEO of Madoff Productions, a company specializing in creating content like commercials, live streaming events, and branding videos for an impressive clientele, including Ralph Lauren and Victoria's Secret. Before his film career, he started as a fashion designer in Wisconsin and was recognized as one of the top 10 designers in the US. Transitioning to film and video production, Jeffrey has edited and directed award-winning commercials, documentaries, and web content worldwide for renowned brands. He is also a playwright, theater producer, and author of Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it takes to pivot careers and dive headfirst into new industries? What lessons could you learn from someone who did this multiple times and excelled in each new venture? Jeffrey Madoff, a film producer and director, peels back the curtain on his dynamic career, starting as a fashion designer in Wisconsin before becoming a renowned filmmaker and author. His path is punctuated by bold moves, such as launching a fashion brand without a typical background in the industry and transitioning to film production, where he directed award-winning content for major brands. Jeffrey also discusses the inspiration and insights that led him to pen his book, Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas, aiming to ignite the same passion in others that has fueled his diverse journey. He unveils pivotal moments and the importance of relationships and emotional resonance in his work. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jeffrey Madoff, Founder and CEO of Madoff Productions, about turning creative ideas into a lucrative career and navigating multiple industry pivots. Jeffrey discusses his Creative Careers book, personal and business success, his entry into the fashion industry, the transition to film production, and the similarities between the fashion business and independent film industries.

Ross Simmonds is the Founder and CEO of Foundation, a content marketing agency serving global clients ranging from fast-growing startups to established SaaS companies. As a speaker, angel investor, and author, Ross contributes to the growth of startups and global SaaS companies through strategic content creation and distribution. His methodologies emphasize marketing post-publication and the balance between creation and distribution. In this episode… Have you ever considered the true potential of the content you create? What if there was a way to ensure that the countless hours spent crafting blog posts, videos, or even memes could contribute significantly to your business growth? How does one unlock the true potential of a piece of content? Content marketing expert Ross Simmonds delves into the intricacies of content marketing and distribution. He shares how his agency, Foundation, applies a unique approach by creating content and actively distributing it across various platforms to reach the right audience. He explains the concept of a content portfolio, urging businesses to think of content like financial assets, each serving a specific strategic purpose. With anecdotes from his work with large SaaS companies like Canva, Ross provides actionable insights into leveraging search intent to dominate SEO rankings. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ross Simmonds, Founder and CEO of Foundation, about leveraging content creation and distribution strategies. Ross discusses how Foundation approaches content marketing with a focus on distribution, his journey from a fantasy football blog to a global marketing agency, and the power of generative AI in content creation.