INspired INsider Podcast

Michael Attias is the Founder and CEO of CaterZen, the first web-based catering software for restaurants. Michael has a four-decade journey as a highly successful entrepreneur, restaurateur, and software innovator. Starting as a dishwasher at 16, he progressed to owning a barbecue franchise, where he honed his skills in catering sales using direct marketing. Michael transitioned to teaching other restaurant owners to double their catering profits and then bootstrapped CaterZen to provide comprehensive ERP software to the catering industry. In this episode… In the fast-paced world of catering, how do successful businesses turn the chaos of daily operations into a well-oiled machine? Managing orders, streamlining operations, and ensuring customer satisfaction can be overwhelming without the right tools. What's the secret to maintaining calm amidst catering chaos? According to Michael Attias, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in the catering industry, the key to transforming chaos into calm lies in leveraging specialized software that addresses the unique challenges of catering. He highlights the importance of efficiency, noting that having an intuitive system in place not only saves time but also significantly boosts sales and profits. By automating repetitive tasks and offering tailored solutions, businesses can focus on delivering quality service and growing their customer base instead of being bogged down by logistical nightmares. Michael's approach is rooted in years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of what catering businesses truly need to thrive. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Michael Attias, Founder and CEO of CaterZen, to discuss how to transform catering chaos into calm. They explore the impact of using software to streamline operations, the importance of direct marketing in boosting sales, and the lessons Michael learned from his journey from dishwasher to successful entrepreneur.

Ryan Tomlinson is the Founder and President of Gooder Marketing, a web design agency specializing in creating visually appealing and highly functional websites tailored to clients' needs. Launching the agency in 2011, he leveraged his self-taught web development and SEO skills honed during the online poker boom into providing value for local businesses across various industries. With a focus on SEO and comprehensive digital strategies, Ryan has become an expert at helping clients establish a strong online presence. He believes in fostering relationships and has maintained several client partnerships for over 10 years, signifying his commitment to consistent, quality service. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how some businesses keep their clients happy for over a decade? Outdated website and internet marketing strategies could be costing you business. So, what's the secret behind creating and maintaining a website that drives traffic into conversions and leads? Ryan Tomlinson, a website and internet marketing guru, dives into the strategic world of digital marketing and web design as he shares the origins and growth of his company. Starting as a self-taught SEO enthusiast during the online poker boom, he transitioned his skills to meet the needs of local businesses, building a web design agency renowned for its quality and custom solutions. Ryan provides candid insights into the nuances of acquiring government contracts, the benefits of niche marketing for property management companies, and the fine-tuning required for successful e-commerce platforms. He also discusses the significance of SEO and how even simple missteps can affect a website's performance, like neglecting proper title tags. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Ryan Tomlinson, Founder and President of Gooder Marketing, about effective web design and SEO strategies. Ryan discusses the full range of services offered by Gooder Marketing, how it obtained and retained its first significant clients, and how to avoid common mistakes made by business websites.

Cory York is the CEO and Co-founder of Webware AI, a digital marketing SaaS platform that helps small businesses grow online. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience, he has successfully launched and scaled two businesses to over $14 million in annual revenue and grown teams to over 350. Cory's prior ventures include founding Gift Cards India and spearheading Shopify's expansion into the Indian market. Returning to Canada, Cory leveraged his business acumen to transition Webware from a white-labeled Shopify to a leading digital marketing SaaS platform. In this episode… Mastering the art of digital marketing is no longer just an option — it is necessary for businesses eager to carve out their niche and capture the attention of their target audience. Yet, navigating this complex terrain poses a unique challenge, demanding a keen understanding of the latest trends and technologies and an agile approach to engagement. So, how do entrepreneurs harness the power of digital marketing to propel their startups toward sustainable growth and success? Cory York, a serial entrepreneur and digital marketing mogul, shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey that started with door-to-door sales and evolved into founding a game-changing digital marketing business. He recounts the challenges he faced and successes he achieved while building companies, including his partnership with Shopify during its early days and his venture into India's digital space. Cory recalls the evolution of Webware AI — from its original concept to a platform now helping thousands of small business owners automate their marketing efforts. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Cory York, Co-founder and CEO of Webware AI, about the challenges and triumphs of building a digital marketing SaaS company. Cory discusses how Webware empowers small businesses with AI-driven marketing, its origin as a white-labeled Shopify, its evolution, and its white-label opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Kirk Allen is the COO and Co-founder of Reshift Media, a Toronto-based digital marketing agency specializing in social media, search engine marketing, and website development for franchises. Under his leadership, Reshift Media has grown from a startup with no clients to an international success story with around 200 clients. Kirk has over three decades of experience in cross-platform media sales within Canada's largest media companies. With a passion for building long-standing relationships and driving digital innovation, he has also served on many industry boards, including CFA, IAB Canada, INMA, and NADbank. In this episode… Have you ever considered the shift from traditional industry expertise to launching your own business in a dynamic, digital landscape? Mastering the art of navigating through these complexities with remarkable prowess is key to success. Digital marketing expert Kirk Allen delves into his unique journey from the newspaper business to digital marketing and the founding of his successful agency. He discusses the strategic risks he and his partner took in the early days of Reshift Media, including starting with zero clients and relying on initial seed capital to secure their first big customer. With a focus on the ever-growing franchise sector, Kirk reveals the industry trends and how service-based businesses thrive. He shares the pivotal role that the Canadian Franchise Association played in Reshift Media's growth and the importance of reputation and personal branding in building a sustainable business. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Kirk Allen, Co-founder and COO of Reshift Media, about transitioning from traditional media to digital marketing entrepreneurship. Kirk talks about Reshift Media's inception and the services it offers, its client acquisition process, trends in the franchising space, and the Brand Amplifier platform for agency owners.

Behdad Jamshidi is the Founder and CEO of CJAM Marketing, providing access to digital marketing partners ideal for your brand's current and future goals. His unique background in marketing, engineering, consulting, leadership, sales, and strategy makes him the perfect intermediary for connecting business owners with vetted marketing teams that fit their objectives. Behdad's work has been featured in several publications, including MarketWatch, Bloomberg, National Post, and Financial Post. In this episode… Many companies find it challenging to choose the right agency that aligns with their specific needs, often resulting in mismatches and unmet expectations. What is the secret to effectively bridging the gap between businesses and marketing agencies in a way that fosters efficient business growth? Behdad Jamshidi, a marketing super connector, has mastered matching businesses with marketing agencies by vetting and working closely with over 850 partners. He shares his process of assessing businesses to ensure they are paired with agencies that can meet their unique needs and facilitate their growth journey. Behdad emphasizes the importance of communication and specialization, ensuring that agencies focus on their core strengths to deliver optimal results. By focusing on human interaction as a fundamental aspect of his matchmaking process, he has curated a network of specialized and high-performing partners who will take your firm to the next level. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Behdad Jamshidi, Founder and CEO of CJAM Marketing, about the nuances of selecting and working with marketing agencies. Behdad talks about the services CJAM Marketing offers, its evolution, criteria for when to work with an agency over in-house teams, tips for choosing your ideal agency partner, and the common mistakes marketing agencies make.

David Pisarek is the CEO and Founder of Wow Digital, a Toronto-based web agency dedicated to serving nonprofit organizations, charities, and NGOs with top-tier digital marketing and website design. With expertise honed since the early days of the internet, David is committed to helping these organizations enhance their impact through innovative and strategic digital solutions. Beyond his agency, David actively contributes to the nonprofit sector by coaching other agencies and sharing his insights as a speaker and workshop host. In this episode… When it comes to making a difference, technology and digital solutions are often at the forefront. But is your online presence truly aiding your mission, or could it be holding you back? How can you leverage digital tools to maximize your impact and outreach effectively? Digital guru David Pisarek explains how web design, branding, and marketing can be tailored to ensure that nonprofits not only reach their goals, but exceed them. With a focus on common pitfalls to avoid and simple, powerful changes that can increase engagement and donations, David emphasizes the importance of a well-structured website, mobile optimization, and expressing gratitude to supporters. He also shares insights on choosing the right niche, building a team that aligns with your organization's culture, and the mutual benefits of collaboration between businesses and nonprofits. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews David Pisarek, CEO and Founder of Wow Digital, about leveraging technology and digital solutions for nonprofit organizations. David delves into detailed strategies to improve digital outreach and discusses the role of technology in expanding the scope of nonprofit work. He emphasizes why it is crucial for nonprofits to adopt a business mindset when it comes to their operations and how to efficiently communicate your value to potential partners and donors.

Mikael Dia is the Founder and CEO of Funnelytics, a leading analytics and funnel mapping platform. The platform helps businesses plan and portray their marketing funnels and measures and optimizes customer journeys using data-driven strategies. Mikael has successfully launched three seven-figure businesses, including Funnelytics, White Coat Digital, and IIFYM, showcasing his entrepreneurial understanding and innovative approach to digital marketing. He is also the author of The Funnelytics Chronicles. In this episode… In today's fast-paced digital marketing landscape, the ability to transform vague assumptions into data-driven decisions is crucial for businesses looking to propel customer acquisitions. Imagine having a tool that enables you to visually plan out your entire marketing strategy and overlay actual performance data to help you determine what is effective and what is not. Wouldn't this be incredibly valuable? Digital marketing expert Mikael Dia shares how he saw the potential of a digital whiteboard that could plan customer acquisition strategies and overlay analytical data for making informed decisions. He discusses the limitations in his digital marketing agency, where disparate data from various platforms made it difficult to measure and optimize client results effectively. Mikael dives deep into his innovative canvas-based analytics platform, explaining how he flipped the script on traditional marketing analytics, enabling businesses to make faster, data-driven decisions. He also shares eye-opening insights about raising capital and the pressures of venture-backed growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Mikael Dia, Founder and CEO of Funnelytics, about transforming marketing funnels with data-driven strategies. Mikael shares how Funnelytics transforms visual strategies into actionable analytics, identifying and reducing customer churn, funding challenges, and the difference between Funnelytics and traditional analytic tools.

Sam Tejada is the Founder and CEO of Liquivida, a leading wellness company offering vitamin IV therapy, medical aesthetics, and weight loss solutions across the US. Under his leadership, Liquivida has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise. Sam is also a former firefighter and the author of How To Win In Modern Wellness, a collaborative effort with the top CEOs and leaders in the wellness industry educating readers about the benefits of preventative therapies. In this episode… What is it about transformative wellness that draws people in? Could it be the allure of personalized health solutions that cater to individual needs — or perhaps the promise of a better life? In a world where stress and unhealthy lifestyles seem to reign supreme, how can a brand turn the tide in favor of holistic well-being? A former paramedic firefighter, Sam Tejada, tackled these pressing concerns by embracing a unique approach to modern wellness. He uncovers how he founded Liquivida, a multi-million dollar wellness franchise offering personalized health services. Sam reveals his strategic approach to developing his business by seamlessly integrating Liquivida within an existing wellness center and cultivating profound partnerships. He shares his innovative solution to create safe and standardized IV therapy products, now used by physicians nationwide. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Sam Tejada, Founder and CEO of Liquivida, about the evolution of modern wellness. Sam discusses Liquivida's inception, how cultivating strong relationships is key to growing wellness business partnerships, and explains how Liquivida developed a proprietary, safe, and convenient IV therapy product.

Kim Scott is an esteemed author, leader, and coach specializing in optimal workplace communication strategies. With her bestselling books Radical Candor and Radical Respect, Kim revolutionizes leadership approaches, emphasizing the balance between personal care and direct challenges. She is Co-founder of Radical Candor and a member of faculties at many companies, including Dropbox, Twitter, Apple University, and Google, where she offers insights into creating collaborative and respectful corporate cultures. In this episode… What if negative feedback could actually be a springboard for growth rather than a setback? Could the manner in which we challenge others actually be stifling potential? Is there a way to deliver criticism that empowers rather than deflates? Kim Scott, the acclaimed author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect, provides actionable insights into evolving beyond traditional command-and-control leadership structures. By emphasizing a balance between genuine care and direct challenge, Kim has developed frameworks that help leaders foster environments of collaboration and respect. From her experiences at Google to managing a pediatric clinic in Kosovo, Kim offers a rich perspective on human interactions within leadership settings. She delves into her unique approach, which is centered on optimizing individual strengths within a team while upholding a culture of honest feedback. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Kim Scott, esteemed author and Co-founder of Radical Candor LLC, about nurturing a climate of candid feedback and respect in the workplace. Kim dissects her radical candor and respect frameworks, sharing stories and examples that will resonate with anyone looking to improve their approach to leadership.

Johnny Page is the CEO of SaaS Academy, where he helps B2B SaaS founders overcome challenges and grow their companies. Under his leadership, SaaS Academy has coached over 3,000 founders, significantly impacting the SaaS landscape. Johnny's journey from being a client of SaaS Academy to its CEO is a testament to his dedication and expertise. He previously held key positions at Silvertrac and Trackforce Valiant, accumulating expertise in customer success, sales, and strategic operations. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how a company can quickly outgrow its competitors in the cutthroat SaaS world? Imagine a community where SaaS founders meet, sharing insights and strategies to propel each other toward success. Wouldn't you want to be a part of that? Johnny Page, a B2B SaaS expert, shares his journey from a family security business to leading a premier coaching company for SaaS founders. He recounts his early career steps, pivotal decisions, and the critical support and advice that made him thrive. Johnny emphasizes the importance of customer success in sales and the impact of community and mentorship. He sheds light on the strategies that drive SaaS success. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Johnny Page, CEO of SaaS Academy, about maximizing SaaS business growth. Johnny talks about the services SaaS Academy offers, common pitfalls in conducting SaaS product demos and strategies to improve them, why a customer-success-focused approach in sales can significantly impact growth, and his journey at SaaS Academy.