INspired INsider Podcast

Philippe LeBlanc is Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Funday Agency, a full-service branding and advertising agency. Built of industry veterans and entrepreneurs, the agency believes there’s always fun to be had solving brand problems. Before Funday, Philippe was Co-founder and CEO of Flixel, a Toronto-based startup with creative tools for visual storytelling. The software enables photographers, videographers, and digital marketers to tell mesmerizing stories using a unique visual medium known as cinemagraphs, which blends photo and video. In this episode… It's no secret that storytelling is a powerful tool in business and entrepreneurship. Telling a compelling story can captivate an audience and leave a lasting impression. Whether it's a brand story, a personal journey, or a product pitch, communicating effectively through storytelling can make all the difference in achieving success. Serial entrepreneur Philippe LeBlanc says that stories have the power to create an emotional connection with people. They allow us to relate to others, empathize with their struggles, and celebrate their triumphs. In business, this emotional connection can translate into customer loyalty, increased sales, and a powerful brand reputation. A well-crafted story can inspire and motivate employees, investors, and partners. Philippe shares how they've built an agency through fun to help brands tell their stories.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz chats with Philippe LeBlanc, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Funday Agency, about storytelling in business. Philippe talks about the power of storytelling in business and entrepreneurship, growing Flixel Photos through storytelling, lessons learned from the challenges faced by his startup. He also discusses the process of creating Funday Agency and how it helps clients tell their stories.

Cameron Heffernan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Your B2B Marketing, a globally focused strategic marketing agency. With a rich background as a serial entrepreneur, Cameron's career spans three continents, reflecting a diverse and expansive professional journey. He is recognized for launching a seven-figure marketing agency that caters to a wide range of clients across the globe. His expertise lies in helping companies articulate their value proposition effectively, supporting their growth, and assisting them in entering new markets. In this episode… Leveraging the expertise and nuances of local markets can be a game-changer in global business growth. But how exactly does one tap into their wealth of localized knowledge to expand successfully on an international scale? According to Cameron Heffernan, a seasoned global entrepreneur, the key lies in understanding and adapting to the unique cultural and business landscapes of each market. Businesses can significantly enhance their global reach and effectiveness by utilizing a strategy that respects and integrates local insights. Cameron emphasizes why it's also crucial to use multichannel strategies, identify your niche to tailor your marketing approach, and use simplicity in your messaging. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Cameron Heffernan, Chief Marketing Officer at Your B2B Marketing, to discuss the intricacies of international market expansion. They delve into the importance of tailoring marketing strategies to diverse cultural contexts, the challenges and triumphs of setting up a global marketing agency, and the indispensable role of local expertise in ensuring successful cross-border operations.

Joe Sugarman was the CEO of JS&A Group, Inc. and a renowned bestselling author. He was a luminary in the field of direct response marketing and copywriting. His innovative approaches and successful marketing strategies are showcased in his notable books, including Triggers, Success Forces, and The Adweek Copywriting Handbook.  He rose to fame with the creation of BluBlocker Sunglasses, which have sold over 20 million pairs. Joe was also recognized for pioneering the now-common practice of accepting credit card payments over toll-free telephone numbers. In this episode… Are you ready to unlock the secrets of direct response marketing from one of the industry's most legendary figures? In this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy Weisz sits down with Joe Sugarman to explore his remarkable career and the invaluable lessons gleaned from his triumphs and missteps. How did a former military intelligence double agent during the Cold War become a pioneer in compelling communication and marketing strategy? Listeners are in for a treat as Joe Sugarman shares the fascinating story behind the explosive success of BluBlocker Sunglasses, revealing the game-changing moment when toll-free marketing revolutionized consumer behavior. From there, the two delve into Joe's favorite marketing campaigns, each demonstrating his unparalleled knack for capturing and retaining audience attention.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Joe Sugarman recounts the captivating narrative of how BluBlocker Sunglasses achieved remarkable success, shedding light on the pivotal role toll-free marketing could play in reshaping consumer habits. Gain insight into Joe's most cherished marketing campaigns, which showcase his exceptional ability to engage and retain audience interest and his unforgettable impact on the marketing world.

Judy Lewis is Co-founder and Partner of Strategic Objectives, Canada’s most award-winning public relations and marketing communications agency. She is an accomplished public relations and marketing strategist driven by insights, experience, and endless imagination. Judy provides senior counsel to numerous prominent brands worldwide while contributing to various social causes. Her work has helped to prevent violence against women, enact protective legislation to combat sex trafficking, mobilize communities to reduce childhood hunger, and promote social justice and positive change. In this episode… In recent years, many customers have come to crave more than just a product or service. They want a story, a connection, and a reason to believe — this is where the power of storytelling comes in. Brands that effectively tell their story can build a loyal following, increase brand awareness, and drive sales. According to PR expert Judy Lewis, crafting a compelling brand story is easier said than done. It requires a deep understanding of your target audience, a clear message, and a comprehensive strategy encompassing all facets of modern marketing. She recommends partnering with public relations and marketing communications agencies. From crafting a message that resonates with your customers to executing campaigns that drive results, a PR agency can help brands navigate the complex world of modern marketing. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz chats with Judy Lewis, Co-founder and Partner of Strategic Objectives, to discuss the power of public relations. Judy talks about Strategic Objectives and what it does, its process for tackling PR campaigns for social impact, brand identity issues companies face, and mistakes companies often make with sustainability campaigns and influencer outreach.

Joe Gagliese is Co-founder and Co-CEO of Viral Nation, a global digital media innovation group powering the social ecosystem through integrated solutions that align strategy, talent, media, and technology. He is a renowned expert in influencer marketing and social technologies, with his insights cited in major publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED, CNBC, Vox, Business Insider, Forbes, and Inc. Joe’s dedication to inspiring and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs has led him to teach marketing courses at academic institutions across North America. Mat Micheli is Co-founder and Co-CEO of Viral Nation, which works with tens of thousands of influencers across the social landscape and fuels growth for the world's leading brands, including Anheuser-Busch, The Coca-Cola Company, Hasbro, Meta, Oculus, Tencent, and Uber. He oversees the company’s global operations, finance, and technology functions, establishing himself as an authority on athlete influencer marketing and social technologies with his work featured in Business Insider, Forbes, and Vox. Mat has participated in various events and conferences that support diverse entrepreneurial communities, including the Rotman Commerce Women in Business and Women's Leadership Symposium. In this episode… In today's ever-evolving attention economy, traditional media marketing alone is no longer sufficient for brands to thrive — they must transition toward social media marketing. However, without the requisite expertise, effectively navigating the complexities of social media can be daunting. Influencers and creators struggle to monetize their content, making it difficult to sustain their creative pursuits. In this context, the question arises — where can one find solutions to maximize the creator-brand partnership? Serial entrepreneurs Joe Gagliese and Mat Micheli maintain that we are currently in the “social-first era,” which presents many opportunities for creators and businesses. For influencers and creators, there is a constant need for authentic and engaging content. Accordingly, brands must evolve in turn and leverage these creators’ marketing strategies. However, creators often struggle to extract the maximum value of their talent, and brands are often unsure how to transform into social-first organizations. Joe and Mat share how they drive social media transformation and commerce by helping creators and business partners thrive. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz chats with Joe Gagliese and Mat Micheli, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Viral Nation, to discuss how they are combining marketing, talent, and technology to help brands thrive in the attention economy. They talk about how Viral Nation helps influencers and creators monetizer social media content and helps brands transition from traditional media to social media marketing.

Tom Shepansky is the Co-founder of Rethink Communications, a well-established, full-service creative ideas agency that operates across various locations, including New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. The agency caters to a diverse clientele and provides comprehensive 360° campaigns, digital solutions, design, production, public relations, and strategic services. Tom serves as a trustee and oversees the business operations at Rethink. Before Rethink, he held a prominent position as the VP Director of Client Services at DDB Canada, a renowned advertising agency. In this episode… Marketing plays a pivotal role in the growth of any business. However, executing successful advertising campaigns as an entrepreneur can be challenging. So, where can they get the desired support to help them thrive in this space?  Experienced entrepreneur Tom Shepansky says that entrepreneurs must prioritize marketing to stay ahead of competitors — offering great products or services is no longer sufficient to guarantee success. However, it requires a specific set of skills many entrepreneurs may not possess. He recommends working with a creative agency and shares his journey of building such an agency to assist others in achieving their marketing goals. On this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Tom Shepansky, Co-founder of Rethink, to discuss his journey of building a successful creative agency. Tom shares the genesis of Rethink, how he leveraged partnerships, client relationships, and creative ideas to grow the agency, how to win business from big companies as an agency, and techniques for building business culture.

Katie Dunsworth-Reiach is Co-founder and Partner of Talk Shop Media, a full-service integrated communications agency with expertise in public relations, social media, digital marketing, influencer relations, branding, and creative execution. She is also Co-founder of Smart Cookies, a personal finance brand featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Today, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal, which has attracted global partnerships with the likes of American Express and Procter & Gamble. As a serial entrepreneur, Katie is Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of If Communications, a full-service communication agency providing strategy, branding, advertising, design, packaging, and digital ideas. She has co-hosted a W Network series, co-authored two best-sellers with Random House, and contributed regularly to CTV and Global News. In this episode… In today's highly competitive digital world, building and growing a successful brand requires diverse skills, including public relations, social media management, digital marketing, influencer relations, creative execution, and branding. However, it can be challenging for entrepreneurs to handle them all while effectively managing their businesses. One solution serial entrepreneur Katie Dunsworth-Reiach recommends is to work with a communications agency. These professionals can provide you with strategic guidance, branding expertise, advertising solutions, design services, packaging recommendations, and digital marketing ideas to help you achieve success. She shares her journey of growing a full-service communications agency through acquisition, highlighting the challenges and benefits of buying other businesses. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz chats with Katie Dunsworth-Reiach, Co-founder and Partner of Talk Shop Media, to discuss how she grew her agencies through acquisitions. Katie talks about Talk Shop Media and If Communications and their services, how she grew them through acquisition, acquisition strategies for small businesses, how they integrated with a new company, and their core values.

Brent Wardrop is the Founder of Elemental, an independent full-service creative advertising and marketing agency based in Toronto. Elemental positions itself as a partner in growth, assisting clients in engaging their audiences and driving business results. Under Brent's leadership, the agency has had the privilege to serve notable brands such as Dyson, Scotiabank, Allergan, Shred-it, and Honeywell. His journey to entrepreneurship is unique, having transitioned from his earlier career as a professional musician.  In this episode… Is there a secret to creating marketing campaigns that not only drive engagement, but also foster a deep sense of connection and brand love? According to Brent Wardrop, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in brand engagement, the secret lies in crafting campaigns around a simple yet powerful core idea. This approach, which fosters a sense of unity and shared ownership, can inspire a level of loyalty and connection that extends far beyond conventional consumer interactions. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz chats with Brent Wardrop, Founder of Elemental, about the intricate art of developing strategic marketing campaigns that elevate brand love. They explore Brent's unique journey from music to entrepreneurship and delve into how businesses can leverage simplicity and shared ownership to create impactful campaigns. Brent also talks about navigating transitions and the value of continuous learning in achieving business success.

Thomas Magny is the Partner and VP of Creation at Camden, a creative ad agency in Montreal, Toronto, Lyon, and Hong Kong for brands with drive. Camden has over 120 active B2C, B2B, and government clients across many different fields. Since joining the agency in 2019, Thomas has played an instrumental role in building Camden’s reputation in Toronto and winning clients across Canada. He previously served as Associate Creative Director at Felt Studio, a Montreal-based creative studio. He comes from the fashion and branding world, having built Bonvilain, an online clothing line that brought together innovative organic fabrics and a meticulous approach to detail.   In this episode… Scaling a business in today's world requires a lot of creativity. However, not many brands have the creativity expertise in-house to help them thrive. So, what can you do to help your business grow?  According to Thomas Magny, partnering with a creative agency is fundamental. They are professionals who can help you with services like branding, production, advertising, communication and design, media, marketing, and more — these are some of the things that most businesses struggle with. He shares how they are successfully growing their creative agency in multiple regions. On this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Thomas Magny, Partner and VP of Creation at Camden, to discuss how brands can thrive through creative agencies. Thomas talks about Camden, its services, success stories, and business model, and how it maintains its business culture in different regions.

Tony Lyons is the Owner, President, and Chief Creative Officer of Alphabet, an advertising, design, and new media creative consultancy. Under his leadership, Alphabet has undertaken major brand re-development projects, creative strategies, and content marketing programs for numerous clients from diverse sectors, including tourism and healthcare.  Tony boasts a career spanning over 30 years in the marketing and advertising industry. He began his career in Ireland, where he held senior designer positions at design and advertising studios such as Young & Rubicam. Tony has presented at various industry conferences, including the Professional Development Institute, the University of Ottawa, and the Government of Canada Public Services and Procurement Canada communications department. In this episode… In today's highly competitive business landscape, advertising has become crucial for any brand's success. It helps increase brand visibility, build brand awareness, and drive sales and revenue. However, creating compelling ads is not always an easy task, and that's where an ad agency can help. Marketing professional Tony Lyons says that by partnering with an expert agency, you can tap into their knowledge, skills, and experience to create unique, powerful, and engaging advertisements that resonate with your target audience and leave a lasting impression. They have the expertise to craft messages that speak directly to your target market and deliver them through various channels, including TV, radio, print, digital, and social media. He shares his journey of building an ad agency to help businesses create a consistent brand image across all platforms and ensure their message reaches the right people at the right time. On this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Tony Lyons, Owner, President, and Chief Creative Officer of Alphabet, to discuss the importance of partnering with an ad agency. Tony explains how he got into advertising, how Alphabet helps brands reposition themselves for advertisements, its pricing model, and other services Alphabet offers.