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Eric Sugar is the President at ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Ryan Walter, a former NHL player, coach and now a global speaker on leadership training/coaching through his website RyanWalter.com.

“I got curious. OK, so why do some teams win and some teams lose when they have the same talent? What's the missing ingredient? And of course, it's culture and leadership.”

- Ryan Walter (Leadership Coach/Owner of RyanWalter.com)

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

* Creating Quality Leadership Culture

* Conflict and Leadership

* Leadership Lessons from Sports

* Honor & Business

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:33) Ryan's Background and Journey from a professional hockey player to a leadership coach

(02:55) Leadership Lessons from Sports

(07:10) Conflict and Leadership

(12:07) Creativity and Honor in Business

(16:42) Book/podcast recommendations

(19:13) Closing Remarks

“Honor doesn't happen at a podium. You know those are accolades. Honor happens when people are in difficult situations. It happens when we've got each other's back and we look out for each other.”

- Ryan Walter (Leadership Coach/Owner of RyanWalter.com)

Referenced:

• Hungry! Fuelling Your Best Game (Softcover): https://www.ryanwalter.com/product-page/hungry-fuelling-your-best-game-softcover

• PepTalk Ultimate Guide To Leadership and Conflict Management: https://www.peptalk.com/post/leadership-conflict-management-guide

• Why We Should Be Disagreeing More at Work: https://hbr.org/2018/01/why-we-should-be-disagreeing-more-at-work

• Leading Through Conflict: Three Learning Strategies For Leaders: https://www.forbes.com/sites/annashields/2023/05/15/leading-through-conflict-three-learning-strategies-for-leaders/

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Eric Sugar is the President at ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Kevin Brady, President of Advica Health, a outstanding healthcare navigation service which allows members to access an independent appraisal of their health needs and circumstances in a timely manner.

“The most successful companies make, not just mental health, but the health of their employees a strategic priority for the organization.”

- Kevin Brady (President of Advica Health)

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

* Health Navigation

* Employee Health and Corporate Support

* Sleep and Performance

* Health Technology

“I’m really excited about the world of tech and healthcare coming together and I think the sky’s the limit.”

- Kevin Brady (President of Advica Health)

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:40) Kevin’s background/passion & the start of health navigation for employees

(03:17) Mental Health and COVID-19 Impact

(04:15) Mental Health on Demand Program

(05:52) Stress Management in the Workforce and Mental Health Tools for Employees

(09:37) Importance of Sleep and Work

(11:38) Health Technology and Preventative Testing

(15:31) Kevin Brady's Book and Personal Health Journey

(19:19) Longevity and Health Span

(22:14) Book/podcast recommendations

Referenced:

• How to Add Years to Your Life Through Exercise: How to Add Years to Your Life Through Exercise - Advica Health

• 6 Management Tips for Supporting Employee Wellbeing at Work

• Employee wellness programs: 26+ best ideas and examples: Employee wellness programs: 26+ best ideas and examples | Blog posts | Forma (joinforma.com)

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

—

Eric Sugar is the President at ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Adrian Davis, President and CEO at Whetstone Inc., a leading sales training and consulting company committed to driving organizations toward unprecedented success.

“Real leadership is about helping others get what they want. It's never about manipulating, using or exploiting people. That's not leadership.”

- Adrian Davis (President and CEO, Whetstone Inc.)

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

* Sales leadership

* Defining healthy leadership

* Power of storytelling in sales leadership

* Balancing work/life as a leader

“What you water grows.”

- Adrian Davis (President and CEO, Whetstone Inc.)

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:40) Adrian’s background/passion

(03:45) Defining leadership and the quality of a good leader

(06:40) Work/Life balance as a leader

(08:20) Crafting your ideal life

(10:28) The power of storytelling in sales leadership

(13:15) Growing the next generation of leaders

(15:13) AI and sales leadership

(18:45) Book/podcast recommendations

Referenced:

• AI and sales leadership: https://hbr.org/2023/03/how-generative-ai-will-change-sales

• Growing the next generation of leaders: https://hbr.org/2019/03/the-future-of-leadership-development

• The power of storytelling in sales leadership: https://whetstoneinc.ca/we-all-want-to-be-heroes/

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

—

Eric Sugar is the President at ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Devon Thompson, Managing Director, Banking at RBCx, an innovative company in the Canadian tech and banking ecosystem supported by the Royal Bank of Canada.

“I really love supporting financial literacy founders and really helping them grow and build their businesses in really unique ways.”

- Devon Thompson (Managing Director, Banking at RBCx)

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

* Banking and Tech: Intersection explored.

* Investment Trends: Tech, clean tech, life sciences.

* Economic Outlook: Rates, inflation, 2024.

* Strategic Focus: Startup resilience.

* External Partnerships: Tech support.

“We provide early stage tech-focused capital, a curated network of investors, content curated events, and deep operational expertise.”

- Devon Thompson (Managing Director, Banking at RBCx)

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:55) Devon’s background/passion

(02:23) Combining technology and banking

(04:41) Business alignment with your bank

(06:05) Business investments and the Canadian economy

(10:28) Building the right internal/external team for your business

(12:25) What upcoming technology are you interested in?

(16:05) Changes in non-tech industries

(17:58) Book/podcast recommendations

Referenced:

• Global clean tech investments - Statistics & Facts: https://www.statista.com/topics/3001/clean-technology-investments/#topicOverview

• Inflation Outlook For 2024: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/inflation-outlook-2024/

• Thriving in Economic Uncertainty: Strategies for Startups to Adapt and Grow: https://www.spectup.com/resource-hub/economic-uncertainty-strategies-for-startups-to-adapt-and-grow

• Technology Partnerships: A Guide to Selecting the Right Tech Partners: https://www.itonics-innovation.com/blog/technology-partnerships

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

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Eric Sugar is the President at ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Michael O'Driscoll, President & COO at HomeFront Brands, an organization that holds an increasing number of emerging residential and light commercial property service franchised brands.

“In anything that's consumer facing or any other sector, if you're average and you're not leveraging technology well, then you're just going to get found out and get left behind by all your competitors.”

- Michael O'Driscoll (President & COO at Homefront Brands)

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

* A CEO’s view on evolving technology

* Technology stacks and your business

* Proper technology support for a franchise

* The impact of AI on your business

“I think AI is another example of something that will change the world forever, hopefully for good.”

- Michael O'Driscoll (President & COO at Homefront Brands)

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:45) Michael’s background/passion

(05:50) Technology guidance for your business journey

(07:48) Homefront Brands and the franchising industry

(09:27) Growing a business through the power of technology

(12:44) Technology democratization and availability

(15:11) AI and the future of business

(20:02) Book/podcast recommendations

Referenced:

• AI's Business Value & Technology Strategy for Organizations: https://www.proserveit.com/blog/ai-business-value-and-tech-strategy

• How to Adopt AI Step-By-Step for Your Business [Complete Roadmap]: https://www.proserveit.com/blog/how-to-adopt-ai-step-by-step

• The essential elements of an enterprise tech stack: https://webflow.com/blog/essential-elements-enterprise-tech-stack

• Democratizing Transformation: https://hbr.org/2022/05/democratizing-transformation

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

—

Eric Sugar is the President at ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Chuck Homer, Chair at TEC Canada, a member-based leadership development organization of chief executives, entrepreneurs, & business owners who helped over 25,000 Canadian executives and owners for over three decades.

“If you're interacting with someone who you respect & value and they're asking you questions or challenging you, you will develop valuable insights which will help hone your own business thinking. ”

- Chuck Homer (Chair at TEC Canada)

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

* Challenges of being a modern CEO

* The impact of business coaching

* Your attention span and technology

* How technology has impacted the peer group experience for executives

“The essence of a peer group learning model is that, through learning, individuals grow and companies grow. Adults learn best from other people.”

- Chuck Homer (Chair at TEC Canada)

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:45) Chuck’s background/passion

(05:50) Interrelation between sports coaching and business coaching

(08:22) How has the role of the CEO changed over 23 years?

(10:44) What's the typical largest pain point you hear with regards to technology from executives or C-Suite?

(11:35) How has technology changed the peer group experience?

(18:13) Book/podcast recommendations

Referenced:

• Why Leaders Need Professional Coaching Now More Than Ever: https://hbr.org/sponsored/2021/03/leaders-need-professional-coaching-now-more-than-ever

• 15 Big Challenges You'll Face As A Modern CEO (And How To Solve Them): https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/11/21/15-big-challenges-youll-face-as-a-modern-ceo-and-how-to-solve-them/

• How to Get the Most out of Peer Support Groups: https://hbr.org/2022/05/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-peer-support-groups

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

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Eric Sugar is the President at ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Alan Carson, President at Carson Dunlop, an exceptional organization that has been a leader in the home inspection field for over four decades.

“I saw the world was moving (back in the 90s) and I didn't just want to take a baby step towards our digital transformation. If you’re going to try and get ahead of the curve. To take a step off the cliff, you might as well take as big a step as you can.”

- Alan Carson (President at Carson Dunlop)

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

* The concept of disruption and risk (from the lens of the home inspection industry)

* Home inspection and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR)

* Making the bold business move towards digital transformation

* How AI can impact various business functions for a home inspection company

“Facilitating the transfer of knowledge through our technology is probably the most exciting thing in my world right now.”

- Alan Carson (President at Carson Dunlop)

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:46) Alan’s background/passion

(03:20) The inception of Alan’s home inspection company

(05:40) Disruption, risk and the digital transformation of Carson Dunlop

(10:23) Augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) meets home inspection

(13:10) Taking the big leap to become a technology business

(17.58) AI’s impact on the home inspection business

(19:30) Book/podcast recommendations

Referenced:

• Why AR/VR Is the Best Tech for Real Estate: https://impressit.io/blog/ar-and-vr-for-real-estate

• How to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Your Organization: 3 Tips: https://www.proserveit.com/blog/how-to-accelerate-digital-transformation-in-your-organization

• How Artificial Intelligence is helping in Property Inspection: https://www.ioptime.com/how-artificial-intelligence-is-helping-in-property-inspection/

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

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Eric Sugar is the President of ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Sean Stephens, CEO at Treefrog Inc., a unique company responsible for driving the success of thousands of organizations through innovation, creativity and technology - by thinking ahead

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

* The importance of AI technologies like Chat GPT and its potential impact

* The implications and challenges of AI adoption

* The concept of adding "special sauce" to AI models to create unique value

* The role of AI in improving efficiency across various business functions

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:41) Sean’s background/passion

(02:22) Getting into AI

(07:42) Big impacts of AI in the next 18 months

(14:10) AI and businesses creating a "secret sauce" to use it effectively

(16:40) AI and your organization's competitive advantage

(19:19) Book/podcast recommendations

Referenced:

• The implications and challenges of AI adoption: https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-main-challenges-opportunities-ai-adoption

• AI and the Future of Health: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/ai-and-the-future-of-health/

• Leaders look to embrace AI, and high-growth companies are seeing the benefits: https://news.microsoft.com/europe/features/leaders-look-to-embrace-ai-and-high-growth-companies-are-seeing-the-benefits/

• Getting your organization’s technology environment ready for AI: https://www.proserveit.com/services/microsoft-copilot-ai-assessment

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

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Eric Sugar is the President of ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Michael Thibodeau, Director of Sales & Strategy (Azure) - SMB, Startups & High Growth at Microsoft Canada. Michael is also the host and creator of Pitch Please, an engaging podcast for startups, innovators and tech lovers.

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

* The importance of connecting and learning from diverse startup stories.

* The potential and impact of AI/data or AR/VR.

* Challenges and rewards of supporting startups with innovative ideas.

* Highlighting the ways AI is integrated into businesses and industries.

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:58) Michael’s background/passion

(03:25) How passion and processes comes together

(06:48) Favorite startup in the Canadian space

(09:16) People, food, and being connected

(10:16) Upcoming technology to be excited about

(12:40) The impact of Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality in the workplace

(20:20) Book/podcast recommendations

Referenced:

• Startup challenges and rewards: https://www.process.st/startup-challenges/

• The Role of Food in Building Connections and Relationships: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/media/documents/ageing-better/Ageing-Better-Role-of-Food-in-Building-Connections-and-Relationships.pdf?mtime=20211213115152&focal=none

• Lessons from Leaders of Generative A.I. Startups: https://www.inc.com/peter-cohan/these-generative-ai-startups-offer-4-lessons-for-leaders.html

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

—

Eric Sugar is the President of ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Virginia Poly, CEO of Poly Tech Talent, an IT recruitment company, which believes that the right person can transform an organization, and the right job can transform your whole life. Virginia is also the co-founder of Enthos Talent.

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

• Importance of investing in employees and culture teams

• The significance of HR and people management in organizations

• Impact of social technology, particularly LinkedIn, on the recruitment industry

• Defining company values and building a culture that aligns with those values

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:10) Virginia’s career story

(05:38) How business leaders can partner with HR in building great work culture

(07:48) Thoughts for CEOs on how to recruit

(10:15) Building our your company values

(11:14) Social technology and its effect on recruitment

(14:30) Lessons from Virginia on expanding her recruitment business during the COVID-19 pandemic

(18:05) How is artificial intelligence changing the world of recruiting?

(20:17) Book/podcast recommendations

Referenced:

• How HR can help build the organization of the future: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-new-possible-how-hr-can-help-build-the-organization-of-the-future

• Make Your Company Values Mean Something: https://hbr.org/2002/07/make-your-values-mean-something

• AI’s impact on recruitment: https://dataconomy.com/2022/08/12/how-is-artificial-intelligence-changing-the-recruiting-process/

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

—

Eric Sugar is the President of ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Nancy MacKay, Founder & CEO of MacKay CEO Forums, a global CEO development program accelerating performance and populating the world with inspiring business leaders.

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB)

• Inclusion in the workplace

• How to lead EDIB initiatives as a CEO

• Impact of leadership participation in EDIB initiatives

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:29) Passion about EDIB in the workplace

(03:11) CEOs and having a judgement free mindset

(04:57) Value of EDIB in the workplace

(07:33) Leaders and creating an inclusivity platform

(10:32) Biggest challenge of creating an inclusive workplace

(12:14) Employee promotion via an inclusive mindset

(15:09) How can a leader become more aware of their unconscious biases?

(18:28) How to address those who are not aligned to EDIB within your business

(20:05) How to get internal buy-in for an EDIB initiative

(22:44) CEO participation in EDIB initiatives

(24:11) Advice for CEOs when it comes to EDIB

Referenced:

• How CEOs Can Make Diversity And Inclusion A Priority: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2022/07/13/how-ceos-can-make-diversity-and-inclusion-a-priority/

• With an inclusive mindset comes powerful perspectives: https://www.kornferry.com/insights/featured-topics/leadership/inclusive-mindset-provides-powerful-perspectives

• What 11 CEOs Have Learned About Championing Diversity: https://hbr.org/2017/08/what-11-ceos-have-learned-about-championing-diversity

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

—

Eric Sugar is the President of ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Kevin Brady, President of Advica Health, a outstanding healthcare navigation service which allows members to access an independent appraisal of their health needs and circumstances in a timely manner.

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss:

• Reducing the complexity of technology for businesses

• Advica’s business challenges

• Aligning your business needs to your technology roadmap

• Building the technology "as you need it"

• Impact of technology transformation on organization and its workforce

• The power of referral marketing

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:44) Advica's origin

(04:05) Advica's business challenges (customer communication, data protection, access to information for employees and patients)

(08:30) Making technology more approachable

(10:40) Technology as the "bridge"

(12:16) Supporting your organization through its digital transformation journey

(15:17) Key highlights of Advica's technology journey

(19:04) Tips for healthcare companies to use their technology effectively (for CEOs and Executives)

(21:56) Sleep and digital screens (Health tip)

Referenced:

• Employee health and technology: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/using-digital-tech-to-support-employees-mental-health-and-resilience

• Technology roadmap creation: https://www.proserveit.com/technology-roadmap-lite

• Digital transformation: https://www.proserveit.com/blog/how-to-accelerate-digital-transformation-in-your-organization

• It’s Never Too Late To Be Healthy book: https://advicahealth.com/its-never-too-late-to-be-healthy/

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.

—

Eric Sugar is the President of ProServeIT, an IT consulting company with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation and technology advisory for various organizations across North America. Eric is joined on this podcast episode by Rocky Ozaki, Founder & CEO of NoW of Work Inc., a professional services firm whose focus is on building resilient organizations - those who are naturally innovative, agile and human-centered.

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

• Technology roadmapping and innovation

• Disruption around traditional industries

• Moonshots and disruption

• Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)

• Better organizational time management in the modern workplace

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:33) Technology and disruption

(02:40) Horizons (1, 2 and 3), disruption and ChatGPT

(07:40) Agile and OKRs

(10:37) CEOs and the “shiny object syndrome”

(11:50) Innovation disruption examples

(14:38) Pip Decks?

(15:02) Innovation suggestions for organizations

Referenced:

• Agile framework: https://premieragile.com/types-of-agile-frameworks/

• Horizons/Innovation: https://www.nowofwork.com/innovation

• ChatGPT: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

• OKRs: https://asana.com/resources/okr-meaning

• Shiny object syndrome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiny_object_syndrome

• Pip Decks: https://pipdecks.com/

Thanks for listening to our Read Between the Tech podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and learn more about technology conversations for your organization.