In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old woman is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying Ryan Widmer… the only person at home with Sarah that night. Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident? Ryan has adamantly maintained his innocence for the last 16 years, but now, two seasoned criminologists examine the very controversial conviction of Ryan Widmer, for the murder of his ...
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Looking to 'Fine Tune' your business, your job, your team or yourself? Corby Fine offers innovative and thought provoking ideas along with real world examples, to address all kinds of different challenges and opportunities helping you innovate and succeed. Leveraging his two decades of experience, you will hear from industry experts and learn through case studies in marketing, digital transformation, analytics and leadership.
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This episode features a dynamic discussion with Brad Bettinson, VP of Enterprise Solutions at JAM Direct, focusing on the evolution of email marketing and the role of AI in modern marketing strategies. The conversation delves into whether email is becoming obsolete akin to outdated technologies like the fax machine, or if it's adapting and thriving…
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EP47 - The Future of Agencies Kevin Krossing and Jeff Dack
39:11
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In this episode, seasoned industry experts Kevin Krossing and Jeff Dack gather around the virtual table to dissect the ever-evolving landscape of creative agencies. Buckle up as we unravel intriguing insights, heated debates, and fresh perspectives on what lies ahead for these dynamic entities. 1. Art vs. Agency Work: The Great Debate 🎨 Artistic Bo…
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EP46 - Digital Advertising, a Mix of Technology and the Human Element with Ben Wise and Jeremy Freedman
34:51
34:51
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In this episode, I welcome two respected experts in the digital advertising space, Ben Wise and Jeremy Freedman, to explore the evolving landscape of digital advertising and the future of agency structures. We start by discussing the current definition of digital advertising, noting its evolution beyond traditional online ads to encompass various c…
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EP45 - If You're Not Already Playing With AI You're Far Behind with Adam Brotman and Andy Sack
29:07
29:07
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Helping organizations embrace emerging technologies so that they can have a better relationship with their customers, unlock growth and build their brand is the goal of Forum3. Co-founders Adam Brotman and Andy Sack know a thing or two about each of those goals, which is why they started the business in the first place, and the emerging technology …
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Ep10: We'll learn whats next in Ryan's appeals process, and is there any possible explanation for what happened that night in the bathroom. Finally, Amy and Meghan give their thoughts on Ryan's guilt or innocence and whether he got a fair trial. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directap…
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Ep09: A new mystery witness for the prosecution has everyone wondering who it is... and would they have any information that could seal Ryan's fate? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Am…
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Ep08: Ryan has one more chance at fighting for his freedom, but will his new legal team be able to achieve a different outcome this time around? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Sh…
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Ep07: In this episode we have a verdict, Ryan is found guilty, but someone comes forward with information that may turn the case upside-down. And Ryan builds a new legal team to take on the challenge ahead. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail …
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Ep06: The Defense makes their case that Sarah's death was a tragic accident, but will Ryan take the stand and defend himself? Also, we talk to a 3rd party pathologist and get their thoughts on the autopsy and manner of death. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or l…
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Ep05: The Prosecution calls the rest of their experts, including the "star witness". Just before the Prosecution rests their case, a new theory emerges of what might have happened between Ryan and Sarah that night. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a vo…
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Ep04: Ryan begins to grieve as he plans Sarah's funeral, but he also is planning for the battle of his life both in the courtroom and in the public eye. The Prosecution will present its case to the court. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at…
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EP44 - Be a Successful Leader with Cindy Wahler
19:43
19:43
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Successful leaders have a number of common attributes. Some of them include having a sense of humility and humbleness, to be able to say that they don't have all the answers, that they have made mistakes, and that they are human and vulnerable. One of the most important characteristics is that they try to surround themselves with people who can tea…
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03: In the days following Sarah's death, the media begins to paint their own picture of what may have happened. Ryan is still trying to cope and realizes that he is now coming under suspicion. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0…
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Ep02: On this episode, you'll hear Ryan's full account of the night of August 11th, 2008, when he found Sarah dead in their upstairs bathtub, along with the 911 call that will be used in court against him. Also, what happened in the hours after Ryan found Sarah? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us…
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Ep 01: On season 2 of Direct Appeal, we examine the murder conviction of Ryan Widmer for the death of his wife, Sarah Whitmer. Looking at the evidence that was presented, that which was not, and the evidence that may have seemed insignificant at the time, we form our own conclusion about Ryan Widmer's Guilt. It was night like any other. August 11th…
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In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying her husband Ryan… the only person at home with Sarah that night. Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident? Ryan has adamantly maintained his inno…
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EP43 - Invent Status Quo with Sean Downey
30:38
30:38
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Many of us strive to work at the intersection of really smart people, really strong technology advancement and differentiated thinking. That combination of elements ultimately leads to better results. Sean Downey, President, Americas & Global Partners at Google lives at that intersection. As Sean explains, you have to have a really innovative cultu…
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EP42 - Think About the Edges with Tanbir Grover
26:28
26:28
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You don't need to consistently look for big, humongous changes in your organization. According to Tanbir Grover, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at Pet Valu, thinking about and focusing on the edges is critical as most things in your business are usually working quite well. The challenge is in getting alignment and support to work on making tho…
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EP41 - Be Reckless and Break Things in Your First 90 Days with Shilpa Arora
23:10
23:10
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It takes a strong leader to be vulnerable and ask their teams, "can we do it this way?" and if it doesn't work, admit that it's okay. It takes an even stronger leader to speak with all new hires as they come on board, empowering and encouraging them to be reckless. Imagine starting a new job and having you leader tell you to use your first 90 days …
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EP40 - There is Always the Next and the Never Done with Meghan Nameth
20:28
20:28
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As marketing teams change their focus from successful campaign launches to measuring outcomes in an agile operating model, there is a fundamental shift requiring significant trust from the rest of the organization taking place. As Meghan Nameth describes, it is probably the biggest leap of faith that an organization can take, as most people, especi…
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EP39 - Finding Patterns Of Things Not Working With Michael Roberts
22:21
22:21
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Michael Roberts, CMO of MetLife, believes in outcomes, so much so that in the organizations he has had a chance to lead as a senior marketing executive, he has changed team structures and operating models to focus on outcomes based marketing. One of his key principles, is that if you can't find a pattern of things NOT working, then it means that th…
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EP38 - The Digitization of Sports with Christina Litz
25:04
25:04
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There is no question that digital technology is impacting all verticals and businesses, affecting both the customer experience and how organizations make money. The sports industry in particular, is undergoing rapid change and unlocking all kinds of opportunities for growth and new business models. Joining me in this episode is Christina Litz, the …
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EP37 - Building the World's Most Loved Payments Company with Nic Beique
23:10
23:10
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According to Nic Beique, the payments space is generally boring, but his goal is to build a payments company that is loved by his customers and that can be the heartbeat of their customers success. Nic tells me that it would be enough of a differentiating point for Helcim to have built the brand that they have already built, one based on processing…
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EP36 - Homeownership as a Service with Daniel Dubois
25:49
25:49
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When Daniel Dubois did the research, he realized that it takes an average of 27 years for the typical first-time Canadian urban home buyer just to save up for the recommended 20% down payment. That's when he and his co-founder decided to do something about it. They launched Key, a patent-pending two sided marketplace with a co-ownership model allow…
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EP35 - The Future is Bright on Pinterest with Erin Elofson
26:33
26:33
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Pinterest is not really social media in the traditional sense, it's more personal media. As the "ultimate discovery platform", Pinterest is just in its very nature, a place where people feel hopeful when they are thinking about the future. As Erin Elofson describes in our discussion, "when using Pinterest you're fundamentally happy, reflecting on t…
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EP34 - Building Live Learning Empires with Candice Faktor
24:48
24:48
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Candice Faktor is on a mission to help creators make a living teaching what they love by re- imagining the future of learning through her platform, Disco. She believes the future is learning live together and Disco's vision for learning leaves the industrial age behind and looks to a world of lifelong learning, that's live, with peers, led by trust…
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EP33 - Build and Grow Your Content Business with Brett Chang
19:31
19:31
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Ever hear of The Peak? Well if you haven't it's time to change that. The Peak is a daily newsletter covering the latest Canadian and global business, finance and tech news in a fun and informative daily email. Over 42,000 Canadians start their day with this email and I am one of them! Brett Chang is co-founder of The Peak, starting the business aft…
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EP32 - Find Your Flywheel and Institutionalize Your Information Consumption with John Boynton
26:26
26:26
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Most companies don't bother spending time thinking about how they can create their own flywheel. The flywheel that comes from digitally transforming their business, and finding ways that one new business model or revenue stream can feed off the other. John Boynton is an executive with over 30 years experience and a passion and track record of turni…
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EP31 - Banks Need to Balance Automation and Human Advice to Win with Maja Neable
30:33
30:33
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In a world where consumers are moving their banking transactions online and leaving branches as remnants of the past, how does one bank differentiate themselves from the other? According to Maja Neable, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Banking at BMO Financial Group, it is a combination of what consumers think about as a perceived convenience, and th…
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EP30 - BenchSci Wants to Bring New Medicine to Patients 50% Faster with Simon Smith
28:58
28:58
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For anybody who is not familiar with it, there is a real productivity crisis in the pharmaceutical industry and they have even given it a name, which is Eroom's law, the opposite of Moore's law. Moore's law states that every 18-24 months, the amount of transistors you can get for the same or lower price doubles. In pharmaceutical, R&D is the opposi…
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EP29 - Maple is Canadian Made Healthcare IP For the Entire World with Dr. Brett Belchetz
33:21
33:21
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The Canadian healthcare system is typically ranked as either the lowest ranked or second lowest ranked performing healthcare system of all developed world nations. Our physicians are great. Our procedures, world class. Then why such a low ranking? According to Dr. Brett Belchetz, the reason why we are so far behind in the rankings is access. Only a…
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EP28 - Twitter is the Conversation Layer of the Internet with Paul Burns
32:32
32:32
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Paul Burns is the Managing Director of Twitter Canada. Did you know that 1 in 5 North Americans use Twitter and 500 Million tweets are sent every single day? It is a platform with scale and is designed to generate conversation. As Paul states, "Twitter is look at THIS platform. It's pointing to a thing, an event, something that's happening in the w…
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EP27 - What is a Retail Media Network with Dana Toering of Walmart Canada
25:00
25:00
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Consumers spent $861.12 billion online with U.S. merchants in 2020, up an incredible 44.0% year over year. That’s the highest annual U.S. ecommerce growth in 20 years and It’s also nearly triple the 15.1% jump in 2019. With more and more people shopping online, retail media just makes sense. But what exactly is a retail media network? A retail medi…
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EP26 - The Future of Loyalty is Data with Derrick Fung
24:03
24:03
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What is the future of loyalty? Capturing and rewarding consumers for their time, money and thoughts. When Derrick Fung thinks about Drop as a company, ultimately the big vision is to build both the world's most personalized rewards program and the largest transaction data set in market. To get there, one of the the biggest decisions they had to mak…
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EP25 - Are You Really Listening to Your Customers with Shannon Katschilo of Medallia
32:20
32:20
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Your customers have so many options, so many different ways that they can relay feedback to you. Sometimes they call you, other times they fill in surveys. If you're like me, sometimes you just go to Twitter and shout it out publicly and hope that the company is monitoring it. The ways in which your customers can provide feedback has never been mor…
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EP24 - How to stay Relevant on Marketing, Technology and Other Stuff with Jed Schneiderman
24:10
24:10
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Jed Schneiderman is a proven entrepreneur, and executive in the marketing, media and technology space. When I think of Jed, I think of someone who is known for his thought leadership on topics ranging from marketing and technology, to being an entrepreneur and building successful businesses in the mobile, streaming, broadcast and internet technolog…
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EP23 - The Future of Agencies is in Driving Total Customer Experience
31:44
31:44
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Jeff Greenspoon thinks that the future of agencies is really in driving total customer experience. He says that this can be accomplished by bringing together the right people at the right time to solve the right problems, while being focused on the need for speed, agility and simplification. He is passionate about being client and idea first, and a…
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EP22 - Solving Some of the Hardest Problems That Don't Really Exist Today
26:23
26:23
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They say that lightning doesn't strike twice, but this time I think they might just have that wrong. Andrew Chau is a co-founder of SkipTheDishes, the largest food delivery network in Canada which he helped expand to over 110 markets and millions of customers, with over 2,500 employees headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Acquired by Just-Eat in 20…
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EP21 - Entrepreneurs Should Take the Offer, Then do it All Over Again
37:22
37:22
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Ghassan Halazon’s entrepreneurial journey started at the age of 25. Over the past decade, companies founded or acquired by Ghassan and his partners have saved Canadians close to $1 billion, hired 350 employees, and raised capital from over 150 global investors. Earlier in his career, Ghassan had the opportunity to sell one of his first ventures to …
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After more than one year since the last episode of Direct Appeal, we are back to discuss the recent media attention, to answer audience questions, and address potential tips sent in. We'll update you on what's next in Melanie's legal battle, and what supporters of Melanie say they are doing to help. We might even sneak in a word about season 2... L…
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EP20 - The Big Push, Taking Women-led Companies From Seed to Series A and Beyond
22:25
22:25
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At The Big Push, Sharon Zohar and team challenge the traditional accelerator model by tapping into a collective of business and technology executives ready to provide hands-on services and support to create actionable and measurable growth plans to help lift women-led companies to new heights. Sharon herself is a serial entrepreneur and investor wi…
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EP19 - Turning a Pick-Up Culture Into a Delivery Culture
36:24
36:24
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SkipTheDishes is growing, and FAST! In the third quarter of this year the number of orders rose by 98% to 23.5 million when compared to the same period in 2019. Canadians have long had a legacy of picking up food but pushed by the Covid restrictions and cooling weather, things are changing. SkipTheDishes was founded in 2012 in Saskatoon, Saskatchew…
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EP18 - Success Means Being Right Most of the Time With Only 40% of the Information
25:35
25:35
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While considered a success in her career, Alyssa Atkins had ended a long term relationship and witnessed some of the people, women in particular, in her life going through challenges with regards to getting pregnant and having kids. What she was witnessing triggered her thoughts and desire to one day have kids, all while not "in the perfect situati…
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It doesn’t matter whether the drain in your kitchen sink gets clogged, the toilet backs up, or the shower stops working: any plumbing problem brings with it a state of high urgency. For most people, the first course of action is to quickly look up the contact details of their local plumber, assuming of course they can navigate the complexity of cho…
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EP16 - The Best Brands Have a Crystallized Point of View
30:01
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The best brands in the world ultimately have a crystallized point of view. They know why they exist, whether you call it purpose or experience, it doesn't really matter. The point is that, whatever you call it, there is consistency. It is recognizable and it is explainable. Inside an organization, somebody has to be the keeper and the ambassador of…
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EP15 - A Bias Free Disruption of the $50 Billion Executive Search Industry
25:38
25:38
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ExecThread isn't a recruiting firm. It is a platform, a community, a marketplace, trying to do something that's paradigm-shifting in the executive recruiting market by using a unique crowdsourced approach to bring much-needed transparency to the ‘hidden job market’. ExecThread has amassed ~15,000 retained executive searches to-date, and made them a…
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EP14 - What do Denny's, Sandman Hotels and The NHL's Dallas Stars have in Common?
26:16
26:16
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Every once in a while I come across an organization that I had no idea existed, you know, we've all had that experience where we're looking up a stock symbol, we're watching a financial news show, we find out one of our friends or colleagues or neighbors work somewhere. We ask them what they do, and it's like, what the heck is that? I didn't even r…
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EP13 - Canada's Top CDO (That's Digital and Data to you)
29:19
29:19
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In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, digital, data, UX, and technology solutions could not be more critical to an organization’s overall strategy, growth, and success. As an executive leader, Shawn Mandel transforms organizations and drives positive, lasting change to position those organizations as both industry and market leaders. A le…
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EP12 - Live Your Customer's Story with Tony Chapman
28:03
28:03
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28:03
Tony Chapman won a multi-million dollar agency pitch with 40 pictures and a monologue. I was there to witness it, and ever since, have marveled at this marketing guru who is also one of Canada’s leading communication experts and one of the youngest members inducted into the Marketing Hall of Legends (2008). In this episode, Tony and I discuss the b…
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EP11 - Spotify on a Watch, and How to Build a Business With Spotify
26:05
26:05
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Ivan Pehar is the Country Manager for Spotify Canada. After spending a number of years at another digital goliath, he made the move to conquer one of most people's passions, the music business. In this episode, I talk with Ivan about the Spotify platform, and how it has become such an important and influential player in Canada's digital media and c…
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