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Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
A Starting with One Podcast
306 episodes
4 days ago
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more ... you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams. We love sending our listeners on a journey of discovery as they learn about the inspiring lives of industry thought leaders, business owners, & entrepreneurs from all walks of life, who share one thing in common – SUCCESS! And it all starts with one—one idea; one conversation; one dream. Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
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Entrepreneurship
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All content for Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald is the property of A Starting with One Podcast and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more ... you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams. We love sending our listeners on a journey of discovery as they learn about the inspiring lives of industry thought leaders, business owners, & entrepreneurs from all walks of life, who share one thing in common – SUCCESS! And it all starts with one—one idea; one conversation; one dream. Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group
Show more...
Entrepreneurship
Business
Episodes (20/306)
Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep277 - Supercharging Human Performance & HR Leadership with guest Naomi Titleman, Co-Founder of future foHRward

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al are joined by Naomi Titleman, Co-Founder of future foHRward and former CHRO of American Express Canada, for a deeply thoughtful conversation about leadership, HR, and what it truly means to make work better in today’s complex world. 


Naomi shares her journey from consulting at Deloitte to senior HR leadership at American Express, and eventually to building future foHRward, a consultancy and community dedicated to empowering HR leaders to lead with empathy, curiosity, and courage. She offers a refreshingly human perspective on HR’s evolving role, explaining why the function is no longer about policy and gatekeeping, but about supercharging human performance. 


Together, they explore the realities of modern leadership, including the loneliness of senior HR roles, the tension between flexibility and productivity, and why culture lives or dies through day-to-day leadership behavior. Naomi also dives into how AI can free HR leaders from administrative overload, allowing them to focus more deeply on people, relationships, and critical thinking. 


The conversation wraps with a powerful reflection on legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility today’s leaders have to plant trees for future generations, even when they may never sit in the shade themselves. 


This episode is an insightful, grounded exploration of leadership, culture, and the future of work through a human-centered lens. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • Naomi’s journey from consulting to CHRO to co-founding future foHRward 
  • Why HR leadership can be deeply lonely at the senior level 
  • What it truly means to “make work better” 
  • The shift from efficiency to effectiveness in leadership 
  • Why culture is shaped by everyday leadership behavior, not slogans 
  • The real meaning of flexibility and hybrid work 
  • How asking and listening builds trust inside organizations 
  • Why leaders must own people outcomes, not outsource them to HR 
  • How AI can enhance, not replace, the human side of HR 
  • Planting long-term impact through mentorship and leadership 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:30 From consulting to American Express Canada 
  • 05:30 Founding future foHRward and building an HR community 
  • 08:00 Why HR leadership can feel isolating 
  • 10:00 Supercharging human performance 
  • 12:30 Flexibility, hybrid work, and the power of “and” 
  • 15:00 Leadership effectiveness versus efficiency 
  • 17:30 Culture, wellbeing, and day-to-day employee experience 
  • 19:30 Asking employees for feedback and actually listening 
  • 22:00 Handling feedback you cannot act on immediately 
  • 24:30 Common blind spots organizations still face 
  • 26:30 AI, automation, and the future of HR 
  • 29:00 Preserving the human in human resources 
  • 31:00 Planting trees through mentorship and legacy leadership 
  • 33:00 Final reflections on purpose and making work better 

 

Connect with Naomi 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomititlemancolla/  
  • Website: https://www.futurefohrward.com/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
2 weeks ago
30 minutes 7 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep276 - The Human Side of Employment Law with guest Neena Gupta, Partner at Gowling WLG

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin Bailey and Al McDonald welcome Neena Gupta, Partner at Gowling WLG and one of Canada’s most respected voices in employment, labour, and human rights law. Neena brings a refreshingly human lens to the legal world, blending precision with empathy, mentorship, and real-world practicality. 


Neena shares her journey as a South Asian woman in law, her passion for mentoring the next generation, and how trust in leadership is built at the intersection of competence and kindness. Together, they explore today’s workplace challenges including generational shifts, inflation pressures, hybrid work, recruitment struggles, and the evolving definition of work life balance. 


The conversation also dives into what foreign companies must understand when expanding into Canada, the importance of strong employment agreements, and why proactive legal relationships save time, money, and stress. Neena closes with a powerful reflection on community, service, and planting trees for future generations through her leadership with United Way. 


This episode is a grounded, insightful masterclass on leadership, people-first systems, and building businesses with integrity in complex economic times. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • Neena’s path into law and mentoring young professionals 
  • Why trust is built through competence and kindness 
  • Generational shifts in work life balance and employee expectations 
  • The real challenges employers face with recruitment and retention 
  • How inflation is impacting employees and businesses across Canada 
  • Why hybrid work is here to stay 
  • Key pitfalls for foreign companies expanding into Canada 
  • The importance of employment agreements as risk management tools 
  • How to build a proactive relationship with your lawyer 
  • Planting trees for the future through community leadership and service 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:00 Neena’s journey into law and mentoring young professionals 
  • 05:30 Balancing legal precision with personal approachability 
  • 07:30 Trust at the intersection of competence and kindness 
  • 09:30 Recruitment, retention, and generational workplace shifts 
  • 12:00 Inflation pressures on employees and employers 
  • 14:30 Hybrid work, flexibility, and modern leadership 
  • 17:00 Expanding into Canada, legal pitfalls and must know foundations 
  • 20:00 Employment agreements and foreign employer risk management 
  • 22:30 Benefits, compliance, and cross border considerations 
  • 25:00 How to work effectively with your lawyer 
  • 28:00 Building proactive legal relationships 
  • 30:00 Planting trees through mentoring and community leadership 
  • 32:30 Neena’s work with United Way and giving back 
  • 35:00 Final reflections on leadership, service, and purpose 

 

Connect with Neena 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neena-gupta-0107aa4  
  • Website: https://gowlingwlg.com/en-ca  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
3 weeks ago
33 minutes 53 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep275 with guest Jocelyne Moyer, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Zeitview

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jocelyne Moyer, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Zeitview, to explore the intersection of operations, artificial intelligence, leadership, and sustainable growth in high-risk, high-impact industries. 


Jocelyne shares her journey from engineering and large-scale food manufacturing at Maple Leaf Foods and PepsiCo, through consulting at Bain & Company, to leading AI-powered infrastructure inspections at Zeitview. Along the way, she reveals the surprising through line that connects manufacturing, data, and modern asset intelligence, and how operational discipline becomes the foundation for innovation. 


Together, they dive into how AI is transforming industries like solar, wind, and utilities through aerial imaging and anomaly detection, how leaders balance long-term strategy with short-term execution, and why people, not just processes or technology, remain the true drivers of performance. 


This conversation blends sharp operational insight with grounded leadership philosophy, offering listeners a masterclass in building systems that scale, teams that thrive, and businesses that plant trees for the future. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • From factory floors to AI platforms: Jocelyne’s unique career arc 
  • Why sustainable systems outperform heroic effort 
  • How AI is used to inspect solar, wind, and utility infrastructure at scale 
  • The real role of human analysts in AI-powered environments 
  • Balancing short-term revenue with long-term strategic alignment 
  • Making difficult customer and resource allocation decisions with integrity 
  • Why operations is where strategy becomes real 
  • Building high-performance teams that still have fun 
  • The importance of repeatable, scalable process design 
  • Planting trees for the future through operational leadership 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:30 Jocelyne’s early fascination with engineering and manufacturing 
  • 06:30 From food manufacturing to Bain and back to operations leadership 
  • 09:00 The hidden connection between stale inventory and data backlog 
  • 12:00 Why people drive performance in operational environments 
  • 15:00 How Jocelyne evaluates systems, metrics, and bottlenecks 
  • 17:30 Cost structures, pilot networks, and operational decision-making 
  • 19:30 Balancing short-term pressures with long-term strategic vision 
  • 22:30 Customer fit, service levels, and sustainable growth 
  • 24:30 How Zeitview uses AI for aerial infrastructure inspections 
  • 27:00 Training AI models on proprietary industrial datasets 
  • 29:30 Scaling anomaly detection with human-AI collaboration 
  • 31:30 Leadership philosophy: serious work, lighthearted teams 
  • 34:00 Planting trees through sustainable systems and process design 
  • 36:30 Final reflections on change, systems, and people-first leadership 

 

Connect with Jocelyne 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyne-moyer/  
  • Website: https://www.zeitview.com/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
1 month ago
30 minutes 4 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: From the Vault - Redefining Leadership and the Future of Work with guest Jodi Kovitz, CEO of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)

In this From the Vault episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sat down with Jodi Kovitz, CEO of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), to explore how empathy, innovation, and inclusion are redefining leadership in today’s workplace. 


Jodi shares her insight on why HR leaders must have a strategic seat at the table to influence the future of work. Drawing on her experience leading HRPA through transformation, she discusses how people-first leadership fuels performance, why empathy and accountability can coexist, and how hybrid work, AI, and generational diversity are changing what it means to lead. 


This conversation is a masterclass in modern leadership, showing how purpose-driven strategy and human connection can drive both organizational success and national prosperity. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • The strategic seat at the table: Why HR leaders are essential to shaping business strategy and driving productivity. 
  • Empathy as strength: How leading with compassion builds trust, engagement, and loyalty. 
  • The brave workplace: Why leaders should focus on creating brave spaces instead of safe ones. 
  • Balancing five generations: How to meet diverse needs and build connection across changing workforce expectations. 
  • Preventing burnout: How proactive empathy, transparency, and mental health support protect teams in times of change. 
  • Redefining hybrid work: How to design flexibility that balances autonomy, collaboration, and inclusion. 
  • Humans and AI: Why the future of work depends on people guiding technology, not the other way around. 
  • Keeping talent in Canada: How people-first leadership can strengthen national prosperity and competitiveness. 
  • Authentic leadership: How showing vulnerability as a leader can inspire courage and connection across an organization. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 02:00 Why HR leaders deserve a strategic seat at the table 
  • 05:00 How people strategy drives business success 
  • 08:00 Empathy and vulnerability in leadership 
  • 10:00 Creating a brave workplace culture 
  • 13:00 Leading through generational change 
  • 16:00 Building flexibility and inclusion across teams 
  • 18:00 Preventing burnout and supporting mental health 
  • 20:00 Rethinking hybrid work and flexibility 
  • 25:00 The importance of communication in strong cultures 
  • 27:00 Investing in people to drive national prosperity 
  • 29:00 The role of AI and the human connection in future growth 
  • 31:00 HRPA’s upcoming summit and AI Skill Up course 
  • 33:00 How empathy and innovation shape the future of leadership 

 

Connect with Jodi 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikovitz  
  • HRPA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrpa  
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HRPATV  
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrpa_organization/  
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHRPA/  
  • Website: https://www.hrpa.ca/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
1 month ago
31 minutes 46 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: From the Vault - Building People-First Startups and Authentic Leadership with Jenny do Forno, Chief People Officer at TouchBistro

In this From the Vault episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jenny do Forno, Chief People Officer at TouchBistro, to explore how curiosity, courage, and authenticity define modern leadership. 


Jenny shares her inspiring journey from executive search to startup builder to venture advisor, offering hard-won lessons from 25 years of helping founders scale with purpose. As someone who’s helped launch companies from napkin sketches to successful exits, she reveals what makes great leaders, why culture must be built early, and how authenticity and communication can transform a business from the inside out. 


Together, they unpack the emotional highs and lows of startup life, how to lead through uncertainty, and the importance of saying “yes” to growth even when you’re not fully ready. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • Curiosity as a compass: How following her questions, not a plan, shaped Jenny’s 25-year career in people and culture. 
  • The courage to say yes: Why leaning into challenge matters more than waiting until you’re “ready.” 
  • The founder’s formula: What separates successful startup teams from the rest and how self-awareness plays a vital role. 
  • The human side of scaling: Why alignment, communication, and connection are every company’s secret weapons. 
  • Hiring with intention: How early people strategy can accelerate growth and prevent culture debt. 
  • Ego vs. conviction: How great founders balance strong beliefs with humility and collaboration. 
  • Authentic leadership: Why clarity is kindness and being yourself is the real competitive advantage. 
  • The future of workplace wellness: How benefits, belonging, and flexibility will shape the next era of people strategy. 
  • Mentorship and legacy: How sharing wisdom and lifting others creates lasting ripple effects in leadership. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:00 The accidental path into people and culture 
  • 06:00 Learning to say yes and leading with curiosity 
  • 09:00 Lessons from building Nest Wealth from scratch 
  • 12:00 From venture capital to TouchBistro: redefining success 
  • 15:00 The patterns that define great founders and teams 
  • 18:00 Why startups should invest in people and culture early 
  • 23:00 How HR shapes growth and alignment 
  • 28:00 The role of communication in scaling companies 
  • 33:00 Ego, conviction, and collaboration in leadership 
  • 37:00 Authenticity and the importance of showing up as yourself 
  • 44:00 Rethinking benefits and wellness for a modern workforce 
  • 49:00 How strong cultures drive belonging and retention 
  • 50:00 Legacy and impact: mentoring future founders 

 

Connect with Jenny 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennydoforno/  
  • TouchBistro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchbistro/ 
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/touchbistro  
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touch_bistro/ 
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TouchBistroiPadPOS/  
  • Website: https://www.touchbistro.com/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
1 month ago
49 minutes 7 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep274 - Redefining Retirement for the Modern Workforce with guest Connor Bays, Head of Sales and Partnerships at Common Wealth Retirement

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, host Robin Bailey and co-host Al McDonald sit down with Connor Bays, Head of Sales and Partnerships at Common Wealth Retirement, to explore how technology, inclusion, and purpose are reshaping financial wellness and the future of retirement. 


Connor shares his journey as a competitive runner turned mission-driven leader helping Canadians achieve lifelong financial security. Through his work at Common Wealth, he’s redefining how small and mid-sized businesses can offer accessible, high-impact retirement plans that support employee wellbeing and retention. 


Together, they dive into the realities of financial stress, the misconceptions about cost and complexity in group retirement programs, and the profound shift from viewing retirement as an ending to embracing it as a new beginning. 


This conversation blends insight and empathy, showing how small changes in how we save, educate, and communicate about money can spark long-term transformation, for both employees and employers. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • Mission-driven innovation: How Common Wealth is closing the retirement gap for Canadians. 
  • Financial accessibility: Why smaller businesses can and should offer group retirement benefits. 
  • Common misconceptions: Breaking down the myths around cost and complexity. 
  • Financial stress and wellbeing: How retirement planning contributes to mental and emotional health. 
  • Engaging younger generations: Why millennials and Gen Z care deeply about their financial future. 
  • Technology meets trust: Using digital tools to personalize financial planning at scale. 
  • Redefining retirement: From an end point to a new phase of meaning, purpose, and contribution. 
  • Employer wins: Why group retirement plans are a competitive advantage for engagement and culture. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:00 From competitive running to leading at Common Wealth 
  • 04:00 How Common Wealth is closing Canada’s retirement gap 
  • 06:00 The biggest barriers to offering group retirement plans 
  • 09:00 Financial literacy and breaking the taboo around money 
  • 10:00 Retirement planning as part of overall wellbeing 
  • 12:00 How younger generations are engaging with retirement savings 
  • 15:00 Making financial confidence accessible through technology 
  • 18:00 Balancing fees, service, and meaningful financial outcomes 
  • 20:00 Personalization in benefits: what employees truly want 
  • 22:00 The evolution of retirement: purpose, health, and longevity 
  • 25:00 The psychology of retirement and identity beyond work 
  • 27:00 Wins for employers heading into 2026: new and upgraded plans 
  • 30:00 Planting trees for future generations through better access and education 

 

Connect with Connor 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorbays  
  • Website: https://www.commonwealthretirement.com/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 

 

Show more...
1 month ago
30 minutes 53 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep273 - The Art of People, Potential, and Purpose with guest Jessica Pezim, Client Partner at Bedford Consulting Group

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, host Robin Bailey and guest co-host Cory Chadwick sit down with Jessica Pezim, Client Partner at Bedford Consulting Group, to explore how leadership, culture, and human connection shape organizational success. 


Jessica shares her journey from practicing securities law to leading executive search and leadership advisory at Bedford. With a unique background spanning law, finance, and talent strategy, she brings deep insight into how the right leadership match can transform not just an organization but lives. 


Together, they discuss what it takes to hire beyond the résumé, build cultures that thrive on belonging, and navigate transformation with empathy and purpose. From AI-driven fear to family business dynamics, this conversation blends strategy with humanity, showing that careers are, at their core, deeply human stories. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • From law to leadership: How Jessica pivoted from securities law to executive search and why she never looked back. 
  • Family in business: The rewards and realities of working with family in a multigenerational company. 
  • Ripple effects in leadership: How one placement can change lives, organizations, and communities. 
  • Culture fit vs. skill fit: Why the best person on paper isn’t always the right person for the role. 
  • Hiring with heart: How Bedford’s 93% success rate comes from prioritizing alignment, not just experience. 
  • The role of AI in talent strategy: How leaders can navigate technological change with transparency and trust. 
  • Mentorship and legacy: Why paying it forward and planting seeds for others defines lasting leadership. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:00 From law to executive search and Jessica’s bold career pivot 
  • 07:00 Family business dynamics and lessons learned from twin mentors 
  • 10:00 The ripple effect of leadership and the power of impact 
  • 16:00 Preventing burnout and balancing high performance with humanity 
  • 17:00 The competency model and why Bedford’s 93% success rate matters 
  • 18:00 The best person vs. the right person and the difference that changes everything 
  • 20:00 Values, culture fit, and why alignment matters more than perfection 
  • 22:00 Diversity of thought and inclusive hiring in times of transformation 
  • 26:00 AI, fear, and the future of work 
  • 30:00 Legal meets leadership and Jessica’s unique approach to talent strategy 
  • 34:00 Planting trees for future leaders, mentorship, purpose, and legacy 

 

Connect with Jessica  

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-pezim-a73b2752/  
  • Website: https://bedfordgroup.com/   


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
2 months ago
34 minutes 11 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep272 - Redefining Leadership Through Empathy and Inclusion with guest Mike Daser, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Pure Technology

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, host Robin Bailey and guest co-host Cory Chadwick sit down with Mike Daser, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Pure Technology, to explore what it means to lead with heart, empathy, and inclusion in today’s evolving workplace. 


With over 15 years of experience building cultures that balance people and performance, Mike shares powerful lessons from his time at Starbucks and Target, and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy. Known for his belief that great leadership starts with empathy, Mike opens up about his passion for supporting newcomers to Canada, building trust-first teams, and creating cultures where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. 


From “Don’t move the mocha” to hiring for values over skills, this episode is packed with insight, authenticity, and heart. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • Falling in love with people: How Mike’s early experiences at Target changed how he sees leadership and humanity. 
  • The “Don’t Move the Mocha” lesson: Why great leaders listen first, learn second, and lead through trust. 
  • Culture fit vs. skill fit: Why attitude and alignment matter more than résumés. 
  • Supporting newcomers to Canada: How employers can create truly inclusive, equitable workplaces beyond surface-level initiatives. 
  • The power of mentorship: Lessons from coaching newcomers through job searches, interviews, and cultural transitions. 
  • Storytelling as leadership: How humanizing yourself builds connection, trust, and belonging. 
  • Resilience and perspective: Why life goes on, and how setbacks can lead to new opportunities. 
  • Planting trees for the future: Mike’s vision for a global workforce where talent and potential transcend borders. 


If you’re an HR professional, business leader, or anyone passionate about people-first leadership, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with empathy, purpose, and connection. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 04:00 Falling in love with people and stories 
  • 07:00 The “Don’t Move the Mocha” principle of leadership 
  • 10:00 Lessons from Target and values-driven hiring 
  • 13:00 Creating inclusive workplaces for newcomers 
  • 16:00 Bias, belonging, and the hiring gap 
  • 21:00 Supporting immigrants inside organizations 
  • 25:00 Mentorship, storytelling, and authenticity in leadership 
  • 30:00 Building trust through shared humanity 
  • 33:00 The trees Mike is planting for future leaders 

 

Connect with Suzanne 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-daser-phri-72b2028a  
  • Website: https://puretechnology.ai/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
2 months ago
32 minutes 35 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep271 - Never Waste A Good Crisis with guest Suzanne Knight, CEO of mBolden Consulting

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, host Robin Bailey and guest co-host Kristy Jones (Achievers) sit down with Suzanne Knight, CEO of mBolden Consulting and global keynote speaker, to explore what it really takes to lead through disruption, complexity, and change. 


Drawing from her executive experience at Walmart, Deloitte, and Philip Morris International, Suzanne reveals the real playbook for future-proofing leaders and organizations – one built on adaptability, resilience, and courage in the face of uncertainty. 


From starting her own firm to advising Fortune 500 companies on transformation and performance, Suzanne shares powerful insights on how to navigate setbacks, maintain culture during upheaval, and find opportunity in crisis. Her philosophy? Something will always go wrong, but the best leaders turn those moments into growth. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • Future-Proof Leadership: Why adaptability has replaced collaboration as the most critical leadership skill. 
  • Embracing Disruption: How to anticipate change, stay calm, and lead teams through uncertainty. 
  • Crisis as Catalyst: How setbacks can strengthen strategy, innovation, and resilience. 
  • Workforce Trends: Why leaders need to plan for shorter career cycles, automation, and evolving skill sets. 
  • Culture & Retention: How to preserve trust, clarity, and engagement during mass change or return-to-office mandates. 
  • Start Less, Finish More: Why prioritization and focus drive stronger results than multitasking ever could. 
  • Wellness & Leadership: Why sustainable success depends on treating leadership like a marathon, not a sprint. 
  • Never Waste a Good Crisis: How to turn breakdowns into breakthroughs. 


If you’re a business leader, HR professional, or entrepreneur looking to lead with purpose and stability in a rapidly changing world, this conversation is a must-listen. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 04:00 Why adaptability defines the modern leader 
  • 09:00 Turning setbacks into strategy 
  • 14:00 Future-proofing your team and organization 
  • 18:00 Building culture in times of change 
  • 24:00 The art of prioritization and focus 
  • 31:00 Wellness, leadership, and long-term performance 
  • 35:00 The trees Suzanne is planting for future leaders 

 

Connect with Suzanne 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skknight/ 
  • Website: https://suzanneknight.com/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
2 months ago
38 minutes 14 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep270 - The Power of Mentorship & Meaning with guest Jennifer Hall, Vice President of Human Resources at ACCES Employment

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, host Robin Bailey and guest co-host Cory Chadwick sit down with Jennifer Hall, Vice President of Human Resources at ACCES Employment, to explore how empathy, integrity, and mentorship are shaping the future of leadership and organizational culture. 


Jennifer shares her journey from early career challenges to leading one of Canada’s most impactful not-for-profit organizations. She opens up about how living her values, fostering inclusion, and empowering her team have helped ACCES Employment transform thousands of lives every year. 


From overcoming fear and finding her voice to building mentorship programs that cultivate tomorrow’s leaders, Jennifer’s story is a masterclass in how courage, humility, and purpose-driven leadership create lasting impact. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • Purpose-Driven Leadership: How ACCES Employment empowers underserved communities through meaningful employment opportunities. 
  • Values in Action: Why aligning personal values with organizational mission drives engagement and fulfillment. 
  • Culture and Collaboration: How HR can partner with leaders to co-create healthier, high-performing workplaces. 
  • From Fear to Fearless: How saying yes — and raising your hand — can transform your confidence and career trajectory. 
  • The Power of Mentorship: Why mentorship is the ultimate investment in organizational success and human growth. 
  • Work Ethic and Impact: What Jennifer learned from her toughest early jobs — and how those lessons shaped her leadership style. 
  • Planting Seeds for the Future: How generosity, inclusion, and mentorship build the leaders of tomorrow. 


If you are an HR leader, business owner, or aspiring change-maker seeking to build engaged teams, elevate culture, and lead with both head and heart, this episode offers the clarity and inspiration you’ve been looking for. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 02:00 Meet Jennifer Hall and the Mission Behind ACCES Employment 
  • 04:00 How ACCES Empowers Underserved Communities Across Canada 
  • 06:00 Finding Purpose in Nonprofit Work 
  • 07:00 The Art of “Getting to Yes” in the Nonprofit World 
  • 08:00 Measuring Impact in HR: Culture, Engagement, and Results 
  • 10:00 Building Leadership Buy-In and Inclusive Culture 
  • 13:00 Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice 
  • 15:00 The Turning Point: Taking Ownership and Speaking Up 
  • 18:00 Why Raising Your Hand Changes Everything 
  • 19:00 Leading with Humility and Silencing the Ego 
  • 21:00 Building Teams That Trust and Thrive 
  • 23:00 Where Work Ethic Comes From (and How It Lasts a Lifetime) 
  • 27:00 Mentorship That Builds Future Leaders 
  • 30:00 How to Be an Effective First-Time Mentor 
  • 34:00 Planting the Seeds of Leadership and Inclusion 

 

Connect with Jennifer 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrjenniferhall  
  • Website: https://accesemployment.ca/people/jennifer-hall   


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


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2 months ago
34 minutes 49 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep269 - Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Law with Devin Persaud, Partner at Miller Thomson LLP

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Devin Persaud, Partner at Miller Thomson LLP and one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, to explore how the next generation of legal leaders is transforming the profession from within. 


Devin shares candid insights from his journey as a corporate and competition lawyer, advocate, and changemaker – from building sustainable firm cultures and balancing family life to driving greater representation and equity within the legal system. 


He discusses how mentorship, advocacy, and a collaborative mindset are reshaping the future of law in Canada, and why creating win-win outcomes is the ultimate mark of professional success. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • Balancing High Performance and Humanity: How large firms can promote sustainability and mental health in high-pressure careers. 
  • Culture and Connection: Why authenticity and family time are non-negotiables for long-term success. 
  • The Future of Law: How AI, globalization, and protectionism are reshaping Canadian business and legal practice. 
  • Representation Matters: The evolution of the South Asian Bar Association (SABA) and its role in driving diversity and equity. 
  • Mentorship and Legacy: How sending the elevator back down builds stronger communities and future leaders. 
  • Redefining Success: Why true leadership means uplifting others while balancing professional excellence and personal joy. 


If you are an HR leader, founder, or law student who wants to build healthier teams and a more inclusive profession, this episode shows how mentorship, balanced culture, and practical policy can shape a more competitive and humane legal landscape in Canada. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:00 The Realities of Law Firm Culture and Burnout 
  • 06:00 How COVID Changed the Legal Landscape 
  • 08:00 Gender Equity and Sustainable Career Paths 
  • 09:00 Protecting Mental Health and Family Time 
  • 12:00 The Future of Law: AI, Globalization, and Protectionism 
  • 16:00 Building Canada’s Talent Pipeline: Education and Immigration 
  • 18:00 What “Winning” Really Means for a Lawyer 
  • 21:00 Redefining Success Beyond the Office 
  • 23:00 The South Asian Bar Association: History and Impact 
  • 27:00 Representation, Mentorship, and Equity in Law 
  • 31:00 Creating Access Through TMU’s Law School 
  • 33:00 Progress and Challenges in Legal Leadership Diversity 
  • 35:00 What Needs to Change to Advance Inclusion 
  • 38:00 Planting Trees: Devin’s Vision for Mentorship and Legacy 

 

Connect with Devin 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-persaud/  
  • Website: https://www.millerthomson.com/en/your-team/devin-persaud/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
2 months ago
34 minutes 14 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep268 - Transforming Preventive Healthcare Through Lifestyle Medicine with guest Carl Aube, Co-Founder, Optimal U Inc.

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Carl Aube, Co-Founder at Optimal U Inc., to explore how lifestyle medicine is transforming preventive health across Canada. 


With over 25 years of experience in healthcare innovation, Carl shares how Optimal U is bridging the gap between public and private care – empowering individuals to take charge of their health through data-driven assessments, personalized care plans, and actionable lifestyle changes. 


Carl discusses how small, daily habits create measurable, long-term health outcomes, and how wearables, genetic testing, and AI are helping Canadians stay healthier longer. He also explains how employers can integrate lifestyle medicine into benefits programs to boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and lower healthcare costs. 


This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who believes “ignorance is bliss” when it comes to their health, and an invitation to start planting the seeds of wellness today. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • From Sick Care to Preventive Care: Why Canada’s public system focuses on treatment, and how Optimal U fills the prevention gap. 
  • The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: Nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, social connection, and avoiding risky substances. 
  • Data-Driven Health: How bloodwork, genetic screening, and wearables reveal what your body truly needs. 
  • Ignorance Isn’t Bliss: Why knowing your health risks early empowers better choices and longer vitality. 
  • Employers and Well-Being: How companies can use lifestyle medicine to reduce costs and build healthier, more engaged teams. 
  • The Future of Personalized Care: How AI and continuous monitoring are making wellness more accessible and actionable than ever. 


If you’re a benefits advisor, HR leader, or parent looking to better support families through smarter healthcare access, this episode will open your eyes to how innovation and empathy can work hand-in-hand to change the future of care in Canada. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:00 What Is Optimal U and How It Works with the Public System 
  • 05:00 Prevention vs. Treatment: Why Lifestyle Medicine Matters 
  • 07:00 The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Health 
  • 09:00 Facing Your Health Fears and Taking Action 
  • 12:00 From Data to Daily Habits: Sleep, Movement, and Nutrition 
  • 14:00 How AI and Wearables Empower Real-Time Health Insights 
  • 16:00 The Mission Behind Optimal U and Carl’s 25-Year Journey 
  • 18:00 Breaking Down Healthcare Silos and Improving Referrals  
  • 21:00 Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Employee Benefits 
  • 23:00 Real ROI for Employers: Productivity, Wellness, and Retention 
  • 26:00 Lifestyle vs. Functional Medicine: What’s the Difference? 
  • 29:00 Genetic Testing and the Power of Personalized Insights 
  • 36:00 Working with Family Physicians and Navigating the Public System 
  • 40:00 Collaboration Over Competition in Healthcare 
  • 41:00 Planting Seeds of Health: Carl’s Vision for the Future 

 

Connect with Carl 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-aube/  
  • Website: https://optimalu.ca/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


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2 months ago
38 minutes 53 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep267 - Bridging the Gap in Pediatric Healthcare with Adam Saperia, CEO of KixCare

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin Bailey and Al McDonald sit down with Adam Saperia, CEO of KixCare, Canada’s first and only dedicated virtual pediatric care platform. 


Adam shares how KixCare emerged from a team of physicians who saw a glaring gap during the pandemic—children were not being adequately served by generic virtual care. With a mission to deliver specialized, accessible, and trusted healthcare for kids, KixCare connects families across Canada with top pediatric experts, ensuring timely and compassionate support whether the concern is physical, developmental, or mental health–related. 


Adam discusses his path from healthcare innovation to entrepreneurship, the future of digital pediatrics, and how technology can enhance, not replace, the human connection in care. He also sheds light on how employers and insurers can help parents by integrating family-focused care into benefit programs, improving both workplace productivity and well-being. 


You’ll hear about: 


  • A Mission Born from a Gap: How a team of pediatric professionals saw that “kids aren’t just tiny adults” and built a platform designed specifically for them. 
  • Virtual Care for Real Families: How KixCare resolves over 90% of cases virtually while maintaining compassion and quality of care. 
  • From COVID to Continuity: Why virtual care is here to stay and how it’s evolved since the pandemic. 
  • Workplace Wellness for Parents: How KixCare helps employers support working parents and reduce absenteeism. 
  • Building Trust Through Expertise: Why pediatric specialization is essential to earning family confidence in virtual health. 
  • AI and the Future of Care: How tools like medical scribes and telehealth devices will help providers focus on connection, not paperwork. 
  • Purpose and Legacy: Why Adam views every appointment as planting the seeds of healthier futures for children and families worldwide. 


If you’re a benefits advisor, HR leader, or parent looking to better support families through smarter healthcare access, this episode will open your eyes to how innovation and empathy can work hand-in-hand to change the future of care in Canada. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:00 How a Team of Physicians Sparked a Virtual Care Revolution 
  • 05:00 Why Pediatric Expertise Matters in Digital Health 
  • 07:30 From Pandemic Response to Permanent Care Model 
  • 09:00 Building Trust Through Qualified Pediatric Professionals 
  • 10:30 Recruiting and Retaining the Best in Children’s Health 
  • 13:00 The Role of SickKids and Raising Pediatric Standards 
  • 14:00 Challenges of Scaling a HealthTech Business 
  • 16:30 The Employer Advantage: Supporting Parents Through Benefits 
  • 17:30 90% of Cases Solved Virtually and The Data Behind It 
  • 18:30 Mental Health and the Urgency of Access 
  • 20:00 Overcoming Misconceptions About Virtual Care 
  • 21:00 New Tech for Parents: At-Home Diagnostics and Real-Time Support 
  • 22:00 Educating Employers and Expanding Access 
  • 23:00 The Role of AI in the Future of Pediatric Care 
  • 25:00 Reducing Provider Burnout Through Technology 
  • 26:00 Planting Trees for Future Generations: Adam’s Vision for the Future 

 

Connect with Adam 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsaperia/  
  • Website: https://kixcare.com/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
2 months ago
27 minutes 5 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep266 - Where Innovation Meets Compassion with guest Rochelle Hildebrand, Vice President at EHN Canada

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin Bailey and Al McDonald sit down with Rochelle Hildebrand, Vice President at EHN Canada, to explore how innovation and compassion are reshaping mental health and addiction treatment nationwide. 


After starting her career in marketing, Rochelle unexpectedly found her calling in mental health, and over the past 12 years, she’s become a driving force behind EHN Canada’s mission to deliver accessible, evidence-based care through both inpatient and virtual programs. Her story is a testament to how purpose, leadership, and innovation can intersect to change lives. 


Rochelle shares how EHN Canada balances technology and human connection, the evolution of virtual therapy since the pandemic, and what it takes to build strong cultures in high-impact care settings. She also reveals why she believes mental health benefits should be as universal and comprehensive as dental coverage, and how employers can play a transformative role in supporting their teams’ well-being. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • An Unconventional Path to Purpose: How Rochelle went from a marketing coordinator to a leader in mental health and addiction treatment. 
  • Balancing Care and Compassion: How frontline workers navigate the emotional demands of their roles while staying resilient. 
  • Virtual Care Reimagined: Why EHN Canada’s hybrid and digital programs are breaking barriers to access and improving outcomes. 
  • Culture and Support in Healthcare: The systems and practices that create sustainable team well-being in a high-stress industry. 
  • Mental Health Benefits Reform: Why employers must offer tiered care options to address mild, moderate, and severe mental health needs. 
  • The Future of Wellness at Work: How companies can intervene early to keep employees healthy, present, and supported. 


If you’re an HR leader, benefits advisor, or business owner looking to strengthen employee well-being through better systems and strategies, this conversation will shift how you think about mental health in the workplace. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 01:20 Rochelle’s Journey from Marketing to Mental Health Leadership 
  • 04:00 Finding Purpose in Work That Changes Lives 
  • 06:15 Balancing Empathy and Emotional Resilience 
  • 08:00 Keeping Human Connection Alive in Virtual Care 
  • 13:00 The Rise of Digital Therapy and Accessibility 
  • 15:30 Building Supportive Cultures for Frontline Teams 
  • 20:00 Hybrid and Remote Care: Lessons in Connection and Trust 
  • 23:00 Rethinking Mental Health Benefits for Employees 
  • 27:00 How Employers Can Offer Comprehensive Support 
  • 29:00 The Signature Question: Planting Trees for Future Generations 
  • 32:00 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect 


Connect with Rochelle 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-hildebrand-7341209a/  
  • Website: https://www.edgewoodhealthnetwork.com/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


Show more...
3 months ago
29 minutes 47 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep265 - AI Mentorship & the Future of Work with Sachi Kittur, VP of Human Experience & Innovation at HRPA

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin Bailey and Al McDonald sit down with Sachi Kittur, Vice President of Human Experience & Innovation at HRPA and founder of GoCPG.ai. Recently named one of Canada’s Top 30 Most Inspiring Women in SME, Sachi brings over 20 years of experience scaling technology companies and building cultures that thrive at the intersection of talent, innovation, and strategy. 


From shaping the future of HR leadership to creating AI-powered mentorship platforms for food brands, Sachi offers a masterclass on how leaders can align culture and business growth in a rapidly changing world. 


You’ll hear about: 


  • Human experience at work: Why leaders must move beyond policies and perks to focus on how employees feel, grow, and connect with purpose. 
  • Scaling culture with growth: The common mistakes leaders make when business outpaces culture and how to avoid them. 
  • Change management lessons from tech: Why agility, innovation, and failing forward are essential skills for today’s organizations. 
  • Return-to-office realities: What younger generations expect, and why personalization matters more than mandates. 
  • The ROI of investing in people: How strong hiring, retention, and culture directly impact financial outcomes. 
  • Paying it forward: Sachi’s vision of opening doors for future South Asian women leaders to choose their own path beyond traditional expectations. 


If you’re an HR leader, entrepreneur, or business owner looking to future-proof your organization with human-centered leadership and innovation, this conversation delivers both strategic insights and personal inspiration. 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 01:39 Human Experience and Innovation at HRPA  
  • 03:47 Leadership and Employee Engagement  
  • 06:31 Scaling Tech Companies: Lessons and Insights  
  • 13:45 The Importance of Culture in Business Growth  
  • 19:15 Future Trends in Human-Centered Innovation  
  • 25:02 Final Thoughts and Signature Question  
  • 28:20 Conclusion and Contact Information 


Connect with Sachi 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachikittur/  
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittursachi/  
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocpgai/  
  • Website: https://www.sachili.com/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


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3 months ago
26 minutes 53 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep264 with guest Gavin Mosley, Founder @ GroupBenefitz Platform

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin Bailey and Al McDonald sit down with Gavin Mosley, founder of the GroupBenefitz Platform and one of Canada’s leading voices in private healthcare and executive benefits. With nearly two decades of experience at top insurance carriers and consulting firms, Gavin has made it his mission to simplify the complex world of group benefits and reshape how organizations think about proactive health access. 


From exploring the rise of private executive clinics to building insurance solutions that let Canadians access healthcare like their American counterparts, Gavin offers a masterclass in the future of employee benefits. 


You’ll hear about: 


  • The private health gap in Canada: Why it’s not new, and how infrastructure already exists for those who know where to look. 
  • The ROI of proactive health: How shorter wait times, faster recoveries, and tax-efficient benefits deliver value for executives and companies alike. 
  • Breaking down the product: A behind-the-scenes look at specialty insurance that covers diagnostics, global treatment, and post-surgery rehab. 
  • Wellness integration: Why virtual rehab, nutrition, and mental health support are essential complements to executive health coverage. 
  • The future of benefits advising: How this emerging segment could create new roles, new specialties, and an entirely new way of serving clients. 
  • Success redefined: Gavin’s vision of building a business his kids would be proud to run, while leaving the industry better than he found it. 


If you’re a business owner, benefits advisor, or HR leader curious about the next frontier of employee health and retention, this episode offers both a roadmap and inspiration for where the industry is headed 


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 02:22 The Rise of Private Healthcare in Canada  
  • 03:37 Understanding the Private Healthcare System  
  • 07:39 The Growing Demand for Private Healthcare  
  • 10:54 Exploring the ROI of Private Healthcare  
  • 15:06 Introducing the Product: Best Doctors Insurance  
  • 16:53 Product Details and Benefits  
  • 24:31 Understanding Medical Procedures and Coverage  
  • 24:52 Differences Between Critical Illness and Health Insurance  
  • 25:09 Coverage and Benefits of the Health Insurance Plan  
  • 26:13 Future of Health Insurance in Canada  
  • 27:40 Addressing Gaps in the Public System  
  • 28:25 Potential Solutions and Industry Changes  
  • 28:39 Polarizing Discussions on Private Healthcare  
  • 29:31 The Role of Benefits Brokers  
  • 32:45 Navigating the Wellness Space  
  • 36:01 The Importance of Data in Wellness Programs  
  • 38:32 Defining Success in the Insurance Industry  
  • 42:58 Future of Employee Benefits and Private Health  


Connect with Gavin 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinmosley/ 
  • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groupbenefitz/  
  • Website: https://www.groupbenefitz.ca/  


Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group


Show more...
3 months ago
41 minutes 31 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep 263 - Building Cultures of Kindness with guest Margot Perlmutter, Head of HR @ CANNEX Financial
In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin Bailey and guest co-host Corey Chadwick sit down with Margot Perlmutter, Head of HR at CANNEX Financial and certified executive coach. With more than 25 years of experience spanning advertising, camp leadership, SaaS, and fintech, Margot has built a reputation as a people-first leader who blends strategy, empathy, and business growth into every role she’s taken on. 


From her early days directing summer camps to navigating acquisitions in the tech world, Margot shares the lessons that shaped her career and the people-first philosophy that defines her leadership. 


You’ll hear about: 


  • Treating people like people: Why authentic human connection is the foundation of engagement and motivation. 
  • The power of kindness: Why being kind, not just “nice”, is the most underrated leadership superpower. 
  • Creating high-performing cultures: How saying “yes” more often than “no” can unlock trust, energy, and retention. 
  • Transparency and communication: Why setting clear expectations and sharing openly is critical to keeping great employees. 
  • Business growth = people growth: How aligning HR with business strategy drives real impact. 
  • Planting future trees: Margot’s vision for a ripple effect of kindness, mentorship, and creating safe spaces for people to thrive. 


If you’ve ever wrestled with the balance between business goals and people needs, wondered how to retain top talent without “big firm” resources, or wanted to know what truly fuels a thriving culture, this conversation is packed with insights you can put into practice.  


We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction   
  • 03:02 Fostering Employee Engagement 
  • 05:23 The Power of Human Connection 
  • 09:26 Navigating Team Dynamics 
  • 13:47 Building a High-Performing Culture 
  • 14:23 The Importance of Saying Yes 
  • 22:20 The Cost of Retention 
  • 22:30 Real-Life Success Stories 
  • 23:17 Strategies for Retaining Employees 
  • 31:41 Aligning People Strategy with Business Goals 
  • 35:39 Advocating for People Strategy 
  • 37:30 The Ripple Effect of Kindness 


Connect with Margot 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-perlmutter/  
  • Book: Camp Food Matters: Revolutionizing camp food, one happy camper at a time 



Connect with Us 

  • LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald   
  • Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group 


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3 months ago
38 minutes 42 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep 262 - Leading with Courage with guest Cheryl Kerrigan, Chief People Officer @ BlueCat

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin Bailey and Al McDonald sit down with Cheryl Kerrigan, award-winning Chief People Officer at BlueCat and one of Canada’s most admired HR leaders. With more than two decades of global experience, Cheryl shares her journey of stepping into roles before she felt “ready,” embracing failure as a teacher, and shaping workplace cultures where people and performance thrive. 


You’ll hear about: 

  • The power of courage and curiosity: Why putting your hand up before you’re fully prepared can accelerate growth. 
  • The role of mentorship: How strong leaders and female role models shaped Cheryl’s career, and why she’s passionate about sending the elevator back down. 
  • Building high-performing teams: From over-communicating strategy to enabling leaders with coaching and development. 
  • Supporting resilience in tech: Wellness days, flexible policies, and innovative benefits that prioritize employee well-being in a fast-paced industry. 
  • Planting future trees: Why Cheryl is committed to connecting new graduates with opportunities and helping the next generation step confidently into business. 


If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, wondered how to foster a culture where people truly thrive, or wanted practical insights from one of Canada’s top HR leaders, this episode is filled with clues you’ll want to follow. 

 

We talk about: 

  • 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview  
  • 04:15 Cheryl's Career Journey and Leadership Insights  
  • 11:31 Building High-Performing Teams  
  • 15:35 Balancing Business Growth and Employee Well-being  
  • 21:10 Innovative Employee Benefits and Support  
  • 25:07 Future Trends in Employee Benefits  
  • 30:24 Cheryl's Mentorship and Giving Back  
  • 33:19 Conclusion and Contact Information 


Connect with Cheryl

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylkerrigan
  • Website: https://bluecatnetworks.com/


Connect with Us

• LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald  

• Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Show more...
3 months ago
33 minutes 38 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep261 - Leading with Intention with guest Sameer Dhar, CEO and co-founder of NiaHealth

What if the real challenge the second time isn’t how to build, but why you’re building?


In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, host Robin and co-host Al sit down with Sameer Dhar, CEO and co-founder of NiaHealth. Sameer shares his journey as a second-time founder, revealing the unique challenges of building again, this time with a deeper focus on purpose and impact. The conversation dives into how NiaHealth is reimagining healthcare by combining advanced diagnostics and a nurse-practitioner-led model with human empathy and proactive care.


From leadership lessons to wellness rituals, Sameer opens up about what it takes to build something meaningful while staying grounded. The episode also explores how values like generosity, integrity, and service shape not just businesses, but legacies.


Key Takeaways

✨ Starting a second business can be even harder, especially when you’re more intentional about doing it right.

✨ Meditation, journaling, and self-care are the secret weapons of resilient leadership.

✨ NiaHealth combines personalized testing and nurse-practitioner care with empathy at the core.

✨ Proactive Health is the Future. People want more than reactive care.

✨ Success isn’t just growth or exits, but also generosity, impact, and building with values.


Connect with Sameer

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameerdhar/
  • Website: https://www.niahealth.co/


Connect with Us

• LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald  

• Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

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4 months ago
32 minutes 48 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
Success Leaves Clues: Ep260 - Patient Empowerment, Health & Longevity with Lisa Miloszewski, Head of Business Development at RegenaLife

What if the future of healthcare isn’t in more treatment, but in earlier detection?


In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, host Robin Bailey and co-host Al McDonald sit down with Lisa Miloszewski, Head of Business Development at RegenaLife, a company bringing advanced diagnostic tools and regenerative medicine to the forefront of Canadian healthcare.


Lisa opens up about her own experience with burnout, the limitations she saw in traditional healthcare, and why she’s passionate about putting power back in the hands of patients. From cutting-edge diagnostics to the growing role of AI in medicine, this conversation challenges us to rethink the way we approach chronic disease, prevention, and personal wellness.


If you’re curious about how proactive, AI-enabled care is changing the way we take control of our health, tune in to learn how RegenaLife is helping Canadians rewrite the healthcare experience.


Key Takeaways

✨ Lisa’s personal health crisis ignited a passion for early detection and self-advocacy.

✨ RegenaLife helps Canadians detect chronic conditions before symptoms appear, offering a new paradigm in care.

✨ Regenerative medicine supports the body’s natural ability to repair when given the right tools.

✨ AI and advanced diagnostics are transforming what’s possible in preventative care.

✨ The more people understand their options, the more agency they have over their long-term health.


Connect with Lisa

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-miloszewski/
  • Website: https://regenalife.ca/


Connect with Us

• LinkedIn: Robin Bailey and Al McDonald  

• Website: Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Show more...
5 months ago
33 minutes 45 seconds

Success Leaves Clues with Robin Bailey and Al McDonald
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more ... you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams. We love sending our listeners on a journey of discovery as they learn about the inspiring lives of industry thought leaders, business owners, & entrepreneurs from all walks of life, who share one thing in common – SUCCESS! And it all starts with one—one idea; one conversation; one dream. Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group