Contributors

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Host

Bernie Franzgrote

Business Connector & Synergy Architect | Kreative Insight Consultants

 

With 35+ years in healthcare, Bernie specializes in value-added B2B partnerships that generate mutual success. As Co-Founder of Kreative Insight and host of the top-rated Knack 4 Business podcast, he facilitates connections to spark global business opportunities.

 

Bernie seeks driven entrepreneurs and thought leaders to join his growing network. Whether you're launching a venture or looking to scale existing operations, connect with Bernie to leverage your collective expertise and resources.

https://link.v1ce.co.uk/berniefranzgrote
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Co-host

Wayne Pratt

Wayne Pratt, from Motivate8U, a seasoned speaker with two decades of experience and certifications from respected entities like Jack Canfield, specializes in transformative life coaching. His diverse audience spans credit unions, educators, small business owners, and mental health professionals. Wayne’s engaging style ensures every listener leaves enriched and inspired, whether he’s discussing economic shifts or personal fulfillment. His impact resonates with individuals and groups, making him a pivotal figure for those seeking positive change. Connect with Wayne to see how he can enhance your journey towards success.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/prattwayne/

Guests

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Guest

Bob DePasquale

Are you ready to discover how generosity can transform your life and work?

Bob, known as "The Generosity Guy," believes generosity isn't just about giving—it's a way to make life better for everyone. After surviving cancer and the tragic events of 9/11, Bob's life shifted from invincibility to vulnerability. What followed was a journey where acts of generosity helped him rebuild his life and inspired him to help others.

For over 23 years, Bob has empowered mission-driven organizations across three countries and 17 U.S. states to create cultures of generosity. These workplaces thrive because employees feel valued, and customers feel fulfilled. Bob’s unique story delivers a universal message: generosity doesn’t just transform organizations—it can leave a lasting impact on the world.

Listen in and discover how a generous mindset can change everything.

https://www.bobdepasquale.com/

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Brien Convery

Brien Convery is a TEDx Speaker, Chief Emerging Talent Officer at emrge talent, and the founder and host of the Coffee With Convery Podcast. As a multi-award-winning talent executive, Brien is shaking up the emerging talent landscape by building vibrant ecosystems that connect students, employers, and educators.

A passionate youth advocate and the Founder of Dudes That Dine for Men’s Mental Health in Toronto, Brien brings people together with his infectious energy and love for meaningful connections. His insights on talent, recruitment, workforce transformation, diversity, and leadership have been featured on campuses across North America, 640 AM Toronto Radio, and in top publications like American Banker, Financial Pipeline and Dell Technologies.

With a fresh perspective and a knack for inspiring change, Brien is dedicated to shaping a future where talent thrives and communities prosper.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brienkconvery

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David Greer

David is an entrepreneurial coach, author, and facilitator. He is the catalyst who gets you to fully live your dreams now. Spend one hour reading his book Wind In Your Sails, attend a one hour talk with him, or get one hour of 1-to-1 coaching and you will have 3 concrete action items that will shift and accelerate your business within 90 days. David specializes in working with entrepreneurs challenged with alcoholism or addiction. He and his wife Karalee are committed to each other and their three children, spending time supporting them in the many and varied activities they are involved with. They live in Vancouver, Canada.

https://coachdjgreer.com/

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Greg Ward

How do you scale a business while giving back and serving underserved communities?

Greg Wardlaw, founder of The Ward Law Group, shares how he grew one of South Florida’s largest car accident law firms from a two-person team to over 200 members. Despite rapid growth, Greg and his wife, Jany Martinez-Ward, remain dedicated to representing the Hispanic community and underserved areas.

Their firm provides tailored legal services for Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring they receive the representation they deserve. With a unique background in insurance, Greg has helped recover over $250 million for clients, proving that growth and community impact go hand in hand.

Tune in to hear how Greg balances business expansion with staying true to his mission. This episode is full of lessons on leadership, scaling, and giving back.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwardlaw/

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James Mackenzie

 Ever struggled to scale a business or leverage human capital effectively?

Meet James, a serial entrepreneur behind more than six multi-million-dollar companies since 2010. He’s earned multiple awards for business excellence and innovation, including Best of Business, Fastest Growing Company, and Bootstrap accolades. As CEO of Granite Networks, James led its acquisition by Rogers Communications in 2013. He then served as interim CEO of RockGarden Medicinals, acquired by Auxly Cannabis Group in 2017. 

Today, he’s COO of PureColo, ensuring business continuity with power redundancy, and CEO of CykoMetrix, helping companies better understand their people.

A Mensa member and Top 40 Under Forty honoree, James balances his impressive career with life as a dedicated husband, father to eight, and grandfather. Oh, and he’s a towering 6’7”! Don’t miss this chance to learn from a true business powerhouse.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mackenzie-8025a9/

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Janis Bovaird Martinez

 Janis Bovaird Martinez is a seasoned Executive Leadership Coach with over 30 years of experience in leadership development across various sectors. As founder of Bovaird Coaching, now transitioning to BOMA Coaching, she focuses on making executive coaching accessible for leaders at all career stages. BOMA offers monthly development sessions, one-on-one coaching, and personalized content to enhance leadership skills. Based in central Scotland, Janis is dedicated to helping leaders navigate today’s complex work environment. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janis-bovaird-martinez-99483b/

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Judy Higginbotham

How can I find purpose and make a difference in my community, even in retirement?


Judy, a retired English and Physical Education teacher and UBC graduate, has dedicated her life to making a difference. With a career spanning decades as a writer, editor, and volunteer broadcaster, she also served 25 years as a local politician in a rapidly growing city, helping to shape its future.

In retirement, Judy has continued her commitment to the community through fundraising, advocating, and volunteering for causes close to her heart. Her passion for speaking out and helping others defines her purposeful and fulfilling life. Judy’s journey is a testament to the power of living with intention and creating a positive impact.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-higginbotham-1b322a12/

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Lalith Gunaratne

Struggling to lead with clarity and purpose in today’s fast-paced world?

Meet Lalith Gunaratne, a champion of mindfulness-based leadership and ethical business practices.

Lalith co-founded a pioneering solar energy venture in Sri Lanka during the 80s, using Canadian technology to bring renewable energy to communities. Collaborating with organizations like the World Bank and the UN to promote renewable energy in the developing world.

Now in Canada, Lalith leads Sage Ontario, focusing on mindful leadership, sustainability, and ethical business strategies. With a Diploma in Engineering, a Marketing Diploma, and a Master’s in Responsibility and Business Practice from the University of Bath, Lalith shares his expertise as a speaker and writer on socio-political issues, spirituality, and renewable energy.

Follow Lalith to explore how mindfulness can inspire impactful leadership.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalith-gunaratne-7b20319/

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Marc Halpert

Struggling to stand out on LinkedIn? 

Marc is the founder of Connect 2 Collaborate, is a LinkedIn expert and networking coach who’s passionate about helping professionals and organizations shine.

Since 2010, he has trained job seekers, professionals, and businesses to elevate their LinkedIn profiles, focusing on the "why" behind their work. Marc’s dynamic sessions have benefited companies like HUB International and GE Capital and inspired audiences at conferences, law schools, and nonprofits. He’s the author of LinkedIn Marketing Strategies for Law and Professional Practices and You, Us, Them: LinkedIn Marketing Concepts for Nonprofit Professionals, offering actionable insights for success. 

Follow his daily LinkedIn tips to unlock your potential and learn how to build connections that truly matter. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marchalpert/

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Michael Simon

 If you’re looking to connect with someone who truly understands resilience and the veteran journey, Mike Simon is your guy. 

Mike, a proud Disabled Veteran, turned life’s toughest challenges into opportunities for growth and inspiration. After 9/11, he joined the Minnesota Army National Guard and served in Iraq, where he sustained both acquired and traumatic brain injuries. These experiences led Mike to embrace a new path, inspiring others through his journey. 

Today, he’s a Vetpreneur and active athlete, passionate about skiing, cycling, and triathlons. Mike has launched several businesses and works with a test-based nutrition company while supporting his wife’s business. His mission? To show veterans and people with disabilities that with determination, anything is possible. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/balancetestvet/

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Rudsworth Daniels

Struggling to manage your properties or find reliable tenants?

Meet Ruddy Daniels, a seasoned expert blending business savvy with real estate expertise. With over 15 years in the industry, Ruddy brings unmatched insights to help landlords and property managers succeed.

A 4th-degree Taekwondo black belt, Ruddy’s discipline and focus shine through his career—from winning awards at American Express to founding Mainstreet Magazines Ottawa, an online hub that boosted business networks. Now at Peartree Group Property Management, Ruddy specializes in strategies for tenant management, effective property marketing, and real estate growth.

Ready to overcome property management challenges? 

Connect with Ruddy:
🔗 LinkedIn: Ruddy Daniels
🌐 Website: Peartree Group Property Management

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudsworthdaniels/

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Sanjay Gupta

Sanjay is an entrepreneur for more than 3 decades, Sanjay is a business growth expert that has in-depth knowledge of business models, distribution, sales, marketing, and finance. 

He has owned many types of businesses including an international trading company, wholesale and distribution business, digital marketing, and consulting. Today, he is primarily focused on managing a digital marketing company that caters to Fortune 100 clients. As the President and CFO, he oversees the strategy, operations, and finance. He also has a boutique consultancy business that helps clients scale their businesses.

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaykguptadotcom/

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Victor Stewart

Are you struggling to compete against big brands in a crowded marketplace?

Meet Victor Stewart, Founder of Say No To SEO

With over 40 years of business experience, Victor has seen the marketing world change—and he’s developed a solution for small to medium-sized businesses to stand out. His innovative strategy, "Auto-Suggest Optimization," has revolutionized customer acquisition, driving an average of 400% sales growth for his clients.

Victor has worked with major companies like Walmart, Best Buy, Domino’s, and ACE Hardware, but his passion is helping local businesses not just compete but dominate their market.

Book a FREE consult with him: https://calendly.com/saynotoseo  

https://www.saynotoseo.com/

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Warren Smagaren

Warren is a seasoned Retail & Real Estate Strategist with over 30 years of executive experience spanning North America. As the Lead Consultant of Warren E. Smagaren Consulting, he is renowned for his integrity and innovative solutions that drive sustainable growth for businesses, corporate retailers, franchisors, franchisees, and real estate landlords. 

With a 360-degree vision and deep industry expertise, Warren has built a trusted reputation among over 150 retailers, real estate owners, developers, and institutional landlords. His strategic approach to growth, divestiture, asset value improvement, and renegotiation has delivered results in diverse sectors, including high-profile RFP wins at Canadian universities, hospitals, and transit systems in both Canada and the USA. Warren’s academic credentials include executive management studies at the University of Bath and a BA from McGill University. 

https://warrensmagaren.com/

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