We’ve teamed up with RBC to bring you a series of podcasts to help business owners and entrepreneurs navigate today’s ever-changing environment but also position your business to win for tomorrow – it’s called the Growth Unlocked Podcast.

In this episode of the Growth Unlocked Podcast, a mini-series in partnership with RBC, Edwin welcomes Don Ludlow, the Vice President of Small Business, Strategy & Partnerships at RBC. He discusses the adoption of digital technologies in Canadian businesses. 

Don believes the pandemic accelerated digital engagement but has slowed down rather than peaked. Canadians still have a strong interest in digital experiences, although they also enjoy the in-person component of doing business. There is a gap between consumers’ belief in continued digital growth and business owners’ perception of it. 

Don emphasizes the importance of balancing digital and human experiences, especially when engaging with younger generations who value both. Small businesses can leverage digital tools and capabilities to become more competitive and reach a wider audience. They should invest in areas such as streamlining finances, digitizing the supply chain, and using data to understand their business and find new opportunities. Don suggests setting measurable goals to assess whether a business is on the right track, such as establishing a loyal customer base and innovating products and services. Small business owners should invest in digitization and technology while maintaining their human touch and customer interactions. 

Don also mentions RBC’s resources and tools to support small businesses digital transformation journey. These include insights tools, digitizing payments, cash flow planning, automating payroll, and cybersecurity solutions. Interested individuals can visit the RBC website, specifically the RBC Small Business Navigator, for more information and access to these resources. 

What You Will Learn From This Episode
Gain valuable insights into the evolving digital landscape, including the adoption of digital technologies, consumer preferences, and the balance between digital and human experiences.

Gaining a deeper understanding of how to navigate the digital realm and leverage it to grow your business.

Discover practical strategies, tools, and resources that can help you successfully adopt digital technologies and optimize your business operations.

Striking the Perfect Balance: Navigating the Digital and Human Experience in Business Growth

We've teamed up with RBC to bring you a series of podcasts to help business owners and entrepreneurs navigate today’s ever-changing environment but also position your business to win for tomorrow - it's called the Growth Unlocked Podcast.

In this episode of the Growth Unlocked Podcast, our host Edwin Frondozo welcomes Don Ludlow, the Vice President of Small Business, Strategy & Partnerships at RBC, and Mark Patterson, the visionary Executive Director of Magnet. Today's discussion revolves around the innovative strategies SMEs can use to attract and retain the dynamic young talent of today.

Don and Mark share their insights on balancing the promotion of flexibility, agility, and creative perks with the goal of enhancing employee wellbeing. They explore the importance of nurturing career growth through varied challenges and opportunities to keep younger employees engaged and fulfilled in their roles.

Mark, with his unique expertise in leveraging technological solutions, emphasizes fostering collaboration within the employment and training ecosystem. His perspective illustrates how such an approach can positively impact individual businesses and contribute to the broader Canadian economic landscape.

The conversation also highlights RBC's efforts, including the launch of RBC Upskill, designed to help young Canadians navigate their early career journey. Furthermore, Mark delves into the benefits of Magnet, a platform that fosters connections between businesses and potential talent.

Be sure to listen in for practical advice, ingenious ideas, and fresh perspectives designed to elevate your small business to unprecedented heights.

What You Will Learn From This Episode

Innovative Recruitment Strategies: Learn effective tactics SMEs can use to attract and retain younger employees in today's competitive market. Dive into the importance of promoting flexibility, agility, and offering creative perks that cater to the unique demands of the younger workforce.    

Employee Wellbeing and Growth: Discover how to simultaneously enhance employee wellbeing and foster career growth. Understand the crucial role of providing varied challenges and opportunities that help young employees grow and thrive in their roles.    

Leveraging Technology for Collaboration: Mark Patterson shares his expertise on harnessing technological solutions to foster collaboration within the employment and training ecosystem. Grasp how this strategy can positively impact your business and contribute to Canada's economic landscape.

Changing the Game: Adopting New Hiring Mindsets for Small Business Success

In collaboration with RBC, we’re ecstatic to roll out another episode of the Growth Unlocked Podcast series, your compass to navigating the evolving business domain while setting the stage for tomorrow’s triumphs.

Our host, Edwin Frondozo, welcomes Don Ludlow from RBC, along with Karen Greve Young, the vibrant CEO of Futurpreneur, and Shane Murphy, the innovative CEO of OWNR, to dissect the foundational stages crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs and the overarching entrepreneurial scene in Canada.

This episode navigates through the critical sphere of business planning, shedding light on its role as a linchpin for long-term success. Our distinguished guests share real-world experiences, unveiling pathways to maneuver through the entrepreneurial labyrinth, with a spotlight on mentorship, networking, and establishing sturdy financial scaffolds from the get-go.

What You Will Learn From This Episode:

- Embarking on the Entrepreneurial Voyage: Unpack the essential first steps aspiring entrepreneurs should undertake to solidify the groundwork for their venture.

- Entrepreneurship in Canada: Explore the overarching landscape of entrepreneurship in Canada and its impact on the business arena.

- Mastering Business Planning: Delve into the criticality of strategic business planning for sustainable success, enriched with real-world experiences from seasoned entrepreneurs.

- Navigating Challenges: Learn how to confront hurdles and pitfalls in the entrepreneurial journey, transforming each stumble into a stepping stone toward your objective.

- Mentorship and Networking: Understand the indispensable role of mentorship and networking in the initial stages of your entrepreneurial venture.

- Financial Structuring: Grasp the financial deliberations crucial for long-term stability and how to architect your business for enduring success.

Your feedback is invaluable to us. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the show, rating us, and leaving a review. Your insights not only help us enhance the podcast but also aid in reaching other ambitious business leaders like you.

Until the next episode, strive for excellence and make every day a 100x day on your entrepreneurial journey!

Building the Blueprint: Early Steps Towards Long-Term Business Success

We're thrilled to present "Building the Blueprint: Navigating the Initial Challenges for Sustainable Business Success - Part 2," in partnership with RBC, as we continue our engaging discussion on the Growth Unlocked Podcast series. Our host, Edwin Frondozo, once again welcomes Don Ludlow from RBC, alongside the dynamic CEO of Futurpreneur, Karen Greve Young, and the forward-thinking CEO of OWNR, Shane Murphy. This episode further delves into the early stages crucial for aspiring and established entrepreneurs in the Canadian business ecosystem.

Our conversation navigates the intricate terrains of business planning, emphasizing its indispensable role as a catalyst for enduring success. With a blend of real-world experiences, our esteemed guests unveil insightful pathways through the entrepreneurial maze, highlighting the significance of mentorship, an adept financial framework, and leveraging evolving market trends.

What You Will Learn From This Episode:
- Delving Deeper into Business Planning: Grasp the nuanced aspects of strategic business planning and its transformative impact on your entrepreneurial venture.
- Entrepreneurial Evolution in Canada: Delve into how the entrepreneurial scene in Canada has been evolving and what it entails for budding and seasoned business leaders.
- The Facets of Financial Structuring: Explore the financial considerations imperative for stability and growth, and learn how to build a robust financial foundation from the outset.
- Mentorship – A Cornerstone of Success: Understand the profound impact of mentorship and how it can significantly accelerate your journey toward achieving your business goals.
- Leveraging Technology for Growth: Learn how technology and digital platforms can be harnessed to propel your business amidst a competitive landscape.
Risk Management and Insurance: Discover the importance of risk management and how innovative insurance solutions can safeguard your business against unforeseen challenges.

Embark on this enlightening journey as we unfold the roadmap to navigating initial challenges for sustainable business success. Your feedback is our treasure; if you find value in this episode, kindly follow the show, rate us, and leave a review. Your insights refine our podcast and help reach other ambitious business aficionados like you. Until our next episode, uphold the spirit of excellence and make every day a transformative stride on your entrepreneurial voyage!