Ace Burpee on Building a Brand, Giving Back, and Staying Grounded

The Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 06: Ace Burpee with Virgin 103.1

In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse sit down with the legendary Ace Burpee, celebrated radio personality and host of Winnipeg's premiere morning show on Virgin 103.1. Ace shares his fascinating journey from small-town beginnings in Cooks Creek to becoming one of Winnipeg’s most iconic figures. Known for his deep love for the community and unwavering commitment to local causes, Ace brings valuable insights into leadership, philanthropy, and staying true to oneself.

From his creative start in journalism to his candid thoughts on fame and introversion, Ace opens up about the lessons learned along the way. He also shares his passion for the outdoors, his unique perspective on Winnipeg’s underdog spirit, and why giving back is essential for personal and professional growth. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of Manitoba’s most beloved voices.

Key Points:

• Ace’s unexpected journey into radio and how he embraced creative opportunities.
• Balancing introversion with a high-profile public life.
• The power of saying “yes” and staying prepared in both life and business.
• Why Winnipeg’s flaws make it a place worth staying and investing in.
• The Canadian Animal Blood Bank and the importance of philanthropy.

Guest’s Links:

• Follow Ace Burpee on Virgin 103.1’s Website
• Learn about the Canadian Animal Blood Bank
• Connect with Ace on Instagram
• Top 100 Most Facinating Manitobans

Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast:

• Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.
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• Interested in sponsoring or partnering with the podcast? Connect with us on our website or social media to learn more about 2025 opportunities!

The Executive Hotseat Podcast | Episode 5

Human-Centric Leadership: Empowering Community through Innovation, Collaboration & Heart - Insights from Loren Remillard, CEO, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse engage in a compelling conversation with Loren Remillard, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Loren shares his inspiring journey, from his roots in a family-run business to leading an organization dedicated to inclusivity, advocacy, and empowering the local community.

Under Loren’s visionary leadership, the Winnipeg Chamber has evolved to prioritize human-centric approaches, champion innovation, and foster connections that strengthen businesses and the city as a whole. Join us as Loren shares invaluable insights on resilience, authentic leadership, and his aspirations for Winnipeg’s future.

Key Points:

• Loren’s personal story of resilience, inspired by his family’s entrepreneurial journey.
• The Winnipeg Chamber’s transformation into a more diverse and inclusive organization.
• Addressing critical business challenges such as housing and downtown revitalization.
• The importance of human-centric leadership: building character, empowering teams, and fostering collaboration.
• Loren’s vision for creating a thriving, barrier-free ecosystem for local businesses.

Guest’s Links:

• The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s Website – click here.
• Connect with Loren on LinkedIn.

Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast:

• Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.
• The Exec[utive] Hotseat’s Instagram – Follow Us!
• Connect with us on LinkedIn
• Interested in sponsoring or partnering with the podcast? Connect with us on our website or social media to learn more about 2025 opportunities!

We can't wait to connect with you and share more stories and talk shop!

Lisa + Amanda

The Exec Hotseat Podcast | Episode 4: Dr. Norman Silver / Dave Berkowits of QDoc

In this episode, hosts Lisa Thompson and Amanda Buhse dive into an inspiring conversation with Dr. Norman Silver and Dave Berkowits, CEO + CTO, of QDoc Virtual Healthcare. Dr. Silver, a seasoned healthcare leader and innovator, shares his journey from pediatric emergency physician to entrepreneur, along side his brother in law, Dave Berkowits. Listen as they detail their journey and how they identified critical gaps in healthcare - creating QDoc to bridge them.

QDoc is a groundbreaking platform that connects Canadians to medical care through a user-friendly, virtual model, ensuring healthcare access regardless of location or socioeconomic status. Tune-in to hear about Dr. Silver’s approach to innovation, family-driven entrepreneurship, and the importance of validating ideas and pivoting when necessary.

Key Points:

• Dr. Silver’s career transition from emergency care to entrepreneurship and healthcare technology.
• The unique virtual care model of QDoc, offering patients seamless access to doctors in real-time.
• Challenges in navigating Canada’s healthcare regulations and scaling QDoc’s services.
• Lessons in risk-taking, validating ideas, and prioritizing the patient experience.
• How technology and family collaboration play crucial roles in QDoc’s success and growth.

Guest’s Links:

• Follow Dr. Norman Silver and QDoc via LinkedIn
• QDoc Virtual Healthcare – click here!

Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat Podcast:

• Follow The Exec[utive] Hotseat on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.
• The Exec[utive] Hotseat’s Instagram – Follow Us!
• Interested in sponsoring or partnering with the podcast? Connect with us on our website or social media to learn more about 2025 opportunities!

We’re excited to welcome the queen of candles herself, Amanda Buhse, founder and CEO of Coal and Canary (and our very own co-host )!

Join me as Amanda shares her incredible story of how she went from health scare, as a graphic designer to founder/entrepreneur - crafting delightful candles with her BFF, to growing a massive product based retail business, ending up in a seat at the Emmys and the Grammy's —yes, you heard that right!

In this episode, Amanda reveals more about her booming candle business and provides invaluable business advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

🔥HOTSEAT QUESTION🔥

Are you in Manufacturing or do you have a product based business? Discover Amanda’s top tips light up your own entrepreneurial journey!

Don’t miss this engaging, real conversation with a true community leader!

Tune in now on Amazon, Apple, Spotify, and iHeart to hear the full episode! 🎧✨

👉 Website: https://exechotseatpodcast.libsyn.com/

Connect with Amanda Buhse + Coal and Canary:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabuhse/

🌐 https://coalandcanary.com

____

Your Host: Lisa Thompson

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabrd/

🌐 https://brdagency.ca

We were thrilled to sit down and welcome Todd Burns, the founder and CEO of Cypher Environmental Ltd.

Todd is a trailblazer in cleantech, leading the charge with innovative road management solutions that are transforming industries and improving communities worldwide. 🌍💡 With Cypher's products used in over 50 countries, Todd's impact is global—and growing! 🌱🌟

Join us as Todd shares more about his journey, inspiration, and great insights!

🔥HOTSEAT QUESTION 🔥Learn how you can incorporate sustainability into your business and make the 3 "Ps" a priority [People, Planet, Profit]. 🌎💼

💚 Don’t miss this powerful conversation with a leader who’s making the world a cleaner, greener place.

Tune in now and find us on Amazon, Apple, Spotify, iHeart. 🎧✨

👉 Website: https://exechotseatpodcast.libsyn.com/

Connect with Todd Burns + Cypher Environmental:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddburns81/

🌐 https://cypherenvironmental.com

⛳️CYPHER ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT⛳️

>>> Join @cypher and @wildlifehaven: September 17th, 2024 for their Charity Golf Tournament: https://cypherenvironmental.com/charity-golf-tournament/

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Bio | Todd Burns Todd Burns is the founder and CEO of Cypher Environmental Ltd., a Winnipeg-based manufacturer of cleantech road management solutions for dust control and road construction. Used primarily in mining and by municipalities and now expanding into new industries, Cypher's environmental products have been used in over 50 countries around the world. 🌎 Todd is an outspoken advocate for the advancement of cleantech solutions and for the organizations that operate in this space. In 2021, Todd was a member of the Global Clean Technology Advisory Group, spearheaded by Hon. Mary Ng. In this capacity, Todd assessed and advised the government on growth opportunities that would promote Canadian cleantech companies on the world stage. That same year, Todd launched the Cypher Green Roads program that partners Cypher with like-minded clients to improve infrastructure for communities around the world. The program has since been recognized by Canada's Clean50 as a Top Project award winner. 🛣️🏆

#ExecHotseat #Podcast #ToddBurns #Cleantech #Sustainability #GreenInnovation #CypherEnvironmental

Thank you to our 2024 Promotional Parntner: https://www.assiniboiachamber.ca

Watch for more episodes in our special series "Chamber Talks" diving into real talk with business leaders and members from within The Chamber of Commerce commuity.

Welcome to The Exec Hotseat Podcast, your go-to guide for business leadership.

Join us for short interviews with industry leaders and CEOs as we explore the world of business and entrepreneurship, covering topics from starting a business to running a global brand.

From finances to mindset, and building community, we'll dive deep into principles and practices, to help you navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

With our signature Hotseat Segments, our mission is to provide actionable advice to elevate you and your business.

I'm your host, Lisa Thompson, from BRD (Brand Revival & Design), a Canadian marketing agency, joined by my amazing co-host, Amanda Buhse, a Winnipeg Entrepreneur and founder of the Coal and Canary Candle Company.

Together, we're excited to bring you first-class business advice from guests and entrepreneurs, here locally, in Winnipeg Manitoba, and worldwide.