Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Ian Tell

What happens when a chemist-turned-sales leader meets the AI revolution?

In this episode, Carrie sits down with Ian Tell, Chief Revenue Officer at Bison and Bird, to demystify the real-world impact of AI on operations, sales, and leadership.

Ian breaks down how AI agents can take on specialist roles in your organization, from summarizing emails to analyzing complex schedules. Learn why the future isn’t one all-knowing AI, but a team of specialized agents working together, like staff would do. He shares how AI support helps him be more present in human-to-human interactions and speed up contract review.

Before you go implementing the next shiny new tech, he calls out the importance of understanding organizational needs and analyzing your activities, especially repeatable tasks, to see where AI can help.

Once you start implementing, Ian suggests treating AI like a new team member. Give it context, set expectations, and get specific. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in interactions with AI and human teams, the necessity of onboarding and training AI systems, and how AI tools can enhance leadership effectiveness. The more you communicate, the better the results—just like with people.

Leaders, take note: Even if you haven’t rolled out an official AI policy, odds are your team is experimenting on their own. Ian talks about governance, security, and onboarding to keep your data safe and your team empowered.

Ian’s Top AI Tools:

• Copilot: For secure, private work environments.
• ChatGPT: For creativity and brainstorming.
• Claude: For detailed documentation and SOPs.

About Our Guest

Ian Tell is the Chief Revenue Officer at Bison and Bird, where he helps companies streamline operations, predict trends, and drive growth through cloud, AI, and tech-driven leadership. With a background in chemistry and over 25 years in sales and leadership, Ian brings a unique blend of technical know-how and people-first wisdom.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make AI work for your team—or what “data therapy” really means—this is the episode for you.

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “The more specialized the [AI] agent is, the better it's going to be able to perform a specific task.”
• “Software isn’t the answer. It’s a gateway to better answers.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Small, specialized AI agents can drive big efficiency gains when they’re given clear roles and context.
• AI can automate administrative tasks, freeing up time for high-value work.
• Digital transformation begins with understanding your team’s roadblocks and goals
• Leaders should establish governance around AI usage to protect sensitive information
• Different AI tools serve different purposes
• Ask AI questions about it’s capabilities and limits, so AI teaches you to use AI effectively
• Effective leadership involves understanding team members' goals.
• The best leaders are those who know themselves and empower their teams to do the same.
• The fastest way to learn about AI is to start testing it and try to break it

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Learn more about Bison and Bird @ Website: https://www.teambisonandbird.com/

Bison and Bird on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bison-bird/

Portal Mill https://www.portalmill.com/

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Margaret Glover

In this candid conversation, Carrie interviews Margaret Glover, Fractional Chief Product Officer at Product Better and a strategic product leader with over 20 years of experience.

As former COO at Virtual Gurus, she drove a 678% revenue increase through U.S. expansion. At Poynt Corporation, Margaret led global product strategy and marketing initiatives. She played a pivotal role in securing strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Apple, Google, and Nokia.

Margaret shares the importance of data analysis, and how listening to customers through user feedback shapes successful products. She emphasizes the need for effective communication and the balance between data-driven decisions and intuition in innovation.

Margaret talks about how her no-B.S. approach has helped her leadership and balances her compassionate side. She takes pride in mentoring others. The moment when she shares the advice she would give to her younger self is gold!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

“There's a point when technology and data actually gets in the way of operations and progress because we start to rely too heavily on the data and forget that there are humans behind every interaction.”

“…as a product manager, you are bringing all of the disciplines together. So you effectively are the bridge between marketing operations, customer success, the technology team, and you're talking to customers.”

“If you're really attuned to it, there's data everywhere that you can find and figure out how to use it to your benefit.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Product management is about being the bridge between various disciplines.
• Data analysis is crucial for understanding user behavior and preferences.
• Effective communication is key to team efficiency and success.
• Customer feedback should drive product development decisions.
• Leadership involves empathy and understanding team dynamics.
• Innovation often requires a balance between data and gut instinct.
• Building rapport with clients is essential for understanding their needs.
• A good leader challenges their team to strive for excellence.
• Humility is important in leadership roles.
• Everything starts with the customer in product development.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:Margaret Glover on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretglovercampbell/

Product Better on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/productbetter/

Product Better Website: https://productbetter.ca/

Resources Mentioned:

Atomic Habits – James Clear https://amzn.to/3Ziy92q

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Loreen Wales

In this episode, Carrie sits down with Loreen Wales, registered dietician, tech entrepreneur, and founder of My Viva Plan for a conversation that’s as real as it gets about healthcare, leadership, and the wild ride of building something that matters.

Loreen shares the jaw-dropping moment early in her career when patients told her, in no uncertain terms, how broken the system was. Her response? Become part of the solution by transforming clinical “if-then” logic into a digital platform that brings individualized, evidence-based health plans topatients and gives them agency over their health. Her sense of purpose is clear and so is her view on the solution.

Loreen’s journey takes us from the frontlines of public healthcare in Edmonton to the global stage, where she’s shaking up how we think about patient care and digital health. Loreen’s stories—equal parts grit, humility, and humor—are packed with wisdom for leaders who wear everything from lab coats to sneakers. Loreen shares how defining clear values has guided hiring team members and creating a culture she is proud of.

If you want to hear from a leader who refuses to accept the status quo, and how a team can thrive through uncertainty, this episode is for you.

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “I will never fire people for making mistakes. Ever.”
• “We’re building a digital health company. …the entire team needs to be compassionate about wanting to help improve the care for patients.”
• “I definitely like to give everybody on the team autonomy and a clean slate into building out their position, whatever they want it to be, and to reach for the sky on it.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Integrated healthcare is essential for effective treatment
• Daily reflections help leaders manage stress and improve self-awareness
• Digital health solutions can personalize patient care plans
• Mental health is a crucial component of overall health
• Leadership requires humility and a focus on core values
• Mistakes are part of the learning process for the team and the leader
• Building a supportive team culture is vital for success
• Self-efficacy is key for patients managing their health
• Team culture is a priority and you have to actively work on it
• Patients often feel overwhelmed by conflicting medical advice
• Personalized care plans are crucial for individual health needs.
• My Viva Plan has proven effective in reducing burnout amonghealthcare professionals
• Global expansion is part of the vision for My Viva Plan

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Learn more about My Viva Plan @ Website: https://discover.myvivaplan.com

My Viva on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-viva-inc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvivainc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myvivainc/

Resources Mentioned:

Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni https://amzn.to/3GlQBAB

Leading With Engagement program @ Team Mojo: https://www.teammojo.ca/lead-with-engagement

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Host: Carrie Tuttle

Guest: Joe Fairleigh

In this episode of Suits & Sneakers, Carrie Tuttle has a candid discussion with Joe Fairleigh, a four-time co-founder and now Vice President of Growth at NanoTess, to explore the art of market disruption, healing technologies, and building high-performing teams from scratch!

With over $250 million in market-disruptive products launched, Joe shares his journey from pioneering new markets in the United States to coming back to Canada and joining NanoTess, a company revolutionizing wound care with its groundbreaking bio-catalyst gel technology.

Listen to how the chocolate bar analogy demonstrates layers of decision-making, reminding leaders to consider every touchpoint in the customer journey. Joe shares the qualities to look for in early-stage team members to be successful and his experience with working on both sides of the US-Canada border.

Joe’s leadership philosophy involves debriefing wins as opportunities to scale and using data to look for patterns and inform tweaks in strategy. He encourages sharing ‘oh crap’ moments within the team and understanding the market by digging deep into customer pain.

There are so many fascinating stories you won’t want to miss!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “If you’re always saying, ‘The market just doesn’t get it,’ thenyou don’t get the market.”
• “People make decisions on pain, not gain. Understand their pain, and you will excel.”
• “Persistence isn’t about being pushy; it’s about showing value until others can’t ignore it.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Persistence is crucial in entrepreneurial journeys.
• Building teams from scratch allows for unique leadership opportunities.
• NanoTess focuses on innovative healing technology.
• Recognizing the emotional impact of healing on patients is vital.
• Data-driven decision-making enhances business strategies.
• Understanding client needs is essential for success.
• Celebrating mistakes fosters a learning environment.
• Leadership is about the team's accomplishments, not individual success.
• Innovation is necessary for growth in competitive markets.
• Instinct plays a role alongside data in decision-making

• Understanding market dynamics is key to excelling in business.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Joe Fairleigh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-fairleigh-38ba7b2/

Learn more about NanoTess @ Website: https://nanotess.com/

NanoTess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nanotess-inc/

Resources Mentioned:

Leading With Engagement program @ Team Mojo: https://www.teammojo.ca/lead-with-engagement

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Host: Carrie Tuttle

Guest: Regan Herbst

In this episode, Carrie Tuttle sits down with Regan Herbst,co-founder of Advantus360, a company that takes a human-first approach to cybersecurity. With over 25 years of experience helping organizations maximize security and networking technology, Regan is the go-to person for business leadership, marketing, vision, and strategy. He’s also a kind and genuine soul.

Regan shares his career roots in consulting and maintains hiscommitment to quality client experiences today. He discusses the significance of fostering a collaborative team environment and the pride he feels in the collective achievements of his organization.

Regan opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, theimportance of clarity in leadership, and how his leadership style evolved from being ego-driven to team-focused. His candid stories about early hiring mistakes and approach to performance management provide valuable insights for leaders at any stage.

Regan’s practical advice on prioritization, delegation, andcreating a sense of team will resonate with anyone looking to build a more engaged workforce. Don’t miss Regan’s wisdom on finding mentors, celebrating team achievements, and investing in those critical first years of your career.

He likens how his team operates together to a V8 engine. The high-performance car analogy for teamwork perfectly captures how to create collective power!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “We are that V8 engine. Sometimes there’s two pistons in the firing mode and sometimes there’s a piston going to recharge, but together we’re generating 800 horsepower.”
• “The path to the end state doesn’t have to be a straight line. It could be a meandering line. There are different ways to achieve goals.
• “When I was a little kid, I said, “someday I want to run my own business”. I should have said “someday I want to be a part of running a business”. The team concept has been wonderfully rewarding.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• How to approach managing and motivating performance
• The “scary” experience of hiring first employees and building a company
• The importance of clarity in setting expectations for team members
• Turn around underperforming team members by focusing on personal brand equity
• Use the Eisenhower Matrix for effective prioritization: Do,Decide, Delegate, or Delete
• Create a sense of team through shared goals and makingopportunities for physical presence
• Celebrate achievements and recognize team members
• Advice for young professionals on investing in their first 5-7 years of career
• The importance of finding mentors and learning from others’ experiences

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Regan Herbst on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regan-herbst-98a10520/

ADVANTUS360 Website: https://advantus360.com/

ADVANTUS360 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advantus360/

Resources Mentioned:

The Eisenhower Matrix: How To Be More Productive, Eliminate Time Wasting Activities…, by Mark Selo https://amzn.to/4cfmC9p

Leading With Engagement program @ Team Mojo: https://www.teammojo.ca/lead-with-engagement

Note: We use affiliate links for recommended resources and might receive a few pennies if you choose to buy something.

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Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Zahid Junejo

In this episode, I sit down with Zahid Junejo, a seasonedfinancial consultant with over 30 years of international experience. He held roles such as Vice President at Mashreq Bank and Citigroup Samba. He has also served as SVP of Sales at Saudi Home Loans.

Zahid shares how he connected with his team on a personal level and has “re-launched” himself multiple times. He explains his experience building a new team from scratch at Western Union in Calgary, achieving full-year targets within eight months. He led by example with his feet on the ground and mentored his team to achieve their goals.

Imagine moving to Dubai without knowing a word of Arabic! Yes, he did that. Not only that, but he went on to build a team of diverse cultural backgrounds and grew their cash management book size to $250 million. He’s a master networker and has maintained many of his overseas and localrelationships with clients, his leaders and direct reports over the years.

Zahid is a big believer in continuous learning and growth. He is incredibly generous with his time and energy, as evidenced by his current projects. Zahid teaches at the Toronto School of Management and advises career development with The Career Foundation.

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

"Always be in learning mode. Adapt and upgrade.""Leaders must always ask: Why am I doing this? How may I help you? And how can this be improved?"

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Zahid emphasizes the importance of adapting and upgrading oneself in a career.
• He believes in the power of teamwork and collective success.
• Supporting struggling team members is crucial for overall team performance.
• Cultural understanding enhances team dynamics and business success.
• Networking is essential for building relationships andopportunities.
• Mistakes are valuable learning experiences that shape career paths.
• Inspirational leaders can have a profound impact on personal and professional growth.
• Continuous learning is vital, regardless of one's position.
• Helping others leads to mutual support and success.
• Zahid's commitment to nonprofit work reflects his desire to give back to the community.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:Zahid Junejo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahidjunejo/

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Phil Putnam

The theme of this episode is leading cross-generationally. With four generations currently in the workforce, everyone needs to be aware of how to influence and motivate the people we work with. You don’t want to miss this!

Phil Putnam, speaker and author of 'Desired Based Leadership' is on the cusp of Gen X and Millennial groups. In his 20 years as a team member and executive leader within world-class tech organizations including Apple and Adobe, he now shares his most valuable lessons.

He talks about the importance of prioritizing employee desires to drive business results, because the investment has a multiplier effect in productivity and loyalty. By contrast, the cost of attrition is crippling and he explains the math. Phil's experiences and understanding of the evolving workforce dynamics highlight the need for leaders to adapt their strategies to build safety and satisfaction among employees.

Phil gives a short historical background of why each generation has a different relationship with work, different motivators and different way of viewing hierarchy. He calls out how positional power is changing and emphasizes the necessity for empathy and adaptability in leadership.

How we work is changing, particularly as the workforce majority shifts from Baby Boomers to the Millennial / Gen Z group. In this conversation, we discuss how understanding the needs and values of different generations can lead to better workplace engagement and results. Listen in to understand how this applies to your world!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

“A leader’s function is to drive results through people.”

"You don't get results by putting the employers' needs first. You get the results you want by putting the employees' needs first and… what they want for their life.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Leaders should prioritize employee desires to drive results.

• Desire-Based Leadership focuses on what employees want in life.

• The cost of employee attrition is significant.
• Generational differences in their relationship with employment impact leadership and motivation strategies.
• Toxic loyalty in Gen X-ers can hinder employee satisfaction and retention.
• Effective leadership requires understanding and adapting to generational needs.
• Leaders must navigate their styles based on audience and context.
• Appealing to self-focused loyalty yields better results.
• GenZ-ers are open to a patchwork of income sources.
• Boomers value authority and title more than younger generations.
• Work-life balance is a significant concern for younger generations.
• Millennials and Gen Z prioritize their time over loyalty to employers.
• Communication styles differ greatly across generations.
• Generational trauma influences work attitudes.

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LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Phil Putnam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philputnamspeaks/

Website: https://www.philputnam.com/

Book:

Desire-Based Leadership: A Manager’s Unexpected Key to Driving Top Performance https://amzn.to/3EUROhP

Note: We use affiliate links for recommended resources and might receive a few pennies if you choose to buy something.

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Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Tracey Nyholt

Tracey Nyholt, founder and CEO of TechJutsu Inc., a cybersecurity company celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. With her small but mighty team, she has established a "professional on top, party on the bottom" remote work culture and shares her thoughts on building a company without boundaries.

Tracey’s open heart is humbling. She shares about experiencing and supporting her team through the loss of a team member and the impact grief had. From handling profound leadership challenges to supporting team members in pursuing their dreams, Tracey shares the details of stories from her journey and how a personalized approach creates loyal team members.

She gives some great examples of the kind of candid conversations Tracey has with her team about performance and how the team sometimes surprises her – like one who asked to be punished! This episode offers valuable insights for leaders managing remote teams and building company culture while scaling an award-winning technology business.

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “No mistake, no bad decision is so bad that you can't fix it, adjust or change. So don't beat yourself up too much.”
• "Everyone has a ‘performance love language’.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Leadership requires adapting to the diverse needs of team members
• Creating a sense of belonging enhances team loyalty and performance
• Supporting employees' personal dreams is more achievable than you think
• Coping with loss is a shared experience that can strengthen team bonds when you talk openly
• Fostering creativity and problem-solving is essential in a tech environment
• Empowering women in technology is a key focus
• Setting clear objectives and checking in regularly is vital for team alignment
• Remote work can be productive if managed effectively
• Building personal connections within a team enhances overall morale

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Tracey Nyholt on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-nyholt-226b2115/

TechJutsu Website:https://www.techjutsu.ca/

CallerVerify:https://www.callerverify.com/

Resources:

Canadian Cybersecurity Network: https://canadiancybersecuritynetwork.com/

Women in Communications & Technology: https://wct-fct.com/

Books Mentioned:

Unapologetically Ambitious – Shellye Archambeauhttps://amzn.to/4gBqNgc

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace - Gary Chapman and Paul Whitehttps://amzn.to/4jQJWxM

The 5 Love Languages – Gary Chapmanhttps://amzn.to/40T0mwP

Note: We use affiliate links for recommended resources and might receive a few pennies if you choose to buy something.

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Want to share your leadership story? Be a guest. APPLY HERE