Beyond Technology

In this episode my guest is Julian Gelfand, founder of Always Beyond, a managed service provider dedicated to helping small and medium businesses leverage technology to work more efficiently and securely. Julian shares insights from his experience building an MSP that integrates modern cloud-based tools, AI, and cybersecurity solutions while keeping the focus on human connection and customer experience.We discuss how technology can solve real problems without replacing the human touch. Julian explains how he balances automation with personal interaction, how to implement cloud-based solutions effectively, and the strategies he uses to help clients adopt new tools while keeping their teams connected. He also shares his favourite productivity tools, including Microsoft Copilot, and how it has transformed his workflow and saved hours each week.Learn more about Julian and Always Beyond: https://www.alwaysbeyond.com/Thank you to our sponsors:EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca

In this episode my guest is Arif Kanji, co-founder of Qopia Financial, a growing financial services firm that has expanded from two people to a 22-person team managing close to 400 million in assets. With divisions across group benefits, insurance, financial planning, and retirement, Qopia is building toward becoming a trusted brand across Western Canada.We discuss how businesses can implement technology in a way that actually works for the team using it. Arif shares lessons from centralizing data into one system, introducing AI note takers to improve client meetings, and slowing down implementation so adoption happens properly. The conversation also explores why involving your team in the process is critical, what should stay human in a relationship-driven business, and how better data allows leaders to make better decisions.Learn more about Arif and Qopia Financial:https://qopiafinancial.ca/Thank you to our sponsors:EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/

In this episode, my guest is Kathe Lemon, president and co-owner of RedPoint Media, the company behind Avenue Magazine, The Scene, and a range of print, digital, and event-based platforms focused on connecting people to their city and each other.We discuss how media is evolving from traditional publishing into a platform for connection, and why the real challenge is not choosing technology, but choosing the right medium for the outcome you want. Kathe shares how her team thinks about communication across print, digital, and in-person experiences, how they build connection intentionally, and why not every problem should be solved with new technology. The conversation also explores growing uncertainty around AI, questions of trust and authorship, and why leadership still comes down to people, not tools.Learn more about Kathe and RedPoint Media: https://www.redpointmedia.ca/Thank you to our sponsors: EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary 2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/

In this episode, my guest is Adam Danyleko, founder of Elite Travel, a corporate travel management and technology company that focuses on building long-term client relationships through transparency, trust, and exceptional service. What started in his basement has grown into one of the fastest-growing travel companies in Canada, with a strong focus on delivering value beyond just price.We discuss how service-based businesses can balance automation with human connection. Adam shares how his team decides what should be automated and what should stay high-touch, why customer service is still the core product, and how they roll out new technology by testing with trusted clients before scaling. The conversation also explores rapid growth, building strong teams, and why leadership still requires personal development beyond what technology can provide.Learn more about Adam and Elite Travel: https://elitetravelmanagement.ca/Thank you to our sponsors: EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary 2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/

In this episode my guest is Chris Kerr, founder and president of XA Security, a Calgary based security firm providing entertainment, campus, property, and mobile patrol services. What began more than 20 years ago as a small backstage support team has evolved into a company focused on experience driven security, de escalation, and modern safety solutions.We discuss how the security industry is being reshaped by surveillance technology, automation, AI, drones, and remote monitoring and why ethical leadership will matter more than ever. Chris shares lessons from building internal systems, avoiding software overload, deciding when to build versus buy, and creating a culture where experimentation is encouraged but accountability remains clear. The conversation explores how technology should support human judgment, not replace it, and why companies that balance innovation with responsibility will be the ones that last.Learn more about Chris and XA Security: https://www.xasecurity.ca/Thank you to our sponsors: EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary 2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/

In this episode my guest is Rob Ohlson, president and owner of Maillot Homes, a high-end custom home builder based in Calgary. With more than two decades in the construction industry, Rob brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership, craftsmanship, and adopting technology in a traditionally low-tech space. We discuss how choosing the right technology can dramatically simplify work, while choosing too many tools can create friction instead of progress. Rob shares lessons from consolidating project management systems, avoiding tool sprawl, and evaluating technology through the lens of real outcomes rather than hype. The conversation also explores creating a culture where teams feel safe experimenting, adapting tools to individual workflows, and using technology to eliminate bottlenecks without losing focus on quality, collaboration, and the client experience. Learn more about Rob and Maillot Homes: https://www.maillothomes.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary 2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/

In this episode my guest is Paula Worthington, founder and president of Worthington PR & Story, a highly sought-after communications, public relations, social media, and marketing agency dedicated to helping brands share their stories with the world. With more than 20 years of experience, Paula is an experienced entrepreneur, respected national PR leader, and award-winning communicator who was inducted into the Canadian Marketing, Advertising, Communication and PR Hall of Fame in 2022.We discuss how relationship-led work stays at the center of great communications, with technology working quietly behind the scenes to support it. Paula shares how her team balances personalized service with efficiency, decides when people or tools should lead, and creates a culture where experimentation feels safe. The conversation also explores adapting to new platforms without losing connection, using technology intentionally, and why strong client relationships will always matter more than the latest tool.Learn more about Paula: https://worthingtonpr.com/Thank you to our sponsors:EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/

In this episode my guest is Aidan Campbell, co-founder of 2C Media, a video production studio specializing in long-form storytelling for businesses, institutions, and documentary projects. Aidan began his career as a freelance photographer before helping build 2C Media into a trusted partner for organizations that value meaningful, human-centered stories.We discuss how storytelling evolves alongside media and technology without losing its human core. Aidan shares lessons from building resilient systems behind the scenes, navigating major technology failures, and balancing efficiency with creativity. He also explores how tools can support people rather than replace them, while keeping trust and collaboration at the center of the work.Learn more about Aidan and 2C Media: https://2cmedia.ca/Thank you to our sponsors: EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary 2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/

In this episode my guest is Chris Jones, founder of Strategic Traction, an EOS Implementer®, coach, speaker, and author of Relentless AF: An Entrepreneur’s Disaster to Success Story. Chris helps leadership teams build healthier companies through clarity, accountability, and human-centered communication. He also runs multiple ventures, including Unlock Growth Partners and Simple Solve AI, where he focuses on improving sales, relationships and scalable systems.We discuss how emotional awareness impacts leadership in a world shaped by constant change and new technology. Chris shares how naming emotions accelerates alignment, why resistance to tech is often emotional rather than technical, and how leaders can create psychologically safe environments where people adapt, collaborate and grow. We also explore AI as a thinking partner, setting boundaries in an always-on world and the human skills that matter more than ever.Learn more about Chris: https://relentlesschrisjones.com/Thank you to our sponsors:EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/

In this episode my guest is Amanda Hamilton, founder and creative director of Amanda Hamilton Interior Design, Palette Archives and 3 Foot Nothing. Amanda is an award winning entrepreneur, Interior Designer and public speaker whose bold and unorthodox approach to design and business has made her one of the most sought after creative minds in Canada. She is also the author of Not That Likable, a memoir that explores identity, ambition and the stories we tell ourselves.We discuss how technology can support, rather than replace, the creative process — from reducing repetitive work to strengthening collaboration and decision making. Amanda shares insights on leading creative teams through change, using tech to stay organized and avoid burnout, and preserving the uniquely human elements of intuition, emotion and nuance that great design requires.Learn more about Amanda: https://amandahamiltondesign.com/about-amanda-hamilton/Explore Amanda’s companies: Amanda Hamilton Interior Design: https://amandahamiltondesign.com/ Palette Archives: https://palettearchives.com/ Three Foot Nothing: https://3footnothing.com/Thank you to our sponsors EO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary 2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/

In this episode my guest is Tyler Chisholm, founder of Clearmotive, a full service marketing and customer experience agency that helps ambitious brands grow by uncovering customer motivations and turning them into measurable results. Tyler is also the author of Curious as Hell, where he explores curiosity as a foundation for better leadership and clearer decision making.We explore how curiosity shapes smarter decisions in leadership and technology, from seeing problems more clearly to understanding people more deeply. Tyler also shares how leaders can create space for better ideas, safer cultures, and more thoughtful use of emerging tools.Learn more about Tyler: https://www.tylerchisholm.com/Learn more about Clearmotive: https://clearmotive.ca/Thank you to our sponsorsEO Calgary: https://member.eonetwork.org/calgary2C Media: https://www.2cmedia.ca/