Taking Care of Business

In this episode of Taking Care of Business, we sit down with Benjamin Graham, President and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross, for a wide‑ranging conversation about leadership, community impact, and the role large institutions play in supporting Manitobans.Ben reflects on his professional journey, including his experience leading organizations across the public and private sectors, and what has shaped his approach to leadership. We discuss Manitoba Blue Cross’s focus on health, wellness, and mental health, as well as how the organization supports employees, members, and communities across the province.The conversation also touches on broader themes including organizational stewardship, navigating change, and the importance of long‑term thinking when leading institutions that serve the public interest.To learn more about Manitoba Blue Cross and the initiatives discussed in this episode, check out the links below. Find more on Manitoba Blue Cross Website Check out their socials:InstagramLinkedinFacebookYoutubeThe Business Council of Manitoba exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work, and invest. To learn more about us and our membership, please visit our website: https://businesscouncil.mb.ca/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-council-of-manitoba/This episode was edited and produced by Kate Doer with music by Alisia Beats. 

In this episode, we sit down with Rick Duha Chariman of Duha Group and the Business Council of Manitoba Board Chair, to explore the story of a Manitoba family business now in its fourth generation. Rick reflects on the evolution of the business, the lessons learned from leading through change, and what it means to steward a legacy while preparing for the future. We also discuss his approach to leadership and his vision for the Business Council of Manitoba as chair—where he sees opportunities for productivity, collaboration, and long-term economic growth for the province.Find more on Duha Group on their website:  Duha GroupCheck out their socials:InstagramLinkedinLinktreeThe Business Council of Manitoba exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work, and invest. To learn more about us and our membership, please visit our website: https://businesscouncil.mb.ca/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-council-of-manitoba/This episode was edited and produced by Kate Doer with music by Alisia Beats. 

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Pyle, CEO of Exchange Income Corporation (EIC) and former Chair of the Business Council of Manitoba. Mike shares his journey from early roles in finance to building one of Canada’s most respected diversified acquisition companies. We explore EIC’s growth strategy, Mike’s approach to leadership, and his commitment to community impact—including the company’s role in advancing reconciliation through initiatives like the Truth and Reconciliation Game with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.Check out their website and socials: www.exchangeincomecorp.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exchange-income-corporation/ The Business Council of Manitoba exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work, and invest. To learn more about us and our membership, please visit our website: https://businesscouncil.mb.ca/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-council-of-manitoba/This episode was edited and produced by Kate Doer with music by Alisia Beats. 

In this episode we sit down with Ash Modha, Co-Founder and CEO of Mondetta Clothing—a remarkable entrepreneur and an all-around great Manitoban. Ash launched Mondetta in 1986, while still in his teens, alongside family and friends with a vision to create a brand that celebrated global unity. What began as a small venture selling clothes on the Grand Beach boardwalk has now grown into an internationally recognized company with three brands and a charitable foundation.Today, Mondetta is a global leader in sustainable, technical, lifestyle, and activewear. The company is proudly a Certified B Corporation™, Carbon Net Zero brand, and ESG leader.Beyond being a visionary entrepreneur, Ash is deeply committed to giving back—supporting Manitoba communities and championing numerous causes and initiatives across the province.You’ve likely seen Mondetta, MPG, or Modern Ambition around Manitoba—whether it’s their name on the boards of a Winnipeg Jets game, MPG drops at Costco, or at the new Modern Ambition flagship store in True North Square. If you haven’t met the person behind the brand, Ash, this episode is your chance to hear his inspiring story and learn about the incredible impact he’s making in our province.Find more on the brands: Mondetta MPG Sport Modern AmbitionCheck out their socials: @Mondettaclothing @mpgsport @ModernambitionThe Business Council of Manitoba exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work, and invest. To learn more about us and our membership, please visit our website: https://businesscouncil.mb.ca/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-council-of-manitoba/This episode was edited and produced by Kate Doer with music by Alisia Beats. 

As the U.S. election draws closer, we met with former Premier of Manitoba and Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Gary Doer, and NFI Group President and CEO Paul Soubry, hosted by the Business Council of Manitoba President and CEO Bram Strain to talk U.S. election and trade relations. Gary contributes his career expertise on the presidential race, the potential reshuffling of the Senate and House, and the far-reaching implications for trade agreements. From a business perspective, Paul brings crucial insights into the challenges of Buy America policies and the necessity of maintaining stable trade policies for Canadian exports.With the political landscape often straying from policy to divisive issues, Canada must navigate its economic ties with the U.S. and establish itself as a reliable trading partner amid growing global competition.The Business Council of Manitoba exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work, and invest. To learn more about us and our membership, please visit our website: https://businesscouncil.mb.ca/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-council-of-manitoba/This episode was edited and produced by Kate Doer with music by Alisia Beats. 

Michelle Cameron is the owner and founder of Dreamcatcher Promotions and INAC—Indigenous Nations Apparel Company. Michelle started Dreamcatcher in the basement of her home 13 years ago with one used embroidery machine, and the company is now the largest Indigenous-owned promotional company in Canada. INAC is the first Indigenous-owned company to open in CF Polo Park and has now expanded to Saskatchewan. Through a partnership with the Northwest Company, INAC products are sold in over 80 northern communities across Canada.In this episode, Michelle opens up about her journey through entrepreneurship as an Indigenous woman, growing her businesses to what they are today, and reclaiming power in Orange Shirt Day and INAC. Find Michelle and her companies here: Michelle Cameron Dreamcatcher PromotionsINACThe Business Council of Manitoba exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work, and invest. To learn more about us and our membership, please visit our website: https://businesscouncil.mb.ca/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-council-of-manitoba/This episode was edited and produced by Kate Doer with music by Alisia Beats. 

Chad Friesen is the President and CEO of Friesens Corporation, an Altona-based global publishing, printing, and packaging manufacturer. Chad is not a part of the original Friesens family, but he has dedicated a large part of his career to the company, having worked there for over 14 years. Friesens Corporation has a unique structure as it is 100% employee-owned. With over 600 employees, Friesens Corporation and its staff mutually benefit from this collaborative structure. In the last year, the average Friesens employee earned $10,000 in employee ownership dividends on top of their salary and benefits. Employee-owned companies tend to have high levels of employee engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity — Friesens is no exception.In this episode of Taking Care of Business, the Business Council of Manitoba sits down with Chad Friesen to learn more about employee ownership, its benefits, and how we can increase its prevalence in Manitoba and Canada. To learn more about Friesens Corporation visit their website: https://www.friesens.com/  The Business Council of Manitoba exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work, and invest. To learn more about us and our membership, please visit our website: https://businesscouncil.mb.ca/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-council-of-manitoba/This episode was edited and produced by Kate Doer with music by Alisia Beats.