True North Success Podcast

What happens when an experienced physician leaves everything behind and starts over in a new country? In this episode, Dr. Velimir Milenkovic shares his remarkable journey from Serbia to Canada, revealing how years of persistence, learning, and adapting to a completely different healthcare culture shaped his career and outlook on patient care. Dr. Milenkovic discusses the challenges international medical graduates face, the importance of ethics and patient autonomy in Canadian medicine, and how he built a career that has now included more than 6,000 surgical cases. He also shares his dream of becoming a fully licensed surgeon and his desire to bring Canadian medical practices and knowledge back to his home country.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

How are robots transforming pharmacies, and why will human care always remain essential? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah and Amy Kim sit down with pharmacy automation expert Deepak Khera to explore how technology is improving efficiency, reducing errors, and helping healthcare professionals provide better patient care. Deepak brings nearly two decades of experience in pharmacy practice, including work in community, long-term care, virtual pharmacy, and pharmacy automation. He also teaches and mentors future pharmacy professionals while helping organizations improve operational efficiency.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

Divorce, estate disputes, and family conflict are some of the most stressful experiences people face. In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah and Amy Kim sit down with family lawyer Marty Birky to discuss what many people discover too late when navigating separation, divorce, and estate challenges. Drawing from his background as a college basketball coach and his upbringing on a Montana farm, Marty shares how empathy, practical advice, and staying calm under pressure help him guide clients through difficult transitions. He explains why people often need to feel heard before they are ready to receive legal advice and why taking a practical approach can save families unnecessary emotional and financial costs. Marty also discusses common mistakes people make during divorce and estate disputes, including relying on general information instead of obtaining advice from specialists. He highlights the importance of understanding legal deadlines and explains how missing critical timelines can permanently affect someone's rights. Throughout the conversation, Marty shares valuable lessons about resilience, integrity, and helping people make informed decisions during some of the hardest times of their lives.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What happens when a surgeon follows curiosity beyond the operating room? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Amy Kim sits down with orthopedic surgeon, entrepreneur, and health tech leader Dr. Rick Hu to explore how curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning shaped his journey from medicine into healthcare technology and entrepreneurship. The show notes follow podcast best-practice structure with a hook, expanded summary, guest information, and calls to action. Dr. Hu shares how his early exposure to medical technology investing sparked a passion that eventually led him into startup development, wearable health technology, and mentoring founders within Alberta’s growing innovation ecosystem.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What happens when a lawyer with decades of courtroom experience realizes that “winning” is not always the best outcome? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah and Amy Kim welcome Gary Kirk, an Alberta lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in litigation, family law, estates, mediation, and arbitration. After years advocating in courtrooms, Gary shifted his focus toward mediation and alternative dispute resolution, helping people resolve conflicts faster, more effectively, and often with better long-term outcomes. Gary shares how his journey evolved from highly adversarial litigation into mediation work that prioritizes relationships, understanding, and practical solutions.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What happens when European culinary tradition meets Rocky Mountain hospitality? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Amy Kim sits down with Charlie Holschuh, owner and teaching chef behind The Bav + Tav at the Bavarian Inn in Bragg Creek, Alberta. Charlie shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Munich, Germany, training as a chef across Europe, opening his first restaurant in Bavaria, and eventually moving to Canada to build a lasting culinary legacy. Charlie discusses how he blends Alpine cuisine with locally sourced Canadian ingredients to create a unique dining experience that continues to evolve after nearly four decades in business. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, leadership, restaurant ownership, community building, and the importance of staying innovative while honouring tradition.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What happens when healthcare moves beyond treating symptoms and starts understanding people’s stories? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Amy sits down with physician, researcher, and advocate Dr. Monty Ghosh to explore the deeper realities behind addiction, homelessness, trauma, and health inequities. Dr. Ghosh shares how his journey into addiction medicine began and why compassion, empathy, and trauma-informed care have become central to his work supporting vulnerable communities. Together, they discuss how early life experiences can shape long-term health outcomes, why stigma prevents many people from seeking help, and how community-based solutions can create lasting change. Dr. Ghosh also shares the inspiring story behind the National Overdose Response Service (NORS), a virtual support system helping individuals stay safe and connected.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this inspiring episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah and Amy Kim sit down with Ivan Lypovyk, entrepreneur and co-owner of Permanent Window Solutions, to explore his remarkable journey from carpenter and construction superintendent to building one of Western Canada’s leading European window and door companies. Ivan shares how moving from Ukraine to Canada opened his eyes to opportunities in the construction industry and led him to introduce modern European window technology to the Canadian market. What began as a small side business eventually became a thriving company with multiple showrooms and a growing team. Despite launching his first showroom only days before COVID restrictions began — and later navigating the impacts of the war in Ukraine — Ivan and his team continued to grow by embracing adaptability, leadership, and continuous learning.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What happens when a software engineer combines curiosity, discipline, and a passion for solving real problems? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Amy Kim sits down with Etienne Noumen to discuss his inspiring journey from electrical engineering in Cameroon to becoming a technical leader in Canada’s tech industry. Etienne shares how teaching himself new technologies helped him stay ahead in the highly competitive IT world. From building mobile apps and cloud platforms to launching his successful AI-focused podcast, AI Unraveled, he explains why personal projects have been one of the biggest keys to his success. As a father of four competitive athletes, Etienne also opens up about balancing family life, full-time work, side businesses, and late-night entrepreneurship. He discusses how AI is changing the future of learning and communication through his latest company, Jamgamine, which transforms complex documents into engaging AI-powered audio conversations.     ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this inspiring conversation, Amy Kim sits down with entrepreneur and product builder Klaus Rubba to discuss his journey from enterprise software development and game design into startup innovation and AI-powered product creation. Klaus shares the story behind his first successful product, a silent auction app, and explains how that experience sparked his passion for building products that solve real-world problems. He also dives into the importance of validating ideas before investing too much time and money into development. Listeners will hear valuable insights about: Why founders should focus on finding demand before building The importance of accountability and “building in public” How no-code platforms are empowering creators and entrepreneurs Lessons learned from startup partnerships and co-founder challenges The inspiration behind Klaus’s new app, MyPacts This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone looking to turn ideas into meaningful products.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...  

What does it take to leave everything familiar behind and rebuild a successful career from the ground up in a new country? In this inspiring episode of the True North Success Podcast, Amy Kim sits down with physician leader Dr. Shahiem Hartley to discuss resilience, mentorship, discipline, and creating impact beyond medicine. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Hartley shares his incredible journey from pharmacist to physician, researcher, and healthcare leader in Canada. He opens up about the realities of immigration, adapting to a completely different culture and climate, and the grit required to rebuild a professional career from scratch. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hartley shares valuable insights on leadership, networking, mentorship, and how healthcare professionals can expand their influence beyond the clinic into broader healthcare systems and leadership roles. He also discusses the importance of building multiple streams of income, maintaining discipline over motivation, and choosing a positive mindset daily. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for professionals, entrepreneurs, immigrants, healthcare workers, and anyone striving to create meaningful success while staying grounded in service and purpose.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah shares his journey from casually owning a rental property in the early 2000s to becoming a full-time multifamily real estate investor focused on apartment buildings across Alberta and Saskatchewan. Gary discusses how reading Rich Dad Poor Dad changed his perspective on investing and eventually led him to purchase his first apartment building in 2018. Since then, he and his partners have grown their portfolio to approximately 175 rental units. Gary explains why multifamily investing became his preferred strategy, including the advantages of scale, stronger financing opportunities, and creating steady cash flow. He also shares how investing in stable secondary markets and agricultural communities has helped create reliable returns. During the conversation, Gary walks through one of his favourite deals—a 42-unit building purchased for approximately $4.5 million that grew to nearly $6 million in value through operational improvements and optimization.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to build multiple successful businesses, innovate an entire industry, and still stay grounded in service and community? In this inspiring episode of the True North Success Podcast, Amy Kim sits down with entrepreneur and innovator James Keirstead, founder and CEO of Levin Electronics. James shares his journey from growing up in poverty to building globally recognized businesses and pioneering affordable smart home technology for large-scale builders across North America. James explains how Levin Electronics is transforming the construction industry by eliminating unnecessary wiring and making intelligent home technology more accessible and cost-effective for builders and homeowners alike. He also opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, including failures, perseverance, leadership, and the importance of thinking long-term. Throughout the conversation, James shares practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale businesses, build strong networks, and create meaningful innovation that solves real-world problems.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What happens when a registered nurse combines clinical experience, lived neurodiverse insight, and a passion for technology? In this inspiring episode, Adrienne Power shares how she transitioned from healthcare into entrepreneurship and launched DYSL.io, a company focused on building AI-powered tools that support neurodiverse individuals and mission-driven entrepreneurs. Adrienne opens up about her personal journey, the meaning behind neurodiversity, and how AI can create more accessible and inclusive workplaces. She also shares practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including why starting lean is essential when building apps and technology businesses.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...  

What does it take to build a company that helps businesses reduce their environmental impact while still growing profitably? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Amy Kim sits down with Abdullah Choudhry, co-founder of Arbor, to discuss climate technology, entrepreneurship, and building meaningful solutions that create real-world impact. Growing up in Pakistan, Abdullah witnessed firsthand how climate change affected communities and industries around him. That experience shaped his mission to help companies better understand and reduce their carbon footprints through smarter supply chain decisions. Today, Arbor works with global companies including Crocs and other major brands to provide faster and more accurate carbon accounting tools. Abdullah shares his personal journey from Pakistan to the UK, the United States, and eventually Canada, where he co-founded Arbor in Calgary. He explains how engineering helped him turn ideas into practical solutions and why entrepreneurship is more of a lifestyle choice than a career decision.   ------------------------------------ Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if the best investment you could make wasn’t in stocks or crypto — but in your own health? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Dr. Alina Kulczycki to explore the growing field of lifestyle medicine and how small daily habits can dramatically improve long-term health, energy, and quality of life. Dr. Alina shares her journey from studying nutrition and physical therapy to becoming an American Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner. She explains the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, including nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, positive social connection, and avoiding harmful substances. The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, overcoming fear, and building a successful wellness business from the ground up. Dr. Alina opens up about taking risks, moving to Texas, creating her own clinic, and developing digital wellness products to help more people live healthier lives. Listeners will also hear: Why lifestyle medicine is gaining attention across North America How simple daily habits affect long-term health and disease prevention The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone How Tai Chi can reduce fall risk and improve wellness Why empowering people to care for themselves is good business How Dr. Alina built a digital wellness platform and passive income stream -------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to go from clinician to CEO? In this episode, Dr. Mitch Colp shares how he scaled a psychology practice across Canada and built a business that goes far beyond traditional clinical work. Dr. Mitch Colp is a registered psychologist and CEO of Hexagon Psychology, a nationally recognized provider delivering psychological services across Canada. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in assessments and interventions for children, youth, and adults, while also advocating for improved access to mental health services in rural and remote communities. In this conversation, Mitch walks through his unexpected journey into psychology, his transition into entrepreneurship, and how he leveraged innovation during COVID to scale his business nationally through virtual care. What started as a small local practice quickly expanded into a 40-person team serving clients coast-to-coast. He also shares the mindset shifts required to grow from practitioner to business leader. From embracing discomfort as a disruptor, to saying “yes” to opportunities, to surrounding yourself with the right mentors—this episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone looking to grow a service-based business. You’ll also hear how Mitch diversified his income streams beyond clinical work, including training programs, research partnerships, and strategic real estate investments. His approach to building scalable systems and multiple revenue streams offers a powerful blueprint for long-term success   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if your next life chapter required starting over—from scratch—in a new country, language, and career? In this inspiring episode, Gary Mah sits down with Phoebe Yu, a cross-border life transition strategist and healthcare professional, to explore how she reinvented her life from healthcare leadership in Taiwan to becoming a nurse and consultant in Canada. Phoebe shares powerful insights on resilience, cultural adaptation, and how medical tourism in Asia is opening new opportunities for high-quality, cost-effective care. Phoebe’s journey is a masterclass in courage, flexibility, and purpose-driven living. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why starting over doesn’t mean starting from zero How to transfer your past experience into a completely new career The real challenges of language and cultural barriers—and how to overcome them The importance of flexibility when life doesn’t go according to plan How medical tourism in Asia is becoming a viable healthcare option Rethinking retirement and creating a meaningful life in your later years   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to turn personal injury into a lifelong passion for helping others heal? In this episode, Candace Mazur shares her journey from competitive BMX racing to becoming a leading pelvic health physiotherapist—and how those early experiences shaped her career. Candace opens up about how growing up as an athlete led to frequent injuries, and how physiotherapy played a key role in getting her back to peak performance. That experience sparked her desire to pursue a career where she could help others recover, move better, and live pain-free. Now specializing in pelvic health physiotherapy, Candace explains why this niche field is so impactful. She shares how helping patients regain control over everyday functions—like walking without pain or discomfort—can be truly life-changing. The deeper one-on-one connection she builds with patients allows her to better understand their stories and provide personalized care that makes a real difference. A key theme throughout the conversation is the importance of listening. Candace emphasizes that many patients, especially in women’s health, often feel unheard. By taking the time to truly listen and collaborate, she helps uncover solutions that others may have missed. She also highlights the importance of mentorship in her journey. From early clinical placements to seeking out experts in her field, Candace shares how learning from others helped her grow and overcome challenges—especially when resources in her specialty were limited.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

From Trauma to Triumph: Lessons in Personal Resilience and Business Growth with Dr. Joelle Johnson What does it take to turn life-altering trauma into a thriving career and meaningful impact? In this powerful episode, Dr. Joelle Johnson shares how a near-fatal accident became the turning point that shaped her life, career, and purpose. With over 25 years of experience as a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care, Dr. Johnson opens up about her journey through adversity, resilience, and building a purpose-driven business that serves families at a grassroots level. You’ll hear how she transformed personal pain into professional passion—and why authenticity is the key to lasting success. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode How a life-threatening accident led Dr. Johnson to discover chiropractic care The importance of resilience and rebuilding after trauma Why authenticity is critical for success in business and life Unique challenges of being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field How to balance motherhood, career, and personal growth Practical goal-setting strategies to stay focused and driven Why continuous learning fuels long-term success The importance of community, especially for mothers and families   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to stand out in a competitive healthcare industry while delivering exceptional patient care? In this episode, Dr. Erin Perry shares how combining empathy, innovation, and smart reinvestment can transform both patient outcomes and business growth. Dr. Erin Perry is a dentist and entrepreneur, owner of multiple clinics in Calgary, with a background in biomedical technology and a passion for personalized patient care. In this conversation, she shares her journey from discovering dentistry in high school to building and scaling successful clinics. What sets Dr. Perry apart is her commitment to treating each patient as an individual—moving away from “cookie-cutter” dentistry and toward a deeply personalized, relationship-based approach. She also dives into the power of reinvesting in your business. From opening a third clinic to adopting advanced laser technology, Dr. Perry explains how calculated risks and continuous improvement can create long-term growth and stronger patient experiences. One of the most exciting innovations she discusses is the use of Solea laser technology, which allows dentists to perform procedures without needles, reduces discomfort, and improves treatment outcomes. This investment not only enhances patient care but also positions her clinics at the forefront of modern dentistry. Beyond technology, Dr. Perry highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership—especially when managing teams and navigating challenges like HR and workplace dynamics. Her ability to connect with both patients and staff has been a key driver of her success.   -------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to lead innovation at a global scale for over two decades? In this episode, Ibrahim Gedeon shares powerful lessons from his 21-year journey as CTO at TELUS—and what it really takes to stay ahead in a fast-changing world. Ibrahim Gedeon, former Chief Technology Officer at TELUS, helped transform the company into a global communications leader serving millions of customers. In this conversation, he opens up about the mindset, leadership principles, and strategic risks that shaped his success. He shares how long-term vision matters more than short-term technology decisions, why companies must build flexible systems that evolve over time, and how taking calculated risks can set organizations apart. Ibrahim also highlights the importance of customer obsession—revealing how even engineering teams reviewed customer complaints to improve real-world outcomes. A key theme throughout the episode is growth through mentorship. Ibrahim explains why having the right mentor—someone with real experience and “war wounds”—can dramatically change your career trajectory. He also shares a powerful lesson about communication: if someone doesn’t understand you, it’s your responsibility to explain it better. Beyond leadership, Ibrahim discusses financial wisdom, including aligning investments with your values, adapting risk over time, and choosing advisors who truly add value. Looking ahead, he shares his passion for improving technology for first responders, advocating for modern systems that can ultimately help save lives.   -------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this powerful episode, Sonia and Kapil Kalra, co-founders of NatureMerry, share their journey from a kitchen-table startup to a globally expanding wellness brand. Sonia opens up about living with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a severe and often misunderstood condition that led her to search for natural, effective pain relief. Frustrated with limited options and harmful side effects, she began developing plant-based solutions using terpenes—bioactive compounds found in plants. Kapil shares how they transformed Sonia’s personal solution into a scalable business. From nearly losing 90% of their business during COVID to walking into local grocery stores to pitch their products, their story is one of resilience, adaptability, and mission-driven growth. Together, they are now pioneering a new category in wellness—bridging the gap between natural remedies and pharmaceutical-grade effectiveness. 💡 Key Takeaways Building a business rooted in a personal mission creates lasting impact Resilience and the ability to pivot are critical for entrepreneurs Mentorship can accelerate growth and prevent costly mistakes Innovation often comes from solving your own problems There is a growing need for natural, science-backed wellness solutions -------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Bernard Roth, a highly respected energy and regulatory lawyer with over 37 years of experience. Bernard shares his journey from growing up on a large farm in Saskatchewan to becoming a leading legal expert in Canada’s energy sector. Bernard explains how a childhood decision to pursue law shaped his entire career path. What started as a clear goal early in life evolved into a specialization he never initially planned—energy regulatory law. A pivotal moment came when he was assigned to a major oil sands hearing in Fort McMurray, setting the course for decades of impactful work in the industry. Throughout the conversation, Bernard offers a behind-the-scenes look at Alberta’s rigorous regulatory system and the role it plays in balancing economic growth with environmental and public interests. He highlights the importance of fairness, inclusion, and ensuring all voices—landowners, Indigenous communities, and industry—are heard in major decisions. Bernard also shares what truly sets him apart: deep curiosity and genuine passion for the energy sector. He believes success comes from doing work you enjoy, staying intellectually engaged, and committing to continuous learning. The conversation touches on challenges in the energy industry, including shifting public perception and political pressures. Bernard reflects on navigating these difficult periods while staying grounded in facts and long-term thinking.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with clinical exercise physiologist Kathryn Wytsma-Fisher, founder of Wytsma Health and Movement. With nearly 20 years of experience, Kathryn brings a fresh and highly personalized approach to health by delivering exercise programs directly into her clients’ homes. Kathryn explains how her concierge-style service removes common barriers like travel, intimidation, and lack of accessibility that often prevent people from staying active. Instead of relying on large gym equipment, she focuses on simple, effective tools such as resistance bands and bodyweight exercises that can be easily integrated into daily life. The conversation highlights her passion for helping individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke recovery, and musculoskeletal issues. Kathryn emphasizes that movement doesn’t have to be complex to be effective—small, consistent actions like standing up regularly or walking around the house can make a meaningful difference. She also shares insights into her journey into kinesiology, her commitment to lifelong learning, and how her family-first mindset has shaped her business. Kathryn discusses the importance of building strong client relationships and creating a comfortable, supportive environment for long-term success. Looking ahead, Kathryn is focused on growing her practice, expanding her team, and building partnerships with healthcare providers and senior communities to reach more people in need of personalized care.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to become a trusted legal expert in one of the fastest-changing industries in the world? In this episode, Gary Mah sits down with Matthew Burgoyne to talk about crypto, compliance, law, and the value of building strong relationships in business. Matthew shares how he carved out a niche in digital assets and blockchain law, and why understanding regulation is essential for companies operating in Canada. Matthew is a partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt in Calgary and chairs the firm’s national digital asset and blockchain practice group. He was one of the first lawyers in Canada to work with cryptocurrency companies and has helped shape legal guidance in this fast-moving space. In this conversation, Matthew shares how his love of logic, critical thinking, and philosophy led him into law. He also explains how he spotted the opportunity in crypto early, started writing about Bitcoin in 2013, and built a practice that now serves clients across Canada and around the world. Gary and Matthew also talk about business development, client service, public speaking, and what it really takes to stand out in a competitive field. Matthew offers practical thoughts on success, including the importance of being involved in your industry, serving clients well, and thinking carefully about long-term investing and financial planning.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to rebuild your career in a new country while staying true to your purpose? In this episode, Dr. Manpreet Kaur shares her powerful journey of perseverance, growth, and adaptability in the field of psychology. Dr. Manpreet Kaur, a registered provisional psychologist with over 15 years of experience, joins Gary Mah to discuss her path from India to Canada and how she navigated the challenges of immigration, licensing, and career transition. With a strong foundation in clinical psychology and psychodynamic therapy, she offers a thoughtful perspective on mental health, resilience, and lifelong learning. In this conversation, Dr. Kaur reflects on the early influence of her father, which sparked her interest in human behavior, and how that curiosity shaped her career. She also opens up about the emotional and professional challenges of moving countries, including the need to requalify and adapt to a new system. Through persistence and dedication, she successfully transitioned into her role in Canada while continuing her international practice. A key theme in this episode is the importance of embracing change. Dr. Kaur shares how overcoming her own resistance to change led her to personal growth and inspired her to support others dealing with loss, transitions, and identity shifts—especially through her work in ambiguous loss therapy groups.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it really take to succeed in digital transformation? In this episode, Jhon Lopez shares why technology alone isn’t enough—and how putting people first is the true key to lasting business growth. Jhon Lopez joins Gary Mah to share insights from over 20 years of experience leading complex IT and enterprise transformation projects across multiple industries and countries. From his early career in Colombia to leading global initiatives in Canada and beyond, Jhon reveals how aligning people, processes, and technology can drive meaningful and measurable results. Throughout the conversation, Jhon emphasizes the importance of human connection in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world. While many organizations focus heavily on systems and tools, he explains why overlooking the human side often leads to failed implementations. He shares practical lessons on change management, leadership, and building trust within diverse, multicultural teams. Jhon also opens up about personal challenges—like overcoming language barriers and adapting to a new culture—and how embracing failure helped him grow both personally and professionally. His message is clear: success comes from consistency, learning through mistakes, and staying intentional in your actions. The episode also explores financial growth strategies beyond active income and wraps up with Jhon’s exciting next chapter—launching his consulting company, Catalyst EQ Solutions, to help small and medium-sized businesses navigate digital transformation with a human-centered approach.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if your greatest business advantage wasn’t strategy—but emotional intelligence? In this episode, registered psychologist Daniel McMillan shares how understanding people is the key to building both a successful career and a thriving business. Daniel McMillan, founder of Assured Psychology in Calgary, brings over 20 years of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate mental health, trauma, and relationships. Through his work at assuredpsychology.com, he blends clinical expertise with business insight, showing how emotional awareness can directly impact leadership, growth, and long-term success. In this conversation, Daniel shares how his early exposure to compassionate care shaped his career path and how his curiosity about the human experience continues to influence both his clinical work and business decisions. He explains why being a great practitioner is not enough to run a successful business—and how learning marketing, systems, and financial strategy became essential to his growth. Daniel also highlights the importance of continuous learning, taking risks, and leaning into areas of discomfort. He discusses how many professionals hold themselves back by assuming others are more capable, and why building skills through action is often more valuable than waiting for perfection.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if life-saving medical innovations didn’t take over a decade to reach patients? In this episode, Ehsan Misaghi shares how he’s working at the intersection of medicine, AI, and research to help close that gap—and why saying “yes” to opportunities can shape a powerful, unconventional career path. Ehsan Misaghi is an MD/PhD candidate and Killam Laureate at the University of Alberta. With a unique background spanning biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, he is focused on bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world clinical care. In this conversation, Ehsan walks us through his journey from engineering into medicine, and how combining multiple disciplines has allowed him to create impact in ways that traditional paths may not. He shares how curiosity and openness led him to explore different fields, and why embracing uncertainty can actually accelerate growth. Rather than following a straight line, Ehsan’s career is built on experimentation, collaboration, and a willingness to step into the unknown. One of the biggest challenges he highlights is managing too many opportunities at once. His solution? Learning how to prioritize what truly matters—identifying which responsibilities are “glass balls” that can’t be dropped, and which are more flexible.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to stay strong, purposeful, and energized as you grow older? In this episode, Gary Mah sits down with Patricia Morgan to talk about resilient aging, emotional resilience, and how seniorpreneurs can keep learning, contributing, and thriving in every season of life. Patricia shares her powerful personal story of overcoming anger, shame, and limiting beliefs to become an award-winning counseling therapist, author, and professional speaker. She explains how doing the inner work can change the direction of your life and why resilience is something we can build, strengthen, and live out every day. In this conversation, Patricia talks about how people can discover their gifts and strengths, why connection matters so much for mental health, and how our thoughts shape the way we live. She also shares why aging does not have to mean slowing down, especially for people who still feel called to serve, create, and grow. Listeners will hear Patricia’s thoughts on success, life purpose, self-compassion, trauma, and the importance of planning ahead financially while also staying mentally and emotionally engaged. Her message is clear: aging can be a time of wisdom, contribution, and renewed purpose.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What really drives business growth? In this episode, Anne Chong shares why the right KPIs and root performance indicators can change everything for your company. Gary Mah sits down with Anne Chong, Alberta-based entrepreneur and founder of Visual-Eyes Software, to talk about building a niche tech company, leading with clarity, and using metrics that truly matter. Anne shares how Visual-Eyes began in the early days of Windows-based systems and how understanding real clinic friction points helped them design a powerful, all-in-one practice management solution for optometry clinics. Anne explains how Visual-Eyes supports clinics from appointment booking to billing, insurance, equipment integration, online forms, and automated communication. By focusing on solving real operational challenges, her team has grown from serving a three-location clinic to supporting practices of all sizes. One of the biggest lessons Anne shares is the importance of creating the right metrics. It’s not just about tracking numbers. It’s about identifying root performance indicators that drive the behaviors needed for growth. When you measure what truly matters, you can make better decisions and build momentum.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What happens when a world-class heart surgeon can no longer operate? In this powerful episode, Dr. Paul Fedak shares how losing his ability to perform surgery reshaped his identity, leadership, and definition of success. Dr. Paul Fedak is a leading cardiac surgeon, surgical scientist, and thought leader based in Calgary, Alberta. For over 20 years, he has combined clinical excellence with translational science—bringing discoveries from the lab bench to the patient’s bedside. His work focuses on advancing surgical therapies for people with advanced heart disease while advising medical device companies on innovation, strategy, and impact. In this episode, Dr. Fedak opens up about his journey into medicine and how early mentors at Toronto General Hospital inspired him to pursue cardiac surgery. He shares the meaning behind translational science and how innovation in healthcare requires both scientific rigor and human compassion. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Dr. Fedak reflects on the life-changing neck injury that ended his surgical career. He speaks candidly about depression, identity loss, burnout in medicine, and the hidden pressures faced by high-performing professionals. Through that hardship, he discovered a broader definition of leadership—one rooted in growth, self-awareness, and helping others navigate challenges.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if the office you design today could easily adapt to tomorrow’s needs—without major renovations, downtime, or waste? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah and Amy Kim sit down with Russell Cook, Owner and President of Modular Interiors by Cooks, to explore how modular construction and raised access flooring are transforming commercial spaces across Canada and beyond. With more than 20 years of experience in raised access flooring and underfloor air distribution, Russell shares how his company helps businesses create flexible, future-ready environments. Instead of traditional construction methods that lock power, data, and infrastructure into walls and ceilings, Russell explains how modular systems allow everything to be accessed beneath the floor—making it easy to reconfigure layouts as companies grow. He uses the example of casinos—where layouts frequently change without visible wiring—to illustrate how raised access flooring supports seamless adaptation. This same concept can help offices evolve from 50 employees to 70 without expensive renovations.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make isn’t choosing the wrong solution—but solving the wrong problem? In this episode, Amy Kim sits down with Heather Barnhouse, Partner at Dentons, to unpack what it really takes to scale a business with confidence. With over 21 years of experience advising startups, innovators, and established companies, Heather shares practical insights on governance, partnerships, financing, and managing risk during growth. Heather primarily works with women entrepreneurs in the growth and scalability phase. Whether that means raising capital, entering new jurisdictions, navigating regulated industries, or resolving partnership disputes, her approach is rooted in deeply understanding each client’s unique business model and risk profile. One of the most powerful lessons in this conversation is the importance of clarity. Before seeking funding, restructuring a partnership, or pursuing expansion, Heather encourages business owners to first define the exact problem they’re trying to solve. Is it simply cash flow? Or is it “smart money” that opens strategic doors? The answer changes everything. --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What really happens on the frontlines of emergency medicine—and what can it teach us about living healthier, more intentional lives? In this powerful episode, Gary Mah and Amy Kim sit down with Dr. Shazma Mithani, an emergency physician serving at the Royal Alexandra and Stollery Children’s Hospitals in Edmonton. Since 2014, Dr. Mithani has worked at the intersection of community care and acute care, supporting both adult and pediatric patients—often on the worst day of their lives. Beyond the ER, Dr. Mithani is a passionate advocate for health literacy, equity, and public health communication. Through her writing, speaking engagements, social media presence, and her co-hosted DocTalk Podcast, she translates complex medical information into practical, easy-to-understand conversations that empower everyday people.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to build a global design and manufacturing company from a garage in Edmonton? In this episode, Nick Kazakoff shares how he co-founded 126 Design and Loop Phone Booths, and scaled the business from two partners hustling after hours to an international brand shipping products around the world. Nick walks us through the early days of launching the company out of his business partner’s garage on 126th Street—where the name 126 Design was born. What started as a passion for industrial design quickly evolved into a thriving manufacturing operation focused on commercial office solutions, including their innovative office pods and Loop Phone Booths. We explore how Edmonton, often overlooked as a design hub, offers a powerful combination of strong manufacturing capabilities and top-tier industrial design talent from the University of Alberta. Nick explains why building locally while thinking globally has been a key part of their success.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this inspiring episode, Amy Kim sits down with Dr. Sylvia Chan Remillard to explore how science, compassion, and leadership can come together to truly transform lives. From growing up in a small-town Chinese restaurant to leading in the cardiometabolic health space, Sylvia shares how her unique journey shaped her approach to leadership and impact. Dr. Sylvia Chan Remillard is Senior Manager of Medical Science Liaison and Field Excellence at Novo Nordisk Canada. With a PhD in Nutrition and experience spanning nanomaterials research, business development, and medical strategy, Sylvia brings both scientific depth and human connection to her work in diabetes and obesity care.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if ADHD wasn’t something to “fix” — but something to understand and support? In this inspiring episode, Amy sits down with Rubina, founder of Abilities Occupational Therapy, to talk about innovation in healthcare, restoring independence through driving assessments, and empowering children and adults with ADHD using strengths-based strategies. With 19 years of clinical experience, Rubina shares how her passion for lifelong learning and calculated risk-taking helped her build a niche occupational therapy practice serving Albertans at every stage of life. From medical driving evaluations to launching a pediatric feeding clinic and ADHD coaching services, her work is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and mindset. One of the most powerful moments in this episode is her perspective on independence. For many clients, regaining the ability to drive is more than getting a license back. It means freedom. It means visiting a spouse in a seniors’ residence. It means dignity, connection, and mental wellness. Rubina also opens up about living with ADHD herself. She explains why strategies and coaching should often come before medication, and how shifting mindset alone can create meaningful change. Rather than pathologizing ADHD, she focuses on empowering individuals to leverage their strengths while building practical coping tools.   --------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if painful periods weren’t “normal” — and women didn’t have to wait 5 to 10 years for answers? In this powerful episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Dr. Sam Azer, a gynecologist at the Lynx Clinic in Edmonton, who is leading a revolution in women’s health through innovation, technology, and patient-centered care. Dr. Azer shares how endometriosis — a condition where uterine lining cells grow outside the uterus — can cause severe pain, missed school, missed work, and emotional stress for entire families. Traditionally, diagnosis required invasive surgery like laparoscopy, and many women were told their pain was “normal.” Now, with EndoSure, a groundbreaking non-invasive diagnostic tool, Dr. Azer can detect endometriosis with 95–98% accuracy using electrodes placed on the abdomen, similar to an ECG. This technology measures electrical activity linked to endometrial cells in the bowel — offering earlier diagnosis and life-changing relief for patients. Dr. Azer also discusses emerging treatment approaches, including anti-inflammatory diets, vitamins E and C, and new research into medications like low-dose GLP-1 therapies.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to become one of the few highly trained specialists in a competitive medical field? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah and Amy Kim sit down with Dr. Brent Chambers to explore the value of elite fellowship training, long-term career focus, and staying committed to meaningful work. Dr. Chambers is a dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta. He explains what Mohs surgery is, why it has the highest cure rates for certain skin cancers, and how it allows patients to know—on the same day—that all cancer has been removed. He also shares what makes this procedure different from standard excisions and why precision and reconstruction are such important parts of his work. The conversation goes beyond medicine. Dr. Chambers opens up about navigating a highly competitive training path, tuning out doubt from others, and staying focused during challenging seasons of his career. He talks about the importance of continuous learning, strong work ethic, and finding a specialty that truly fits your interests. Gary and Amy also explore the business and financial realities of professional careers. Dr. Chambers shares honest insights about financial planning, building long-term security, and why seeking expert guidance is essential when your income depends on active work.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if aging joints didn’t have to mean pain, surgery, or slowing down? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Dr. Nathan Thakur to explore how regenerative medicine is changing the way people think about joint health, mobility, and long-term success. Dr. Thakur is a medical doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and regenerative medicine. Formerly with the Cleveland Clinic, he now leads Regenerative MD in Calgary, where he focuses on helping people heal, rejuvenate, and preserve their joints and tendons using research-backed, minimally invasive treatments. In this conversation, Dr. Thakur explains how orthobiologics like platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, can be used to support joint and tendon health without surgery. He shares how early action and proper diagnosis can help people avoid joint replacements and maintain an active lifestyle as they age. The discussion also highlights why service, empathy, and patient experience matter just as much as medical expertise.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if back pain didn’t have to control your life or limit your performance? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Dr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister to explore a smarter, more empowering approach to back health, recovery, and long-term success. Dr. McAllister is a chiropractor and acupuncture provider based in Calgary, where she runs her own clinic and also works with the University of Calgary. She specializes in low back pain and helps people move from frustration and uncertainty to clarity, confidence, and self-management. During the conversation, Dr. McAllister shares her personal journey into chiropractic care, including how her experience with scoliosis as a teenager shaped her passion for education-driven care. She explains why understanding the “why” behind pain is just as important as treatment itself, and how education plays a key role in long-term recovery. Gary and Dr. McAllister also discuss the GLAD Back program, a group-based education and exercise rehabilitation program designed to help people self-manage low back pain. The episode dives into what truly sets great healthcare providers apart, the importance of trust and shared decision-making, and how patients can feel more empowered between visits.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What if the garbage we throw away every day could power the flights we take tomorrow? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Stephen Akpakwu to explore how municipal waste is being transformed into sustainable aviation fuel — and why this could change the future of energy, climate impact, and cities around the world. Stephen shares his journey from working in global finance at Goldman Sachs and Bank of America to becoming a co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Portage Energy in Calgary. He explains how his team takes landfill waste — something most people see as worthless — and converts it into high-value fuel for the aviation industry. Throughout the conversation, Stephen breaks down what sustainable aviation fuel is, why aviation is one of the hardest industries to decarbonize, and how using existing carbon above ground can dramatically reduce net emissions. He also explains what sets Portage Energy apart: solving both a climate problem and a waste management problem at the same time. The discussion goes beyond technology. Stephen talks about leadership, entrepreneurship, and redefining success as a long-term journey. He shares lessons on believing in yourself, surrounding yourself with honest advisors, and staying flexible when moving from a stable corporate career into entrepreneurship.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does leadership look like when the stakes are high and lives are on the line? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Scott Williams to explore leadership, commitment, and decision-making from the world of air traffic control. Scott Williams has spent more than 25 years with NAV Canada, beginning his career as an air traffic controller and working his way up to Director of the Edmonton Area Control Centre. He oversees some of the largest and most complex airspace in the world, covering Western and Northern Canada. In this conversation, Scott shares how he entered a career he never planned for, why commitment matters more than comfort, and how leaders can support people in high-pressure environments. Scott explains what it takes to train air traffic controllers, how stress is managed in critical roles, and why perseverance and delayed gratification played a major role in his success. He also discusses the shift from hands-on technical work to people leadership, managing hundreds of professionals, and ensuring safety while maintaining morale. Listeners will also hear Scott’s thoughts on taking smart risks, getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and why seeking expert help—especially in financial planning—can make a meaningful difference over the long term. The episode wraps with a look ahead at exciting innovations in air traffic control and what the future holds for aviation in Canada.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does real collaboration look like when the stakes are high and the deals are complex? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Vivek Warrier, a senior energy lawyer based in Calgary, to explore why collaboration, consensus-building, and strong teams consistently deliver the best return on investment. With nearly 25 years of experience advising energy companies across Western Canada, Vivek shares practical insights from decades of navigating mergers, acquisitions, infrastructure projects, and the evolving energy transition. Vivek explains how his approach to law is rooted in problem-solving rather than confrontation, and why adversarial tactics often slow progress instead of creating value. He discusses the importance of building trust both within legal teams and across the negotiating table, especially in cyclical industries like energy. Listeners will also hear Vivek’s perspective on career longevity, managing the ups and downs of transactional work, and why emotional wellness matters just as much as technical expertise. He shares thoughtful advice for young professionals, including how mentorship, teamwork, and long-term thinking can shape a fulfilling career. The conversation also touches on financial planning for professionals, diversification outside of active income, and exciting developments in Canadian energy, including renewable projects and partnerships with Indigenous communities.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it really take to stand out in a crowded market? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Debbie Younker to explore how elite customer service can become a powerful competitive edge in business. Debbie is the co-owner and Director of Client Experience at Nutritious Nosh, a family-run fruit delivery business serving corporate offices, schools, and organizations across Calgary and surrounding areas. With over 16 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Debbie brings a deep understanding of project management, client relationships, and service excellence to her entrepreneurial journey. In this conversation, Debbie shares how Nutritious Nosh was born from a simple gap she noticed while working in a corporate environment. Offices wanted healthier snack options, but no one was providing a fully managed fruit delivery solution. That insight led her and her husband to create a niche business built on wellness, consistency, and listening closely to customer needs. Debbie also opens up about navigating major life transitions, including career loss, family challenges, and deciding to fully step into the business. She explains how strong communication, empathy, and reliability have helped her build trust with clients and grow the company through uncertain times.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What happens when psychology, faith, and culture are treated as essential parts of the healing process rather than side notes? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with registered psychologist Joanne Ginter to explore how honoring a person’s full story can transform therapy, leadership, and life. Joanne brings more than 40 years of clinical experience working with children, adults, families, and Indigenous communities. She shares how her early work in school psychology evolved into a deep commitment to cultural awareness, religious inclusion, and trauma-informed care. Joanne explains why she returned to university mid-career to study religious studies and how that decision reshaped her approach to psychology. The conversation also dives into Joanne’s current focus on creative trauma-focused therapy. She explains how expressive arts, metaphor, and hypnotic techniques can help clients heal in powerful and meaningful ways. Joanne reflects on what truly sets professionals apart, the importance of knowing who you want to serve, and why creating spaces where people feel safe and at home matters so much.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Brian Hall, a seasoned entrepreneur with more than four decades of experience in energy information management. Brian shares the story behind GDM Inc. and how the company has grown into Canada’s largest repository of energy infrastructure data, serving oil and gas operators, midstream companies, refiners, and more. Brian explains why raw data alone has limited value and why quality, structure, and analytics are what truly transform data into knowledge and predictive wisdom. He walks through how asset intelligence and integrity management help pipeline owners assess risk, ensure compliance, protect the environment, and make better long-term decisions. The conversation also goes beyond technology. Brian offers thoughtful insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and strategy, including the importance of developing an empowering mindset, having a clear long-term vision, and staying flexible as conditions change. He reflects on navigating political and regulatory shifts in the energy sector, building resilience as a leader, and why strategy must evolve as the world does. Finally, Brian shares his perspective on personal wealth planning, the value of trusted advisors, and why casting a clear vision for your future helps guide both business and life decisions.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it really take to build a successful, values-driven psychology practice while delivering exceptional care? In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Dr. Cheryl Gilbert MacLeod, a registered psychologist with over 25 years of experience, to explore the power of specialization, collaboration, and mentorship in clinical practice. Dr. MacLeod is one of the owners of The Family Psychology Place in Calgary, a multi-location clinic serving children, adolescents, adults, and families. She shares how growing a large, collaborative team has allowed clinicians to focus on their areas of expertise while supporting one another in what can often be a challenging and emotionally demanding profession. Throughout the conversation, Dr. MacLeod explains why psychology can feel like a lonely career without the right environment and how having open doors, shared case discussions, and genuine collegial support makes all the difference. She also discusses her passion for supervision and mentorship, and why continuous learning across generations of clinicians strengthens both individuals and organizations. Gary and Dr. MacLeod also dive into the business side of healthcare, including lessons learned from running a private practice, the importance of understanding finances, and planning ahead for long-term sustainability and retirement. Dr. MacLeod offers thoughtful advice for early-career professionals on finding mentors, building business skills, and asking for help.   ---------------------------------------- Be a Guest Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://truenorthsuccessshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...