True North Compliance Podcast

Send us Fan MailKelly Kurta is the Executive Director of the Greater Victoria Festival Society and organizer of the Victoria Day Parade who talks about building community through free and low-cost festivals. She explains the hidden side of events, like permits, safety planning, insurance, and food rules that most people never see. Kelly also talks about funding challenges, route changes, and why nonprofits need better support to keep these traditions alive. Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailIn this audio version of the Sidney Breakfast Club – After Hours YouTube deep dive, business leaders and AI practitioners come together for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on artificial intelligence adoption, marketing evolution, and the accelerating pace of change facing organizations today.The panel guests of Steven Harris from AI4Enterprise Corp and Rob Cooper of PlusROI Marketing and PlusROI.com explore real-world experiences with generative AI, image creation, slide decks, and productivity tools—comparing today’s AI moment to earlier digital revolutions in marketing and technology. Topics include the return of print and tactile media, client expectations versus behind-the-scenes complexity, AI hype versus real ROI, and why understanding “how the soup is made” still matters in an automated world.Looking ahead to 2026, the discussion turns to AI literacy gaps, agent-based systems, organizational change management, and whether businesses can afford not to engage with AI. Drawing parallels to past technology shifts—from spreadsheets to framing nailers—the panel emphasizes that while tools evolve rapidly, people remain at the center of adoption and impact.This session also highlights the VIATEC AI Meetups as a critical regional learning hub for anyone wanting to better understand AI’s role in business, marketing, and productivity.A thoughtful, unscripted conversation for business owners, marketers, technologists, and community leaders navigating what comes next.Originally recorded on December 19, 2025.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how local government impacts your daily life and business? Our latest podcast features John Treleaven, who explains why municipal decisions are so important and what Grumpy Taxpayers is doing to help. Check out the episode and join the conversation about building a better Greater Victoria!Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailLacey Sheardown talks about taking a 30-day break from social media and what she learned from it. She shares how social media was affecting her mood, focus, and family life. Lacey also explains how she changed her habits, what improved in her life, and how others can try their own social media detox.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailThis is the audio version of the Sidney Breakfast Club - After Hours YouTube deep dive. Our guests: Jim Lowe is a manufacturing leader at Bailey Electronics, Ray Brougham runs Rainhouse Manufacturing Canada, and Mike Viala owns Viala Technologies. They talk about using lean methods to make work easier and businesses stronger. They explain how small daily improvements, better communication, and smart hiring can change a company. They also talk about Canada’s place in the global economy and why local manufacturers need to step up.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailAntonia Medeiros is an executive life coach and author who coaches people through big life changes in her coaching business. She talks about the ethics and standards in coaching, the difference between coaching and therapy, and how small actions over time can create real change. Antonia also explains her work with girls’ education in Kenya and how midlife can become a powerful new chapter. Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailMaki Morriss, the founder and CEO of Riverstone Management Ltd., talks about helping construction and manufacturing companies find the right people. She walks through the rules around licensing, foreign worker permits, and checking trade tickets so companies stay safe and legal. Maki also covers how things like wages, culture, and social media can make a business the employer of choice. Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailOlga Radutsky is a health and wellness facilitator and the founder of Estedica Global Wellness, who talks about how she connects people and companies with top medical, dental, and wellness providers around the world. She explains the benefits of medical travel, how her company ensures quality and safety, and the different programs available for private and corporate clients. Olga also shares insights about the challenges in Canadian and U.S. healthcare and how global options can help.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailDr. Kyle Maynard is a naturopathic doctor and co-owner of Horizons Holistic Health Clinic in Victoria, who talks about what naturopaths do, how their approach is different from regular doctors, and the rules they have to follow. Dr. Maynard also shares stories about helping patients and explains some of the treatments he offers.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailShawn dives into news stories on recent FINTRAC penalties for gambling organizations and scandals in the Canadian real estate industry. Find out what the buzz is about at British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian National Exhibition Casino, and the regulators Real Estate Council of Ontario and Real Estate Council of Alberta with iPro Realty and RE/MAX Real Estate (Central), and why trust in these industries matters more than ever.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailDean Bennett, the founder of Compu-Tek Computer Services in Victoria, shares his experience helping businesses with computer security, backups, and IT support. Dean discusses the importance of regular computer maintenance, strong passwords, and using professional antivirus and backup solutions. Shawn and Dean also talk about what to do if your business gets hacked and how to prevent losing important information.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailThis is This is an audio version of the very first Sidney Breakfast Club - After Hours livestream from YouTube with my co-host, John Juricic talking about starting this new live stream series focused on business and industry on the peninsula. We discuss the history and activities of the SBC and how local businesses are dealing with big changes like tariffs and the economy. The conversation also covers the importance of working together, adapting to change, and supporting the community.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailJim McCaughan is a Professional Services Support Advisor with the British Columbia Real Estate Association. Jim shares his journey from working in his family's furniture business to becoming a leader in real estate and discusses the many changes and challenges in the industry. They also talk about community growth, housing issues, and the importance of supporting local charities. Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailShawn talks with Lauren Knight, a mortgage expert from Victoria, about her job helping people get mortgages. Lauren shares how she finds the best deals for her clients and what makes her work special compared to banks. They discuss important rules and challenges in the mortgage industry and how Lauren supports her clients every step of the way. Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailThis is an audio version of the Sidney Breakfast Club - After Hours livestream from YouTube with my co-host, John Juricic. In this episode from YouTube, Going Global: Practical Trade Insights for SMEs we talk with Rajkumar Padmawar, who leads ASAsoft® and helps at the World Trade Center Vancouver, about how local companies can grow by selling products outside Canada and what steps to take to get started. Rajkumar gives tips, shares stories, and talks about events and programs that help small businesses export. Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailJeffrey Denissen of Profit Guard Consulting Ltd. is a Certified Chief Financial Officer and business advisor in Victoria, BC, who helps small and medium-sized businesses with their finances and growth. In this interview, he talks about his experience helping business owners solve money problems, make smart decisions, and keep their companies healthy. The conversation also covers topics like the importance of good financial planning, what it’s like to be an internal auditor, and how business owners can use strong leadership and smart strategies to succeed.Profit Guard Consulting Ltd.: www.ProfitGuardConsulting.comLinkedInEpisode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailRay Brougham is the president and CEO of Rainhouse Manufacturing Canada Limited, a company in Victoria, BC that specializes in CNC machining and contract manufacturing. In this interview, Ray talks about how he started the company, the industries they serve, and the importance of community and teamwork in manufacturing. He also discusses new opportunities, the value of local partnerships, and what the future holds for Canadian manufacturing.Rainhouse Manufacturing Canada Limited: www.Rainhouse.com532 William Street, Victoria, B.C. V9A 3Y9VIMEA: Vancouver Island Manufacturing Excellence Alliance on LinkedInEpisode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailTim Van Vliet, owner of A New Dawn Red Light Therapy Clinic in Langford, shares how he went from being a rugby coach and teacher to running a clinic for healing with red light. He explains the science of red light therapy, how it's different from tanning beds, and what new clients can expect. The episode also talks about how to find the clinic and why real red light therapy works better than cheap devices.A New Dawn Red Light Therapy Clinic: www.ANewDawnLightTherapy.comAddress: 689 Hoffman Avenue, Langford, BCEpisode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailThis is an audio version of the first Sidney Breakfast Club - After Hours livestream from YouTube with my co-host, John Juricic. In this episode, John Espley, who started the Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre, shares how his new community farm is helping people grow their own food in Victoria. He discusses the barriers like high land costs and confusing tax laws that make farming tough for new growers. The interview highlights why local food production and food security are so important for Vancouver Island.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailSteve Pearce is a multifaceted professional involved in agriculture, athlete development, and insurance on Vancouver Island. In this interview, he discusses his role in environmentally responsible farming at Pendray Farms, the complexities of managing a commercial farm with various regulations, and innovative waste management practices. Steve also touches on the challenges faced by the Canadian dairy industry, including regulatory compliance and competition with the U.S. market.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailIn this podcast, Cale Grieve, a licensed REALTOR® with RE/MAX Camosun, shares his journey from working in the Alberta oil sands to becoming a successful real estate agent in Greater Victoria. He discusses the evolving regulations in the industry, emphasizing the importance of consumer protection and the increased paperwork involved. Cale highlights the supportive environment at RE/MAX, which offers weekly training and updates to keep agents informed and protected. He also shares his commitment to charitable work, particularly with the Victoria Women's Transition House, donating a portion of his earnings to support local causes. Cale values the tools and technologies that facilitate efficient communication and transaction management in his business.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailMarty Douglas, currently the Professional Services Support Advisor with the British Columbia Real Estate Association and a seasoned real estate professional from Vancouver Island, shares his journey from starting in the industry in 1970 to his current role as a professional services support advisor. The interview covers topics like the evolution of real estate regulations, the challenges faced by managing brokers, and the importance of ongoing education in the industry. Marty also highlights the need for better compensation for managing brokers and discusses the future direction of real estate governance.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailDavid Vijan from Outlier Compliance Group joins the True North Compliance Podcast with special guest co-host Greg Dent to discuss the current state and future of compliance, particularly in the anti-money laundering (AML) sector. David emphasizes the critical need for real estate brokerages to implement robust compliance programs, highlighting frequent shortcomings in fundamental compliance practices such as the reporting of suspicious transactions (STRs). Recent findings from FINTRAC have shown significant compliance failures in this sector, reinforcing the urgency for enhanced understanding and enforcement of regulatory requirements.Greg praises Outlier's leadership in the compliance industry, countering the general skepticism surrounding consultancy motives by highlighting their ethical approach and genuine commitment to bettering the industry. The conversation also delves into the specifics of regulatory challenges facing mortgage brokers, stressing the importance of proper risk assessments, policy development, and the necessity of conducting effectiveness reviews as per regulatory expectations.Towards the end, David discusses the potential impacts of upcoming regulatory changes, including the expansion of AML requirements to include other sectors like armored car services and mortgage lending. They conclude by discussing the role of compliance in fostering a safer business environment, asserting that stringent compliance measures not only mitigate risks but also enhance overall business efficiency and reputation.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailShawn interviews Helen Jones, a seasoned real estate professional of JONESco Real Estate Inc., who shares her journey from teaching to becoming a landlord and eventually a real estate agent in Victoria. Helen recounts the skepticism she faced early in her career regarding the compatibility of honesty with success in real estate, a notion she challenged based on her own beliefs and the example set by her son and business partner, Roger. She discusses the significant changes in the real estate industry, including regulatory increases and shifts towards team-based operations. Helen emphasizes the importance of ethics and accountability in her profession, reflecting on her experiences and the evolution of the industry. Her commitment to integrity is evident as she navigates through the challenges and adaptations required by an increasingly regulated and changing market. Helen's narrative highlights her dedication to her career, her innovative approach to real estate education, and her perspectives on the future of the industry, all while maintaining a focus on ethical practices.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailCory Raven joins the True North Compliance Podcast with special guest co-host Greg Dent to discuss the evolving landscape of real estate compliance and regulation. Having begun his career in 1998, Cory has witnessed significant changes in the industry, especially in terms of regulatory oversight transitioning from industry-run bodies to governmental agencies like the BCFSA. He highlighted the introduction and growing importance of FINTRAC in ensuring compliance, noting its increasing impact on brokerage operations. Throughout the podcast the challenges that brokers face today were emphasized, balancing compliance duties with business development and agent training. He shared insights on the necessity of higher educational standards within the industry to improve professional conduct and reduce compliance violations. Cory also speculated on future changes in regulatory frameworks and their implications for real estate practices, suggesting proactive adaptation to these evolving requirements.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailDan Bennett shares his long journey in real estate, emphasizing the importance of service and putting people first. He highlights how starting in a challenging market taught him valuable skills and how adapting technology, like introducing a paperless office, revolutionized the industry. Dan observes regulatory shifts, emphasizing more bureaucracy but acknowledging the underlying goal of consumer protection. He suggests a future where technology supports efficient compliance, balancing serving clients well and meeting regulatory demands.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailA review of FINTRAC Annual Report 2023-2024Safe Canadians, Secure Economy which was released on November 27, 2024.Episode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.

Send us Fan MailEpisode list and show notes: True North Compliance PodcastSponsored by: EstimateEase.ai. Stop Chasing Dead-End Leads. Start Closing More Sales.