This episode of The Eh List features a thoughtful conversation with strategy leader Jordan Schwartz, who shares how leadership, growth, and human connection shape successful organizations. With more than a decade of experience at the intersection of technology and business, Jordan reflects on his journey from university to his current leadership role at Caylent, explaining why following instinct and staying open to opportunity can be more valuable than rigid career planning.

Jordan discusses the importance of building strong relationships, investing in personal development, and creating cultures that support long-term growth, especially in fast-changing business environments. He also highlights why hiring for cultural fit matters and how leaders can balance strategy with execution when expectations are high.

Drawing from his early career experiences, including his time at Traction on Demand and its acquisition by Salesforce, Jordan explains how an exploratory approach helped shape his path. He introduces the idea of delayed gratification, encouraging young professionals to focus on long-term development rather than short-term rewards.

Throughout the episode, Jordan emphasizes the role of company culture, the value of meaningful connections, and the impact of finding leaders who challenge you to grow. He reminds listeners that every organization has its own subcultures, and understanding them can play a major role in career success.

Overall, Jordan’s story is a reminder that careers are rarely linear. Success is driven not by job titles or company names, but by the experiences you gain, the relationships you build, and your willingness to adapt as opportunities arise.

Takeaways:

1. The journey of career exploration often involves making instinctual decisions rather than following a predetermined path.
2. Fostering relationships within an organization can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth in one's career.
3. Delayed gratification is a vital principle for younger generations to understand in their career development.
4. Building teams with the right cultural fit is paramount for creating a successful and cohesive work environment.
5. Leaders must act decisively when faced with underperformance or challenges within their teams to ensure continuous improvement.
6. Investing in oneself and prioritizing personal growth over immediate gains can yield long-term career benefits.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Traction on Demand
2. Salesforce
3. Caylent
4. Live Different

Books mentioned in this episode:

This episode features an insightful conversation with Precious Ile, Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Impact Plus Consulting. Her journey, which began with a scholarship to study in Canada, is a story of resilience, growth, and leadership development.

Growing up in Nigeria, Precious reflects on how her family and early experiences shaped her values, especially integrity and the importance of finding and using her voice in challenging situations. Her early experiences in public speaking and poetry became the foundation for the work she does today, helping leaders communicate clearly and build trust within their teams.

Throughout the discussion, Precious shares her perspective on authenticity in leadership, introducing the idea of adaptive authenticity. She explains how leaders can stay true to who they are while remaining aware of and responsive to their audience. At its core, she emphasizes that effective communication is not just about delivering a message, but about creating connection, inspiring engagement, and moving people toward meaningful action.

Takeaways:

1. Precious Ile's journey illustrates the significance of cultivating one's voice from an early age.
2. The importance of adaptive authenticity in leadership allows for effective communication with diverse audiences.
3. Engaging with stakeholders fosters a sense of community and collaboration within organizations.
4. Using one's voice as an act of stewardship can create meaningful impact in the lives of others.
5. Leaders must reframe self-promotion as promoting ideas, facilitating positive change in society.
6. The ability to connect through storytelling enhances empathy and inspires others to lead.

Today’s conversation highlights the role leadership plays in shaping the financial services industry through the lens of Izumi’s journey. Drawing from decades of experience, she shares how leading with authenticity and a strong sense of community creates space for growth, learning, and innovation.

Throughout the discussion, it becomes clear that strong leadership is rooted in aligning personal values with professional responsibility. Izumi reflects on how meaningful relationships are built over time and why mentorship matters just as much to the mentor as it does to the mentee.

At its core, this conversation is a reminder that leadership comes with a responsibility to support others, share knowledge, and help develop the next generation, leaving an impact that extends well beyond individual careers.

Takeaways:

• The financial services industry in Canada has been significantly influenced by leaders who prioritize community and authenticity, showcasing the importance of personal connections in business.
• Navigating a male-dominated industry can shape one's career trajectory, but support from mentors can create opportunities for success regardless of gender dynamics.
• Effective leadership is characterized by the ability to facilitate growth and remove barriers for team members, allowing for an environment where everyone can thrive.
• Cultivating relationships is essential in leadership; it is not merely about networking but forming genuine connections that can yield long-term benefits for all parties involved.
• The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership cannot be overstated, as it fosters an environment where individuals feel valued and are more likely to contribute positively.
• Legacy is built through consistent actions and genuine care for others, emphasizing the need for leaders to be present and engaged in their communities.

Today’s episode focuses on the vital role of leadership in the business world, featuring our guest Chris Reynolds. With over 30 years of experience, Chris has played a major part in shaping Canada’s wealth management industry, particularly through his leadership at the Investment Planning Council, the country’s largest independent wealth dealership.

In our conversation, we talk about what it takes to build and sustain strong, long-term relationships within professional teams, highlighting the importance of trust and a shared vision. Chris shares how great leadership comes from recognizing people’s strengths, creating accountability, and fostering a supportive culture.

As we dive deeper, you’ll hear practical insights that both aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced leaders can use to strengthen their teams, improve company culture, and deliver a better client experience.

Takeaways:

• Chris Reynolds emphasizes the importance of building relationships based on shared vision, which fosters team loyalty and longevity in the workplace.
• In leadership, it is essential to articulate clear expectations and allow competent team members the autonomy to execute their roles without micromanagement.
• The essence of effective client relations lies in identifying problems and providing solutions, rather than merely selling products or services.
• A focus on consistent and positive client experiences will ultimately cultivate trust and loyalty, which is vital for long-term success in any business.
• Reinforcing a culture of trust and accountability within a team can drive collective success and improve overall morale and productivity.
• The podcast illustrates the significance of simplifying processes to enhance the client experience, highlighting that less complexity often leads to greater satisfaction.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Investment Planning Council
• Canada Life
• Quadras

This podcast episode focuses on the insights William Johnson shared about the power of curiosity and genuine connection in building meaningful relationships within the tech community. During our conversation, Will talked about how growing up in a small town sparked his natural curiosity about people, helping him connect easily with those from all kinds of backgrounds. He highlighted how being truly interested in others turns every interaction into a chance to learn something new. Will also discussed finding the right balance between building community and driving sustainable business growth, emphasizing the importance of staying responsive to both members and partners. Overall, our discussion is a great reminder that curiosity and humility are key to strong leadership and community-building in today’s fast-changing tech world.

Takeaways:

• In every interaction, one can glean knowledge from others, regardless of their status.
• Maintaining openness to learning about people fosters meaningful connections and networking opportunities.
• Building a community requires collaboration and communication among diverse groups to ensure collective growth.
• The essence of effective leadership lies in promoting accountability and encouraging open dialogue among team members.

This podcast episode delves into the imperative of aligning one's team with a shared vision, emphasizing that a cohesive understanding of purpose is fundamental for fostering an effective and motivated workforce. We engage in profound discussions with esteemed founders, executives, and change makers, all of whom exemplify the principles of intentional leadership and cultural strength. Our dialogues are meticulously crafted to provide listeners with actionable insights that are essential for navigating the complexities of growth, particularly in fast-paced environments such as startups and the technology sector. We aspire to inspire, challenge, and equip our audience, ensuring that they are not merely passive observers but active participants in their leadership journeys. By tuning in, one can anticipate an enriching exploration of strategies and narratives that illuminate the essence of purposeful leadership.

This is the official trailer for The Eh List, a podcast spotlighting Canada’s top founders, executives, and innovators who are shaping the future of business and leadership. Each episode dives into the mindset, lessons, and stories behind how they build, scale, and lead with purpose.

Subscribe now and join the conversation on Canadian leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth

Takeaways:

• In order to cultivate an effective team, alignment around a shared purpose is imperative.
• The Eh List podcast endeavors to provide profound conversations that enhance leadership capabilities.
• Our discussions are designed to inspire, challenge, and empower individuals to lead with intention.
• Understanding the necessity of change is critical; complacency should not be an option in leadership.
• Engagement with visionary leaders offers invaluable insights into the complexities of organizational growth.
• The Eh List serves as a unique platform for exploring innovative strategies and authentic leadership narratives.

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