Inspired Insider With Dr. Jeremy Weisz | Ecommerce Interviews | Entrepreneurship | Inspirational Stories | Business Lessons

Dennis Yu is the Founder and CEO of BlitzMetrics, a digital marketing company that partners with schools to train young adults through courses, implementation, and consulting. From his insights managing campaigns for enterprise clients like The Golden State Warriors, Nike, and Rosetta Stone, he helps people grow their expertise in digital marketing. Dennis is an internationally recognized lecturer featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, LA Times, National Public Radio, TechCrunch, Fox News, CNN, CBS Evening News, and many more. Dennis is also the CTO at ChiroRevenue and a contributor at Adweek, Social Media Examiner, Social Media Club, Tweak Your Biz, 3Q/DEPT, and Business 2 Community. He previously served as a technical marketer at Yahoo, where he built its analytics as an early search engineer. He is also the Host of The Coach Yu Show, interviewing experts to extract their know-how for the community to follow. In this episode… In today's business landscape, digital marketing has become an i

Mark Emond is the Founder and CEO of Demand Spring, an integrated revenue marketing consultancy working with B2B marketers in building and implementing the marketing strategies and technology stacks that drive transformation and top-line results. The firm works with organizations ranging from high-growth Series C companies to Fortune 500 organizations. Before founding Demand Spring, Mark spent 15 years in marketing leadership roles at IBM, Cognos, Watchfire, and Corel. He also serves and supports the development of young people as the VP of Competitive, Player and Coach Development with West Ottawa Basketball, the Head Coach for the Capital Region's female team at the Ontario Summer Games, and the Head Coach of the U16 Girls West Ottawa team. In this episode… Marketing is the backbone of any successful business, but it's not always easy to get it right. So, where can you get the partner you need to take your marketing to the next level?  According to industry expert Mark Emond, understanding your customer's b

Nicky Senyard is the Founder and CEO of Fintel Connect, a leading performance marketing technology company dedicated to driving growth and innovation in the financial services industry. She has long been an influencer and leader within the affiliate space, contributing to the growth and advancement of Fintel Connect's clients and partners. With over 20 years of experience in performance marketing, Nicky has been a pioneer and entrepreneur, having built and sold the first SaaS marketing tech company in 2016. Her journey began in public relations and marketing and has since evolved, encompassing a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing approach, including social media and influencer marketing. In this episode… In today's fast-paced digital world, performance marketing has become an essential tool for fintech and banking companies looking to grow and stay ahead of the competition. By leveraging data-driven strategies and innovative technologies, performance marketing experts can help companies optimize their mar

Michael Korn is the Founder and Inventor of KwickScreen, a company specializing in healthcare furniture and interiors. KwickScreen has revolutionized the concept of hospital dividers by introducing a hygienic, portable, and sustainable alternative to disposable curtains to create private and safe spaces for patients in various healthcare settings. Under Michael's leadership, KwickScreen has emerged as a pioneering solution, supplying over 250 hospitals across 15 countries. In addition to his role at KwickScreen, Michael is the Founder of Neurodiverse Works, a consultancy and technology firm dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. In this episode… How does one entrepreneur's journey in healthcare innovation intersect with a deep commitment to neurodiversity? Can the challenges of designing hospital spaces inspire a broader conversation about inclusive workplaces? Michael Korn, an accomplished inventor and entrepreneur, emphasizes that the key to success lies in understanding and ad

Josh Rosen is the President of Hotspex Media, a digital advertising agency ranked the #1 Media Buying and Planning Agency on Clutch. He oversees a team of VPs and Directors focused on ad operations, revenue operations, product, and customer success. With an ever-evolving digital ecosystem and changing client demands, Josh played a pivotal role in developing a unique product offering, Reticle AI, designed to be a self-serve tool for media planning and buying teams. He previously served as the President of Wave Digital Media, an independent trading desk for real-time digital media buys that was acquired by Hotspex. In this episode… The business world is more competitive than ever, and staying ahead of the curve requires a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. Unfortunately, many brands don't have the expertise to navigate the complexities of the digital ecosystem effectively. That's where a digital marketing agency comes in. With a dedicated team of experts to help with media planning and buying, businesses

Greg Alexander is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Capital 54, where he decides which entrepreneurs to bet on and which firms to invest in. He supports entrepreneurs by helping them scale and exit their firms, and he does so by sharing how he scaled and exited his own. Before opening Capital 54, Greg had two careers spanning 25 years. He co-founded professional service firm Sales Benchmark Index and served as CEO for 11 years. After scaling the firm, he successfully exited in 2017 by selling his interest. Before SBI, Greg was an executive at EMC Corporation, a leader in the data storage industry. He is the author of The Boutique: How To Start, Scale, And Sell A Professional Services Firm, among other books. Greg is also the Founder of Collective 54 and a Young Presidents’ Organization member. In this episode… Entrepreneurs aspire to build businesses they can sell for a profit in the long run. However, starting and scaling a profitable business can be a daunting task. In this regard, learning from e

Philippe LeBlanc is Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Funday Agency, a full-service branding and advertising agency. Built of industry veterans and entrepreneurs, the agency believes there’s always fun to be had solving brand problems. Before Funday, Philippe was Co-founder and CEO of Flixel, a Toronto-based startup with creative tools for visual storytelling. The software enables photographers, videographers, and digital marketers to tell mesmerizing stories using a unique visual medium known as cinemagraphs, which blends photo and video. In this episode… It's no secret that storytelling is a powerful tool in business and entrepreneurship. Telling a compelling story can captivate an audience and leave a lasting impression. Whether it's a brand story, a personal journey, or a product pitch, communicating effectively through storytelling can make all the difference in achieving success. Serial entrepreneur Philippe LeBlanc says that stories have the power to create an emotional connection with people. Th

Cameron Heffernan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Your B2B Marketing, a globally focused strategic marketing agency. With a rich background as a serial entrepreneur, Cameron's career spans three continents, reflecting a diverse and expansive professional journey. He is recognized for launching a seven-figure marketing agency that caters to a wide range of clients across the globe. His expertise lies in helping companies articulate their value proposition effectively, supporting their growth, and assisting them in entering new markets. In this episode… Leveraging the expertise and nuances of local markets can be a game-changer in global business growth. But how exactly does one tap into their wealth of localized knowledge to expand successfully on an international scale? According to Cameron Heffernan, a seasoned global entrepreneur, the key lies in understanding and adapting to the unique cultural and business landscapes of each market. Businesses can significantly enhance their global reach and effectivene

Joe Sugarman was the CEO of JS&A Group, Inc. and a renowned bestselling author. He was a luminary in the field of direct response marketing and copywriting. His innovative approaches and successful marketing strategies are showcased in his notable books, including Triggers, Success Forces, and The Adweek Copywriting Handbook.  He rose to fame with the creation of BluBlocker Sunglasses, which have sold over 20 million pairs. Joe was also recognized for pioneering the now-common practice of accepting credit card payments over toll-free telephone numbers. In this episode… Are you ready to unlock the secrets of direct response marketing from one of the industry's most legendary figures? In this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy Weisz sits down with Joe Sugarman to explore his remarkable career and the invaluable lessons gleaned from his triumphs and missteps. How did a former military intelligence double agent during the Cold War become a pioneer in compelling communication and marketing strategy? Listeners

Judy Lewis is Co-founder and Partner of Strategic Objectives, Canada’s most award-winning public relations and marketing communications agency. She is an accomplished public relations and marketing strategist driven by insights, experience, and endless imagination. Judy provides senior counsel to numerous prominent brands worldwide while contributing to various social causes. Her work has helped to prevent violence against women, enact protective legislation to combat sex trafficking, mobilize communities to reduce childhood hunger, and promote social justice and positive change. In this episode… In recent years, many customers have come to crave more than just a product or service. They want a story, a connection, and a reason to believe — this is where the power of storytelling comes in. Brands that effectively tell their story can build a loyal following, increase brand awareness, and drive sales. According to PR expert Judy Lewis, crafting a compelling brand story is easier said than done. It requires a d

Joe Gagliese is Co-founder and Co-CEO of Viral Nation, a global digital media innovation group powering the social ecosystem through integrated solutions that align strategy, talent, media, and technology. He is a renowned expert in influencer marketing and social technologies, with his insights cited in major publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED, CNBC, Vox, Business Insider, Forbes, and Inc. Joe’s dedication to inspiring and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs has led him to teach marketing courses at academic institutions across North America. Mat Micheli is Co-founder and Co-CEO of Viral Nation, which works with tens of thousands of influencers across the social landscape and fuels growth for the world's leading brands, including Anheuser-Busch, The Coca-Cola Company, Hasbro, Meta, Oculus, Tencent, and Uber. He oversees the company’s global operations, finance, and technology functions, establishing himself as an authority on athlete influencer marketing and social techno

Tom Shepansky is the Co-founder of Rethink Communications, a well-established, full-service creative ideas agency that operates across various locations, including New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. The agency caters to a diverse clientele and provides comprehensive 360° campaigns, digital solutions, design, production, public relations, and strategic services. Tom serves as a trustee and oversees the business operations at Rethink. Before Rethink, he held a prominent position as the VP Director of Client Services at DDB Canada, a renowned advertising agency. In this episode… Marketing plays a pivotal role in the growth of any business. However, executing successful advertising campaigns as an entrepreneur can be challenging. So, where can they get the desired support to help them thrive in this space?  Experienced entrepreneur Tom Shepansky says that entrepreneurs must prioritize marketing to stay ahead of competitors — offering great products or services is no longer sufficient to guarantee success

Katie Dunsworth-Reiach is Co-founder and Partner of Talk Shop Media, a full-service integrated communications agency with expertise in public relations, social media, digital marketing, influencer relations, branding, and creative execution. She is also Co-founder of Smart Cookies, a personal finance brand featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Today, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal, which has attracted global partnerships with the likes of American Express and Procter & Gamble. As a serial entrepreneur, Katie is Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of If Communications, a full-service communication agency providing strategy, branding, advertising, design, packaging, and digital ideas. She has co-hosted a W Network series, co-authored two best-sellers with Random House, and contributed regularly to CTV and Global News. In this episode… In today's highly competitive digital world, building and growing a successful brand requires diverse skills, including public relations, social media management, digital ma

Brent Wardrop is the Founder of Elemental, an independent full-service creative advertising and marketing agency based in Toronto. Elemental positions itself as a partner in growth, assisting clients in engaging their audiences and driving business results. Under Brent's leadership, the agency has had the privilege to serve notable brands such as Dyson, Scotiabank, Allergan, Shred-it, and Honeywell. His journey to entrepreneurship is unique, having transitioned from his earlier career as a professional musician.  In this episode… Is there a secret to creating marketing campaigns that not only drive engagement, but also foster a deep sense of connection and brand love? According to Brent Wardrop, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in brand engagement, the secret lies in crafting campaigns around a simple yet powerful core idea. This approach, which fosters a sense of unity and shared ownership, can inspire a level of loyalty and connection that extends far beyond conventional consumer interactions. In this epi

Thomas Magny is the Partner and VP of Creation at Camden, a creative ad agency in Montreal, Toronto, Lyon, and Hong Kong for brands with drive. Camden has over 120 active B2C, B2B, and government clients across many different fields. Since joining the agency in 2019, Thomas has played an instrumental role in building Camden’s reputation in Toronto and winning clients across Canada. He previously served as Associate Creative Director at Felt Studio, a Montreal-based creative studio. He comes from the fashion and branding world, having built Bonvilain, an online clothing line that brought together innovative organic fabrics and a meticulous approach to detail.   In this episode… Scaling a business in today's world requires a lot of creativity. However, not many brands have the creativity expertise in-house to help them thrive. So, what can you do to help your business grow?  According to Thomas Magny, partnering with a creative agency is fundamental. They are professionals who can help you with services like br

Tony Lyons is the Owner, President, and Chief Creative Officer of Alphabet, an advertising, design, and new media creative consultancy. Under his leadership, Alphabet has undertaken major brand re-development projects, creative strategies, and content marketing programs for numerous clients from diverse sectors, including tourism and healthcare.  Tony boasts a career spanning over 30 years in the marketing and advertising industry. He began his career in Ireland, where he held senior designer positions at design and advertising studios such as Young & Rubicam. Tony has presented at various industry conferences, including the Professional Development Institute, the University of Ottawa, and the Government of Canada Public Services and Procurement Canada communications department. In this episode… In today's highly competitive business landscape, advertising has become crucial for any brand's success. It helps increase brand visibility, build brand awareness, and drive sales and revenue. However, creating c

Justin Frenette is the Co-founder and CEO of Him & Her, a creative marketing agency that caters to forward-thinking clients. The agency boasts a team of experienced designers, developers, marketing specialists, project managers, and more who collectively provide end-to-end creative and marketing services to businesses that are dissatisfied with the status quo.  As a software engineer, Justin possesses the requisite knowledge and skills to design and develop computer software, software design methodologies, and concepts such as microprocessors, embedded software, process control, relational databases, internet development, and computer security development. Before Him & Her, he served as a business application developer at Magnet Forensics and a software tool developer at BlackBerry. In this episode… Running a business can be a daunting task. From managing operations to strategizing marketing campaigns, the demands are endless. So, what needs to happen to achieve success?  Justin Frenette, an experienc

Thomas Le Maguer is the Co-founder and CEO of Republix, a growth marketing agency that helps marketers attain a fearless attitude and enhance their ability to drive and accelerate growth. Republix seamlessly handles business growth needs through numerous disciplines supported by well-educated people and robust technology platforms.  Thomas has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, working in various sales and management positions. Additionally, he has co-founded other companies and serves in executive roles at Consolidated Capital Corporation, eRational Marketing, Integrity Distributed Software Solutions, and Vequitas Capital Corporation. Previously, he was the Vice President of Sales and Inside Sales Manager at ONE Financial, where they successfully increased sales by 127%. In this episode… Starting and running a business is one of the most challenging things you can do, but growing it is even more difficult. While there are many ways to expand your business, acquisition remains one of the m

Morgan Tierney is the Executive Creative Director of Rethink, a full-service creative ideas agency with offices in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. Rethink provides 360° campaigns, strategy, design, digital, production, and public relations to the world’s biggest brands. Before Rethink, Morgan served as a Legal Secretary for the BC Ministry of Attorney General. She has a BA in psychology from The University of Columbia and learned advertising copywriting at Humber College. In this episode… In today's highly competitive business landscape, having great products or services alone does not ensure a company's success. Prioritizing marketing to stay ahead of competitors is essential for entrepreneurs. However, running a successful ad campaign requires a set of skills that many entrepreneurs may not possess. Marketing plays a pivotal role in the growth of any business. It involves creating and disseminating compelling advertisements across various media channels to raise brand awareness among your target

Devon MacDonald is the President of Cairns Oneil, a full-service media agency specializing in strategy, insights, media planning, media buying, and analytics. As a seasoned leader, strategist, and marketer, he is passionate about helping clients achieve their business goals and reach their audiences. Devon has a background in technology, creativity, and media, which gives him a multi-faceted and builder's mindset to problem-solving. Before Cairns Oneil, he was the CEO of Mindshare Canada, one of the largest global media networks, where he led the Canadian operations and built a culture of trust, provocation, and inclusivity. In this episode… As an entrepreneur, managing a business at the top level alone can be an arduous task. In such a scenario, bringing in experienced executives, such as a president, can significantly enhance the operations of the company. However, hiring an executive team as a founder is easier said than done. Most founders are reluctant to relinquish control of their companies, fearing th