Steal From the Best

Katie Duarte - Founder of Action Potential Solutions - Expert on Feedback Dynamics and Organizational Psychology

Katie Duarte is the founder of Action Potential Solutions and is a leading expert on feedback dynamics and organizational psychology.  She's on a mission to revolutionize how feedback is handled in the workplace. Leveraging an MSc in Organizational Psychology, where she conducted her own research on feedback dynamics, and professional certifications in both training and development and organizational development.  Katie brings a fresh and insightful approach to critical organizational challenges.  Her work focuses on fostering greater connection and trust within teams, ultimately enhancing organizational effectiveness and success. In our conversation, Katie shares her unique journey, from working with wildlife in Australia to leading sales teams and how these experiences have shaped her understanding of what makes feedback truly effective.  She also dives deep into the complexities of feedback, the importance of trust and clarity, and why it's essential to view feedback as a two-way street.

Mark Brender - National Director of Partners in Health Canada - Global Health and Social Justice NGO Leader

Mark Brender is National Director of Partners in Health Canada, a global health and social justice NGO relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized.  Starting from a one-room clinic in Haiti more than 30 years ago, Partners in Health today serves millions of patients each year across 11 countries, working to deliver high quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train service providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change.  Mark opened the PIH Canada office in 2011 and is passionate about raising awareness and funds for this effort, and empowering Canadians to join the movement for global health equity.  He previously held leadership positions with national and international charitable organizations.  Prior to his career in the non-profit sector, he spent more than a decade as an award-winning hockey journalist, writing about those who practice a different kind of justice. We discuss how Mark left his previous career and lifestyle behind to enter the world of NGOs.  Mark talks about the transition and how it filled his life with more purpose.  You'll be inspired by the numerous success stories shared by Mark.

Joey Greany - Tampa Bay Rays Strength and Conditioning Coach - Fitness Guru training elite MLB baseball players

Coach Joey Greany has over two decades of experience working with elite professional athletes.  He's currently one of the Major League Strength and Conditioning Coaches with the Tampa Bay Rays where he's been for almost 7 years.  Outside of the Rays, he provides performance coaching for athletes and teams, executive fitness coaching, and corporate fitness consulting services.  With the Tampa Bay Rays, he trains the elite of the elite MLB baseball players.   When it comes to strength and conditioning coaching, Joey is as good as it gets.  We talk about the importance of having a strong mindset and remaining focused.  In order to get the best results from those that he's coaching, he develops personal relationships and builds trust.  It's a necessary step in the quest to achieve peak performance.  Joey offers some workout advice for those who aren't professional athletes and stresses the importance of getting a good night's sleep and staying hydrated.

Tim Bakker - Former Professional Football Player - Group Benefits Expert - Equity Partner Lloyd Sadd

Tim Bakker, a former professional football player discusses his transition from a competitive athletic career to the corporate world.  The Discussion touches on the specialization of sports in youth, the challenges of balancing multiple sports, the pressure on young athletes, the CFL draft experience, the business aspect of professional sports, and the adjustment period from Canadian collegiate to professional football. Tim discusses the lessons learned from football and how they have helped him in the corporate world.  He emphasizes the importance of honesty, constantly seeking new wins, learning from failures, and being accountable.  He also mentions the mental aspect of football and the ability to quickly adapt and make decisions on the field.  He shares his journey from working at RBC to becoming an equity partner at Lloyd Sadd.   "Always be the hammer, not the nail." - Tim Bakker

Raymond Rattey - Co-Founder of Podcast Connection, A Leading Global Podcast Guest Booking Agency

Raymond, a multi-talented individual, embraces the roles of an entrepreneur, musician, and co-founder of Podcast Connection.  When the COVID pandemic led to the indefinite suspension of live music shows, Raymond faced the necessity to shift away from the music entertainment industry. Undeterred by his lack of prior experience and capital, he embarked on a bootstrapped journey to establish a company from scratch.  Through his relentless efforts, Podcast Connection not only achieved profitability each year but also created employment opportunities for numerous South Africans.   This enabled Raymond to overcome the burden of personal debt amounting to $35k within a year.  Since inception, Podcast Connection has served close to 100 clients and Raymond and his team of agents have successfully booked a number of guest speakers on over 900 podcasts.   Raymond offers some candid advice to podcast guests on what it takes to be successful and we also dive a bit into politics discussing the current landscape in South Africa.