Behind the Business

Building Canada’s Manufacturing Advantage with Aaron Toplician

On this episode of Behind the Business, Ian is joined by Aaron Toplician from Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC). Aaron is the Manufacturing Consortium Manager for Southern Ontario. Aaron brings more than a decade of experience working across advanced robotics, software, AI, and cybersecurity, and now works directly with manufacturers across Southern Ontario to help them navigate growth, workforce pressures, technology adoption, competitiveness, and long-term resilience. In this conversation, they talk about Aaron’s own career journey into manufacturing and technology, what he’s hearing from manufacturers right now, where the sector is headed, and why partnerships and collaboration are becoming more important than ever. They also dive into the new partnership between EMC and the Greater KW Chamber around this year’s Manufacturing Summit, and what that means for manufacturers across Waterloo Region, Guelph, Cambridge, and the broader Innovation Corridor. Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Where Smart Leaders Find Profit in Plain Sight with Kevin L.

On this episode of Behind the Business, Ian is joined by Kevin Litwiller, Strategic Partner with Schooley Mitchell, the largest independent cost reduction consulting firm in North America. Kevin brings decades of experience as a senior leader, entrepreneur, and investor, with a deep understanding of what it really takes to run and grow a business. In his work, Kevin helps organizations uncover hidden inefficiencies in essential business services, with a focus on delivering objective, data-driven insights that support stronger margins and better long-term decision-making. Beyond his advisory work, Kevin is also actively engaged in the Waterloo Region business community, including his role as Chair of Kitchener-Waterloo Business Connections, and his involvement in peer-driven entrepreneurial circles. In this conversation, they explore Kevin’s entrepreneurial journey, what he’s learned from decades of building and advising businesses, and how leaders can think differently about cost, growth, and resilience in today’s economy. Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Pierre Cléroux: Decoding Canada’s Economic Future for Business Leaders

On this episode of Behind the Business, Ian is joined by one of Canada’s leading economic voices, Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC. With more than 25 years of experience shaping economic policy, advising governments, and analyzing business trends across Canada and globally, Pierre brings a unique perspective on what’s really driving success, and risk, for today’s entrepreneurs. In this episode, they go beyond the headlines to unpack the current economic climate, what it means for Canadian businesses, and how leaders can make smarter, more strategic decisions in an increasingly complex environment. They also explore Pierre’s own career journey from public policy to global advisory roles, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. If you’re a business owner, executive, or emerging leader looking to stay ahead of the curve, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Leading Across Borders with Tomoko King: Turning Cultural Differences into Strategic Advantage

Tomoko King is a Japan–Canada business advisor who helps organizations navigate the real challenges that come with cross-border partnerships. Things like misaligned expectations, different decision-making styles, and communication gaps that can quietly slow down progress or strain relationships. Tomoko brings a unique lens to her work. She was born in Canada, raised in Japan, and spent over 15 years working with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, where she built a foundation in operational excellence and strategy execution. Since then, she’s worked across sectors, including healthcare, municipal government, non-profits, and higher education. Ian and Tomoko discuss what it really takes to build effective global partnerships, how leaders can bridge cultural differences without losing momentum, and why alignment is the key to execution. Go “Behind the Business” with Tomoko King.  Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Reimagining Oktoberfest for a New Generation with Oktoberfest Ambassador, André Killingbeck

André Killingbeck is the 2025–26 Ambassador for Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, and the first male Ambassador in the program’s history. At just 24 years old, André brings a unique blend of healthcare experience, community leadership, and cultural pride to this one-of-a-kind role. By day, he works as a Care Access Coordinator at CBI Home Health. By night, and often on weekends, he’s representing one of the largest Bavarian festivals outside of Germany. Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.