An award-winning monthly podcast with a focus on helping Canadian entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the ever-changing business landscape. The podcast delivers interviews with business leaders and industry experts offering advice and commentary on current events and business trends, with a focus on informing and educating Canadian businesses.
…
continue reading
Leading business owners, startup founders, & venture capitalists share strategies & tools for success on our Podcast. Presented by XKOVA - making crypto easy for everyone. Try out our public beta at beta.xkova.com.
…
continue reading
Hear conversations covering the full spectrum of today's global financial services industry with industry leaders including payments, fintech, retail banking, and beyond. Get insight from peers who are tackling top-of-mind business challenges to lead their companies’ growth and transformation.
…
continue reading
Welcome to “The Payments Guy” — your ultimate guide to navigating the convoluted world of payments. Have you ever felt confused when reviewing your merchant account statement, understanding the role of payment gateways and processors, or dealing with customer disputes and chargebacks? You’re not alone! Each episode, we’re here to demystify the complex world of payments, bringing you top insights from industry experts and sharing real life payment horror stories that will help you make better ...
…
continue reading
(Fin)tech uncensored! We ask tech leaders the questions you always wanted to ask – not shying away from the tough issues and taboos. Issuer processor Enfuce’s Co-Founder and Co-CEO Denise Johansson puts industry leaders in the hot seat, for the hot topics on everyone’s minds from how not to F#ck up compliance, make ESG actually matter, real talk on being a female founder, and more. Expect the unexpected alongside Denise’s trademark candor and wit.
…
continue reading
MoneyMinder has been supporting volunteer-run nonprofit treasurers for nearly two decades. Cyndi helps treasurers navigate this territory as a lifetime volunteer herself. Whether you are new to your role or a seasoned veteran, these tips might just help make your volunteer experience easier.
…
continue reading
A podcast for developers interested in building great software products. Every episode, Adam Wathan is joined by a guest to talk about everything from product design and user experience to unit testing and system administration.
…
continue reading
Every other week The And She Looked Up Podcast sits down with inspiring Canadian women who create for a living. We talk about their creative journeys and their best business tips, as well as the creative and business mindset issues all creative entrepreneurs struggle with. This podcast is for Canadian artists, makers and creators who want to find a way to make a living doing what they love. Your host, Melissa Hartfiel, left a 20 year career in corporate retail and has been happily self-emplo ...
…
continue reading
Apple news, commentary, and analysis in short, digestible episodes. Join host John Sherrod as he breaks down the latest information about the Mac, iPhone, Apple TV, etc. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yourappleupdate/support
…
continue reading
Dr. Daniel Atkins, PsyD is a Channeler, Intuitive, and Pleiadian starseed. He bridges Western and Spiritual approaches to trauma healing and expansion by interviewing people across these landscapes to integrate seemingly disparate lineages of knowing and healing, and to find common language uniting us all. He also shares channeled messages and aspects of his own healing journey along the way. Topics include mind body connection, mediumship, astrology, energy medicine, shamanism, intuitive gu ...
…
continue reading
Welcome to The Swypit Show, where we take a hands-on approach with our clients AND their businesses. Starring the Founder and Owner of Swypit, Kevin Hodes, our show highlights the credit card processing industry and how you can win by utilizing a proven company, bringing over 20 years of industry experience, like Swypit! Kevin brings honesty and integrity to what he considers, the "slimy world of credit card processing." A former chef aboard luxury yachts, his craft brought him into contact ...
…
continue reading

1
The Winning Perspective for Business from an Olympic Perspective
34:11
34:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:11From podiums to businesses. Elite sports and high-performing businesses operate under the same unforgiving principles: driving performance requires inspired leadership, clear goals, strict planning, good team dynamics and a healthy serving of resilience. The question isn’t if you need all this but whether or not you have what it takes to implement …
…
continue reading

1
Talking with the founder of Featurespace, David Excell
21:58
21:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:58The fraud and financial-crime prevention company’s machine-learning approach uses adaptive behavioral analytics to identify and root out improper payments. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy informationBy McKinsey & Company
…
continue reading

1
With Fortitude — Tackling SDG 16 with Passion and Purpose
40:39
40:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:39Waiting for regulation is boring, you don’t need permission to shake up the world! Marja Innanen, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Finland, Monika Liikama, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Enfuce, and Juspal Manic, CRO at Featurespace, sit in the hot seat for a provocative discussion on UN Sustainable Development Goal 16's overlooked challen…
…
continue reading

1
Chief Economist Douglas Porter Discusses Canadian Economy: Trade War, Inflation, and Economic Outlook
23:08
23:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:08Al welcomes Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at the Bank of Montreal, to the podcast to discuss Canada’s current economic landscape. They delve into topics such as Canada's economic performance in the first quarter of 2025 and the effects of trade wars with the U.S. on Canadian businesses and consumers. Porter shares valuable advice for small busine…
…
continue reading

1
Blockchain Revolutionizing Loyalty Programs | Disgo
33:21
33:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:21Get Disgo: https://www.disgoapp.io/ TRY XKOVA'S PUBLIC BETA: https://beta.xkova.com In this episode of the Business Pulse Podcast, host Candice Jarrett, co-founder of XKOVA, interviews Lynette Ban, the founder of Disgo, a revolutionary app that enhances social recommendations for bars and restaurants. Lynette shares her journey from a hospita…
…
continue reading

1
The Fastest Way to Get Approved for a Merchant Account – What Underwriters Look For
18:23
18:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:23Ever feel like your merchant account application disappeared into a black hole? On today’s episode of The Payment Guy, Frank pulls back the curtain on what’s really going on behind the scenes during underwriting. What are banks actually looking for, and how can you position your business to get approved faster with less friction? In this episode, t…
…
continue reading

1
Payment Processing Terms Every Business Owner Should Know
19:40
19:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:40Do you ever feel like you need a dictionary to read your merchant account statement? Are hidden fees, confusing charges, or shady contract terms making you second-guess your payment processor? In this episode, Frank breaks down the most essential payment processing terms every business owner should understand. From interchange fees to PCI complianc…
…
continue reading
One of the key challenges finance departments face is connecting the various bits of data generated when money moves into or out of the business. This is especially true for small and midsize businesses. Although a profusion of digital payments providers has cropped up to help such companies, many systems generating data from money movement don’t t…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 11: Beyond Stripe, Square, and PayPal: Finding the Right Payment Processor for Your Business
19:00
19:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:00Did you know that some businesses are considered "high risk" by payment processors, making them more likely to face sudden account shutdowns and frozen funds? In this episode of The Payment Guy, Frank shares why certain industries are labeled high-risk, the pitfalls of popular payment processors like Stripe and PayPal, and the steps you can take to…
…
continue reading

1
What Are the Biggest Challenges Faced by Restaurants in Canada Today?
35:51
35:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:51Rising costs, labour shortages, sustainability, and yes, tariffs, these are just a few of the challenges facing the food service industry in Canada. What is being done about it? Al sits down with Max Roy, VP of Federal and Quebec at Restaurants Canada to talk about it. Also, we all know how important trust is in business, but how do you measure tru…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 10: Keep Your Merchant Bank Happy: Tips to Avoid Terminations and Holds
16:12
16:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:12Imagine waking up to find your business unable to process payments, your merchant account frozen, your funds held indefinitely. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you’d think. In today’s episode of The Payment Guy, Frank breaks down the key reasons why merchant accounts get flagged, frozen, or even terminated, and more importantly, how to …
…
continue reading

1
Talking with Johan Tjärnberg, Group CEO of Trustly: Breaking barriers
23:14
23:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:14In the payments industry, open banking and account-to-account payments have faced slower adoption in certain markets as they compete with card-based and peer-to-peer systems. In this episode McKinsey payments sector leader Roshan Varadarajan speaks with Johan Tjärnberg, the Group CEO of the open banking and account-to-account company, Trustly, abou…
…
continue reading

1
How Are Canadian Grocers Responding To The Tariff Threats And The Growing ‘Buy Canadian’ Movement?
30:58
30:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:58It’s March, and the #1 topic on the minds of most Canadians is tariffs. How will this affect purchasing decisions moving forward? Al welcomes Gary Sands, Senior VP @ Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) to the podcast. They talk about how independent Canadian grocers are already preparing for the imminent tariffs and what this could me…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 9: PCI Compliance Explained: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
14:25
14:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:25Did you know that failing to achieve PCI compliance can not only lead to costly fines but also erode customer trust? In this episode, we break down PCI compliance in simple, empowering terms. Discover what PCI compliance is, why it matters, and how you can protect your business from unnecessary fees, data breaches, and reputational damage. In this …
…
continue reading

1
EP182: Building a Resilient Creative Business Through Trade Wars and Chaos
56:40
56:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:40Recording this week's episode felt like a moving target! I recorded it on Feb 8th and the news moves so fast that it was hard to keep up. I'm sure you'll notice a few things in here that have since changed. Having said that, this week's episode was born out of the launch of a trade war Canadians didn't ask for. The threats of tariffs and, frankly, …
…
continue reading
In this episode of Talking Banking Matters, McKinsey payments sector expert Roshan Varadarajan speaks with one of the entrepreneurial technologists who seek to solve multiple industry challenges including those of legacy payments technology systems, Zeta cofounder and CEO Bhavin Turakhia. Zeta offers a broad array of technology, with a view to offe…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 8: Reserves Demystified: Why Banks Hold Your Money and How to Get Better Terms
20:03
20:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:03Did you know that merchant reserves can significantly impact your cash flow and payment processing experience? In this episode, we dive into the world of reserves—what they are, the different types, and why banks may require them for your merchant account. We also share effective strategies to improve your reserve terms, even if you're operating in…
…
continue reading

1
Was The Tax Holiday In Canada Worth It For Canadian Businesses?
8:46
8:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:46This month, Al welcomes back Sean McCormick, VP Business Development at Moneris Data Services to talk about consumer spending data in the first half of the tax holiday in Canada. Was it worth it for Canadians? Obviously every bit of savings helps. But what about Canadian Businesses? Did it change anyone’s shopping behaviour? Listen now to find out.…
…
continue reading

1
EP181: Creative Canadian: Author Susan Wadds Builds Safe Creative Communities
1:06:43
1:06:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:43Winner of the 2024 Canadian Book Club Awards for fiction, Susan Wadds, author of "What the Living Do", shares her inspiring journey from aspiring poet to published novelist. But we also discuss the power of community and connection in the creative process. Susan fosters safe communities for other creatives through her workshops and retreats while a…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 7: Merchant Account Fees Uncovered: What Your Payment Processor Doesn’t Want You to Know
25:39
25:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:39Did you know that navigating the world of merchant fees can be complex, with various charges impacting your bottom line? In this episode, we break down the key fees associated with payment processing, including the merchant discount rate, chargeback fees, and refund fees. We also discuss essential contract terms like service fees and early terminat…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating the AI Wild West: A regulatory and payments-focused deep dive
26:14
26:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:14Wild West or world of opportunity for fintechs? Charles Kerrigan, Partner at CMS London, and Matt Williamson, SVP at Endava jump into the hot seat. Listen in for insights on what the most recent AI revolutions might mean for fintechs, the types of regulations being put forward, the impacts of horizontal versus vertical regulation, why GenAI is an e…
…
continue reading

1
What Was The Busiest Shopping Day This Past Holiday Season?
10:02
10:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:02In the first episode of 2025, Allan welcomes back Sean McCormick, VP of Business Development at Moneris' Data Services, to discuss holiday spending trends from 2024 and their implications for 2025. They touch on the significance of Black Friday sales, regional differences in consumer spending, and predictions for economic recovery. Subscribe now! I…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 6: Stripe, Square, PayPal – The Good, the Bad, and the Better Alternatives
9:32
9:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:32Did you know that Stripe, Square, and PayPal are popular payment solutions, but they might not be the best fit for every business? In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of these household names in the finance world. Join us as we discuss whether these platforms are the ideal solution for your business, exploring their benefits and potenti…
…
continue reading
In this conversation, Dr. Kevin LaGrandeur of the discusses the multifaceted implications of AI, focusing on its ethical considerations, impact on employment, and the necessity for diverse cultural perspectives in AI ethics. He emphasizes the importance of education and corporate responsibility in navigating the challenges posed by AI, while also e…
…
continue reading

1
EP180: Looking Back at 2024 and Ahead to 2025 in Our Creative Businesses
1:06:46
1:06:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:46As we close out 2024, Heather and Melissa reflect on the ups and downs of the past year and look ahead to what's coming in 2025. This episode highlights the core theme of finding joy amid challenges as we close out one year and being another. Here's a quick recap of what we get into! • Recap of 2024 and its unexpected challenges • Importance of joy…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 5: Inside the ISO: How Payment Consultants Help Merchants Succeed
49:13
49:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:13Did you know that working with a payment consultant can significantly enhance your ability to navigate bank relationships and maintain your payment processing capabilities? In this episode, join Jason Selby, payments consultant and founder of Runaway Payments, as he discusses how partnering with a consultant can help merchants thrive in the complex…
…
continue reading

1
Payment Processors: Base your selection on more than just the interest rate & fees
3:04
3:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:04Connecting your group to a payment processor, like Square, Stripe, and others, can be a long-term relationship, so you must do your due diligence when deciding which one to choose. This episode will give you other data points to look for beyond just interest rates and fees. MoneyMinder has been supporting volunteer-run nonprofit treasurers for two …
…
continue reading

1
EP179 Creative Canadian Women: Kim Fahner - Poet, Author and Community Builder
56:06
56:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:06Award winning poet and writer Kim Fahner joins the show this week to share her creative journey and discuss the importance of forming a community of our peers. Forging nurturing and supportive connections with other creatives in a country as vast, and empty, as Canada can feel like a huge challenge - particularly for those in smaller or rural commu…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 4: Chargebacks Got You Down? How to Fight and Prevent Them
15:17
15:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:17Did you know that too many chargebacks could lead to higher processing fees or even losing your ability to accept payments? In this episode, join Frank as he dives into a challenge that just about every merchant faces at one point or another—chargebacks. You'll learn about the seriousness of chargebacks, especially for high-risk businesses, and how…
…
continue reading
Embedded finance is one of the fastest-growing areas of financial services and e-commerce globally, yet it is still a nascent concept. In this episode McKinsey payments sector leader Roshan Varadarajan speaks with Pedro Silva, CEO and cofounder of the embedded-finance platform company Alviere about this growing field. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-p…
…
continue reading

1
How Ronald McDonald House Is Helping Canadian Families Heal
23:50
23:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:50In this episode, Kate Horton, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada (RMHC), pays Al a visit to discuss the organization's mission to support families with critically ill children. She shares insights into the history and impact of RMHC, including the challenges faced by families and their need for support. Kate also highlights…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Business Pulse podcast, host Candice Jarrett interviews Swire Ho, Director of Sales and Marketing and founder of Geruda Promo and Branding Solutions. They discuss Swire's journey in founding his business, the importance of identifying a target audience, and strategies for building effective customer retention programs. Swire …
…
continue reading

1
Pro-Tips for Creating a Winning Pitch Deck
29:09
29:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:09In this episode of the Business Pulse podcast, host Candice Jarrett (co-founder of XKOVA) speaks with pitch deck designer Sergio Yankovenko, who shares insights from his extensive experience in creating successful pitch decks. They discuss the evolution of design trends, common mistakes startups make, and the essential components of a winning pitch…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 3: Who’s Who in Payments? A 101 Guide to the Players and Processes
16:45
16:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:45Did you know that every time a customer swipes their card, there are up to six different players working behind the scenes to ensure the payment goes through? In this episode, join Frank as he unpacks the complex world of payment processing by shedding light on who’s really behind your payments. You’ll learn about the various players involved in a …
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Business Pulse podcast, Candice Jarrett (co-founder of XKOVA) interviews Angelo Ponzi, a Fractional CMO and founder of Craft. They discuss Angelo's extensive background in marketing and branding, the role of a fractional CMO, the importance of understanding market dynamics, and the impact of AI on hiring and marketing strateg…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Business Files podcast, host Candice Jarrett (co-founder of XKOVA) interviews Matthew Fornaro, a lawyer specializing in complex commercial litigation. Matthew shares his journey into law, the challenges small businesses face, and the importance of having proper legal documentation. He discusses the role of AI in his practice,…
…
continue reading

1
Pleo x Enfuce: A Nordic Love Song- Keeping the Love Alive in Fintech Partnerships
22:02
22:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:02Ready for a steamy tech love story?. Thorbjørn Fink, COO of Pleo joins Denise for a spicy chat in the hot seat. Learn from Pleo and Enfuce’s love story about building winning partnerships, maintaining great communication, making compromises and navigating the occasional rough patch. Denise and Thorbjørn discuss learning the right love languages, bu…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Business Pulse podcast, host Candice Jarrett (co-founder of XKOVA) speaks with Alec Crawford, founder of Artificial Intelligence Risk Incorporated. They discuss the evolution of neural networks, the impact of generative AI on various sectors, including education and government, and the importance of cybersecurity and complian…
…
continue reading

1
Transforming mindsets: Nathan Bostock on banking transformations
29:15
29:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:15Throughout his 40-year career, Nathan Bostock has seen the financial services industry change in big ways—and has used these changes to his advantage to usher in the next era of banking. He has led multiple full-scale transformations across several companies, including during his tenure CFO and CEO of Santander UK and during his time as chief reven…
…
continue reading

1
To Discount or Not to Discount in Your Creative Business?
39:06
39:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:06With Black Friday coming up quickly and market season in full swing, should you discount your creative work? There's a time and a place for discounts. This week we go over the pros and cons of offering or granting discounts and why it is SO crucial to price your work properly in order to have more marketing flexibility in your business This is a gr…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Business Pulse podcast, Candice Jarrett (co-founder of XKOVA) interviews leadership coach Alexsandra Guerra (founder of Calming Chaos) who shares her insights on effective leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and the transformative power of the Conscious Leadership Framework. Alexsandra discusses her journey from cli…
…
continue reading

1
How to Deal with Board Decisions that You Don’t Agree With
2:24
2:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:24It’s inevitable. This week’s episode will help you learn how to handle board decisions that you don't agree with and steps you can take to feel heard. MoneyMinder has been supporting volunteer-run nonprofit treasurers for two decades. Cyndi helps treasurers navigate this territory as a lifetime volunteer herself. Whether new to your role or a seaso…
…
continue reading

1
A Revolution in Entertainment: IRL Podcasting
37:35
37:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:35In this episode of the Business Pulse podcast, host Candice Jarrett (co-founder of the tech startup XKOVA) speaks with Jeff Revilla, founder of Poduty, a unique venue that combines live theater experiences with podcasting. The conversation explores the energy of live podcasting, the importance of community engagement, and the innovative concept of …
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Business Pulse podcast, host Candice Jarrett (co-founder of the tech-startup XKOVA) interviews Evan Poling, founder of BizRetire, an innovative online platform that transforms the way businesses are bought and sold. Unlike traditional methods that involve business brokers and hefty commissions, BizRetire connects buyers and s…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Business Pulse podcast, host Candice Jarrett (founder of XKOVA) interviews Nick Barrett, the inventor of CordBrick, an innovative solution for managing cords. Nick shares his journey from experiencing a common problem with tangled cords (which he calls table top spaghetti) to creating a product that addresses this issue.He di…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Business Pulse podcast, host Candice Jarrett (co-founder of XKOVA) interviews John David Graham, a successful business owner and award-winning author. John shares his inspiring journey from homelessness to running a nonprofit called Good Samaritan Home that helps ex-offenders coming home from prison with housing and mentorshi…
…
continue reading
In this inaugural episode of the Business Pulse podcast, host Candice Jarrett (co-founder of XKOVA.com) interviews Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale. They discuss the importance of innovation in leadership, the journey to becoming a CEO, and the role of education in career development. Nick shares valuable insights on investing in skills, the hard work r…
…
continue reading
Welcome to “The Payments Guy” hosted by Frank Cena— your ultimate guide to navigating the convoluted world of payments. In this short introductory episode, you’ll get to know more behind the vision for this podcast. If you’re a business owner, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by payments and merchant accounts. Let this podcast become your trust…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 1: Should You Go It Alone? The Truth About Merchant Payment Consultants
9:11
9:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:11Welcome to the first episode of “The Payments Guy”! Kicking things off with some basics, in this episode Frank will be going over the role of a payments broker, the pros and cons of working with one, and when merchants should consider using a broker. If your business is brand new or you went directly to the first processor you came across, this is …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 2: Cracking the Code: How to Master the Underwriting Process
15:22
15:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:22Overwhelmed by the underwriting process as a business owner looking to set up a merchant account? In this episode, join Frank as he does a deep dive into the often misunderstood topic in the world of payments, the underwriting process. He’ll cover what happens during the underwriting process, how to improve your chances of approval, and what the ac…
…
continue reading