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In this episode of Small Business Big Insights, Eric Saumure welcomes Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to explore the intersection of leadership, politics, and entrepreneurship. From his early days as a broadcaster and business coach to his current role as mayor of Ottawa, Mark shares candid reflections on authenticity, resilience, and the challenges of public life. He opens up about how small business values shaped his leadership style, why civility in politics matters, and what entrepreneurs can learn from the realities of City Hall. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories—from father-son baseball trips to lessons learned in community service—that highlight how staying true to yourself is the foundation of long-term success.

This conversation also dives into Ottawa’s $5 billion budget, the role of Invest Ottawa, and how the city supports local business through tax policies, advocacy, and economic development initiatives. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply curious about what it takes to balance authenticity with responsibility, this episode delivers a thoughtful and practical perspective. You’ll walk away with lessons on leadership, community, and why small business owners should never compare their behind-the-scenes struggles to others’ highlight reels.

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and leader
01:10 – Coaching, business values, and the Zenbooks connection
03:40 – Why politics struggles to attract good people
06:30 – Finding balance: running, family, and travel stories
10:40 – City Hall and small business: what levers really matter
14:30 – Listening to entrepreneurs and reducing red tape
17:40 – Invest Ottawa and building a defense innovation hub
20:00 – What Mark learned about government as mayor
23:15 – Music, hype songs, and leadership lessons across roles
27:30 – Authenticity, personal brand, and staying true to values
29:30 – Normalizing entrepreneurial challenges and struggles
33:50 – The pace of City Hall vs. entrepreneurship
36:00 – Rapid fire: podcasts, donuts, role models, and family
39:25 – Closing reflections on leadership and making a difference