The Wills Podcast

This week, we're joined by Monique, Executive Director of the Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum, one of Canada's most fascinating historic sites and the country's most significant surviving Cold War artifact. With an accomplished leadership career spanning executive roles, strategic consulting, organizational development, and public sector leadership, Monique brings a unique perspective on leading teams, preserving history, and building organizations that thrive. Her experience has taken her across government, non-profit, and executive leadership positions, helping organizations navigate growth, change, and long-term success. In this episode, we go beyond the walls of the bunker to discuss leadership, teamwork, empathy, and why strong relationships are often the foundation for solving difficult challenges. We also explore how the Diefenbunker continues to connect Canadians with an important chapter of our history. Whether you're interested in leadership, Canadian history, organizational culture, or simply hearing the story behind one of the most unique workplaces in the country, this conversation offers plenty of insight and inspiration. Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway from the episode.

In this episode, we sit down with Mikhel Sickand, an aviation professional, entrepreneur, and operations leader with more than 15 years of experience managing complex operations and maintenance programs. From overseeing large helicopter fleets to building #businesses around solving real world challenges, Mikhel has developed a unique perspective on #leadership, #innovation, and continuous improvement.
 
Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, including #technology, #AI, business operations, problem solving, personal growth, decision making, and the importance of building effective systems and teams. We also explore how emerging tools are changing the way organizations work, why process and #strategy remain critical, and how embracing challenges can create opportunities for learning and #growth.
Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, aviation enthusiast, or simply interested in leadership and the future of work, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical takeaways.

We’re excited to share this week’s episode featuring Alain Menard, president of The Green Beaver Company.
Alain brings a unique perspective to building a business, combining a scientific background with an entrepreneurial mindset. Over the years, he’s helped grow Green Beaver into a trusted Canadian brand known for its quality, innovation, and strong values.
In this episode, Alain joins our host Jordi Wills to talk about the realities of growing a company — what it takes to scale thoughtfully, the discipline behind building the right processes, and why having a clear vision and plan is essential for long-term success. They also explore how staying grounded in your values can shape both your team and your brand as you grow.
This conversation offers a candid look at the work behind sustainable growth and what it really means to build something that lasts.

We’re excited to share this week’s episode featuring our very own Lisa Major, HR Manager at Wills Transfer Limited.
Lisa brings a wealth of experience in talent strategy, leadership, and organizational development. As a seasoned professional and founder of Backstage Consulting, she’s passionate about helping teams operate more efficiently while building strong, values driven cultures.
Her background working closely with executive leadership gives her a unique perspective on how great organizations truly function from the inside out. In this episode, they explore how core values at Wills Transfer go beyond statements and show up in the day to day work, influencing decisions, team dynamics, and long term growth.
Lisa also shares valuable insight into the hiring process, what she looks for when bringing new people onto the team, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how aligning the right people with the right culture is key to building high performing teams.
Whether you’re a leader, hiring manager, or someone looking to grow in your career, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and real world perspective.

In this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Steve Beauchesne, CEO of Family Enterprise Canada, and a recognized leader in family business, entrepreneurship, and values‑driven growth across Canada.
Steve brings a rare combination of perspective to this conversation shaped by decades of experience supporting family enterprises nationwide, and by his own entrepreneurial journey as the co‑founder of Beau’s All Natural. In this episode, Steve shares what it truly takes to build businesses that last across generations while staying aligned with purpose, people, and community.In this episode, we explore:
What makes family enterprises uniquely resilient and uniquely challenging
Leadership lessons from both advising and building family‑owned businesses
Governance, succession, and long‑term thinking in family enterprise
 
 

In this Episode Jordi Wills sits down with Bruce Raganold, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience helping businesses maximize the value of their accounting, tax, and advisory relationships.
In this episode, Bruce shares his journey and insights from a career dedicated to helping organizations make smarter financial decisions, not just by providing services, but by becoming a true strategic partner. As he explains, real value is created when advisors move beyond compliance and take a proactive, connected, and forward thinking approach to business growth.
Currently Director of Business Development for Welch LLP, Bruce breaks down how leveraging strong professional networks, building trust based relationships, and connecting the right people at the right time can unlock meaningful growth opportunities for clients and partners alike.
 
This episode is packed with real world advice, valuable lessons, and actionable insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who want to get more from the relationships supporting their businesses.
 

Today, we sit down with Gloria Saccon, Director of Executive MBA Programs at the Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, to explore leadership, career growth, and the role of modern business education.Gloria shares insights from her career in academic leadership and her work supporting experienced professionals through MBA and Executive MBA programs designed for real‑world impact. From building collaborative, cohort‑based learning environments to helping leaders balance demanding careers with personal development, she discusses what it takes to develop strong, purpose‑driven business leaders.In this episode, Gloria talks about how MBA programs are evolving to meet today’s business challenges, why leadership development goes beyond technical skills, and what professionals should consider when thinking about the next step in their careers. If you’re an aspiring MBA candidate, an established leader, or someone focused on continuous growth, this conversation offers thoughtful insight and practical perspective.

In this episode, Jordi Wills sits down with J.S. (Jean-Sebastien) Bouchard, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of ISAAC Instruments, a company that’s redefining technology for the trucking industry.
 
ISAAC delivers a fully managed, built for trucking solution that combines hardware, software, integrations, and advanced telematics into one seamless platform. From driver friendly ELDs to comprehensive camera systems and tablets designed for life on the road, ISAAC helps fleets stay connected, safe, and efficient.
 
Jean-Sébastien shares how ISAAC is tackling some of the industry’s biggest challenges. From improving driver retention by simplifying workflows, boosting safety and training with cutting-edge technology, to reducing costs through smarter fleet management
 
They are all about creating a better experience for drivers and managers alike.
 
Tune in to learn about J.S. Bouchard and how ISAAC Instruments is shaping the future of transportation and why drivers love their solution.

Today we sit down with Paul Rivett-Carnac, CEO and President of St. Francis Herb Farm a Canadian-owned, family-run herbal company with more than 30 years of trusted expertise in plant medicine. Paul’s story is rooted in passion and responsibility. From growing up in the Ottawa Valley surrounded by herbs and holistic health practices, to now leading a team that has doubled the business since 2015, Paul shares what it truly means to take ownership of your business and your mission. Under his leadership, St. Francis Herb Farm continues to innovate while staying true to its Holistic Herb Approach, crafting plant medicine that empowers people on their wellness journey. The company has become a household name for those seeking natural health solutions. In this episode, Paul talks about why personal responsibility is the key to business success. How family values and passion fuel growth and innovation, and the future of herbal wellness and St. Francis Herb Farm’s exciting plans. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply passionate about wellness, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about responsibility, growth, and purpose.

Today Jordi Wills has a conversation with Tom Hiebert, founder of Interclara.
In this episode, we dive into the principles that have shaped his business and his life. From building a company rooted in transparency to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Tom shares why trust is the foundation of everything he does.
Tom explains why this simple truth matters. Even when things feel uncertain, showing up and doing your best creates momentum and how opportunities appear because you gave it time and stayed committed. It’s a lesson that applies to business, leadership, and life.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone chasing growth, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, consistency, and building relationships that last.