Stephane O’Reilly, Director of Entrepreneurship at the SK Startup Institute under SREDA, chats with host Carlee Snow about various topics related to entrepreneurship. Their conversation delves into a how-to guide for aspiring or new entrepreneurs, offering valuable insights on adapting strategies to the evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Stephane highlights the unique advantages of Saskatchewan's entrepreneurial ecosystem and provides a comprehensive guide to successful networking. Additionally, they discuss the importance of supporting economic growth within the province and the necessity of acknowledging and accepting failures as signs of redirection.

Stephane is a seasoned expert in growing entrepreneurial talent and fostering economic growth. With a diverse background spanning the music industry, event management, and marketing, Stephane brings a unique and creative perspective to the entrepreneurial landscape.

Since joining SREDA in December 2018, Stephane has held several roles, progressively advancing from Entrepreneurship Specialist to Bilingual Advisor, Manager of Programs and Partnerships, and now Director of Entrepreneurship at the SK Startup Institute. His journey at SREDA has been marked by a relentless commitment to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses.

In his current role, Stephane assists in making the SK Startup Institute a go-to center of entrepreneurial support across Saskatchewan and Canada. His expertise encompasses business startups, market research, funding options, business setup guidance, business planning, and marketing strategies. Stephane’s skills in creative thinking, idea development, and exceptional customer service are instrumental in helping entrepreneurs turn their visions into reality.

Stephane is particularly passionate about adapting strategies to the evolving entrepreneurial landscape, leveraging the unique advantages of Saskatchewan's entrepreneurial ecosystem, and guiding individuals through successful networking and accepting failures as opportunities for growth and redirection.

Beyond his professional achievements, Stephane is an avid music lover. If given the chance to deliver a TED Talk, it would be titled “The Power of Music,” exploring how music influences culture and lives. Outside of work, he enjoys playing, making, and listening to music, participating in sports, and engaging in any activity that allows him to flex his creative muscles.

Through his dedication and expertise, Stephane helps make an impact on Saskatchewan's economic development, empowering entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses and contribute to the province's growth.

Stephane holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan.

Show Notes:

Connect with Stephane and learn more about his work:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaneoreilly/

SK Startup Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sk-startup-institute/

SREDA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sreda-sk/

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Spencer Krieger, Director of Sales at Vendasta, chats with host Carlee Snow about all things:

• The parallels between coaching a football team and leading a sales team
• How an athletic background shapes his work ethic and leadership
• This importance of grit when working in sales
• Running a company like a sports team
• Building highly competitive, high performing teams

Spencer Krieger is a dynamic force in the world of sales, currently serving as the Director of Sales at Vendasta, a leading digital marketing platform. With over five years of dedicated service to the company, Spencer has continually showcased his ability to drive new business growth and revenue generation, playing a pivotal role in Vendasta's remarkable $100 million in annual recurring revenue.

At Vendasta, Spencer leads a team of 20 Sales Development and Account Executives with a focus on developing and executing innovative sales strategies. His approach is marked by a blend of strategic thinking, analytical acumen, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Spencer is deeply passionate about mentoring and developing his team members, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Drawing on his background in athletics, including his role as Assistant Football Coach at Holy Cross High School and Director of the Huskie Football Alumni Association at the University of Saskatchewan, Spencer understands the importance of teamwork, grit, and leadership. He sees parallels between coaching a football team and leading a sales team, emphasizing the value of competitive spirit and determination in achieving success.

With a keen eye for market trends and a commitment to client satisfaction, Spencer excels in building highly competitive, high-performing teams. His leadership extends beyond the boardroom, as he can often be found cheering on his favorite sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Florida Gators, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Throughout his career, Spencer has demonstrated a proven track record of delivering
exceptional results and driving success at every level. Whether on the field or in the sales arena, he is a strategic thinker, a dedicated mentor, and a true champion of excellence.

Show Notes:

Connect with Spencer and learn more about his work:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerkrieger/

Vendasta: http://www.vendasta.com/

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.

Jade Gulash, Marketing Director at KPMG, chats with host Carlee Snow about all things:

· The unpredictability of consulting where each day feels like a new job

· Why working in marketing is like trying to solve the puzzles in an escape room

· Collaborating across regional, national, and specialized teams

· How to host large, multi-day events that deliver life changing results

· Entrepreneurship and the impact of helping local businesses grow

Jade Gulash is a dynamic Marketing Director at KPMG and has carved a niche for herself as a versatile leader adept at navigating the unpredictable terrain of consulting.

In her current role as Marketing Director at KPMG Canada's Regions West division, Jade leads marketing and communications initiatives, driving growth and innovation across Western Canada. Leading a team of talented professionals, she champions data-driven, account-based strategies that yield tangible results. Her mantra? Every day feels like a new job in the world of consulting, where adaptability reigns supreme.

Jade's journey in the field of marketing resembles a thrilling escape room adventure, where each challenge brings forth opportunities for creative problem-solving. From establishing the Marketing & Communications department at Saskatoon Co-operative Association Ltd amidst a whirlwind of organizational changes to weathering the storm of a global pandemic, Jade thrives on turning obstacles into triumphs.

With an unwavering focus on collaboration, Jade is a master at bridging the gap between regional, national, and specialized teams. Her expertise in hosting large-scale, multi-day events transcends mere logistics; she orchestrates experiences that leave a lasting impact, transforming lives and businesses alike.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, she understands the transformative potential of nurturing local businesses and driving economic growth from the grassroots level.

A lifelong learner and natural leader, Jade's journey showcases diverse experiences that have shaped her into an inspiration in the marketing world. Her mantra echoes in every facet of her work: "Marketing success is tightly tied to employee engagement and workplace culture."

Jade Gulash is a professional connector, a catalyst for change, and a visionary leader shaping the future of marketing one innovative strategy at a time.

Show Notes:

Connect with Jade and learn more about her work:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadegulash/

KPMG: https://kpmg.com

Connect with The After Business School Special

Instagram: @afterbusinesspodcast

Join the community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250411/

Stay in the know: http://eepurl.com/io8Z6A

This podcast is in partnership with the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan.