Best of The Voice of Retail Podcast – Lessons in Leadership

Simons new CEO Bernard Leblanc on modern retail and leading an iconic Canadian retailer

For the first time in its 180 year history, La Maison Simon, better known as Simons, based in Quebec City, will be led by a non-family member as CEO. And you are about to meet him.

After launching his business career at Simons, then a stint abroad, Bernard came back to Quebec City, assuming several key roles until ultimately being offered the leadership of this iconic Canadian retailer. In a wide-ranging interview, they talk about his career journey, plans for Simons, and how the COVID era may have changed retail. Still, the fundamentals continue to create remarkable connections with consumers.

CEO Excellence: An exclusive interview with author and McKinsey Practice Leader Carolyn Dewar

In this episode, Michael LeBlanc’s guest is Carolyn Dewar, senior partner at McKinsey & Company and co-author of the compelling new book “CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish The Best Leaders from the Rest.”

Originally from Canada, now living in San Francisco, Carolyn takes us through the essence of her CEO excellence practice and book, starting with the six critical responsibilities of a CEO to help us set the frame. Then, Carolyn and Michael dive into the six mindsets that set elite CEOs apart from the rest.

The Power of Regret: An exclusive feature interview with best-selling author Dan Pink

In his quest to reclaim the power of regret as a force for good, Dan has written a breakthrough book that speaks to regret as a key component of human existence – an emotion that prompts us to look backwards in order to clarify how we want to move forwards.

Michael speaks with Dan about his own relationship to regret, what inspired him to study this tumultuous emotion and some of the key research points and insights from his latest book, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward.

Seeing opportunity: Specsavers talks Canadian eyeware vision

Grab your reading glasses for this close-up look at Specsavers’ strategy to enter the Canadian market. Michael LeBlanc sits down with the company’s General Manager & Executive Vice President, Bill Moir to talk about the big news.

Bill offers insight on the company’s decision, how they plan to enter an already saturated North American market and how their marketing mix and powerful business model is ready to take on the challenge and improve Canadian eye care at the same time.