Building a Wine Business in Canada with Chloe Wu

In episode 230 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy is joined by Aaron Hurst, bestselling author of The Purpose Economy and a pioneer in the field of meaningful work. Together, they explore the idea that purpose isn’t something we find, but something we intentionally build. Aaron dives deep into his journey—from founding Taproot Foundation and catalyzing a $15 billion pro bono movement to launching Board.Dev, an initiative aiming to integrate tech leaders into nonprofit boards. The conversation tackles the psychological underpinnings of purpose, the flaws in waiting for it to “find us,” and why reflection, not perfection, is the true path to fulfillment.Throughout the episode, Aaron challenges assumptions around career paths, generational mindsets, and community disconnect. He and Kelly explore how our modern culture often isolates us, despite unprecedented digital connection, and why genuine human relationships are the foundation for both business success and a meaningful life. The episode wraps with a powerful call to action—get to know your neighbors, build community intentionally, and remember that the smallest actions, like sharing a meal, can transform your sense of purpose.Key Takeaways: 1. Purpose isn’t something you find—it’s something you build through reflection and intentional action. 2. Most people don’t need to change jobs to find purpose, they need to learn how to create meaning in what they already do. 3. Meaningful work is rooted in relationships, impact, and personal growth, not titles or salaries. 4. We’re not in the information economy anymore—we’ve shifted into the purpose economy, where emotional connection drives value. 5. Entrepreneurs are often driven by addiction to highs and rewards, making balance and mindfulness essential for long-term well-being. 6. The idea of a “calling” can be limiting—purpose should be flexible and show up across all areas of your life. 7. Pro bono work fuels fulfillment by combining service, skill development, and new relationships in powerful ways. 8. Most nonprofits drastically underinvest in technology, and tech professionals on boards can help close this gap. 9. Our hyperconnected world has created a loneliness epidemic—real community must be rebuilt through local, intentional relationships. 10. A purposeful life starts at home—invite your neighbors over, open your door, and lead the change you want to see.Learn more about Aaron HurstBusiness Development isn’t luck. It’s a skill.Master it with Kelly Kennedy.⚡ Real strategy ⚡ Real results ⚡ Free discovery call👉 Book now

20 Apr 1h 7min

In episode 229 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy explores the biggest shift business has ever seen: the exponential rise of AI and what it means for the future of leadership, business development, and humanity itself. With AI power doubling every six months, the next five years will bring more change than the last fifty. Kelly breaks down the skills that will truly matter in this new era — emotional intelligence, adaptability, creativity, and trust — and why human-centric leadership is the edge that will define success.This episode is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs, leaders, and parents raising the next generation. Kelly shares the real conversations happening at his kitchen table, practical steps to future-proof yourself and your team, and why embracing both AI and our humanity is the path forward. If you want to thrive in a world being reshaped before our eyes, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.Key Takeaways: 1. AI is doubling in power every six months, meaning the business world will transform faster than ever before. 2. The next five years will bring more change than the last fifty, demanding urgent adaptation from leaders and professionals. 3. Emotional intelligence is becoming the most valuable skill in leadership and business development. 4. Human-centric leadership focused on empathy, trust, and connection will outperform traditional top-down models. 5. Business developers must integrate AI into their workflows now or risk falling behind. 6. Adaptability is more important than mastery — those who learn fast will lead. 7. The ability to build authentic human relationships will be the top differentiator in a noisy AI-powered world. 8. Success will be defined by impact, purpose, and alignment with values, not just revenue or titles. 9. AI will handle tasks, but only humans can lead with context, care, and creativity. 10. The future belongs to those who never stop learning and embrace discomfort as the path to growth.Business Development isn’t luck. It’s a skill.Master it with me.⚡ Real strategy ⚡ Real results ⚡ Free discovery call👉 Book nowCompanies mentioned in this episode: Capital Business Development ChatGPT Harvard Business Review OECD LinkedIn Learning Sequoia Capital MIT Media Lab UNICEF

16 Apr 27min

In episode 228 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy is joined by the visionary Dr. Robert Pearl, former CEO of the Permanente Medical Group and author of ChatGPT, MD. Together, they explore how generative AI is poised to radically reshape global healthcare systems. Dr. Pearl shares a compelling case for AI’s ability to bring not just information, but true expertise to the patient experience—empowering individuals, easing the burden on overworked physicians, and addressing the root causes of system-wide burnout. From real-world AI use cases to shocking inefficiencies in modern hospitals, this conversation makes one thing clear: we are standing at the edge of Healthcare 4.0, and the shift has already begun.What makes this episode unforgettable is the sense of urgency and hope. Dr. Pearl compares this moment to the invention of the printing press, the internet, and the iPhone—technologies that fundamentally altered the course of humanity. With AI’s power doubling annually, he urges entrepreneurs, clinicians, and governments to act swiftly or risk missing the window to transform a system overwhelmed by chronic disease and outdated infrastructure. Whether you're a healthcare leader, tech entrepreneur, policymaker, or everyday patient, this episode is a wake-up call.Key Takeaways: 1. Generative AI marks a turning point in healthcare, offering not just information, but true medical expertise directly to patients.2. Chronic disease is the number one driver of healthcare system failure globally, not politics or bad intent.3. Current systems are built for acute care, not long-term management—AI is the key to making that shift efficiently.4. The gap between technology in surgery and administration is massive—some hospitals still rely on 1830s fax machine technology.5. Physician burnout is skyrocketing due to volume-based pay structures that force rushed care and moral injury.6. Capitated healthcare models like Kaiser Permanente improve both outcomes and physician satisfaction through prevention-focused care.7. Generative AI can manage data overload from wearables, enabling real-time, patient-led chronic disease management.8. The exponential growth of AI means tools 5 years from now will be 32x more powerful—leaders must act now or be left behind.9. Healthcare transformation likely won’t come from inside the system—it will come from entrepreneurs bold enough to disrupt it.10. The book ChatGPT, MD isn’t just documentation—it’s a rally cry for visionary leadership to shape the future of global health.For more insights from Dr. Robert Pearl and to explore the future of healthcare through AI, visit robertpearlmd.com and pick up a copy of ChatGPT, MD.Companies mentioned in this episode: Kaiser Permanente ChatGPT Doctors Without Borders Capital Business Development Amazon Walmart CVS

13 Apr 1h 6min

Struggling to get traction on LinkedIn in 2025? In Episode 227 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy shares the real, battle-tested tactics that took him from low engagement to consistently hitting over 20,000 organic impressions every single week. This isn’t theory—it’s built on two and a half years of hands-on growth, experimentation, and community building. Kelly dives into exactly what's working on LinkedIn right now, including the rise of short-form video, the power of storytelling, the magic of humor, and how to leverage groups and posting strategy to finally get seen.Whether you're a business owner, executive, sales pro, or marketer trying to grow your personal or corporate brand, this episode is your roadmap. You'll walk away with five powerful tactics that actually work in 2025—plus a mindset shift around consistency, authenticity, and long-game content strategy. If you’re tired of posting into the void and ready to build real visibility and influence, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.Key Takeaways: 1. Most LinkedIn posts fail because they don’t generate enough impressions to drive meaningful engagement.2. Video content—especially short-form—is dominating LinkedIn in 2025, delivering up to 4x more engagement.3. Authentic storytelling posts build trust and emotional connection, making them essential for brand growth.4. Humor is finally welcome on LinkedIn, with demand for comedic content up 160%—use it to stand out.5. Educational posts consistently outperform all other types by positioning you as a thought leader.6. A strong content strategy requires consistency—aim for 3 to 5 posts per week across personal and corporate pages.7. Use your 100 weekly invites (or 250 for company pages) to grow your audience and drive more impressions.8. LinkedIn groups are a secret weapon—posting in the right groups can 10x your visibility overnight.9. Track and evaluate every group’s performance to double down on what’s working and drop what’s not.10. Social media success is a long game—commit to years, not months, and never stop testing new formats.Master Business Development with Kelly Kennedy – Book Your Free Discovery Session Business growth isn’t about luck—it’s about mastery. The Business Development Mastery Program with Kelly Kennedy gives you the tools, strategies, and confidence to scale your business, close more deals, and build lasting success. ✔ Proven business development frameworks that drive real results ✔ Personalized coaching tailored to your goals and challenges ✔ Actionable strategies to generate leads, close deals, and grow revenue If you're serious about taking your business development skills to the next level, let’s talk. Book your free discovery session today and see how this program can help you achieve your goals.

9 Apr 42min

In Episode 226 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy welcomes back serial entrepreneur and CFO-turned-forum-founder Justin LaRocque for a raw and powerful conversation on what it really takes to build a business — and a life worth living. Justin shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he transitioned from leading a successful family business through an exit to launching River City Leaders Forum, a peer support network for business owners navigating the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. He opens up about the hidden cost of hustle, the importance of community, and how creating space for “slack” in your schedule can be the key to long-term success.This episode is packed with value for business owners at any stage — covering burnout, balancing family with ambition, personal branding, and why Edmonton needed a more accessible, age-aligned leadership forum. Justin also breaks down how he grew both River City Leaders and ROC Advisors intentionally, using quarterly focus, referrals, and strategic outreach. Whether you’re scaling your first startup or deep in the trenches of leadership, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and remind you what really matters.Key Takeaways: 1. Entrepreneurship can be incredibly isolating, and peer forums provide vital emotional and strategic support. 2. Burnout is a real threat, and building intentional slack into your schedule helps prevent it. 3. You don’t need to sacrifice your family for success — investing in them now is just as important as investing in your business. 4. Strategic growth works best when you focus on clear 90-day objectives, not endless hustle. 5. Fractional CFO services offer huge value to growing businesses without the overhead of full-time leadership. 6. Community-focused leadership models can outperform traditional forums by being more affordable and intentional. 7. Word-of-mouth referrals only happen when you ask clearly and directly for them. 8. Young entrepreneurs benefit most from being surrounded by others in the same life stage who understand their challenges. 9. Emotional health should be treated as a core business priority, not an afterthought. 10. Success is less about size and more about sustainability, freedom, and fulfillment.River City Leaders Forum: https://rclf.ca/Level Up Your Business Development with Kelly Kennedy – Free Discovery Call Business growth isn’t luck—it’s a skill. Master proven strategies to close more deals, generate leads, and scale with confidence. ✔ Actionable frameworks that drive real results ✔ Coaching tailored to your goals ✔ Strategies to win more business Serious about growth? Book your free session now.

6 Apr 59min

Episode 225 of The Business Development Podcast is a raw, honest look at one of the most powerful tools in 2025—video—and why so many of us avoid it. Kelly Kennedy opens up about his own struggles with video, the perfectionism that holds him back, and the fear that so many founders, creators, and business developers silently carry: the fear of being seen. He explores why video is no longer optional in today’s trust-driven marketplace and how short, authentic content can build relationships faster than any other medium.Through personal stories, hard truths, and powerful statistics, Kelly challenges listeners to stop waiting until they’re “ready” and start showing up as they are. This episode isn’t about being polished—it’s about being real. Whether you're just starting your content journey or have been holding back for years, this episode will push you to hit record, lean into your vulnerability, and unlock the trust, visibility, and growth that only video can deliver.Key Takeaways: 1. Video is the most powerful tool for building trust, authority, and connection in 2025. 2. The fear of video isn’t about the camera—it’s about being seen and judged. 3. Authenticity beats polish; people connect with real humans, not perfection. 4. Short-form video under 90 seconds generates twice the engagement of longer content. 5. Millennials and Gen Z have short attention spans, making concise, high-value content king. 6. Your smartphone is enough—don’t let gear stop you from starting. 7. You are an expert in something, and sharing that knowledge is your responsibility. 8. Mistakes are part of the process and actually help you appear more human and relatable. 9. Consistency is everything—even one or two videos per week can change your brand trajectory. 10. Start messy, start scared. Just start—the future belongs to those willing to be seen. Level Up Your Business Development with Kelly Kennedy – Free Discovery Call Business growth isn’t luck—it’s a skill. Master proven strategies to close more deals, generate leads, and scale with confidence. ✔ Actionable frameworks that drive real results ✔ Coaching tailored to your goals ✔ Strategies to win more business Serious about growth? Book your free session now. Links referenced in this episode:www.capitalbd.cag2.comlifewire.comlupexdigital.com

2 Apr 30min

In Episode 224 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Koleya Karringten — a tech visionary, clean energy innovator, and blockchain leader who has redefined resilience in the face of extreme adversity. From growing up in an entrepreneurial family to co-founding one of the cleanest combustion tech companies in the world, Koleya shares the highs and heartbreaking lows of her journey — including personal loss, business collapse, and the pressure of carrying a legacy. Her story is raw, real, and unforgettable.But it’s not just about the challenges — it’s about how she turned them into fuel for reinvention. Koleya walks us through her shocking pivot into blockchain, the founding of the Canadian Blockchain Consortium, and the mindset it takes to lead with clarity and conviction in industries dominated by men. Along the way, she opens up about mental health, self-leadership, and building a business and life that actually align. If you’ve ever questioned your path, your purpose, or your ability to keep going — this is the episode that will remind you what’s possible.Key Takeaways: 1. Resilience is a daily decision — not something you’re born with, but something you build every time you choose to keep going.2. Real leadership begins with deep inner work — personal growth and emotional intelligence are essential to leading others effectively.3. Innovation driven by purpose will always outlast hype — Koleya entered blockchain to protect people, not to chase trends.4. Failure doesn’t mean you’re done — it’s often the exact experience that sharpens your focus and fuels your next success.5. Balance is designed, not discovered — peak performance requires structured time for both hustle and healing.6. Your story is your superpower — transparency about your journey builds unmatched credibility and connection.7. Never stop being a student — continual learning and mentorship are non-negotiable for sustainable leadership.8. Empowered teams create exponential growth — let go of control and focus on building trust with the right people.9. Purpose-first technology changes the world — when innovation solves real problems, it creates real value.10. Authenticity is your competitive edge — leading with honesty, vulnerability, and vision breaks barriers and inspires action.Sure! Here's a shorter, punchier version that keeps the impact high for your listeners:Ready to Win More Business?Business growth is a skill—and I’ll show you how to master it.✔ Proven strategies to close more deals✔ Coaching tailored to your goals✔ Actionable systems that drive real resultsBook your free discovery call now and level up.Book hereCompanies mentioned in this episode: Capital Business Development Absolute Combustion International Canadian Blockchain Consortium Canadian Blockchain Association for Women Alberta Innovates NRC IRAP NAIT

30 Mars 1h 32min

If you're struggling to land client meetings, you're not alone — and you're definitely not broken. In Episode 223, Kelly Kennedy breaks down the 10 most critical reasons your business development efforts might be falling short and delivers the tactical fixes you need to turn things around. From outdated marketing materials to weak digital introductions, poor targeting, and a lack of consistency, this episode acts like a diagnostic tool for your BD process. Whether you're a seasoned sales pro or just getting started, this is the clarity you've been looking for.You’ll walk away with proven strategies to build real interest, connect directly with decision-makers, and confidently ask for what you want. Kelly also shares bonus tips on leveraging your CRM, structuring your time, and using your voice — not just your inbox — to cut through the noise. If you’re serious about mastering business development and closing more meetings, this is the episode that changes the game.Key Takeaways:1. Marketing materials must build instant interest or you’ll never make it to the meeting.2. Your website should look like a $20 million company even if you’re a team of two.3. Brochures aren’t dead — they’re a secret weapon when designed to speak your customer’s language.4. You can’t rely on inbound alone; 80% of your effort should be proactive outreach.5. If you’re not targeting the right people at the right companies, you’re wasting time.6. LinkedIn is the modern BD battlefield — complete your profile, post consistently, and connect with buyers weekly.7. Digital introductions build warmth and fill your pipeline before the call even happens.8. Direct contact data is gold — find it, use it, and follow up until you book or disqualify.9. Your voice is your most powerful sales tool; call more than you email and always leave great voicemails.10. There’s no magic script — just confidence, consistency, and asking for the meeting every single time.Level Up Your Business Development with Kelly Kennedy – Free Discovery Call Business growth isn’t luck—it’s a skill. Master proven strategies to close more deals, generate leads, and scale with confidence. ✔ Actionable frameworks that drive real results ✔ Coaching tailored to your goals ✔ Strategies to win more business Serious about growth? Book your free session now. www.capitalbd.ca

26 Mars 44min