Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted

In this episode of Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted, host Matt Calnan sits down with Steven Keays, the founder and CEO of KPO Group LLC. Steven shares his journey from a seasoned project manager to a leading figure in project financing, specializing in major capital projects worldwide.
Steven discusses the intricacies of project financing, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in various regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. He explains the role of family offices in financing large-scale projects and the advantages of private funding over traditional institutional financing.
Key topics covered in this episode include:
Steven's transition from project management to project financing
The global scope of KPO Group's projects, with a focus on infrastructure, energy, and real estate
The challenges of project financing in different regions
The role and structure of family offices in project financing
How to minimize investment risks in uncertain economic times
Guest Information: Steven Keays is the CEO of KPO Group LLC, based in Calgary, Canada. With over 40 years of experience in project management and financing, Steven has worked on large-scale projects across the globe.
 
------------------------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark.
Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

Welcome back to "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted with Matt Calnan"! In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Mark Laurie, a renowned nude and boudoir photographer and the owner of Inner Spirit Photography. With over 45 years of experience, Mark shares his journey from real estate to photography and his passion for empowering women through his art. He discusses the evolution of his career, the challenges he faced, and the unique approaches he uses in his studio to create a safe and empowering environment for his clients.
Mark also opens up about his creative process, the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in his work, and his continuous drive to innovate and hone his craft. From photographing in motor space to having his own TV series, Mark’s career is nothing short of diverse and inspiring. Tune in to hear about his philosophy on pricing, client relationships, and the incredible impact his work has had on the lives of many women.
Guest Information: Mark Laurie is the owner of Inner Spirit Photography, specializing in boudoir and beauty photography. He is also a teacher, speaker, author, and studio mentor.
Website: Inner Spirit Photography
Art Website: Mark Laurie Art
Email: markl@inner-spirit.com
Calls to Action:
Follow us on social media.
Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.
--------------------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark.
Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted," Matt Calnan sits down with Tevi Legge, a prominent figure in customer experience and digital product leadership. Tevi shares her journey from a successful career as a Corporate VP to becoming a tech entrepreneur. She discusses her experiences in financial services, her transition into entrepreneurship, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Tevi talks about managing burnout, the challenges and benefits of leaving a corporate job, and the excitement of building new tech solutions. Tune in to hear Tevi’s insights on technology, leadership, and balancing work with family life.
Key Points:
Tevi’s extensive career in financial services and technology change management.
The decision to leave a corporate VP role and start her entrepreneurial journey.
Strategies for managing burnout and balancing personal and professional life.
Insights into the world of entrepreneurship, including launching a podcast and providing fractional technology leadership.
The importance of cultural and value alignment in recruitment through her new tech platform, DNA (Do Not Apply).
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on taking small steps and building momentum.
Guest Information: Tevi Legge is a seasoned expert in customer experience and digital product leadership. She has over 18 years of experience in financial services and technology. Now a tech entrepreneur, she hosts the podcast "The Burnout Lab" and provides fractional technology leadership. 
------------------------------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark.
Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

Join host Matt Calnan as he sits down with Dr. Devant Maharaj, a seasoned expert in leadership, innovation, and business strategy. Dr. Maharaj shares his unique journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Canada, detailing his diverse career path from a marketing manager to a government minister and now a director at Eco Canada. This episode delves into his academic pursuits, his accidental path to business, and his profound insights on leadership across generations.
Key Points
Dr. Maharaj's early life and education in Trinidad and Tobago and Calgary, Canada.
Transition from marketing manager to CEO of a media house and later a government minister.
The significance of empathy and understanding in leadership.
Challenges and strategies in managing multi-generational teams.
Dr. Maharaj’s current role at Eco Canada and his contributions to environmental workforce development.
The impact of social and political issues on his career decisions and relocation to Canada.
Guest Bio
Dr. Devant Maharaj is a distinguished leader with extensive experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. He holds an MBA and a Ph.D. in leadership and niche marketing. Currently, he serves as the Director of Professional Services at Eco Canada, focusing on indigenous training and strategic projects.
Follow us
Follow Dr. Devant Maharaj on LinkedIn to stay updated with his latest work and insights.
Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts to support "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted."
Follow "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" on social media for more episodes and updates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest!
Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted, host Matt Calnan sits down with Matthew Gilmore, an experienced insurance professional who has spent the last 20 years in the industry. Matthew shares his journey from being a server to becoming a successful commercial broker and eventually running his own company, Lifestyle Protection by Matthew Gilmore.
Matthew opens up about his philosophy on insurance, emphasizing a common-sense approach to coverage and the importance of genuine client relationships over chasing commissions. He highlights the significance of being transparent, ethical, and service-oriented in an industry often plagued by distrust.
The conversation also delves into Matthew's personal life, where he talks about his experience as a single father. He shares insights on the challenges and rewards of co-parenting, the importance of quality time with his children, and how his personal values influence his professional life.
Listeners will find valuable lessons on balancing career ambitions with personal responsibilities, the importance of community involvement, and maintaining integrity in business.
Key Takeaways
Genuine Approach: Matthew believes in providing honest and straightforward advice to his clients, focusing on their needs rather than upselling unnecessary coverage.
Community Involvement: Active participation in community boards and volunteer work has been crucial to Matthew's professional success and personal fulfillment.
Personal Integrity: Building a successful insurance business is rooted in ethical practices, transparency, and long-term relationship building.
Balancing Work and Family: Matthew discusses the importance of being a present and intentional father, sharing how his experiences as a single parent have shaped his outlook on life and work.
Guest Bio
Matthew Gilmore is a seasoned insurance professional with two decades of experience in the industry. He runs Lifestyle Protection by Matthew Gilmore, focusing on providing niche insurance products that offer financial protection during critical times. A dedicated father and active community member, Matthew brings a unique perspective on balancing professional success with personal integrity and responsibility.
Follow is
Follow us for updates on new episodes. Don't forget to leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and improve our content.
-----------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest!
Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted," host Matt Calnan sits down with Leslie Ohene-Adjei, the innovative founder and owner of Airau Creative. Leslie shares his journey from a wedding photographer to the helm of a successful creative agency known for its impactful media projects and high-profile clientele, including Pepsi and TD Canada. He also dives into his ventures in real estate, discussing how he revitalizes underutilized properties into desirable residential spaces.
Key Points:
Leslie's transition from wedding photography to founding Arrow Creative.
The unique story behind the name "Airau Creative."
Airau Creative's evolution from a wedding film company to a marketing powerhouse.
The importance of storytelling in marketing and how it connects with audiences.
Leslie's involvement in real estate investment and his strategy of transforming rundown properties.
Balancing a creative agency and a real estate portfolio.
Insights into the future of Airau Creative with the emergence of AI and technology.
Guest Bio:
Leslie Ohene-Adjei is the founder of Airau Creative, a multifaceted agency specializing in photography, cinematography, and design. With an impressive portfolio featuring clients like Pepsi and the University of Lethbridge, Leslie brings a wealth of experience and a unique approach to creative media. Additionally, Leslie is a savvy real estate investor focused on revitalizing properties into coveted living spaces.
Follow us
Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more listeners.
-------------------------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest!
Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode, we chat with Blaine Sherwood, the manager of Imagine the Room, about the challenges and triumphs of expanding his family business into Southern Alberta. Discover how Blaine has successfully grown the business while maintaining strong family ties.
Episode Summary
Join host Matt Calnan as he sits down with Blaine Sherwood, a second-generation business owner who has been running Imagine the Room for the past decade. Blaine shares his journey from Kamloops, BC, to Lethbridge, Alberta, discussing the expansion and growth of his family’s closet organization business. Learn about the unique challenges of working in a family business, the importance of caring about the product and customers, and how COVID-19 unexpectedly boosted their business. Blaine also delves into the skills that have driven his success and future plans for the company.
Key Points and Takeaways
Blaine's background and his path to taking over the family business.
The services provided by Imagine the Room, including custom closets, pantries, and garages.
Differences between wire shelving and custom wood shelving.
Challenges and benefits of working in a family business.
Expansion into new markets and the impact of COVID-19 on their business.
The importance of caring about the product and customers for long-term success.
Future plans for Imagine the Room, including potential manufacturing in Southern Alberta.
Guest Bio
Blaine Sherwood is the manager of Imagine the Room, a family-owned business specializing in custom closet organization. With over a decade of full-time experience, Blaine has successfully expanded the business from Kamloops, BC, to Southern Alberta. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, custom storage solutions and maintaining strong family relationships within the business.
Follow us:
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform.
-------------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest!
Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted," host Matt Calnan chats with Richard Haynes, a seasoned business coach and the founder of Our Potential Coaching. Richard shares his journey from falling in love with coaching during his MBA to helping business owners align their personal growth with their business goals.
What You Will Learn:
How Richard’s approach to holistic coaching transforms both personal lives and business practices.
The impact of mindset on business success and personal satisfaction.
Insights into Richard’s successful small business leadership program and its future iterations.
Real-life success stories of clients who have dramatically improved their businesses with Richard’s guidance.
Featured Guest: Richard Haynes is the founder of Our Potential Coaching, where he specializes in empowering small business owners to achieve their dreams through improved mindset and strategic goal setting. With over five years of dedicated coaching experience, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Resources Mentioned:
International Coach Federation
Lumina Spark model
Calls to Action:
Follow "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted"  for more insightful episodes.
---------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode, Matt Calnan sits down with Bruce Thurston, a seasoned MBA and certified management consultant based in Southern Alberta. Bruce shares his journey from starting as a federal government auditor without any background in accounting to becoming a part-owner and influential figure in numerous businesses throughout Southern Alberta. His story is one of lifelong learning, resilience, and profound business insights.
What You’ll Learn:
How Bruce’s unexpected career start shaped his approach to business and leadership.
Insights into the "Quality Movement" and its evolution into what is known today as "lean management".
The concept of Open Book Management and how it revolutionized Bruce’s business operations, significantly boosting company profitability and employee satisfaction.
Strategies for navigating generational differences in leadership and harnessing the potential of a diverse workforce.
The importance of resilience and adaptation in the face of unexpected challenges, as demonstrated through Bruce’s personal and professional experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Featured Stories:
Bruce’s transition from government auditing to impactful business consulting and ownership.
The introduction of lean principles and Open Book Management to his company.
Lifelong learning and its effects on personal and professional growth.
Calls to Action:
Follow Bruce on LinkedIn to connect and keep up with his latest projects and insights.
Leave a rating and review for "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" if you enjoyed this episode.
Follow us on our social media pages to get updates on future episodes.
---------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this insightful episode of "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted," host Matt Calnan sits down with Shauna Gruninger, a leading real estate professional from Lethbridge, renowned for her expertise in building a robust real estate team. Shauna, who has been in the industry for over seven years, shares her journey from individual realtor to the head of a successful all-women team, along with her husband’s integral support from the property inspection side.
Key Highlights:
Team Dynamics: Discover how Shauna’s team organically evolved into an all-women group and how they leverage their collective experiences to better educate and assist clients in the real estate process.
Industry Insights: Shauna provides an in-depth look into the Southern Alberta real estate market, discussing the slow and steady growth that characterizes Lethbridge and how it compares to more volatile markets.
Personal Growth: From her initial reluctance to manage a team to embracing leadership, Shauna discusses the personal and professional growth that comes with building and nurturing a team.
Market Trends: With a keen eye on market trends and economic shifts, Shauna offers her predictions for 2024 and beyond, especially focusing on the impacts of migration trends in Alberta.
Engage with Us: If you found this episode enlightening, consider following us on our social media channels and leaving a review. Your feedback helps us grow and improve our content!
 
--------------------------------------
Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest