Breakfast Leadership Show

Leading with Integrity: Peter Bissonnette’s Journey from Boardroom to Bookstore Peter

 
In this special episode, I sat down with Peter Bissonnette—former President of Shaw Communications—to talk about his remarkable leadership journey and his upcoming book, Count on Me, launching July 18th. Peter’s story is anything but conventional. From life in a monastery to serving in the Air Force, and ultimately leading one of Canada’s most recognized telecommunications companies, his path to leadership is rooted in humility, adaptability, and service to others.
Leadership Lessons from a Life Well-LivedPeter and I explored how his unique experiences shaped a grounded, people-first leadership style. Whether navigating high-stakes negotiations or union agreements, Peter emphasized that values like empathy, accountability, and active listening were key drivers of his success. His book Count on Me captures these moments and lessons, offering a compelling case study in transformational leadership.
Shaw Communications: Embracing Change, Staying HumanWe reflected on Shaw’s evolution—from its early days in cable to becoming a major player in internet and wireless services. Peter shared how strategic investments in infrastructure and top-tier talent enabled the company to stay ahead of technological shifts. He also highlighted how Shaw's unwavering commitment to employee well-being and customer experience helped it weather the pandemic's unprecedented challenges. It's a blueprint for change management done right—with heart.
Culture as a Catalyst for SuccessPeter opened up about Shaw’s intentional leadership culture, grounded in trust, care, and shared accountability. He described how these values created a sense of belonging and mutual respect across teams. I couldn’t agree more—when employees feel supported, they deliver their best. That culture doesn’t just drive business results; it builds loyalty and resilience.
Why Count on Me Matters Now More Than EverPeter spent three years writing Count on Me, a legacy project meant to inspire current and future leaders. The book explores the deeper purpose of leadership—how it’s less about personal accolades and more about empowering others and leaving things better than you found them. If you care about leadership that lifts people up and strengthens communities, this book is a must-read.
📌 Next Steps and How You Can Engage
Peter's book Count on Me launches July 18th—Here's the link
This podcast episode drops next week to coincide with the book launch—subscribe so you don’t miss it.
Follow Peter on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to stay connected and get updates on his journey.
Share this episode with leaders and changemakers in your network who are committed to cultivating impact through culture.
💬 “Leadership isn't about the spotlight—it's about lifting others into it.” – Peter Bissonnette
This conversation reminded me why legacy, culture, and compassion are cornerstones of impactful leadership. I hope you’ll tune in, take notes, and take action.
 
PETER J. BISSONNETTE
- FORMER PRESIDENT OF SHAW COMMUNICATIONS- AUTHOR OF COUNT ON ME
Peter began his thirty-five years with Shaw Communications Inc. in 1989, asvice president operations. He progressed to the role of president in 2001, aposition he held until his retirement in 2015. He remained on the board untilShaw's sale to Rogers in 2023.
As a child, Peter was an army brat moving from place to place. Heattended a Catholic boarding school in England and for a timeconsidered pursuing a life in the clergy. Instead, he joined the Navy andlater the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he discovered his aptitude forelectronics and radar technology.
Always seeking new opportunities and growth, Peter left a poorly paid roleat Northern Radio in Ottawa with just $50 in his wallet and headed toVancouver on a Greyhound bus. There he found work with BC Tel, wherehe worked for twelve years, climbing the ranks, gaining a reputation foroperational excellence, and attracting the attention of big telecomleaders like the McDonalds, Ted Rogers and ultimately, JR Shaw.Peter is an avid musician, with his own recording studio and an impressivecollection of guitars. He is also a talented photographer; a subject hemajored in at college.
SPEAKER TOPICS• Telecommunications and the Future of the Industry• Manifesting and Visualization – Making things happen!• Leadership, and the Evolution of Business• The Art of Negotiation• Recording Studio Set-up, Music, Guitar playingLINKS• Ingeniumbooks.com/COUNT• Facebook.com/peter.bissonnette.7• Instagram @peter.bissonnette
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-j-bissonnette-28311181/
 

Simplify to Scale – Real Talk on Small Business Growth with Justin Abrams from Aryo Consulting

In this episode, Michael D. Levitt sits down with Justin, founder of Aryo Consulting Group, to unpack small businesses' real-world challenges in today’s fast-paced economy. With a track record of helping over 350 companies—ranging from scrappy startups to established enterprises—Justin brings practical insight into what works (and what doesn’t) when scaling a business.
🚧 Growth Isn’t Glamorous—It’s GrittySmall and large businesses alike are battling similar dragons: customer acquisition costs, fragmented attention spans, and complex marketing ecosystems. Michael points out a deeper cultural issue—how society often champions the underdog, only to tear them down once they succeed. It’s a warning for founders: success invites scrutiny, and resilience is required not just to rise—but to stay up.
📣 Cut the Noise—Focus on the CustomerMichael and Justin zero in on a leadership blind spot: ignoring the customer. Many businesses build intricate strategies but forget to ask, “What does the customer actually want?” Michael emphasizes simplifying the customer journey and solving real problems. Justin adds that price and quality remain the cornerstones of customer loyalty—forgetting that is a fast track to losing trust.
🚀 Product Over HypeThe duo debunks the myth that marketing alone can save a weak product. Justin cites Amazon and Tesla as case studies where product excellence drove customer advocacy organically. Michael calls out "shiny object syndrome"—where founders chase every new marketing trick rather than deeply understanding their audience. In a world of endless tools and AI automation, foundational clarity wins.
🤯 Marketing Paralysis & The Pitfalls of AI GimmicksMichael touches on decision paralysis—how clients freeze when bombarded with too many agency pitches or AI-fueled promises. Justin gets candid about the overhype around AI tools like cold outreach automations, warning that many businesses burn cash without meaningful results. His advice: learn from real-world failures, not influencer funnels. When done right, niche cold outreach still works—but it takes precision, not shortcuts.
🔍 The Power of Slowing DownIn a world that moves fast, Michael suggests a counterintuitive growth strategy: slow down. Take the time to truly understand your clients. Drawing from lessons learned from leadership experts like Steven Morris, Michael reminds us that relationships—not transactions—build businesses. Bonus? A nostalgic throwback to the Yellow Pages, which he dubs "the original Google," plus a Red Sox vs. Yankees jab for good measure.
🤖 AI Can’t Replace the Human StoryThe conversation wraps with a powerful reminder: AI is a tool, not a compass. Michael and Justin agree that while automation has its place, it can’t replicate the human element. Justin encourages leaders to own their stories—because behind every business metric is a journey worth sharing. They explore how AI may reshape employment, particularly in low-cost markets, and why leaders must strike a balance between efficiency and empathy.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
Simplicity scales. Complexity kills clarity.
Don’t outsource your voice—own it.
Focus on serving, not selling.
Tech is a tool; you are the strategy.
🎧 Listen now to learn how to grow your business without burning out—and why the best strategy is often the simplest one.
#Leadership #SmallBusiness #GrowthStrategy #Entrepreneurship #AIandBusiness #CustomerExperience #Simplicity #MarketingTruths #HumanFirst
 
About Justin:
Most founders don’t need another agency. They need a partner who tells them the truth—and helps them fix what’s broken.
That’s what we do at Aryo Consulting Group.
I’m Justin Abrams—strategist, growth architect, and founder of Aryo. We’re not your typical consulting firm. We don’t deliver bloated decks or overpromise shiny metrics. We roll up our sleeves, dive deep into your business, and build systems that drive real, lasting growth.
Think of us as McKinsey meets your favorite operator. The difference? We ship the work. We test, we iterate, and we get results.
We work with small and mid-sized businesses doing $1M–$25M in revenue that are:
✅ Stalled in growth✅ Bleeding cash on ads that don’t convert✅ Fed up with agencies recycling the same outdated playbook
Here’s how we help:
1. Strategy that grounds your growth.Our diagnostic process goes beyond surface metrics. We uncover the hidden blockers in your funnel, operations, or offer—fast.Clients say it feels more like therapy than consulting, and they’re right. Sometimes, what you need isn’t more ideas—it’s clarity.
2. Organic Growth that doesn’t burn your budget.Before you pour money into paid ads, we focus on organic channels that convert:Reddit. Facebook Groups. Local SEO. UGC. Newsletters. Podcasts.No fluff. No spend-until-you-scale tactics. Just systems that deliver qualified leads.
3. Optimization that future-proofs your operations.Once growth is working, we modernize your backend.My partner (MSEE, Carnegie Mellon) brings the tech muscle—automation, integrations, and digital infrastructure to reduce costs and scale with precision.
We’ve supported 300+ businesses—ranging from hungry startups to enterprise giants like Pfizer, Sony, and Merck.
🏆 Featured by Clutch as a Top US Consulting Firm (2024)⭐ 125+ 5-star reviews on Upwork | Top 1% Expert-Vetted
If you're ready to stop guessing and start growing:→ DM me “audit” and I’ll show you exactly where you’re leaking revenue.→ Prefer face-to-face? If you're in Boston, coffee's on me.
LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-abrams-aryo-consulting/
Website:  https://aryocg.com/
 

Market Resilience, Counterfeit Realities, and the Future of Authentication with Perry Nguyen of Check Check

Episode Title: Market Resilience, Counterfeit Realities, and the Future of Authentication with Perry Nguyen of Check Check
Show Notes:
In this episode, I’m joined by Perry Nguyen with Check Check, a cutting-edge digital authentication platform reshaping the luxury resale landscape. Our conversation explores the parallels between nature’s most resilient species and the dynamic, ever-evolving global marketplace, particularly the explosive growth of luxury resale and the counterfeit economy.
Perry shares how Check Check leverages a global team of expert authenticators to verify high-value goods, including sneakers, designer items, and collectibles. With the rise of “super fakes” and consumer trust hanging in the balance, Perry explains why real-time, mobile-first authentication is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity.
We dig into Perry’s fascinating career journey—from scaling a cannabis startup from zero to $11M in sales, to lobbying Congress (cowboy hat and all) in support of a groundbreaking antifungal vaccine for animals. His background in the music industry also adds a creative twist to his leadership style, which I found incredibly relatable.
Perry also opens up about joining Check Check just 12 months ago and partnering with co-founders Arnold Luck and Eddie Abramov to scale their sneaker authentication platform into a robust enterprise solution. With over 3.3 million app downloads and 2.2 million items authenticated, they’re redefining trust in the secondary market.
We wrap the conversation with a look at global expansion—including a powerful new partnership with India’s Culture Kicks—and discuss how APIs and mobile tech are driving the next phase of authentication for streetwear and luxury resale. I even encouraged my brother to download the app—because if you’re going to invest in high-value items, you need to make sure they’re the real deal.
And yes, I even share a story about tracking down an elusive 90s rock vocalist named Kurt, plus what my cousin's DIY guitar pedal business taught me about creative frustration, innovation, and self-determination in leadership.
📌 Topics Covered:
How market adaptability mirrors species resilience
The booming counterfeit market and rise of "super fakes"
Scaling Check Check into a global authentication powerhouse
The intersection of creativity, structure, and burnout
Personal leadership stories from the music and tech worlds
 
 
 
Perry Nguyen is the Chief Executive Officer at CheckCheck, a leading digital authentication company. The company started out in the sneaker market but has just expanded into the luxury market, covering handbags and wallets from high-end brands. The company has also partnered with Culture Circle, India’s biggest marketplace for authenticated hype and luxury fashion, to introduce an industry-first dual authentication system in India.
 
The need for authentication has never been greater. The global counterfeit market is valued between $1.7 trillion and $4.5 trillion annually, with luxury goods and sneakers among the most counterfeited products. It is estimated the global luxury market has a value of $1.5 trillion with second-hand luxury expected to reach $75 billion by the end of the year. Handbags represent the largest category in luxury resale, growing at an annual rate of 12%. 
 
It's a really interesting sector and opens up conversations of the use of AI, note unlike their competitors CheckCheck adapt AI but also rely on human verification, also they are noticing an interest in fashion sustainability and customers wanting to buy pre-loved goods rather than newly made products. To date more than 2 million users have downloaded the app.
 
Perry has a strong affiliation with startups. He previously worked as Head of Business Development for pet pharmaceutical company, Anivive, and organised a partnership with NFL superstar, Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski, who committed $1 million to pet health start-up. 
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perryqnguyen/
Website:  https://getcheckcheck.com/en/
 

The Power of Differentiation with Barry LaBov: How Iconic Brands Stand Out and Succeed

In this powerful conversation, Michael D. Levitt and branding expert Barry LaBov explore the critical role of differentiation in today’s hyper-competitive and fast-moving business world. It’s not about being the biggest or best in every category—it’s about being unmistakably you.
The Human Edge of DifferentiationBarry opens with a compelling take: while modern tools have made producing fast, mediocre content easier, what sets brands apart today is authenticity and humanity. He warns that failing to stand out leads to commoditization, lower profits, and disengaged teams. The takeaway? Know what makes you unique—and amplify it with intention.
Purpose Starts with "Who Are We?"Michael shares a story from a nonprofit healthcare board meeting where a simple but profound question was raised: “Who are we?” That moment sparked a conversation about alignment, identity, and clarity. He reminds leaders to pause regularly, assess direction, and stay grounded in purpose. Barry echoes this, referencing Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why,” but adds: you also need to clearly explain what you do and how it fulfills that purpose.
Belief Begins WithinBarry shifts the focus inward, discussing how employee belief in a company's mission and differentiation directly impacts its longevity—citing that 16 of 17 startups fail within 10 years. His latest book, written during the COVID-era resignation wave, focuses on helping companies win hearts and minds through internal and external clarity. Real-world stories and practical frameworks help teams rediscover what makes them special.
Small Shifts, Big ImpactMichael dives into adaptability with a brilliant metaphor: changing the lighting in a room can completely alter its feel without replacing the furniture. In the same way, businesses often need thoughtful tweaks—not complete reinventions. He also addresses current workplace trends—like post-2021 turnover and return-to-office debates—urging leaders to listen to their people and lead with empathy and internal communication.
Say It Like You Mean ItWrapping up, Barry and Michael discuss how language shapes culture. Self-deprecating phrases like “best kept secret” can quietly undermine confidence inside and outside the organization. Instead, leaders should communicate honestly and boldly about their value—without veering into ego. Michael even mentions recommending Barry’s book to a client struggling with this exact challenge.
Key Takeaways:
True differentiation stems from authenticity, not superiority.
Purpose is revealed by asking the hard questions—internally and externally.
Your team must believe in what sets your organization apart.
Minor shifts in leadership and culture can produce major results.
How you describe your business matters—internally and externally.
🎧 Tune in to gain clarity, purpose, and practical insights that help your brand rise above the noise—without losing your soul.
Barry is a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and founder of LABOV Marketing, Communications, and Training. He has helped global brands like Harley-Davidson, Audi, and The Macallan Scotch differentiate and thrive.
 
He’s also the author of The Power of Differentiation, a #1 New Release in Marketing on Amazon, now distributed by Simon & Schuster and requested by universities like Cambridge, Stanford and Chicago Booth.   
 
Beyond brand strategy, Barry co-hosts Difference Talks, where he’s interviewed best-selling authors like Bob Chapman, Seth Godin, Ron Baker, and Joe Pine; CEOs including Johan de Nysschen and Betsy Pepine; and Grammy winners Ranaan Meyer and Cliff Goldmacher.
 
With over 80 podcast appearances, he’s passionate about sharing real-world lessons on differentiation, leadership, and overcoming challenges.  
 
https://labov.com
https://BarryLaBov.com
Book:  https://amzn.to/3YxmUD3
 
 

The Revival of American Watchmaking – With R.T. Custer

this episode, I sat down with R.T. Custer to explore how he's bringing precision craftsmanship back to American soil. As the founder of Vortic Watch Company, R.T. began his journey a decade ago by upcycling antique American pocket watches into stunning wristwatches—each a one-of-a-kind blend of history and innovation. Now, with the launch of Colorado Watch Company, he's scaling that mission, aiming to produce over 500 watches a month. It’s a bold step forward for U.S. manufacturing.
Investing in American-Made Legacy
R.T. and I dug deep into the growing appetite for American-made products. There’s something powerful about choosing to support local—whether it's your community’s small businesses or the infrastructure that keeps our economy moving. We shared our hopes that more consumers will embrace domestically produced goods—not only for the quality, but because they represent a future built on sustainability, resilience, and meaningful employment.
A Return to Craftsmanship and Physical Innovation
One of the themes that resonated with me most was the tactile joy of building physical products. R.T. shared how fulfilling it is to work with his hands—and to create meaningful jobs for others doing the same. We discussed how newer generations are rediscovering analog experiences, from vinyl records to mechanical watches, in a digitally saturated world. There’s a renaissance happening—and it’s reminding us that innovation isn’t just digital. It’s human.
The Market Potential for American-Made Watches
We also touched on market opportunity—how entrepreneurs and cultural leaders like Kevin O’Leary are championing American craftsmanship. R.T. envisions producing up to 1,000 watches per month through Colorado Watch Company, bringing premium, American-made timepieces to a niche yet growing audience. This isn’t just about watches—it’s about reclaiming our manufacturing heritage and proving that we can lead with quality and purpose.
Reviving Industry in the American West
Our conversation closed on a big-picture note. We talked about Colorado’s roots in innovation and industry—and how the American West once symbolized opportunity, grit, and reinvention. Today, that spirit is still alive. R.T.’s work isn’t just about making watches—it’s about modeling what’s possible when we believe in rebuilding. We need more of that energy. More leaders. More makers. And more belief in what’s possible—right here at home.
 
To make his American Dream come true. With his back to the wall, R.T. Custer sold his car to make payroll. 
 
With a few grand wired directly into a fledgling watch company that builds every piece, case, crown, and buckle on U.S. soil. Vortic Watch Co. is one of the last remaining brands to manufacture wristwatches entirely in America, sourcing, machining, and assembling everything on U.S. soil. 
 
In a market where "resilience" is just a branding exercise, R.T. made it real. This is what actual entrepreneurship looks like: gritty, unfiltered, and painfully honest. And in a sea of curated founder stories, R.T.'s hits like a punch to the gut.
 
“We’re all a little delusional. You have to be. You either believe in yourself or fold. I chose belief.” R.T. Custer
 
Website:  https://coloradowatchcompany.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rtcuster/
Website:  https://www.rtcuster.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rtcuster/?hl=en
 

Efficient Hiring & Scalable Growth with Truffle's Sean Griffith

On this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Sean Griffith, founder of Truffle, a forward-thinking hiring platform that's changing how small and mid-sized businesses approach talent acquisition.
🔍 Truffle’s Smarter Hiring ModelSean shares how Truffle uses asynchronous audio and video interviews with structured, role-specific questions to efficiently filter large applicant pools. Designed especially for growing teams that can’t afford bulky enterprise software, Truffle delivers rich, manageable insights to help organizations hire not just for skills but also for trajectory and culture alignment.
🤖 AI-Powered Job Matching with a Human TouchWe unpack Truffle’s AI matching system that ranks candidates based on their responses, spotlighting the top 10% so hiring managers can focus their time wisely. I emphasize how this tech helps reduce bias and allows candidates’ personalities to shine—leveling the playing field and building more equitable workplaces.
🔧 Origins Rooted in Real-World GrowthTruffle was born from Sean’s experience scaling a company that was ultimately acquired. He reflects on how great hiring drove that success—and how Truffle is now a tool to replicate that process by identifying value- and mission-aligned talent from the outset.
🛠️ Customer-Led Innovation Meets Lean Product DevelopmentSean shares how Truffle has evolved by co-creating with customers, staying close to their hiring workflows. I connect this to the Lean “Gemba” principle—learning directly from the source. Together, we explore how AI, humility, and industry-crossing insights are fueling a product that grows alongside its users.
📈 Scaling Through Systems: EOS, ‘Who’ Hiring, and Internal AlignmentWe dig into the practical challenges of scaling from 50 to 200 employees and how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped Truffle’s leadership stay grounded. Sean details how the Who method and consistent check-ins fostered accountability and clearer communication across teams.
🧩 Operational Rigor with FlexibilityWe explore the need for scalable hiring systems that still honor a company’s unique culture. From adapting hiring tools like Truffle to incorporating checklists and agendas, the conversation zeroes in on what it really takes to grow intentionally without burning out your teams.
🚀 Looking Ahead: Truffle’s FutureAs interest in Truffle expands to larger organizations, Sean invites listeners to explore more at hiretruffle.com and sign up for a trial. 

Deep Dive: Navigating Toxic Workplaces: Strategies for Mental Health and Resilience

Let’s face it—hostile workplaces are more common than we care to admit. Whether it’s passive-aggressive emails, micromanagement, gaslighting, or relentless pressure that crosses the line into emotional fatigue—these aren’t just “bad days.” They’re environments that chip away at your mental health.
But here’s the good news: you are not powerless.
This isn’t just about “getting through it.”It’s about transforming how you show up—with boundaries, support, and a deep commitment to your own growth.
By the end of this episode—and ideally by the end of the full program—we want you walking away with three superpowers:
The confidence to protect your time and emotional energy.
The tools to build support networks that lift you up.
And the mindset to focus on your growth, not the toxicity around you.
Because yes—you can thrive in difficult environments. And when you do, you become not just burnout-proof—but bulletproof.

Rethinking Wellness and Feedback Loops in Today’s Workplace with Andrew Ronchetto

Episode Title: Rethinking Wellness and Feedback Loops in Today’s Workplace
Show Notes:
In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael connects with business strategist Andrew Ronchetto to explore how organizations must evolve their approach to wellness, leadership, and performance in an ever-changing workforce.
Redefining Wellness & Feedback in the Modern WorkplaceMichael and Andrew dive into the shifting dynamics of today’s workforce and why it’s time to rethink traditional wellness programs and feedback mechanisms. Andrew shares insights from his business consulting background, along with lessons from a recent personal transformation. The discussion underscores the power of continuous learning and agility in responding to new challenges.
Holistic Workplace Wellness: Going Beyond the SurfaceThey highlight why organizations must move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives to address root causes of burnout and disengagement. Michael and Andrew advocate for a holistic approach—blending tech-enabled solutions with human-centered design—to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported. Leaders, they note, must take action at the same level their teams are operating—grounded, informed, and proactive.
Intentional Onboarding: The First 90 Days MatterAndrew emphasizes the critical role of onboarding in setting up new hires—and newly promoted leaders—for success. Whether stepping into a new company or transitioning roles, the first 90 days are a window of opportunity. Michael adds that intentional onboarding directly impacts employee retention and performance, helping to build a culture of trust and accountability from day one.
Defining Roles to Drive Clarity and SuccessClarity in roles and responsibilities isn’t just good practice—it’s mission-critical. Michael and Andrew compare well-functioning organizations to orchestras or military units, where each member understands their role and how it connects to the bigger picture. They also touch on the unique value consultants bring in fostering team alignment and strategy execution.
Supporting Small Businesses Through WellnessSmall business leaders often overlook wellness, assuming it requires massive overhauls. Michael and Andrew challenge that thinking, showing how simple, intentional adjustments can spark better team flow, innovation, and performance. A few small shifts can make a big difference.
Final Takeaway:The future of work demands intentional leadership, personalized wellness strategies, and environments where feedback and growth are constant. Tune in to discover how small changes in approach can drive massive impact—no matter your team size or industry.
 Website:  beonplatform.com