Join The Catalyst Club 🚀 The Exclusive Support Community for Leaders & Rockstars of The Business Development Podcast All Access • Just $29/month
The Business Development Podcast

Episodes

Only Book What You’re Willing to Own
313
Feb. 3, 2026

Only Book What You’re Willing to Own

In episode 313, Kelly shares a hard lesson from a time he tried to “help” a client by booking a series of account management meetings he was not going to attend. The introductions were easy because the trust and credibility were already built, and the prospects said yes because of Kelly’s relationship with them. But once the client missed one meeting, then another, Kelly realized the damage was landing on his name, not theirs. Instead of doing business development, he found himself apologizing, ...
Listen to the Episode
Is Status Quo an Option with Gordon Sheppard
312
Jan. 31, 2026

Is Status Quo an Option with Gordon Sheppard

Episode 312 of The Business Development Podcast features a practical and candid conversation with Gordon Sheppard, CEO of Executive Wins, about what really holds teams and organizations back from growth. Drawing on more than 25 years of executive coaching experience, Gordon shares what happens behind the scenes when businesses stall, leaders feel overwhelmed, and execution breaks down. Instead of chasing strategy or quick fixes, he explains why structure, accountability, and difficult conversati...
Guest: Gordon Sheppard
Listen to the Episode
You’re Already in a Trance and It’s Shaping Your Life with Wayne Lee
311
Jan. 27, 2026

You’re Already in a Trance and It’s Shaping Your Life with Wayne Lee

Episode 311 of The Business Development Podcast features a deep and thought-provoking conversation with Wayne Lee Diduck, a world-class hypnotist and peak performance expert who reframes hypnosis as something far more practical and present in daily life than most people realize. Wayne explains that hypnosis is not about mind control or stage theatrics, but about influence, belief, and the subconscious programs that quietly shape our behavior, decisions, and results. Drawing from his background a...
Guest: Wayne Lee Diduck
Listen to the Episode
Why Finance Must Evolve or Become Obsolete with Anders Liu-Lindberg
310
Jan. 24, 2026

Why Finance Must Evolve or Become Obsolete with Anders Liu-Lindberg

In Episode 310 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Anders Liu Lindberg, a global thought leader in business partnering and one of the strongest voices shaping the future of finance today. Anders has built a reputation for turning finance teams into strategic powerhouses, helping CFOs and finance leaders move beyond reporting and compliance into real influence, better decision making, and measurable business impact. This conversation is a masterclass in why finance m...
Guest: Anders Liu-Lindberg
Listen to the Episode
Why Legacy Matters More Than Career with Raphael Cervan
309
Jan. 20, 2026

Why Legacy Matters More Than Career with Raphael Cervan

In Episode 309 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with fellow Rockstar Raphael Cervan, a longtime listener from France whose journey is anything but ordinary. Born in Brazil and now based in France, Raphael spent nearly two decades as an aeronautical engineer at Airbus, working on landmark programs like the A380 and A320 while leading global teams at the highest level of technical excellence. But as his career advanced and he became a father, Raphael began asking deeper...
Listen to the Episode
Why Business Owners Should Be Shopping Their Bank with John Pelley
308
Jan. 17, 2026

Why Business Owners Should Be Shopping Their Bank with John Pelley

Episode 308 of The Business Development Podcast features John Pelley, a former banker with 35 years of experience spanning small business lending, corporate banking, and global treasury management. John pulls back the curtain on how business banking actually works and explains why banks are not fixed-cost utilities but competitive, for-profit organizations. Drawing from real-world experience, including high-level international deals, he shows how informed businesses can negotiate fees, rates, an...
Listen to the Episode
Empathy Is Deeper Than We Can Imagine
307
Jan. 13, 2026

Empathy Is Deeper Than We Can Imagine

Episode 307 is a deeply personal reflection on empathy, responsibility, and how life fundamentally changes the way we experience the world. Kelly Kennedy explores how becoming a father rewired his nervous system and unlocked a depth of empathy he didn’t previously have access to, triggered by moments from The Wild Robot and One Life. This episode challenges the idea that empathy is simply a skill or mindset, revealing instead that some layers of empathy only emerge when attachment, responsibilit...
Listen to the Episode
What Alberta Strong Really Means with Mckinley Hyland
306
Jan. 10, 2026

What Alberta Strong Really Means with Mckinley Hyland

In Episode 306, Kelly Kennedy reconnects with Mckinley Hyland, founder of Maverick NDT Inspection Inc. and the very first guest in the history of The Business Development Podcast, for a raw and grounded conversation about Alberta, Oil and Gas, and the people who make the industry work. Mckinley shares the reality behind high-paying field work, from long rotations and time away from family to the quiet sacrifices that define life in Alberta’s energy sector. This episode isn’t about politics or co...
Guest: Mckinley Hyland
Listen to the Episode
Take Inspired Action
305
Jan. 6, 2026

Take Inspired Action

In Episode 305 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down why most ideas never make it into the world — not because they are bad, but because people wait too long to act. Drawing from his own experience launching businesses, programs, communities, and podcasts in under three months, Kelly explains the concept of inspired action: acting while clarity, energy, and excitement are present instead of waiting for confidence, certainty, or fear to disappear. He challenges the belief...
Listen to the Episode
Start the New Year Using Your Strengths with Ryan Crittenden
304
Jan. 3, 2026

Start the New Year Using Your Strengths with Ryan Crittenden

In Episode 304 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Ryan Crittenden, a strength-based coach, Army veteran, and founder of XL Coaching and Development, to kick off the new year with a powerful reframe on growth, leadership, and self-belief. Ryan breaks down why coaching is not about fixing what’s wrong, but about drawing out what’s already there, helping people understand and use their natural strengths instead of fighting against them. Through stories from his milita...
Guest: Ryan Crittenden
Listen to the Episode
The Truth About Momentum and How It’s Really Built
303
Dec. 30, 2025

The Truth About Momentum and How It’s Really Built

Every January starts with fresh goals and big intentions, and then life hits, momentum fades, and by February most people are restarting again. In this New Year’s Eve episode, Kelly breaks down what momentum actually is, why it matters, and how to build it in a way that lasts, not with hype or burnout, but with consistent weekly actions that compound over time. He reframes momentum as simple forward motion, the stacking of small and significant wins, and shows how consistency is what creates the...
Listen to the Episode
Why You Can’t Outwork Burnout Anymore with Maureen Codispodi
302
Dec. 27, 2025

Why You Can’t Outwork Burnout Anymore with Maureen Codispodi

Episode 302 is a grounded and necessary conversation about the unseen cost of entrepreneurship. After nearly 200 interviews with founders, leaders, and high performers, a clear pattern has emerged: burnout, health scares, and identity collapse are no longer edge cases, they’re becoming normal. This episode explores how the current culture of nonstop pressure and hustle is quietly breaking people, and why so many entrepreneurs feel unable to slow down even when the warning signs are impossible to...
Guest: Maureen Codispodi
Listen to the Episode
Turn Chaos Into Control With Colin Harms
301
Dec. 23, 2025

Turn Chaos Into Control With Colin Harms

Episode 301 kicks off the 300s with Colin Harms and opens with a milestone announcement, HyperVac Technologies and HyperFab are the official Title Sponsors of The Business Development Podcast for 2026. Kelly and Colin reflect on the relationship that started through the podcast, why community and consistency matter, and what it takes to keep raising the standard as an independent Canadian show that is competing on a global stage. From there, the conversation gets real about building through p...
Guest: Colin Harms
Listen to the Episode
The Journey to 300
300
Dec. 20, 2025

The Journey to 300

Milestone Episode 300 is a behind the scenes centennial conversation with Shelby Hobbs, recorded right in the messy middle of real life. Kelly and Shelby hit record in the narrow window before the kids get home, with a baby sleeping nearby, a toddler napping upstairs, and the daily marathon happening in real time, because that’s genuinely how the show and the household get built. From there, the episode becomes a reflection on what 300 episodes actually means: the gratitude, the growth, and t...
Guest: Shelby Hobbs
Listen to the Episode
The Legendary Manager Behind The Tragically Hip with Jake Gold
299
Dec. 16, 2025

The Legendary Manager Behind The Tragically Hip with Jake Gold

In this very special episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jake Gold, one of the most influential architects of Canadian music and the longtime manager behind The Tragically Hip. Jake takes listeners behind the curtain on what a music manager actually does, not as a hype man, but as the CEO of a complex business where touring, deals, team decisions, merchandising, data, and long term career strategy all run through one leader. He shares the moment he first saw...
Guest: Jake Gold
Listen to the Episode
Turn Your Story Into a Brand People Trust with Jake Karls
298
Dec. 13, 2025

Turn Your Story Into a Brand People Trust with Jake Karls

Episode 298 features Jake Karls, co founder and chief rainmaker of Mid Day Squares, breaking down how a kitchen table idea turned into a multimillion dollar brand by winning attention the hard way, through relentless storytelling and real human connection. He explains why attention is one of the most valuable assets in business, why you cannot buy trust with generic marketing, and why your story is the one advantage competitors cannot copy, if you are willing to share the good and the ugly. T...
Guest: Jake Karls
Listen to the Episode
10 Rules to Make 2026 the Year Your Community Changes Everything
297
Dec. 9, 2025

10 Rules to Make 2026 the Year Your Community Changes Everything

In this solo episode, Kelly looks back at how business has shifted from the AI explosion of 2023, to the rise of personal branding in 2024, to the wave of raw, human authenticity in 2025, and makes a bold prediction for what comes next. 2026, he argues, will be the year of community, where leaders are no longer satisfied with surface level connections and instead seek real belonging in rooms where they can be honest, supported, and challenged. Drawing on his experience building The Catalyst Club...
Listen to the Episode
Unlocking Canada’s Francophone Goldmine with Colin Fagnan
296
Dec. 6, 2025

Unlocking Canada’s Francophone Goldmine with Colin Fagnan

Episode 296 is a first for The Business Development Podcast – we finally dive deep into Canada’s French-speaking community and what most business leaders are missing. Kelly sits down with bilingual consultant Colin Fagnan, founder of Nyloc Consulting (and now Executive Director of the Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce), to unpack how growing up Francophone in Alberta shaped his worldview, why French is actually on the rise in Western Canada, and how bilingualism boos...
Guest: Colin Fagnan
Listen to the Episode
6 Biggest Lessons From My First 5 Years of Entrepreneurship
295
Dec. 2, 2025

6 Biggest Lessons From My First 5 Years of Entrepreneurship

Episode 295 is a raw and honest reflection on what five years of entrepreneurship have really looked like behind the scenes. Kelly marks the anniversary of Capital Business Development, his own birthday, and his son’s birthday by pulling back the curtain on the fear, uncertainty, and constant change that come with building something from nothing. Instead of a highlight reel, he walks you through the real story of learning to bet on yourself, letting go of rigid long term plans, and accepting tha...
Listen to the Episode
Defying Limits and Redefining Opportunity in Canada with Daniel Monzon
294
Nov. 29, 2025

Defying Limits and Redefining Opportunity in Canada with Daniel Monzon

In Episode 294 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly sits down with the extraordinary Daniel Monzon, an entrepreneur whose story rewrites what resilience and leadership truly mean. Born with one arm and one leg, Daniel has spent his life climbing mountains both literally and figuratively, turning adversity into strength and strength into purpose. From navigating early career challenges to becoming a driving force in Alberta’s innovation ecosystem, Daniel shares how his lived experience shap...
Guest: Daniel Monzon
Listen to the Episode
The Listener Who Transformed His Life Through Business Development with Lucas Benjamin Schmidt
293
Nov. 25, 2025

The Listener Who Transformed His Life Through Business Development with Lucas Benjamin Schmidt

Episode 293 follows the remarkable journey of Lucas Benjamin Schmidt, a biochemist from Germany who discovered business development by accident and transformed his entire life because of it. Lucas found The Business Development Podcast in late 2023, listened to every episode within days, and immediately applied the principles by treating himself like a product, crafting a value proposition, creating marketing materials, and proactively reaching out to companies. His curiosity and willingness to ...
Guest: Lucas Schmidt
Listen to the Episode
How to Explode Your LinkedIn Growth in 2026 with Sam Swirsky
292
Nov. 22, 2025

How to Explode Your LinkedIn Growth in 2026 with Sam Swirsky

Episode 292 takes you inside a powerful conversation with LinkedIn strategist Sam Swirsky, where Kelly uncovers what truly drives explosive growth on the world’s leading business platform in 2026. Sam shares his journey from blue collar beginnings to becoming one of LinkedIn’s most respected creators and strategists, breaking down the mindset and methods that helped him build massive influence. He reveals why clarity, consistency, instructional content, and authentic video now outperform everyth...
Guest: Sam Swirsky
Listen to the Episode
You Are Going to Be OK and 10 Tips Will Help You Keep the Faith
291
Nov. 18, 2025

You Are Going to Be OK and 10 Tips Will Help You Keep the Faith

Episode 291 is a raw, honest, and deeply human exploration of what it means to trust the journey when life throws you curveballs. Kelly opens up about one of the wildest days of his entrepreneurial year — a morning that began with a gut-punch message from a major client and immediately shifted into two of the biggest interviews of 2025 with Jake Gold and Douglas Conant. Instead of spiraling, he leaned into faith, asked for guidance, and watched the entire day unfold in ways that reminded him tha...
Listen to the Episode
The Future of Food, Freedom, and Human Resilience with Jim Gale
290
Nov. 15, 2025

The Future of Food, Freedom, and Human Resilience with Jim Gale

What would you do if you sold your company and had every opportunity to step back, but instead chose to build a vision aimed at changing the future of how communities thrive? In Episode 290, Kelly sits down with returning guest Jim Gale to explore his mission to transform the way families, schools, neighborhoods, and even nations think about food and long-term resilience. Jim shares how he turned barren land into a fully off-grid, self-sustaining ecosystem and why regenerative design is becoming...
Guest: Jim Gale
Listen to the Episode
Send a Voicemail