True North Success Podcast

From Trauma to Triumph: Lessons in Personal Resilience and Business Growth with Dr. Joelle Johnson
What does it take to turn life-altering trauma into a thriving career and meaningful impact? In this powerful episode, Dr. Joelle Johnson shares how a near-fatal accident became the turning point that shaped her life, career, and purpose.
With over 25 years of experience as a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care, Dr. Johnson opens up about her journey through adversity, resilience, and building a purpose-driven business that serves families at a grassroots level.
You’ll hear how she transformed personal pain into professional passion—and why authenticity is the key to lasting success.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How a life-threatening accident led Dr. Johnson to discover chiropractic care
The importance of resilience and rebuilding after trauma
Why authenticity is critical for success in business and life
Unique challenges of being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field
How to balance motherhood, career, and personal growth
Practical goal-setting strategies to stay focused and driven
Why continuous learning fuels long-term success
The importance of community, especially for mothers and families
 
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What does it take to stand out in a competitive healthcare industry while delivering exceptional patient care? In this episode, Dr. Erin Perry shares how combining empathy, innovation, and smart reinvestment can transform both patient outcomes and business growth.
Dr. Erin Perry is a dentist and entrepreneur, owner of multiple clinics in Calgary, with a background in biomedical technology and a passion for personalized patient care.
In this conversation, she shares her journey from discovering dentistry in high school to building and scaling successful clinics. What sets Dr. Perry apart is her commitment to treating each patient as an individual—moving away from “cookie-cutter” dentistry and toward a deeply personalized, relationship-based approach.
She also dives into the power of reinvesting in your business. From opening a third clinic to adopting advanced laser technology, Dr. Perry explains how calculated risks and continuous improvement can create long-term growth and stronger patient experiences.
One of the most exciting innovations she discusses is the use of Solea laser technology, which allows dentists to perform procedures without needles, reduces discomfort, and improves treatment outcomes. This investment not only enhances patient care but also positions her clinics at the forefront of modern dentistry.
Beyond technology, Dr. Perry highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership—especially when managing teams and navigating challenges like HR and workplace dynamics. Her ability to connect with both patients and staff has been a key driver of her success.
 
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What does it take to lead innovation at a global scale for over two decades? In this episode, Ibrahim Gedeon shares powerful lessons from his 21-year journey as CTO at TELUS—and what it really takes to stay ahead in a fast-changing world.
Ibrahim Gedeon, former Chief Technology Officer at TELUS, helped transform the company into a global communications leader serving millions of customers. In this conversation, he opens up about the mindset, leadership principles, and strategic risks that shaped his success.
He shares how long-term vision matters more than short-term technology decisions, why companies must build flexible systems that evolve over time, and how taking calculated risks can set organizations apart. Ibrahim also highlights the importance of customer obsession—revealing how even engineering teams reviewed customer complaints to improve real-world outcomes.
A key theme throughout the episode is growth through mentorship. Ibrahim explains why having the right mentor—someone with real experience and “war wounds”—can dramatically change your career trajectory. He also shares a powerful lesson about communication: if someone doesn’t understand you, it’s your responsibility to explain it better.
Beyond leadership, Ibrahim discusses financial wisdom, including aligning investments with your values, adapting risk over time, and choosing advisors who truly add value.
Looking ahead, he shares his passion for improving technology for first responders, advocating for modern systems that can ultimately help save lives.
 
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In this powerful episode, Sonia and Kapil Kalra, co-founders of NatureMerry, share their journey from a kitchen-table startup to a globally expanding wellness brand.
Sonia opens up about living with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a severe and often misunderstood condition that led her to search for natural, effective pain relief. Frustrated with limited options and harmful side effects, she began developing plant-based solutions using terpenes—bioactive compounds found in plants.
Kapil shares how they transformed Sonia’s personal solution into a scalable business. From nearly losing 90% of their business during COVID to walking into local grocery stores to pitch their products, their story is one of resilience, adaptability, and mission-driven growth.
Together, they are now pioneering a new category in wellness—bridging the gap between natural remedies and pharmaceutical-grade effectiveness.
💡 Key Takeaways
Building a business rooted in a personal mission creates lasting impact
Resilience and the ability to pivot are critical for entrepreneurs
Mentorship can accelerate growth and prevent costly mistakes
Innovation often comes from solving your own problems
There is a growing need for natural, science-backed wellness solutions
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In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with Bernard Roth, a highly respected energy and regulatory lawyer with over 37 years of experience. Bernard shares his journey from growing up on a large farm in Saskatchewan to becoming a leading legal expert in Canada’s energy sector.
Bernard explains how a childhood decision to pursue law shaped his entire career path. What started as a clear goal early in life evolved into a specialization he never initially planned—energy regulatory law. A pivotal moment came when he was assigned to a major oil sands hearing in Fort McMurray, setting the course for decades of impactful work in the industry.
Throughout the conversation, Bernard offers a behind-the-scenes look at Alberta’s rigorous regulatory system and the role it plays in balancing economic growth with environmental and public interests. He highlights the importance of fairness, inclusion, and ensuring all voices—landowners, Indigenous communities, and industry—are heard in major decisions.
Bernard also shares what truly sets him apart: deep curiosity and genuine passion for the energy sector. He believes success comes from doing work you enjoy, staying intellectually engaged, and committing to continuous learning.
The conversation touches on challenges in the energy industry, including shifting public perception and political pressures. Bernard reflects on navigating these difficult periods while staying grounded in facts and long-term thinking.
 
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In this episode of the True North Success Podcast, Gary Mah sits down with clinical exercise physiologist Kathryn Wytsma-Fisher, founder of Wytsma Health and Movement. With nearly 20 years of experience, Kathryn brings a fresh and highly personalized approach to health by delivering exercise programs directly into her clients’ homes.
Kathryn explains how her concierge-style service removes common barriers like travel, intimidation, and lack of accessibility that often prevent people from staying active. Instead of relying on large gym equipment, she focuses on simple, effective tools such as resistance bands and bodyweight exercises that can be easily integrated into daily life.
The conversation highlights her passion for helping individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke recovery, and musculoskeletal issues. Kathryn emphasizes that movement doesn’t have to be complex to be effective—small, consistent actions like standing up regularly or walking around the house can make a meaningful difference.
She also shares insights into her journey into kinesiology, her commitment to lifelong learning, and how her family-first mindset has shaped her business. Kathryn discusses the importance of building strong client relationships and creating a comfortable, supportive environment for long-term success.
Looking ahead, Kathryn is focused on growing her practice, expanding her team, and building partnerships with healthcare providers and senior communities to reach more people in need of personalized care.
 
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What does it take to become a trusted legal expert in one of the fastest-changing industries in the world? In this episode, Gary Mah sits down with Matthew Burgoyne to talk about crypto, compliance, law, and the value of building strong relationships in business. Matthew shares how he carved out a niche in digital assets and blockchain law, and why understanding regulation is essential for companies operating in Canada.
Matthew is a partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt in Calgary and chairs the firm’s national digital asset and blockchain practice group. He was one of the first lawyers in Canada to work with cryptocurrency companies and has helped shape legal guidance in this fast-moving space.
In this conversation, Matthew shares how his love of logic, critical thinking, and philosophy led him into law. He also explains how he spotted the opportunity in crypto early, started writing about Bitcoin in 2013, and built a practice that now serves clients across Canada and around the world.
Gary and Matthew also talk about business development, client service, public speaking, and what it really takes to stand out in a competitive field. Matthew offers practical thoughts on success, including the importance of being involved in your industry, serving clients well, and thinking carefully about long-term investing and financial planning.
 
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What does it take to rebuild your career in a new country while staying true to your purpose? In this episode, Dr. Manpreet Kaur shares her powerful journey of perseverance, growth, and adaptability in the field of psychology.
Dr. Manpreet Kaur, a registered provisional psychologist with over 15 years of experience, joins Gary Mah to discuss her path from India to Canada and how she navigated the challenges of immigration, licensing, and career transition. With a strong foundation in clinical psychology and psychodynamic therapy, she offers a thoughtful perspective on mental health, resilience, and lifelong learning.
In this conversation, Dr. Kaur reflects on the early influence of her father, which sparked her interest in human behavior, and how that curiosity shaped her career. She also opens up about the emotional and professional challenges of moving countries, including the need to requalify and adapt to a new system. Through persistence and dedication, she successfully transitioned into her role in Canada while continuing her international practice.
A key theme in this episode is the importance of embracing change. Dr. Kaur shares how overcoming her own resistance to change led her to personal growth and inspired her to support others dealing with loss, transitions, and identity shifts—especially through her work in ambiguous loss therapy groups.
 
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What does it really take to succeed in digital transformation? In this episode, Jhon Lopez shares why technology alone isn’t enough—and how putting people first is the true key to lasting business growth.
Jhon Lopez joins Gary Mah to share insights from over 20 years of experience leading complex IT and enterprise transformation projects across multiple industries and countries. From his early career in Colombia to leading global initiatives in Canada and beyond, Jhon reveals how aligning people, processes, and technology can drive meaningful and measurable results.
Throughout the conversation, Jhon emphasizes the importance of human connection in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world. While many organizations focus heavily on systems and tools, he explains why overlooking the human side often leads to failed implementations. He shares practical lessons on change management, leadership, and building trust within diverse, multicultural teams.
Jhon also opens up about personal challenges—like overcoming language barriers and adapting to a new culture—and how embracing failure helped him grow both personally and professionally. His message is clear: success comes from consistency, learning through mistakes, and staying intentional in your actions.
The episode also explores financial growth strategies beyond active income and wraps up with Jhon’s exciting next chapter—launching his consulting company, Catalyst EQ Solutions, to help small and medium-sized businesses navigate digital transformation with a human-centered approach.
 
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What if your greatest business advantage wasn’t strategy—but emotional intelligence? In this episode, registered psychologist Daniel McMillan shares how understanding people is the key to building both a successful career and a thriving business.
Daniel McMillan, founder of Assured Psychology in Calgary, brings over 20 years of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate mental health, trauma, and relationships. Through his work at assuredpsychology.com, he blends clinical expertise with business insight, showing how emotional awareness can directly impact leadership, growth, and long-term success.
In this conversation, Daniel shares how his early exposure to compassionate care shaped his career path and how his curiosity about the human experience continues to influence both his clinical work and business decisions. He explains why being a great practitioner is not enough to run a successful business—and how learning marketing, systems, and financial strategy became essential to his growth.
Daniel also highlights the importance of continuous learning, taking risks, and leaning into areas of discomfort. He discusses how many professionals hold themselves back by assuming others are more capable, and why building skills through action is often more valuable than waiting for perfection.
 
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