In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the Founder & CEO of Ops Machine, Mitch Schwartz.

Ops Machine is a CGLCC-certified consultancy that helps small to mid-sized organizations adopt AI intentionally—amplifying human strengths rather than replacing them. Mitch has spent years mastering process design and team dynamics, now guiding organizations from "Where do we start?" to measurable AI wins while balancing automation with human impact.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• OpsMachine.co
• Mitch on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

• [02:35] How leaders should focus on guiding teams through AI changes instead of fearing job loss.
• [06:16] The shift from "knowledge work" to "wisdom work" and the key skills needed: connection, discernment, and emotional clarity.
• [11:44] The first question to ask when adopting AI is, “What problem do you think AI can solve?” then map processes together.
• [14:25] Big mistakes include top-down decisions, skipping collaboration, and not mapping current processes.
• [18:22] Start using AI by playing with ChatGPT, watching tutorials, and practicing prompts to build skills.
• [23:45] The second key step: map your current processes with your team to see where AI fits.
• [24:36] Final tip: document processes and involve your team to make AI implementation easier.

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In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the Owner of Wine by Renée, Renée Sferrazza.

Renée is a passionate and dynamic force in the wine industry. A Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, she began her journey over a decade ago and has since immersed herself in every facet of the wine world. As the founder of Wine by Renée, she leverages her global network to create engaging TV segments, videos, articles, and events that resonate with both the wine-curious and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Her mission is to make wine approachable and enjoyable by breaking it down into “simple sips.”

Renée is a familiar face on Canadian television, regularly appearing as a Wine Personality on Global’s The Morning Show, CHCH, and Breakfast Television. Her reach extends internationally through platforms like the Canada’s Got Taste YouTube channel and the Tasted Television show DrinkUp. In print, she pens The Wine Effect, a monthly column for Distillery District Magazine, and contributes to ELLE Gourmet Canada, Foodism, Holr Magazine, and other notable publications.

As the voice behind Wine by Renée, one of Canada’s largest wine-focused Instagram accounts, Renée offers a fresh, romantic, and down-to-earth take on wine. Her content invites everyone to embrace the joy of a great glass—without pretension.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• WineByRenee.com
• @wine.by.renee on Instagram

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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

• [2:42] Renée shares how she transitioned from wine importing to launching Wine by Renée, including the discrimination she faced as a queer woman in the wine industry.
• [8:00] Discussion on how AI is impacting wine communication and how Renée uses it as a tool to free up time and boost her business.
• [12:24] Renée talks about building her personal brand during the pandemic and how she grew her Instagram following from 900 to over 27,000.
• [14:59] Calan asks how Renée balances creativity with the business side of partnerships and storytelling.
• [16:37] Renée explains her role as a translator in the wine world and why she avoids negative reviews in favor of context and accessibility.
• [17:35] A conversation about Barefoot’s Pride wine sparks a broader discussion on accessibility, inclusivity, and the purpose of wine in everyday life.
• [18:48] Renée shares practical advice for turning a passion into a brand, including getting paid for your work, offering value to loyal clients, and letting go of ideas that don’t sell.

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In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Ricardo Gattas-Moras.

Ricardo is a dynamic marketing strategist, award-winning corporate leader, and founder of Poppy Marketing and Consulting. With over 17 years in Fortune 500 tech under his belt, Ricardo now focuses on empowering small businesses, particularly Latino and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, to build bold, authentic brands through storytelling, automation, and smart strategy. He's also the author of The Rainbow Bee, a children's book that celebrates identity and courage.

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► Today’s Sponsor is Make.com - easy AI automation and development

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Poppymarketingandconsulting.com
• Ricardo on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

• [1:57] Small business owners waste time on tasks like emails and lead tracking that can be easily automated.
• [3:59] Aiming to appeal to everyone weakens branding, clarity and focus are key.
• [7:42] Use ChatGPT to build client personas and make automation feel personal and human.
• [10:28] A welcome email sequence works for both large companies and solo entrepreneurs.
• [12:12] Embrace your identity as a strength. Authentic branding attracts ideal clients.
• [14:07] With just five hours a week, focus on clear messaging, email automation, and lead capture.
• [20:01] Test different AI tools to find what works best and build a custom automation stack.

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In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the co-founder of Techies of Tomorrow, Ramin Shadmehr.

Techies of Tomorrow is an AI tech platform working to make assisted AI secure and helpful for everyone. They specialize in helping businesses manage rapidly evolving tech, particularly focusing on AI integration, cloud applications, and digital transformation. They’re also the creators of Roughly AI, a secure and adaptable AI solution that allows organizations of all sizes to innovate and grow without needing an in-house AI team.

Ramin is a seasoned technology developer, educator, and researcher with over 15 years of experience in education, media, and tech. He holds a PhD in Educational Technology from Simon Fraser University, where he researches the effectiveness of virtual reality in job interview training for autistic adults.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• TechiesOfTomorrow.com
• Ramin Shadmehr on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

• [2:51] Ramin suggests small businesses approach AI with curiosity—start small, explore safely, and learn.
• [7:04] Calan encourages playing with AI tools like ChatGPT to understand their value before full adoption.
• [10:29] Ramin explains how to spot AI hype—watch for over-promises and flashy marketing.
• [16:24] Misconceptions stem from fear and lack of knowledge; basic AI education is key.
• [18:01] Choose AI tools by researching trusted sources like LinkedIn Learning and company backgrounds.
• [21:20] Stay relevant by staying adaptable—pivot quickly and embrace change.
• [24:37] Calan shares how using Arc Search helps ease into AI without sacrificing privacy.

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In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Jamie Engelhardt.

Jamie is a coach, strategist, and the founder of Wild&, where she helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs build brands that feel like home. Her approach blends emotional depth with practical insight, grounded in the belief that the most impactful businesses are built from the inside out. Jamie is passionate about helping people lead with authenticity, connect more deeply, and create work that truly reflects who they are.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Wild& Website
• Jamie Engelhardt on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

• [2:55] Focus your messaging on your audience, not yourself
• [4:48] Start with your brand and truly understand your audience
• [6:43] Speak directly to your ideal clients to attract more of them
• [7:35] Use your brand values to keep tone consistent everywhere
• [10:49] Keep visuals consistent to build trust and recognition
• [12:22] Don’t let AI shape your voice—train it to reflect you
• [16:42] Let your core values guide all brand messaging

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In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder and CEO of Kinnect, Omar Alvaresz.

Kinnect is a platform dedicated to preserving memories and relationships through digital and physical experiences. With a background in major global brands and a personal drive to combat loneliness, Omar’s focus is on building meaningful connections and empowering people to celebrate their legacies.

Omar’s passion for storytelling originated from various instances of loss in his own life - his grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's and losing his friend to Leukemia. In losing both his grandfather and friend, he knew there was a need for KINNECT - not only for them but for their families. KINNECT is not just Omar’s latest venture—it reflects his life’s work to bring people together, one story at a time.

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Take 50% off Kinnect Save your memories and connect more deeply with the people you love. Kinnect is an invite-only digital space, like your own private social network, or turn your life stories into a beautiful, physical book with worldwide shipping.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Kinnect.club
• Omar Alvaresz on LinkedIn

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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

• [00:42] Omar shares how personal loss led to the creation of KINNECT.
• [02:29] Explaining how KINNECT combines digital apps with physical storybooks.
• [05:05] Overview of how users create memory books using prompts and voice-to-text.
• [08:01] KINNECT’s global reach and support for English and Spanish languages.
• [11:08] How KINNECT fosters meaningful, private connections unlike social media.
• [17:27] Omar talks about authentic, culturally rooted marketing for legacy building.

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In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder of Halyard Consulting, Jonathan Goodman.

Halyard Consulting is an LGBTQ+ AI consultancy that helps small businesses automate their workflows using chatbots, voice assistants, and custom tools. With over 30 years of experience in digital strategy and advanced AI, Jonathan specializes in making automation simple, ethical, and accessible for entrepreneurs who want to grow without burning out.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Halyard.Consulting
• Jonathan Goodman on LinkedIn

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In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Financial Advisor and Educator, Parisa Pajooh.

Parisa is a seasoned queer financial advisor and educator dedicated to making financial literacy and planning accessible, inclusive, and personalized. With a focus on trust, transparency, and understanding each client’s unique circumstances, Parisa offers a supportive, holistic approach to financial and investment planning.

Parisa is a member of The Financial Advisors Association of Canada and actively volunteers by serving on committees and boards, including the Rainbow Entrepreneur Collective and the Estate Planning Summit.

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► Today’s Sponsor is QuickBooks

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• ParisaFinancial.com
• Parisa Pajooh on LinkedIn