Perry Miele: Lessons in Leadership
- Tony Chapman
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Chatter That Matters: Perry Miele — Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity
In this inspiring episode of Chatter That Matters, host Tony Chapman welcomes Perry Miele, a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and mentor, for a dynamic conversation about resilience, leadership, and the powerful lessons learned from both the immigrant experience and life at the top of Canadian business and politics. Joined by Alan Depencier, CMO of RBC Small Business, the episode dives into the realities and opportunities facing small business owners and the future of Canada’s economy.
Perry shares how being the child of immigrants in Thunder Bay shaped his relentless drive and core values, describing how “all the odds were stacked up against them—language, culture, you name it, everything was working against them, but they never quit. How can you not learn from that?” These early lessons fuelled his dynamic career: from the political front lines during NAFTA negotiations to founding and growing Canada’s largest independent marketing agency, and later steering a $1.1 billion investment fund.
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Confidence in Canadian Entrepreneurship and the Power of Mentorship
Miele and Chapman reflect on the changing landscape for future Canadian business leaders and the unique strengths our national brand offers globally. Perry asserts, “If you start a company in Canada, you have a head start over every other country because of the brand. So when you show up on someone else's shore... they will take your meeting. They'll take you seriously because of the Canada brand, you have an advantage over your competitors.” This optimism runs throughout the episode, as Perry and Alan discuss why mentorship and “fear of missing out” on moments of innovation are essential for personal and collective growth.
Navigating New Frontiers: Small Business, Technology, and Mindset
Alan Depencier offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, emphasizing that starting a business means wearing many hats and building resilience: “The thing that makes a small business really successful is the ability to wear so many different hats… perseverance is really what makes them successful.”
Listeners will walk away motivated to build new skills, embrace uncertainty as opportunity, and seek out mentorship to guide their journey — whether launching a startup, leading a family business, or investing in Canada’s future.
Ready to turn possibility into reality? Listen to the full episode now and unlock inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on Canadian business, leadership, and the future of entrepreneurship.
About Chatter That Matters and Host Tony Chapman
Featuring insights for aspiring founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone craving inspiration with actionable strategies.
Chatter That Matters is one of Canada’s top-rated podcasts, showcasing stories and lessons from a diverse range of guests, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and everyday change-makers. Each episode illustrates how individuals transform challenges into triumphs through mindset and resilience.
Hosted by Tony Chapman—a renowned marketing strategist and three-time inductee into the Marketing Hall of Fame—this acclaimed show ranks among the top 0.5% of podcasts globally. Tune in weekly as Tony converses with guests who share invaluable wisdom on living a meaningful life.
🔥 Authentic voices. Remarkable journeys. Real strategies for success.
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