Andrew McLeod from Certn

Andrew McLeod from Certn

Author: Evan McCann July 30, 2025 Duration: 40:36

Andrew McLeod is the Co-Founder and CEO of Certn.


Certn isn’t a background check provider with a tech department; it’s a tech-first leader innovating every part of the background screening process.

Certn is changing background screening globally by offering the easiest-to-use platform, checks in 200+ countries and territories, free 24/7 customer support, and fast and compliant results.

Trusted by 10,000+ clients, Certn helps businesses manage risk, stay compliant, and hire faster—all while delivering candidate experiences that help them stand out.


Chapters

(00:00) Pod Intro

(01:56) Entrepreneurial Roots and Early Ventures

(04:09) The Importance of Transparency in Business

(05:54) Building Strong Co-Founder Relationships

(07:41) Fostering an Entrepreneurial Environment

(09:45) Understanding Customer Needs for Growth

(11:20) The Role of Relationships in Sales

(13:30) Product Expansion and Market Strategy

(15:34) Building a Remote and Global Team

(19:31) Navigating Regulatory Challenges

(22:49) Insights on Canadian Tech and Startups

(30:21) The Impact of AI on Business Operations

(34:17) Lessons Learned from Nearly a Decade of Entrepreneurship


Evan McCann sits down with the people shaping Canada's business landscape, moving past the polished success stories to get into the real work that happens behind the scenes. The Hard Part with Evan McCann is built on conversations with founders, investors, and leaders who have navigated unique challenges, focusing on the pivotal decisions and often overlooked struggles that define a venture. This podcast explores the specific strategies and personal playbooks that have driven impact, offering a rare look at the operational truths of building something significant. While the spotlight frequently falls on innovators elsewhere, these episodes are dedicated to the Canadian visionaries whose work is redefining global entrepreneurship from here at home. You'll hear candid reflections on risk, resilience, and the moments that tested their conviction, providing not just inspiration but tangible insight into the mechanics of leadership and growth. Each discussion aims to unpack the nuance of achievement, making it an essential listen for anyone curious about the substance behind the headlines in the Canadian business world.
Author: Language: en-ca Episodes: 100

The Hard Part with Evan McCann
Podcast Episodes
Alison Kaizer and Andrew D'Souza [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:56
This episode explores how AI is transforming hiring practices, emphasizing real-time testing, new roles, and the importance of human intuition in recruitment. Guests Ali and Andrew share insights on leveraging AI for bet…
Max Cunningham from Sesh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:25
Max Cunningham is the Founder and CEO of Sesh Products.Sesh Products provides modern nicotine alternatives that aim to support in reducing and controlling cravings.Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: From Vaping to Sesh02:…
Ian MacKinnon from Stingray Security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:17
Ian MacKinnon is the Co-Founder of Stingray Security.Real-time protection from online scams, phishing, and fake websites.Ian previously Co-Founded Later.comChapters00:00 The Evolution of AI-Driven Phishing03:57 Consumer…
Robert Farlow from Plato [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:36
Robert Farlow is the Co-Founder and CEO of Plato.Training Environments for Browser AgentsChapters00:00 The Genesis of Browser Agents02:38 Building Universal Agents05:25 Training Models and Learning Mechanisms08:02 The Fu…
Brent Lane from BigGeo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:23
Brent Lane is the CEO of BigGeo.BigGeo is transforming how the world works with geospatial data. With innovative technology and industry-leading speed, they empower organizations to visualize, interact with, and unlock t…
Ignacio Tartavull from Pinkbot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:26
Ignacio Tartavull is the CEO of Pinkbot.Pinkbot builds robots that make last-mile delivery faster, cheaper and greener.Chapters00:00 Intro1:45 From Education to Neuroscience: The Journey Begins02:33 The Shift to Autonomo…
Ben Vinegar from Modem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:52
Ben Vinegar is the Co-Founder of Modem.Modem is your auto-triage Product Manager.Modem turns scattered feedback – from users, teammates, and software – into actionable, living issues. Save time, reduce bottlenecks, and s…
Justin Sky from Rose Rocket [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
Justin Sky is the CEO and Co-Founder of Rose Rocket.Rose Rocket is a SaaS-based Transportation Management System (TMS) specializing in workflow automation for Enterprise and SMB transport companies.Chapters00:00 Intro1:4…
Elan Lee from Exploding Kittens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:40
Elan Lee is the CEO of Exploding Kittens.Chapters00:00 Intro1:40 Designing Engaging Games02:49 The Importance of Player Feedback05:28 Accessibility and Player Experience08:22 The Golden Age of Tabletop Games11:25 Kicksta…
Ahmed Nimale from KYD Labs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:08
Ahmed Nimale is the Co-Founder and CEO of KYD Labs.Chapters00:00 Intro1:40 The Journey into Live Entertainment02:56 Understanding the Ticketing Landscape05:35 The Role of Venues and Ticketing Platforms08:20 Marketing Cha…