Secrets to Thriving in Fortune 500 Territory
Episode Highlights:
- Origins of Media One Group
- Derek reflects on the early days and the founding principles of Media One Group.
- Winning Big Contracts and Facing Competition
- Derek discusses the pivotal moment of winning a major contract against stiff competition.
- He shares the importance of re-envisioning programs and bringing fresh perspectives to stand out.
- Gain Insights into the competitive landscape and how smaller businesses can compete against industry giants.
- The Feeling After Winning a Major Contract
- Derek shares the excitement and challenges after securing a significant business contract.
- They discuss the importance of respecting and maintaining trust when clients entrust their business to your company.
- Operations and Planning for Large Engagements
- The conversation shifts to the significance of effective planning and resource allocation in deadline-driven businesses.
- Derek explains the process of planning staffing requirements and skill sets for large engagements.
- He also shares the value of strategic operations and the importance of keeping the management team lean.
- Challenges Faced And Lessons Learned
- Derek reflects on the challenges faced during the company's growth and expansion.
- They discuss the importance of being cautious during potential partnerships and investments.
- The Future of Media One Group
- Derek outlines the future plans for Media One Group, focusing on international growth and strategic acquisitions.
Meet Our Host
Mike Pinkus
Mike Pinkus
Mike is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in taxation, financial reporting, investments, and real estate. Before co-founding ConnectCPA, he served as a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers, specializing in advising small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, Mike gained experience as a tax and accounting manager at a mid-sized accounting practice and as an Investment Associate at a real estate private equity firm. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Schulich School of Business and is a Chartered Accountant.
Meet Our Guest(s)
Derek Rider
Derek Rider
Derek Rider is the Founder and CEO of Media One. Founding Media One Creative in 2010, Derek has led the company to become one of the fastest-growing digital video agencies in Canada. Media One Creative serves mid-sized companies to the Fortune 500, with a client list that includes brands such as Nike, EY, Tim Hortons, Scotiabank, Xerox, and others. Derek is a graduate of Ryerson University’s Broadcast Journalism program and worked at CTV, BNN, and TD Canada Trust before starting his agency. He is the winner of the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s Business Excellence Award for Under 30 and the recipient of Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015. He is also in the Top 30 Under 30 Marketing Magazine for 2016.
