Beyond Borders: What Canadian Businesses Need to Compete Globally
As Canadian businesses look beyond familiar trade routes, international growth takes more than finding buyers. It also means demonstrating that an organization is ready to meet the standards, systems, and expectations of new markets. In this episode of Innovation Fuel, Dr. Mohsen Saeedi, founder of ASCS Canada Academy, explains why certifications and organizational readiness can be essential to competing internationally. Mohsen discusses how management system standards can help businesses build trust with overseas partners, improve consistency, manage risk, and strengthen operations. He describes the work behind certification—from developing and implementing systems to internal audits and continual improvement—and explains how standards such as quality and environmental management can support exporters in sectors including food, agriculture, medical devices, and aquaculture. The conversation also explores a growing opportunity for graduates and educational institutions: practical training in standards, auditing, and management systems. Mohsen shares how ASCS Canada Academy supports businesses and individuals through consulting, corporate training, and self-paced courses, as well as the challenges of raising awareness in a market where many organizations are still learning the value of certification. If your organization is preparing to enter new markets, scale its operations, or build the capabilities needed for its next stage of growth, this episode offers a useful look at what readiness really involves. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Canadian Businesses Expanding Globally and the Need for Readiness (00:50) Shifting Canadian Export Focus Beyond the US to New International Markets (01:47) New Export Requirements: Standards and Certifications for Global Competitiveness (04:36) Understanding International Standards as a Barrier and Trust Signal for SMEs (06:38) The Growing Need for Certifications in Canada and Opportunities for Graduates (08:18) Bridging the Gap: The Emerging Job Market for Standard Certification Expertise (09:50) Introducing ASCS Canada Academy: Filling the Consultation Gap for Certification Readiness (10:42) ASCS Canada Academy: Providing Consultation, Training, and Corporate Services (12:12) Online Learning and Self-Paced Courses Offered by ASCS Canada Academy (13:15) Diverse Course Offerings Across Industries and Support for Educational Institutions (14:58) Dynamic Capabilities and Canadian Exporter Preparedness for Evolving Markets (16:16) Exporting Specific Products like Seafood Requires Environmental Management Systems (17:26) The Importance of Context Analysis and Stakeholder Expectations in Standards Implementation (19:01) Addressing Challenges and Costs of Integrating Standards into Business Strategy (20:27) Understanding Management System Standards: Quality Policy, Goals, and Resource Allocation (21:51) Resource Allocation, Competency, and Budget Considerations for Standard Implementation (23:13) The Cost of Standards Implementation and Strategic Timing for Businesses (23:59) Strategic Integration of Standards for Efficiency, Value, and Competitive Advantage (25:30) Challenges and Plans: Engaging Educational Institutions, Associations, and Organizations (27:30) Overcoming Challenges: Raising Awareness and Proving Value of Standards in Canada (27:59) Reaching Mohsen Sahidi: Website, Email, LinkedIn, and YouTube Communication Channels (28:33) ASCS Academy CA: The Primary Contact Point for Information and Inquiries (28:45) Conclusion: Canada's Next Competitive Advantage and a Final Question for Reflection