Shit My Dad Taught Me

Ep 39 - Ryan Lazar

Shit My Dad Taught Me

Show Notes

This week, we’re joined in studio by Ryan Lazar, tech and AI executive, sales leader, former GM of Canada at Qualtrics and CareerBuilder, and proud Detroit sports fan.

Ryan’s career didn’t follow a straight line. After studying civil engineering and getting laid off during the recession, he pivoted into sales, starting at Xerox, grinding it out, building relationships, and ultimately leading high-growth teams across North America. Along the way, he’s learned that success isn’t about titles. It’s about culture, discipline, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

We talk about: • Growing up in a small Ontario town with a schoolteacher dad • Being taught discipline, organization, and respect at an early age • Making the jump from engineering to sales • What separates good leaders from great ones • Why networking and relationships change everything • Coaching his son’s baseball team and raising confident, resilient kids • Showing up as a dad consistently • The evolution of AI, customer experience, and where technology is headed next

Ryan shares powerful insights on leadership under pressure, building winning cultures, and why communication and decision-making will matter more than ever in the AI era.

Most importantly, this is a conversation about legacy. What we carry from our fathers, what we pass on to our kids, and how purpose changes when you become a parent.

Special thanks to our incredible sponsors: This episode’s Dad Jokes sponsor: Spicer Landscaping & Snow Removal Services The Clothing and Swag Sponsor of the show is One Bone

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