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Monday · September 14, 2026 · Toronto

The MNC Podcast
Recorded live at SocialWest 2026 in Calgary, Lauren Freund , Campaign Manager at Canva , joins host Lindsay Smith to explore what it actually takes to create…
Published July 6, 2026
Recorded live at SocialWest 2026 in Calgary,Lauren Freund, Campaign Manager at Canva, joins host Lindsay Smith to explore what it actually takes to create content that cuts through in a crowded digital landscape.
Canva is one of the world's most widely used design platforms, helping teams of every size create visual content across social media, presentations, video, and more. At Canva Create 2026, the company's latest announcements signaled a clear evolution, from a design platform with AI capabilities to an AI-first creative platform where design is the application.
Lauren breaks down her content that connects framework, why the messenger matters as much as the message, how brands can balance digital presence with in-person community building, and why chasing reach and virality is the wrong goal for most marketers.
Virality is a byproduct, not a strategy.
Follow Lauren on LinkedInand start creating with Canva.
Follow guest host and Takt CEO, Lindsay Smith on LinkedIn.
Thanks to our Editors and Producers at TAKT.
This episode was recorded live in Calgary during SocialWest 2026, Western Canada's largest marketing conference, bringing together over 600 professionals for two days of actionable insights, expert speakers, and high-value networking.
SocialWest is part of the SocialNext series, Canada's leading platform for marketing conferences, media, and community.
Shaniece MacNeil
The MNC Podcast is produced by the Marketing News Canada editorial team.