A New Wave of Entrepreneurship

In this episode Gina Patterson sits down with Jacqueline Good, Founder and CEO of Magnestar Inc., to explore her remarkable journey into the space industry. Jacqueline shares how she leveraged her background in data architecture and technical sales to launch Magnestar, a deep tech startup ensuring seamless satellite communication amidst crowded skies. From winning prestigious awards to representin...

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Jason Silver, author of Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life , to discuss his transformative journey from personal tragedy to professional fulfillment. Jason opens up about the heartbreaking experience that led him to re-evaluate his approach to life and work. He also shares the unconventional wellness and prod...

In this episode, Gina Patterson chats with Sarah Stockdale, founder and CEO of Growclass, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and mental health. Sarah shares her journey of building Growclass, an online growth marketing course and network that empowers women and underrepresented groups to break into six-figure careers. We dive into the often unseen side of entrepreneurship,...

Join us for an insightful episode, where Gina Patterson interviews Ashley Good, Founder and CEO of Fail Forward, to explore a topic that many avoid — failure. Ashley, an expert in navigating the complexities of failure, discusses why it's essential to confront and discuss our failures, both individually and within organizations. She mentions the isolating nature of failure, the importance of reduc...

In this episode, Gina Patterson sits down with Angie Tran and Bernard Law, the co-founders of Kind Laundry. Starting from their basement in 2020, this duo has transformed the laundry industry with their eco-friendly and non-toxic products, earning accolades from major publications and a spot on Whole Foods Canada's shelves. Angie and Bernard share their entrepreneurial journey, from the challenges...

Join Gina Patterson as she delves into the journeys of Heather Luenza, Founder of Closet Core and Co-Founder of Core Fabrics and Tereska Gethsing, Co-Founder of Core Fabrics. These trailblazing entrepreneurs are revolutionizing the fashion industry by challenging fast fashion, embracing body positivity, and championing sustainable practices. Heather shares her transformation from a shopaholic to a...

In this episode, Katie Dunsworth-Reiach, co-founder of TalkShop, shares her journey of scaling a marketing agency from zero to $10 million in annual revenue. Discover how Katie transitioned from a journalism student with dreams of becoming an Oprah producer to a leading figure in the marketing world. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her early experiences at 1-800...

In this episode, Mario Nigro, a partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP and a key figure in the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) ecosystem in Canada, shares his experience as legal counsel, investor, and ecosystem builder. Mario provides insights into the world of ETA, discussing what to consider before pursuing ETA, the importance of resilience, and the evolving landscape of Canadian ETA fundin...

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Alex Baniczky, SVP and Head of BMO Capital Partners. Alex delves into the critical topic of supporting Canadian companies amid economic challenges. He discusses Canada's strengths, like a highly educated workforce and high female workforce participation, and its weaknesses, such as reliance on resource-based industries. Alex provides actionable strat...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Laura Buhler, a longtime community leader in the venture capital and startup ecosystem in San Francisco and former Board Director at VFC, to explore the transformative power of community in entrepreneurship. Laura shares her journey and unique insights into how vibrant communities can serve as a competitive moat for businesses and individuals alike. N...

Join us for an engaging episode with Cyrus Symoom, Co-CEO of Clariti, a software company for state and local governments, to delve deep into the world of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). Cyrus shares his incredible journey of purchasing Clariti through a self-funded search at just 26 years old, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of acquiring and scaling a tech company in the Canad...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Juanita Lee-Garcia, the executive director of the Upside Foundation and a pivotal figure in Canadian philanthropy. Juanita shares her insights into the evolving landscape of philanthropy in Canada, discussing the challenges and transformations she envisions for the sector over the next decade. From her early experiences as a beneficiary of philanthrop...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Glen Silvestri, Managing Partner of Sage Capital, to explore the nuanced world of search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) in Canada. Glen shares his journey from the early days at Ontario Teachers to becoming a pivotal figure in the Canadian search fund landscape, highlighting the growth and opportunities within this unique investmen...

Join us for an engaging discussion with Sean Speer, editor at large at The Hub. Sean shares insights into the pioneering media model of The Hub, a news and commentary website that's reshaping the Canadian media landscape by providing a platform for conservative and center-right perspectives. The Hub isn’t just another news outlet; it's a startup in the media industry that bridges intellect...

Discover the power of resilience within you. Hosted by Jennie Wedd, Venture for Canada's Manager of Marketing & Partnerships, this compilation episode dives deep into the heart of resilience. Join Jennie and guests Danièle Henkel, President at Les Entreprises Danièle Henkel; Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, CEO at Xero; and John Ruffolo, Founder and Managing Partner at Maverix Private Equity as they r...

Meet Jessica Bosman & Bryn Davis Williams, the co-founders of DOUBL. This startup isn’t just changing how we think about clothing; it's pioneering a future where apparel, starting with bras, is made to measure and ordered from the palm of your hand. In this episode, discover how Jessica and Bryn leverage advanced technology to address long-standing issues in retail. The founders share thei...

Join us for a captivating conversation with visionary entrepreneur Drayton Mulindabigwi. This episode delves into Drayton's unique journey from Rwanda to Canada, inspired by the resilience of his parents, genocide survivors, and how it shaped his ambitions and approach to overcoming adversity. Drayton shares invaluable insights on combating imposter syndrome, fostering creativity, and the sign...

Dive into the raw and inspiring story of Martin Basiri, Co-Founder of ApplyBoard and CEO of Passage, in this compelling episode. From his humble beginnings in Iran to founding one of Canada's tech success stories, Martin opens up about the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. He discusses the grit, vision, and perseverance needed to transform personal adversity into a globally recognized educati...

Join us on a captivating journey with Abi Coman-Walker , from her dynamic career transition from the financial sector to the forefront of biotechnology. This episode delves into Abi's remarkable career path, which spans from being an executive at HSBC, one of the world's leading international banks, to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at one of Canada's pioneering therapeutics comp...

Meet Reuven Ashtar, CEO of Never Napping. This episode delves into Reuven’s diverse career, transitioning from law to becoming a key player in the YouTube and influencer sphere. Gain insider insights into what it takes to be a successful talent manager in the ever-evolving landscape of social media. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of managing top YouTubers and influencers, understanding th...

Embark on a journey of leadership with Tamara Vrooman, CEO of Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This conversation takes flight into the essence of curiosity-driven leadership, illustrating how Tamara's inquisitive nature has fueled her rise across varied sectors, culminating in her role at YVR. We explore how her curiosity not only elevates her management style but also shapes the future...

Dive into the world of serial entrepreneurship with Lourdes Juan, a mastermind behind several successful businesses. In this episode, Lourdes reveals her secrets to juggling multiple ventures, from urban planning to technology. Learn how she prioritizes tasks, manages time, and selects the right team for each unique project. Discover her approach to problem-solving and innovation, and how these sk...

Join Karen Greve Young, CEO of Futurpreneur Canada, in a deep dive into the world of inclusive leadership. Karen brings her wealth of experience in fostering economic and social inclusivity to the forefront, offering key insights into assembling diverse and effective leadership teams. In this episode, she highlights the balance of lived experiences with professional expertise essential for transfo...

Meet Stewart Beck, a distinguished diplomat with a rich history of fostering international relations and promoting Canadian interests abroad. With a career spanning pivotal roles in places like Taiwan, Silicon Valley, and as the President of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, Beck brings a wealth of experience in understanding global dynamics and their impact on entrepreneurship. In this conve...

Meet Ian Brooks, CEO of HelloFresh Canada, a pioneer in the meal kit industry. Embarking on an unconventional career path, Ian transitioned from environmental sciences to revolutionize the way we approach meal preparation. His journey includes diverse experiences in environmental consulting, technology project management, and strategic roles at Johnson & Johnson and McKinsey & Company. At...