High Agency Podcast

In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Manik Suri, founder and CEO of GlacierGrid, a climate tech company tackling emissions through an unexpected source: commercial cooling. Manik takes us from the West Wing to the grid, sharing how he went from working in Obama’s White House to building tech that helps restaurants, retailers, and hospitality giants like McDonald’s and Marriott reduce e...

In this episode of High Agency, we’re live from Web Summit with Guita Yazdani, Co-founder and CEO of Campertunity, a fast-growing startup making camping as easy as booking a hotel. Guita shares how one frustrating summer sparked the idea for a platform that connects campers to private land across Canada and beyond. We talk about what it takes to go from zero to 200,000 listings, why PR exploded be...

In this episode of High Agency, we’re live from Web Summit with Mohan Gulati, Co-founder and CEO of Thinkrr. AI , a startup transforming how businesses use voice AI to enhance customer experiences. Mohan shares his journey from running Fortune 100 portfolios to founding a voice tech company focused on speed, connection, and radical candour. We dig into what it means to bring life back to the websi...

In this episode of High Agency, we’re live from Web Summit with Will Wilson, CEO of Antithesis. Will shares the origin story behind building a platform that tests the “impossible”, from selling FoundationDB to Apple, to assembling a stealth-mode engineering team in DC that’s redefining how we build and trust software. We discuss how Antithesis creates testing environments that act like an oracle f...

In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Paddy Cosgrave, CEO and Co-Founder of Web Summit, for a raw and wide-ranging conversation about power, platforms, and personal growth. From relocating one of the world’s biggest tech conferences to Canada due to geopolitics, to unpacking why humility might be the antidote to success, Paddy shares unfiltered insights on the future of AI, China’s tech...

Episode Summary Host Mo Dhaliwal interviews Mark Rabin, founder and former CEO of Portable Electric and current president of Carbon IP. Rabin shares his journey from petroleum geologist to cleantech entrepreneur, detailing how his experiences in both the oil industry and event production shaped his vision for mobile renewable power. The discussion covers the challenges of energy transition, the ro...

As technology accelerates, so do the threats. In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with the CEO of Red Rhino Networks, Barinder Hans, navigating the AI-powered cybersecurity arms race, where every new capability brings new vulnerabilities. We unpack how automated attacks are evolving faster than defences, why managing digital complexity is a trillion-dollar challenge, and what it takes to s...

In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Mwihaki Muraguri, founder of Paukwa House, a storytelling platform dedicated to reframing African narratives from the inside out. We explore the power of narrative in driving justice, the role of youth and language in digital storytelling, and how authentic voices are reshaping how Africa is seen—by the world, and by emerging technologies like AI. F...

In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with William Johnson, founder of Vancouver Tech Journal and VP at Overstory Media Group, to discuss the evolution of local journalism. He shares his journey from student writer to media leader, and the challenges facing modern newsrooms—from algorithmic gatekeepers to funding gaps. We explore how community-driven content and sustainable business models a...

In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Arman Motaghi, founder and CEO of Properate , to explore how building science is powering a quiet revolution in climate action. Arman shares his unexpected journey into the world of energy efficiency and how Properate is helping homeowners, contractors, and governments make smarter decisions about the spaces we live in. We dig into startup myths, re...

What if your greatest challenge was also your greatest gift? In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Jean-Pierre LeBlanc, co-founder of Saje Natural Wellness and Enneagram coach, to explore how adversity can shape not only our healing—but our leadership. Jean-Pierre shares how a life-altering car accident led him to rethink everything, sparking the creation of one of North America’s most...

What if the key to understanding human consciousness lies in building it into AI? In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Dr. Suzanne Gildert, Founder & CEO of Nirvanic Consciousness Technologies, to explore the cutting edge of AI, quantum physics, and the pursuit of machine consciousness. Featuring Dr. Suzanne Gildert Founder & CEO Nirvanic Consciousness Technologies Dr. Suzanne...

How is HR shaping the future of work? In this episode, Kraig Docherty, Founder of Why Talent, explores how organizations can thrive by aligning people strategies with business objectives. He discusses how human-centric leadership, AI, and automation are revolutionizing HR, freeing professionals to focus on strategic initiatives like employee experience and growth. Featuring Kraig Docherty Founder...

The future of health is not just about living longer, it’s about living stronger and more resilient. In this episode, Steven Ten Holder, founder of Acorn Biolabs, discusses the groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine and bioengineering. From synthetic biology breakthroughs to AI-powered cell therapies, Steven’s work is shaping the next era of health and longevity. Featuring Steven Ten...

In this episode, Penny Norman, VP of Strategy & Communications at Rescue | The Behavior Change Agency, breaks down the art and science of behavior change marketing. From anti-smoking campaigns to mental health advocacy, Penny shares how innovative, data-driven messaging can shift public attitudes and drive real impact. Tune in to hear how the best campaigns blend storytelling, cultural relevan...

Karri Green-Schuermans, co-founder of Chambar Restaurant, joins us in exploring how the restaurant industry is adapting to rapid change. From embracing sustainable practices to leveraging technology and creating new revenue streams, Karri highlights the innovative approaches that help independent restaurants overcome challenges. Tune in to hear how her 20 years of experience have shaped her vision...

The oceans are at a tipping point, with plastic pollution, rising temperatures, and acidification threatening marine ecosystems. In this episode, Lasse Gustavson, President & CEO of Ocean Wise, shares the urgent need for bold leadership to protect our oceans and combat the climate crisis. With his decades of global experience, Lasse offers insights into how we can come together to preserve the...

In this episode, Peter Wrinch, founder of Uncommon Partners, shares his journey of leading transformative change in the social impact sector. Drawing from his experience as CEO of Hollyhock Leadership Institute and Executive Director of Pivot Legal Society, Peter discusses how organizations can navigate challenges like climate action, evolving donor dynamics, and staying true to their mission. Fea...

Joanna Li, COO and co-founder of Switchboard, shares how automation and AI are revolutionizing small business operations. With her background in project management and passion for solving real-world challenges, Joanna combines technology and user-centric design to empower teams and drive efficiency. In this episode, we explore the future of work and how small businesses can harness innovation to s...

Payton Nyquvest, founder and CEO of Numinus, is leading the charge in redefining mental health care through psychedelic-assisted therapy. In this episode, Payton shares how his personal journey of healing from chronic pain and mental health challenges inspired him to create Numinus, a company at the forefront of Canada’s growing psychedelic industry. From the science-backed potential of psilocybin...

Amrita Ahuja is on a mission to redefine success for high-performing leaders. In this conversation, she reveals the alarming statistics behind executive burnout 75% of founders and 82% of CEOs face serious mental health challenges and shares how her Groundwork framework offers a path to relief. Drawing from her experience across Silicon Valley, Qatar, and beyond, Amrita explains how holistic pract...

In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of electric motorcycles and meet the visionary behind Damon Motorcycles’ game-changing success Amber Spencer. As CMO, Amber’s innovative strategies have driven $88M in orders, positioning Damon HyperSport as a market leader in EV motorbikes. With a decade of experience scaling startups, Amber shares insights on leading with agility, the power of adapta...

Join Dr. Mehrsa Raeiszadeh, one of Canada’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, as she shares her path to success. After being recognized as 2022 Woman of the Year by Bay Street Bull, Mehrsa continues to make waves in the tech world. As the Co-Founder of MintList, she led the company to impressive milestones, raising $10M and securing $1M in ARR before its launch. Mehrsa’s story of resilience includes c...

In this episode of High Agency , Mo Dhaliwal and Marc Low delve into the intricacies of organizational change and innovation. Marc, the Director of Innovation, Growth, and Emerging Tech at KPMG Canada, discusses the challenges businesses encounter when embracing digital transformation, especially with AI adoption. He highlights the importance of balancing technological advancements with the human...

In this episode, John Fong, founder of F28, explores the evolving role of CFOs and financial leadership in today’s fast-paced business landscape. He delves into how the CFO position has shifted to become increasingly strategic and impactful over the past decade, with 81% of CFOs recognizing this shift. John also highlights the growing trend of fractional CFOs, whose demand has surged by 103% in th...