Mission Critical with Lance Chung

As the co-owner of Paris Jewellers Canada, a family-run business started by her Vietnamese immigrant parents in 1987, Chau Lui has turned heritage into a mission. With over 23 stores across the country, the brand is known not just for its sparkle, but for its story—a story that began with her mother, who didn’t speak English, relying on a Vietnamese-to-English dictionary to serve her first custome...

What happens when science itself becomes a battleground? In this Mission Critical live episode—recorded at Toronto’s Annex Hotel and presented in partnership with Veuve Clicquot—Lance sits down with Jennifer Flanagan, President and CEO of Actua, to unpack a critical question: What does it take to protect the future of science—and who gets to participate in building it? In an era marked by rising p...

What happens when influence isn’t just about followers—but about power, ownership, and rewriting the rules of an entire industry? In this episode of Mission Critical , Lance chats with Susan Yara—content creator turned beauty entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Naturium, one of the fastest-growing skincare brands in the business. She started in front of the camera. Built trust. Built community. An...

What does it mean to create something grounded in community, but built to reach the world? In this episode of Mission Critical , Lance sits down with Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril—the visionary creators and showrunners behind North of North , the first-ever Inuit-led scripted drama produced by CBC and APTN and getting ready for its global Netflix debut. Set against the vast and...

Department stores are disappearing—Nordstrom pulled out of Canada, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman were swallowed up into Saks Global, Hudson's Bay is liquidating, and direct-to-consumer brands are reshaping the retail landscape. But Holt Renfrew (you know them, that Canadian luxury destination with the iconic magenta shopping bags) continues to stand strong. It's an impressive feat considering...

With a snap election just called for April, the pressure is on to get young Canadians to the polls. But will they show up? Youth voter turnout has historically lagged behind older demographics, and trust in political institutions is at an all-time low. In an era of misinformation, democratic backsliding, and global instability, is democracy failing young people—or have young people lost faith in d...

DEI has become one of the most polarizing conversations in the corporate world, especially in the 2025 Trump era. Is it a critical business strategy, or just corporate virtue signaling? On this episode of Mission Critical with Lance Chung , Lance sits down with Laura McGee, CEO of Diversio, to cut through the noise and uncover what’s really happening behind the headlines. McGee shares how Diversio...

Building an incredible brand is one thing—leading it through an industry shift is another. Joanna Griffiths created Knix to disrupt the intimates industry, making inclusivity and body positivity the foundation of a global movement. In this episode, Lance chats with Joanna about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts—and why simply selling a product isn’t enough anymore. Joanna opens up a...

In this episode of Mission Critical , we sit down with Lily Li—investment counsellor, socialite, and philanthropist—who shares her remarkable journey from immigrating to Canada to making a name for herself in the male-dominated world of finance. Lily opens up about the challenges she faced breaking into the industry, how she built a powerful network, and why giving back is at the heart of her succ...

In this episode of Mission Critical , we sit down with Jake Karls, co-founder and "Chief Rainmaker" of Mid-Day Squares, the Canadian chocolate company that's redefining snacking—and business culture. Jake shares his unfiltered insights on what it takes to build not just a successful brand, but a powerhouse team that believes in your mission. From cultivating habits that help you step into your lea...

In this episode, we dive into MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong's unique journey from the lab to the kitchen, but more importantly, the realities of life as a restaurateur—the sacrifices, the endless grind, and the unwavering commitment it takes to succeed. The owner of the newly-opened aKin Toronto, Eric gets real about the highs and lows of the industry and what keeps him pushing forward, even...

Chef Eva Chin is redefining what it means to be a steward of culinary culture. As the Culinary Director of Hong Shing and owner of Yan Dining Room in Toronto, she masterfully blends tradition with innovation, proving that Chinese cuisine isn’t static—it’s dynamic, seasonal, and deeply personal. In this episode, we explore her journey from growing up on a farm to working in global culinary hotspots...

In this episode, serial entrepreneur Yung Wu shares his unwavering belief that true progress in innovation comes from embracing different perspectives. As the former CEO of MaRS Discovery District ( @marsdiscoverydistrict ) and co-founder of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism ( @cilar_canada ), Wu has been an instrumental force in driving diversity in the tech and business sectors....

In this episode, Lance sits down with award-winning architect Omar Gandhi of Omar Gandhi Architects to explore the artistry, philosophy, and impact behind his work. Omar delves into what defines a great design experience, how architecture can foster meaningful relationships, and what our buildings reveal about us as a society. He shares pivotal moments from his journey, the influence of his East C...

In this episode, serial entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and beverage consultant Evelyn Chick shares how she turned a pandemic layoff into an opportunity to build her thriving business empire. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to advocating for diversity and inclusion in hospitality, Evelyn opens up about her journey and the best advice she has to offer others navigating a simila...

In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Plavsic, the visionary founder of ILIA Beauty, to explore how she revolutionized the clean beauty industry. Sasha shares the personal story that inspired ILIA, her approach to blending sustainability with high-performance formulas, and the challenges of balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. From a humble start to becoming a global powerhouse, ILI...

As the driving force behind Toronto’s acclaimed Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini is a rare blend of visionary and architect, crafting a culinary empire that pays homage to her Italian heritage while pushing the boundaries of what hospitality can be. Her restaurants, including the beloved Gusto 101 and the pasta-centric Felix Trattoria in Los Angeles, are more than dining destinations; th...

In this episode, Lance sits down with Emily O’Brien, the inspiring founder of Comeback Snacks, whose entrepreneurial journey took root in an unexpected place: behind bars. From crafting gourmet popcorn flavours to driving meaningful change, Emily has turned a rocky past into a powerful platform for advocacy and second chances. Throughout their chat, Lance and Emily delve into her story of resilien...

In this episode, Connie Lo, co-founder of Three Ships, joins Lance to discuss her journey in building a clean skincare brand with a mission to make beauty accessible for all. Connie shares her entrepreneurial story, from bootstrapping the company with just $4,000 to achieving significant growth and recognition in the industry. Throughout the conversation, she opens up about the challenges facing w...

In the high-pressure world of competitive figure skating, Canadian Olympian Piper Gilles has carved out a name for herself, not only through her artistry and athleticism but also through her resilience and advocacy.    Beyond the rink, Piper is a vocal advocate for women’s health and has turned her personal battle into a mission to inspire and educate. While being an  elite athlete...

In this episode, presented by Monogram Appliances Canada, Lance sits down with Madelyn Chung, founder of The RepresentASIAN Project, to discuss the complexities of cultural identity, Asian representation in media, and the ongoing work of breaking down systemic barriers within and outside the Asian community. Madelyn shares candid insights into her personal journey of embracing her roots, the impac...

In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, Emerance Maschmeyer and Geneviève Lacasse share a story that uniquely sets them apart from their contemporaries. Both elite goaltenders with careers that span the highs of international competition (both were part of Canada’s national team) and the grit of the newly launched Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), they’ve faced it all. But off th...

Renowned for his dynamic fusion of pop culture iconography, Takaski Murakami has had a formidable impact on culture and art. From his groundbreaking partnership with Louis Vuitton to his haunting work for musician Billie Eilish, collaboration has always played a pivotal role in the Tokyo-based artist’s creative journey. On the latest episode of the Mission Critical podcast, Lance sits down with th...

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance welcomes David Shoemaker, the dynamic CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee. As the world anticipates the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Shoemaker offers a compelling look into his distinctive leadership style and what it's like to lead an organization as unique as his. Elsewhere in the episode, Lance and David discuss the unifying p...

In the sequined, high-camp world of drag, few names shine as brightly as Brooke Lynn Hytes. From her transformative experience on  RuPaul’s Drag Race  to her burgeoning media empire as host of  Canada’s Drag Race , she has not only captivated audiences with her stunning performances but has also become a beacon of queer visibility. Originally a pageant queen with a penchant for perf...