What does it take to build a successful Canadian small business while staying true to your values? On this special episode of Mission Critical, Lance Chung sits down with Trisha Pitura, co-founder of MINI TIPI, the Gatineau-based textile manufacturer named Small Business of the Year in the inaugural 2026 Canada Small Business 100 presented by Mastercard.

Founded in 2016 by Pitura and her business partner, Melanie, MINI TIPI creates blankets, accessories and home décor featuring authentic Indigenous designs that celebrate culture, share stories and spark conversations about reconciliation. Working with Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island, the company brings community knowledge and cultural teachings to life through textiles, while ensuring artists receive royalties for their work.

Pitura shares the lessons behind a decade of entrepreneurship, from overcoming imposter syndrome and building a Canadian manufacturing business to protecting intellectual property and earning customer trust through quality, authenticity and word of mouth. She explains why MINI TIPI chose to manufacture locally in Gatineau, how the company creates meaningful community impact beyond financial contributions, and why success means bringing other Indigenous businesses along for the journey.

Key Takeaways

• Overcoming imposter syndrome: Why Pitura would tell her younger self that she deserves to succeed, and how confidence can shape an entrepreneur’s potential.
• Building a purpose-driven brand: How MINI TIPI uses authentic Indigenous designs and artist collaborations to share cultural stories through textiles.
• Choosing Canadian manufacturing: Why local production, product quality and creating jobs in the community remain central to the company’s mission, despite the operational challenges.
• Protecting intellectual property: How design infringement can affect a business financially and emotionally, particularly when the work carries deep cultural meaning, and why prevention matters.
• Measuring impact beyond revenue: Why MINI TIPI evaluates success through community well-being, supporting other Indigenous entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for others to grow.

About the Guest

Trisha Pitura is the co-founder of MINI TIPI, an Indigenous-focused textile brand and manufacturer based in Gatineau, Quebec, on Algonquin territory. Founded in 2016 with her business partner, Mélanie Bernard, MINI TIPI creates blankets, accessories and home décor featuring authentic Indigenous designs, collaborating with artists from across Turtle Island to bring their stories and cultural teachings to a wider audience.

Presented by Mastercard

This episode is made possible by Mastercard, which supports small business owners with resources, tools and community to help them grow with confidence. Join the Mastercard Small Business Community to access learning opportunities, events and resources to help manage and expand your business: https://www.mastercard.ca/en-ca/business/overview/business-resource-centre/small-business-community-signup.html

What does it take to build a Canadian small business when you're self-funded, wearing every hat, and navigating a world of tariffs, supply-chain disruptions and constant uncertainty?Samantha Ong, founder of Toronto-based Joeydolls, knows the answer firsthand.

Samantha created Joeydolls after realizing that she and her daughters couldn't find dolls that reflected their culture and identities.

In this episode, Samantha gets candid about the realities behind that growth: launching Joeydolls with nearly 1,700 orders in its first 24 hours, learning the hard way how much infrastructure a growing business needs, figuring out wholesale from scratch, building a global operation with a lean team, and navigating tariffs and a devastating $50,000 inventory loss after a train derailment.She also shares how customer feedback keeps her connected to the mission, why she has learned to embrace imposter syndrome, how she decides where to spend her time, and why staying true to the company's purpose matters even when commercial opportunities come along.

Samantha is a 2026 Canada Small Business 100 honouree, presented by Mastercard, recognizing the resilience, ambition and impact of Canadian small businesses.

Key Takeaways

• A personal problem can become a powerful business thesis. Samantha explains how her own experience growing up without culturally representative dolls, and seeing the same gap for her daughters, became the foundation for Joeydolls.
• Big dreams still need to meet the realities of capital. Samantha shares how she had to scale back some of her initial ambitions and build incrementally as a self-funded business.
• Wholesale required Samantha to become a different kind of entrepreneur. She shares how she initially turned down retail opportunities because she didn't understand wholesale pricing, sell sheets or trade shows, and what finally helped her make the transition.
• Resilience is often about adapting to what you can't control. After a rail derailment destroyed a shipment worth roughly $50,000 in prepaid costs, Samantha had to rethink inventory, cash flow and fulfilment while finding a way to get customer pre-orders out in time for Christmas.
• Sometimes representation means seeing yourself as a leader. Samantha reflects on growing up believing she would always be in a support role and how becoming an entrepreneur has changed what she believes is possible for herself and for other girls who look like her.

About the Guest

Samantha Ong is the founder of Joeydolls, a Toronto-based, family-owned brand creating culturally representative dolls, toys and products designed to help families feel seen and proud of their heritage. Today, the brand has expanded across multiple cultures and markets, with a growing retail presence in Canada, the United States and Australia.

Presented by Mastercard

This episode is made possible by Mastercard, which supports small business owners with resources, tools and community to help them grow with confidence. Join the Mastercard Small Business Community to access learning opportunities, events and resources to help manage and expand your business: https://www.mastercard.ca/en-ca/business/overview/business-resource-centre/small-business-community-signup.html

In this episode of Mission Critical, Grammy Award-winning Canadian recording artist Alessia Cara reflects on a decade in the music industry and the lessons she's learned about building a career on her own terms. From navigating an industry that has fundamentally changed to letting go of perfection, trusting her instincts and embracing creative freedom, Cara shares a candid playbook for anyone trying to evolve without losing sight of who they are.

Her journey offers a powerful lesson for entrepreneurs, creatives and ambitious professionals alike: sustainable success isn't about constantly proving yourself. It's about creating work you're proud of, staying open to change, and defining your own version of what it means to win.

Key Takeaways

1. Stop creating for approval and start creating from conviction. The strongest work often comes when you stop optimizing for approval and trust your own instincts.

2. Let experience make you more free, not more rigid. After a decade in the industry, Cara says she feels she has less to prove and more freedom to experiment. Experience shouldn't narrow your thinking; it should give you the confidence to explore.

3. Don't let perfection get in the way of impact. For anyone building something, the takeaway is clear: perfection and impact aren't always the same thing, and sometimes the most memorable work is the work that feels human.

4. Your identity doesn't have to be fully formed before you begin. You don't always need to have the full vision before you start. Sometimes the work itself reveals who you're becoming.

5. When the goalposts move, redefine what winning means to you. When external measures become unstable, the most sustainable definition of success is one you control yourself.

About the Guest

Alessia Cara is a Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter who rose to global prominence with her breakout hit "Here" before earning international recognition for songs including "Scars to Your Beautiful" and "Stay." She went on to win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and establish herself as one of Canada's most distinctive voices in contemporary pop.

Beyond her success as a recording artist, Cara's career offers a compelling case study in navigating early success, public expectations and personal evolution. From finding her voice as a young artist to redefining what success means on her own terms, her journey reflects the challenges and opportunities that come with building a career while continuing to grow as a person.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Adam Minster, managing partner of Food Dudes and co-founder behind Toronto restaurants RASA and SARA, to unpack what happens when an entire market shifts (and how smart business owners adapt before it's too late.)

As rising costs reshape the restaurant industry and consumers become more intentional about where they spend, Adam explains why the traditional "middle" of the market is disappearing, what prompted SARA's bold pivot to a tasting-menu-only concept, and how customer behaviour should guide your biggest business decisions.

Whether you own a restaurant, retail store, agency, or service business, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on recognizing market shifts, creating experiences customers are willing to pay for, leading teams through change, and building a business that's designed to evolve.

Key Takeaways

Pay attention to changing customer behaviour, not just your sales: The biggest opportunities often come from recognizing shifts in how customers think and spend before they become obvious. SARA's transformation wasn't driven by instinct, it was driven by listening to customers and following the data.

A great experience is becoming more valuable than simply offering a good product: As consumers become more selective with discretionary spending, businesses need to create memorable experiences that justify the purchase. People are increasingly willing to pay for something they'll remember.

Your employees are often your best source of business intelligence: Adam explains how regularly gathering feedback from his team helped shape major strategic decisions, including SARA's evolution. The people closest to your customers often have the clearest view of what's changing.

Hospitality is about people, not just service: Customers may talk about the food, but they remember how they were treated. Building loyalty often comes down to small, thoughtful moments that make people feel welcomed and valued.

Great businesses evolve without abandoning what makes them special: Innovation doesn't always mean starting over. The strongest businesses stay rooted in their core values while adapting how they deliver value as markets and customer expectations change.

About the Guest

Adam Minster is the co-founder of Food Dudes, one of Canada's leading hospitality companies, and a partner behind acclaimed Toronto restaurants RASA and SARA.

Over the past two decades, Adam has helped grow Food Dudes from a catering business into a multifaceted hospitality group spanning restaurants, large-scale events, and culinary experiences. Under his leadership, RASA has earned two consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand recognitions, while SARA has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its flavour-driven cuisine and guest-first approach to hospitality.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Jayme Jenkins, co-founder of Everist, the Canadian beauty brand behind the world's first shampoo, conditioner, and body wash concentrates. What started as a mission to reduce waste in the beauty industry evolved into a masterclass in innovation, customer education, brand storytelling, and sustainable growth.

In their discussion, Jayme shares the realities of building a category-defining company, from developing a product that manufacturers said couldn't be made to learning how to simplify messaging, earn customer trust, and scale without sacrificing the brand's purpose. She also offers practical insights on customer feedback, retail expansion, founder wellness, team building, and why today's most successful brands win by solving real problems—not just telling compelling stories.

Whether you're launching a startup, growing a consumer brand, or navigating the challenges of scaling a business in a rapidly changing market, this conversation is packed with actionable lessons on building a company designed to last.

Key Takeaways

Lead with the customer problem, not your mission: One of Everist's biggest breakthroughs came when they stopped leading with sustainability and started leading with performance. Customers care about the problem you're solving first; your mission becomes a powerful differentiator once you've earned their attention.

Innovation only matters if people understand it: Creating a breakthrough product was difficult—but explaining it was even harder. Jayme shares how simplifying Everist's messaging and making the unfamiliar feel familiar became critical to scaling the business.

Customer feedback is a competitive advantage: Every review, comment, and customer email is analyzed by the team. Everist's growth has been fueled by an obsessive commitment to listening, iterating, and improving based on real customer experiences.

Sustainable growth beats growth at all costs: The era of chasing unicorn valuations has given way to a more durable approach. Jayme discusses why building intentionally, profitably, and for the long term creates stronger companies and healthier founders.

Differentiation is worth the pain: Many of Everist's biggest challenges stemmed from doing something completely new. But that same uniqueness is what made the brand memorable, defensible, and capable of creating an entirely new category in beauty.

About the Guest

Jayme Jenkins is the co-founder of Everist, an award-winning Canadian beauty brand reinventing the hair, skin, and scalp care industry through concentrated, waterless products. Alongside co-founder Jessica Stevenson, Jayme launched Everist in 2021 after spending years in the beauty industry with global companies including Procter & Gamble and L'Oréal.

Driven by a desire to reduce waste in personal care without compromising performance, Jayme helped create the world's first shampoo, conditioner, and body wash concentrates—an innovation that has positioned Everist as one of Canada's most exciting emerging beauty brands.

Today, Everist is recognized for its category-defining products, sustainability-first approach, and growing community of loyal customers. Jayme is passionate about innovation, conscious consumption, customer-centric brand building, and helping the next generation of founders navigate the realities of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Bathorium founder Greg MacDonald to unpack the real mechanics behind scaling a premium wellness business — from handmade bath bombs in a Toronto condo to becoming one of Oprah’s Favorite Things.

Greg shares tactical lessons on brand positioning, customer loyalty, inventory forecasting, pricing strategy, storytelling, and scaling through uncertainty — including how Bathorium survived and exploded during the pandemic.

If you’re building a product-based business, navigating growth, or trying to create a brand people genuinely care about, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons from a founder who built one of Canada’s most recognizable wellness brands from the ground up.

Key Takeaways

Your Brand Story Is One of Your Most Valuable Assets: Greg explains how Bathorium’s growth accelerated once the company learned how to clearly communicate its “why” — not just what the product was, but the problem it solved. From Oprah’s Favorite Things to retail expansion, storytelling became a competitive advantage.

Product Passion Matters More Than Trends: One of Greg biggest lessons for entrepreneurs? Build something you genuinely believe in. Passion for the product is what sustains founders through difficult seasons, especially when growth slows, inventory gets messy, or the business becomes emotionally exhausting.

Scaling Too Fast Without Understanding Margins Can Hurt Your Business: Bathorium initially underpriced its products in order to get them into more customers’ hands. Greg breaks down why understanding margins early is critical if you want enough room for marketing, staffing, shipping, and long-term scalability.

Customer Feedback Should Shape Your Roadmap: Many of Bathorium’s biggest product innovations came directly from customer conversations. Greg shares how obsessively listening to customers helped build loyalty and transform buyers into long-term brand advocates.

Brand Positioning Can Make or Break Consumer Perception: A major early mistake (placing Bathorium products in discount retail environments) taught Greg that where your brand appears matters just as much as the product itself. Premium brands need premium storytelling and premium placement.

About the Guest

Greg MacDonald is the founder and CEO of Bathorium, a Canadian wellness brand redefining the modern bath ritual through clean, luxury bath soaks focused on health, recovery, and self-care.

Founded in 2014, Bathorium has grown from a small side hustle into an internationally recognized brand carried by luxury hotels, spas, and retailers across North America, including Nordstrom, Goop, Four Seasons, and more. The company was also named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, making Bathorium one of the few Canadian brands to ever receive the distinction.

Before going all-in on Bathorium, Gregory worked at Shopify, where he helped support some of the fastest-growing consumer brands in the world — experience that later shaped Bathorium’s own approach to scaling, storytelling, and customer experience.

Today, Gregory is recognized as one of Canada’s leading voices in wellness entrepreneurship, premium consumer branding, and modern self-care innovation.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Mandy Wolfe, co-founder of Mandy's Salads, to break down how she and her sister transformed a tiny salad counter hidden inside a Montreal clothing store into one of Canada’s most recognizable lifestyle food brands.

But this conversation goes far beyond salads. Mandy shares the real playbook behind building customer loyalty, creating emotional connection through branding, scaling across new markets, engineering word-of-mouth growth, navigating hiring challenges, and staying relevant in an economy that changes by the day.

Whether you run a restaurant, retail business, e-commerce brand, or are just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with tactical insights on how to build a business people genuinely love.

In this episode:

• How Mandy’s got its first loyal customers
• Why customization became a growth advantage before it was trendy
• The importance of brand experience in driving repeat business
• What founders get wrong about expansion and scaling
• How Mandy’s built a lifestyle brand beyond food
• Why staying culturally relevant matters more than ever
• Lessons on hiring, partnerships, leadership, and longevity

If you’re building a business in Canada right now, this episode is a masterclass in creating a brand customers choose emotionally, not just practically.

Top 5 Key Takeaways

1. Great brands solve emotional needs—not just functional ones: Mandy’s didn’t just sell salads, it sold a feeling: wellness, escape, playfulness, customization, and belonging. The strongest businesses create emotional connection around everyday products.

2. Word-of-mouth growth can be intentionally designed: From customizable “secret menu” salads to instantly-recognizable pink takeout bags, Mandy’s built visual and social cues that naturally encouraged people to talk about the brand.

3. Expansion works best when it matches community culture: Instead of aggressively entering major downtown cores first, Mandy’s strategically chose neighbourhoods that aligned with the brand’s lifestyle positioning and customer base.

4. Scaling requires letting go of control: One of Mandy’s biggest lessons as a founder was learning to trust leadership teams and systems as the business expanded beyond what she and her sister could personally oversee day-to-day.

5. Staying relevant means staying curious: Mandy credits much of the brand’s continued success to surrounding themselves with younger talent, traveling frequently, observing culture shifts, and constantly evolving with customer behaviour.

About the Guest

Mandy Wolfe is the co-founder of Mandy's Salads, one of Canada’s most recognizable fast-casual restaurant and lifestyle brands.

What started as a tiny salad counter hidden inside a Montreal clothing boutique has grown into a multi-location business spanning Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and beyond—along with a rapidly growing consumer packaged goods line carried in over 1,000 stores across Canada.

Known for its colourful branding, immersive restaurant design, customizable menu, and cult-like customer loyalty, Mandy’s has become a case study in turning a simple everyday product into a premium lifestyle experience.

Alongside her sister and co-founder Rebecca Wolfe, Mandy has helped redefine how Canadians think about healthy eating, hospitality, branding, and customer experience.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Thom Tullo—founder of Face Pilates and Aman Spa—breaks down how he built a performance-driven wellness brand in one of the most competitive categories today.

From creating “addictive” client experiences to navigating product development, pricing strategy, and brand differentiation, Thom shares what actually drives retention, revenue, and long-term brand equity in wellness.

If you’re building in beauty, wellness, or any experience-driven business, this episode is a tactical deep dive into what it really takes to stand out—and scale—when everyone is competing for the same customer.

Top 5 Key Takeaways:

1. Wellness is No Longer a Trend, it's a Behaviour Shift: Post-COVID, consumers aren’t just spending on luxury. Rather, they’re prioritizing self-regulation, recovery, and mental clarity. The opportunity isn’t selling products—it’s solving for peace of mind.
2. Experience > Service: Thom didn’t just open a spa, he engineered a full sensory journey: scent, environment, pacing, and human interaction.
3. Retention Comes From “Addiction,” Not Acquisition: Thom’s philosophy is to create an experience so effective and emotionally resonant that it becomes part of someone’s routine.
4. Most Brands Misprice Themselves Out of Longevity: Many wellness brands overestimate what customers can actually afford long-term. High-ticket positioning may drive short-term hype—but kills repeat purchase behaviour.
5. You Don’t Need to Be the Expert, But You Need to Understand the System: From chemistry to product development, Thom didn’t start as an expert but he learned enough to lead. His edge wasn’t knowing everything; it was building the right team and asking the right questions.

About the Guest

Thom Tullo is a skin authority, entrepreneur, and founder of Face Pilates and Aman Spa.

Known for blending clinical precision with luxury wellness, Thom has built a reputation for performance-driven treatments that deliver visible, measurable results—without invasive procedures. He is the creator of Face Pilates™, a method that treats the face like a muscle system—combining lymphatic drainage, buccal massage, micro-current, and advanced techniques into a structured “facial workout.”

What started as a treatment has evolved into a multi-dimensional brand spanning services, products, and education, positioning Thom at the forefront of the next generation of wellness businesses.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Benedict Lim, co-founder and culinary director of The Lunch Lady, breaks down how a single moment of global attention became the foundation for a real, scalable business.

Originally a humble street food stall in Vietnam, The Lunch Lady became a culinary landmark after Bourdain featured it on No Reservations. But attention doesn’t build a business—execution does.

Benedict shares how the team translated that cultural spotlight into a thriving multi-city restaurant brand in Canada, and the systems required to sustain it. From navigating the realities of opening during a pandemic to building a loyal customer base through trust, hospitality, and consistency, this conversation goes beyond the story—and into the strategy.

This episode is a tactical blueprint for small business owners: how to leverage narrative without relying on it, how to create repeat customers in a competitive market, and how to build a brand that delivers long after the hype fades.

Because getting discovered is one thing. Building something that lasts is everything.

Top 5 Key Takeaways

1. Great product is the baseline (not the differentiator): In today’s market, “good food” (or a good product) isn’t enough. Success comes from delivering across the entire experience: product, service, brand, and consistency.

2. Your first customers stay because of how you recover, not how you perform: Early-stage mistakes are inevitable. What builds loyalty is how quickly and honestly you fix them.

3. Story creates attention but systems create longevity: The Lunch Lady’s origin story brought people in. Operational discipline, team alignment, and execution kept them coming back.

4. Marketing is no longer optional, even for great businesses: If people don’t know you exist, nothing else matters. Even the best product needs visibility to survive.

5. Culture is your most scalable advantage: A strong internal culture doesn’t just improve team performance, it directly translates into better customer experience and long-term brand equity.

About the Guest

Benedict Lim is the co-founder and culinary director of The Lunch Lady, a critically acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant with locations in Vancouver and Toronto.

Originally inspired by a legendary street food vendor in Vietnam—brought to global attention by Anthony Bourdain—Benedict helped transform The Lunch Lady into a modern hospitality brand that blends cultural authenticity with contemporary dining.

Known for his thoughtful approach to leadership, operations, and culinary innovation, Benedict has built a reputation not just as a chef, but as a business operator focused on sustainability, team culture, and long-term growth in one of the most challenging industries.

Drawing from his background in startups, venture capital law, and policy advocacy, Gill makes the case that Toronto is one of the only cities in the world where nearly every major challenge can be solved through policy—and more importantly, through participation.

At the center of the conversation is his concept of the “citizen developer,” a new class of everyday people who can play an active role in resolving the housing crisis. From fourplexes to laneway homes to 10-unit apartment buildings, Gill breaks down how recent zoning changes have quietly unlocked a generational opportunity.

Key Takeaways

• Housing isn’t just a crisis—it’s an opportunity. Most people just don’t see the entry point.
• Policy has already shifted. The real gap now is awareness and execution.
• You don’t need to be a developer to build. But you do need to understand the system.
• Entrepreneurial thinking beats industry experience in emerging, undefined spaces.
• Small-scale density at scale (missing middle) could meaningfully impact affordability.
• The future of housing will be shaped by those willing to take informed risks early.

About the Guest

Liam Gill is a Toronto-based investor, lawyer, and housing advocate focused on unlocking practical solutions to Canada’s housing crisis. With a background spanning venture capital, M&A law, and startup leadership, Gill brings a uniquely cross-disciplinary perspective to real estate and urban policy.

He is the author of Building the Missing Middle: A Citizen Developer’s Guide, a practical framework designed to help everyday Canadians understand—and participate in—housing development. His work bridges the gap between policy and execution, advocating for a more accessible, transparent, and participatory housing system.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Jannine Rane, co-founder and CEO of Zing Pantry Shortcuts, a fast-growing Canadian brand rethinking how we cook, eat, and connect through food.

What started as a pandemic side project—born out of the all-too-familiar question, “What’s for dinner?”—has evolved into something much bigger: a company helping to redefine what a pantry staple looks like in one of the most multicultural countries in the world.

Rane brings a tech mindset into a legacy industry, applying rapid iteration, community-driven product development, and a willingness to challenge convention. But beneath the surface, Zing is doing something deeper; they're using food as a vehicle for cultural exchange.

From “third culture” flavours inspired by diaspora communities to reimagining condiments as everyday gateways into global cuisine, this conversation explores how something as simple as a jar on a shelf can open minds, spark curiosity, and reshape how we relate to culture.

Key Takeaways

• The Real Problem Zing Solves: Most Canadians rotate through just 7 recipes—Zing is built to break that cycle with accessible, flavour-forward shortcuts.
• From Tech to Table: Rane applied startup principles like “fail fast” and rapid iteration to food, launching products through a community-driven test kitchen model.
• Redefining Pantry Staples: Why condiments like chili crisp and "Oomami" deserve a place next to ketchup and mayo, and what it takes to shift consumer behaviour.
• The Rise of “Third Culture” Cooking: How diaspora communities are shaping a new, distinctly Canadian food identity.
• Story > Product: In a crowded category, the brands that win are the ones telling stories people see themselves in.
• Food as Cultural Infrastructure: How condiments can act as entry points into new cultures, conversations, and perspectives.
• Immigrant Founder Mentality: “No one’s coming to save you”—how starting from zero builds resilience and clarity.
• The Future of the Pantry: A shift toward global flavours, personalization, and curiosity-driven cooking.

About the Guest

Jannine Rane is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zing Pantry Shortcuts, a Canadian food brand bringing globally inspired, chef-driven condiments into everyday home cooking.

With a background in tech, marketing, and go-to-market strategy, Rane has built Zing using a community-first, iterative approach—working with chefs and creators to develop products that reflect the diversity of modern Canadian kitchens.

Founded during the pandemic, Zing has quickly expanded into retail across Canada, with a mission to make cooking more joyful, accessible, and culturally connected.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Rachel Zimmer, co-founder and CEO of Simple Ventures, to unpack the paradox at the heart of Canada’s innovation economy. From declining entrepreneurship rates to the realities of “brain drain,” Zimmer offers a candid, systems-level look at what’s broken—and what it will take to fix it.

Drawing from her experience as a founder, investor, and venture builder, Zimmer challenges the way we define innovation today, arguing that it’s not just about technology but about creating real value, jobs, and durable businesses. She also breaks down why the traditional venture capital model doesn’t work for most founders, and how Simple Ventures is rethinking company creation from the ground up.

At its core, this episode asks a bigger question: What kind of country does Canada want to be—and who is willing to build it?

Key Takeaways & Highlights

• Why Canada has 100,000 fewer entrepreneurs than 20 years ago (and what’s driving the decline).
• The real reasons behind brain drain.
• How Rachel Zimmer defines innovation, and why most people get it wrong.
• The difference between venture capital vs. venture building (and who each model actually serves).
• The importance of traction, real customers, and willingness to pay in validating ideas.
• How Simple Ventures is creating a “de-risked path” to entrepreneurship.
• The role of AI and global uncertainty in shaping Canada’s innovation future.
• Why Canada’s greatest opportunity might be its untapped white space, not its competition.

About the Guest

Rachel Zimmer is the co-founder and CEO of Simple Ventures, a Canadian venture builder focused on creating the next generation of standout companies. Through a model that combines ideation, validation, founder pairing, and capital, Simple Ventures builds businesses from the ground up—backed by leading investors including TD Innovation Partners, Sun Life, Sobeys, and top Canadian founder-operators.

Prior to Simple Ventures, Rachel led Entrepreneur First in North America, a globally recognized venture studio backed by Reid Hoffman and the Collison brothers. She is also a former founder and investor, and has been recognized as an Emerging Entrepreneur by the Toronto Board of Trade.

In just 18 months, Simple Ventures has launched multiple companies and created over 150 jobs across Canada—positioning Rachel as a leading voice in the future of Canadian innovation.

Chayka explains how Stathletes grew from a startup focused on hockey data into a major sports technology company powering teams, leagues, media, and betting platforms. She also shares her hot takes on AI, why most people underestimate how hard tech is to operationalize, and why the next chapter of sports may be shaped as much by emotion and storytelling as by data.

From women’s sports and fan culture to scaling a Canadian tech business without chasing an exit, this is a candid conversation about innovation, resilience, and building what comes next.

Key Takeaways:

• Meghan Chayka started early. Stathletes began before sports data was fashionable, when analytics in hockey still faced real skepticism.
• Tech is not magic. One of Chayka’s sharpest points is that AI and automation are much harder to operationalize than most people think.
• The future of sports analytics is more immersive. Data is no longer just tables and dashboards. It is becoming visual, interactive, and embedded into entertainment.
• The best organizations do not choose between instinct and information. They use data as an additive tool, not a replacement for human judgment.
• Sports fandom is changing. Fans are increasingly following players, personalities, and storylines, not just hometown teams.
• There may be a backlash to always-on AI. Chayka predicts a growing appetite for stripped-back, more human experiences with less algorithmic interference.
• Women’s sports are a major growth story. Better data, better storytelling, and better infrastructure could help accelerate that momentum even more.
• Scaling a tech company is relentless. Her view is refreshingly blunt: it does not get easier, you just get better.

About the Guest

Meghan Chayka is the co-founder of Stathletes, a Canadian sports technology and analytics company that provides data, insights, and software tools to teams, leagues, media companies, sportsbooks, and other partners across the sports ecosystem. A longtime leader in hockey analytics, Chayka has helped push the industry forward by turning data into actionable tools for player evaluation, development, storytelling, and fan engagement.

In addition to her work as an entrepreneur, she is also a sports media analyst, appearing across major broadcast platforms including ESPN and TSN. Her work sits at the intersection of sport, technology, business, and culture.

In this episode of Mission Critical, we explore the economic infrastructure required to close Canada’s racial wealth gap. Colin shares how the Black Opportunity Fund was built to scale impact by directing capital into Black-led businesses, nonprofits, and community initiatives across the country.

We also unpack the launch of BOF Capital, a new investment platform designed to support entrepreneurs and help more families access homeownership, one of the most powerful drivers of generational wealth.

From venture capital and entrepreneurship to housing access and economic innovation, this conversation explores why expanding opportunity isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s an economic one.

Key Highlights and Takeaways

• Why wealth inequality (not just income inequality) drives opportunity gaps.

• How the Black Opportunity Fund helps scale Black-led businesses and nonprofits across Canada.

• Why access to capital is one of the biggest barriers facing Black entrepreneurs.

• The statistic behind the problem: Black-led businesses receive less than 1% of venture capital in Canada.

• How the launch of BOF Capital is helping fund startups and growing companies.

• Why homeownership remains one of the most powerful tools for generational wealth creation.

• How a shared-equity housing model can help more families enter the housing market.

• Why diversity and economic inclusion can drive innovation, productivity, and long-term economic growth.

About the Guest

Colin Lynch is the co-founder of the Black Opportunity Fund, a national initiative dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and wealth creation for Black Canadians.

Through philanthropy and investment, the fund directs capital to Black-led businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations across the country.

Lynch also helped launch BOF Capital, an investment platform supporting entrepreneurs and expanding access to homeownership through innovative financing models designed to build long-term generational wealth.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Brandi shares the unfiltered story behind building Evio Beauty from a shelter safe house to building a booming beauty empire. But this conversation goes deeper than entrepreneurship.

Together, Lance and Brandi explore the psychology of decision-making, the myth of fearless leadership, and why power is something you practice through choice.

From "cringe" bootstrapping moments to landing a 215,000-unit purchase order she nearly fumbled, Brandi reflects on the messy reality behind resilience, and why rewriting your personal narrative can be more powerful than rewriting your résumé.

She also opens up about:

• The stigma surrounding domestic violence shelters.
• How the beauty industry has evolved from rigid standards to inclusive innovation.
• Why resilience is romanticized, and why we’re collectively burnt out from it.
• The 35,000 decisions we make daily, and how that realization reframed her life

This is a conversation about agency, leadership, trauma, capitalism, authenticity, and the choices we make to become who we are.

About the Guest

Brandi Leifso is the founder and CEO of Evio Beauty, a purpose-driven beauty company focused on reducing the effects of stress on skin through hydration and science-backed formulations.

She launched the brand at 21 while living in a domestic violence safe house in Vancouver, bootstrapping it with pre-sold product concepts and relentless determination.

Today, Evio Beauty is carried by major retailers including Shoppers Drug Mart and has raised over $500,000 for shelters across Canada.

Brandi is also the author of Fearless Choices, published by HarperCollins Canada, a memoir-driven self-help guide about reclaiming personal power through decision-making.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Deanna Wong, Executive Director of Reel Asian, to explore what it really means to steward a platform that shapes how Asian stories are told, funded, and remembered in Canada. From growing up searching for a single non-stereotypical Asian face on television, to witnessing the global impact of films like Crazy Rich Asians, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Turning Red, Deanna reflects on the long arc of representation (and why progress still feels fragile.)

This conversation is about how culture gets built, protected, and passed forward. It's about breaking the “model minority” narrative and trusting audiences to embrace nuance without explanation.

And, ultimately, why the work is far from finished.

Key Highlights

• How the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival evolved from a grassroots gathering into Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival.
• Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s searching for dignified Asian representation on screen.
• Why films like The Joy Luck Club felt like breakthroughs (and why the doors didn’t immediately stay open.)
• The double standard Asian actors face in Hollywood (and why one “box office failure” can’t define an entire community).
• Why the real work happens behind the scenes: funding, mentorship, grant writing, and sustaining community year-round.
• Reel Asian’s Unsung Voices program and its role in launching emerging filmmakers (including early-career stories connected to Simu Liu).
• The importance of below-the-line representation: from hair and makeup to production design.
• Why the ultimate privilege in storytelling is being able to tell culturally specific stories without having to explain them.

About the Guest

Deanna Wong is the Executive Director of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival. Under her leadership, Reel Asian has expanded its year-round programming, mentorship initiatives, and community impact, celebrating nearly three decades of championing Asian and Asian diasporic filmmakers.

As Reel Asian approaches its 30th anniversary, Deanna stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation — protecting the stories that shaped a generation while pushing the next wave of filmmakers forward.

In this episode, we spotlight Hetta, the Vancouver-based furniture brand founded by the team behind Sundays. Grounded in tradition and designed for modern living, Hetta creates timeless pieces meant to grow with you—and eventually be passed down.

Inspired by the old English name Etta, meaning “keeper of the hearth,” the brand is built around the idea that home is where connection happens across families, friendships, and generations.

With decades of industry experience, the founders prioritize craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and comfort, designing furniture that looks to the past while functioning for today. Pieces range from sofas and chairs to tables, beds, and storage solutions, all created to bring people together and make furnishing a home feel effortless.

As more consumers move toward buying fewer, better things, Hetta reflects a growing shift toward durability, heritage design, and future heirlooms. That is, furniture rooted in story rather than disposability.

If you’re tracking design trends, thoughtful entrepreneurship, or standout Canadian brands redefining home, this is one business worth knowing.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Nouhaila Chelkhaoui, Founder and CEO of Scale Without Borders, the largest network for immigrant tech talent in North America. From arriving in Canada alone at 17 to building a platform that has supported more than 7,000 immigrants in tech, Nouhaila shares what resilience actually looks like.

Together, they unpack the hidden barriers facing immigrant professionals, why “Canadian experience” is still quietly gatekeeping opportunity, and how networking (not skill sets) is often the real gap preventing newcomers from succeeding.

Key Highlights:

• Why immigrants are often used as economic scapegoats (and who benefits from that narrative.)
• The “network gap” holding back highly skilled immigrant talent in Canada.
• Why “Canadian experience” still functions as an invisible barrier.
• How cultural nuances and code-switching impact immigrant entrepreneurs.
• The resilience advantage: what immigrant founders understand about risk.
• The disconnect between immigration policy and employer needs.
• Why immigrant entrepreneurs are statistically more likely to found high-growth companies.
• How Scale Without Borders is helping newcomers access jobs, capital, and community.

About the Guest

Nouhaila Chelkhaoui is the Founder and CEO of Scale Without Borders, a North American platform connecting immigrant tech talent with employers, investors, and resources.

Originally from Morocco, Nouhaila moved to Canada at 17 and later rebuilt her career as a newcomer navigating the Canadian tech ecosystem. After experiencing firsthand the systemic barriers facing immigrants (particularly around networking and access) she launched Scale Without Borders to close the gap.

Since its founding, the organization has supported over 7,000 immigrants in tech, expanded partnerships across Canada, and is now entering the U.S. market. Nouhaila is a leading voice on immigrant entrepreneurship, workforce development, and the future of inclusive innovation.

In this episode, we spotlight Alter, the Toronto-based sauna and ice bath studio at the center of the growing contrast therapy movement. Built on the belief that intentional discomfort builds resilience, Alter is redefining modern wellness through heat, cold, and community.

As recovery culture continues to rise, Alter signals a broader shift toward ritualized self-care and connection — and why this centuries-old practice feels more relevant than ever.

If you’re tracking wellness trends, emerging entrepreneurs, or standout Canadian brands, this is one business worth knowing.

Together, Lance and April dive deep into the challenges women face in corporate environments, why traditional hiring practices often exclude talented candidates, and how Toast uses a combination of technology, human connection, and community to break barriers. From leveraging AI for bias reduction to building talent pipelines that reflect the communities companies serve, April shares actionable strategies for leaders committed to meaningful change.

Key Highlights:

• The origin story of Toast and the problem it was created to solve
• How companies can attract and retain women in male-dominated industries
• Why measuring impact through dollars and career growth matters
• Lessons on human-centered leadership and empathy in business
• The role of technology in reducing bias — and when it can backfire
• The importance of diversity of thought, background, and experience in driving innovation
• Practical tips for CEOs and founders looking to create inclusive workplaces

About the Guest: April Hicke is the CEO and co-founder of Toast, a tech platform that helps companies across North America hire, retain, and advance women in their organizations. A recovering corporate ladder climber with a passion for equity and impact, April has guided Toast to become a trailblazer in inclusive hiring, leveraging both technology and human connection to help women secure meaningful career opportunities. She is also an advocate for human-centered leadership, building communities, and creating workplaces that empower diverse talent to thrive.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Jay Klein, founder and CEO of The PUR Company, to unpack how a single, “unsexy” decision (that is, eliminating aspartame from chewing gum) helped build one of the world’s leading better-for-you brands.

Founded in Toronto in 2010, PUR set out to challenge a $20-billion global gum industry by focusing on simplicity, transparency, and trust. What began as a grassroots, door-to-door effort grew into a global brand available in over 50 countries, now the #1 best-selling gum brand on Amazon in both Canada and the US. Along the way, Klein navigated early skepticism, scaled without compromising taste or accessibility, and learned why listening to consumers can be more powerful than any marketing strategy.

Jay also reflects on his full-circle journey with Dragon’s Den—from pitching PUR as a founder to now taking a seat as a Dragon—and shares what he looks for in entrepreneurs who are built for the long game.

This conversation is a masterclass in building trust before scale, resisting trend-driven shortcuts, and proving that small, intentional changes can create outsized impact.

Key Takeaways

• Why simplicity and subtraction can be more disruptive than constant innovation
• How founder-led sales and early trust shaped PUR’s long-term growth
• What it really means to build a consumer-first brand—beyond the buzzwords
• The hidden trade-offs of scaling in mass retail and global markets
• Lessons Jay Klein learned from both pitching on Dragon’s Den and now judging founders
• Why trust, taste, and accessibility are non-negotiable in better-for-you products
• How entrepreneurs can protect their mission as their business grows

About the Guest

Jay Klein is the Founder & CEO of The PUR Company, the globally recognized better-for-you gum and mints brand. Since launching PUR in 2010, Jay has led the company’s expansion into more than 50 countries, earning recognition from Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies, Profit 500, and Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. A former Dragon’s Den entrepreneur turned Dragon, Jay is passionate about mentoring founders and building brands that last.

Amanda and Aimee share how Jointly empowers couples to navigate prenups, cohabitation agreements, and post-nuptial agreements without intimidation. From step-by-step tutorials and worksheets to lawyer-drafted agreements approved by the Law Society of Ontario, they’ve built a platform that balances legal rigor with ease of use.

Key takeaways and summary;

• How Jointly guides couples from the first conversation to building a legally sound agreement.
• Common myths about prenups—that they’re defensive, only for the wealthy, or planning for divorce—and why those assumptions are outdated.
• The practical benefits of relationship planning, from parenting and home purchases to business ownership and inheritances.
• How legal tech is bridging access gaps for couples in rural communities or with lower incomes.
• The cultural shift among Millennials and Gen Z toward financial transparency and proactive relationship planning.
• How these agreements can complement estate planning and help blended families safeguard their assets.

Whether you’re starting a first relationship, entering a second marriage, or navigating complex family dynamics, this episode shows that legal agreements aren’t about mistrust—they’re about clarity, collaboration, and peace of mind.

Visit Jointly to start for free, access tutorials, worksheets, and build your agreement (available in BC, Alberta, and Ontario): jointly.ca

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed lawyer for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

What started as part of his computer engineering graduate thesis, Rami founded SSENSE alongside his brothers, Firas and Bassel, to address the needs of the new generation of consumers. They wanted to build a platform that was, in his words, "interesting, pushed boundaries, and leveraged the internet to reach a global customer base."

An immigrant from Syria, Rami’s journey is one that exemplifies the power of harnessing diverse perspectives and skill sets, and using your work as a springboard for talent in order to usher a new generation of leaders.

Recorded live at the SSENSE headquarters in Montreal, revisit our episode with Rami, where we talk about his immigrant and entrepreneurial journey, how he uses his engineering background to solve problems, and the future of luxury, commerce, and culture.

To help unpack these questions, we're revisiting Lance's chat with Samantha Reusch, Executive Director of Apathy is Boring—a national, non-partisan organization that has spent 20 years working to increase youth engagement in Canadian democracy. A leading voice on democratic reform and voter participation, Samantha has dedicated her career to ensuring young people feel heard in the political process. Under her leadership, Apathy is Boring has helped mobilize thousands of first-time voters.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ Why youth voter turnout remains low—and what’s keeping young Canadians from the polls.

✅ How global politics is shaping youth perceptions of democracy.

✅ The role of misinformation, social media, and tech algorithms in political disengagement.

✅ What needs to change in Canada’s electoral system to better serve young voters.

✅ Apathy is Boring’s innovative strategies to mobilize youth, including Count Us In and Table Topics.

✅ Samantha’s call to action for young Canadians ahead of the 2024 Canadian federal election.

🔗 Resources & Links:

📌 Apathy is Boring: apathyisboring.com

📌 Take the vote pledge: https://www.apathyisboring.com/votepledge

📌 The Feed newsletter: https://www.apathyisboring.com/feed

In this re-released 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. And then she flipped the script, turning her influence into infrastructure. Naturium scaled fast, stood out in a crowded market, and was acquired by e.l.f. Beauty for a reported $355 million. But behind the success story is a woman who’s navigated every tension: between personal brand and product brand, between representation and responsibility, between being taken seriously and staying true to where she came from.

In this conversation, Lance and Susan talk about what it really means to have influence that lasts—not just in beauty, but in business.

Episode highlights and takeaways:

• Why legacy brands are watching: Susan shares how indie beauty brands like Naturium are driving innovation and forcing legacy players to catch up.

• Representation done right: Susan talks about the responsibility (and strategy) of creating an inclusive brand without tokenism — and how her multicultural background shaped her vision.

• From startup to acquisition: What it really takes to scale fast, keep your soul, and partner with a company like e.l.f. to go global without losing your original mission.

• The power of analytics: She reveals how understanding her audience through content data gave her a roadmap for product development, retail strategy, and growth.

• Creating vs. scaling: The difference between building a personal brand and building a business—and why separating the two is essential if you want to exit.

In this re-released episode of Mission Critical, Maggie opens up about her journey from growing up without many Korean friends to becoming one of the most powerful voices shaping Asian representation in Hollywood. She shares what it means to break generational cycles, embrace cultural inheritance, and build worlds where young women can own their power — flaws and all.

Together, Lance and Maggie talk about the universality of K-pop, how the film’s soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, and what the future of Korean storytelling looks like in a world where “niche” no longer applies.

Key Takeaways

• How Kpop Demon Hunters broke barriers in representation and global storytelling.
• The creative risks behind blending K-pop and the superhero genre.
• Maggie’s reflections on intergenerational identity, cultural inheritance, and belonging.
• Why authenticity (not translation) is the future of cultural storytelling.
• The lessons she’s taking forward into her next projects.

Highlights

• The story behind Kpop Demon Hunters and who it was really made for.
• Why the characters’ flaws were essential to their power.
• The influence of her father’s filmmaking legacy.
• The future of Asian and diaspora narratives in mainstream media.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a rating.

From immigrating to Canada at 15 to becoming one of the most influential figures in Toronto’s hospitality and cultural landscape, Khabouth reflects on the early risks that shaped his career, the losses behind every win, and why respect (not money) has always been his greatest driver. He shares how nightclubs once served as cultural incubators for fashion, music, and design, and why hospitality today is less about product and more about trust, people, and experience.

The episode also dives into INK’s newest evolution: 30 Hazelton, the group’s expansion into the medispa and wellness space. Khabouth explains why health and wellness is a natural extension of hospitality, the importance of choosing the right partners, and how trust transfers from brand to experience—whether in dining, nightlife, or skincare.

KEY TAKEAWAYS & HIGHLIGHTS

• Entrepreneurship is built on loss: There is no winning without losing—failure is a prerequisite for success.
• Hospitality is about trust, not product: People return because they feel cared for, not because they need another steak or cocktail.
• Culture beats everything: A strong internal culture is the foundation of any scalable hospitality brand.
• Leadership at scale is about people: With thousands of employees, every interaction matters—and every person represents the brand.
• Consistency is harder than growth: Maintaining status quo is more difficult than getting there.
• Hospitality is bigger than food and nightlife: Wellness, skincare, art, and design all fall under the umbrella of caring for people.
• Legacy is built through others: True success comes from helping people grow and creating opportunities beyond yourself.

From the rise of drag as a global culture to the realities of growing a business through COVID, TikTok, and an unpredictable beauty landscape, Kim Chi shares how she stays resilient, innovative, and unapologetically herself. She opens up about navigating Korean and Western beauty standards, the pressure of representation, and the role drag continues to play as both art and protest.

With humour and unfiltered honesty, Kim Chi offers a rare look at the mindset, mission, and cultural impact behind her work — and what the future of beauty, visibility, and creative entrepreneurship might look like.

Key Highlights & Takeaways

• Representation that matters: How growing up between cultures shaped her voice, vision, and leadership.
• Drag as cultural power: Why drag remains a vital artistic and political force.
• Inside KimChi Chic Beauty: Building an inclusive, community-led brand through creativity and resilience.
• The new beauty economy: TikTok reviews, indie brands, shifting consumer habits, and the rise of AI.
• Entrepreneurship in uncertainty: Lessons from launching a brand before COVID and navigating global volatility.
• Joy as strategy: How food, beauty, and community continue to inspire her craft.

McGee shares how Diversio is using AI and data analytics to make workplaces more productive—and why the backlash against DEI is based more on perception than reality. She breaks down the myths surrounding diversity efforts, reveals the surprising truth about which companies are actually pulling back, and explains why leaders should embrace uncomfortable conversations instead of avoiding them.

Key Takeaways:

• The media’s portrayal of DEI is misleading—most companies aren’t canceling it, they’re rebranding it.
• Why fear, not facts, is the biggest barrier to progress.
• The global differences in how companies approach inclusion—and what North America gets wrong.
• How to shift the DEI conversation from divisive to productive.

It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Listen now to this re-released episode with Laura from March, 2025.

During their discussion, Richard breaks down his leadership philosophy (“team awesomeness-making”), the rise of wellness as a catchall buzzword, and how Ryde: aims to bring science, simplicity, and levity back into the conversation. From energy and focus to calm and clarity, Richard reveals why the smallest products can have the biggest impact on how we move through our day.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership with clarity: Why Richard believes a CEO’s job is to empower people, not micromanage.
• The wellness paradox: How “wellness” lost meaning—and how consumers are redefining what they actually need.
• Inside Ryde: Why ENERGIZE, FOCUS, and RELAX were chosen as the brand’s core mood states.
• Science made simple: A look at Ryplenish™ and the idea behind fast-acting, functional mood support.
• The modern professional: Why today’s busy, always-on lifestyle demands practical, pocket-sized solutions.

Learn more about Ryde: https://ca-en.ryde.com/

Brenda opens up about the grassroots origins of AFC Toronto, the pivotal moment when her husband challenged her to see herself in the ownership conversation, and what it means to build a franchise rooted in gender equity, community impact, and opportunity for future generations of athletes. From the rise of the Northern Super League to the league-wide sisterhood forming between the PWHL, WNBA, and AFC Toronto, Brenda offers an intimate look at the movement reshaping professional women’s sports in Canada.

She also shares powerful stories from AFC Toronto’s inaugural season—from the behind-the-scenes reality of match-day operations to the emotional impact of hosting Korea Night and rallying Toronto’s multicultural communities around the team.

Whether you're a sports fan, entrepreneur, or someone curious about how everyday people can participate in shaping the future of women’s sports, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Key Highlights & Takeaways:

• How a “soccer mom” became a professional sports team owner—and why you don’t need to be a billionaire to invest in women’s sports
• The grassroots origins of AFC Toronto and the mission behind Project 8 and the Northern Super League
• The role of community, collaboration, and women supporting women across leagues like the PWHL and WNBA
• Behind-the-scenes insights into game-day operations, volunteer culture, and what it takes to build a team from scratch
• The impact of multicultural storytelling, including the success of AFC Toronto’s Korea Night
• Brenda’s personal journey through imposter syndrome, leadership, and learning to see herself in spaces traditionally reserved for “other people”
• The economic and cultural momentum behind women’s sports in Canada—and why this movement is just getting started

Key takeaways:

• How Teresa’s leadership is shaping the Tempo as Canada’s WNBA team, not just Toronto’s.
• The strategy and significance behind the “Tempo” name—balance, rhythm, control.
• The power of public engagement.
• Lessons in building from scratch: hiring, infrastructure, and cultivating a national fan base.
• The long game: why Teresa is focused on legacy, community, and a championship cadence.

Fresh off voicing Team Canada’s “Brave Is Unbeatable” campaign, De Grasse shares how courage and perseverance shape not only his athletic career but also his ventures as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and father.

Key Highlights & Takeaways:

• The Power of Resilience: How De Grasse learned to turn setbacks into motivation and longevity in a sport that tests both body and mind.
• Redefining Success: Why his definition of winning has evolved from chasing podiums to creating impact through his foundation and mentorship programs.
• Canada on the Global Stage: De Grasse’s perspective on Canada’s growing influence in sports and culture — from the World Cup to the WNBA.
• Peak Performance, Redefined: What goes into maintaining elite performance?
• Beyond the Finish Line: His next chapters — from a biopic and book launch to new ventures in film, wine, and voice acting.
• “Brave Is Unbeatable”: The meaning behind Team Canada’s campaign and how bravery fuels his evolution as an athlete and human being.

Long before influencer marketing became an industry, Meyer understood the power of emotional connection, storytelling, and authenticity. Her designs—delicate gold charms and signature modern heirlooms—first caught the attention of stylists and Hollywood icons like Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, but what followed was more than a red carpet moment. Meyer built a company on a foundation of heart, heritage, and human connection.

Nearly twenty years later, Meyer reflects on what it takes to sustain influence in an era when the meaning of “celebrity” is constantly evolving. She shares insights on:

• Navigating fame and influence — how she’s maintained creative integrity while operating in a world obsessed with visibility.
• Authentic brand-building — why lasting success in fashion comes from relationships, not algorithms.
• The evolution of luxury — from Hollywood’s golden age to today’s digital marketplace, and what it means to stay timeless amid constant change.
• Leadership in the creative industry — how to build trust, nurture teams, and lead with empathy in a culture that often rewards ego.
• The next 20 years — what inspires her now, and how she’s evolving as both designer and entrepreneur in an increasingly competitive landscape.

For anyone fascinated by the intersection of fashion, celebrity culture, and entrepreneurship, this chat offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how one designer turned personal artistry into an enduring symbol of modern luxury.

Smithe House: smithehouse.com

Keefer House: keeferhouse.com

• Limited-time Glory-exclusive offer: 20% off plus priority early check-in (based on availability) with code GLORY. Book by December 31st, 2025 to claim. Black-out dates apply.

He shares how microbes can teach us about collaboration, control, and surrender, and why the most meaningful meals often have nothing to do with perfection — but everything to do with connection.

Key highlights and takeaways:

• On food as reflection: Zilber sees food as “the most essential human endeavor,” one that mirrors culture, climate, and our collective values.

• Fermentation as metaphor: “You can guide it, but you can’t control it.” Fermentation teaches humility, patience, and the beauty of surrender.
• Collaboration lessons: Nature isn’t binary — even microbes blur the lines between good and bad, symbiosis and conflict.
• Creativity on Top Chef Canada: True creativity is intuitive and contextual — “you know it when you see it.” Zilber values ingenuity over perfection.
• The joy of maladaptive cooking: Making food that takes more energy than it provides (like handmade pasta) is what connects humans — it’s the “social glue” of culture.
• Redefining progress in food: Advocates for decentralized, community-driven systems where power and food sovereignty are shared.
• Transformation in motion: Now a father and homeowner, Zilber embraces evolution — “falling forward” and learning as a lifelong student of life and microbes.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Maggie opens up about her journey from growing up without many Korean friends to becoming one of the most powerful voices shaping Asian representation in Hollywood. She shares what it means to break generational cycles, embrace cultural inheritance, and build worlds where young women can own their power — flaws and all.

Together, Lance and Maggie talk about the universality of K-pop, how the film’s soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, and what the future of Korean storytelling looks like in a world where “niche” no longer applies.

Key Takeaways

• How Kpop Demon Hunters broke barriers in representation and global storytelling.
• The creative risks behind blending K-pop and the superhero genre.
• Maggie’s reflections on intergenerational identity, cultural inheritance, and belonging.
• Why authenticity (not translation) is the future of cultural storytelling.
• The lessons she’s taking forward into her next projects.

Highlights

• The story behind Kpop Demon Hunters and who it was really made for.
• Why the characters’ flaws were essential to their power.
• The influence of her father’s filmmaking legacy.
• The future of Asian and diaspora narratives in mainstream media.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a rating.

Key Takeaways:

• Why leaving your comfort zone is essential to personal and professional growth.
• How Lightspeed empowers small businesses and strengthens community ecosystems.
• The connection between entrepreneurship, activism, and environmental leadership.
• What Dax learned from two years on the ground with Age of Union conservation projects.
• How the lessons from the wild can make you a better leader, creator, and changemaker.
• Insights from his new book, Echoes from Eden, on finding purpose through action.

Get Dax's new book, Echoes from Eden: A Daring Voyage to Protect Earth's Last Wild Places - https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/echoes-from-eden-a-daring-voyage-to-protect-earths-last-wild-places/9781628605693.html

Did you enjoy this episode? Give Mission Critical with Lance Chung a subscribe and rating, wherever you listen and watch your podcasts.

Recorded live at the 2025 GLORY Sports Summit (powered by GE Appliances) in Toronto, this conversation brings together leaders building Toronto’s sports future from every angle: major league expansion, global partnerships, grassroots development, and equity-driven advocacy. Teresa Resch (Toronto Tempo), Kyle McMann (NHL), Saroya Tinker (PWHL), and Diana Matheson (Northern Super League) joined moderator Alyson Walker (Wasserman) on stage to explore what it means to turn a city into a global sports hub — not just by hosting the world, but by ensuring that storytelling, access, investment, and community are at the heart of its growth.

This is about how Toronto can create a legacy that lasts well beyond the final whistle.

Recorded live at the 2025 GLORY Sports Summit (powered by GE Appliances) in Toronto, this episode of The GLORY Sports Podcast features soccer legend Dwayne De Rosario, FIFA World Cup 2026 executive director Sharon Bollenbach, and First Touch Football CEO Marcus Hanson.

Moderated by The Gist's Ellen Hyslop, this discussion explores the evolution of soccer in Canada, the unique challenges and opportunities facing the sport, and what it will take to ensure that the momentum doesn’t end when the final whistle blows.

The big question? How do we turn this moment into a legacy that lasts?

But what might be even more historic is what she’s doing now. As the co-founder of Project 8 and the visionary behind the newly announced Northern Super League, Diana is quite literally building the future of women’s professional soccer in Canada from the ground up.

Alongside her is Anastasia Bucsis — an Olympian in long track speed skating and one of the most respected voices in Canadian sports media today. You’ve seen her on CBC Sports, heard her on Player’s Own Voice, and felt her impact far beyond the broadcast booth.

But her influence goes deeper than sport. In the lead-up to the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Anastasia came out publicly in opposition to Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws — becoming the only out athlete from North America to compete at those Games. It was a bold, deeply personal act of protest that continues to ripple across sport and society to this day.

Together, they’ve carved out a life that is both deeply public and intentional, advocating for inclusion, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Canadian sport, and supporting one another every step of the way.

Recorded live at the 2025 GLORY Sports Summit (powered by GE Appliances) in Toronto.

In less than a year, Toronto will serve as one of the key host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, welcoming fans and teams from around the globe. Sure, this opportunity is about roaring stadiums and matchdays. But it’s also about building a lasting legacy of excellence, representation, and pride in Canadian soccer.

On this episode, Marsch shares how Canada Soccer is preparing for this pivotal moment — from building a competitive national team to activating major partnerships that connect with communities coast to coast. Joined by CBC Sports host Andi Petrillo and Bob Park (GE Appliances), the panel explores building a winning culture, connecting with fans across the country, and creating a lasting legacy for Canadian soccer.

In this live episode of Mission Critical recorded in Toronto at Waterworks Food Hall, Lance sits down with Jenn to unpack her incredible journey—from overcoming addiction and selling fish (quite literally) to discovering her purpose in a dream and pioneering what she calls Indigenous Beauty, a category rooted in authentic sustainability.

Jenn gets candid about the highs and lows of building a brand from scratch, how close she came to shutting down, and why community—especially her customers—has always been the foundation of her success.

This episode is presented by Mastercard Canada as part of a special series spotlighting small business owners who are shaping the future of Canadian entrepreneurship.

Listen now to hear how Jenn is rewriting the narrative—and what she wants the world to know about Indigenous excellence, sustainability, and the future of beauty.

• 💄 Origin Story with Purpose: Cheekbone Beauty was born from a dream—and Jenn’s mission to give back to her Indigenous community and rewrite the narrative around Indigenous success.
• 📚 Scholarship Fund Impact: With the support of partners like Mastercard, Cheekbone Beauty launched a scholarship fund that has awarded 30+ scholarships to Indigenous youth since 2021.
• 🌱 Indigenous Beauty as a Category: Jenn is working to define Indigenous Beauty as a global category—anchored in authentic sustainability, community values, and cultural leadership.
• 🔥 Billion-Dollar Vision: She’s unapologetically building a brand with the goal of reaching a $1B valuation—and doing it with only six full-time staff and a lot of heart.
• 🤝 The Power of Community: Jenn credits her survival in business to loyal customers and movements like Buy Canadian, proving that small business success is community-driven.
• 💬 Leadership Through Love and Humility: Drawing from her Anishinaabe culture, Jenn built Cheekbone’s core values on love, humility, and integrity—redefining what business leadership can look like.
• 🎤 Being Vulnerable Online: Jenn opens up about sharing her story publicly, navigating social media as a founder, and why transparency helps build stronger customer relationships.

From dressing icons like Lizzo, Lily Gladstone, and Sandra Oh, to challenging colonial norms in fashion, Lesley has carved out a space that’s inclusive and deeply intentional. But behind the red carpet moments is a commitment to mental health and setting boundaries. As Lesley puts it, “My business isn’t thriving unless I’m thriving.”

Presented by Mastercard Canada, this episode is part of a series celebrating Canadian small business owners and the stories behind the brands. We talk about the power of mentorship, what it means to lead with your values, and why asking for help (even through a DM) can change the trajectory of your career.

Listen now to learn how Lesley built her brand from scratch, why fashion can be a form of activism, and how she’s creating space for the next generation of Indigenous talent.

What if a beverage could change how we gather, how we connect, and how we feel seen?

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Andrea Grand, co-founder of Barbet, the stylish and intentional Canadian non-alcoholic beverage brand that's become a mainstay on menus and in fridges across the country. But beyond the buzz and the branding is a story rooted in personal experience, cultural disruption, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Andrea shares how her sister’s health journey was the catalyst behind Barbet’s creation, and how they set out to challenge the norms of an alcohol-centric beverage industry. From battling the assumption that non-alcoholic drinks are “less than” to creating a beverage that fits into social moments without compromising experience, Andrea built Barbet to be, yes, a great drink. But also, a brand with a point of view. A design-forward invitation to inclusivity and a challenger to industry conventions.

In this episode, Andrea reflects on:

• The emotional rollercoaster of building a brand from scratch—without a roadmap
• Why perfection is a myth, and launching before you're ready might be the best move you can make
• The importance of support systems (financial and emotional) in surviving entrepreneurship
• How small businesses are not just economic contributors, but cultural catalysts
• What modern leadership looks like when you’re building in public, balancing vulnerability with vision
• Why visibility and community are essential to long-term impact, especially for women-led brands

Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores that Barbet isn’t a sobriety brand, but rather an inclusive lifestyle brand for anyone looking to drink differently, without compromising taste, aesthetic, or ritual.

What if networking wasn’t transactional, intimidating, or exclusive—but reimagined as a safe, empowering, and welcoming experience for ambitious women? That’s the mission behind Monday Girl, a community-driven platform co-founded by Rachel Wong that’s reshaping how the next generation of women professionals connect, grow, and succeed.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Rachel to explore the personal story and social experiment that launched Monday Girl, the challenges of unlearning outdated rules in entrepreneurship, and the powerful role of community in business. From bootstrapping the business as a side hustle to scaling a membership of over 350,000 across North America, Rachel offers candid reflections on vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and what real support for women founders looks like in today’s ecosystem.

Whether you’re building your own business or searching for your people, Rachel’s insights on building with heart, purpose, and momentum will leave you inspired to take your next bold step.

Key Takeaways:

• The gendered dynamics of networking and how Monday Girl is rewriting the script.
• Why Rachel believes you should “hate your first version”—and keep building anyway.
• The power of community as a product—and why vulnerability can be a superpower.
• How the idea of success is shifting from unicorns and venture capital to slow, sustainable growth.
• The underestimated importance of peer mentorship and seeing role models who reflect your story.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Shayla Stonechild, a powerful voice in the movement to uplift Indigenous stories, wisdom, and wellness. As the founder of the Matriarch Movement and host of its podcast, Shayla is redefining what it means to be an Indigenous influencer in today’s digital world. Her work lives at the intersection of spirituality, activism, and storytelling—and she’s using platforms like Instagram and podcasting not for virality, but for impact.

The two talk about the responsibility that comes with sharing stories online, how Indigenous storytelling is rooted in relationship and land, and why healing (especially for Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people) is a radical act of resistance. Shayla also shares her hopes for the future, including two newly announced book deals and her vision for Indigenous voices to be centered in the global wellness industry.

Key Takeaways:

• How Indigenous storytelling is evolving through social media and podcasting.
• The protocols and responsibilities tied to sharing stories from your culture and lineage.
• What decolonized leadership looks like through a matriarchal, relational lens.
• Why healing and wellness for Indigenous people is deeply political.
• How Shayla is using digital spaces to amplify voices that have long been silenced.

In this powerful episode, Lance sits down with Latoya Nugent, Head of Engagement at Rainbow Railroad, an international organization helping LGBTQI+ individuals escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. Latoya speaks not only as a leader, but as a survivor—she was forced to flee Jamaica after being targeted for her identity, and found safety in Canada through Rainbow Railroad’s life-saving work.

Now, she’s building programs that center refugee leadership, amplify queer voices, and push for global systems change. We discuss how displacement shaped her path, why Pride must remain political, and what it means to fight for your rights when the system is not built to protect you.

• The roots of Pride in protest, resistance, and political organizing.
• Why queer and trans refugees face unique dangers worldwide.
• How Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ individuals escape persecution and find safety.
• Latoya's personal story of forced displacement and transformation into a leader.
• Common myths and harmful narratives about refugees—and how to dismantle them.
• The failures of resettlement systems to protect queer lives.
• The role of refugee-led leadership and the power of lived experience.
• How to build true global solidarity with queer and trans communities at risk.
• What allyship actually looks like beyond social media support.
• Why Pride must remain a force for radical, collective liberation.

• Rainbow Railroad: https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/
• Donate Now: https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/donate

Pride is many things—celebration, visibility, love—but it’s also resistance. It began as a protest, led by queer and trans people who demanded to be seen, safe, and free. And while we celebrate today, that original spirit feels more urgent than ever. Across the world, queer and trans communities are facing renewed backlash—their rights questioned, their bodies debated, their joy politicized.

And yet, joy persists.

In today’s episode, Lance is joined by someone who embodies that very dynamic—and that resilience. Joining him, and making a return to the Mission Critical podcast, is Jonathan Van Ness—a voice many know for their humour, beauty, and boldness. Over the past year, Jonathan has navigated intense public attention, scrutiny, and personal transformation. But what’s equally true is that it was also a year of tremendous support and success: their podcast Getting Better grew, their book became a New York Times bestseller, and Queer Eye continues to thrive. Despite the challenges that 2024 brought, they chose to reawaken, to return to joy—not as escape, but as power.

This conversation is about what it means to lead with joy—especially when the world insists on something else. It's about resistance, intention, recalibration and building something lasting from the most authentic parts of who you are.

This is Mission Critical. Let's get into it.

Key Takeaways & Highlights:

• Why joy, for queer people, is both survival and strategy.

• The business decisions and emotional clarity that helped Jonathan rebuild in 2024.

• What it means to build a media and beauty empire rooted in queer identity.

• Honest reflections on public scrutiny.

• The role of activism in brand-building—and when to say no.

• How Jonathan defines success, leadership, and purpose after a year of transformation.

But what you won’t see on the shelf is the wild, unconventional journey behind the brand: starting from scratch in a Brooklyn apartment, hand-labeling bottles, learning perfumery without formal training, and scaling their business with zero investors for the first decade.

David and Kavi share how they built one of the most distinctive indie fragrance brands in the world—not by chasing trends, but by trusting their instincts, telling great stories, and growing slowly and intentionally.

Key Takeaways:

• Why creative integrity is a long game—and why it's worth it.
• Lessons in DIY brand-building without a business plan.
• How to stay independent while navigating growth and investment.
• Why "brand" and "business" don’t have to kill artistry.
• The value of trusting your weird ideas—and turning them into product.

While most brands steered clear of the stigma around menstruation, Carinne leaned in, using her platform to advocate for body autonomy, women’s health, and sustainable solutions—way before it was fashionable to do so. Now, more than two decades later, Carinne is still challenging the status quo. With Diva’s latest product line expanding into vulvar health, she’s bringing the same relentless focus on science, accessibility, and cultural change to a category that remains under-discussed, underfunded, and censored. And she’s doing it in a time when women’s bodies have become political battlegrounds—where words like “vulva” and “menopause” are still treated as provocative, even as access to basic healthcare is being rolled back.

Today, Lance and Carinne dive into what it takes to lead in a category you had to invent from scratch, the exhausting work of advocating for research and respect in women’s health, and what happens when business collides with a culture that still thinks your body is a political statement.

• Inventing a Category: How Carinne and her mother built Diva from the ground up, created a new market, and challenged industry norms with conviction and grit.

• The Politics of Women’s Bodies: A candid conversation about the ongoing weaponization of healthcare, the lack of research in women’s health, and how companies can—and must—show up as advocates.

• Breaking the “Ick” Factor: Educating not just consumers, but also medical professionals, buyers, and gatekeepers in a system still uncomfortable with women’s anatomy.

• A New Chapter in Vulvar Wellness: Why Diva’s expansion into vulvar care is timely, necessary, and rooted in the brand’s legacy of clean, effective, science-backed solutions.

• Menstrual Leave as Culture Shift: How Diva walks its talk internally, offering paid menstrual and menopause leave to create space for real well-being.

• Redefining What’s ‘Normal’: The importance of tracking, quantifying, and understanding the menstrual experience as a way to validate women’s pain and experiences—especially in diagnosing conditions like endometriosis.

• Legacy & Leadership: Carinne’s reflections on leading with values, staying true to the mission, and the responsibility that comes with being a pioneer.

At the center of it all is Anna Lambe—an actor, advocate, and rising star who’s just getting started. From challenging the white saviour narrative to celebrating the complexities of being a young Inuk woman, Anna brings humour, heart, and unapologetic authenticity to the screen. And with a new project alongside Brad Pitt on the horizon, her influence is only growing.

Today, Anna joins Lance to talk about the power of storytelling, the radical act of centering joy in Indigenous narratives, and why North of North is more than just a TV show—it’s a cultural moment. This is Mission Critical. Let’s get into it.

• Redefining Inuit Identity: Anna discusses what it means to be a “modern Inuk woman” and how North of North pushes back against outdated narratives about the Arctic and its people.

• Joy as Resistance: Why centering Indigenous joy is a radical act — and how the series uses humor and warmth to tell complex stories.

• Cultural Fashion as Storytelling: The intentional use of Inuit fashion, from vibrant parkas to traditional fur, and how it connects to both personal identity and cultural survival.

• Economic and Cultural Impact: The show’s $23M impact on the Canadian economy and the 500+ local roles created in Iqaluit — a game-changing moment for Nunavut’s film industry.

• White Saviour Complex: Anna unpacks how the character of Helen embodies the complexities of well-intentioned “helpers” in Indigenous communities, and why the show avoids easy answers.

• Global Reach and Representation: With Netflix as a distribution partner, North of North is bringing Inuit stories to a global audience — and changing the narrative about what Indigenous storytelling can look like.

In this episode of Mission Critical, host Lance Chung sits down with Dr. Ben Barry, Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design and a leading advocate for inclusive, equity-driven fashion education. Together, they unpack how fashion operates as both a performance of power and a vehicle for cultural critique — whether it’s on the Met Gala steps, in political arenas, or in everyday life.

From his groundbreaking work at Parsons to his research on how men navigate masculinity through clothing, Barry brings fresh insights into the complex intersection of style, identity, and power. In a world where what we wear can both liberate and confine, Barry challenges us to rethink what masculinity looks like — and who gets to define it.

Key Takeaways and Highlights:

• Masculinity as a Performance: How men strategically use clothing to “shore up” masculinity, adapting their style to conform or disrupt depending on context — whether it’s the Met Gala red carpet or a corporate boardroom.

• The Politics of Power Dressing: The connection between style and authority in politics, from Obama’s infamous tan suit to Zelenskyy’s military green tee to Donald Trump's red tie — and why men who stray from traditional masculine dress codes often face backlash.

• Cripping Masculinity: Barry’s research on how disabled, fat, and queer men challenge conventional masculinity through clothing, reframing garments as tools for resistance and self-expression.

• Expanding Fashion’s Reach: The Parsons Disabled Fashion Student Program and how Barry is redefining fashion education to prioritize access, equity, and radical visibility for marginalized bodies.

• Soft Masculinity vs. Strategic Dressing: The rise of “soft boy” aesthetics — nail polish, pearls, florals — and how fashion is both embracing and co-opting traditionally feminine codes as a new form of hegemonic masculinity.

• Fashion as a Tool for Liberation: How fashion can function as a site of cultural resistance, allowing marginalized bodies to reclaim space and assert visibility against a backdrop of systemic erasure.

CELI is a modern fine jewelry brand that marks the next chapter in her journey—rooted in heritage, elevated in design, and deeply personal. Where Paris Jewellers reflects her family’s immigrant beginnings, CELI represents a bold step forward: a brand built from the ground up by two sisters who have turned lived experience into lasting impact. It’s a reflection of Chau’s growth as a founder, her desire to create something lasting on her own terms, and her vision to shape the future of luxury through storytelling, cultural pride, and craftsmanship.

In this episode, Lance and Chau talk about building a legacy from scratch, the emotional power of jewelry to connect generations, and her game-changing new partnership as the official ring designer for the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s first-ever championship rings.

It’s a story of grit, grace, and generational impact—told through gold, gemstones, and an unwavering belief in the beauty of where you come from.

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 pseudoscience, political polarization, and the defunding of education, science is no longer seen as neutral ground. From misinformation about vaccines to the growing divide in who gets access to STEM education, the conversation around science has become urgent, complicated, and deeply human. Enter Jennifer Flanagan—a trailblazer who’s spent over 25 years on the front lines of youth engagement, tech equity, and national policy. As the most recent recipient of Veuve Clicquot’s Bold Woman Award, she’s part activist, part architect, and entirely devoted to changing who gets a seat at the lab bench.

• The destabilization of science: How public trust in science is eroding—and what we can do about it.

• Pseudoscience and misinformation: Why STEM literacy is now a form of social armor.

• The urgency of youth empowerment: Jennifer explains why getting kids into STEM early—especially those from marginalized communities—isn’t just a good idea, it’s a national imperative.

• Equity in tech and education: Real-world strategies for making STEM more inclusive, and why Jennifer believes outreach isn’t enough—we need structural change.

• Building Actua: Behind the scenes of leading a national STEM organization that reaches over 400,000 young people annually.

Links:

Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards Nomination: https://www.boldopendatabase.com/en/bold-woman-award

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. And then she flipped the script, turning her influence into infrastructure. Naturium scaled fast, stood out in a crowded market, and was acquired by e.l.f. Beauty for a reported $355 million. But behind the success story is a woman who’s navigated every tension: between personal brand and product brand, between representation and responsibility, between being taken seriously and staying true to where she came from.

In this conversation, Lance and Susan talk about what it really means to have influence that lasts—not just in beauty, but in business.

Episode highlights and takeaways:

• Why legacy brands are watching: Susan shares how indie beauty brands like Naturium are driving innovation and forcing legacy players to catch up.

• Representation done right: Susan talks about the responsibility (and strategy) of creating an inclusive brand without tokenism — and how her multicultural background shaped her vision.

• From startup to acquisition: What it really takes to scale fast, keep your soul, and partner with a company like e.l.f. to go global without losing your original mission.

• The power of analytics: She reveals how understanding her audience through content data gave her a roadmap for product development, retail strategy, and growth.

• Creating vs. scaling: The difference between building a personal brand and building a business—and why separating the two is essential if you want to exit.

Set against the vast and icy landscape of the Arctic, North of North radiates warmth through its humor, its characters, and its unapologetic point of view—it’s a cultural response to a much bigger conversation. As governments and industries set their sights on Arctic development, North of North reminds us that the people who have always called the North home must have a seat at the table—and a voice in the narrative.

In a world where media often gets Indigenous stories wrong, Stacey and Alethea are leading a new wave of filmmaking: deeply rooted in Inuit identity, brimming with universal themes, and ready to be embraced on the world stage. This is a conversation about storytelling as resistance, the power of laughter in the face of hardship, and why the future of cinema might just be found in the farthest corners of the North.

• Why “North of North” had to be shot in Nunavut—and how the land became a character in itself.

• Balancing local authenticity with global resonance: telling stories for Inuit communities and the world.

• The warmth of the Arctic: reframing stereotypes about northern life through humor, fashion, and human connection.

• Reclaiming Arctic narratives: how the show mirrors real-life debates around land use, research, and Indigenous sovereignty.

• The future of Indigenous-led film: breaking through systemic barriers and carving out new creative pathways.

• Comedy as a cultural tool: how laughter helps unpack trauma and build connection across communities.

• What global distribution through Netflix means for Inuit visibility and storytelling on the world stage.

• Advice for emerging Indigenous storytellers on staying grounded while dreaming big.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Sebastian Picardo, President and CEO of Holt Renfrew, to explore the evolving definition of luxury and the future of multi-brand retail. From his first brush with luxury in Argentina to navigating Holt Renfrew through a rapidly changing landscape, Sebastian shares personal insights, leadership philosophies, and the strategic vision that keeps Holt Renfrew at the forefront of the industry.

They discuss:

• The emotional and experiential aspects of luxury in 2025.
• How Holt Renfrew stays relevant in an era where brands are going direct-to-consumer.
• The crucial role of relationships in luxury retail.
• Balancing heritage with innovation.

Key Takeaways:

• Luxury is more than price—it’s about emotion, purpose, and connection.
• Multi-brand retailers must define their own identity beyond the brands they carry.
• Personal service and relationships are the true product in luxury retail.
• Sustainability and heritage can coexist with innovation.
• Navigating uncertainty requires a long-term vision and a strong company culture.

If you’re curious about the future of fashion, retail, and what it takes to lead a legacy brand in a rapidly changing industry, this is the episode for you. Let's get into it.

To help unpack these questions, Lance chats with Samantha Reusch, Executive Director of Apathy is Boring—a national, non-partisan organization that has spent 20 years working to increase youth engagement in Canadian democracy. A leading voice on democratic reform and voter participation, Samantha has dedicated her career to ensuring young people feel heard in the political process. Under her leadership, Apathy is Boring has helped mobilize thousands of first-time voters.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ Why youth voter turnout remains low—and what’s keeping young Canadians from the polls.

✅ How global politics is shaping youth perceptions of democracy.

✅ The role of misinformation, social media, and tech algorithms in political disengagement.

✅ What needs to change in Canada’s electoral system to better serve young voters.

✅ Apathy is Boring’s innovative strategies to mobilize youth, including Count Us In and Table Topics.

✅ Samantha’s call to action for young Canadians ahead of the 2024 Canadian federal election.

This election could define a generation. But what will it take to get young Canadians to the polls? Let's get into it.

🔗 Resources & Links:

📌 Apathy is Boring: apathyisboring.com

📌 Take the vote pledge: https://www.apathyisboring.com/votepledge

📌 The Feed newsletter: https://www.apathyisboring.com/feed

McGee shares how Diversio is using AI and data analytics to make workplaces more productive—and why the backlash against DEI is based more on perception than reality. She breaks down the myths surrounding diversity efforts, reveals the surprising truth about which companies are actually pulling back, and explains why leaders should embrace uncomfortable conversations instead of avoiding them.

Key Takeaways:

• The media’s portrayal of DEI is misleading—most companies aren’t canceling it, they’re rebranding it.
• Why fear, not facts, is the biggest barrier to progress.
• The global differences in how companies approach inclusion—and what North America gets wrong.
• How to shift the DEI conversation from divisive to productive.

It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Listen now.

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 about navigating the challenges of scaling a business, staying independent in an era of multi-million-dollar acquisitions, and why she believes the body positivity movement is at risk of disappearing. Plus, we dive into the impact of the current Canada-U.S. trade tensions on entrepreneurs and what it means for the future of consumer brands.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Disruption vs. Innovation: Why the most successful brands aren’t just filling a market gap—they’re changing consumer behavior.

🔹 The Truth About Body Positivity: Has the fashion industry quietly abandoned the movement in favour of Ozempic-fueled ideals?

🔹 The Reality of Leading Through Uncertainty: How global trade wars and shifting economic policies are making it harder than ever for Canadian entrepreneurs.

🔹 Fundraising With Integrity: Joanna’s unapologetic approach to weeding out bad investors—and why she refused to compromise on her vision.

🔹 The Future of Brand Loyalty: What today’s consumers really care about, and how businesses can stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.

This is a conversation about power, influence, and the new rules of leadership in an era of disruption.

🎧 Listen now!

Subscribe to Mission Critical with Lance Chung for more takeaways from today's greatest disruptors.

Tune in to Lance and Eric’s conversation for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant world, the personal toll of chasing your dreams, and what it really means to dedicate your life to the craft.

This episode is part of our MOMENTUM series, presented in partnership with Monogram Appliances Canada, celebrating Asian-Canadian stories that inspire and lead the way forward.

Listen to Lance and Eva's discussion for an insightful, thought-provoking conversation that will challenge how you think about Chinese cuisine, leadership in the food industry, and the power of food to drive meaningful change.

This episode is part of a larger series called MOMENTUM, presented in partnership with Monogram Appliances Canada, which celebrates Asian-Canadian stories.

From balancing modern aesthetics with environmental and cultural contexts to pushing boundaries through innovation, Omar offers insights into creating designs that are both timeless and transformative. We also discuss the role of architecture in sustainability, community building, and social change, and how Omar views his legacy in shaping Canada’s architectural identity.

By fostering collaboration and confronting biases head-on, Wu is not just advancing business opportunities; he's reshaping the entire framework of Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.

This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.

For Janet, food has always been a universal language, a bridge connecting diverse backgrounds around a shared table. Rooted in her Italian upbringing, where meals were occasions for connection, she’s made it her life’s work to recreate that sense of gathering and nourishment for her guests. It’s this deeply personal ethos that informs each of her ventures. From hiring top-tier culinary talent to preserving traditional food craftsmanship, she’s not just feeding patrons—she’s honouring culture and tradition, making her restaurants feel like living museums that celebrate the artistry of handmade dishes.

In this episode, Lance sits down with Janet over a shared meal at her restaurant, Gusto 501, to talk about her entrepreneurial journey and business strategy, preserving culinary culture, and her most memorable meal at one of her restaurants (hint: Al Pacino may have been present).

This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.

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 leadership persona to fostering a company culture rooted in authenticity and transparency, Jake gets real about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Whether you're launching a startup or leading a team, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to lead with purpose and build a business that stands out.

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 comes with its own share of personal sacrifice and struggle, it was her diagnosis with Stage 1 ovarian cancer in the spring of 2023 that tested the resilience and fortitude that she had built up for herself throughout the course of her career. 

In this episode, the two-time Canadian Olympian and three-time World Figure Skating Championship Medalist sits with Lance and discusses her artistry through sport, advocacy, and celebrating her accomplishments in life. 

This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.

Speaking at the inaugural GLORY Sports Summit with Lance, the dynamic duo break down the art of balancing competition with connection, advice for aspiring athletes, and what it really takes to succeed at the highest level—together.

On the latest episode of the Mission Critical podcast, Lance sits down with the renowned artist for an intimate discussion about his career, collaboration, and what brought him to Toronto for the first time.

Originally a pageant queen with a penchant for perfection, her time on Drag Race allowed her to break free from rigid expectations, embracing the fun and unpredictability of drag. This shift not only revolutionized her approach to the art form but also resonated deeply with fans worldwide, who saw in her a reflection of their own struggles and triumphs.

In a time when queer communities face renewed challenges, she stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity that define drag culture. Her commitment to joy, visibility, and progress underscores why we need drag culture now more than ever. Drag queens remind us of our shared humanity, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of identities that make up our community. 

In this episode of Mission Critical, Brooke Lynn Hytes joins Lance to talk about how she’s building her own media empire, the importance of queer visibility, and why we need drag culture now, more than ever. 

Since launching at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, Elevation Pictures has gone on to release award-winning films, including The Imitation Game, Room, Moonlight, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and most recently, Past Lives, The Zone of Interest, and Anatomy of a Fall. 

In this episode, Lance chats with Laurie about her fascinating career journey, the business of movies, and the importance of telling diverse stories.

Here's what you can expect from this episode:

Are we in the golden age of celebrity entrepreneurship? Or are we approaching celebrity brand burnout?

How has the landscape of celebrity entrepreneurship evolved over the years?

How does research create the foundation of a successful celebrity partnership?

What is the difference between an endorsement, licensing, and partnership?

What is the profile of the ideal celebrity entrepreneur?

What are some of the safeguards that business owners can build in crisis PR moments where a celebrity has lost the public’s goodwill and trust?

Make sure to subscribe to the Mission Critical podcast for more of today's greatest entrepreneurs and leaders.

The challenge ahead is an interesting one—how do you honour the rich legacy of a century-old cultural institution without being beholden to that same history, to innovate, push boundaries, and charge into the future? 

For Williams—the first Black CEO of a major North American orchestra—it's about community. An orchestra is hardly a relic of the past but rather a dynamic force that has the power to open doors and minds by bringing people together, whether on the stage or in the audience.

As the TSO embarks on its 101st year and its next century ahead, Williams envisions an orchestra that listens more than it speaks, touching lives in ways that go beyond the concert hall.

On this episode, Lance chats with Mark about the power of music, diversity in the symphony orchestra, and what the orchestra of the future looks like. 

Here's what you can expect from this episode:

What makes a great brand?

How Nike's Jordan brand influenced his and Kim's perspective on building SKIMS.

How to harness culture to build your business.

The impact of social media on the culture of fame and commerce.

The evolution of the celebrity-driven brand.

The biggest factor that has contributed to the success of SKIMS.

Make sure to subscribe to the Mission Critical podcast for more of today's greatest entrepreneurs and leaders.

In a world where information is both currency and vulnerability, understanding the truths behind cybersecurity becomes paramount. Here's what you can expect to learn from this episode:

• The state of cybersecurity today.
• The key misconceptions around online security.
• What entrepreneurs and small business owners can do to protect themselves against cybersecurity threats.
• The specific tools and software available for individuals to enhance their cybersecurity.

At the forefront of this change stands supermodel Coco Rocha, a name synonymous with the industry's transformation. One of the first in her generation to recognize the power of social media as a platform for agency and independence, she instilled a turning point for the fashion industry and its ability to advocate for itself. Beyond the catwalk, she's pioneering the next generation of models through her groundbreaking Coco Rocha Model Camp. 

In this episode, Lance and Coco discuss her entrepreneurial path, advocacy efforts, and what the future holds for fashion.

This episode was sponsored by TELUS SmartWear Security. Learn more here: www.telus.com/en/smartwear-security

In this special live recording of Mission Critical Live: The Bold Conversations (presented by Veuve Clicquot), George chats with Lance and shares his extraordinary journey from a refugee in Cyprus to the C-suite.

Starting as a chef in Ontario, he leveraged his passion for customer service into a diverse career, including steel manufacturing and winemaking, accumulating a diverse set of skills that would prepare him for an incredible career ahead. Driven by a commitment to continuous learning, he earned degrees in chemistry, metallurgy, and a Master's in Logistics.

In this live episode, Lance and George discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the immense power of allyship, the LCBO's commitment to inclusivity, and the enduring value of lifelong learning.

The fashion and media industries have slowly started to recognize the need for change, for more inclusive and diverse representation. Chan, a Brantford, Ontario native living in New York City, embodies this paradigm shift. As the first openly queer plus-size Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie, she personifies the evolving standards of beauty and courageously challenges conventional norms.

On this episode, Lance and Lauren chat about her dynamic career journey, embracing the model mindset, and fashion's need for disruption.

Barbora is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship. She's the visionary behind not one, but two successful ventures beyond SUNDAYS: FIELD & SOCIAL and RIDE CYCLE CLUB, both of which have flourished into multi-location businesses. But her journey didn't start there. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial path, Barbora worked at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and devoted her time to the non-profit sector in Vancouver, all after completing her graduate degree in International Development from the University of Cambridge.

Born in Slovakia and moving to Vancouver at the age of twelve, Barbora's passion for community involvement and her commitment to championing women in business has been an integral part of her life's story.

In this episode, Barbora joins Lance to talk about the intricacies of her entrepreneurial journey, her mission to create sanctuaries through SUNDAYS, her time working at the United Nations, and why Vancouver has become a hotbed for entrepreneurial talent. You'll gain insights into the mind of a passionate entrepreneur and discover how her diverse experiences have shaped her into the inspiring leader she is today.

What sets Everlane apart is its radical commitment to transparency. Unlike traditional fashion brands that conceal supply chains, Everlane proudly showcases the entire journey of its products, from sourcing of raw materials to the factories where the garments are made. Through their website, customers can explore the stories behind each product, learn about a factory’s fair labour practices, and even see the true cost of production alongside the retail price.

In this episode, Lance and Michael sit down to talk about how his journey building Everlane into a major fashion influence, what's wrong with the world of "sustainability", and the power of optimism in business.

In front of a live audience, Lance and Jenn sat down to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the core tenets of Indigenous business, and how she got Cheekbone Beauty onto Sephora shelves.

Held in a live format at Kissa Toronto located in the heart of the city's Entertainment District, our interview with Jenn is the latest in our Mission Critical: The Bold Conversations series in partnership with Veuve Clicquot, celebrating women entrepreneurs and leaders.

Visit the Veuve Clicquot Open Database, the first free, global open database which lists and gives visibility to women entrepreneurs globally: https://www.boldopendatabase.com/en

For a full recap of the evening, plus photos from the evening, visit: https://www.gloryprofessional.com/mission-critical-jenn-harper-cheekbone-beauty/

Editor's Note: Due to technical issues, the audio in this episode was impacted and not consistent with our usual quality. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Stuart and Lance discuss his remarkable story of how he transformed his passion for environmental sustainability into the groundbreaking smart thermostat company, ecobee; the pivotal moments that shaped his remarkable career; and how Google's entry into the market impacted the trajectory of his industry-defining startup.

In this episode, Jay joins Lance to talk about Canada's role in cinema, technology's impact on filmmaking, and his latest movie, the critically-acclaimed BlackBerry.

In front of a live audience, Lance and Ashley sat down to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the significance of precious metals in African culture, and what the heirlooms of the future will look like.

Held in a live format at the Pinterest Canada headquarters in Toronto, our interview with Ashley is the latest in our Mission Critical: The Bold Conversations series in partnership with Veuve Clicquot, celebrating women entrepreneurs and leaders.

Visit the Veuve Clicquot Open Database, the first free, global open database which lists and gives visibility to women entrepreneurs globally: https://www.boldopendatabase.com/en

For a full recap of the evening, plus photos from the evening, visit: https://www.gloryprofessional.com/ashley-alexis-mcfarlane-omi-woods/

While in town for Collision 2023, Paddy sat down with Lance to talk about his humble beginnings, how to build an engaged community, and the most important discussion we’re having in tech right now. Plus, find out why he thinks Transformers 4 is one of the most significant movies ever made. 

Reetu Gupta is an activist, philanthropist, co-founder of Rogue Insight Capital Ltd., President of the Gupta Family Foundation, and Ambassadress of The Gupta Group. Under her leadership and that of her family, Reetu has built The Gupta Group into the largest private hotel development corporation in Canada, with over 23 properties within their ever-expanding portfolio. Filmed and recorded from their newest location, Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville, Lance and Reetu discussed her experience working her way up through the business, the dynamics of running a family enterprise, and how she's ushering in a new generation of women- and BIPOC-led hospitality professionals.

What is it that draws us to comedy? Some of our favourite experiences and memories center around moments of laughter. But beyond the obvious, perhaps another reason that explains the magnetic effect of comedy is its ability to speak to the human experience—to illuminate ways in which we are all alike, and also ways in which we are different. Today’s top comedians are masters of observation and have conquered the ability to use comedy as a trojan horse to distill the human experience and, sometimes, complex issues in a relatable and funny way. 

Today’s guest embodies the very best of what comedy is and can be. Allana Harkin is an award-winning director, producer, actor, and comedian who grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, cutting her teeth in the community as a member of an all-women comedy troupe called the Atomic Fireballs. That’s where she first met Samantha Bee, her friend and eventual partner-in-comedy when she became the producer and correspondent of the talk show, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. In her role, she was tasked with tackling complex and politically-charged issues like global warming and abortion bans through the filter of comedy, offering a mirror to the joys and maladies of society. It’s her uncanny ability to reflect the human experience that eventually earned her an Emmy award in the Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series category. 

Nestled in Yorkville’s cozy and luxurious Kasa Moto restaurant, Allana joined Lance in front of an audience for another recording of Mission Critical live, presented by Veuve Clicquot, to talk about the power of comedy, her career trajectory, and how humour can be used as a force for progress and activism. Enjoy!

Presented by BOLD by Veuve Clicquot, in this episode, I spoke with Domee about self-discovery, her early influences (Spirited Away!), representation, and why transformation remains such a strong theme in her work, career, and life. 

In the US, these numbers are even larger with over 82 million people listening to podcasts in 2021, as reported by Statista. That number is expected to reach over 100 million listeners in 2024, which means an increasingly significant audience to market your brand to and establish your voice.

Fatima Zaidi is the founder and CEO of Quill Inc., an award-winning production agency that specializes in corporate audio, and CoHost, a podcast growth and analytics tool. She actually helped us get on our feet with Mission Critical and, suffice to say, is a leading voice on the matter. 

Hosted on-site at Toronto’s Valerie located in Hotel X, Fatima joined Lance at the first live taping of Mission Critical: The Bold Conversations in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. Together, they discussed the growth of the audio format, what businesses should know before starting a podcast, and how they can amplify your marketing strategy.

Much of that influence can be attributed to the efforts made on the ground and from the offices of NBA Canada, led by Managing Director (and this episode's guest), Leah MacNab. 

The first woman in the Managing Director position in Canada, Leah’s responsibilities are no small undertaking. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen the development and growth of the league’s business in Canada, including television and digital media, marketing and retail partnerships, licensing, special events, and basketball development. Under her leadership and tenure, the league’s revenue and marketable database in Canada have grown significantly.

In the third installment of the Mission Critical Live podcast series, Lance was joined by Leah in front of an intimate audience of entrepreneurs and leaders at Toronto’s Clio social club to talk about advocating for yourself, what responsibilities an organization like NBA Canada has to its community, and the ways in which the league is leveraging technology to drive a more streamlined fan experience.

Take a stroll in any high-end mall, financial district, or along a luxurious retail promenade here in Canada and chances are, you’ll see one of their instantly recognizable shopping bags, stuffed with garments from today’s most revered menswear brands like Tom Ford, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Zegna, and more. And despite their ascent to the top of the industry, Harry Rosen has managed to operate as a family business since they were established by their namesake founder in 1954. Fast-forward to 2022 and they’re still at the top of their game. From outfitting Prime Ministers and NBA legends to dressing today’s most stylish men, their influence is sizeable. 

On this episode, Lance is joined by Ian Rosen, President, COO, and third-generation leader at the iconic institution. In the second installment of our Mission Critical live podcast series, Ian joined Lance in front of an intimate crowd of entrepreneurs and leaders at Toronto’s Clio social club to talk about his style essentials, leading a heritage brand into the future, and the key to successfully working with your family.

One thing that remains largely unanimous is the increasing difficulty of being able to tap into the market, to get your foot in the door and assume the mantle of property owner. That’s where today’s guest, Khushbhoo Jha, comes in. 

The CEO of Toronto-based tech startup, BuyProperly, Khushboo and her team are revolutionizing the real estate landscape by democratizing access to ownership. Through a model known as fractional investing, real estate investors can buy into properties in a way similar to buying shares or stocks of a company, except that company, in this case, might be a one-bedroom condo in Toronto or a multi-residential complex in Houston.  

In the very first installment of our Mission Critical live event series, Lance speaks with Khushboo at Toronto’s Clio social club in front of an intimate crowd of entrepreneurs and leaders about leveraging the power of technology to solve problems, fractional investing in real estate, and how Canadians can get started on their homeownership journey. Enjoy!

Brad Wilson is the CEO and co-parter of Ace Hotel Group and the brand’s in-house creative agency Atelier Ace. If you’re not familiar with the brand, they’re a group of hotels known for their charm, collaboration, and whimsicality, choosing to open new locations in cities that serve as hubs of innovation and art. In his opinion, today’s leading hotels serve not just as a place of room and board, but as destinations for discovery and curiosity that facilitate cultural communion. 

On the heels of their first foray into Canada, Lance sits down with Brad to talk about good hospitality, how hotels bring community together, and, of course, the Ace Hotel Toronto. Enjoy!

What started as part of his computer engineering graduate thesis, Rami founded SSENSE alongside his brothers, Firas and Bassel, to address the needs of the new generation of consumers. They wanted to build a platform that was, in his words, "interesting, pushed boundaries, and leveraged the internet to reach a global customer base."

Today, the company has a valuation of over $5 billion, carries 1,600 brands ranging from Gucci to Balenciaga, and employs over 1,750 people in permanent positions.

An immigrant from Syria, Rami’s journey is one that exemplifies the power of harnessing diverse perspectives and skill sets, and using your work as a springboard for talent in order to usher a new generation of leaders. 

Recorded live at the SSENSE headquarters in Montreal on set for our 50 most impactful companies cover shoot, Lance sits down with Rami to talk about his immigrant and entrepreneurial journey, how he uses his engineering background to solve problems, and the future of luxury, commerce, and culture. 

In her role as Pinterest’s head of Canada and APAC region (which includes Australia and Japan), Erin’s philosophy around leadership means cultivating a platform through the power of positivity. But, what exactly does that mean? Unlike other platforms that have been slow to enforce change and policy, Pinterest took a stance against misinformation and problematic content before anyone asked them to do so and they did that through policy in an effort to create a safe and progressive space for its users. Today, what that means is a concise and intentional effort to build positivity into its platform by banning things like weight loss ads, political campaigns, and COVID misinformation so that users can feel safe.In today’s episode, Lance speaks with Erin about what it means to be proactive about building beneficial change, how to build a responsible community platform, and why Pinterest might just be the most positive corner of the internet. 

But perhaps it’s Tata’s personal, intimate approach to her business that is the company’s greatest asset. She is a glowing (quite literally) category leader that takes a hands-on approach to her principles of maximalist beauty. In this episode, Tata and I talk about how her Colombian upbringing influenced her worldview of beauty, the future of the industry, and what “clean” and “natural” beauty even mean. Are all synthetic ingredients bad? And are all natural ingredients good? Listen to find out.

So, how does one handle such meteoric growth? What Rohan and Paul experienced as founders is an entrepreneur’s dream but comes with its own set of challenges. Where do you go once you’ve already reached the stars? How do you maintain momentum? On today’s episode, Paul and Rohan join Lance to talk about capturing lightning in a bottle, cultivating community, and the road ahead. 

In this mini-episode, Lance speaks with Tan about the origins of his fashion sense, the importance of how we present ourselves, and how he’s empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses. From reflecting on his storied career to discussing his life as a father, Tan’s insights offer a fascinating roadmap to overcoming obstacles and maintaining joy along the way.

Sex sells. That’s nothing new, but how much? According to a 2021 report by Statista, the business of pleasure is thriving with recent projections of the global sex toy market expected to grow to about $52.7 billion US dollars by 2026, up from $28.64 billion in 2019. That growth, according to Johanna Rief, can be attributed to a handful of different factors, including culture, technology, and media.

As the Head of Sexual Empowerment at WOW Tech Group (the parent company to a group of brands that develop and produce innovative, premium sex toys), Johanna has witnessed the explosive growth of the industry over the course of her career, which has provided her with a unique perspective into its future. From her vantage point, the dialogue around sex and sexuality is one that continues to evolve in tandem with the cultural norms and taboos of society. In many ways, they’re a reflection of what we value and where we stand on matters of politics, religion, business, 

On today's episode, Johanna joins Lance to discuss her fascinating job, the growth of the industry, and what the business of sex toys can teach us about empowerment.

This notion of agency and self-expression is precisely what has grown Mejuri into one of the most exciting and dynamic lifestyle brands today. Noura, who is a third-generation jeweler, has proven her business thesis and built her company into a global direct-to-consumer brand that has not only influenced the purchasing behaviour of women but completely turned the industry’s distribution model on its head by pioneering weekly style drops.

Today, Mejuri has been able to amass a following of brand evangelists like Oprah, Bella Hadid, Ariana Grande, and Lizzo - along with thousands of other women - who believe in Noura’s mission. 

In today’s episode, Noura joins us to discuss how her upbringing shaped her approach to design, building a company while raising a family, and what it takes to create a buzzworthy direct-to-consumer brand. 

Bold by Veuve Clicquot: https://bit.ly/30rmbIl

Bay Street Bull's 2021 Women of the Year: https://baystbull.com/women-of-the-year-2021/

See photos from Penny Oleksiak's Cover Shoot: https://baystbull.com/women-of-the-year-2021-penny-oleksiak/

At just 21 years old, Toronto-born swimmer Penny Oleksiak has already been crowned as Canada’s most decorated Olympian with seven medals to her name. Before her dominant display this past summer in Tokyo, Penny became the first Canadian to win four medals in the same Summer Games and the country’s youngest Olympic champion. If that weren’t enough, she closed out her Olympic debut by becoming the first athlete born in the 2000s to claim a medal in an individual event, further underscoring her status as a generational talent.

Five years later, Penny returned to the Olympic stage to compete under the bright lights of the Tokyo Summer Games and, once again, represented Canada in spectacular fashion. By securing a silver and a pair of bronze medals, she immortalized herself as Canada’s most decorated Olympic athlete. 

But holding a reputation like hers comes with its own set of challenges. When you’re thrust onto a podium and heralded as one of the greatest athletes in the world, that can sometimes affect your mental health, as we’ve seen in other instances with athletes (notably, young female athletes) like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka. 

Despite these challenges, it’s undeniable that Penny (and her contemporaries) have all earned their success—and have every right to celebrate it without apology or validation. 

In today’s episode, Lance chats with Penny on the set of our very first Women of the Year issue about navigating the discomfort of high-pressure environments, her philosophy on victory, and what it means to own your ambition. 

Throughout her career, Jen has become one of the foremost authorities on modern retail, using her business philosophies to help redefine exceptional travel standards. It’s not an easy mission, especially following a time where travelling was viewed with perhaps more skepticism than ever before, but Jen and her company are helping to reignite the spirit of exploration and adventure.

As the leader of her company, she’s also had to navigate how to run a successful retail enterprise while being pregnant with her son, who was born right on the heels of her stepping into the CEO role. Months later, she’s excelling at both the role of executive and mother, helping to break down archaic and misogynistic stigmas surrounding working parents. 

In this episode, Jen joins Lance to discuss the importance of a company’s parental policies, advice for ambitious and career-driven parents, and how to be an empathetic leader. 

As a decorated astronaut, engineer, communicator, author, and musician, Chris Hadfield’s illustrious career has made him one of the most renowned and universally beloved figures in Canadian history. His reputation spread into the international mainstream after becoming the first Canadian to walk in space, flying two Space Shuttle missions and serving as commander of the International Space Station. He then cemented himself into pop culture history for his legendary performance of David Bowie’s Space Oddity while floating aboard the ISS, garnering over 27 million views on Youtube.

Inspired by witnessing the famed Apollo 11 moon landing on television when he was a child, Chris’ achievements have helped encourage the next generation of explorers and scholars. His books, which include three national bestsellers in The Darkest Dark, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life, and You Are Here have become some of the most valuable resources available for those searching for fascinating and accessible introductions to the field.

His influence on young Canadians and the realm of space exploration at large is simply incalculable. And as we continue to embark towards a future full of more question marks than ever before, the presence of strong leaders and scientific thinkers such as himself is more necessary than ever before.

In this episode, Chris joines Lance to talk about his otherworldly experiences, the importance of big-picture perspectives, the future of space exploration, and what it was like writing his latest book (and first fiction), The Apollo Murders. 

At just 35 years old, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas has firmly established himself as one of the most influential minds in professional hockey. But those who have followed Kyle’s career know that being the youngest person in the boardroom is nothing new to the executive. Kyle began his hockey career by becoming the youngest agent ever certified by the NHL Players Association before working his way up the ranks as an OHL executive at just 25 years old. He then moved up and was promoted to the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 17th in the club’s history.

His identity as an executive has always been defined by bold – and sometimes unpopular – decisions, many of which are featured in the new Amazon Prime Video original series, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs.

On today’s episode, Kyle discusses what viewers can expect from the series while offering his philosophies on leadership, managing criticism, fostering young talent, and a wealth of other insights into the world of hockey and business. .

In today’s episode, Willful CEO and co-founder Erin Bury joins Lance to talk about how she’s grown her company, destigmatizing death, and everything you need to know about creating a will.

XERO: www.xero.com

Joining us on the podcast today is world-renowned architect Jeanne Gang, the founding principal and partner of the award-winning Studio Gang. Named one of 2019’s most influential people in the world by TIME magazine, Jeanne's work is recognized for its forward approach to design. She’s a changemaker that has championed social impact strategies to improve ecological biodiversity in cities and close the gender wage gap within her industry.

Today, Jeanne joins Lance to talk about great design, using architecture as a force for social change, and her first project in Canada, One Delisle.

Kayla Grey is an award-winning journalist who became the first Black woman to host a flagship sports highlight program in Canada when she made her Sportscentre debut in 2018. She’s since done everything from covering the Toronto Raptors NBA Championship parade in 2019 to making history (again) in early 2021 when she joined an all-female broadcasting team for the first time in the NBA when the Toronto Raptors faced off against the Denver Nuggets. It’s very clear that Kayla is a force to be reckoned with and has a vision for the future of sports media—and the part that she wants to play in it.

In today’s episode, Kayla and Lance chat about her professional journey, the intersection of sports and politics, and how we can learn to say 'yes' to ourselves.

While he may count celebrities like Ariana Grande and Beyonce as fans, his true power is his ability to put his audience at ease while tackling topics like mental health and self-love. It is this journey of affirmation that he invites his followers on daily that has made Colley a beacon of joy for those in need of a positive boost.

On today’s episode, Lance chats with Donte, who is featured in the 2021 Bay Street Bull 30X30 guide, about cultivating and protecting your joy.

Bay Street Bull 30X30: https://baystbull.com/2021-bay-street-bull-30x30/

Xero: https://xero.com/ca/

In today’s episode, Lance sits down with Priyanka on the set of her Bay Street Bull cover shoot to discuss her journey, the mainstreaming of drag culture, and the most important lessons in business we can learn from today’s top drag queens.

Bay Street Bull 30X30: https://baystbull.com/2021-bay-street-bull-30x30/

Priyanka's Cover Story: https://baystbull.com/drag-queen-priyanka-entrepreneurship/

Xero: www.xero.com

In this episode, Lance chats with Reddit Chief Operating Officer Jen Wong about driving real-world change, what brands can do to build an engaged online community, and the most interesting things she’s found on the platform.

In this episode, Lance speaks with Roy about his path to entrepreneurship and how to support emerging artists. Ian joins as well to talk more about LOOP/POOL and how artists are embracing an innovative mindset.

But for a company built so firmly on a foundation of transparency and progressive values, they’ve also had to face their own demons along the way. In 2020, then CEO and founder Yael Aflalo stepped down from her position after allegations of racism from previous employees made their way online.

Since then, Reformation has been committed to right their wrongs. They've launched a Diversity and Inclusion board, created an anonymous employee communication platform, joined the Black in Fashion Council to help advance Black and other underrepresented individuals in the industry, and more to keep themselves accountable.

In this episode, Lance speaks with CEO Hali Borenstein and Chief Sustainability Officer Kathleen Talbot about how Reformation has grown as a company, the importance of sustainability, and how environmental and racial justice are connected.

Reformation's 2020 Year in Review Sustainability Report: https://www.thereformation.com/pages/sustainability-report-2020-review

In today's episode, Lance chats with Arianna and is joined by Nabeela Ixtabalan, Executive Vice President of People and Corporate Affairs at Walmart Canada. The trio sits down to discuss how Thrive Global works with today's leading companies, the new era of leadership, and how burnout culture uniquely affects women.

Entrepreneur Manjit Minhas can certainly speak to the nuances of running a family business. At 19, the Dragons’ Den investor started her first company in the booze business with her brother, Ravinder. Today, that company they started—Minhas Brewery, Distillery, and Winery—has grown into a global empire with annual revenues in excess of $220 million dollars. In this episode, Lance chats with Manjit about how she built her global empire, the importance of giving back to your community, and what advice she has to offer when it comes to working with your family.

On this episode of Mission Critical, Lance chats with Nick about what it takes to create a championship-winning team. Under Nick's guidance, the Toronto Raptors famously won the NBA Championship in 2019, marking the first time a Canadian team has won the elusive title in the sport’s history. The reigning NBA Coach of the Year talks about leadership on (and off) the court, using your platform for good, and why he keeps a literal elephant in his office.

Leading the charge of the next generation of storytellers is Wattpad, led by co-founder Allen Lau. They’ve helped launch writing careers and have adapted user-generated stories into hit movies and TV shows. Needless to say, they know what it takes to tell a great story.

In today’s episode, Lance speaks with Allen about how (and why) he created Wattpad, the importance of telling diverse stories, and how they're using technology to unearth the next big thing.

Apply to the Veuve Clicquot BOLD Women Awards: https://bit.ly/3mP1mwp

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

[6:20] Entrepreneurs are inherently optimistic people given their tenacity, resilience, and persistence to grow a business.

[12:30] Figuring out your 'Why' is more important than saying "following your passion" in order to discover your core purpose.

[16:00] What does reinvention mean to Arlene, and how does she define it?

[26:22] The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted entire industries. What does reinvention look like in the pandemic era?

[28:03]: There are two words that come to mind when it comes to mental health and the new culture of work: empathy and flexibility.

[32:31] What makes a great business? A long-term vision.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

[6:07] What lessons did Byron and Dexter learn from their experience building WANT Les Essentiels that they applied to their latest venture, Goodee? It's about looking forward.

[9:00] What makes an exceptional brand? Story and consistency.

[15:06] Why start a company like Goodee in the first place?

[19:27] The future of luxury lies at the intersection of purpose and design.

[25:15] Today's consumers look to retailers for a curated point of view to save time.

[27:35] How does Goodee keep its supply chain, and itself, accountable to its values and mission?

[34:25] Where is the balance drawn between shareholders and stakeholders within an organization?

Key Highlights

[3:29] Allbirds was created to make better things in a better way.

[6:53] What does it mean to create "apparel with purpose"? For Joey and his team at Allbirds, it's about creating something that can help consumers tackle climate change.

[9:35] How do you maintain and protect your values as you grow into a billion-dollar company? It actually gets easier, in Joey's experience.

[12:03] T-shirts made out of crustaceans and shoes made from sugarcane? Where do you even begin to look if you want to be innovative with your materials?

[13:30] Why make the technology behind your innovation open-source? It's about collaborating and collective action if you truly want progress.

[16:09] How important is perfection to progress?

[18:46] Why is it so hard to define sustainability? If we can't define it, how are we to tackle it?

[23:02] As a company, the key to tackling social issues is to maintain authenticity.

[25:50] Enacting change means more than putting the onus on consumers. It means engaging with legislators to keep businesses accountable.