In this conversation, Scott Stirrett sits down with Vass Bednar, Executive Director of McMaster University's Master of Public Policy Program, to unpack what it really means to be a policy entrepreneur. Bednar, who's on a mission to redefine the term from its academic stereotypes, reveals how policy work can be as innovative and impactful as any tech startup. She takes us through her unconventional career path—what she calls her "professional scavenger hunt"—where she's gathered insights from think tanks, political offices, and even live radio shows.

Along the way, Bednar shares hard-won lessons for aspiring changemakers: why showing up to events matters more than you think, how to build a "kitchen cabinet" of trusted friends and advisors, and the surprising power of intellectual curiosity in driving policy change.

In this insightful episode, Scott Stirrett speaks with Annelies Tjebbes, CEO of Roots & Rivers, and Hayley Rutherford, Senior Consultant and Operations Director, about a rarely discussed topic: how entrepreneurs can successfully take extended leaves of absence. Annelies shares her experience taking an eight-month parental leave where she completely disconnected from her business, including the practical "hacks" she implemented to maintain boundaries. Hayley offers the complementary perspective of stepping into an interim leadership role, highlighting the challenges of relationship transitions and the unexpected growth opportunities that emerged.

Together, they reveal how a founder's absence can actually strengthen an organization by forcing the decentralization of knowledge, evolving processes, and shifting from a founder-centric identity to a more mature team-based structure.

Whether you're an entrepreneur contemplating a leave for parental responsibilities, health reasons, or simply a sabbatical, this episode provides practical guidance on preparation, knowledge transfer, and relationship management.

Join host Gina Patterson as she sits down with Nadia Ladak, Co-Founder and CEO of Marlow, a trailblazing femtech startup that introduced the world's first lubricated tampon. In this insightful episode, Nadia shares her unique challenges of pitching a female-centric product to a predominantly male investor audience. She recounts her exhilarating experience on CBC's Dragon's Den, where she secured a deal that skyrocketed brand awareness.

Nadia also touches on the broader implications of gender disparity in medical research and funding. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a woman navigating similar challenges, or anyone interested in the intersection of innovation and women's health, this episode offers a blend of personal journey, business strategy, and advocacy against widespread health stigmas.

In Episode 01 of Season 3, Scott Stirrett sits down with Daniel Debow, VP, Product of Shopify, and a tremendous supporter of Venture for Canada.

Daniel guides us through how he acquired and learned the skill of understanding both sides of an argument, and how this is a crucial mindset for entrepreneurs. The importance of making decisions that are best for you when starting a business, and not relying on money to make your choices. Lastly, is that there’s always room to learn and that there are many resources out there that can help you figure things out, that the university doesn’t have to do.

If you’re in need of a little confidence-boosting today, let Daniel preach to you on how you can become a successful entrepreneur.

You bring the idea, he invests in it. Charlie Feng, co-founder of Clearco, a fintech firm that has invested over $1B across 3,000 companies. When Charlie isn't busy playing video games, he's helping companies, scale teams, from 0 to 250 people, and has considerable experience in product, operations, and finance.

In Episode 11, Season 02, Charlie talks about finding the right Founder fit, and what to look for in the early stages of angel investing. His whirlwind journey with Clearco, from trying to invest in Uber to pivoting and finding new ways to help underserved entrepreneurial markets. 

If you're interested in learning how to invest, solve problems, and find the perfect founder market fit, all while learning from your mistakes. Let Charlie guide you. 

In Episode 10, Season 2, we sit down with Brittanny Danishevsky (2017 Fellow), Backend Software Engineer at Synctera, and a lover of all things self-awareness and learning.

Brittany gets real with us about her personal journey in finding her ideal degree. From dealing with bias in the tech world to using her love for the mind, Brittany offers her advice on investing in an environment that influences you. She also breaks down the misconception of mental health, and how important it is to understand ourselves and others, especially as entrepreneurs striving for change.

If you’re interested in moving away from a perfectionist mentality and understand more about balance, let Brittany teach you a little something.

You bring the idea, he executes. Sam Daviau, 2019 Fellow, worked his way up over 5 years, recently leaving his role of VP of Operations after growing the Operations and People Team. He’s Chair of Alumni Council, Board Member and advisor of Lay-Up Basketball, and advisor and investor to small startups.

In Episode 09, Season 02, Sam talks about bringing passion to the execution and organizational operations processes and ensuring that communities and people’s ideas are met to maximize outcomes. The time spent between work and giving back is filled with reading the synopsis of books (just send him the Blink Notes), camping across Canada’s parks, and taking care of Cole, his four-legged companion.

If you're interested in learning how to execute, get the insider view of building a business from scratch. Let Sam guide you on how to be a community leader.

In Episode 08 of Season 02, we sit down with Shivani Chotalia, 2015 Fellow Alumni, and an energy storage professional focused on the intersection of clean technologies and social impact.

Shivani spends her time focusing on accelerating the development and construction of industry-leading energy storage technologies as the Director of Development & Partnerships at NRStor Inc. She spills the beans on the supply and demand for energy storage efficiency, systems leadership, and the resistance to change in the electric industry, and the importance of working closely with Indigenous communities to create local benefits.

If you're interested in learning what you can do to save the environment, let Shivani teach you.

In Episode 07 of Season 02, we sit down with Nico DiPlacido, and we get the ins-and-outs of what it’s like to be a Senior Product Manager at PartnerStack and we get down to the nitty-gritty.

Nico takes us on his personal journey of unlearning what it’s like to be a product manager, and how to be a better problem solver. In order to lead by example, Nico suggests that managers need to show up as an influence, rather than their job title. Leading by example, managers can navigate their teams through kinship, respect, and direct goals.

If you’re eager to understand how to manage products and become a better leader, then let Nico guide you.

Passionate about justice and inclusion, 2017 VFC Fellow, Founder & CEO of Emerge, impact-as-a-service solutions, Lucia Gallardo juggles her time between squeezing in her daily nap, knowing all things Bitcoin, NFTs, SDGs, and blockchain whilst fostering inclusion through technology.

In Episode 06, Season 02, Lucia walks through her experience in working at the National Angel Investor Network and falling in love with the power of technology to address complex social problems. Her company was born based on our innate desire to help and create social change. She applied for her International Development Degree from McGill serving as a board member for Rainforest Partnerships, Women’s Entrepreneur Global, and is a strategy consultant.

If you're interested in mastering multitasking, driving meaningful social change, and setting up your workday to work for you, let Lucia apply her mind mapping.

In Episode 03 of Season 02, we sit down with Stewart Hillhouse, 2017 Fellow, a content marketer and podcast-showrunner with a passion for storytelling and who can run a 5km race under 4:15 per kilometer.

A Senior Content Lead at Demand Curve by day and host of Top of Mind podcast by night.  How does a Bachelor of Science in Forestry grad with a master of Engineering and Entrepreneurship end up as a content-writing expert? Stewart shares his journey to building writing hacks, content creation into tech, and effectively using social media platforms like LinkedIn to practice communication.

If you’re curious about a non-linear career, breaking into tech, tapping into your creative writing abilities, let Stewart teach a little (a lot) something.

In episode 04 of season 02, we sit down with Natasha Dhayagude, 2015 Fellow, CEO, and Co-Founder of Chinova Bioworks, and we get👏🏼 into 👏🏼 it.👏🏼 ⁠⁠

A biochemist and entrepreneur, Natasha built a company that develops natural preservatives extracted from mushrooms for use in food and beverages. She gets real about what it’s been like for her to be a woman of colour in a male-dominated space (& how to own your adaptive-alpha), how networks are essential to propelling your startup in the early days, and how she helped her family glamping business take-off during a global pandemic (takes notes ✍🏼).

⁠⁠If you’re breaking down glass ceilings, then let Natasha ignite your journey.

In episode 03 of season 02, we sit down with Zameer Masjedee, 2018 Fellow, and the man who’s trying to revolutionize podcasts and redesign commerce.

Zameer is a Sr. Solutions Engineer at Shopify by day, and the Co-Founder of LISN, a platform helping to organize and highlight the best clips from a podcast by night. He gets real about having tough conversations about goals with your team, the unexpected hurdles that come with starting a business, and how focusing on the right things like your mission can help you make fast and appropriate decisions for the growth of your business. Shopify has taught him how to scale a company, and how as an individual you can strive towards always having a positive impact.

If you’re looking to put your podcast or business on the map, then let Zameer teach you a little something.

Join host Gina Patterson as she dives into an inspiring conversation with Jenessa Olson and Laura Gabor, co-founders of ecologicca, a climate tech startup transforming air quality solutions. Jenessa shares her journey from professional athlete to serial entrepreneur, driven by her personal health challenges and a passion for problem-solving. Laura reveals her path from angel investor to co-founder, highlighting the values and trust that underpin their partnership.

Together, they explore the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, from navigating setbacks to building a business rooted in innovation and resilience.

Whether you’re curious about climate tech, the dynamics of co-founding, or the grit it takes to pursue a vision, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt reflections on forging a meaningful path forward.

In Episode 02 of Season 02, we sit down with Susie Pan all the way from New Zealand.

A leader of many talents, a product manager, a scout, a coach and currently an On Deck Fellow, Susie chats about shifting one’s mindset and gifts us her newfound equation to joy. Understanding why rules exist, discovering her gift of being curious, and the importance of constantly redefining her “normal” has opened up unexpected career opportunities.

If you’re looking for career guidance and motivation, let Susie take the lead.

Season 02, Episode 02 with Susie Pan is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Anchor and wherever you listen.

In Episode 01 of Season 2, we sit down with Kelsey Burdett (2016 Fellow), a lover of everything digital, dot-connector, podcaster, and she talks about the importance of supporting entrepreneurs.

From transferring her journalism and reporting basketball games background to sales at Shopify to being a Senior Partnerships Manager at #Paid, Kelsey helps brands receive funding from incubators like Clearco and strategizes how brands can connect with the right content creators. Her main marketing advice? Move away from social media numbers, focus on your brand’s direct impact and message, and outsource Influencers as a collaboration opportunity to make your brand look more appealing.

If you’re interested in content creation, influencer marketing, and building your personal or company brand image, let Kelsey guide you through insider tips and tricks.

Season 02, Episode 01 with Kelsey is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Anchor and wherever you listen.

Scott Stirrett, Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada, chats with Lateefa Farah, Marketing and Content Coordinator at VFC, about the key lessons from Season 1 of A New Wave of Entrepreneurship.

In the seven episodes, Scott spoke to ambitious leaders from the VFC Alumni community about their career trajectories and aspirations. Common themes like dealing with failure, the importance of mentorship, and creating space to find their own purpose in life surfaced in all of our recordings. In this episode, we reflect on these key lessons with featured snippets from recordings of Danny Williams 2015 Fellow Alumni and Senior Product Designer @Shopify, David Kantanka 2016 Fellow Alumni and Chief Operating Officer @ RapTV, Dessie Maliaka 2018 Fellow Alumni and Co-Founder at Sustainability Stocked.

Josh MacIntyre, 2015 Fellow Alumni & Head of Revenue Operations at Grammarly, which provides digital writing assistance tools, sits down with Scott to discuss how Canadian Tire helped him direct his career impact and provided career clarity.

Going back and forth between business school and work, Josh was able to gain a clearer understanding of the type of management role he wanted to step into. 

From building relationships to managers setting clear expectations for their employees, finding the right mentor to help with your career or professional growth, and providing value to others, Josh gives us an insight into his career progression and the significance of enjoying what you do.

Chris Grouchy, 2016 Fellow Alumni & Co-Founder of Convictional, 2.2M seed round enterprise B2C YC graduate company, talks to Scott about how a twice-rejection from Mckinsey sparked his founding journey.

Mastering sales as a rep at Shopify Plus and an internship at Cisco unblocked the conventional possibilities that were traditionally encouraged in the world of commerce and business grads.

From crafting the perfect cold email to land a job, building networks, and coaching other Y Combinator founders on the art and science of sales, Chris gives us an insight into the success and learnings of his journey so far.

Is what it takes to thrive at a startup the same as building a startup? A thick skin, persuasion, and accepting failure are key characteristics for Micha in her journey as a strategist at Fiix and Careguide in Toronto and now as the COO and Co-Founder at Namstetics. Micha Saade, 2017 VFC Fellow, talks about her early career in sales and marketing at start-ups and gives us tips about how we can have an impact on a company’s overall success.

Micha’s mind, body, and soul approach to health has a direct influence on her yoga-apparel brand. Finding balance through yoga and reiki, Micha shares the economics of her business and gives us an insider's take on influencer marketing, quality control, dealing with difficult customers and employing people internationally.

Leaning on collaboration and expertise of designers and suppliers, having an insider-man, and asking yourself if you truly believe in what you're doing, have been essential for her success.

Celebrating your small wins will motivate you toward bigger accomplishments.

When it comes to customer feedback and satisfaction, the people you hear from are the typically loudest. Are they the ones you should listen to? Ben Winn, Community and Events Manager at Catalyst Software, Editor and Chief at the Unicornian and 2016 Fellow Alumni, shares his insights on why having an open space for feedback is essential for startups to thrive.

He gives us the ins-and-outs of Customer Success Management, how to structure customer-centric teams, and how hiring your People person (Human Resources) will pay dividends down the road. Having dealt with many new hires, Ben suggests that you need to be upfront about your weaknesses in interviews, find the balance between humble brags but not underselling your accomplishments, and doubling on your strengths. Admit your blind spots...that goes a long way for many other things in life.

Some people are motivated by money and others by family and others by a combination of things. Manuela Bárcenas, Marketing Lead at fellow.app and 2018 Fellow Alumni is a lover of all things marketing, leadership, and personal development. She challenges us to re-frame our definition of a growth mindset.

What if a growth mindset can be something beyond a mindset and more of a habit? Manuela shares her story on keeping herself accountable to create a space for growth.

Make it a habit to learn more about what you want to become a specialist in. Make it a habit to build accountability. Make it a habit to build your personal brand. A growth mindset is a predictor of success, listen up.

Can you think of a hobby from your childhood that you’ve carried throughout your life? Mark Dhillon 2016 Fellow Alumni, Co-Founder, Operator, ex-VC, will be a #skater4life. To him, that means leaning on communities of creative, radical, and innovative thinkers who don’t judge. Acceptance and landing new tricks are essential to his success. From engineering to an MBA to VC in cannabis to tech, with the goal of ending up in international development, Mark walks us through his multifaceted journey of ensuring growth is attainable.

His advice - don’t be a climber, be a builder.  Listen up.

A New Wave of Entrepreneurship, a Venture for Canada Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Scott Stirrett, CEO and Founder of Venture for Canada. You'll be hearing from changemakers, movement drivers, and young Canadian entrepreneurs to learn about how they've developed their key tools of change and innovation and how they've stepped into their entrepreneurial mindset and skillset. This week Scott Stirrett sits down with CEO and Founder of Adapt Daily, Kiki Athanas, to discuss how eating habits tie to mental clarity, finding your purpose while building a business, and being selfish for yourself. Visit us at www.ventureforcanada.ca or follow us on social @venture4canada

Join host Gina Patterson as she chats with Kevin La, a skilled digital media and marketing professional, a graduate of Venture for Canada’s (VFC) Intrapreneurship Program, and now VFC’s Programs Support Coordinator. Kevin opens up about his journey growing up with immigrant parents who built a successful business in Canada, all while navigating cultural shifts, language barriers, and significant challenges. He reflects on the resilience and work ethic his family instilled in him, the lasting impact of their entrepreneurial spirit, and how their sacrifices shaped his career path.

Kevin also shares his personal journey of career exploration and highlights how the Intrapreneurship Program helped him uncover his professional identity and gain valuable real-world experience.

Whether you’re a student, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone seeking to turn struggles into strengths, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt reflections on growth, family, and finding your path.

Join host Gina Patterson as she sits down with Shani Gwin, founder, CEO, and visionary behind pipikwan pêhtâkwan, an Indigenous owned, led, and majority staffed public relations agency.

In this enlightening episode, Shani discusses her work in developing AI tools, one designed to educate others accurately about Indigenous people and another that combats misinformation, bias, and hate speech directed towards Indigenous people.

She shares how AI can be a supportive ally when approached with intention and cultural understanding. Shani also explores the impact of matriarchal leadership through collective decision-making. From trusting her body’s guidance to decolonizing traditional business practices, Shani offers a refreshing take on leadership rooted in listening, understanding, and empathy.

For those curious about Indigenous perspectives in tech, innovation, or inclusive leadership, this episode offers actionable insights and Shani's unique reflections.

Join host Gina Patterson as she sits down with Susy Martins, Founder and CEO of Advise2Rise, business strategist, and leadership coach. They dive into the nuanced journey of scaling a company from the innovation stage to sustainable process-building. Susy shares essential strategies for founders, from building teams that balance innovators with detail-focused operators to fostering open, direct communication. She discusses the value of setting clear rituals around goals, the impact of documenting ideas, and why transparency is key when introducing new processes.

Susy also highlights the role of coaching in supporting leaders’ skill development and emotional resilience in high-stakes environments.

Whether you're interested in effective team-building, leveraging healthy conflict, or aligning leadership vision with action, this episode is filled with actionable insights and Susy’s trademark positivity.

Join us for an insightful episode where our host, Gina Patterson, sits down with Rachel Zimmer, Co-Founder and CEO of Simple Ventures, a Canada-first startup studio focused on bringing innovative global ideas to the Canadian market. Rachel shares her entrepreneurial journey, including the successful exit of her B2B marketplace, 5Crowd, and her experience launching North American operations for Entrepreneur First.

Rachel also offers valuable career advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of following great leaders, embracing uncomfortable learning experiences, and ensuring that your actions align with your words.

Whether you're curious about the Canadian startup ecosystem, navigating imposter syndrome, or looking for ways to integrate work and life, this episode is packed with practical tips and Rachel’s reflections on what it takes to build a successful business.

Join us for an inspiring episode where our host, Gina Patterson sits down with Sameer Dhar, a serial entrepreneur driven by social impact and healthcare innovation. Sameer shares how co-founding his first venture, Geomeer, in high school sparked his commitment to making a difference.

He reflects on lessons from Sensassure, his elder tech company, where he lived in a nursing home for a year to transform incontinence care. Sameer also opens up about the emotional challenges between ventures and how small bets led him to launch Nia Health, a proactive healthcare platform focused on preventing chronic diseases.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a healthcare innovator, or someone navigating career uncertainty, this episode is full of actionable strategies and insights.

In this episode Gina Patterson sits down with Jacqueline Good, Founder and CEO of Magnestar Inc., to explore her remarkable journey into the space industry.

Jacqueline shares how she leveraged her background in data architecture and technical sales to launch Magnestar, a deep tech startup ensuring seamless satellite communication amidst crowded skies. From winning prestigious awards to representing Canada at the UN’s International Telecommunication Union, Jacqueline's story is one of calculated risks and resilience. Jacqueline opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including losing a parent at a young age and being diagnosed with dyslexia. She explains how these experiences shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, turning perceived disadvantages into strengths.

Jacqueline also discusses how she secured funding, the importance of protective factors in entrepreneurship, and her ambition to contribute to humanity’s future in space exploration. This episode is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs, space tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of innovation and human resilience.

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Jason Silver, author of Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life, to discuss his transformative journey from personal tragedy to professional fulfillment.

Jason opens up about the heartbreaking experience that led him to re-evaluate his approach to life and work. He also shares the unconventional wellness and productivity experiments he undertook, and how these led to the insights that formed the basis of his book.

Jason challenges the notion of the "dream job," and offers practical advice on how to eliminate common workplace frustrations, such as miscommunications. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to find more meaning and efficiency in their work without the need for drastic changes in their career.

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

We dive into the often unseen side of entrepreneurship, where anxiety and risk are constant companions. Sarah also talks about the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces for learning and growth, and how she leads her team with compassion and trust, challenging the hustle culture that often leads to burnout.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to build something meaningful while maintaining balance and well-being.

In this dynamic episode, Scott Stirrett is joined by Eric Ries — entrepreneur, bestselling author of The Lean Startup and The Startup Way, and founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE). He explores how the principles of experimentation, vision, and agility can transform not only startups, but also individual careers.

Eric shares how the Lean Startup methodology, originally designed to help businesses thrive in uncertainty, can empower early-career professionals to make bold decisions, test hypotheses about their work, and adapt to a rapidly evolving world. From founding a stock exchange with nothing but an idea and a government form, to navigating the rise of generative AI, Eric draws on decades of experience to offer practical advice for anyone navigating career ambiguity.

Whether you're building your first MVP, pivoting in response to market changes, or trying to articulate your personal values in an age of institutional distrust, this episode offers a timely blueprint for embracing uncertainty with purpose.

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

She mentions the isolating nature of failure, the importance of reducing the shame associated with it, and how sharing our vulnerabilities can lead to stronger connections and healing. We also touch on the privilege and societal biases that affect how different people experience and recover from failure, highlighting the importance of offering grace.

This episode aims to destigmatize failure and empower you to embrace it as a stepping stone to growth and success.

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

Angie and Bernard share their entrepreneurial journey, from the challenges of building a business during a global pandemic to navigating a high-stakes legal battle with a major competitor. They discuss their commitment to sustainability, aiming to eliminate over one million plastic jugs annually, and how they infuse their values into every aspect of their business. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, sustainability advocates, and anyone looking to turn their everyday tasks into moments of joy.

Join Gina Patterson as she delves into the journeys of Heather Luenza, Founder of Closet Core and Co-Founder of Core Fabrics and Tereska Gethsing, Co-Founder of Core Fabrics. These trailblazing entrepreneurs are revolutionizing the fashion industry by challenging fast fashion, embracing body positivity, and championing sustainable practices. Heather shares her transformation from a shopaholic to a sustainable fashion pioneer, revealing how a personal challenge to sew her own clothes sparked a flourishing business that rejects the traditional fashion industry's standards.

Tereska discusses the duo's latest venture, Core Fabrics, and how it seamlessly integrates with their existing business while upholding their commitment to environmental responsibility. This episode not only highlights the power of entrepreneurial spirit but also empowers listeners to think about clothing in a way that celebrates individuality and sustainability. 

In this episode, Katie Dunsworth-Reiach, co-founder of TalkShop, shares her journey of scaling a marketing agency from zero to $10 million in annual revenue.

Discover how Katie transitioned from a journalism student with dreams of becoming an Oprah producer to a leading figure in the marketing world. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her early experiences at 1-800-GOT-JUNK, forming a successful money club featured on Oprah, and founding TalkShop. Katie highlights  the challenges and opportunities of building a marketing agency, the importance of integrity and reputation, and the strategic hires that helped scale TalkShop.

This episode provides practical advice and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and marketing professionals from one of the best in the business.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Leverage Your Early Experiences: Katie’s experience at 1-800-GOT-JUNK taught her the importance of responsibility and wearing multiple hats in scaling a business. She also started a book club that evolved into a financial literacy group, driven by the need she observed for women to improve their financial literacy. These early experiences were crucial to  the foundation of TalkShop.
2. Strike When the Iron’s Hot: Katie saw that within her industry there’s a lot of people that act like they know what they’re doing but actually don’t provide sufficient results. She knew that with her years of experience in PR and marketing she could help businesses thrive. Katie also saw that businesses were willing to hire experts like herself to deliver results. Plus, the barrier to entry for building a marketing agency was low with minimal expenses. 
3. Adapt to Industry Changes: The rise of social media as a major tool for consuming information and advertising has significantly impacted the marketing industry. Adapting to these ever-evolving changes is crucial for modern marketing agencies to stay ahead of the competition.
4. Owning a Marketing Agency Has Its Challenges: Like with any entrepreneur, there’s been some bumps along the road for Katie including finding the right co-founder for TalkShop. Within the marketing world, there’s really not a standard when it comes to pricing, so it can be difficult to gauge how much to charge at first. To overcome challenges as an entrepreneur you have to be able to try, fail, adapt, and embrace change. 
5. If You Want Invested Employees, You Have to Invest in Them: Foster a positive workplace culture by listening to what your employees want (like their workplace preferences). Provide growth opportunities to retain entry-level employees who have a higher turnover rate. Lean into equity, diversion, and inclusion (EDI) which isn’t just about how you hire employees but also how you operate as a whole.

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

Listeners will gain practical advice on navigating the complexities of acquisitions and learn about the key traits needed for success. 

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Alex Baniczky, SVP and Head of BMO Capital Partners. Alex delves into the critical topic of supporting Canadian companies amid economic challenges.

He discusses Canada's strengths, like a highly educated workforce and high female workforce participation, and its weaknesses, such as reliance on resource-based industries. Alex provides actionable strategies for fostering a supportive ecosystem that nurtures billion-dollar companies, emphasizing the roles of venture capital, stable banking, and private equity.

He also shares insights on leveraging Canada's educational advantages, balancing resource and knowledge economies, and overcoming productivity challenges.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights to help Canadian businesses thrive in a competitive landscape.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Laura Buhler, a longtime community leader in the venture capital and startup ecosystem in San Francisco and former Board Director at VFC, to explore the transformative power of community in entrepreneurship.

Laura shares her journey and unique insights into how vibrant communities can serve as a competitive moat for businesses and individuals alike. Now leading the community function for a venture capital fund in Silicon Valley, Laura Buhler's career in community was informed by her background in growth marketing and by her involvement in communities such as the World Economic Forum where she was a Project Manager; On Deck, where she was a Fellow; and the C100, a nonprofit tech community where she was CEO. Laura provides practical strategies for fostering engagement, setting clear cultural norms, and creating rituals that reinforce a shared mission.

Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking to build a strong brand affinity or a leader aiming to cultivate a supportive network, this episode is packed with actionable advice on harnessing the power of community to accelerate learning, foster innovation, and build lasting impact.

Join us for an engaging episode with Cyrus Symoom, Co-CEO of Clariti, a software company for state and local governments, to delve deep into the world of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA).

Cyrus shares his incredible journey of purchasing Clariti through a self-funded search at just 26 years old, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of acquiring and scaling a tech company in the Canadian landscape.

Cyrus also explains how he approached his six month search process and raised eight-figure equity financing, the strategic and cultural shifts made to transform a 20-person company into a 120-employee leader in its field, the importance of low ego and high humility in leading an organization through significant changes, and why more Canadians should consider ETA as a career path.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about ETA, this episode offers practical advice, personal anecdotes, and strategic insights into building a thriving business.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Juanita Lee-Garcia, the executive director of the Upside Foundation and a pivotal figure in Canadian philanthropy.

Juanita shares her insights into the evolving landscape of philanthropy in Canada, discussing the challenges and transformations she envisions for the sector over the next decade. From her early experiences as a beneficiary of philanthropic efforts to her influential role in shaping venture philanthropy,

Juanita provides a deep dive into how philanthropy is intertwined with systemic change, the ideological shifts within the sector, and the innovative approaches to philanthropic engagement.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and potential of philanthropy to effect significant social change.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Glen Silvestri, Managing Partner of Sage Capital, to explore the nuanced world of search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) in Canada.

Glen shares his journey from the early days at Ontario Teachers to becoming a pivotal figure in the Canadian search fund landscape, highlighting the growth and opportunities within this unique investment space. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of what search funds are, the typical profiles of searchers, and the strategic thinking involved in investing in and growing small businesses through this model.

Glen discusses the challenges of balancing investor expectations with entrepreneurial visions and how Sage Capital supports its portfolio companies from acquisition to successful exit strategies.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about alternative paths to entrepreneurship and investment, offering a blend of practical advice, industry insights, and personal anecdotes that illuminate the path to successful investments in the search fund ecosystem.

In this thought-provoking episode, Scott Stirrett sits down with Upkar Arora, CEO of Rally Assets, to explore the profound concept of personal transformation as a pathway to global impact. Upkar shares insights from a career development course he created at the University of Waterloo, highlighting how traditional education often neglects the critical skills that truly matter for long-term career success. He emphasizes the importance of developing an inner compass to distinguish between extrinsic motivators and intrinsic motivators that create lasting fulfillment. He also illustrates through personal anecdotes how reframing challenges as growth opportunities can lead to unexpected success.

Whether you’re starting your career journey, facing a professional transition, or seeking greater meaning in your work, this episode offers valuable guidance on aligning your unique gifts with the world’s needs to create a life of purpose, impact, and personal fulfillment.

Join us for an engaging discussion with Sean Speer, editor at large at The Hub. Sean shares insights into the pioneering media model of The Hub, a news and commentary website that's reshaping the Canadian media landscape by providing a platform for conservative and center-right perspectives.

The Hub isn’t just another news outlet; it's a startup in the media industry that bridges intellectual discussions with public engagement.

Throughout the episode, Sean reflects on the initial challenges and triumphs of establishing The Hub, from conceptualization to realization, and delves into the importance of civil, respectful, and pragmatic public discourse in today's rapidly changing media environment.

Whether you're intrigued by the dynamics of new media models or interested in the intersections of politics and media, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolution of media with one of its innovative leaders.

Discover the power of resilience within you.

Hosted by Jennie Wedd, Venture for Canada's Manager of Marketing & Partnerships, this compilation episode dives deep into the heart of resilience.

Join Jennie and guests Danièle Henkel, President at Les Entreprises Danièle Henkel; Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, CEO at Xero; and John Ruffolo, Founder and Managing Partner at Maverix Private Equity as they recount their journeys of resilience, joy, and strength. From heartfelt stories to actionable advice, discover how to view adversity as an ally and embrace fear as a friend.

Whether you're facing personal or professional obstacles, this episode equips you with practical strategies, mindset shifts, and the inspiration needed to transform your greatest challenges into opportunities.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Find strength and joy, even in the toughest times.
• Embrace challenges as a chance for growth and reflection.
• Take micro-risks to help overcome your limiting beliefs.
• View fear not as a barrier but as a motivator for change.
• Align your actions with your core values for a more authentic life.

Reflection questions:

1. What values are non-negotiable in my life?
2. When have I felt most authentically myself, and what activities was I engaged in?
3. How often do I speak to myself with criticism instead of compassion?
4. What lessons have I learned from my greatest setbacks?
5. What is this feeling of fear trying to tell me?

Links to the original episodes:

• Danièle Henkel: Resilience and trusting oneself with Danièle Henkel
• Sukhinder Singh Cassidy: Sukhinder Singh Cassidy: Becoming a Risk Taker
• John Ruffolo: John Ruffolo: Fostering Self-Discipline

Meet Jessica Bosman & Bryn Davis Williams, the co-founders of DOUBL. This startup isn’t just changing how we think about clothing; it's pioneering a future where apparel, starting with bras, is made to measure and ordered from the palm of your hand.

In this episode, discover how Jessica and Bryn leverage advanced technology to address long-standing issues in retail. The founders share their journey from a business school project to tackling the static retail landscape, driven by the desire to innovate a stagnant industry. They discuss the challenges of custom manufacturing, the ethics of sourcing, and their vision for a sizeless, sustainable fashion world.

Get ready for a deep dive into the intricacies of building a brand, the importance of focus, and how DOUBL is set to disrupt traditional retail models, making personalized, ethical apparel the norm.

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

This episode is jam-packed with advice for young entrepreneurs eager to make their mark without years of experience, emphasizing the power of dreaming big and leveraging one's unique background to create change.

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

Through tales of overcoming cultural barriers, mastering new skills, and navigating the complexities of the tech startup ecosystem, Martin's story is a testament to the power of relentless ambition and innovation.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in the stories behind tech innovators, this episode offers a candid look into the highs and lows of building something from the ground up.

Join us on a captivating journey with Abi Coman-Walker , from her dynamic career transition from the financial sector to the forefront of biotechnology. This episode delves into Abi's remarkable career path, which spans from being an executive at HSBC, one of the world's leading international banks, to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at one of Canada's pioneering therapeutics companies. Abi shares her insights on building flexibility in one's career as interests evolve over time, reflecting on her own experiences and the pivotal role she played in the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn about the importance of adaptability, the value of diverse experiences, and how embracing change can lead to unexpected and rewarding career trajectories. Whether you're navigating your own career path or interested in the intersection of finance and biotechnology, this episode offers valuable lessons on growth, resilience, and the impact of embracing new opportunities.