Episode Highlights 

• 2025 felt volatile — yet most major markets finished strongly positive.
• Canada’s TSX surged, powered by banks, energy, and precious metals.
• The 2025 April tariff sell-off: what felt alarming vs. what truly mattered.
• Why disciplined diversification outperformed emotional reactions.
• What the investment team is watching as 2026 begins.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the podcast transcript is designed for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.  

Episode Highlights  

• Strong YTD for equities: Clients who stayed invested captured the 2025 bull market.
• Valuations are high, but room remains: Tech/AI leadership and retail flows can still support gains.
• The market and the economy don’t move in lockstep: Softer labour data and mixed inflation don’t directly dictate stock moves.
• Rates are uncertain: One cut behind us; future cuts are data-dependent—plan, don’t predict.
• Gold’s big run: Keep it as a diversifier; consider trimming profits rather than overweighting it.
• ...and more.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the podcast transcript is designed for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.  

This episode highlights:

• Navigating market uncertainty
• Tariffs, trade & Canada’s economy
• Bullish opportunities in the U.S. market
• Strategies to protect your portfolio
• The importance of common sense over panic

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a portfolio manager at Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. To learn more, please visit the Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Rob Wallis

Rob has been providing expert planning and strategic advice for nearly 20 years, and has been with VELA Wealth since 2016. Rob excels at working with entrepreneurial professionals and business owners to define their individual ecosystems and establish meaningful life and financial goals. A methodical and analytical thinker, Rob compassionately navigates clients through the complexities of a thorough financial planning process ensuring that they feel understood and supported throughout. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the podcast transcript is designed for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.  

Key highlights of this episode:

• How tech giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft drove explosive market growth in 2024.
• Debunking myths about speculative growth and highlighting the solid fundamentals behind last year’s success.
• What interest rates drop mean for your portfolio—and why cash might no longer be king.
• How the new political landscape could shape opportunities in U.S. and Canadian equities.
• Practical tips for balancing risk, seizing opportunities, and staying aligned with your financial goals.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

About the Guest – Morgyn Chandler

Morgyn Chandler is the Managing Partner at Hammerco Lawyers and leads the firm's civil sexual assault group. She is a forceful advocate with a successful track record of winning exceptional results for her clients.

With over a decade of litigation experience, Morgyn has a reputation for successful resolution based on persuasive and astute legal strategies. She believes that establishing and maintaining open, honest, and ongoing communication with her clients is critical to ensuring the best possible outcome.

In addition to practicing in the areas of personal injury and estate litigation, Morgyn is the practice lead for Hammerco’s civil sexual assault group. She acts on behalf of survivors of sexual assault and is a powerful advocate for her clients against both individual and institutional defendants.Morgyn believes that survivors deserve to be heard, and respected, and deserve the opportunity to hold perpetrators accountable. 

Morgyn is a sought-after speaker in her field and has been named for her work in Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers in Canada since 2020.

Learn more about Morgyn at Hammerco Lawyers LLP and get in touch with her on LinkedIn, Morgyn Chandler.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin diligently concentrates on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Kevin Parton and Keith Allan cover the latest in financial markets with some compelling highlights:

• Q3 Market Trends: How did the typically quiet summer months shape up, and what might that mean for Q4?
• Interest Rate Shifts: With new cuts in Canada and the U.S., they discuss the potential impact on holiday spending and the broader economy.
• TD Bank's Record Fine: A major headline in finance—how will this affect TD’s reputation and future growth?
• Gold’s Unusual Surge: Gold's standout performance this year prompts a closer look at its role in portfolios.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the podcast transcript is designed for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.  

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, we will talk about:

• Ricky Zhang's Journey: From passionate traveler to founding Prince of Travel, a leading platform for Canadians to maximize credit card rewards for luxurious travel.
• Practical Tips: Advice on optimizing credit cards and rewards programs to get the most value from travel spending.
• Unlocking Premium Travel: Ricky shares how to convert points into airline miles and hotel stays, making premium flights and accommodations affordable.

About the Guest - Ricky Zhang

Ricky Zhang first had the idea to start a travel blog in 2016, inspired by his growing passion for traveling the world using points and miles. After graduating and starting a corporate job with one of the Big 5 banks, Ricky felt unfulfilled, despite the stable position.

Encouraged by his then-girlfriend, now wife, he decided to pursue his passion. After months of searching, he finally landed on the name "Prince of Travel" and launched the blog. Today, Ricky has shared hundreds of stories, inspiring others to travel the world in style for less.

Prince of Travel is a team of expert travellers dedicated to educating, informing, and inspiring readers on maximizing the power of Miles & Points to travel the world at a fraction of the price.

About the Host – Rob Wallis

Rob has been providing expert planning and strategic advice for nearly 20 years, and has been with VELA Wealth since 2016. Rob excels at working with entrepreneurial professionals and business owners to define their individual ecosystems and establish meaningful life and financial goals. A methodical and analytical thinker, Rob compassionately navigates clients through the complexities of a thorough financial planning process ensuring that they feel understood and supported throughout. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Podcast Highlights:

• Discover Skipper Otto's values on sustainability and the importance of preserving Indigenous finishing practices.
• Explore how Skipper Otto has reimagined the "farm-to-table" experience to connect customers to the stories of fishing families.
• Listen to Sonia discuss the role of a system-oriented approach in enabling sustainable practices and how it was essential to becoming a B-Corp Certified corporation.
• Familiarize yourself with Sonia's perspectives on entrepreneurship and business ownership, emphasizing the significance of incremental progress to prevent feelings of overwhelm and ultimately achieve greater success.

About the Guest – Sonia Strobel

Sonia is a visionary leader and entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Skipper Otto Community Supported Fishery, an innovative solution for home cooks to source premium, wild seafood directly from independent, Canadian fishing families. Under her leadership Skipper Otto has grown both in size and scale, helping to transform the way Canadians eat local seafood.

Sonia is also a sought-after speaker on sustainable fisheries and local food systems. She relentlessly advocates for the rights of independent small-scale, community-based fishers and seeks to protect their way of life in Canada. Her ability to synthesize and communicate about complex issues in the fishing industry enables her to consistently engage Canadians to advocate for meaningful change. Sonia’s leadership continues to earn her many accolades including winner of Coralus (formerly SheEO) in 2015; Veuve Cliquot Business Woman Award 2018 Canadian finalist; winner of the Forum’s 2019 Pitch Finale; Inc Magazine's list of the top 100 female entrepreneurs of 2020; and finalist in the BC Food and Beverage Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2023 and frequent invitations to speak at the House of Commons and major decision making tables.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin diligently concentrates on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Podcast Highlights:

• Discover the begining of the Flavelle family's ownership of Purdys Chocolatier in 1963, initiated by Charles Flavelle and Eric Wilson.
• Karen shares her journey into business, influenced by her father's success from a young age, leading her to pursue her passion for business and marketing.
• Learn about Karen’s determination to become a part of the family business despite initial challenges and rejections and how her passion propelled her to becoming the powerhouse of Purdys.
• Learn about the enduring values of quality, sustainability, and philanthropy at Purdys.

About the Guest – Karen Flavelle

Many different experiences have provided the toolbox for Karen to successfully lead Purdys, the largest Chocolatier in Canada, a BCom from Queen's, living in Japan and Asia for 2 years, speaking fluent French, being trained in classic packaged goods marketing at General Mills, developing innovative new products at Product Development Partnership in the UK, and growing a popular chain of 140 restaurants: Swiss Chalet. 

Karen's personal mission is to help people connect, to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones. At almost 117 years old, Purdys Chocolatier is a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, giving customers their favorites while exciting them with new ideas and new chocolates. In addition, Purdys contributes to many, local Canadian organizations focusing on helping children and their families. 

About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Podcast Highlights:

·       Listen to Andrew Ladd, a former NHL player and current performance coach, talk about his journey from childhood to the NHL. 

·       Discover how his competitive nature and ambition to win played a crucial part in his NHL success and continue to be one of the pillars that drives him forward to success today.

·       Learn about his personal experience with injury and mental health struggles and how he overcame them while simultaneously making a difference for others in the sport.

·       Andrew shares the impact the 1616 program has on young athletes and the impact it’s had on hundreds of teams.

·       Discover how to overcome adversity, discomfort, and challenges with helpful performance advice.

About the Guest – Andrew Ladd

Andrew Ladd is a coach at Novus Global, bringing a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for unlocking the full potential of athletes both on and off the ice. As a retired professional hockey player and two-time Stanley Cup champion, his career serves as a testament to his deep understanding of the game and the resilience required for success.

Beyond his achievements in the hockey world, Andrew, alongside his wife Brandy, co-founded the Ladd Foundation and 1616, a holistic mental, physical, and social well-being experience tailored for youth hockey teams. This innovative initiative aims to foster healthy development among young athletes, emphasizing not only their skills on the ice but also their mental and social growth.

Andrew's journey from a successful playing career to coaching and philanthropy showcases his multifaceted approach to life. His leadership extends beyond the rink, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of hockey and making a positive impact on the lives of athletes through his coaching, foundation, and community initiatives.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin diligently concentrates on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

This episode covers:

• Market Movements - A deep dive into the S&P 500's performance, Canadian market trends, and the continued dominance of tech stocks.
• Interest Rates - Insights into Canada's recent rate cut, its impact on fixed income markets, and comparisons with the US Federal Reserve's stance.
• Investment Strategies - The role of cash as an asset class, private and alternative asset performance, and strategic adjustments in portfolios.
• Q3 Expectations - What to expect in the typically calm summer months and the anticipated market activities post-Labor Day.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Podcast Highlights:

·       The inspiring journey of Jonny Imerman, fighting and beating cancer and co-founding Imerman Angels to help the cancer community with ongoing support.

·       The impact of Imerman Angels and how it’s helped approximately 38,000 people through their cancer journeys.

·       Dive into the creation of CLŌZTALK; a B-Corp-certified T-shirt company Jonny co-founded with his brother Jeff, with the mission to help more nonprofit organizations share their message through meaningful and ethical T-shirts.

·       Celebrating CLŌZTALK's achievement of helping nearly 500 nonprofits get noticed.

·       Jonny shares his advice on starting and building meaningful businesses and initiatives with passion at the center for ultimate success.

About the Guest – Jonny Imerman

Jonny Imerman fought testicular cancer for 2 years in the Detroit area in his 20’s. He had a loving family and friends, but he never met another young adult who beat the same cancer. Jonny and a group of like-minded advocates and supporters co-founded Imerman Angels in 2006, a nonprofit that introduces someone fighting cancer to another person who fought the same cancer. Since 2006, Imerman Angels has made over 34,000 matches in more than 110 countries and facilitated endless honest conversations about living with cancer.
In 2017, Jonny Imerman and his brother Jeff Imerman co-founded CLOZTALK to raise brand awareness for great nonprofits. CLOZTALK is an online clothing and apparel company that produces and sells high-quality, made-on-demand, charity-branded apparel for nonprofit causes at CLOZTALK.com. Reach out to Jonny through his LinkedIn page. 

About the Host – Kevin Parson

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin diligently concentrates on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

• Discover how a spark of inspiration in Paris led Nicole Smith to launch Flytographer, now connecting travelers with photographers in 350+ cities worldwide.
• Learn how she made the bold leap from a 13-year career at Microsoft to building a global brand from scratch.
• Hear Nicole’s candid take on the risks, resilience, and pivots required to keep Flytographer alive during the pandemic.
• Find out why embracing conscious leadership and personal wellbeing has been key to scaling a profitable, purpose-driven company.
• Get a glimpse of what’s next as Flytographer expands its mission to help people remember their favorite travel stories forever.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, or turning an idea into a global success story.

About the Guest – Nicole Smith

Nicole Smith is the founder of Flytographer, the world’s first global marketplace connecting travelers with local photographers for short, fun vacation shoots. Since launching in 2013, Flytographer has become a profitable, multi-million dollar business and captured memories for 100,000+ travelers across 350 cities. Nicole won BC Business Magazine's 2025 Woman of the Year (Innovator category), has appeared twice on Dragons’ Den, was named an EY Winning Woman, and is also an angel investor focused on women-led startups. Before founding Flytographer, she spent over 13 years at Microsoft in global marketing and consulting, and worked as a product manager at a Seattle tech startup. Learn more at flytographer.com.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Podcast Highlights:

• The inspiring journey of tenured Lawyer Digby Leigh and his family.
• Dive into Digby's remarkable 40+ year legal career and his visionary quest to revolutionize efficiency and pricing structures in the legal industry.
• The creation of the “Frank Fee” model - a step away from the traditional hourly legal pricing model.
• How the Frank Fee model has built confidence and transparency for clients that are looking for legal services.
• The AltFee platform's evolution and its transformative impact on digital pricing models in the global legal industry.
• AltFee's victory in the start-up tech award at the Legal Tech Conference, one of the largest conferences in the United States hosted by the American Bar Association, marks a significant milestone for this innovative idea.

About the Guest – Digby R. Leigh

Digby started his 40+ year career at a large downtown Vancouver law firm. When the time was right, he opened his first law firm with his partner in 1992 and then founded Digby Leigh & Co in 2005. 

He’s passionate about making things around him a little bit better every day. Life and the practice of law have been varied and exciting for Digby over the last years, but no matter what the issue, Digby brings a practical, cut-to-the-chase, people-oriented approach to any solution. The experience of acting on very significant transactions lends itself to solving any issue. 

Digby is focused on building and maintaining relationships as he genuinely enjoys meeting new people and learning about what makes them unique. Learn more about Digby, his work and follow his newsletter Let’s Be Frank on LinkedIn.

About the Host – Jason Boudreau 

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Podcast Highlights:

• Explore how market sentiment reacts to speculation about interest rate movements and its influence on investor decision-making.
• Learn the importance of staying resilient during market pullbacks, maintaining a long-term perspective, and seizing opportunities to acquire discounted assets.
• Discover the significance of disciplined investing habits like dollar-cost averaging and diversification in mitigating risk and maximizing returns.
• Understand the necessity of removing emotion from investment decisions, and how it contributes to long-term investment success.
• Gain insights into the mindset needed to navigate market fluctuations, focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term market movements, for sustained investment growth.

By understanding the dynamics of interest rates and adopting disciplined investment strategies, investors can weather market volatility and position themselves for long-term success. Tune in to gain further insights into navigating today's ever-changing financial landscape.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. Keith is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families by providing a clear and transparent vision to help them achieve their investment goals. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Key highlights of this episode:

• Morgan Housel's unique journey to acclaimed financial writer, highlighting the value of hard work and the impact of early life experiences on career choices.
• The importance of balancing optimism and pessimism in wealth management.
• Insights into behavioral finance, emphasizing the psychological aspects of money management and the power of understanding human behavior in financial success.
• The role of entrepreneurship and the realities of managing a business, addressing the challenges and rewards of navigating the business world.
• The impact of social media on happiness and self-comparison, with a focus on the challenges of parenting in the digital age and fostering a healthy relationship with technology.
• Morgan's perspectives on the pursuit of happiness, success, and fulfillment, offering listeners a guide to navigating life's financial and emotional complexities.

About the Guest- Morgan Housel

Morgan Housel is a partner at The Collaborative Fund.

He's the New York Times Bestselling author ofThe Psychology of Money and Same As Ever. His books have sold over five million copies and have been translated into more than 50 languages. 

Morgan is a two-time winner of the Best in Business Award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and winner of the New York Times Sidney Award. In 2022, MarketWatch named him one of the 50 most influential people in markets. He serves on the board of directors at Markel.

About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, you'll learn:

• how VELA Wealth, Harness Investment Management, and Purpose Investments collaborate to unlock unique opportunities,
• why traditional portfolio strategies are being challenged,
• how alternative investments can revolutionize your portfolio,
• the power of diversification with private assets like equity, debt, and real estate.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. Keith is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families by providing a clear and transparent vision to help them achieve their investment goals. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Key highlights of this podcast: 

• Childhood Lessons: Discover how Kevin's upbringing on a dairy farm instilled in him strong values of work ethic and community involvement, shaping his approach to business and life.
• Career Evolution: Learn about Kevin's transition from working in construction and the tar sands to a successful career at IBM, where he honed his skills in communication and long-term thinking.
• Real Estate Innovation: Explore Kevin's innovative strategies for property management, including his focus on transparency, long-term planning, and adding value to properties through amenities and services.
• Philanthropic Passion: Hear about Kevin's deep commitment to philanthropy, from organizing car shows to raise funds for cancer research and hospice care to supporting recovery centers for young men in need.
• Building Trust: Gain insight into Kevin's approach to building trust and rapport with clients, emphasizing integrity, transparency, and a long-term perspective in all his dealings.
• Legacy of Impact: Discover how Kevin's dedication to giving back has created a lasting legacy, inspiring others to follow their passions and make a difference in their communities.

About the Guest – Kevin England

Kevin England: A conservative, innovative, and bold entrepreneur with over 30 years of success. From his roots on a Pembroke farm, he embodies hard work and determination. After graduating from Carleton University, he honed his skills at IBM Canada Ltd. and Qualico Developments before founding the England Group in 1986. Based in Vancouver, Kevin England leads with integrity, ensuring everyone wins in the deal. To learn more, please visit the England Group website. 

About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Key highlights of this episode: 

• The VELA Wealth story. 
• The transformative power of mentorship and coaching. 
• VELA Wealth's trailblazing approach. 
• The importance of independence in financial services and curation of platforms and partnerships. 
• Commitment to client fulfillment. 
• Declaration approach instead of a traditional mission statement. 
• What future unfolds for VELA Wealth. 

About the Guest- Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Key highlights of this episode:

• Delve into the mechanics of seamless company sales with a focus on the pivotal role of an M&A advisors.
• Explore the valuation methods for professional service firms, focusing on financial stability and managing working capital.
• Learn essential post-sale strategies: from strategic planning to adjusting to new ownership dynamics for a smooth transition.
• Gain insights into the factors influencing M&A in the Canadian landscape, shedding light on industry trends and future implications.
• Importance of strategically plan your exit beyond the sale to ensure a successful transition.

About the Guest- Faramarz Bogzaran

Faramarz Bogzaran, the founder and Managing Partner at F&M Management Ltd., brings over four decades of expertise to the forefront of Canada's management consulting scene. Specializing in M&A and Corporate Advisory services, he has successfully navigated environmental consulting, waste management, and remedial contracting sectors. A seasoned M&A advisor, Faramarz is celebrated for his adept leadership in ownership transitions. He played a key role in founding CE3C Management Ltd., the driving force behind executive conferences uniting leaders in Canada's environmental and engineering consulting sector. At F&M, he provides strategic advice on growth, financial management, buyouts, exit strategies (M&A), corporate governance, and project management. To read more, please visit the F&M Management Ltd. Website

About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Key highlights of this Polestar Podcast Episode:

• Taking a Comprehensive Approach: Delve into how Harness Investment Management looks at the bigger financial picture, encompassing planning, insurance, and family goals alongside investments.
• Tailoring for Individual Needs: Learn about the practice of creating customized portfolios to accommodate unique client requirements.
• Long-term Investing Philosophy: Explore the concept of a fundamentally driven, long-term approach to investment, emphasizing diversification and asset allocation.
• Staying Invested Wisely: Get insights into the idea of avoiding market timing, focusing on remaining invested, and keeping some cash for flexibility.
• Advisor Role in Informed Decisions: Discover the general role financial advisors play in educating clients, aiding them in understanding their options, and making informed, long-term financial choices.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. Keith is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families by providing a clear and transparent vision to help them achieve their investment goals. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind.To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Key highlights of this podcast: 

- Inspiring family journey to establish a life and business in Canada.

- Early exposure to the family business and entrepreneurial beginnings with the independent lumber remanufacturing company.

- Insights of Amar's approach to acquiring distressed assets and creating value through and a strong work ethic.

- Perspective on family wealth, legacy, and the transfer of values and knowledge to the next generation.

- Involvement in philanthropy, including owning the BC Lions football team and supporting youth involvement in sports.

- The significance of community impact and giving back.

About the Guest – Amar Doman 

Amar is the founder and sole shareholder of The Futura Corporation. Along with his team he has led and completed numerous acquisitions. Amar’s tireless dedication to creating shareholder value and his vision for long-term thinking when investing or buying companies outright has built The Futura Corporation into one of the largest and fastest growing companies in Canada. To read more, please visit the Futura Corporation website.

About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

In this webinar you will learn the importance of:

• Acquiring a clear understanding of your business’s present situation and future objectives.
• Comprehending the motives and aspirations of both the current and future generations.
• Obtaining insights on essential factors to consider prior to and during the transfer of the farm business.
• Developing effective communication tactics to navigate challenging conversations with family members.

Episode Highlights 

• Markets rebounded in Q2 despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty
• VELA client portfolios outperformed major indices
• Active management and diversification drove stronger returns
• Investor sentiment often misaligns with market performance
• Outlook remains optimistic heading into late 2025

...and more.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

This Polestar Podcast episode will cover:

• How did we get where we are at?
• What is the current sentiment in the housing market?
• Refinance and debt repayments: potential risks and benefits
• Vancouver market overview
• Importance of seeking a second opinion
• What to expect from the interest rates in the nearest future?
• And more

Disclaimer

The information provided in the podcast is designed for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.  

About the Guest – Dan Pultr

Dan is a Senior Mortgage Industry Executive that helps individuals and companies grow. He takes a hands on approach to all engagements, loves to immerse himself in the details and works with passionate professionals to deliver comprehensive solutions. Dan’s goal is to provide an incredible Mortgage Experience to Brokers and ultimately to their thousands of clients.To reach out to Dan, please visit his LinkedIn profile. 

About the Host – Rob Wallis

Rob has been providing expert planning and strategic advice for nearly 20 years, and has been with VELA Wealth since 2016. Rob excels at working with entrepreneurial professionals and business owners to define their individual ecosystems and establish meaningful life and financial goals. A methodical and analytical thinker, Rob compassionately navigates clients through the complexities of a thorough financial planning process ensuring that they feel understood and supported throughout. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

In this episode, we’ll discuss: 

• Merger & Acquisition deals in North America
• Who is out there looking to buy businesses and what they are looking for?
• How the opportunity to sell is changed by business value and sector?
• What are the sources of receiving a valuation and how do they differ?
• Typical reactions to getting unexpected evaluation and how to deal with it.
• How to get a different valuation outcome if you are already on the market?
• What is the formula to improve the valuation?
• And much more!

About the Guests – Lorraine McGregor

Lorraine founded Spirit West Management in 1990 and has worked with CEOs to help grow their businesses through effective partnerships, marketing, and sales strategies. In 1999, she returned to Canada and has worked with both US and Canadian clients. Together with leadership expert Rob McGregor, they provide growth strategies and leadership expertise, as well as guide business owners and their families through a process to decide the best course of action for their business. They also work on improving systems, profitability, market focus, and organizational effectiveness, and address conflict, family dynamics, and partnership problems. To read more, please visit the Spirit West Management website.

About the Host – Rob Wallis

Rob has been providing expert planning and strategic advice for nearly 20 years, and has been with VELA Wealth since 2016. Rob excels at working with entrepreneurial professionals and business owners to define their individual ecosystems and establish meaningful life and financial goals. A methodical and analytical thinker, Rob compassionately navigates clients through the complexities of a thorough financial planning process ensuring that they feel understood and supported throughout. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

This episode features:

• The journey to success in the financial services industry.
• The importance of finding personal fulfilment, joy and purpose in life.
• The significance of being present.
• The key factor for happiness.
• The importance of being grateful.

About the Guest – Som Seif

CEO of Purpose Inc.
CEO of Purpose Unlimited

Som Seif is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Purpose, which he formed following the sale of Claymore Investments to BlackRock Inc. in March 2012 and the Co-Founder of WealthSimple Technologies Inc. Prior to Claymore Investments, Som was an investment banker with RBC Capital Markets. He has a strong commitment to community and is currently a member of the AGO Foundation Board, Next Canada Board, and UofT Pre-Campaign Committee and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Advisory Committee.

About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, you can expect to hear about:  

• What themes are influencing current asset allocation?
• How interest rates are affecting growth and returns right now?
• What value and role fixed income assets are playing in portfolios?
• While interest rates decrease, how does this affect growth prospects?
• What are the portfolio alternatives right now?
• Is crypto dead as an asset class?
• And much more!

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. Keith is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families by providing a clear and transparent vision to help them achieve their investment goals. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Rob Wallis

Rob has been providing expert planning and strategic advice for nearly 20 years, and has been with VELA Wealth since 2016. Rob excels at working with entrepreneurial professionals and business owners to define their individual ecosystems and establish meaningful life and financial goals. A methodical and analytical thinker, Rob compassionately navigates clients through the complexities of a thorough financial planning process ensuring that they feel understood and supported throughout. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the podcast is designed for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.  

In this podcast, we will discuss:

• The journey of Three Shores Development 
• Important qualities to form a good partnership
• The discipline to say “No” 
• Defining success at different stages of life
• Tolerating uncertainty through acceptance and planning 
• Setting goals and having the discipline to achieve them
• Balancing work and family as a full-time entrepreneur 

About the Guest – Mehdi Shokri 

Mehdi is inspired by the desire to create meaningful change through development and is driven by an overarching passion to make neighbourhoods better. He aims to align visually-inspiring environments with sustainable and profitable solutions. To read more, please visit the Three Shore website.

About the Guest – Barry Savage

Barry values precision and process. His goal is to take a focused, structured approach to development, and values the methodical process of any project. His passion is to carefully consider all details in order to execute a plan that works for all stakeholders. Inspired by the urban vibrancy of other big cities, Barry is interested in how land use can shape and create homes and communities. To read more, please visit the Three Shore website.

About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, we will talk about:

• The Earth Group Story
• Challenges of the business through Covid and post-pandemic recovery plan for success.
• Environmental benefits of using aluminium.
• Setting up partnership with the United Nations WFP and well-known brands around the globe.
• Advancing tenacity and resilience regardless of obstacles and other’s discouragement
• And much more!

About the Guests – Kori Chilibeck and Matt Moreau

Kori Chilibeck and Matt Moreau met in 2005 while working at Skiers Sportshop in Edmonton, Canada. Through extensive travel their eyes were opened to the dire circumstances in which a large percentage of the world lives. This instilled a sense of responsibility to do what they could to create positive change in the lives of people who need it most. In 2005 Matt and Kori started a social enterprise called Earth Water and donated 100% of their net profits to the United Nations World Food Programme. Please visit The Earth Group website to learn more. 

About the Host – Rob Wallis

Rob has been providing expert planning and strategic advice for nearly 20 years, and has been with VELA Wealth since 2016. Rob excels at working with entrepreneurial professionals and business owners to define their individual ecosystems and establish meaningful life and financial goals. A methodical and analytical thinker, Rob compassionately navigates clients through the complexities of a thorough financial planning process ensuring that they feel understood and supported throughout. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

This episode of the Polestar Podcast features:    

• Things to consider before selling your business
• Assessing personal and business readiness 
• Common misconception about the true value of the business. 
• The importance of involving professionals
• Smart tips to protect your interests
• And much more!

This episode of the Polestar Podcast features:    

·       How has the pandemic changed people’s priorities?

·       What defines a successful in life and in business? 

·       Why should business owners and entrepreneurs consider specialized consulting services?

·       Individual pension plans for entrepreneurs  and Tax-advantageous structures.

·       Key things to enhance the financial performance of the business.

·       Insights about the private health services plan (PHSP) and the importance of employee retention.

·       And more!

About the Guest – Dennis Serre

Since 1990, Dennis Serre and his wife Lisa have built and curated a team of leading tax experts with one truth in mind — every client's situation is unique. With the Income Tax Act as their playbook, Dennis and his knowledgeable team have provided expert advice to industry professionals and business owners alike, all to find value with a net benefit to the end client. Over the past decade, the Serre Financial team has grown to include many talented tax experts, each crafting superior solutions for each of the several thousand clients. To read more, please visit the Serre Financial website.

About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Disclaimer

The information expressed in the podcast is designed for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, we will talk about: 

• The entrepreneurial journey, and the switch from the tech to a consumer retail space.
• Gunkii tongue scrapper and its shared responsibility to serve those with lesser means.
• Jayesh definition of success and what he does in order to achieve his goals. 
• The philosophy behind failure and uncertainty. 
• And more!

About the Guest – Jayesh Parmar

Born in Saskatoon, Canada, San Francisco incubated, alumni of Toronto’s Extreme Startups, New York’s Canadian Technology Accelerator and Vancouver’s Hyper Growth Program; Jayesh now calls Vancouver, British Columbia home. He was the former CEO/Co-Founder of Picatic.com which was acquired by Eventbrite in 2018. Jayesh is an active investor, a lifelong student, and has jumped back into being a Co-CEO /Co-founder of Gunkii, the world's sexiest tongue scraper. Please visit Jayesh’s LinkedIn and Gunkii website for more information.


About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth. Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

This Polestar Podcast Investment Update episode features the following:  

• A market commentary on the second quarter of 2022.
• How inflation affects economic growth potential?
• The correlation between the US and Canadian markets?
• What assets to hold in your portfolio and how to properly allocate them?
• Well-performing stocks in Canada to keep an eye on.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan, CFA, is a Portfolio Manager at Harness Investment Management, with over 10 years of buy-side investment management experience. He is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios by fostering long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families and providing a clear and transparent vision to help them achieve their investment goals. Please visit Harness website for more information.

About the Host – Rob Wallis

Rob has been providing expert planning and strategic advice for nearly 20 years, and has been with VELA Wealth since 2016. Rob excels at working with entrepreneurial professionals and business owners to define their individual ecosystems and establish meaningful life and financial goals. A methodical and analytical thinker, Rob compassionately navigates clients through the complexities of a thorough financial planning process ensuring that they feel understood and supported throughout. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Disclaimer

The information expressed in the podcast is designed for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.  

Podcast Highlights:

• Explore the impact of technology on society and consumer interactions.
• Discover the growing importance of intersecting business and philanthropy in natural ways for consumers to engage. 
• Learn how business practices are evolving in relation to consumer expectations of sustainability. 
• Gain insight into consumerism, highlighting changes in buying behaviours and trends over the past 30 years.

About the Guest – Stewart Irvine, MerchUX & ESquared Foundation

Stewart is an accomplished technology entrepreneur and CEO with over 30 years of experience in innovating, founding, and leading groundbreaking companies. His expertise lies at the confluence of technology, media, and engagement, where he has consistently pioneered advancements that redefine industry paradigms. With a rich background in developing startups and steering them toward strategic exits, Stewart's business acumen is matched by his dedication to creating societal value, particularly in enhancing mental health and learning through advanced technologies.

Founding multiple revolutionary ventures, Stewart has demonstrated a unique ability to anticipate market needs and harness technology to deliver compelling solutions. Stewart's approach is holistic, integrating his technical prowess with a deep commitment to corporate social responsibility. His initiatives have not only set new benchmarks in business but also underscored the potential of technology to foster significant societal change. His vision for the future is not confined to commercial success but extends to leveraging technology for a sustainable and inclusive world.

In the realm of business development and leadership, Stewart stands out for his strategic foresight and ability to navigate complex market landscapes. His leadership style embodies agility and a capacity to think outside the box, qualities that have propelled his companies to the forefront of their respective industries.

About the Host – Jason Boudreau

Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth.

More specifically, Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. His satisfaction comes from watching clients fulfill their vision of life and create impact with their wealth, knowing that VELA played a role in bringing that vision to fruition for the benefit of current and future generations.

Jason is a long-standing, active member of CALU (The Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting), the leading advocacy group promoting the financial health of Canadians and influencing sound public policy. He is a sought-after speaker and contributor to a number of regular publications.

A proud family man, outside of the office Jason enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Carissa, their three wonderful children, Benjamin, Noah and Eleana and their Bernese Mountain dog Lucy. Jason is the Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Vancouver and an active member of the Thunderbird Football Alumni. He has a passion for leading an active lifestyle and as an avid golfer, can be found regularly pursuing mastery of the game that always seems to have mastered him.

Key highlights from this episode:

• Why Q1 2025 wasn’t as negative as it seemed—and what the TSX’s performance tells us
• How investor biases like recency and confirmation shape market sentiment
• The real impact of interest rates and what potential cuts could mean ahead
• Market volatility: separating tweet-driven noise from economic fundamentals
• Practical ways to stay resilient during uncertainty
• ...and more.

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the podcast transcript is designed for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product.  

Podcast Highlights:

• Explore BDC's unique approach to business banking and personalized client support.
• Discover the range of services offered by BDC, including funding, venture capital, and advisory services.
• Learn about current lending practices and the challenges faced by Canadian business owners today.
• Gain valuable insights into how BDC can help unlock potential for growth and innovation in your business.

About the Guest – Nicholas Drake, BDC

Nick Drake is a Senior Director in BDC Capital’s Growth & Transition Capital group in Vancouver where he focusses on providing cash flow loans, mezzanine debt and quasi-equity solutions to BC’s entrepreneurs. Before joining BDC Capital in 2018, Nick spent 10 years with a US headquartered Private Equity firm where he spearheaded the acquisition of more than 15 Canadian businesses and served on the boards of the Canadian platforms. Nicholas earned his Engineering and MBA degrees at UBC and is registered as a non-practicing Professional Engineer with EGBC.

About the Host – Rob Wallis

Rob has been providing expert planning and strategic advice for nearly 20 years and has been with VELA Wealth since 2016. He is a detail-oriented strategist with a proven track record. Rob excels at working with entrepreneurial professionals and business owners to define their individual ecosystems and establish meaningful life and financial goals. He has specialized expertise in guiding healthcare professionals who are building multi-location, and specialist clinics. A methodical and analytical thinker, Rob compassionately navigates clients through the complexities of a thorough financial planning process ensuring that they feel understood and supported throughout. Prior to joining the VELA team Rob worked in various client management, technical financial analysis, and financial planning roles both in Canada and the UK. Rob holds a BSc (Hons) in Investment & Real Estate Finance from the Cass Business School in London. British born and raised, Rob is a globe-trotting travel enthusiast who loves spending time with his family hitting the slopes and hiking.

Podcast Highlights:

• Explore the entrepreneurial spirit that drove Ali to start SideDrawer.
• Discover the challenges and triumphs faced during the company's growth.
• Learn about the innovative solutions SideDrawer provides for document management.
• Gain insights into the importance of adaptability in the startup landscape.

About the Guest – Ali M. Qureshi

Ali Qureshi is the Co-Founder of SideDrawer, an idea born out of a personal need for him and his family. The fear of his family not knowing where the insurance policies, investments, banking information in an increasingly digital world, was the catalyst behind the idea. The platform now is being used by financial services firms ranging in size from independent advisors to Tier1 banks to securely exchange and collaborate on sensitive information. Prior to joining SideDrawer, Ali was the Executive Director and Deputy Head of International Equities, for CIBC Global Markets, as well as UBS Securities Canada Inc, and KPMG LLP. Ali has also been involved in helping corporates raise equity, debt and convertible debt financing across a variety of industries. Ali has both CA, CPA and CFA designations, and graduated from Trinity College at the University of Toronto with an Honours in Business Communication. Ali lives in Toronto with his wife and three young children.

To learn more, visit Ali and SideDrawer on LinkedIn: 

• Ali Qureshi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alimbqureshi
• SideDrawer: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidedrawer/
   

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin diligently concentrates on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Key highlights of this episode:

• Market Reality vs. Headlines
• Long-Term Investment Discipline
• Hedging Against Volatility
• Political Uncertainty & Markets
• Investor Psychology Matters

About the Guest – Keith Allan

Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has engaged in a strategic partnership with VELA Wealth and provides discretionary portfolio management for many of VELA’s clients. With more than 15 years of buy-side investment management experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide insight and guidance to clients regarding their investment portfolios. At Harness, Keith is responsible for developing and maintaining investment portfolios for VELA clients. To learn more, please visit Harness Investment Management team page.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin is diligently concentrating on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.

Podcast Highlights:

Learn about essential considerations for building your estate plan and gain insights into the key trends that lead to estate litigation.

Discover WESA, its significance, and its purpose in BC. You will also hear compelling stories of how this Act has been enforced and the outcomes of these proceedings.

Gain insight into navigating the challenging waters of estate litigation and learn what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Explore Krista's approach to law, where she prioritizes compassion, understanding and fairness in all her work. Discover how this approach has proven invaluable in building her cases and helped her to support her clients effectively.

About the Guest – Krista Simon

Krista Simon is a Partner at Hammerco Lawyers specializing in Estate Litigation, Sexual & Elder Abuse and Personal Injury. Krista has 20 years of experience in civil litigation and joined Hammerco in 2004. She was also the first woman to join the partnership team.

Krista is a lawyer who does not shy away from a challenge. She is both strategic and engaging and gets involved in every stage of a claim and manages the litigation process – from investigating and coordinating rehabilitation and medical benefits, to consulting with executors and beneficiaries. For Krista, legal strategy and solutions are always top of mind.

A formidable litigator, Krista understands that not all cases require an adversarial approach that ends in a trial. She is also highly skilled in alternative dispute resolution, believing that mediation is often the best way to transform challenges into the best outcomes for her clients.

Learn more about Krista at Hammerco Lawyers LLP and get in touch with her via email, ksimon@hammerco.ca.

About the Host – Kevin Parton

Kevin Parton, CFP professional, specializes in personal and business financial planning, tax reduction, and estate planning. Kevin diligently concentrates on client education as a powerful strategy for building financial certainty. As no financial situation is the same, Kevin and his team monitor clients’ plans and implement personalized strategies to reduce their personal and corporate taxes, and protect their income, assets, and loved ones against the financial consequences of a serious illness, injury or death, ensuring clients maintain financial certainty and peace of mind. To read more, please visit the VELA team page.