Trailblaze introduces you to some of the innovators and game-changers Anthony Lacavera thinks you should know.
Hosted by Canadian venture capitalist and serial entrepreneur Anthony Lacavera, the show dives in to the challenges they have overcome and lessons learned throughout their careers.
From entrepreneurial resilience and conviction to longevity, this series full of inspiring stories has something to offer both established and aspiring change-makers.
Full episodes and recaps are available at AnthonyLacavera.com/podcast.
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The Future of Healthcare, Entrepreneurial Mindsets and Navigating Challenges
This episode of Trailblaze features Sabrina Fiorellino, a lawyer by background and entrepreneur at heart who has created several companies in her lifetime and has worked in mergers and acquisitions on Bay Street for years.
Sabrina is the CEO of Fero International, where she brought together several partners with backgrounds in construction, modular manufacturing and finance, pooling their expertise to pivot all of their existing businesses to create something in response to the pandemic. Sabrina sheds light on the main uses of Fero in the past two years and paints a vivid picture of its future over the next five years.
In this episode Sabrina shares the resilience and determination that shaped her entrepreneurial path through a compelling war story of facing challenges that almost led to calling it quits. The discussion explores the world of healthcare as Sabrina shares perspectives on the industry's challenges and opportunities. Learn about the evolving landscape of healthcare, especially with the integration of 5G and the increasing connectivity through technology like wearables and vital monitoring.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Sabrina offers valuable advice for young professionals who are eager to launch their careers or start their first business. This episode offers a wealth of insights into the mind of someone working to shape the future of healthcare.
Navigating the Unknown, Mental Toughness, Space Travel and Innovation
This episode of Trailblaze features Chris Hadfield, a Canadian astronaut, business leader, and tech entrepreneur. Having commanded the International Space Station and directed companies, he shares best practices and tactics on guiding teams through extreme circumstances of complexity and change, while also sharing the marvels and wonders of science and spaceflight.
Hadfield became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station (ISS) and has flown on multiple space missions. Known globally for his creative content on social media from space, Hadfield captivated the world with breathtaking photos, live Q&As, and a viral cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity."
In this episode, Commander Hadfield shares his early inspirations that ignited his passion for space exploration and propelled him on a trajectory beyond the limits of Earth. He reveals the training, meticulous preparations and mental fortitude required for the numerous space missions he has been part of. From the unique challenges of space missions to the daily routine aboard the ISS, listen for a glimpse into the resilience and mindset needed to navigate the unforgiving environment of outer space.
Commander Hadfield discusses what it was like to share his experiences with the world by creating the first-ever music video in space, the inspiration behind his content creation and the joy of representing Canada on a global scale. In addition to music, he is also a 5-time best-selling author and global speaker on leadership, change and managing life.
As a leading advocate for space exploration and science education post-retirement, he shares the projects that currently excites him and his role as an advisor to Canadian and international entrepreneurs, offering insights into the future of space exploration and beyond. In addition to now serving as a director and advisor to multiple tech companies including Space and Virgin Galactic, co-founding the Space Stream at Creative Destruction Lab (creating $1.6B of new business equity value in the past 5 years), he has also written 5 internationally bestselling books.
Trailblaze with Emilie Cushman
Season 1 · Episode 3
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 • Duration 38:34
When will society abandon stereotypes about women in tech? What was it like to raise money as a twenty-something female founder? On this episode Anthony sits down with entrepreneur Emilie Cushman to discuss the challenges she faced as a young woman in tech pitching investors, what it’s like for founders to hire a CEO who is not aligned, and the content that she is creating today to help young founders.
Recorded March 2022
About Emilie Cushman: Emilie Cushman is the Co-founder and CEO of Kira Talent. Kira Talent is one of Canada’s fastest growing companies in the higher education technology space, using holistic admissions software to help teams effectively, efficiently, and fairly identify applicants who will succeed in their program. Since its inception in 2012 out of the Next 36 program, Kira has raised over $8.8 million dollars in funding and most recently, exited to ETS, Education Testing Service in November of 2021. Kira Talent counts over 1000 university programs as clients, including programs at Yale, Harvard, Stanford and INSEAD, and over 1 million students have completed Kira applications. Prior to starting Kira, Emilie obtained her Bachelor of Business from University of Windsor in 2012 and that same year completed the Next 36 Entrepreneurial Institute. Emilie was named HSBC Woman Leader of Tomorrow 2012, Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada 2012, Next 36 Most Outstanding Venture Award 2012, the Geoff Taber Alumni Achievement Award 207, the University of Windsor Odyssey Award for Alumni Achievement 2017, Forbes Top 30 Under 30 in 2019, and EY Winning Women Program 2021.
As a key leader in the tech startup community, in this episode of the podcast, Anthony interviews Sunil Sharma, managing director of Techstars Toronto. Sunil shares his journey of becoming a partner at Extreme Ventures, bringing Techstars to Canada. He also shares his experience working as a Canadian diplomat and his involvement in the government of Canada's Foreign Affairs Department. Sunil talks about how he helped bring the Collision conference to Toronto and his connection to Africa, sharing the story of finding a Nigerian fintech company to invest in early on at Techstars. Sunil and Anthony discuss the tech boom in Africa, the types of programs and funding available for entrepreneurs, and the challenges that entrepreneurs face when trying to bring their businesses to Canada. They also discuss immigration policy and visas for entrepreneurs and what we can do to help entrepreneurs come to Canada. Lastly, Sunil and Anthony look to the future of the tech world and what they are most excited for such as metaverse, VR, and crypto.
Recorded March 2022
About Sunil Sharma: Sunil Sharma is the Managing Director of Techstars Toronto (Techstars is the world’s biggest startup accelerator). At Techstars, Sunil has made 76 direct investments in tech startups based in 16 countries across the world. He is also the Director of the Founder Institute in Toronto and Waterloo (Founder Institute is the world’s biggest startup pre-accelerator). At Founder Institute, Sunil has launched more than 350 new startups. Sunil is also Co-Host of the Collision Conference and Web Summit (Web Summit including Collision and RISE is the world’s biggest tech conference). Prior to Techstars, Sunil was a Managing Partner with Extreme Venture Partners, a Canadian early-stage venture capital fund where he led more than 20 investments and deployed more than $5M in capital. Sunil was also co-founder and Managing Director of Extreme Startups where he ran 3 successful cohorts and made 15 investments as part of one of Canada’s earliest tech accelerator funds (backed by 5 prominent Canadian VC funds). Sunil is a public speaker, often delivering keynotes on globalization of startups, immigration, marketing and fundraising. Sunil is often called upon as a judge at startup competitions and as an MC for large conferences and events (such as Collision). Sunil possesses a rare background that spans across the worlds of entrepreneurship, investment and international diplomacy. Sunil was a career member of Canada’s Foreign Service where he last served as the Consulate Head in Southern California. Previously Sunil represented Canada at the United Nations and served at the Canadian Space Agency. Sunil was born in Canada to immigrant parents. Sunil has lived extensively across Canada including many years in Edmonton, Halifax, Moncton, Kamloops, Victoria, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.
Coming Soon | Trailblaze with Anthony Lacavera
Monday, September 26, 2022 • Duration 00:49
Subscribe for upcoming episodes of Trailblaze with Anthony Lacavera.
Trailblaze with Arlene Dickinson
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 • Duration 38:42
Venture Capital, Empowering Canadian Entrepreneurs, Women in Business & Dragon’s Den
This episode of Trailblaze features Arlene Dickinson, Founder and Managing General Partner of District Ventures Capital and Co-Managing Partner at Believeco:Partners.
In this episode, hear Arlene’s story from her humble beginnings to becoming one of Canada's most successful entrepreneurs and investors. From joining Venture Communications in 1988 to owning the company within a decade, Dickinson shares the challenges faced personally and professionally in building a business empire.
Addressing the gender disparity in venture capital funding, she discusses the need for change and advocates for increased support for female founders.
As a Dragon on CBC’s Dragons' Den for 15 seasons, Arlene shares her experiences and insights into her most successful investments. Reflecting on her passion for Canada, Dickinson shares what the country represents to her and whether it remains the best place to start a business.
She shares how she has built a business growth ecosystem focused on helping Canadian consumer goods companies scale and become global brands. Learn about the inspiration behind this vision and the unique niche in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
Under Arlene’s leadership, District Ventures Capital has established a portfolio of ground-breaking companies that are transforming the way we live and eat. Most recently Arlene became Co-Managing Partner at Believeco:Partners, an independent Canadian-based owner, operator, and builder of the foremost marketing communications, and engagement agencies in North America. It was Dickinson’s vision that brought this platform to life resulting in the creation of a powerhouse marketing consolidator.
Trailblaze with Reza Satchu
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 • Duration 32:10
Mindset, Resilience, Exits and Entrepreneurship Education
This episode of Trailblaze features Reza Satchu, the Founder and Managing Partner at Alignvest Management Corporation, a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, and the Founding Chairman of NEXT Canada.
In this episode, Satchu shares the mindset that shaped his early career and laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures.
Satchu discusses the consistent frameworks and strategies employed in co-founding, building, and managing various businesses. He describes the challenges he faced during these ventures and the resilience required to overcome obstacles, including the complexities of selling a business.
Having founded NEXT Canada, Satchu provides a deep dive into the mission of accelerating the growth trajectory of Canadian entrepreneurs, and the traits and qualities he looks for in entrepreneurs.
With a wealth of experience in working with entrepreneurs across diverse fields, Satchu shares common traits and mindsets found in successful individuals. Listen for insights into overcoming obstacles and self-doubt, and explore Satchu’s perspective on the productivity gap in Canadian entrepreneurship compared to the United States.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Satchu imparts valuable advice, reflecting on lessons learned and common mistakes made by founders.
Reza has received Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, McGill University Annual Leadership Award and is a member of the Canadian Advisory Board for Harvard Business School.
Michele Romanow's Journey, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and Navigating Success in Canada
This episode of Trailblaze features Michele Romanow, a Canadian tech entrepreneur, television personality, board director and venture capitalist. She co-founded Clearco, which has provided over 10,000 e-commerce businesses with $2.5B of working capital. She was been named as one of the Forbes Top 20 Most Disruptive "Millennials on a Mission" in 2013, one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada in 2015, and Canadian Innovation Awards’ Angel Investor of the Year in 2018. Romanow joined the cast of CBC’s Dragons' Den in Season 10.
In this episode recorded in September 2022, we discuss the dynamic journey of Michele Romanow, a serial entrepreneur and one of Canada's most influential business leaders. From her early interest in business to founding Clearco (formerly Clearbanc), Michele shares the inspiring story of her entrepreneurial evolution.
As the youngest Dragon on Dragon's Den, Michele discusses imposter syndrome and offers valuable insights for those battling self-doubt. She shares her thoughts on being a role model for young Canadians and female founders and explores the changing landscape of entrepreneurship in Canada.
Michele dives into the resilience inherent in every entrepreneur's DNA, offering tips on handling adversity and managing stress during challenging times. She candidly reflects on moments of contemplating calling it quits and shares her experience navigating employee layoffs at Clearco.
The episode also explores the crucial role of mentors in an entrepreneur's journey and shares the impactful mentors in Michele's life. Balancing her roles as CEO, board director, Dragon and personal life, Michele talks about her daily routine and shares valuable tips for achieving work-life balance.
Michele also shares advice she would give her 18-year-old self, drawing from the wealth of experience she has gained throughout her remarkable career. Join us for an insightful and motivating conversation with a true trailblazer in Canadian entrepreneurship.
Trailblaze with Dr. Richard Isaacson
Season 2
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 • Duration 49:55
Navigating Neurology, Alzheimer's Prevention, and Lifestyle Interventions
This episode of Trailblaze features Dr. Richard S. Isaacson who is the Founder of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, the Director of Research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida, and the Director of the Precision Prevention Program Atria Institute New York / Palm Beach.
In this episode, we trace the origins of Dr. Isaacson’s medical and entrepreneurial career, from early aspirations to the specialized field of neurology, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease.
Isaacson shares the groundbreaking work taking place at the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic as he sheds light on its unique approach compared to traditional methods.
As a vocal advocate for lifestyle interventions to combat neurodegenerative diseases with a TED talk on the topic, he shares the most effective lifestyle changes and the simplest actions that the average person can take to improve their health in the long run.
We dive into stories of resilience from Dr. Isaacson’s career, as he shares significant hurdles faced in research and clinical work. He describes the moments when perseverance proved essential, shaping a career dedicated to understanding and combating neurological diseases.
Dr. Isaacson provides unique insights into the changing public perception of neurological diseases, and the role of media in spreading awareness and educating the public on health issues, particularly preventable diseases.
Dr. Richard S. Isaacson is a pioneering neurologist with a focus on the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. He is the Founder and Former Director of the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic, a first-of-its-kind in the world, at Weill Cornell Medicine & New York Presbyterian, where he was also Assistant Dean of Faculty Development and Associate Professor of Neurology. Prior to this, Dr. Isaacson was Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology and Vice Chair for Education at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Isaacson has also previously served as Director of the Center for Brain Health at Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine, and as Associate Medical Director of the Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders at Mount Sinai.
Trailblaze Season 2 Trailer
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 • Duration 01:11
Trailblaze Season 2 is officially live!
My show highlights incredible people from my network with stories of resilience who share both business and personal challenges. Listen for lessons learned through the eyes of leaders who strive to challenge the status quo.
This season's guests include Canadian VCs and Dragon’s Arlene Dickinson and Michele Romanow, educators Reza Satchu and Dr. Richard Isaacson, serial founder Sabrina Fiorellino, and astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield.
All episodes are now available at AnthonyLacavera.com/podcast.
Listen to get a sense of the impact space travel has on health, both physical and psychological, as Commander Hadfield shares his personal experiences in preparing his body and mind for the challenges of space and recovering upon returning to Earth.
Recorded in beautiful Muskoka, during this episode Anthony and Chris reflect on his health journey and impart wisdom on longevity, offering unique perspectives to challenge conventional thinking.
Today, Commander Hadfield continues to trailblaze as he extends his wisdom to those venturing into uncharted waters, advising individuals pursuing cutting-edge businesses, research and innovation.
This episode was recorded on September 8, 2023. Trailblaze is produced by CreatorClub. Create your podcast at https://creatorclubstudios.com.
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