Entrepreneurs Exposed

In this episode, we chat with the CEO of Ether Capital, Brian Mosoff. In this round 2 with Brian, we get his take on the recent bull run and this year's run-up in the value of both Etherium and Bitcoin - we also talk about stable coins; all things NFT's (non-fungable tokens), and the latest trends in that sliver of the market; access points where the average person can invest and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirk Simpson is the co-founder and CEO of Wave, an accounting software company supporting over 400,000 active small businesses. Wave was acquired in June 2019 by H&R Block for over $537M – the 7th largest tech exit in Canada since 2001. In addition, Kirk was honored as one of Canada's Most Admired CEOs in 2019. In this EP, we discuss the company's rise to prominence on the Fintech stage; the company's sale to H&R Block, and important pieces of advice Kirk shares with his kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally aired: 2018 Alex Ikonn has co-founded several businesses (Luxy Hair, Five Minute Journal, Productivity Planner) and also runs a creative agency called Dreamers & Creators, based in London, UK. He shares all of his entrepreneurial and life activities with his wife and business partner, Mimi Ikonn, who is by all accounts, a major online celebrity. In this episode, we discuss Alex’s businesses, the serendipity that is the "Tim Ferriss Effect", growing a company through organic content, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Ang is the co-founder and CEO of Second Closet, Canada’s largest valet-storage company. Second Closet has raised over $35M in financing and is over 600 people strong. In this episode, we talk about the first few years of working 18 hours a day; getting punched in the face, both metaphorically and literally; the importance of articulating core values; Mark's views on taking venture money; the shift to fulfillment from consumer storage services; and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elly Gheno is the Founder + CEO of BootayBag, an intimate subscription box for women. Elly's initial version of the company started as store-bought undies repackaged in recycled Amazon boxes with tissue paper and a love note; it's now turned into a full-blown brand and community of women, with over 210k followers on Instagram. In this EP, we discuss the birth of the brand, Elly's appearance on ABC's Shark Tank, what it means to be a first-time female founder at the helm of a huge success story, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bradley Taylor is an independent high-end watchmaker. He previously founded Birchall and Taylor before going out on his own to produce some of the most beautiful timepieces in the world. Schooled in Le Locle, Switzerland he spent 3 years learning the craft before earning certifications from both Patek Philippe and Hublot. In this EP, we discuss Brad's origin story; his latest series; the bustling secondary watch market; the "big 3" - Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is a conversation with Mark Cigos, the Co-Founder of Buddha Brands Co. The company’s hugely popular Thirsty Buddha coconut water is flying off retail shelves and is a market leader in natural organics. In this EP, Mark and I discuss the state of play in grocery and organics; tech trends in the food sector and what lies ahead; how consumer behavior has changed, and what changes might be permanent; challenges related to work culture and leadership during a pandemic, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Farhan Thawar is currently VP, Engineering at Shopify after the acquisition of Helpful.com, where he was co-founder and CTO. Among other things, Farhan is an avid writer and speaker and was named one of Toronto's 25 most powerful people. In this wide-ranging EP, we hit on a number of topics including Farhan's journey starting and growing Helpful.com, his philosophies, and approaches to finding talent; the shortcomings of doing interviews; his "rule ignorer" mindset; Shopify's unique work culture, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connie Steele is the co-founder of Flywheel Associates and host of the Strategic Momentum Podcast. Connie is also the author of Building the Business of You: A System to Align Passion and Growth Potential Through Your Own Career Mash-Up. With over 20 years of combined Fortune 500, mid-size company, and startup experience, she has observed how business is no longer binary, or absolute. We explore the future of work as well as the notion of "fluidity"; the importance of a portfolio career, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Adamson is the co-founder of SkipTheDishes. "Skip" is now one of the most recognized consumer brands in Canada serving hundreds of thousands daily. Now, Jeff has moved on to his next venture, as a co-founder of banking disruptor, Neo Financial. In this EP, we chat about Jeff's background as a professional wrestler; the origins and evolution of SKIP, and the sale to Just Eat; Neo Financial, Jeff's new venture in Canadian banking, and more. Become a supporter!: https://glow.fm/e2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim Kaupe (@kimkaupe) is the co-founder and CEO of The Superfan Company. Her team has collaborated with Oprah, Amazon, AMEX, The New York Mets, KISS, Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, and more. Kim was named to Forbes 30 Under 30, and Inc.’s 35 Under 35 list. She was also featured on ABC’s primetime show, Shark Tank in season 5. In this EP, we discuss Kim's experience on Shark Tank; why your reputation in business is so important; bootstrapping an agency; and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joseph Del Moral is a serial entrepreneur and the current co-founder and CEO of Field Trip Health, a Canadian public company dedicated to healing through therapeutic psychedelics. In this EP, we discuss questions individuals should be asking if they want to determine whether they're a candidate for this type of treatment; Peter Thiel-backed Compass Pathways, an industry trailblazer pursuing FDA approval for its synthetic version of psilocybin; and what the future holds for Field Trip and its counterparts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Chambers is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Subscription Trade Association (SUBTA). His extensive expertise in eCommerce and subscription dates back more than two decades, having been recognized by media outlets all over the globe. He is also the Co-Founder of Gentleman's Box, Core3 Solutions, Moka Boka, and Unity Management Systems. In this EP, we cover each of his businesses, his newest venture in conferences, and what subscription companies like Disney, Netflix, and MeUndies are doing differently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Morantz is the founder of Snack Conscious, a snacking company committed to giving the consumer the cleanest, healthiest, and tastiest snacks available. He is also an executive entrepreneur and turnaround CEO. In this one, we discuss Craig's COVID story, and what has happened to his business since March; reinventing a brand during a pandemic; the importance of empathy, and being less of an asshole; why giving up alcohol, and a smartphone has been transformational, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Warrillow is the founder of The Value Builder System, now used by thousands of businesses worldwide. He's the author of 3 books, including the best-selling Built to Sell recognized by Fortune as one of the best business books of 2011. John is also the host of Built to Sell Radio and an entrepreneur who has exited 4 companies. In this EP, we discuss if this is the right time to sell a business; the state of the M&A market; how to boost your valuation; the secret to getting a deal done, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Smith is the co-founder of Strategyzer, an innovation company helping enterprises create new growth. The company's Business Model Canvas has been used by millions around the globe. In today's round 2 with Alan, we discuss the idea of investing in a portfolio of ideas; the real stats stemming from venture capital investments in start-ups; how entrepreneurs can innovate right now; and more. Support the show here - https://glow.fm/e2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Chapman is one of the youngest individuals inducted into the Marketing Hall of Legends, a testament to a storied career in the ad-agency world. Tony has spoken around the globe on all topics related to marketing, advertising, and branding. In this EP, we cover the latest Forbes global brand rankings; we also discuss the latest trends in retail; the importance of attention, and selling into "moments"; #Bezos, and more. EP Sponsor: Bruush https://bruush.com/ - use the code E215 for a 15% discount Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philip McKernan is one of the most sought after executive leadership coaches globally. He is in high demand in the world of entrepreneurship as well as sports. In this amazing EP, we discuss the difference between control and influence; the state of relationships in the wake of the pandemic, why working parents are more patient with their clients than they are with their kids, and more. EP Sponsor: Bruush https://bruush.com/ - use the code E215 for a 15% discount Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fatima Zaidi is the co-founder and CEO of Quill, Inc. the world’s first one-stop marketplace and agency dedicated solely to podcasters, and brands interested in launching a show. In this episode, we discuss podcast industry stats and major trends; M&A activity including Spotify's acquisition of Gimlet, Anchor, and the Joe Rogan Experience; challenges related to monetization, and more. EP Sponsor: Bruush https://bruush.com/ - use the code E215 for a 15% discount Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, we're checking in again with my colleague Adam Mutschler, who is based in Washington to get his take on what's happening one week after the US election. Adam is a Partner at The Kedar Group, and has a tremendous understanding of how leaders work in high stakes environments ranging in scope from startups to Fortune 100’s. He is also a go-to for anything related to US politics. EP Sponsor: Bruush https://bruush.com/ - use the code E215 for a 15% discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Demsky is the co-founder of Unbound Merino - a clothing brand that has its nailed positioning around product quality, and lifestyle. In this EP we discuss Unbound's success with Facebook ad buys, why top entrepreneurs wear a "uniform", whether Amazon is going to move fast into luxury goods, and more. EP Sponsor: RBC Call your RBC Advisor or contact the RBC Advice Centre at 1-800-ROYAL20 EP Sponsor: Bruush https://bruush.com/ - use the code E215 for a 15% discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Mosoff is the CEO of Ether Capital (ETHC). In this EP, we discuss the recent bull run and the run-up in the value of both Etherium and Bitcoin; we also chat about Bitcoin and Etherium as safe-haven assets; the role of major exchanges; access points where individuals can invest in cryptocurrency, and more. EP Sponsor: RBC - to open an RBC deposit account remotely or learn more about solutions that go beyond banking, call your RBC Advisor or contact the RBC Advice Centre at 1-800-ROYAL20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Mutschler is a Partner at The Kedar Group, and has a tremendous understanding of how leaders work in high stakes environments ranging in scope from startups to Fortune 100's. He is also a go-to for anything related to US politics. In this episode, we discuss the Presidential debates, Trump's COVID19 diagnosis, what election outcome increases the probability of major civil unrest, the possibility of state succession, and more. EP Sponsor: RBC To open an RBC deposit account remotely or learn more about solutions that go beyond banking to support your business, call your RBC Advisor or contact the RBC Advice Centre at 1-800-ROYAL20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(In dedication) - John Ruffolo is the founder of OMERS Ventures and the co-founder of the Council of Canadian Innovators. He has invested over $500 million of capital in over 40 technology companies including Shopify, Hootsuite, Wattpad, and others. John also sits on the board of Canopy Rivers, Continuum Residential REIT and Ether Capital. In this EP, we discuss Canada's response to COVID19, and the first phase of reopening, why testing needs to be privatized, what economic recovery looks like, and more. Originally aired: May 28, 2020 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Priemer is widely recognized as a thought leader in the area of sales and sales leadership. Often referred to as the "Sales Professor", David helps organizations drive revenue growth, people development, and winning cultures by infusing the core principles of science, empathy, and execution into their sales operations. In this deep dive into sales, we discuss why people buy, objection handling using the word BECAUSE, why we seem to hate salespeople, and much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was recorded back in early March 2020, with Satish Kanwar, the current GM, and VP of Product at Shopify. Because things were developing so quickly related to the Coronavirus, we never did get a chance to release it, so here it is! Satish oversees the development of eCommerce, retail, and multi-channel shopping for over one million merchants globally. He previously co-founded Jet Cooper, which was acquired by Shopify in order to establish its product development footprint in Toronto. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isaac Langleben, is the co-founder of Open Farm Pet Food, one of North America's fastest-growing premium pet food companies. In this episode, we discuss the growth of the pet industry, and how Millenials have changed the entire market for pets and related products; we also discuss how shopping behavior has changed during the pandemic; Isaac's plan to crystalize the customer experience online; working alongside your spouse and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Holmes is the President of GOBA Sports group, and the co-founder of Springfree Trampoline. In this one, we discuss how the virus has impacted Springfree's business, in particular, how it's bolstered demand for trampolines in every major market across the globe; how the company has responded to this shift to backyard play; GOBA's supply chains, Chinese manufacturing, why preserving quality is key and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Smith, is the founder of Ugg, one of the biggest global footwear brands. He is back on the show for a second time to discuss his pivot out of public speaking in the wake of the pandemic, and his latest start-up; we also discuss key lessons from Brian's book, The Birth of a Brand; his experience navigating through recessions; why Brian ultimately decided to sell UGG in 1995, and more. "It takes a societal shift to build a billion-dollar company" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bruce Linton is the former Chairman, Founder, and CEO at Canopy Growth. In this EP, we discuss his departure from Canopy, and what he plans to do next; his philosophy around the 3 P's, and why each is critical to hypergrowth; the role of leader, vs. CEO; the commercialization of Cannabis both in Canada and in the US; the role of psychedelics as therapeutics, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philip McKernan is one of the most sought after executive leadership coaches globally. He is also in demand in the world of entrepreneurship as well as sports where he works with individual athletes as well as professional teams. In this interview, we discuss the difference between control and influence; the state of relationships in the wake of the pandemic, why working parents are often more patient with their clients, than they are with their kids, the cost of cheating on yourself, and more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Ruffolo is the founder of OMERS Ventures and the co-founder of the Council of Canadian Innovators. He has invested over $500 million of capital in over 40 technology companies including Shopify, Hootsuite, Wattpad, and others. John also sits on the board of Canopy Rivers, Continuum Residential REIT and Ether Capital. In this EP, we discuss Canada's response to COVID19, and the first phase of reopening, why testing needs to be privatized, what economic recovery looks like, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Antoine Bovet, is the co-founder and CEO of Oatbox. Focused on delivering healthy breakfast cereal products to consumers in North America, Oatbox delivers direct to subscriber doors on a monthly basis. Things have changed in a big way as a result of the pandemic. In this EP, we discuss Oatbox's demand crunch, how team culture has improved despite working remotely, challenges related to hiring during a pandemic, trends in the food sector, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa Iarocci is the CEO & President of McCarthy Uniforms, Canada’s largest public sector school uniform manufacturer & distributor. With schools closed due to COVID-19, McCarthy has pivoted to manufacturing PPE at scale, serving custodians in the workplace and on the front lines. We discuss how Vanessa's company has executed this phenomenal shift, what manufacturing PPE at scale looks like, the role of China's supply chain, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Berard is the founder and CEO of Jagger, a modern headhunting firm that works with companies to help them find the right people to accomplish their goals. In this EP, we discuss who is hiring, and the state of recruiting during COVID-19; how companies are onboarding new employees (virtually), how to land a job in today's market; whether big ticket salaried jobs are still being filled, what you can do if you've just been laid off; the future of work, and more. EP feature: Stay safe, andg et your prescription delivered directly to you, free - go to: www.mortarpestle.ca to get started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shant Mardirosian is the founder of The Burger's Priest - which sold to Recipe Unlimited in 2017. Shant's new restaurant initiative, called the Fourth man in the fire, is taking shape in ways he couldn't have imagined in a food scene plagued by a global crisis. In this one, we discuss Fourth Man's unique business model, the death of the food critic, why many restaurants will never open again, and how Shant has seen sales pick up in the wake of COVID 19 while much of the industry is being choked by little or no revenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ilana Ben-Ari is a multiple-award-winning design entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker, and founder of 21Toys; a company that has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Bloomberg, ... her invention, The Empathy Toy was praised by TIME magazine as a “technology that is reshaping the future”. In this conversation, we discuss how 21Toys has gone from a company running in-person training, and workshops all over the globe, to a radically different business model supported by a now fully remote team. We also discuss the importance of empathy, creativity, and resilience, how we're all trying to adapt to this "great pause" and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first episode of our special series focused on businesses and their founders navigating these unchartered waters, we are in conversation with Founder/ CEO of Kognitive Marketing Josh Singer. In this conversation, we are focusing on how Kognitive has gone from millions in revenue to near zero, and from 546 employees down to 20 as a result of the pandemic. And despite this new reality, Josh believes he will come out stronger on the other side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Ronzio is the founder and CEO of Trainual, a leading SaaS company helping fast-growing businesses automate their onboarding and training by documenting every process in one simple system. In this episode, we get into the origins of the Trainual, whether a start-up's geographical location matters, the concept of tool overload, email hacks such as getting to "inbox zero", why deleting your email folders is perhaps the most efficient productivity move for your sanity, and much more. Support the show here: https://glow.fm/e2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Owen, is the co-founder at one of Canada’s most promising e-commerce businesses, Rent Frock Repeat. Lisa's team is turning the retail model on its head, and leading the sharing economy while ensuring women across Canada of any age, race, or economic status have the opportunity to access amazing fashion while also reducing their collective carbon-footprint. In this episode, we dig into the burgeoning world of "renting fashion", discussing the likes of Rent the Runway, Gwynnie Bee, Stitch Fix, and more; Lisa's take on business partnerships, her experience fund raising, the company's appearance on Dragon's Den, why fashion is the second biggest polluter on the planet and what Lisa's company is doing about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Gallacher is the Chairman, and co-founder of Performance Phenomics — a health care company at the edge of stroke and concussion research. Drafted to the NHL in 2010, Ben played Division I NCAA hockey, before graduating from the University of Massachusetts and then subsequently pivoting away from a career in hockey in favor of entrepreneurship. We hit on the company's big pivot after a target market failure, stepping aside as CEO and knowing when to do it, finding your "north star", and more. Support the show here: https://glow.fm/e2/ EP Sponsor: https://www.gohenry.com/us/?utm_campaign=Feb2020trial&utm_source=e2&utm_medium=podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Marcaccio is the Co-Founder and CEO of the budding lifestyle physical therapy brand, Myodetox. Through the power of a brand-first approach and an industry-leading social media strategy, Myodetox has forged partnerships with global brands including Nike, Equinox, and Lululemon. In this EP, we discuss the pull of Instagram as a customer acquisition tool, the explosion of boutique fitness, building a business with purpose, and way more. Support the show here: https://glow.fm/e2/EP Sponsor: https://www.gohenry.com/us/?utm_campaign=Feb2020trial&utm_source=e2&utm_medium=podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shant Mardirosian, is the founder of The Burgers Priest - arguably the biggest Canadian burger success story in recent memory, and a chain that has changed the entire culture of the food scene. Shant, a dedicated Christian, went from pastoral ministry into entrepreneurship, and his story is unbelievable. In this episode, we get into Shant's journey, which begins with his desire to find purpose, his experience dealing with fear and burnout, the company's recent exit, and much more. Originally released: Dec 2018 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cameron Herold is a lifelong entrepreneur, and the head of the COO Alliance, the largest global network for the second in command. In this conversation, we dive into the differences in personality traits with respect to CEOs and COO's, leadership topics such as conflict management, and getting to inbox zero; why meetings are often unproductive, how to calculate the cost of a meeting, the real stressors that founders and CEO's deal with behind the scenes, and more. Support E2 here! https://glow.fm/e2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special 60th EP, we chat with Dani Lipkin, Innovation Sector Head for Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV). In this deep dive into technology IPO's, we discuss steps to a public offering, the right company profile, common misconceptions about going public, some of the Canadian tech unicorns that went public early and more. Support E2 here! https://glow.fm/e2/ EP Sponsor: https://www.metro.ca/ - use the code: E215 for $15 off your order of $50 or more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Debow was CEO and a co-founder at Helpful.com, a startup backed by Bessemer Ventures that was acquired by Shopify in 2019. Prior to Helpful, Dan co-founded Rypple which was acquired by Salesforce. He is also a founding Partner of the Creative Destruction Lab at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and an early investor in over 50 technology companies including Wealthsimple, Ritual, SkipTheDishes, and others. In this EP, we get into Dan's framework for startup ideation, how he met Paypal's Peter Thiel, Dan's philosophy around angel investing, and much more. EP sponsor: https://unboundmerino.com/ Support the show here!: https://glow.fm/e2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mitchell Stern, is a co-founder of Station - a Canadian category leader in cold brew coffee, and a beverage company at the forefront of quality and functionality. In this EP, we talk about the company's rise of its amazingly popular Station Cold Brew coffee, how Mitch and his other co-founders came to the CPG world without any prior industry experience, the advantage of being naive, and the exciting world of CBD and other budding beverage trends. EP sponsor: https://unboundmerino.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Farhan Thawar is currently VP, Engineering at Shopify after the acquisition of helpful.com, where he was co-founder and CTO. He is an avid writer and speaker, recently named one of Toronto's 25 most powerful people. In this episode, we discuss Farhan's journey growing Helpful.com, his approach to finding and hiring talent, the shortcomings of doing interviews, Shopify's unique work culture, the importance of building mental models, and much more. EP sponsor: https://unboundmerino.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chad Olin is the founder of Cuba Candela. After receiving an MBA from Harvard Business School, Olin decided to pursue his passion for travel, launching CUBA CANDELA in 2016. And, in this EP we talk about his transition from Wall Street to entrepreneurship, meditation self discovery, and insulating yourself from negative emotions, the history of the Cuban revolution and the impact of US politics, building a business at the intersection of experience and impact, and more. Enjoy! EP sponsor: https://www.eonetwork.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Hyatt is the co-founder of BlueCat Networks, which was sold to Madison Dearborn Partners, of Chicago, IL. He serves as a board member and director of BlueCat, and ranks as one of Canada’s top entrepreneurs. Michael also sits on the Board of Advisors of Georgian Partners, one of Canada’s leading venture capital firms and was a recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices