Insights Into Wealth

Today, Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s VP and Portfolio Manager, is joined by Savva Cherdantsev, BULLWEALTH’s Managing Director, Research & Investments, to discuss our approach to oversight and due diligence of your investment managers. Due diligence has been a cornerstone of BULLWEALTH’s investment process for over 25 years, and while our approach continues to evolve, it remains grounded in a disciplined quarterly review of each investment manager’s performance, including the key drivers and attributes behind these results. In today’s discussion, Randy and Savva outline our due diligence framework, the insights generated from our ongoing oversight, and the enhanced sell discipline we have developed over the past year to better determine when a manager should be replaced. We hope today’s podcast provides greater insight into how we oversee your investment managers and enhances your transparency of your investment portfolio.

Today, Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s VP and Portfolio Manager, sits down with Mike Werbowecki, Senior Vice President at NFP Canada, who brings more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, primarily within group pension plans at firms such as Clarica, Equitable Life, and Manulife. Their discussion focuses on employer-sponsored pension plans in Canada, with particular attention to Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plans, including the current state of these plans, their limitations, the responsibilities of plan sponsors, and best practices for achieving strong outcomes for plan members. Mike also highlights the challenges both plan sponsors and members are likely to face in the years ahead, particularly as the shift from Defined Benefit to Defined Contribution plans continues. Together, Randy and Mike offer a thoughtful and insightful conversation that provides practical guidance for navigating employer-sponsored pension plans.

Today, BULLWEALTH brings together its portfolio management team, along with Savva Cherdantsev, Managing Director of Research & Investments, for our second annual Lessons Learned podcast. Following the strong reception to last year’s inaugural episode, where we discussed key challenges and successes from 2024, we have reconvened to reflect on the lessons learned throughout 2025. These insights span a wide range of topics, including whether market breadth is broadening or remains concentrated among mega-cap technology companies, how to construct portfolios amid strong global capital markets and slowing economic fundamentals, what clients can expect from BULLWEALTH’s enhanced Watch List process for evaluating and changing investment managers, and how we manage portfolio liquidity when certain securities cannot be readily sold. We hope this wide-ranging discussion provides useful perspective and helps inform decision-making for your portfolio in 2026 and beyond.

Today, Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s VP & Portfolio Manager, speaks with Michael Kulbak of Kulbak Trust Solutions about terminal tax returns—often the single largest tax liability an individual will face—and why proactive planning and expert guidance are essential. Their discussion covers what terminal returns are, how deemed disposition works, and the use of optional returns, marginal tax rates, and available credits to minimize taxes and maximize benefits for heirs. A key message is the importance of working with professionals experienced in these filings, as many accountants may miss valuable elections or nuances. They also outline common executor pitfalls, including managing estate liquidity, meeting filing deadlines, canceling benefits, reporting registered accounts correctly, and obtaining CRA clearance certificates before distributing assets. Since estate distribution is the moment when a client’s lifelong wealth is ultimately allocated, thoughtful guidance during this stage is critical.

In today’s podcast, Kevin Van Dyk, Managing Director at BULLWEALTH, speaks with Adam Burns, Vice President of Investments at Fulcra Asset Management, to explore the firm’s distinctive approach to fixed income investing. Adam explains how Fulcra, founded in 2009, applies a bottom-up process that evaluates companies across the capital structure—from senior secured loans to subordinated debt. He highlights how Fulcra differentiates itself from traditional fixed income managers by avoiding index constraints, instead targeting mispriced securities in small to mid-sized North American companies. Adam also discusses Fulcra’s barbell strategy, combining government and investment-grade securities with tactical and special situation opportunities to enhance yield, while managing risk. Finally, Adam outlines how the investment team leverages due diligence, credit rating arbitrage, and event-driven strategies such as merger arbitrage to identify value and drive both income and capital appreciation for investors.

Today, Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s VP & Portfolio Manager, speaks with Dr. Maureen Dunne, a cognitive scientist, and international expert and author on neurodiversity, to explore what neurodivergence means and why recognizing it is vital in today’s workplace. Their conversation begins with defining neurodiversity as the broad range of ways our brains can work—encompassing strengths, challenges, and neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia—and why these differences should be viewed as strengths. They discuss how embracing neurodivergence drives fresh perspectives, innovative problem-solving, and helps teams avoid groupthink, ultimately boosting creativity and performance. Maureen also explains how neurodivergent individuals can bring unique skills that makes them valuable contributors in an evolving world shaped by AI. Randy and Maureen’s conversation is inspiring, highlighting how leveraging cognitive diversity can uncover hidden talent and create stronger, more innovative teams.

Today, Tammy Huitema, Managing Director at BULLWEALTH, introduces listeners to BULLWEALTH’s newest partner, Leanne Rodrigo. Leanne brings a wealth of experience from her years in the tax field, having worked at firms such as Grant Thornton and Cadesky Tax, where she advised families on a wide range of tax-related decisions. In this engaging conversation, Tammy and Leanne cover a variety of topics—from Leanne’s path to becoming an accountant, to the areas she focuses on in her daily work, to her personal life, including her two daughters and their activities.

Today, Randy Gunn BULLWEALTH’s VP & Portfolio Managers sits down with Nimali Gamage, Managing Partner at the law firm Goddard Gamage LLP to discuss the key issues that parents with disabled children should consider when building out their estate plan. Most parents want to protect and support their children while also enhancing their autonomy and independence. When the child is an adult disabled child, the legal issues around balancing protection and autonomy are numerous and complex. This podcast touches on some of the issues that arise regarding legal issues for disabled adults, such as estate planning tools, Henson trusts, guardianship, powers of attorney, ODSP issues, and the use of a RDSP account.

In today’s podcast, Kevin Van Dyk, Managing Director at BULLWEALTH, speaks with Brian Kersmanc, one of GQG’s three Portfolio Managers on its Global Equity Portfolio, for an insightful discussion on their distinctive investment philosophy, process, and strategy. Brian explains that GQG evaluates each holding on a five-year basis and emphasizes the firm’s perspective advantage—rather than an information advantage—when identifying new investment opportunities, illustrated through his analogy of viewing an apple from multiple angles. He further elaborates that GQG does not adhere strictly to a value or growth investment style; instead, they view quality as dynamic, allowing the portfolio to shift across sectors and regions as opportunities evolve. In addition, Brian highlights how GQG combines traditional analysis with input from non-traditional investigative journalists to uncover unique investment ideas and proactively adjust the portfolio in anticipation of potential risks.

Today, Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s VP & Portfolio Manager, sits down with Corina Weigl, Partner and Co-Lead of Fasken’s Private Client Service Group, to delve into the evolving world of trusts and the critical responsibilities trustees hold. With the fiduciary environment becoming more complex, the role of a trustee has never been more important—or more demanding. While our last podcast explored the various types of trusts and the opportunities they present for families, today’s discussion focuses to what it truly means to be a trustee. Corina outlines the key duties trustees are expected to fulfill, the qualities that define an effective trustee, and the best practices that can help trustees meet their legal and ethical obligations to beneficiaries. As trusts become a more common planning tool among Canadian families—and with many of our clients having a trust—this episode is especially relevant. Randy and Corina’s conversation is both thoughtful and insightful, offering practical guidance for those navigating the responsibilities and challenges of trust and estate planning.

Today, Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s VP & Portfolio Manager, speaks with Nathan Wright, Managing Partner at Spectrum Tax & Estate Planning. Their discussion begins with an overview of what a trust is and the various types of trusts available. Then they explore the tax savings and tax deferral opportunities, which depend on when the trust is established and the individual's proximity to the assets. Finally, Nathan dives into the tax implications of transferring assets into or out of a trust. As you can imagine, Randy and Nathan’s conversation is both thoughtful and insightful, offering valuable guidance for those navigating trust and estate planning decisions.

Today, we are excited to launch the second annual Lessons Learned – Insights into Wealth podcast, featuring BULLWEALTH Portfolio Managers Kevin Van Dyk, Randy Gunn, Denisa Farrow, and myself. Hosted by Savva Cherdantsev, BULLWEALTH’s Managing Director, Research & Investments, our discussion will explore key observations from 2024. Topics include assessing whether a client’s portfolio is too risky for their comfort level, the risks of maintaining an overly conservative investment approach, monitoring portfolios during periods of company and market concentration risks, lessons learned from 25 years ago, and identifying key indicators for reviewing or replacing an underperforming investment manager. Each of us will share insights on why these considerations were critical to decision-making throughout the year.

In today’s podcast, Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s VP & Portfolio Manager, speaks with Nicole D’Aoust, a Partner at Miller Thomson specializing in charity and not-for-profit law, focusing on governance, compliance and mission-related investments for these organizations. Randy and Nicole begin by exploring the role of a not-for-profit director and the importance of a strong governance framework, followed by a discussion on the onboarding process and ways to better prepare before joining such boards. Nicole also highlights understanding potential liabilities and how to protect oneself from these risks, finishing with tips on becoming an effective director, including practical examples. Randy and Nicole’s thoughtful and insightful conversation is designed to aid listeners in preparing to join not-for-profit organizations.

Kevin Van Dyk, Managing Director at BULLWEALTH, engages Dr. Ian Mortimer, co-Portfolio Manager of the Guinness Global Equity Income Portfolio to discussed Guinness’ investment philosophy, process, and strategy, highlighting the team’s focus on identifying companies that have consistently grown dividends over the past 10 years. Ian explains that not all dividend-growing businesses are alike, sharing the specific criteria his team uses to select high-quality companies. Ian also describes their bottom-up analytical approach, balanced by macroeconomic awareness, within a focused portfolio of 35 companies. In addition, Ian reveals why 35 equally weighted holdings is a distinctive feature of the portfolio’s design.

Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s Vice President & Portfolio Manager, speaks with Jordan Matters, a Partner at Leyland & Matters Private Client Insurance Advisors. Jordan and his team advise successful business owners and entrepreneurs and high net worth families in helping them to protect and transition their wealth to the next generation, while also enhancing their legacies. During Randy and Jordan’s discussion, they explore how Canadians are using life insurance to retain more wealth within their family and reduce the taxes owing on their estates. Plus, they review some strategies that you may want to consider and best practices when speaking with your life insurance advisor.

Today, Kevin Van Dyk, BULLWEALTH’s Managing Director, introduces you to BULLWEALTH’s newest partner, Denisa Farrow. Denisa joined BULLWEALTH after many years in the investment advisory and consulting, and investment management arenas where she has worked with and advised many families and not-for-profit organizations and pension plans on their investment portfolios and overall wealth decisions. Kevin’s conversation with Denisa is wide-ranging and covers many topics from who Denisa is and how she found her way into investment consulting to some of her career decisions to why she loves the contact she has with her clients.

Today, Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s VP & Portfolio Manager, speaks with Walid Hejazi, a Professor of International Business, and Economic Analysis at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Walid has been published in the Globe & Mail, the Financial Post and the Toronto Star, along with other globally recognizable publications. And, most recently, Walid and his co-author published a book called Everybody’s Business: How to Ensure Canadian Prosperity Through the Twenty-First Century. Over the years, Walid’s research has focused on the development of strategies that enhance the ability of companies to compete domestically and internationally, and his book focuses on Canada’s lost productivity. Walid and Randy discuss some of the reasons for Canada’s decline in productivity and some strategies to help us return to the upper levels of the world’s richest countries.

Kevin Van Dyk, one of BULLWEALTH’s Managing Director’s, and Sean Yuile from Manitou’s Canadian Equity investment team discuss how Manitou’s Canadian equity team implements a high-quality investment philosophy that has resulted in long-term outperformance and excellent downside protection by investing in growing companies that have a discounted value. Sean describes Manitou’s investment philosophy and process around searching for and investing in Grade A companies and how the portfolio’s cash weighting can rise and fall depending upon underlying company valuations.

Today, Randy Gunn, BULLWEALTH’s Vice President & Portfolio Manager, speaks with Scott Armstrong, an author, speaker and coach to business professionals and athletes who are in the process of transitioning to retirement. Scott has a passion to redefine the word retirement by helping people recognize that the next stage of our lives is an unparalleled opportunity. He believes that once we retire, we can then aspire to uncover hidden adventures and social connections that leave us all wondering why we did not do this sooner. Randy and Scott discuss Work Optional Life, another word for Retirement, and how our transition can be a microstep to what is next. Scott also gives Randy some ideas of how to enact these microsteps. As you can imagine, Randy and Scott’s conversation is both thoughtful and insightful.