Afleveringen
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In this episode of Mission Critical, we sit down with Lily Li—investment counsellor, socialite, and philanthropist—who shares her remarkable journey from immigrating to Canada to making a name for herself in the male-dominated world of finance. Lily opens up about the challenges she faced breaking into the industry, how she built a powerful network, and why giving back is at the heart of her success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to be a leader.
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In this episode of Mission Critical, we sit down with Jake Karls, co-founder and "Chief Rainmaker" of Mid-Day Squares, the Canadian chocolate company that's redefining snacking—and business culture.
Jake shares his unfiltered insights on what it takes to build not just a successful brand, but a powerhouse team that believes in your mission. From cultivating habits that help you step into your leadership persona to fostering a company culture rooted in authenticity and transparency, Jake gets real about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Whether you're launching a startup or leading a team, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to lead with purpose and build a business that stands out.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode, we dive into MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong's unique journey from the lab to the kitchen, but more importantly, the realities of life as a restaurateur—the sacrifices, the endless grind, and the unwavering commitment it takes to succeed. The owner of the newly-opened aKin Toronto, Eric gets real about the highs and lows of the industry and what keeps him pushing forward, even when the pressure feels overwhelming.
Tune in to Lance and Eric’s conversation for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant world, the personal toll of chasing your dreams, and what it really means to dedicate your life to the craft.
This episode is part of our MOMENTUM series, presented in partnership with Monogram Appliances Canada, celebrating Asian-Canadian stories that inspire and lead the way forward.
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Chef Eva Chin is redefining what it means to be a steward of culinary culture. As the Culinary Director of Hong Shing and owner of Yan Dining Room in Toronto, she masterfully blends tradition with innovation, proving that Chinese cuisine isn’t static—it’s dynamic, seasonal, and deeply personal. In this episode, we explore her journey from growing up on a farm to working in global culinary hotspots like New York and Hong Kong, and how those experiences fuel her bold vision for the future of food.
Listen to Lance and Eva's discussion for an insightful, thought-provoking conversation that will challenge how you think about Chinese cuisine, leadership in the food industry, and the power of food to drive meaningful change.
This episode is part of a larger series called MOMENTUM, presented in partnership with Monogram Appliances Canada, which celebrates Asian-Canadian stories.
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In this episode, serial entrepreneur Yung Wu shares his unwavering belief that true progress in innovation comes from embracing different perspectives. As the former CEO of MaRS Discovery District (@marsdiscoverydistrict) and co-founder of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (@cilar_canada), Wu has been an instrumental force in driving diversity in the tech and business sectors.
By fostering collaboration and confronting biases head-on, Wu is not just advancing business opportunities; he's reshaping the entire framework of Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.
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In this episode, Lance sits down with award-winning architect Omar Gandhi of Omar Gandhi Architects to explore the artistry, philosophy, and impact behind his work. Omar delves into what defines a great design experience, how architecture can foster meaningful relationships, and what our buildings reveal about us as a society. He shares pivotal moments from his journey, the influence of his East Coast roots, and his approach to navigating diverse landscapes like Halifax and Toronto.
From balancing modern aesthetics with environmental and cultural contexts to pushing boundaries through innovation, Omar offers insights into creating designs that are both timeless and transformative. We also discuss the role of architecture in sustainability, community building, and social change, and how Omar views his legacy in shaping Canada’s architectural identity.
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In this episode, serial entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and beverage consultant Evelyn Chick shares how she turned a pandemic layoff into an opportunity to build her thriving business empire. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to advocating for diversity and inclusion in hospitality, Evelyn opens up about her journey and the best advice she has to offer others navigating a similar path in Toronto's vibrant food and drink community.
This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.
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In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Plavsic, the visionary founder of ILIA Beauty, to explore how she revolutionized the clean beauty industry. Sasha shares the personal story that inspired ILIA, her approach to blending sustainability with high-performance formulas, and the challenges of balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. From a humble start to becoming a global powerhouse, ILIA is redefining beauty standards, proving you don’t have to compromise on quality or values.
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As the driving force behind Toronto’s acclaimed Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini is a rare blend of visionary and architect, crafting a culinary empire that pays homage to her Italian heritage while pushing the boundaries of what hospitality can be. Her restaurants, including the beloved Gusto 101 and the pasta-centric Felix Trattoria in Los Angeles, are more than dining destinations; they are community anchors, each designed to deliver a dining experience that balances warmth and precision, artistry, and authenticity.
For Janet, food has always been a universal language, a bridge connecting diverse backgrounds around a shared table. Rooted in her Italian upbringing, where meals were occasions for connection, she’s made it her life’s work to recreate that sense of gathering and nourishment for her guests. It’s this deeply personal ethos that informs each of her ventures. From hiring top-tier culinary talent to preserving traditional food craftsmanship, she’s not just feeding patrons—she’s honouring culture and tradition, making her restaurants feel like living museums that celebrate the artistry of handmade dishes.
In this episode, Lance sits down with Janet over a shared meal at her restaurant, Gusto 501, to talk about her entrepreneurial journey and business strategy, preserving culinary culture, and her most memorable meal at one of her restaurants (hint: Al Pacino may have been present).
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In this episode, Lance sits down with Emily O’Brien, the inspiring founder of Comeback Snacks, whose entrepreneurial journey took root in an unexpected place: behind bars. From crafting gourmet popcorn flavours to driving meaningful change, Emily has turned a rocky past into a powerful platform for advocacy and second chances. Throughout their chat, Lance and Emily delve into her story of resilience and transformation, exploring how Comeback Snacks is not only breaking barriers in the snack industry but also leading efforts toward prison reform and reducing stigma around formerly incarcerated individuals. Listen as Emily shares insights on building a business with purpose, the challenges of navigating reentry, and her mission to create pathways for redemption and empowerment.
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In this episode, Connie Lo, co-founder of Three Ships, joins Lance to discuss her journey in building a clean skincare brand with a mission to make beauty accessible for all. Connie shares her entrepreneurial story, from bootstrapping the company with just $4,000 to achieving significant growth and recognition in the industry. Throughout the conversation, she opens up about the challenges facing women in business, her experience as a young entrepreneur, and the importance of maintaining transparency and authenticity in the beauty world. Connie also dives into the evolving consumer demand for clean beauty, why sustainability matters, and the future of Three Ships. Tune in for an inspiring and honest look at entrepreneurship in the beauty space.
This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.
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In the high-pressure world of competitive figure skating, Canadian Olympian Piper Gilles has carved out a name for herself, not only through her artistry and athleticism but also through her resilience and advocacy.
Beyond the rink, Piper is a vocal advocate for women’s health and has turned her personal battle into a mission to inspire and educate. While being an elite athlete comes with its own share of personal sacrifice and struggle, it was her diagnosis with Stage 1 ovarian cancer in the spring of 2023 that tested the resilience and fortitude that she had built up for herself throughout the course of her career.
In this episode, the two-time Canadian Olympian and three-time World Figure Skating Championship Medalist sits with Lance and discusses her artistry through sport, advocacy, and celebrating her accomplishments in life.
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In this episode, presented by Monogram Appliances Canada, Lance sits down with Madelyn Chung, founder of The RepresentASIAN Project, to discuss the complexities of cultural identity, Asian representation in media, and the ongoing work of breaking down systemic barriers within and outside the Asian community. Madelyn shares candid insights into her personal journey of embracing her roots, the impact of pivotal moments like Crazy Rich Asians, and how her platform has evolved to showcase not just success stories, but the nuanced experiences that make up the Asian diaspora. From navigating colorism and internal racism to advocating for solidarity between BIPOC communities, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of amplifying Asian voices in media and beyond.
This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.
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In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, Emerance Maschmeyer and Geneviève Lacasse share a story that uniquely sets them apart from their contemporaries. Both elite goaltenders with careers that span the highs of international competition (both were part of Canada’s national team) and the grit of the newly launched Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), they’ve faced it all. But off the ice, they’ve built a partnership that’s as formidable as their game-day personas. Navigating the pressures of elite sport, national team selections, and the rollercoaster of wins and losses, Emerance and Geneviève are redefining what it means to be a power couple in modern sports.
Speaking at the inaugural GLORY Sports Summit with Lance, the dynamic duo break down the art of balancing competition with connection, advice for aspiring athletes, and what it really takes to succeed at the highest level—together.
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Renowned for his dynamic fusion of pop culture iconography, Takaski Murakami has had a formidable impact on culture and art. From his groundbreaking partnership with Louis Vuitton to his haunting work for musician Billie Eilish, collaboration has always played a pivotal role in the Tokyo-based artist’s creative journey.
On the latest episode of the Mission Critical podcast, Lance sits down with the renowned artist for an intimate discussion about his career, collaboration, and what brought him to Toronto for the first time.
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In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance welcomes David Shoemaker, the dynamic CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee. As the world anticipates the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Shoemaker offers a compelling look into his distinctive leadership style and what it's like to lead an organization as unique as his. Elsewhere in the episode, Lance and David discuss the unifying power of sport in fostering community and national pride, and why 2024 is a milestone year for achieving gender equity.
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In the sequined, high-camp world of drag, few names shine as brightly as Brooke Lynn Hytes. From her transformative experience on RuPaul’s Drag Race to her burgeoning media empire as host of Canada’s Drag Race, she has not only captivated audiences with her stunning performances but has also become a beacon of queer visibility.
Originally a pageant queen with a penchant for perfection, her time on Drag Race allowed her to break free from rigid expectations, embracing the fun and unpredictability of drag. This shift not only revolutionized her approach to the art form but also resonated deeply with fans worldwide, who saw in her a reflection of their own struggles and triumphs.
In a time when queer communities face renewed challenges, she stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity that define drag culture. Her commitment to joy, visibility, and progress underscores why we need drag culture now more than ever. Drag queens remind us of our shared humanity, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of identities that make up our community.
In this episode of Mission Critical, Brooke Lynn Hytes joins Lance to talk about how she’s building her own media empire, the importance of queer visibility, and why we need drag culture now, more than ever.
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Laurie May has long been a guiding force that continues to shape the narrative voice of the film industry. As co-founder and co-president of Elevation Pictures, a Canadian distribution and production company, Laurie's vision has always been to make an impact by telling a wide range of independent stories that resonate with audiences—to help viewers feel acknowledged and represented. (After all, cinema, along with all other forms of artistic expression, can serve as a powerful reflection of the world around us.)
Since launching at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, Elevation Pictures has gone on to release award-winning films, including The Imitation Game, Room, Moonlight, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and most recently, Past Lives, The Zone of Interest, and Anatomy of a Fall.
In this episode, Lance chats with Laurie about her fascinating career journey, the business of movies, and the importance of telling diverse stories.
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In a world that is increasingly becoming defined by technological advancements and endless content scrolling, what role does a symphony orchestra play in the big picture of it all? It's a question that Mark Williams has had to confront in his role as CEO of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO).
The challenge ahead is an interesting one—how do you honour the rich legacy of a century-old cultural institution without being beholden to that same history, to innovate, push boundaries, and charge into the future?
For Williams—the first Black CEO of a major North American orchestra—it's about community. An orchestra is hardly a relic of the past but rather a dynamic force that has the power to open doors and minds by bringing people together, whether on the stage or in the audience.
As the TSO embarks on its 101st year and its next century ahead, Williams envisions an orchestra that listens more than it speaks, touching lives in ways that go beyond the concert hall.
On this episode, Lance chats with Mark about the power of music, diversity in the symphony orchestra, and what the orchestra of the future looks like.
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Leonard Brody is an award-winning entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and bestselling author. As co-founder of Caravan, a venture with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the two-time Emmy-nominated media visionary shares insights with Lance about the intricacies of building ventures for global icons like Carrie Underwood and Tom Hanks, and what brands should consider before entering into a partnership with celebrity talent.
Here's what you can expect from this episode:
Are we in the golden age of celebrity entrepreneurship? Or are we approaching celebrity brand burnout?
How has the landscape of celebrity entrepreneurship evolved over the years?
How does research create the foundation of a successful celebrity partnership?
What is the difference between an endorsement, licensing, and partnership?
What is the profile of the ideal celebrity entrepreneur?
What are some of the safeguards that business owners can build in crisis PR moments where a celebrity has lost the public’s goodwill and trust?
Make sure to subscribe to the Mission Critical podcast for more of today's greatest entrepreneurs and leaders.
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