In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, we sit down with Steven Puri — a true renaissance entrepreneur whose journey takes us from software engineering at USC to winning an Academy Award for Independence Day, to overseeing Hollywood blockbusters like Die Hard, The Wolverine, and 24 at major studios like 20th Century FOX and DreamWorks.
Steven shares the three core themes we focus on in this podcast:
How he got started
How he overcomes failure and keeps going
The resources and mindsets that help him thrive
We dive into the creation of his first business, Centropolis Effects, a CGI powerhouse that helped shape modern film and was acquired for $15 million. But Steven’s journey didn’t stop there. After experiencing the highs of executive life in Hollywood, he returned to entrepreneurship — and faced failure head-on. In this episode, he unpacks what those failures taught him, how to take accountability, and the power of persistence.
Today, Steven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, a platform that helps remote workers overcome procrastination and distraction, so they can stay focused, energized, and connected. He shares how Sukha is transforming the way we approach work — not just with tools, but with a supportive community.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
How to turn setbacks into stepping stones
What all successful people understand about failure
The habits and tools that high performers use to manage time and energy
How to lead teams with empathy and clarity
The essential entrepreneurial skills: knowing your customer, solving real problems, and listening deeply
Steven also shares his go-to productivity tools (his calendar + Google Tasks), tips for building great companies, and leadership insights that every founder and creative should hear.
🎧 This is truly one of our best episodes yet — packed with wisdom, actionable advice, and an inspiring story of reinvention. Whether you're building a business, pivoting careers, or just looking for a motivational reset, this episode is for you.
Connect with Steven Puri:
📧 Email: steven@thesukha.co
🔗 LinkedIn: Steven Puri
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.
