From the dot-com crash to building his own family office, Graham Rowan has seen the hard truths most investors learn too late. In this episode, he shares why the retirement model is broken, what founders and families must do to take control of their financial future, and the mindset shifts needed to build lasting wealth with independence.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Fired by his own wealth manager, what really went wrong
• Why the traditional retirement model is a dangerous illusion
• The hard truth: no one else is putting you first
• How to take personal control of your financial destiny
• Lessons from the dot-com crash to today’s markets
• Building wealth with purpose and independence
Connect with Graham Rowan
Website: https://grahamrowan.com/
Podcast: Diary of a High Net Worth Investor (Apple, Spotify, others)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamrowan1/
🎙️
Hosted by Jeffery Potvin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferypotvin/
More from The Supporters Fund: https://supportersfund.com/the-podcast/
What if your biggest challenges were the very thing that made you unstoppable?
From engineering roots to building and scaling startups with global reach, Anmol Goel has turned obstacles into stepping stones.
In this episode, he shares lessons from early failures, why intentional “no’s” can speed up growth, and how to build companies that make both impact and profit.
We also cover:
– Finding your unique advantage as a founder
– Balancing vision with execution
– Building for both impact and profitability
Serena Nguyen on the $3 Trillion Blue Economy, AI, and Rethinking Growth
From mining to Microsoft to marine innovation — Serena Nguyen’s career is anything but typical.
In this episode, she unpacks the untapped $3T+ blue economy, why ocean impact is being ignored, and how AI could unlock the time we need to solve our most urgent environmental challenges.
We also dig into:
– Regenerative vs. Extractive systems
– Canada’s ocean opportunity
– Rethinking growth in a finite world
– Healing, climate, and the future of investment
🎙 Hosted by Jeffery Potvin
🔗 More episodes: https://supportersfund.com/the-podcast/
Slowing down might be the secret to scaling up.
In this episode, executive coach Caterina Lurani joins Jeffery Potvin to unpack the inner game of leadership — from founder burnout and emotional denial to capacity building, identity, and purpose.
Whether you’re leading a team, raising capital, or questioning the pace you’re running at, this conversation hits deep.
👉 Topics include:
• Why “pitching” feels scammy — and how to reframe it
• The 4 pillars of growth: money, power, identity, purpose
• How slowing down creates momentum
• What real leadership capacity looks like
• Radical self-inquiry, burnout, and emotional intelligence
💬 Connect with Caterina: linkedin.com/in/caterinalurani
💬 Connect with Jeffery: linkedin.com/in/jefferypotvin
🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on startups, investing, and leadership.
In this episode of Impact Investing, host Jeffery Potvin sits down with internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, coach, and musician Cameron Atlas to explore the power of storytelling, the science of human connection, and how to lead with authenticity in an increasingly noisy world.
💡 Whether you’re a founder, investor, leader, or creator—this episode will change how you approach purpose, performance, and relationships.
🚨 Big topics we cover:
– The Year of Amplification: Why Cameron themes each year
– His 3x5 system for daily alignment
– The power of oxytocin in storytelling
– How to build 50-year relationships
– Why most people fail to follow up
– The castle/drawbridge metaphor for vulnerability
– How to thrive through clarity, accountability, and flow
🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with high-performers, impact investors, and founders pushing boundaries.
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!
💼 Connect with Jeffery Potvin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferypotvin
🎵 Learn more about Cameron Atlas: https://www.cameronatlas.com
💥 Presented by Hardboot, OPN & The Supporters Fund
#ImpactInvesting #CameronAtlas #JefferyPotvin #Leadership #Storytelling #PeakPerformance #Vulnerability #FounderLife #Mindset #Authenticity
Reboot Canada, Brightspark Ventures) shares how founders can build smarter, grow sustainably, and avoid the biggest traps startups face today.Whether you're a first-time founder, a deep tech entrepreneur, or a business leader aiming to create lasting value, this episode is packed with hard-earned insights, real founder stories, and mindset shifts you need to win — not just raise money.🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the people building the future.What You’ll Learn:• WHY the smartest founders pivot — and charge when it matters• HOW real businesses are built without chasing massive VC rounds• WHAT deep tech founders often miss (and how to fix it)• HOW to find real customer needs (instead of pushing what you built)• WHY “clear path to revenue” beats chasing “cool tech” every timeReady to rethink what real startup success looks like?Hit play now. 🚀
Connect with Colin Webster:https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-webster-b094a51/Subscribe for more founder wisdom and real startup strategies: https://www.youtube.com/@OpenPeopleNetwork#Startups #Entrepreneurship #ImpactInvesting #BusinessGrowth #DeepTech
Are you building a business or just running in circles? In this powerhouse conversation, serial entrepreneur Gregory Shepard (12 exits, nearly $1B in transactions, author of The Startup Lifecycle) reveals HOW slowing down, planning smarter, and thinking differently is the secret to startup success. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or leader, this episode is packed with actionable frameworks, real stories, and the mindset shifts you need to win.
What You’ll Learn:
• HOW to use your differences as a founder’s superpower
• WHY agility and planning are the keys to scaling
• WHAT validation gates and KPIs can do for your growth
• HOW to avoid the biggest mistakes founders make (and who gives the worst advice)
• HOW to keep your drive, focus, and optimism alive—even when the pressure is on
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start winning, hit play now.
Subscribe for more founder wisdom and actionable strategies every week.
👇 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments!
Ready to level up your startup?
• Subscribe for new episodes https://www.youtube.com/c/OpenPeopleNetwork
• Grab Gregory’s book, The Startup Lifecycle https://www.gregoryshepard.com/author
• Visit gregoryshepard.com and startupsci.io for more resources
#StartupSuccess #GregoryShepard #HowToWin
What if a single conversation could change your life—and your business? In this episode of the Impact Investing Podcast, Engel Jones (host of #12minconvos) joins us to explore the true power of authentic dialogue, reflection, and connection.
Engel shares:
Why pausing and reflecting can spark real transformation in business and life
How “manufacturing conversations” leads to healing and perspective shifts
The importance of momentum, patience, and faith in the entrepreneurial journey
Insights on building networks that inspire growth and impact
💡 “It’s a slow grind most times… but then the momentum steps in.”
Engel draws on lessons from his podcasting journey and personal life, reminding us that progress often starts slow, but with focus and faith, real change happens.
If you’re passionate about impact, entrepreneurship, or simply want to be inspired by meaningful stories, this episode is for you.
👇 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that matter.
#impactinvesting #engeljones #podcast #healing #momentum #entrepreneurship #meaningfulconnections #startup #venturecapital #venturecapitalpodcast
In Episode 176, Kevin Moore, Founder and Managing Partner at Serac Ventures, shares his invaluable insights on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving. With over 18 years of experience in public and private markets, Kevin discusses:
- Why investors can't predict success and the importance of portfolio strategy.
- The mindset founders need to solve big problems and build impactful businesses.
- How sustainable trends like financial services innovation drive long-term investment success.
- Practical advice for starting your own venture investment fund from his book Starting Your Own Venture Investment Fund: A How-to Guide.
Kevin’s unique perspective—from engineering to investing—will help you rethink how to approach challenges and opportunities in business.
👉 Subscribe for more episodes featuring top investors and entrepreneurs!
🎙️ Listen to the full episode now!
#impactinvesting #kevinmoore #podcast #venturecapital #businessgrowth #startup
Join us as we sit down with Juho Risku, Co-founder and Partner at Butterfly Ventures, to explore the world of entrepreneurship and impact investing. With a background in digital innovation and multiple successful exits, Juho shares his insights on leadership, collaboration, and the power of trust in business. Dive into this episode of Impact Investing to learn how to turn mistakes into opportunities and build unstoppable teams.
#impactinvesting
#Entrepreneurship
#startup
#leadershiptips
Investing, like art, requires vision—Olga Duka brings both to venture capital. As a GP at Improve Ventures, a serial entrepreneur, and an early-stage investor with two exits (2007, 2010), Olga brings a creative, strategic approach to funding and scaling startups.
In this episode of Impact Investing, Olga Duka sits down with Jeffery Potvin to explore:
🎨 The Art & Creativity of Investing:
✔️ Why early-stage startups struggle to raise funds
✔️ How creativity plays a role in startup success
✔️ Knowing when a deal isn’t worth the effort
✔️ Business as an art form – and how to master it
With experience in 70+ startups and 200+ investment rounds, Olga shares insights that challenge conventional thinking.
💡 Whether you're an investor, founder, or simply passionate about startups, this episode will change how you see venture capital.
📢 Subscribe for more expert discussions on tech, startups, and creative investing! 👇
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!
#impactinvesting #startups #venturecapitalpodcast #entrepreneurship #fundraising #venturecapital #entrepreneur #startup #business #art #creativity #creativityinbusiness
In this episode of Impact Investing, we sit down with Kamal Hassan, Managing Partner at Loyal VC—a semi-liquid, global venture fund that’s invested in 400+ high-potential entrepreneurs across 65+ countries. Kamal shares how his 20 years as an entrepreneurial CEO and 15 years as an angel investor shaped Loyal’s mission to empower founders and back global innovation. 🌍 🔑 What You’ll Learn: - Why the UK’s approach to early-stage investing stands out - How venture capital borrowed its playbook from private equity - Why VC is about backing innovation, not optimizing businesses - The role of empowering founders in driving success - Do women pitch too modestly? The surprising insights Kamal’s diverse background—brings a fresh perspective to the venture space. Whether you’re an investor, founder, or just passionate about startups, you won’t want to miss this. 👉 Subscribe for more expert insights on tech, startups, and venture capital! #venturecapitalpodcast #impactinvesting #startupfunding #LoyalVC #founders #venturecapital #kamalhassan #startup #entrepreneur #uk #privateequity #ventureunlocked #business
Michel Friedman, is a General Partner at Reflect Ventures. They are helping accredited investors build emerging markets startup portfolios with small tickets. They invest in B2B and B2B2C in areas where digitization enables huge economic gains. In this episode of Impact Investing, we cover: 🌟 Boom and Bust Cycles: Navigating market highs and lows 🌟 Redefining CEO Value: What great leadership really looks like 🌟 Why Action Beats Permission: The power of taking initiative 🌟 Competitive Culture: How to carve your own career path 🌟 When to Walk Away: The art of knowing when not to invest If you're an investor, founder, or startup enthusiast, this episode is your guide to smarter decisions in venture capital. 👉 Follow for more expert insights and inspiring stories in tech, startups, and venture capital!
Mark Mitchell, Co-founder and General Partner at Weave VC, shares his journey as an international finance and technology professional with experience across five countries and three continents. In this episode, we dive deep into: • Western Canada’s emerging innovation ecosystem 🌟 • Insights from investing in 8 trailblazing startups 🦄 • DEI, identity politics, and qualifying your prospects 🎯 • The pros and cons of government intervention in tech 🏛️ • Small fund advantages and investor education 📚 Mark’s story spans from venture capital in Canada to the tech scenes of China and India, offering unique perspectives on building ecosystems and fostering mission-driven founders. 📢 Don’t miss this conversation packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone passionate about innovation. 🔥 Subscribe for more inspiring stories and expert insights in tech, venture capital, and beyond! #impactinvesting #MarkMitchell #startup #entrepreneur #identitypolitics #business #podcastforentrepreneurs #podcast #techstartup
In this episode of Impact Investing, we sit down with the extraordinary Shaun Gold, a multi-talented entrepreneur, 2x best-selling author, international speaker, Jeopardy contestant, and startup advisor. Shaun brings a unique mix of insights and humor to topics every startup and entrepreneur should hear about.
What you’ll learn:
- Networking Tips: Discover how to turn every experience into a networking opportunity and build lasting business relationships.
- Overcoming Challenges: Shaun shares why failure is just part of the journey and how to find confidence in yourself.
- Lifelong Learning: Why reading is crucial for personal growth and success.
- Inside Secrets: How his nightlife experience gave him a competitive edge in venture capital.
If you’re looking for real-world advice on navigating the connection economy, maximizing your network, and standing out in your field, this episode is for you!
Watch, like, and subscribe for more valuable insights each week!
🎧 Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
#shaungold #startup #startupadvice #careeradvice #tips #sucessmindset #venturecapital #business #businesstips #podcastforentrepreneurs #impactinvesting #polymath #lifelonglearning
In this episode of Impact Investing hosted by Jeffery Potvin, we dive deep with James Rickert, Partner at Power Sustainable Lios, to discuss everything from fixing our broken food system to his career in law and how he moved into the startup ecosystem
James shares some unique insights on:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in impact investing, sustainable agriculture, or learning from one of the most successful dealmakers in infrastructure.
Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on our latest episodes! 🔔
#ImpactInvesting #SustainableAgriculture #JamesRickert #MergersAndAcquisitions #BrokenFoodSystem #FoodCrisis #CapitalRaising #JefferyPotvin #Podcast #PowerSustainable #Brookfield #Sustainability #Finance #Investing #FindersMindersGrinders #CorporateGovernance
Jesse, a dynamic entrepreneur and investor, founded his family office, WieGrow Capital and Consulting, in 2021 alongside his father, Doyle Wiebe. After launching Startup TNT in Saskatchewan in 2021, Jesse has led the continued expansion of the organisation across the country and oversees the programming in the Agri-Food sector. His knack for fostering synergistic connections has empowered prairie startups to secure over $7 million in venture capital funding. Holding an honours degree in economics from York University, Jesse's diverse background spans from studying chemical engineering to hospitality management. His global perspective, enriched by stints in Bangladesh and London, fuels his passion for tackling challenging problems and connecting innovative mind. https://twitter.com/Opeoplenetwork https://www.facebook.com/Opeoplenetwork/ https://www.instagram.com/openpeoplenetwork/ https://plus.google.com/u/0/118434289279694586752 https://www.youtube.com/OpenPeopleNetwork http://www.supportersfund.com #opnaskanangel#FoundersFundingCouch#PitchItSkiptheLine#pitchitTO#pitchitTOcityhall#pitchityork#pitchitdurham#openpeoplenetwork#opeoplenetwork The Open People Network, founded by Jeffery Potvin in 2016, is a group of like-minded entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and professionals with a desire to mentor, advise and provide practical, technical and tactical training and leadership to help set up future entrepreneurs and their businesses for success.
https://thestartupproject.io/nataraj/ At Microsoft, my focus as a Senior Product Manager is on enhancing Azure Files, leveraging cloud services and machine learning algorithms to optimize enterprise solutions for scalability and security. The role taps into my expertise in software development, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability for our customers.
As the founder and host of Startup Project, I create conversations in startup ecosystem with emerging talent and share insights on tech strategies and venture capital.
Keo Sar is a creative spirit turned startup operator turned ecosystem builder and angel investor. He has over 15 years of experience in strategy, GTM, business development, sales, and operations. He is currently the COO & Partner at Matter Product Studio, a technology consulting and implementation firm focused on real-world AI applications for mid-market and enterprise companies. Prior to this he spent 10+ years in senior management roles building and scaling startups, from early stage all the way to IPO. Keo is also involved in several business angel groups and helps develop emerging innovation ecosystems in the Western Balkans and MENA regions, respectively, by supporting underrepresented and underserved founders. He is a graduate of the investor Accelerator program by Dream VC and outside of work he spends most of his time with hisdog BB, traveling, writing and immersing himself in his curiosities.
#impactinvesting #opnaskaninvestor #opnaskanangel
#FoundersFundingCouch
#PitchIt
#supportersfund
Shrina Kurani is an engineer, entrepreneur, and fact-based problem solver. The daughter of Indian immigrants who sought the American Dream, she has focused her career on building businesses that reduce waste and create quality jobs.
Now, Shrina is helping candidates like her run for office and innovators get the support they need to build a more sustainable future.