What does it really take to lead in a world reshaped by AI, hybrid work, and constant change? Dessalen Wood has some answers – and they start with people. As Chief People Officer at Syntax, Dess is helping shape how leaders navigate the biggest shifts in today’s workplace: hybrid work, AI, and the evolving expectations of employees everywhere. Tune in for a refreshingly human perspective on the future of leadership.
Michael Edelman’s career has spanned chemistry labs, high-growth tech, billion-dollar licensing deals, and now leading a Canadian semiconductor materials company through rapid global expansion. In this episode, Michael shares how he’s built businesses at the intersection of science and strategy. From hiring people smarter than himself, to navigating high-stakes patent battles, to scaling Polar’s team and culture, Michael brings candid insights on leadership, resilience, and turning big ideas into thriving companies.
Brendan White’s path from Big 4 accounting to leading finance and ops at a high-growth fintech was shaped by curiousity, adaptability, and a willingness to take leaps. In this episode, Brendan sits down with Joe to talk about what it takes to succeed in founder-led, fast-moving environments. From building credibility in new industries, to scaling processes without losing agility, to how AI is changing the operator’s toolkit, Brendan shares practical lessons on leadership, trust, and asking the right questions.
Jimmy Tristovski’s journey from pursuing engineering to people analytics is anything but typical, and that’s what makes his perspective so interesting. In this episode, Jimmy breaks down how data, culture, and systems thinking come together to build high-performing teams. From scaling culture at The Score to rethinking capacity models at PolicyMe, he shares lessons on hiring, employee experience, and why role players often win over superstars.
Trish Saltys’ career is a masterclass in leadership through complexity. From stabilizing crisis-stage companies to scaling founder- and PE-led organizations, Trish has built a reputation as the go-to operator for high-stakes transformation. In this episode, she shares lessons from her journey, including how she’s led teams through chaos, built trust in turnaround environments, and learned to grow into roles that felt just beyond reach.
Rob Cherun’s journey from finance to entrepreneurship is a masterclass in scaling, leadership, and strategic growth. As the former CEO of Stealth Monitoring, he transformed a $5M company into a $150M industry leader. In this episode, Rob shares insights on search fund investing, building high-performing teams, and the key decisions that drive business success.
Alex Kaju’s journey from aspiring CFL athlete to behavioural scientist reveals how psychology shapes hiring, business, and everyday choices. Now an Assistant Professor at HEC Montréal, he explores how decision-making biases impact recruitment, corporate strategy, and consumer behaviour.
AI experts John Stroud and Jen Schellinck from AI Guides discuss how businesses can prepare for AI’s rapid evolution. They talk about the rise of AI "agents," the importance of in-house AI expertise, and how leaders can foster AI adoption strategically. With real-world examples and actionable insights, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness AI’s potential and stay ahead of the curve.
Cyriac Alappat, Principal @ Cross-Border Impact Ventures talks about his inspiring journey from public accounting to venture capital, sharing insights on on leveraging risks, resilience, and a global mindset to succeed in finance and venture capital.
Rich Appiah, Principal & Lawyer at Appiah Employment Law, discusses key employment law considerations for growing businesses. He shares insights on navigating workplace challenges, fostering compliance, and creating policies that protect both employers and employees in dynamic environments.
Abe Alappat, Sr. Technical Product Manager at Odaia discusses the potential of AI across various industries and how it can give a competitive edge. He talks about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way businesses approach candidate selection, productivity, and decision-making in dynamic environments.
Ateet Patel of Vencora shares insights on leadership, team building, and career growth. With experience at top firms like Bell and Accenture, he emphasizes the importance of continuous employee development and overcoming career challenges.
Shawn Wilson began his career as a CA and became a CFO at 29. In private equity-backed companies, he stresses the need for alignment with stakeholder expectations and maintaining a clear strategic focus. His leadership style is based on transparency, accountability, and respect for colleagues, offering valuable lessons for C-level executives.
Craig Hudson shared his career journey, starting at KPMG and Indigo, where he developed key analytical and strategic skills. He led Knix through the challenges of the pandemic, resulting in a $320M acquisition by Essity. At LumiQ, he scaled the company through strategic planning and automation. Now at Tulip, he aims to drive the company’s growth to new heights.
Mumin Al-Shawaf talks about his transition from software engineering to executive leadership, stressing the importance of strategic growth, leadership development, and blending technical skills with business acumen. His insights provide a valuable blueprint for aspiring leaders looking to navigate their careers and contribute to their organizations.
Rikesh Shah emphasizes adaptability and leadership through challenges, including taking OverActive Media public. This episode features Rikesh's career journey and his advice for company leaders to embrace change, leverage team strengths, and maintain a long-term perspective to succeed.