In our quarterly Polestar Podcast update, Kevin Parton and Portfolio Manager Keith Allan review Q3 2025 and the path ahead. Despite bouts of volatility earlier in the year, staying invested and rebalancing have rewarded clients as the bull market—led by tech and ongoing AI tailwinds—continued. They address today’s big questions: elevated valuations, mixed economic signals (inflation, unemployment), uncertain rate cuts, and the role of gold after a powerful run. The takeaway: avoid market-timing, keep cash at prudent levels (not as a strategy), diversify across assets, and stick to a rules-based rebalancing framework aligned to your goals and risk tolerance.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, host Kevin Parton speaks with Nicole Smith, founder and CEO of Flytographer — a global marketplace connecting travelers with local photographers in over 350 cities. Nicole shares how a spark of inspiration in Paris grew into a worldwide business, the lessons she carried from her years at Microsoft, and how resilience and conscious leadership helped her steer Flytographer through challenges like the pandemic. Her story is a masterclass in building with purpose, embracing risk, and creating a company that helps people remember their favorite stories forever.

In this episode of The Polestar Podcast, Kevin Parton sits down with Portfolio Manager Keith Allan to unpack the Q2 market landscape. Despite headlines filled with geopolitical unrest, inflation concerns, and tariff uncertainty, markets have rebounded strongly—rewarding investors who stayed the course. Keith emphasizes the importance of tuning out the noise, understanding the difference between the economy and the markets, and the value of active management.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Jason Boudreau welcomes trailblazing technology entrepreneur, Stewart Irvine. Stewart is the founder and CEO of MerchUX & ESquared Foundation, and his experience spans over thirty years of pioneering visionary business transformations through a myriad of industry sectors with digital media, blockchain and innovative engagement technologies while making a significant impact on society. Stewart’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of creating positive impacts through inventive solutions, particularly from a consumer-focused perspective. Listen to learn about his insights into consumerism, revealing much about the shifting landscape of buying behaviours, the role of technology in society, and the increasingly important intersection of business and philanthropy.

In this quarter’s episode of the Polestar Podcast, Kevin Parton sits down with Keith Allan from Harness Investment Management to explore market behavior beyond the headlines. Despite ongoing volatility, the Canadian market showed surprising strength, with the TSX posting its best weekly gain in over seven months. Keith emphasizes the importance of staying the course, avoiding emotional decision-making, and recognizing that real adjustments are happening under the hood of client portfolios.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Rob Wallis welcomes Nick Drake, a Senior Director of Growth and Transaction Capital from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to discuss BDC's mission to support Canadian businesses. Nick explains how BDC differentiates itself by focusing solely on business banking and providing clients with tailored support to help them grow. This includes funding, venture capital, advisory services, and consulting to meet a variety of business needs. He also shares insights into current lending practices and the challenges faced by business owners in today’s economy. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the impact of BDC on Canadian businesses and how it can help unlock your potential for growth and innovation.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Kevin Parton interviews Ali M. Qureshi, founder of SideDrawer. They explore Ali's entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his company, which has transformed the way people manage and share important documents. Kevin and Ali discuss the key challenges and milestones in the startup world, highlighting the significance of adaptability and innovation in business growth. Tune in to gain insights into Ali's background and the experiences that led him to create a solution that addresses the complexities of digital document management.

In this episode, Kevin Parton and Keith Allan, Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management, discuss the recent market volatility, media-driven panic, and how client portfolios are actually performing in contrast to alarming headlines. Despite major indices like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ experiencing corrections, most client portfolios remain positive year-to-date due to a disciplined investment strategy.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Kevin Parton interviews Krista Simon, an Estate Litigation Lawyer and Partner at Hammerco Lawyers. In this conversation, they discuss the intricacies and challenges within estate litigation and what can be done to avoid complications. Krista outlines some current trends that often lead to litigation, such as blended families, estrangement and stale-dated wills and explains how these complex issues can lead to legal battles. Listen in to be captivated by stories that illustrate the importance of creating wills and estate plans that are both comprehensive and just. Krista also highlights how the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) plays a crucial role in protecting beneficiaries and families from unfair estate plans.

In this episode, Rob Wallis sits down with Keith Allan, Portfolio Manager at Harness, to discuss the latest economic shifts, market volatility, and how investors can stay ahead. From the impact of U.S. tariffs and interest rates to the future of Canadian markets, Keith shares insights on asset allocation, inflation risks, and why staying the course matters. Tune in for expert strategies on portfolio resilience and making informed investment decisions in unpredictable times. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rob at rob@bellawealth.com or Keith at keith@bellawealth.com.

In the first Polestar Podcast of 2025, Kevin Parton and portfolio manager Keith Allan recap 2024’s market performance, driven by tech giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft, powered by AI innovation. Unlike past bubbles, this growth was built on strong fundamentals. Looking ahead to 2025, with interest rates and inflation cooling, portfolio strategies may shift from cash to fixed income and alternatives. With Trump’s return to office, U.S. equities are poised for potential gains, while Canadian markets face uncertainties from trade tensions.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Kevin Parton interviews Morgyn Chandler, a distinguished lawyer and Managing Partner at Hammerco Lawyers. They explore Morgyn's legal career from its inception to the present, highlighting pivotal moments that she faced as challenges, which were transformed into opportunities for success. Morgyn emphasizes a human-first approach in her legal practice, fundamentally reshaping her firm's operations by prioritizing empathy and compassion in client interactions. Her experiences illustrate the critical importance of adaptability—both professionally and personally—demonstrating how such flexibility can significantly influence success for entrepreneurs and business owners.

In this quarter's Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, Kevin Parton and Keith Allan unpack the highs, lows, and surprises of Q3, setting the stage for what to expect in Q4. From interest rate cuts that could spark a holiday spending spree to the skyrocketing appeal of gold amid inflation worries, they dive into trends that matter. Also, they discuss TD Bank’s $3 billion fine in the U.S. for money laundering—how will this impact one of Canada’s largest banks? Keith also shares valuable insights on modern portfolio strategies, moving beyond traditional approaches to include non-traditional assets that offer a fresh edge in today's unpredictable market. This episode is full of timely insights for those looking to stay ahead in the investing world. Don't miss it!

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, Rob Wallis sits down with Ricky Zhang, Founder and CEO of Prince of Travel, to dive into the world of credit cards and travel rewards. Ricky, also known as the “Prince of Travel,” shares his journey from a passionate traveler to establishing a leading platform that empowers Canadians to maximize their credit card rewards to unlock premium travel experiences. For those looking to optimize their travel spending and explore the world in comfort, Ricky's insights provide practical guidance. To learn more, please visit https://princeoftravel.com/ or follow their YouTube channel for comprehensive resources on making the most of your credit card rewards.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Kevin Parton speaks to Sonia Strobel, the CEO and Co-founder of Skipper Otto, a sustainable B-Corp Certified Community Supported Fishery that connects Canadian fishing families with their communities through memberships and innovative, sustainable business structures. Prepare to be invigorated by Sonia's passion for sustainability and get inspired to join the Skipper Otto Community.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Jason Boudreau speaks with Karen Flavelle, the CEO and Chair of Purdys Chocolatier about how her visionary leadership has been instrumental in steering Purdys toward continued success in the confectionery industry. In this episode, Karen also shares her passion for her philanthropic endeavors, contributing to various charitable causes and community initiatives. Karen's story is one of determination, perseverance, and a passion for business that will undoubtedly capture your attention and leave you wanting to hear more.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, former NHL player, Andrew Ladd, discusses his transition from professional athlete to performance coach. Andrew shares details about his early introduction to hockey and the challenges he faced on his way to the NHL, and the triumphs, including being part of the team that won a Stanley Cup in his first year. Despite setbacks, Andrew persevered, overcoming serious injuries, and ultimately started the Ladd Foundation which focuses on helping young athletes prioritize mental health and find their voice in hockey. The primary initiative of the Ladd Foundation is 1616 which Andrew co-founded with his wife, Brandy, to support young athletes through sharing stories of veteran NHL players' experiences and providing mindset training and resilience. Andrew's experiences and insights make for an inspiring and impactful listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, mental health, and personal development.

Join Kevin Parton, Partner and Senior Advisor at VELA Wealth, as he sits down with market Keith Allan, Portfolio Manager at Harness Investment Management, to dissect the financial landscape of Q2 2024. Tune in for expert analysis, strategic advice, and a look ahead at what the next quarter might bring.

In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, Jonny Imerman speaks with Kevin Parton about his journey with fighting cancer at 26 and how this battle has brought him to where he is today. They talked about Imerman Angels' impact on the cancer community with their one-on-one free community support system that ensures nobody goes through cancer alone. They also discussed the incredible journey of CLŌZTALK, a B-Corp Certified T-shirt company co-founded by Jonny, specifically designed to help non-profit organizations grow by making comfortable ethically made shirts.

In the latest episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Jason Boudreau speaks with Digby R. Leigh about the challenges in the current legal system. They explore solutions Digby has initiated that put clients first, providing price certainty by switching away from the standard hourly model and implementing an alternative fee structure.