In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, host Edwin Frondozo interviews Tamara Steffens, managing director of Thomson Reuters Ventures, live from Web Summit Vancouver 2025. Steffens discusses her role in leading a $100 million strategic fund investing in early-stage companies, her extensive experience with successful tech startups, and her approach to venture investing.
The conversation highlights Thomson Reuters' investment strategies, her personal insights on startup success, and advice for founders on simplifying their message to attract investors. Steffens also touches on the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise tech and the importance of clear storytelling in driving innovation.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:38 Meet Tamara Steffens: A Powerhouse in Venture Capital
03:32 Tamara's Journey and Insights on Startups
05:56 The Art of Investing and Decision Making
14:13 Advice for Founders and Business Leaders
15:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast with Edwin, renowned digital marketing expert Neil Patel shares insights on how businesses can thrive in an era where attention is divided across multiple online platforms.
Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver, the episode delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies like AI and the importance of being found in various search engines.
Neil discusses the exponential growth in searches across platforms like Google, Instagram, Snapchat, and even the Apple App Store, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt their strategies to remain visible and relevant.
Note: This is a partial interview due to technical issues.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:11 Controversy and Branding in Qatar
00:40 Travel Preferences and Conference Attendance
01:39 Introduction to Neil Patel
02:49 Challenges in Digital Marketing
Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast hosted by Edwin Frondozo features Paul Newton, creative producer of the Future Narrator miniseries, interviewing Parag Parekh, the Chief Digital Officer at IKEA Retail.
Parag discusses IKEA's ambitious and human-centered digital transformation journey. He outlines the company’s three-tier transformation process: shifting from physical to omni retailing, moving from large store formats to smaller, city-center locations, and expanding services to meet broader customer needs like second-hand furniture and financial services, while also preparing for future AI advancements.
Parag shares insights from his extensive 20 years of global experience and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, responsibility, and adaptability in leadership. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19, the significance of sustainability, and the critical role of corporate responsibility in the digital age.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:36 Meet Parag Parekh: IKEA's Chief Digital Officer
02:12 IKEA's Digital Transformation Journey
06:37 Personal Insights and Leadership Journey
14:11 Future of Retail and Digital Innovation
19:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Leaders
20:43 Conclusion and Farewell
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo talks with Fred Zdan, co-founder of Ruby Loans, about revolutionizing the small business lending process with AI. Fred discusses the inefficiencies of the current lending system and how Ruby Loans aims to provide a borrower-driven digital experience.
With over 30 years in the financial services industry, Fred shares insights on transforming a paper-heavy, labor-intensive system into a streamlined and customer-friendly process. He also touches on the future impact of open banking and the importance of making loan access easier for small business owners. Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:52 Meet Fred Zdan and Ruby Loans
01:15 Challenges in Small Business Lending
03:23 Fred Zdan's Background and Vision
04:35 The Concept of Open Banking
06:03 How Ruby Loans is Revolutionizing Lending
12:05 The Future of Small Business Lending
17:38 Advice for Startups and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, guest host Paul Newton interviews Lu Zhang, founder and managing partner of Fusion Fund. Lu shares her journey from an immigrant and tech entrepreneur to a venture capitalist supporting deep tech founders.
She emphasizes the critical role of diversity and understanding in driving innovation and the importance of being adaptable in uncertain times. Additionally, Lu discusses the current and future landscape of AI-powered healthcare and offers valuable advice for early-stage founders navigating today's market.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:40 Meet Lu Zhang: Investor and Entrepreneur
01:53 Lu Zhang's Experience at Web Summit Vancouver
03:18 Fusion Fund's Mission and Achievements
04:59 Challenges and Solutions in Early Stage Investment
07:34 Lu Zhang's Unique Perspective on Diversity and Innovation
13:27 The Future of Tech and AI Innovation
18:02 Advice for Founders and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast with Edwin Frondozo, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, host Paul Newton speaks with Carina Kom, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Simply Suite Games.
Carina discusses the mission of Simply Suite Games to create inclusive and emotionally resonant games that focus on positive language development and non-exploitative monetization. She also highlights the challenges faced by women in the gaming industry and the importance of creating psychologically safe and equitable working environments.
The conversation touches on the significance of community support, resilience, and collaborative efforts in fostering innovation and inclusivity in the gaming sector.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:40 Meet Carina Kom: Championing Inclusive Game Design
02:33 Challenges in the Gaming Industry
04:47 Unique Perspectives and Leadership in Game Development
07:16 Creating Joyful and Meaningful Gaming Experiences
11:50 The Future of Inclusive Game Design
18:51 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, host Edwin Frondozo is joined by Casey Lau, co-host of Web Summit. Casey shares his journey from co-hosting in Hong Kong to expanding Web Summit's reach to various global locations including Portugal, Qatar, Brazil, and now Vancouver.
He discusses the challenges and opportunities of bringing Web Summit to new cities, the potential for economic and ecosystem development, and the importance of startups looking globally. Highlighting Vancouver's vibrant tech and startup scene, Casey emphasizes the city's rise on the global stage and its potential impact on fostering innovation and growth.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:36 Meet Casey Lau: The Connector of Global Tech
01:33 Casey's Journey with Web Summit
03:09 Vancouver's Growing Tech Ecosystem
04:48 The Global Impact of Vancouver's Tech Scene
07:01 Challenges and Opportunities for Canadian Tech
09:27 The Unique Appeal of Vancouver
11:39 Reflecting on the Impact of Major Tech Conferences
12:08 The Unique Role of Web Summit in the Tech Ecosystem
12:40 The Importance of Promoting Tech Events
12:52 Supporting Young Entrepreneurs and Startups
13:16 The Global Influence of Tech Conferences
13:32 Economic Impact of Tech Events on Cities
15:30 The Growth of Tech Ecosystems in Canada
19:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo chats with Tom Biegala, co-founder of Bison Ventures. Tom discusses the firm's focus on investing in groundbreaking deep technology and advanced science innovations designed to solve significant global challenges. With a robust $135 million fund, Bison Ventures targets sectors like AI, synthetic biology, climate tech, and more.
Tom shares his insights from over 20 years of experience in engineering and venture capital, highlighting the importance of pattern recognition and practical approaches to big audacious goals in startup growth. He emphasizes partnering with visionary entrepreneurs to create impactful technological solutions that benefit both humanity and investors. Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:17 Meet Tom Biegala: Co-Founder of Bison Ventures
01:32 The Vision and Mission of Bison Ventures
03:15 Challenges and Opportunities in Deep Tech Investing
04:52 The Future of Human Health and Technology
06:02 Partnering with Bison Ventures
11:25 Advice for Founders and Investors
12:24 Closing Thoughts and Web Summit Insights
Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast features Edwin Frondozo interviewing Maxime Guilbot, founder and CEO of Eco. He is a global consulting agency specializing in AI-powered digital solutions. With over 20 years of experience in AI and digital transformation, Maxime shares his insights on how businesses can navigate and thrive in the AI era.
The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the future of digital transformation, and the importance of continual adaptation and innovation. Maxim also highlights the significance of a multidisciplinary approach and maintaining optimism in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:38 Meet Maxime Guilbot: AI Pioneer
02:14 Maxime's Insights on AI and Business Transformation
03:25 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption
05:01 The Future of AI and Business
06:27 Maxime's Vision and Optimism for the Future
08:17 Adapting to Exponential Growth
12:28 Maxime's Personal Journey and Business Philosophy
22:34 Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Leaders
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, host Edwin Frondozo is live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025 to explore how today's leaders shape the future, not just through strategy but through storytelling. Edwin interviews Jack Newton, founder and CEO of Clio, the pioneering company in cloud-based legal technology.
Jack shares insights on Clio's journey from its inception in 2008 to becoming a global leader in legal practice management. He discusses the transformative impact of cloud and AI technologies on the legal industry, as well as his role in investing in and supporting diverse founders. Jack emphasizes the importance of AI in amplifying human productivity and reshaping work across industries.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:35 Guest Introduction: Jack Newton of Clio
02:11 The Impact of Web Summit in Vancouver
03:39 Clio's Journey and Vision
05:10 Challenges and Convictions in Legal Tech
09:11 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Early Ventures
10:45 Investing in the Future of Legal Tech
12:22 AI's Transformative Role in Business
15:34 Leadership in the Age of AI
19:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, creative producer Paul Newton and host Ed Frondozo sit down with serial entrepreneur and tech founder Tanis Jorge at the Web Summit in Vancouver 2025.
Tanis, co-founder of multiple successful tech businesses and author of 'The Co-Founder's Handbook,' delves into the dynamics of co-founder partnerships. She shares insights from her two-decade-long career, emphasizing the importance of transparency, communication, and strategic alignment.
The discussion touches on Tanis's experiences in building businesses with the same co-founder, the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, and practical advice for maintaining healthy co-founder relationships. Recorded live at a vibrant tech event, the episode provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs on the significance of strong partnerships in driving business success.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:40 Meet T George: Serial Entrepreneur and Tech Founder
01:08 The Co-Founder's Handbook and Hub
01:37 Insights on Co-Founder Relationships
02:14 Web Summit Vancouver Highlights
03:15 The Co-Founders Hub: Solving Startup Challenges
05:58 Navigating Co-Founder Partnerships
09:31 Personal Stories and Challenges
17:20 Final Thoughts and Advice
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo chats with Mohan Gulati, CEO and co-founder of Thinker AI, a company on a mission to make AI sound more human.
Mohan discusses his journey, from a personal experience with home repairs to creating natural-sounding voice AI that helps businesses connect with customers anytime, anywhere. He shares insights on the tech ecosystem in Vancouver, the significance of voice AI in modern business, and the future of human-AI interaction.
Mohan also gives advice for entrepreneurs and highlights Thinker AI's unique approach to making technology intuitive and accessible.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:11 Meet Mohan Gulati: CEO of Thinker AI
00:35 Mohan's Journey and Vision for Thinker AI
01:14 Life in Vancouver and the Tech Community
01:59 The Birth of Thinker AI: A Personal Story
04:20 Building the Future of Voice AI
06:51 The Unique Value Proposition of Thinker AI
08:26 The Human Element in AI
17:34 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Final Thoughts
19:32 Conclusion and Takeaways from Web Summit Vancouver
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo chats with Göksel Turman, founder of Compendial Technology, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver. Göksel discusses his groundbreaking AI-driven platform, Matchpreneur AI, designed to facilitate effortless and accurate talent and opportunity matching for entrepreneurs, startups, and investors.
Drawing from over 20 years of leadership experience across global corporations and startups, Göksel sheds light on the importance of efficient and collaborative tools in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He shares his journey, the inspiration behind the platform, and the impact he hopes it will have on democratizing entrepreneurship. Göksel also explores the cultural differences in entrepreneurship between Europe and North America, aiming to bring best practices across borders to foster a more inclusive global startup environment.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:11 Meet Göksel Turman: Innovator in Entrepreneurship
00:42 The Vision Behind Compendial Technology
01:04 Welcome and Initial Impressions
01:37 Exploring MatchPreneur AI
04:03 The Personal Touch: Göksel's Unique Perspective
06:35 Challenges and Solutions in Entrepreneurship
09:20 Future of Entrepreneurship and Global Perspectives
12:24 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, host Edwin Frondozo welcomes Avery Pennarun, the co-founder and CEO of Tailscale.
Avery discusses his journey from a young tech enthusiast to heading a company that reimagines secure networking through a zero-trust, developer-friendly approach. He elaborates on how Tailscale simplifies the process of connecting devices directly, bypassing the complexities and costs associated with traditional network infrastructure.
Avery also shares insights into the challenges of transitioning from a technical role to a leadership role and the importance of building a team that can outperform individual capabilities. The episode concludes with Avery receiving a copy of the book 'Future Narrative,' co-authored by Edwin and Paul Newton.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:39 Meet Avery Pennarun: The Reluctant Entrepreneur
01:59 Avery's Experience at Web Summit Vancouver
03:09 The Problem with Secure Networking
08:07 Avery's Journey in Networking
11:36 The Complexity of Modern Technology
13:29 Tail Scale's Mission and Vision
19:58 Advice for Aspiring Business Leaders
21:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, hosted by Edwin Frondozo and recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, creative producer Paul Newton joins the discussion with guest Max So, a Canadian FinTech entrepreneur and CEO of Bravo Rewards.
Max shares insights into how Bravo is transforming customer engagement for local businesses through innovative payment and reward systems. By comparing the financial capabilities of giants like Starbucks with the challenges faced by independent restaurants, Max outlines Bravo's strategy to support local businesses by converting foot traffic into lasting relationships and economic growth.
With over 300 Vancouver restaurants and 24,000 users already onboard, Bravo is on a mission to empower local communities, offering a unique alternative to multinational chains. Max also provides advice to other entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of solving real-world problems with valuable solutions. The episode emphasizes community support and local business sustainability in an era dominated by large corporations.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:40 Meet Max So: FinTech Innovator
02:18 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
05:40 Bravo Rewards: A Game Changer
10:45 The Vision for Local Businesses
20:12 Empowering Canadian Consumers
21:24 Final Thoughts and Farewell
In this episode, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, host Edwin Frondozo and creative producer Paul Newton discuss with Soyoung Lee, co-founder of Twelve Labs, about the revolutionary strides her company is making in AI and video understanding. Twelve Labs is developing multimodal foundation models to make video searchable and accessible, solving the significant challenge of efficiently retrieving specific moments from video footage.
The conversation covers the company's approach to handling complex video data, the intersection of machine learning and creative applications, and the importance of understanding customer needs in the tech development process. Soyoung shares her personal motivations and the impact of video in learning and storytelling, emphasizing the human aspect of technology in creating value.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:36 Meet Soyoung Lee: Innovator in AI Video Understanding
02:04 The Problem with Video Search
03:21 Personal and Business Applications of AI Video Understanding
05:27 Unique Perspectives and Challenges in Video AI
07:11 The Human Element in AI Development
13:23 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders
14:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, host Edwin Frondozo and creative producer Paul Newton of the Future Narrator miniseries record live from Web Summit Vancouver 2025. They welcome Rob Safrata, CEO of Fuse Power Management and a noted triple bottom line entrepreneur.
Rob discusses his journey in transforming traditional businesses into sustainable leaders, his philosophy of profit, people, and planet working in harmony, and his approach to electrification and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. He also shares insights on servant and cause leadership, emphasizing the importance of having a purpose beyond oneself in driving meaningful change. The episode highlights Rob's innovative strategies and heartfelt commitment to sustainability and leadership, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business leaders.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:36 Meet Rob Safrata: Sustainability Pioneer
01:29 Insights from Web Summit Vancouver 2025
02:55 The Vision Behind Fuse Power Management
05:12 The Future of Sustainable Energy
08:07 Rob Safrata's Leadership Philosophy
16:36 Advice for Business Leaders
18:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, host Edwin Frondozo and Dr. Paul Newton, creative producer of the Future Narrator miniseries, speak with Craig Attiwill, the founder and CEO of Peloton Technologies.
Craig shares insights on how his company is transforming the payments landscape for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. With a background in engineering and extensive experience in both public and private sectors, Craig discusses the challenges and innovations of creating a unified, secure, and user-friendly payments platform. He also emphasizes the importance of high-performing teams, mentorship, and maintaining a positive work environment.
The episode concludes with Craig offering advice to entrepreneurs and business leaders on resilience and perseverance in the face of industry challenges.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:38 Meet Craig Addiewell: Revolutionizing Canadian FinTech
01:54 The Journey to Peloton Technologies
03:07 Challenges and Innovations in Business Payments
06:19 Building High-Performing Teams
10:57 Transformative Impact on Businesses
16:13 Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Leaders
17:04 Closing Remarks
This episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, explores the transformative potential of AI with guest Natalie Monbiot, a pioneer in the virtual human economy.
Natalie discusses her journey from co-founding one of the first AI avatar companies to her current work on AI twins designed to empower rather than replace humans. The conversation explores the ethical implications, the role of AI in augmenting human ingenuity, and the importance of preserving personal cognitive abilities.
Key topics include the evolution of AI applications, the cultural impacts of AI-driven changes, and how leaders can harness AI for organizational benefit while safeguarding individual creativity and wisdom.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:38 Meet Natalie Monbiot: Pioneering Pro-Human AI
02:01 Natalie's Journey in AI and Web Summit Reflections
03:56 The Concept of the Virtual Human Economy
09:17 Ethical AI and Trustworthiness
13:45 The Future of AI and Human Creativity
21:14 Final Thoughts on AI and Business Leadership
In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, host Edwin Frondozo sits down with Sarah Graham, co-founder of Light One and winner of the Web Summit Vancouver 2025 pitch competition.
Sarah discusses Light One's mission to transform the toxic global color and design industry by using microbiome biofabrication to create sustainable pigments. She details the environmental and health impact of synthetic dyes and how Light One aims to address these issues with its innovative microbial dyes.
Sarah shares her journey from being a fashion designer to a biodesign entrepreneur, explaining the company's holistic and environmentally conscious approach. She highlights the significance of color in human expression and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives.
Sarah also discusses the challenges and opportunities in bringing their technology to market, as well as the importance of having a dedicated team to drive meaningful change.
00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:49 Meet Sarah Graham: Winner of Web Summit Vancouver Pitch Competition
01:56 The Problem with Synthetic Dyes
03:16 The Birth of Light One
04:22 Microbial Biofabrication: A Sustainable Solution
05:22 Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry
12:57 Sarah's Personal Journey and Passion
18:49 The Future of Sustainable Color
24:16 Final Thoughts and Advice for Innovators
