Startup Canada Podcast

Angie Schick is Executive Director and oversees the delivery of all programs at New Ventures BC. She’s been supporting technology startups for over ten years and loves working with entrepreneurs. She has worked in the technology sector for over 15 years as a project manager, strategic communicator and market researcher. Previously, she led teams and oversaw game development at Radical Entertainment. Angie holds a Master’s of Arts in Communication from SFU, where she specialized in technology & society. Mike Wood is the co-founder of TrafficDriven Technologies, a company using an artificial intelligence-powered, dealer-fuelled auction platform for buying, selling, and trading cars. He has decades of experience in all aspects of automotive retail and leasing, including growing new market opportunities, entrepreneurship, building teams, and fostering innovation. He is the past president, National Vehicle Leasing Association. Mike is also the winner of New Ventures BC’s 21st annual tech startup competition.  “I always tell entrepreneurs, find the support organization that is the best fit for you.”  In this week’s episode of the #StartupPodcast, sponsored by Mastercard and Scotiabank, we talk to two guest, Angie Schick and Mike Wood about how New Ventures BC’s tech competition impacted Mike’s journey and why it exists to support entrepreneurs. The post Recognizing Disruption in Old Industries with Angie Schick and Mike Wood first appeared on Startup Canada.

Lyndon Johnson, a communications strategy specialist, discusses the importance of communication in business. He shares insights on democratizing public relations and marketing and emphasizes the value of seeking help from others. Johnson highlights the three key considerations when setting new goals and objectives in entrepreneurship.

Kari LaMotte is the Managing Director of entrepreneurship@UBC, UBC’s incubator and accelerator program for innovators and entrepreneurs across the University of British Columbia. A lifelong entrepreneur, Kari has been deeply embedded in the BC technology sector for over 20 years and is passionate about the growth of BC’s innovation ecosystem. She is the Co-Founder of Women Tech Founders – a trusted peer group for ongoing support that leverages the collective expertise and experience to help each other get connected, lead, grow, and feel empowered. Kari has a background in Team Development which stems from her decades long career as an entrepreneur and leader. She has built and managed a direct sales organization of 120 people and has also built a startup in the e-commerce space with both remote and in-person teams. She has experience as an executive search consultant, placing mid to senior management in STEM companies, and has also been a coach to choirs in Western Canada and the US for over 15 years, working with them on culture and growth. An exceptional networker and ecosystem builder, Kari has dedicated her career to growing and developing BC’s startup landscape, making significant contributions and having a meaningful impact on our innovation ecosystem.   “The people I meet are the most fascinating part of the work I do.”  In this week’s episode of the #StartupPodcast, sponsored by Mastercard, and  Scotiabank , Kari Lamotte shares how incubation and acceleration for entrepreneurs can lead to high rates of innovation and success.  The post Incubate Accelerate and Innovate with Kari Lamotte first appeared on Startup Canada.

Vincenzo Guzzo is a seasoned entrepreneur who you may recognize as a Dragon on CBC’s Dragons Den. Vincenzo is the President and CEO of Cinémas Guzzo, the largest chain of independent movie theaters in Quebec. His portfolio includes restaurants, a construction company, an e-commerce gourmet food platform and his personal fashion and gourmet snack brand, Mr. Sunshine. Vincenzo and his wife Maria fiercely fundraise for charities that support the prevention of cancer and support mental health initiatives through their own Guzzo Foundation which has raised millions of dollars.  Vincenzo helps entrepreneurs identify opportunities to grow through finding creative solutions, new trends and encouraging them to accept risks.  “Im like a chemist, I try to create synergy, and take genuis and knowledge from one company and bring it to another.” In this week’s episode of the #StartupPodcast, sponsored by Mastercard and Zensurance, Vince Guzzo gives us an inside look at being a Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, walks us through his business that crosses many industries and shares what he needs as a business partner. The post The Chemistry of Business with Vince Guzzo first appeared on Startup Canada.

Edwin Frondozo, host of a top podcast and co-founder of a telecom network, shares insights on setting big goals for business growth, aligning personal goals with business ambitions, and overcoming self-doubt to achieve 100x growth. He discusses the evolution of telecommunications services, building a community through Cafe 100X, and the impact of success on mindset and leadership in entrepreneurship.

Jacob Crompton, Senior PR Account Manager for Publicize, discusses the importance of starting PR early for startups. He emphasizes the difference between paid, earned, owned, and shared media, and the significance of building strong stories for brand success.

Joel Boyd, Director at Fortinet, discusses building secure ecosystems for SMBs, emphasizing the unique IT challenges faced by small businesses. He highlights cybersecurity strategies tailored for startups and the evolving technological landscape, stressing the importance of integrating security measures into all facets of business operations.

Tara Haddad, an experienced accountant and entrepreneur, discusses creating plant-based meat alternatives at Modern Meat. She shares challenges faced amid the pandemic, strategies for entering the market, transitioning to a public company, and the importance of pricing and mentorship in entrepreneurship.

Sarah Jakeway is Vice President, CFO Canada for Mastercard, responsible for overseeing the Market’s finance activities.  She works closely with the President of Mastercard Canada to drive strategic growth and sits on the leadership teams for Canada and North America Finance.  Since joining Mastercard in 2011, Sarah has held several roles with increasing levels of responsibility within North America Markets and Corporate Finance.  Sarah has a strong understanding of the payments industry and a broad view into managing a payments business gained through experience as a Director, Finance business partner for Services in North America as well as Director, Finance business partner for US Regional Banks. Prior to her business partner roles in North America, Sarah led the team responsible for the overall completeness and accuracy of the Quarterly Mastercard Report process and led the development and delivery of product profitability reporting for Mastercard.  Sarah is a recipient of 2 Mastercard CFO awards and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.  Sarah is an active volunteer, fundraiser and a passionate Mentor in topics around being your own personal finance champion, career development and life as a career mom. She graduated cum laude from Loyola University with a BBA in Finance and lives in Toronto with her husband Phil, sons PJ and Jonathan, and dogs Cricket and Brooklyn. “Leadership during the pandemic – it’s not so much a change versus a reinforcement that during times of change, we really require stability.” In this week’s episode of the #StartupCanadaPodcast, sponsored by Mastercard and powered by Zensurance, Sarah talks about the challenges that come with people management during COVID, approaching leadership through decency, and mission critical – diversity and inclusion. The post Leadership in 2021 with Sarah Jakeway first appeared on Startup Canada.

Meet Jennifer Denouden, President & CEO of Avana, a real estate development company. She breaks industry norms, advocates for female empowerment, and supports women & children fleeing abuse. Learn about Avana's journey from finance to affordable housing projects, prioritizing social impact, seizing entrepreneurial opportunities, and achieving sustainable growth through purpose-led initiatives.