High Agency Podcast

In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with William Johnson, founder of Vancouver Tech Journal and VP at Overstory Media Group, to discuss the evolution of local journalism. He shares his journey from student writer to media leader, and the challenges facing modern newsrooms—from algorithmic gatekeepers to funding gaps. We explore how community-driven content and sustainable business models are reshaping the media landscape. William’s insights reveal what it takes to build trust, relevance, and resilience in today’s digital era. Featuring William Johnson VP, Strategy & Operations Overstory Media Group William Johnson is a writer, media entrepreneur, and advisor based in Vancouver. He is the VP of Strategy & Operations at Overstory Media Group and the founder of Vancouver Tech Journal. His work focuses on building community, amplifying great ideas, and sharing stories that inspire. Website: www.williamjohnson.ca Hosted by Mo Dhaliwal CEO Skyrocket Digital Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses. — High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highagencypod/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/high-agency-pod/ X: https://x.com/highagencypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highagencypod — Presented by Skyrocket Digital https://skyrockdigital.com/ Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Arman Motaghi, founder and CEO of Properate, to explore how building science is powering a quiet revolution in climate action. Arman shares his unexpected journey into the world of energy efficiency and how Properate is helping homeowners, contractors, and governments make smarter decisions about the spaces we live in.We dig into startup myths, retrofitting realities, and why the air we breathe indoors might be the most overlooked part of our well-being. This one changed how we think about “home”—and we think it might do the same for you.FeaturingArman MotaghiFounder & CEO, ProperateArman Motaghi is the founder and CEO of Properate, a climate tech company helping build energy-efficient homes across Canada. An award-winning innovator and immigrant entrepreneur, Arman has supported over 1,400 projects that cut carbon while making sustainable building simple and accessible. He recently represented Canada at COP29 to share his work on decarbonizing the built environment.Website: properate.ioHosted byMo DhaliwalCEOSkyrocket DigitalSoftware engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.—High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and TransformationInstagramLinkedInX (formerly Twitter)TikTok—Presented by Skyrocket DigitalSkyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

What if your greatest challenge was also your greatest gift? In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Jean-Pierre LeBlanc, co-founder of Saje Natural Wellness and Enneagram coach, to explore how adversity can shape not only our healing—but our leadership.Jean-Pierre shares how a life-altering car accident led him to rethink everything, sparking the creation of one of North America’s most beloved wellness brands. We unpack his unique take on the Enneagram, why slowing down is sometimes the most strategic move, and how branding can be a spiritual exercise—not just a marketing tactic.This is a conversation about transformation, integrity, and building with intention—inside and out.Featuring Jean-Pierre LeBlanc Founder Saje Natural WellnessJean-Pierre LeBlanc is the co-founder of Saje Natural Wellness, a leading voice in holistic health, and a certified Enneagram coach. After overcoming chronic pain through natural remedies, he built one of Canada’s most beloved wellness brands. With a background in chemistry and a passion for personal growth, Jean-Pierre now helps leaders and teams cultivate self-awareness, align with their values, and lead with intention.Website: https://www.thealchemynetwork.com/ Hosted by Mo Dhaliwal CEO Skyrocket DigitalSoftware engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.—High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation Instagram: https://instagram.com/highagencypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-agency-pod/ X: https://x.com/highagencypod —Presented by Skyrocket Digital https://skyrockdigital.com/ Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

What if the key to understanding human consciousness lies in building it into AI? In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Dr. Suzanne Gildert, Founder & CEO of Nirvanic Consciousness Technologies, to explore the cutting edge of AI, quantum physics, and the pursuit of machine consciousness.Featuring Dr. Suzanne Gildert Founder & CEO Nirvanic Consciousness TechnologiesDr. Suzanne Gildert is a trailblazer at the intersection of AI, quantum physics, and consciousness. As the Founder & CEO of Nirvanic, she is pioneering the development of quantum consciousness technologies for AI. Previously, she co-founded Sanctuary AI and Kindred AI, leading advancements in humanoid robotics. She also spearheaded quantum computing research at D-Wave Systems, where she created MAXCAT—the first game played against a quantum computer.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne_gildert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannegildert X: https://x.com/suzannegildert Website: https://www.nirvanic.ai/ Hosted by Mo Dhaliwal CEO Skyrocket DigitalSoftware engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.—High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and TransformationInstagram: https://instagram.com/highagencypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-agency-pod/ X: https://x.com/highagencypod —Presented by Skyrocket Digital https://skyrockdigital.com/ Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

How is HR shaping the future of work? In this episode, Kraig Docherty, Founder of Why Talent, explores how organizations can thrive by aligning people strategies with business objectives. He discusses how human-centric leadership, AI, and automation are revolutionizing HR, freeing professionals to focus on strategic initiatives like employee experience and growth.FeaturingKraig DochertyFounderWhy TalentKraig Docherty is a strategic HR leader with over 20 years of experience in building and scaling high-performing teams across multiple industries, from technology and gaming to healthcare and logistics. As the founder of Why Talent, Kraig has been a trusted advisor to CEOs and founders at top companies like Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, and Indochino. He specializes in aligning people strategy with business objectives, focusing on transformative HR leadership and creating environments where teams can thrive.LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kraigTwitter: https://twitter.com/kraigdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kraigdoc/Website: https://www.whytalent.com/Hosted byMo DhaliwalCEOSkyrocket DigitalSoftware engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and TransformationInstagram: https://instagram.com/highagencypodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-agency-pod/Twitter: https://x.com/highagencypodPresented by Skyrocket Digitalhttps://skyrocketdigital.com/Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

The future of health is not just about living longer, it’s about living stronger and more resilient. In this episode, Steven Ten Holder, founder of Acorn Biolabs, discusses the groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine and bioengineering. From synthetic biology breakthroughs to AI-powered cell therapies, Steven’s work is shaping the next era of health and longevity.FeaturingSteven Ten HolderFounderAcorn BiolabsSteven Ten Holder is the co-founder of Acorn Biolabs, where he’s redefining the future of health through groundbreaking work in cell preservation and regenerative medicine. From pioneering CRISPR for plant immunity to launching a successful startup backed by Y Combinator, Steven’s vision is reshaping longevity-tech. His work blends artificial intelligence, biology, and synthetic breakthroughs to help people live sharper, stronger, and more resilient lives. A dual-minded thinker, Steven continues to lead the next wave of innovation in the biotech industry.LinkedIn:https://ca.linkedin.com/in/steventenTwitter:https://twitter.com/steventen/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/steven.ten/Website:https://www.acorn.me/Hosted byMo DhaliwalCEOSkyrocket DigitalSoftware engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and TransformationInstagram:https://instagram.com/highagencypodLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-agency-pod/Twitter:https://x.com/highagencypodPresented by Skyrocket Digitalhttps://skyrocketdigital.com/Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

In this episode, Penny Norman, VP of Strategy & Communications at Rescue | The Behavior Change Agency, breaks down the art and science of behavior change marketing. From anti-smoking campaigns to mental health advocacy, Penny shares how innovative, data-driven messaging can shift public attitudes and drive real impact. Tune in to hear how the best campaigns blend storytelling, cultural relevance, and strategic messaging to create lasting change.FeaturingPenny NormanVP Strategy & CommsRescueAs VP of Strategy & Communications at Rescue | The Behavior Change Agency, Penny Norman is a leading force in behaviour change marketing. Specializing in substance use prevention and mental health advocacy, she has spearheaded innovative campaigns that leverage real-time insights, storytelling, and cultural relevance to shift public attitudes. Her work, recognized across the industry, demonstrates how purpose-driven marketing can create lasting change in communities worldwide.LinkedIn:https://ca.linkedin.com/in/pennynormanWebsite:https://www.chambar.com/Hosted byMo DhaliwalCEOSkyrocket DigitalSoftware engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and TransformationInstagram:https://instagram.com/highagencypodLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-agency-pod/Twitter:https://x.com/highagencypodPresented by Skyrocket Digitalhttps://skyrocketdigital.com/Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

Karri Green-Schuermans, co-founder of Chambar Restaurant, joins us in exploring how the restaurant industry is adapting to rapid change. From embracing sustainable practices to leveraging technology and creating new revenue streams, Karri highlights the innovative approaches that help independent restaurants overcome challenges. Tune in to hear how her 20 years of experience have shaped her vision for the future of dining. Featuring Karri Green-SchuermansPrincipal Chambar Karri Green-Schuermans is a visionary in Vancouver's culinary scene and the co-founder of Chambar Restaurant, a pioneer in blending exceptional food with a casual yet refined dining experience. Born in New Zealand and raised on a farm, Karri’s journey has been rooted in sustainability and innovation. Over the past 20 years, her ventures, including Café Medina and the Dirty Apron Cooking School, have redefined local hospitality. As Chambar celebrates its 20th anniversary, Karri’s leadership continues to inspire a new generation of restaurateurs, demonstrating how tradition and innovation can thrive together. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karrigs/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/karri-green-139ba1159 Website: https://www.chambar.com/ Hosted by Mo DhaliwalCEOSkyrocket Digital Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses. High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation Instagram: https://instagram.com/highagencypodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-agency-pod/Twitter: https://x.com/highagencypod Presented by Skyrocket Digital https://skyrocketdigital.com/ Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

The oceans are at a tipping point, with plastic pollution, rising temperatures, and acidification threatening marine ecosystems. In this episode, Lasse Gustavson, President & CEO of Ocean Wise, shares the urgent need for bold leadership to protect our oceans and combat the climate crisis. With his decades of global experience, Lasse offers insights into how we can come together to preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations. Featuring Lasse GustavssonCEOOcean Wise Lasse Gustavson is the President and CEO of Ocean Wise, leading global efforts to protect and preserve marine ecosystems. With decades of environmental leadership at organizations like Oceana, WWF International, and Greenpeace International, Lasse has driven marine protection and climate action through policy advocacy, scientific expeditions, and strategic partnerships. A pioneer in ocean conservation, he combines expertise in International Relations and Human Ecology with a passion for bold leadership to address the critical challenges facing our oceans today. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lassegustavsson/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/oceanwise Hosted by Mo DhaliwalCEOSkyrocket Digital Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses. High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation Instagram: https://instagram.com/highagencypodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-agency-pod/Twitter: https://x.com/highagencypod Presented by Skyrocket Digital https://skyrocketdigital.com/ Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

In this episode, Peter Wrinch, founder of Uncommon Partners, shares his journey of leading transformative change in the social impact sector. Drawing from his experience as CEO of Hollyhock Leadership Institute and Executive Director of Pivot Legal Society, Peter discusses how organizations can navigate challenges like climate action, evolving donor dynamics, and staying true to their mission. Featuring Peter WrinchPrincipalUncommon Partners Peter Wrinch, founder of Uncommon Partners, is a dynamic leader in the social impact sector with a commitment to purpose and transformation. With a background as CEO of Hollyhock Leadership Institute and Executive Director of Pivot Legal Society, Peter has been at the forefront of change, championing legal advocacy, community development, and organizational renewal. Today, he guides social purpose organizations through strategic and purpose-driven journeys, helping them thrive in an era of rapid change. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wrinch Hosted by Mo DhaliwalCEOSkyrocket Digital Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses. High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation Instagram: https://instagram.com/highagencypodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-agency-pod/Twitter: https://x.com/highagencypod Presented by Skyrocket Digital https://skyrocketdigital.com/ Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.