John Baker leveraged his experience in healthcare real estate to found a boutique brokerage firm. In addition to his business ventures, John is also an inventor, holding a utility patent for the Cleanzy Sponge, a reusable bottle sponge designed to clean inside bottles and containers with lids. He encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty and insists on moving forward even without having all the answers. X LinkedIn Email: john@redoaktrust.com Quotes Entrepreneurship through Acquisition: "After reading about entrepreneurship through acquisition with Buy Than Build, I just really got into it and read a bunch of other books. And it just seemed to be the perfect mesh between what I was and what I was looking for and all of my creativity and layering that on top of an existing infrastructure, and it makes so much sense to me." — John Baker 00:07:15 - 00:09:55 Maximizing Productivity: "It's really important to sort of map out how your brain best comprehends information. And the good news is technology can really help you craft that." — John Baker 00:19:57 - 00:23:07 Startup Success: "Make sure you can get to that minimum viable product as quickly as possible and as cost effectively as possible."— John Baker 00:27:18 - 00:30:51 Recommended Books Measure What Matters https://a.co/d/5CRAflB Search Funds & Entrepreneurial Acquisitions https://a.co/d/1XIqRCZ Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

In this illuminating podcast episode, we sit down with Stephanie Knight, a transformative leader in edtech strategy and consulting who is known for her intellectual curiosity and strategic mindset. A former McKinsey engagement manager, now managing partner of Vitalise Ventures and CEO of Kurated.ai. Stephanie is reshaping consulting norms and corporate communication with a more inclusive and effective process. Additionally, she imparts her extensive knowledge and experience to future leaders as an adjunct professor at Duke University. Key quotes Charting My Own Path: "I was quite determined on wanting to try to pave my own path and not just figuring out where on a corporate ladder that I could fit and how close to the top could I get using the McKinsey springboard, but instead wanting to go and chart my own path." 00:02:46-00:04:14 The Impact of Brand in the 21st Century: "Brand is more important than it ever has been before." 00:10:54-00:12:45 The Future of Consulting and AI Impact: "There are huge swathes of the workforce at risk for losing their job with the advent of AI." 00:18:16-00:20:23 The Importance of Teaching Consulting Skills: "All of them need to curate their stories better. They've got to learn the skills around distilling to the key messages of what they're trying to communicate." 00:24:13-00:25:35 Timestamps [00:02:46] Reflections on career path and personal decisions. [00:04:23] Vitalize Ventures offers a unique client consulting model [00:12:56] AI tools like Chat GPT will democratize information, but human creativity and judgment are still necessary for effective communication and decision-making. Kurated.ai is an edtech company teaching these skills. Their web-based tools will launch in August, followed by a second offering on storylining in the fall. The goal is to help professionals in corporate environments communicate strategically and solve challenges. [00:20:24] McKinsey and other consulting firms must adapt. [00:24:13] Vitalise Ventures: Consulting firm teaching corporate skills. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Cordell Jacks is the CEO and Co-founder of Regenerative Capital Group, a firm that provides capital, training, and long-term support to purpose-driven entrepreneurs who acquire businesses to generate profit and societal impact. As an experienced social entrepreneur and award-winning leader, he is passionate about creating regenerative business practices and fostering impact leadership. Key Quotes: Regenerative Capital Group: "Regenerative really begins with the recognition that the economy, business and society don't sit apart from nature, but within it." 00:01:21 → 00:05:42 Challenges in Regenerative Value Creation: "There's no best practices in this...we're going to have to learn this together." 00:22:44 → 00:24:02 The Importance of Embracing Impostor Syndrome in Multistakeholder Systems: "There's two types of people, people that experience Imposter Syndrome and people who lie about it." 00:25:50 → 00:28:41 Topics Covered Socially-minded entrepreneurship: Characteristics sought in socially-minded entrepreneurs (ambition, willingness to handle complexity, perseverance attitude). Interest in socially-minded entrepreneurship among MBA programs in Canada and US. Transforming small and medium enterprises: Importance of taking existing businesses and growing them. The positive impact of transforming small and medium enterprises on the economy and moving towards a regenerative economy. Creating a regenerative capital group: Concept of regenerative value creation and creating value in all forms of capital. Challenges and learning curve as a startup and the need to design and learn together. Reflection on unique skill set and leadership style. Multistakeholder ecosystem lens and the need for a village approach: Multistakeholder ecosystem lens is necessary for all to rise together and focus on relationality. ETA ecosystem and regenerative curriculum: Project aims to support the ETA ecosystem in Canada. A landscape study reveals Canadian business school network was not doing anything related to ETA. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

In this episode, we're joined by Yvette Owo, the managing partner of YOLO Companies. Yvette shares her unique journey into entrepreneurship, starting from her childhood ventures to her current role as a business leader. She provides an insightful explanation of the concept of a holding company and how it differs from private equity. Yvette also discusses her decade-long experience at Accenture, where she discovered her passion for business and strategy. She emphasizes the importance of self-care for entrepreneurs and shares her perspective on strategy, advising listeners to have long-term goals and short-term steps and to be flexible when things change. Finally, Yvette talks about YOLO Companies, its ethos, and her vision for the future. Timestamps 0:00:36 - Yvette Owo's Introduction and Background 0:01:12 - Explaining the Concept of a Holding Company 0:02:15 - Comparing Holding Companies to Private Equity Firms 0:03:28 - Yvette's Journey with YOLO Companies 0:05:09 - Yvette's Early Entrepreneurial Ventures 0:07:21 - The Challenges of Childhood Entrepreneurship 0:08:48 - Overcoming Fear in Business 0:09:49 - The Importance of Purpose in Overcoming Fear 0:11:27 - Yvette's Journey at Accenture 0:11:45 - The Pressure to Choose a Traditional Career Path 0:14:00 - The Importance of Efficiency and Planning 0:15:55 - Yvette's Advice on Entrepreneurship: Taking Care of Yourself 0:16:22 - The Concept of Efficiency in Daily Life 0:17:31 - Closing Questions: Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and YOLO Companies 0:17:57 - Yvette's Take on Entrepreneurship: Self-Care Is Key 0:19:50 - Yvette's Insights on Strategy: Have a Long-Term Goal 0:20:37 - Yvette's Message about YOLO Companies Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Keith Bootle, Operations Manager at Progressive Automations, shares his surprising professional journey and wisdom from sports theory. Starting with his transition from hydrology to business, Keith underscores the importance of relationships, problem-solving, and adaptability. Using the metaphor of "muscle confusion" for professional growth, he discusses the value of challenging oneself with new roles and responsibilities. Keith also discusses his role in managing international teams, focusing on the human aspect of leadership, empathy, and understanding. Comparing his professional growth to a U-shaped graph of confidence and competence, Keith encourages continuously seeking diverse opportunities that expand one's knowledge, skills, and perspective. The conversation ends with Keith expressing his enjoyment of his current role and briefly promoting Progressive Automations products. Timestamps:02:14 From hydrologist to MBA: strategic skills applied06:13 Natural gas company attempted rural electrification in India12:22 Developing leadership, hard work beats talent15:50 Captain leads team, values skills of others24:44 Successful communication needs common ground, confidence & timing30:14 Challenging cross-team work32:54 Job satisfaction with interest in growth Quality content for entrepreneurs in our newsletter:https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode, we delve into the art of storytelling and its profound ability to evoke understanding, empathy, and change. Our guest is Heather Cowie, Manager of Community Engagement at the Alzheimer's Society of British Columbia, which focuses on initiatives to help people with dementia and their care partners engage with their communities. In her role at the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C., Heather works with municipalities and stakeholders to create inclusive and supportive spaces for people living with dementia. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people affected by dementia and is dedicated to ensuring they have a voice in their communities. Heather shares how understanding the priorities and constraints of various stakeholders, making nuanced changes like improved signage and tailored communication strategies, and actively listening to those with lived experiences are integral elements of impactful storytelling. Timestamps:02:48 Unpacking the Importance of Stories in Dementia-Friendly Communities04:24 Engaging People with Lived Experience in Dementia Care07:57 Creating a Dementia-Friendly Canada Through Storytelling12:42 The Importance of Tailoring Communication17:53 From Shaky Hands to Confident Public Speaker21:03 The Importance of Audience Feedback Quality content for entrepreneurs in our newsletter:https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of Horizon Search, we discuss the journey of a CEO who successfully sold his company and went on to invest in search funds. We explore the importance of thinking ahead and addressing critical gaps before selling a business and the benefits of frequent communication and leadership alignment. We also dive into the search fund model and how it can appeal to a variety of sellers. Tune in to learn more about the risks and rewards of running a company and investing in search funds. Timestamps:00:16 Introduction: The Success Story of a Wharton MBA and His Search Fund11:18 Idea Filtering and Prioritization: The Art of Making Feasible Changes15:50 Building Alignment through Transparent Communication21:16 Smooth Transition: Selling to a Strategic Acquirer29:05 Embracing Transparency During Company Auction33:39 Search Fund Investing: The Need for Long-Term Commitment and Self-Awareness41:07 The Unique Appeal of Search Funds: Greater Flexibility and Goal Alignment44:56 Conclusion: Contact Information for Future Business Opportunities Quality content for entrepreneurs in our newsletter:https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Adam McLeod, Market Manager for Lucid Motors, discusses various topics related to leadership, employee motivation, and the automotive industry. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear mission to keep employees engaged and shares how his leadership has positively impacted employee retention. He highlights the significance of staying ahead of emerging trends and technologies. Adam also touches upon the role of employee resource groups in fostering inclusion and community within organizations. Timestamps: 00:42 Adam's Background and Experience04:06 Importance of Salesmanship in Various Professions09:05 Embracing Mentorship and Cultivating Relationships17:04 Importance of Motivating Employees with a Clear Mission22:23 Retention of Lucid's Team and Belief in the Mission24:56 Staying Ahead of Emerging Trends and Technologies26:27 Competitors in the Luxury Segment: Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Porsche29:58 What People Should Know About Lucid: Extensive Research and Development31:18 Showcasing Lucid's Technology Exhibits to Highlight Engineering33:34 Role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in Fostering Inclusion and Community Quality content for entrepreneurs in our newsletter: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe

As a communications consultant for Vancity, Canada’s largest credit union, James Infante has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s messaging and fostering connections with clients and the community. In this episode, we delve into the strategies and techniques that have established him as a leading voice in the field. Join us as we learn from James how to navigate the complexities of communication, bridge gaps, and create meaningful connections that drive success. Discover how he is revolutionizing youth engagement in city shaping and civic processes at cityhive.ca. Timestamps: 02:17 Introduction and Guest Background04:52 Shared Interests and Current Projects07:39 The Power of Communication10:56 Addressing Misinformation and the Role of Influencers12:53 Obstacles and Solutions in Communicating for Social Change16:42 Case Study: Successful Communication Campaign20:20 Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusiveness in Communication22:25 Rapid Communication and the Rise of Influencers23:23 Influencers and Social Change24:11 The Future of AI Influencers25:14 AI Interacting with AI26:37 City Hive and Battling Misinformation30:23 Communication Advice from David31:15 The Power of Trust in Communication Quality content for entrepreneurs in our newsletter: Subscribe to HorizonSearch