The Insider's Guide To Finance

What does it take to be an authentic leader? Allison Grafton is the award winning President and Founder of Rockwood Custom Homes. In this episode, she shares the details of her journey, from kicking off a career in the male-dominated investment banking industry in the early 1990s to starting Rockwood Custom Homes after facing obstacles in her own renovation projects.We discuss the personal attributes she considers as fuel for her success, where her confidence comes from, and what she would advise other women in male-dominated fields. Next, we get into the premise and foundational values that she has built her business on and the epic scale of the projects that she has completed. We touch on plenty of different topics, from vulnerability in leadership to mentorship among women, book recommendations, and more.  This episode's show notes: https://bit.ly/4kiRo4NCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

Jeremy B. Hill, founder and managing partner of JB Capital, dives into the world of private equity with valuable insights. He likens choosing business partners to selecting a life partner, stressing the importance of relationships and due diligence. Hill discusses the emotional dynamics of business transactions and the risks and rewards involved in private equity. He also shares strategies for optimizing board meetings and highlights the balance between trust and integrity in leadership. Join him for a deep exploration of resilience and ambition in the financial landscape.

Bob Elliott, co-founder, CEO, and CIO of Unlimited Funds, brings a wealth of experience from Bridgewater Associates. He discusses making hedge fund strategies accessible to everyday investors through tech-driven solutions and a focus on fee reduction. Bob emphasizes the significance of 'the wisdom of the crowd' in investment decisions and shares his entrepreneurial journey. He also talks about the evolution of economic structures and the necessity of adapting in finance, even drawing parallels between gardening and macro insights.

Would you like to know what it takes to consistently succeed in the competitive world of tech investing? In this episode, we sit down with Randy Garg, Founder and Managing Partner at Vistara Growth, a firm that boasts an unparalleled track record in this field. With over 30 years of experience, Randy has a firm grasp on the art of growth investing, focusing on mid to later-stage technology companies. Under his leadership, Vistara growth has raised more than $500 million across five funds, boasting more than 40 investments and 20 successful exits - all without a single loss. Randy shares the strategies that set Vistara apart, including their innovative approach of blending growth debt and equity to create tailored investment structures. We discuss the challenges that come with growth investing, and Randy’s personal philosophies on risk and opportunity that have driven his successful career. Tune in to discover how Randy Garg and his team are redefining the standards of success. Show notes of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3MWAfi0Check out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

How does an experienced fund manager evaluate a company before investing in it? In this episode we welcome back Bruce Campbell, President and Portfolio Manager at StoneCastle Investment Management, to share his seasoned insights on how he navigates the investment arena as a fund manager.Investing can be compared to a high-stakes sports game - packed with emotion, strategy, and unexpected twists. Bruce takes us inside his investment philosophy, revealing how he identifies and capitalizes on undiscovered growth companies.Together we dive into the role of Investor Relations and how effective communication can make or break an investment strategy. Bruce shares his motivations to start StoneCastle, the challenges of launching a fund, and advice for investors looking to make smarter decisions.This episode explores all the highs and lows of the investment landscape and how companies and investors can leverage this knowledge, so make sure to tune in!Show notes of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3ZcGNjXCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

Investment products are more than just tools for growing wealth - they’re strategic assets that can define a company’s market position. That’s why in today’s competitive financial landscape, having an effective go-to-market strategy is crucial for companies to succeed and drive growth. In this episode, we are joined by Kimberly Ann Flynn, an Investment Manager and product design consultant with extensive experience in alternative product structures. As president of XA Investments, the registered funds division of XMS Capital Partners, Kim oversees all product and business development activities, bringing a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the investment world. This episode offers a deep dive into how investment products are launched, marketed and sold - you don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business!Show notes of this episode here.Check out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

Are you overlooking the role analysts play in your company’s success? Many financial professionals do, missing out on opportunities to strengthen these valuable relationships. Today, with the help of Jason Gold, Founder and CEO of Resurge, we are finding ways to improve relationships with sell-side analysts and researchers with a closer look at a company’s banking relationships as well.Jason’s shares insights from his extensive experience, including his time spent at Morgan Stanley, which has influenced his approach to investor relations today. Together, we discover how public companies can strengthen relationships with sell-side analysts and improve banking partnerships to ensure their true value is accurately reflected.Show notes of this episode: https://rb.gy/sd51siCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

What’s the value that small-cap investments can offer to an investor's portfolio? In this episode, we sit down with Matias Grum, Senior Portfolio Manager and Investment Advisor at Raymond James Ltd., to explore the potential of high-growth small-cap companies for portfolio managers and their clients. Matias brings a wealth of experience in financial planning and investment management, leading a team dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized wealth strategies to a diverse clientele. We delve into his approach to incorporating small-cap companies into a diversified portfolio, offering insights into optimal buy and sell timings, and the benefits of early-stage investments. Discover Matias's strategies for portfolio construction, his expertise in navigating the current dynamic investment landscape, the latest trends in wealth management and the key to effective investor relations for public companies when communicating their message. Show notes of this episode: https://bit.ly/3TaZqjrCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVfPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

You can’t achieve entrepreneurial success without the courage to make bold decisions and the resilience to embrace the unknown. In this latest episode, Cory sits down with Zahir Rajani, the CEO and Co-Founder of Rajani Bespoke. With a track record of managing operations that generated over $200,000,000 in annual revenue, Zahir is renowned for his contract negotiation and systems implementation. However in 2023, Zahir made the unexpected decision to leave his life as a high performing real estate executive, to start a bespoke clothing brand. The success of which speaks to his exceptional leadership and business acumen. Tune in to discover how Zahir navigated his high-stakes shift from real estate to fashion, his approach to risk taking and strategies for tough negotiations. We delve into what ignited his passion for high fashion, explore the nuances of bespoke tailoring and touch on the potential implications of AI in the industry. Don’t miss our captivating discussion on leadership and how to look good doing it. Show notes of this episode: https://bit.ly/3wEso4iCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVfPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

Would you like to learn how a web developer became an insider in the capital markets? In this episode of The Insiders Guide to Finance, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tommy Humphreys, a true capital markets outsider turned insider. Tommy’s journey from a web design background to a prominent figure in the Canadian capital markets is inspiring. By fusing these two worlds together, Tommy founded CEO.ca, a leading stock market information service;  which, after a decade of growth culminated in a successful $17 million exit in 2022. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Tommy was an early investor in several successful public ventures, including Hive Blockchain, Lithium X Energy, Fiore Gold, and more. In our discussion, Tommy sheds light on crucial lessons learned about business, investing, and taking care of your mental health. We discuss Tommy’s encounters with noteworthy figures in the industry, how he found his place in the media landscape in the early 2010s, and the challenges and rewards that come with acquiring wealth. Additionally, we learn about the origins of The Big Score newsletter and its significance in Tommy’s ongoing narrative. To hear all of Tommy’s insights on investment, capital markets, and entrepreneurship, be sure to tune in!Show notes of this episode: https://www.creativereturn.ca/post/tommy-humphreysCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9For more information on our sponsor, please visit Olympia Trust CompanyStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3ANacUrSign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/411XXxUSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVf Please note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.