
The Insider's Guide To Finance
The Insider’s Guide To Finance brings you stories from the front lines of financing public and private companies.
We host seasoned CEO's, fund managers, bankers, brokers and business experts who answer your questions about how to properly finance opportunities and build outstanding success stories.
We dig into the educational ‘how to’s' and mechanics of structuring good deals. You’ll also hear about strokes of luck, tense negotiations, the pressures of closing, as well as how to best engage investors and navigate the private and public markets.
Latest episodes

Jun 28, 2023 • 1h
Winning the Game of Tax w. Kim Moody
Finding a tax advisor that fits your needs as an entrepreneur is often a difficult task. Especially in jurisdictions like Canada as an example, where the role of a tax advisor isn't regulated and hiring a tax lawyer is a luxury many can't afford. Sound familiar?Kim Moody is the CEO and Director of Moodys Private Client and Moodys Tax. Two professional service firms focused on tax law.Moodys Private Client and Moodys Tax is one of Western Canada's largest taxation teams. They provide fresh and innovative ways to maneuver through the advisory world.Kim discusses the current state of tax law in Canada and America, the biggest obstacles consumers face when it comes to navigating tax, and why he is advocating for a tax specialist designation.He breaks down how tax laws affect different individuals and shares his concerns about Canadian legislation. We also discuss how people can get caught off guard when it comes to their taxes.Kim shares what he has learned from building his business. He explains the biggest challenges he’s faced, and why he believes that entrepreneurs should always expect the unexpected.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/3ppCAt9For more information on our sponsor, please visit Olympia Trust CompanySign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWSubscribe to the podcast:iTunes - https://apple.co/43d7C6ZSpotify - https://spoti.fi/43d7SmrStay 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 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 accredited investment advisors.

Jun 21, 2023 • 57min
Clothes and Community: Growing a Globally Recognized Brand w. Dustin Paisley
What does it take for a t-shirt company to become a brand that is recognized on a global scale? If you are having trouble finding the key to rising above your competitors, here are some insights from a success story that will broaden your perspective.Dustin Paisley is the co-founder of the Calgary-based apparel brand Local Laundry and he's here to tell us how he turned it into something more than just clothing. Local Laundry is a company that builds community. They have raised over $175,000 for local charities. They're also always looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact.Dustin dives into the highs and lows of growing the business from a t-shirt company to where it is today – a globally recognized brand. The brand now offers a variety of ethically-made products including tees, socks, and hats. You'll hear the journey of a small business rising to success and how Local Laundry survived the pandemic by adjusting its offer. Dustin also shares how he navigates day-to-day operations with his team.We learn about weekly cash flow and how Dustin applies his knowledge from working in the banking sector to business ownership.We're excited to be sharing a Calgary success story that is brimming with real-life insights and practical advice to enhance your financial or entrepreneurial journey. Thanks for listening!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/42C0FLWSubscribe to the podcast:iTunes - https://bit.ly/3CGt3BnSpotify - https://bit.ly/3PiTyoa Stay 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/3ANacUrFollow 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 accredited investment advisors.

Jun 14, 2023 • 53min
An Investment Banker's Advice on The Nuances of Financing w. Neil Johnson
Today, Neil Johnson, Founder and CEO of Duke Royalty joins us on the show to speak about how to deliver a pitch in order to be memorable.Duke Royalty is a leading royalty investment company that provides a unique financing solution without taking on traditional debt or raising equity.Neil has over 30 years of experience in research analysis, merchant banking, and investment banking in Canadian and UK Capital Markets. He rose through the ranks of Canaccord Genuity Inc. to become the managing director, then opened and led their European office. He then speaks to some of the nuances of European versus North American investors.Neil saw the opportunity to bring this product to Europe after witnessing the power of the developing Canadian Royalty Financing model in North America. Neil’s 30+ years of investment banking experience make for a fascinating interview. This episode is an informative look behind the scenes at Duke Royalty. We learn how they raise money and deploy that capital into their target deals.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/3ppCAt9For more information on our sponsor, please visit Olympia Trust CompanySign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWSubscribe to the podcast:iTunes - https://apple.co/43d7C6ZSpotify - https://spoti.fi/43d7SmrStay 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/3ANacUrFollow 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 accredited investment advisors.

Jun 7, 2023 • 1h 2min
IR, Tech, and Reaching the Right Investors w. Darrell Heaps
Being a public company is not easy. Many companies celebrate when they IPO, what they don't realize is how hard the capital markets road will be. Darrell Heaps, Founder and CEO of Q4 Inc. joins us today and shares how the decision to go public to understand the pains of his customers, turned out to be something he was not expecting.Q4's purpose is to help its clients achieve investor relations goals and build confidence in the capital markets. They partner with public companies to strengthen their brand and share their story.In this episode, Darrell shares how he founded his business, the journey of raising capital and the pressures that come from dealing with investor money.Finding the right investors that are a good fit for your business can feel overwhelming. Darrell provides advice on how to achieve that, why a mix of different investors can create a premium on a stock, and why raising money for your business isn’t the endgame.Our conversation shifts to discuss his thoughts on AI and how it can optimize the financial industry. To wrap up, we talk about board composition. From having advisors to the importance of being transparent with your board – he covers it all. This episode is chock full of valuable insights for CEOs and investors. 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/3ppCAt9For more information on our sponsor, please visit Olympia Trust CompanySign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWSubscribe to the podcast:iTunes - https://apple.co/43d7C6ZSpotify - https://spoti.fi/43d7SmrStay 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/3ANacUrFollow 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.

May 31, 2023 • 46min
Breaking Down Educational Barriers w. Sydney Montgomery
Raising capital is a difficult endeavour for all founders, doing it as a minority in an unpopular sector like EdTech can add another layer of complexity. Sydney Montgomery, CEO and Founder of Outline It breaks down who she's doing it in this episode.Outline It uses AI and machine learning to assist users in creating compelling writing and crafting ideas. Her goal has been to assist first-generation minority students with acceptance into post-secondary and law school. We discuss bridging the equity gap in education and how access to education is not always based on merit. Sydney dives into the nuance of raising capital as a black woman. She also recalls her experience growing up in a military family.Our conversation unpacks the challenges of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and society which provides a different perspective for all trying to raise capital. We then explore potential solutions that businesses and individuals can install in their daily lives.Join us as Sydney shares how she's finding success in funding a company that utilizes technology to enhance writing and education. Her dedication to breaking down barriers for all is inspiring! Thanks for listening to this episode.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/42C0FLWSubscribe to the podcast:iTunes - https://apple.co/43d7C6ZSpotify - https://spoti.fi/43d7SmrStay 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/3ANacUrFollow 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 accredited investment advisors.

May 24, 2023 • 43min
An Investment Banker's Perspective on Financing Energy Transition Deals w. Peter Perri
Meet Peter Perri, an investment banker at Young America Capital who focuses on climate energy and infrastructure.Young America provides M&A, capital raising, and financial advisory services to family businesses and middle-market companies.Raising capital for any company is difficult. Financing capital-intensive early energy transition projects adds another level of complexity.Peter unpacks how energy and infrastructure investors view investing in these types of projects and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on delivery to markets.Our conversation deviates to government incentives and how they can be beneficial in the energy transition sector.Peter talks us through pitching and financing an energy transition deal. He also explains three things you need to master when preparing to pitch to markets.We chat about other interesting topics including influential media that has helped shape Peter’s career.Interested in an investment banker’s perspective? This episode is for you. Tune in now!Check out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!t 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 CompanySign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWSubscribe to the podcast:iTunes - https://apple.co/43d7C6ZSpotify - https://spoti.fi/43d7SmrStay 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/3ANacUrFollow 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 accredited investment advisors.

May 17, 2023 • 57min
Formulaic Multifamily Investing w. Bob Dhillon
Bob Dhillon is one of Canada’s most prominent real estate moguls! He is the founder of Mainstreet Equity Corp. Bob is the epitome of purpose-driven hard work.In today's episode, you’ll hear the founding story behind Mainstreet Equity Corp. and how it developed into a TSX-listed company with over 17,000 rental units.Bob shares what makes Mainstreet different from other real estate corporations. He reveals what it was like to receive the Order of Canada award and explains why it is so important to him to give back to his community.We explore the ‘secret sauce’ behind multifamily success and Bob gets real about the impossibilities of work-life balance on the road to billion-dollar success.We dive into different markets that Bob has been able to break into and why. We also discuss the role of rent control.Bob provides his predictions for the future of Calgary and shares insight into the spiritual and meditative practices that enable him to be effective each day. Tune in today to hear all this and more!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/3ppCAt9For more information on our sponsor, please visit Olympia Trust CompanySign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWSubscribe to the podcast:iTunes - https://apple.co/43d7C6ZSpotify - https://spoti.fi/43d7SmrStay 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/3ANacUrFollow 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 accredited investment advisors.

May 10, 2023 • 42min
Is ESG a Sham? w. Rhylin Bailie
Rhylin Bailie VP of Investor Relations at Equinox Gold Corporation is back on the Insider's Guide to Finance!She's here to share her insight on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the mining industry and beyond. She brings a nuanced perspective to the world of ESG.Rhylin has managed aspects of investor relations, communications, and sustainability reporting for various resource companies.To kick off our conversation, she explains the exciting shift in ESG practices within her industry. She shares how the mining industry can bring value to local communities.We touch on the possibility of mandating ESG reporting and discuss a new perspective on what it means to have a good ESG strategy. We also touch on exploring whom you need to engage in your strategy. You'll hear about capacity issues and discover the Diversity and Inclusion at Equinox. We hope you enjoy hearing her unique perspectives on these subjects!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/3ppCAt9Stay 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 accredited investment advisors.

May 3, 2023 • 1h
Bridging the Gap to Critical Resources for the Energy Transition w. James Hill
We’re joined by James Hill, president, and CEO of MCF Energy. He is a lifelong geologist and leader in global energy. For more than 40 years, James has traveled the world in search of energy assets.Many parts of the world have faced shortages and increased prices in the oil, gas, and electricity markets.MCF Energy focuses on strengthening Europe’s energy security and provides critical resources for the energy transition. James is leading the company’s exploration and development efforts.Some of James' partners include Ford Nicholson, the former chair of InterOil, and one of Canada’s most prolific resource financiers, Frank Giustra.In today’s episode, James takes us back to the early days of his career and what it feels like to drill the winning hole that taps into a fortune of “black gold.”He also explains how MCF is bridging the gap by providing critical resources during the transition to renewable energy. James dives into the difficulties of drilling a dry hole and breaking the bad news to investors. We also learn about the projects he is the most proud of.This is an insider’s look at a fascinating career and one that listeners will find value in as we stare down the barrel of a global energy crisis. Today’s episode comes packed with great tidbits of information. Tune in now!Watch MCF Energy's latest video: https://bit.ly/44jwhaLCheck 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/3ppCAt9Stay in the know and follow along:Subscribe to the podcast:iTunes - https://apple.co/43d7C6ZSpotify - https://spoti.fi/43d7SmrConnect 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

Apr 26, 2023 • 51min
The Unique Opportunities of SaaS and AI w. Kevin Petersen
Kevin Petersen is the founder and CEO of Growth Stack Inc. Growth Stack Inc. works with founders to leverage its expertise to speed up growth by infusing capital and adding infrastructure.His career as a marketing automation specialist spans over two decades. Kevin has worked with companies such as Charles Schwab and Wells Fargo.Kevin's story is one worth telling! He's bought, built, and sold sixty companies, starting with his first $750 acquisition of a tattoo blog. His SaaS experience includes a file-sharing platform that grew to a seven-figure revenue within the first year and an award-winning music industry start-up.During today’s conversation, you’ll hear all about the world of secondary markets. Kevin also shares where micro and small businesses are bought and sold.Join us for an enriching glimpse into SaaS, finding the right terms of negotiation, and the shift AI brings to the workforce. Thanks for tuning in!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/3ppCAt9Stay in the know and follow along:Subscribe to the podcast:iTunes - https://apple.co/43d7C6ZSpotify - https://spoti.fi/43d7SmrConnect 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