Big Shot

Some of the best stories in business are the ones you never hear about. They are the deals that fell through, the partnerships that never happened, and the employees who didn’t make it. Behind those moments are decisions that shape some of the best businesses. And, when you speak with some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs, you realize that those moments are shaped by strong values. In particular, the best entrepreneurs lean into integrity to turn risks into rewards. On this episode of Big Shot Shorts, you’ll learn how Jonathan Wener, Aldo Bensadoun, and Issy Sharp all took the hard road by trusting in integrity, doing the right thing, and making life-changing decisions that defined their businesses and led to undeniable success.  — In This Episode, We Cover: (00:00) The variable not discussed enough in business (01:35) A crazy story about Starbucks and Spotify (04:35) Why Jonathan Wener left $10 million on the table  (07:20) How to build great relationships and develop trust (11:45) “You’re going to outgrow us before we outgrow you.” (12:40) How Aldo’s billion-dollar business was born out of integrity (14:15) It’s possible to be a capitalist and be fair (16:20) The Four Seasons’s “sustainable competitive advantage” (19:30) How McDonald’s influenced the Four Seasons (24:40) Instilling a winning culture at all costs  — Where To Find Big Shot:  Website: ⁠https://www.bigshot.show/ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠    Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠   Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠  David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠ Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

Learn how successful entrepreneurs build world-class teams, emphasizing the value of good partners and helping employees reach their full potential. Topics include partnership formulas, the importance of chemistry, making the first hire, building a brand, employee perks, integrity in hiring, making employees wealthy, and building a culture.

In today’s episode, we explore stories from our guests on how their parents and the previous generation profoundly impacted their lives. You’ll hear from Ed Sonshine, Jonathan Wener, Issy Sharp, Charles Bronfman, and Aldo Bensadoun about how they learned their relentless work ethic from their parents and the power of learning by example. It’s a great example of how each generation stands on the shoulders of the giants that came before them. — In This Episode, We Cover: (00:00) Welcome to Big Shot Shorts (00:58) The power of the past generation (04:22) Ed Sonshine on the two things his father taught him (07:49) How Jonathan Wener learned his work ethic (10:37) Issy Sharp on learning by example (16:15) Charles Bronfman on learning to give back (20:04) Aldo Bensadoun on treating others with love, respect, and integrity  — Where To Find Big Shot:  Website: ⁠https://www.bigshot.show/ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠    Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠   Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠  David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠ Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

Issy Sharp, founder of Four Seasons, discusses raising $1 billion for the Terry Fox Run. Jonathan Wener believes the best way to live a rich life is by giving back. They explore the importance of giving to the next generation and why we are put in this world to make it better. Topics include philanthropy, tikun olam, and the impact of the Terry Fox Run.

Looking for a masterclass on taking chances and winning big? This episode of Big Shot looks at the one trait shared by all the successful entrepreneurs and billionaires on the podcast -- chutzpah. It's one thing to say you can't fear failure. And it's something completely different to act in ways that seem crazy at the moment but turn out to be the perfect move. This episode shares the combined wisdom of Ed Sonshine, Charles Bronfman, Aldo Bensadoun, Jonathan Wener, Issy Sharp, and hosts Harley Finkelstein and David Segal. You'll learn how the best entrepreneurs approach risk differently than the rest, and that's a big reason why they succeed in ways others can't imagine. — In This Episode, We Cover: (00:00) Wow, what a first season of Big Shot (04:02) Pitching Season 2 (05:15) Ed Sonshine on what chutzpah means to him (06:19) Charles Bronfman on chutzpah (07:05) Aldo Bensadoun shares his take (12:02) Jonathan Wener on not taking no for an answer (17:33) Issy Sharp on giving your best (20:57) Harley and David on what chutzpah means to them — Where To Find Big Shot: Website: ⁠https://www.bigshot.show/ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠ Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠ David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick ⁠Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co

In this episode, Issy Sharp, founder of The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, reveals how McDonald's influenced their approach to hospitality, why they don't own any real estate, and how the death of his son inspired him to support the Terry Fox run. He also shares a surprising bomb at the end. They discuss the power of service and attitude, the importance of work-life harmony, and their philanthropic efforts. They emphasize belief in oneself and the influence of their Jewish heritage on their 'can do' attitude.

"Big Shot" welcomes Isadore (Issy) Sharp, the founder of The Four Seasons. In this episode, Issy shares his incredible journey, from growing up in construction to meeting his wife over 70 years ago. Learn about the concepts that made The Four Seasons successful, his fearlessness, and the best investment of all time.

Ed Sonshine is one of those people you could speak with for hours and barely scratch the surface of his life. Born in Bergen-Belsen Displaced Persons Camp after World War II to two Holocaust survivors, he immigrated to Canada as a young child. After already becoming a very successful lawyer, he founded RioCan, which, at the time, was the first REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) in Canada. As of this recording, RioCan operates 193 properties, has over 33 million in leasable square feet, and an evaluation of $15 billion. In this episode of Big Shot, you’ll learn what it was like being born in Germany after the war, how Ed built a real estate empire while still being a family man, why he thinks the Jewish community is extremely self-reliant, and much more. — Where To Find Big Shot:  Website: ⁠bigshot.show⁠  YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠    Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠   Harley Finkelstein: ⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠  David Segal: ⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠ Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠https://penname.co — In This Episode, We Cover: (00:00) Welcome to Big Shot and meet our guest Ed Sunshine (05:40) The early days of Ed’s life and being born in a displaced person’s camp (10:18) Why Ed’s father was a smuggler after the war and never complained (14:55) What made Ed want to be successful and change career paths (19:12) When Ed got the idea to bring the first REIT to Canada (24:38) What he learned from his father that had a profound impact on him  (27:20) How Ed built a business empire while being a family man (31:20) Why Ed finally got a cottage  (36:40) How Ed defines success, financial security, and purpose (42:15) Why the Jewish community is self-reliant (50:51) How Ed defines chutzpah (52:32) A story you need to hear about Ed’s father (58:36) What worries Ed about the future  (1:04:40) Ed’s biggest piece of advice to younger generations — Referenced: RioCan: https://www.riocan.com/  Bergen-Belsen Displaced Persons Camp: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/bergen-belsen-displaced-persons-camp  An Empire Of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Their-Own-Invented-Hollywood/dp/0385265573 

Jonathan Wener shares how he turned a $10k loan into a $15 billion empire by prioritizing kindness, integrity, and hard work. He reveals stories of bold decisions, building strong relationships, and the importance of giving back. Learn how his journey from laborer to millionaire shaped his remarkable success in real estate.

Aldo Bensadoun shares his inspiring journey of building a successful shoe brand, emphasizing the importance of kindness and making decisions based on values. Exploring entrepreneurship by necessity and their initial reservations about retail. How Aldo sold encyclopedias door-to-door. The unexpected journey into the shoe business and their departure from a shoe company due to a disagreement with their boss. Building Skechers and embracing integrity. Cause marketing and the power of Jewish entrepreneurs.