Behind every great company, every groundbreaking idea, and every game-changing innovation, there’s a leader on a mission. Welcome to Mission Critical with Lance Chung—the show where we break down the blueprints, the bold moves, and the battle-tested playbooks of today’s most impactful leaders. From CEOs and founders to artists, designers, and athletes, we’re talking to the visionaries who build, innovate, and lead.
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Lance Chung Podcasts
Eulogy Podcast is a short podcast that records the conversation between host Pierre-Nicolas Colombat and his guests immediately after seeing a live performance, chronicling Boston's classical music scene. The episodes begin while still inside the venue and follow the conversation out into the street. The pod is not explicitly a concert review podcast but more simply tries to document whatever conversations the concert prompts. As bookends, the pod features the recordings of fellow young musi ...
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David Zilber (Food Scientist): What Fermentation Can Teach Us About Collaboration, Control, and Creativity
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56:56In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with David Zilber — chef, fermentation expert, author, and Top Chef Canada judge — to explore how food reflects who we are, where we come from, and where we’re headed. From his groundbreaking work leading the Fermentation Lab at Noma (once named the world’s best restaurant) to his current work in…
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Maggie Kang (Filmmaker, Kpop Demon Hunters): On Representation, Flawed Heroes, and Owning Your Power
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21:45
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21:45Filmmaker Maggie Kang has captured the world’s imagination with Kpop Demon Hunters, the animated blockbuster that’s topped Netflix’s most-watched list and redefined what global audiences expect from K-pop storytelling. Blending the spectacle of superhero cinema with the infectious energy of Korean pop culture, Kang’s film has inspired entirely new …
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Dax Dasilva (CEO, Lightspeed): What the Amazon Taught Me About Leadership
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54:34From scaling a billion-dollar tech company to trekking through the Amazon rainforest with Dr. Jane Goodall, Dax Dasilva has learned that growth only happens when you step outside your comfort zone. In this episode of Mission Critical, the Lightspeed CEO and Age of Union founder opens up about leadership, purpose, and risk—sharing lessons from both …
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Yung Wu (Co-founder, CILAR): Seizing Opportunity in a Time of Turbulence
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In recent years, Toronto has made bold moves that signal its evolution into a true global sports capital — from the launch of the PWHL and AFC Toronto, to the announcement of a WNBA expansion team and the NHL’s renewed focus on international competition through the Four Nations Face-Off. And in the next two years, that momentum will reach a new pea…
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Is Canada Ready to Host the 2026 World Cup?
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45:30From grassroots leagues to the global pitch, Canadian soccer has come a long way—but the journey is far from over. As Toronto prepares to become a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the spotlight is not only on the players but on the systems, the people, and the communities that have shaped the game here at home. Recorded live at the 2025 GLORY…
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Diana Matheson & Anastasia Bucsis: Canada's Power Couple Redefining Women's Soccer
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34:19
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34:19Diana Matheson is one of the most decorated athletes in Canadian soccer history — an Olympian, a World Cup veteran, and the player responsible for one of the most iconic moments in Canadian sport: that 92nd-minute goal at London 2012 that secured Canada’s first medal in a traditional team sport in over 70 years. But what might be even more historic…
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Jesse Marsch (Head Coach, Canadian Men's National Soccer Team): Shaping Canada's World Cup Legacy
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57:19Recorded live at the 2025 GLORY Sports Summit (powered by GE Appliances) in Toronto, this specia episode features Jesse Marsch, Head Coach of the Canadian Men’s National Soccer Team. In less than a year, Toronto will serve as one of the key host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, welcoming fans and teams from around the globe. Sure, this opportuni…
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Jenn Harper (Founder, Cheekbone Beauty): "Why CAN'T We Build a Billion-Dollar [Beauty] Brand?"
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44:55What happens when you blend Indigenous values, entrepreneurial grit, and a mission to do business differently? You get Cheekbone Beauty, one of Canada’s most purpose-driven beauty brands—and the brainchild of Jenn Harper. In this live episode of Mission Critical recorded in Toronto at Waterworks Food Hall, Lance sits down with Jenn to unpack her in…
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Lesley Hampton (Fashion Designer): Building an Indigenous Fashion Brand with Purpose
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45:05
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45:05What does it take to thrive as both a designer and an entrepreneur? In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Lesley Hampton—Indigenous artist, acclaimed fashion designer, and founder of her namesake brand—for a conversation about creativity, community, and self-preservation. From dressing icons like Lizzo, Lily Gladstone, and Sandr…
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Andrea Grand (Co-founder, Barbet): Leading a Purpose-Driven Beverage Brand With Impact
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50:22This episode is presented in partnership with Mastercard Canada. Listen now and join the Mastercard Small Business Community—a network built to help entrepreneurs learn, grow, and connect. Sign up at mastercard.ca/smallbusiness. What if a beverage could change how we gather, how we connect, and how we feel seen? In this episode of Mission Critical,…
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Rachel Wong (Co-founder, Monday Girl): Rewriting the Networking Playbook for Women
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54:09This episode is presented in partnership with Mastercard Canada. Listen now and join the Mastercard Small Business Community—a network built to help entrepreneurs learn, grow, and connect. Sign up at mastercard.ca/smallbusiness. What if networking wasn’t transactional, intimidating, or exclusive—but reimagined as a safe, empowering, and welcoming e…
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Shayla Stonechild (Founder, The Matriarch Movement): What Can Digital Spaces Learn from Indigenous Teachings?
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22:07What does it mean to reclaim space in a world that was never built with you in mind? And how do you transform platforms designed for performance into spaces for healing, community, and cultural resurgence? In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Shayla Stonechild, a powerful voice in the movement to uplift Indigenous stories, wisd…
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Latoya Nugent (Head of Engagement, Rainbow Railroad): Fighting for the Future of Queer Refugees
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1:16:17Pride is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. And in a world where LGBTQ+ lives are still under threat, that call has never been more urgent. In this powerful episode, Lance sits down with Latoya Nugent, Head of Engagement at Rainbow Railroad, an international organization helping LGBTQI+ individuals escape state-sponsored violence and pe…
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Jonathan Van Ness (Queer Eye): Queer Joy as Resistance
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47:48Happy Pride Month, everyone. Pride is many things—celebration, visibility, love—but it’s also resistance. It began as a protest, led by queer and trans people who demanded to be seen, safe, and free. And while we celebrate today, that original spirit feels more urgent than ever. Across the world, queer and trans communities are facing renewed backl…
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David & Kavi Moltz (Co-founders, D.S. & DURGA): Building a Cult Fragrance Brand Through Scent, Storytelling, and Scrappiness.
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50:23In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance catches up with David and Kavi Moltz, the husband-and-wife duo behind the cult fragrance brand D.S. & DURGA. You might recognize their minimalist, design-forward bottles on the shelves of your favorite department store—clean fonts, matte black caps, and labels that evoke poetry, punk, and place in equal me…
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Carinne Chambers-Saini (CEO, Diva): Menstruation, Censorship, and the Fight for Women’s Health
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41:42Today’s guest knows what it means to disrupt the status quo. Carinne Chambers-Saini is the co-founder and CEO of Diva, the Canadian company that put menstrual cups on the map long before the fem-care space was even a thing—they created an entire business category. While most brands steered clear of the stigma around menstruation, Carinne leaned in,…
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Anna Lambe (Actor, North of North): From Nunavut to Netflix, Meet TV's New North Star
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43:16What does it mean to be a ‘modern Inuk woman’—and who gets to define that? That’s one of the many bold questions North of North poses. It’s the first large-scale TV series shot in Nunavut, co-produced by CBC and Netflix, and presented by APTN, with over 500 locals cast as background actors and a $23 million impact on the Canadian economy. But beyon…
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Ben Barry (Dean, Parsons School of Design): How Fashion Shapes (and Shifts) Masculinity, Power, and Politics
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50:25The Met Gala is fashion’s grandest stage — a place where style, celebrity, and cultural commentary collide in a single, glittering red carpet. But even amid the extravagance and fantasy, some things remain untouched. Why do so many men still cling to the sartorial safety net of conservative suiting and restraint? And what does it reveal about the w…
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Chau Lui (Co-owner, Paris Jewellers): From Immigrant Roots to a Canadian Jewelry Empire
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44:44As the co-owner of Paris Jewellers Canada, a family-run business started by her Vietnamese immigrant parents in 1987, Chau Lui has turned heritage into a mission. With over 23 stores across the country, the brand is known not just for its sparkle, but for its story—a story that began with her mother, who didn’t speak English, relying on a Vietnames…
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Jennifer Flanagan (CEO, Actua): The Culture War on Science—and How to Push Back
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35:30
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35:30What happens when science itself becomes a battleground? In this Mission Critical live episode—recorded at Toronto’s Annex Hotel and presented in partnership with Veuve Clicquot—Lance sits down with Jennifer Flanagan, President and CEO of Actua, to unpack a critical question: What does it take to protect the future of science—and who gets to partic…
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Susan Yara (Co-founder, Naturium): From Skincare Influencer to $355M Beauty Founder
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43:00What happens when influence isn’t just about followers—but about power, ownership, and rewriting the rules of an entire industry? In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance chats with Susan Yara—content creator turned beauty entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Naturium, one of the fastest-growing skincare brands in the business. She started in fron…
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Stacey Aglok Macdonald & Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Filmmakers): Reclaiming the Arctic Narrative
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36:04What does it mean to create something grounded in community, but built to reach the world? In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril—the visionary creators and showrunners behind North of North, the first-ever Inuit-led scripted drama produced by CBC and APTN and getting ready for its…
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Sebastian Picardo (CEO, President; Holt Renfrew): Are Department Stores Still Relevant?
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51:54
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51:54Department stores are disappearing—Nordstrom pulled out of Canada, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman were swallowed up into Saks Global, Hudson's Bay is liquidating, and direct-to-consumer brands are reshaping the retail landscape. But Holt Renfrew (you know them, that Canadian luxury destination with the iconic magenta shopping bags) continues to…
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Samantha Reusch (Executive Director, Apathy is Boring): Why Aren't Young People Voting?
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53:25With a snap election just called for April, the pressure is on to get young Canadians to the polls. But will they show up? Youth voter turnout has historically lagged behind older demographics, and trust in political institutions is at an all-time low. In an era of misinformation, democratic backsliding, and global instability, is democracy failing…
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Laura McGee (CEO, Diversio): Here's Why DEI Programs Are Here to Stay
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45:23DEI has become one of the most polarizing conversations in the corporate world, especially in the 2025 Trump era. Is it a critical business strategy, or just corporate virtue signaling? On this episode of Mission Critical with Lance Chung, Lance sits down with Laura McGee, CEO of Diversio, to cut through the noise and uncover what’s really happenin…
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Joanna Griffiths (Founder, Knix): Why Building a Brand Isn’t Enough—You Need to Start a Movement
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50:47
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50:47Building an incredible brand is one thing—leading it through an industry shift is another. Joanna Griffiths created Knix to disrupt the intimates industry, making inclusivity and body positivity the foundation of a global movement. In this episode, Lance chats with Joanna about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts—and why simply selling…
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Lily Li (Investment Counsellor): How Philanthropy is a State of Mind and A Daily Practice
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40:43
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40:43In this episode of Mission Critical, we sit down with Lily Li—investment counsellor, socialite, and philanthropist—who shares her remarkable journey from immigrating to Canada to making a name for herself in the male-dominated world of finance. Lily opens up about the challenges she faced breaking into the industry, how she built a powerful network…
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Jake Karls (Co-Founder, Mid-Day Squares) - How Being An Entrepreneur Is Like Being A Professional Athlete
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55:00In this episode of Mission Critical, we sit down with Jake Karls, co-founder and "Chief Rainmaker" of Mid-Day Squares, the Canadian chocolate company that's redefining snacking—and business culture. Jake shares his unfiltered insights on what it takes to build not just a successful brand, but a powerhouse team that believes in your mission. From cu…
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Eric Chong (Chef): The Realities Of Running A Fine-Dining Restaurant
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48:34In this episode, we dive into MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong's unique journey from the lab to the kitchen, but more importantly, the realities of life as a restaurateur—the sacrifices, the endless grind, and the unwavering commitment it takes to succeed. The owner of the newly-opened aKin Toronto, Eric gets real about the highs and lows of the…
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Eva Chin (Chef): Reshaping the Future of Chinese Cuisine
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43:28Chef Eva Chin is redefining what it means to be a steward of culinary culture. As the Culinary Director of Hong Shing and owner of Yan Dining Room in Toronto, she masterfully blends tradition with innovation, proving that Chinese cuisine isn’t static—it’s dynamic, seasonal, and deeply personal. In this episode, we explore her journey from growing u…
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Yung Wu (Co-Founder, CILAR): How Embracing Each Other's Differences Is a Strategic Advantage
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46:13In this episode, serial entrepreneur Yung Wu shares his unwavering belief that true progress in innovation comes from embracing different perspectives. As the former CEO of MaRS Discovery District (@marsdiscoverydistrict) and co-founder of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (@cilar_canada), Wu has been an instrumental force in drivi…
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Omar Gandhi (Founder, Omar Gandhi Architects): Can Architecture Shape Who We Are?
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46:41In this episode, Lance sits down with award-winning architect Omar Gandhi of Omar Gandhi Architects to explore the artistry, philosophy, and impact behind his work. Omar delves into what defines a great design experience, how architecture can foster meaningful relationships, and what our buildings reveal about us as a society. He shares pivotal mom…
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Evelyn Chick (Founder, Evelyn Chick Projects): Turning a Pandemic Pivot Into a $1 Million Hospitality Empire
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35:00In this episode, serial entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and beverage consultant Evelyn Chick shares how she turned a pandemic layoff into an opportunity to build her thriving business empire. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to advocating for diversity and inclusion in hospitality, Evelyn opens up about her journey and the best …
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Sasha Plavsic (Founder, ILIA Beauty): How a Clear Vision Led to Clean Beauty Success
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32:12In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Plavsic, the visionary founder of ILIA Beauty, to explore how she revolutionized the clean beauty industry. Sasha shares the personal story that inspired ILIA, her approach to blending sustainability with high-performance formulas, and the challenges of balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. From a…
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Janet Zuccarini (CEO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group): How to Preserve Culture Through Food
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41:22As the driving force behind Toronto’s acclaimed Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini is a rare blend of visionary and architect, crafting a culinary empire that pays homage to her Italian heritage while pushing the boundaries of what hospitality can be. Her restaurants, including the beloved Gusto 101 and the pasta-centric Felix Trattoria in …
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Emily O'Brien (Founder, Comeback Snacks): How a Stint in Jail Led to an Entrepreneurial Success Story
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43:32In this episode, Lance sits down with Emily O’Brien, the inspiring founder of Comeback Snacks, whose entrepreneurial journey took root in an unexpected place: behind bars. From crafting gourmet popcorn flavours to driving meaningful change, Emily has turned a rocky past into a powerful platform for advocacy and second chances. Throughout their chat…
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Connie Lo (Co-founder, Three Ships): Building a Beauty Empire from a $4,000 Bootstrap
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50:27In this episode, Connie Lo, co-founder of Three Ships, joins Lance to discuss her journey in building a clean skincare brand with a mission to make beauty accessible for all. Connie shares her entrepreneurial story, from bootstrapping the company with just $4,000 to achieving significant growth and recognition in the industry. Throughout the conver…
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Piper Gilles (Olympic Figure Skater): An Olympian's Guide to Overcoming Adversity
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44:35In the high-pressure world of competitive figure skating, Canadian Olympian Piper Gilles has carved out a name for herself, not only through her artistry and athleticism but also through her resilience and advocacy. Beyond the rink, Piper is a vocal advocate for women’s health and has turned her personal battle into a mission to inspire and educate…
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Madelyn Chung (Founder, The RepresentASIAN Project): Amplifying Asian North American Voices
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42:12In this episode, presented by Monogram Appliances Canada, Lance sits down with Madelyn Chung, founder of The RepresentASIAN Project, to discuss the complexities of cultural identity, Asian representation in media, and the ongoing work of breaking down systemic barriers within and outside the Asian community. Madelyn shares candid insights into her …
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Emerance Maschmeyer & Geneviève Lacasse (PWHL): Love, Leadership, and Women's Hockey
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31:26In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, Emerance Maschmeyer and Geneviève Lacasse share a story that uniquely sets them apart from their contemporaries. Both elite goaltenders with careers that span the highs of international competition (both were part of Canada’s national team) and the grit of the newly launched Professional Women’s Hock…
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Takashi Murakami (Artist): An Icon's Perspective on Art in the 21st Century
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18:44Renowned for his dynamic fusion of pop culture iconography, Takaski Murakami has had a formidable impact on culture and art. From his groundbreaking partnership with Louis Vuitton to his haunting work for musician Billie Eilish, collaboration has always played a pivotal role in the Tokyo-based artist’s creative journey. On the latest episode of the…
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David Shoemaker (CEO, Canadian Olympic Committee): The Unifying Power of Sport
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36:26In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance welcomes David Shoemaker, the dynamic CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee. As the world anticipates the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Shoemaker offers a compelling look into his distinctive leadership style and what it's like to lead an organization as unique as his. Elsewhere in t…
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Brooke Lynn Hytes (Drag Queen): Why We Need Drag Culture Now, More Than Ever
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33:04In the sequined, high-camp world of drag, few names shine as brightly as Brooke Lynn Hytes. From her transformative experience on RuPaul’s Drag Race to her burgeoning media empire as host of Canada’s Drag Race, she has not only captivated audiences with her stunning performances but has also become a beacon of queer visibility. Originally a pageant…
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Laurie May (Co-founder, Elevation Pictures): How Do Independent Films Amplify Diverse Stories?
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41:47Laurie May has long been a guiding force that continues to shape the narrative voice of the film industry. As co-founder and co-president of Elevation Pictures, a Canadian distribution and production company, Laurie's vision has always been to make an impact by telling a wide range of independent stories that resonate with audiences—to help viewers…
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Mark Williams (CEO, Toronto Symphony Orchestra): What Does the Orchestra of the Future Look Like?
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39:34In a world that is increasingly becoming defined by technological advancements and endless content scrolling, what role does a symphony orchestra play in the big picture of it all? It's a question that Mark Williams has had to confront in his role as CEO of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO). The challenge ahead is an interesting one—how do you h…
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Leonard Brody (Co-founder, Caravan): Is a Celebrity Partnership Right for Your Brand?
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53:01Leonard Brody is an award-winning entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and bestselling author. As co-founder of Caravan, a venture with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the two-time Emmy-nominated media visionary shares insights with Lance about the intricacies of building ventures for global icons like Carrie Underwood and Tom Hanks, and what brands sh…
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Jens Grede (CEO, SKIMS): How to Build a Celebrity-Driven Legacy Brand
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55:17You may know SKIMS for its celebrity co-founder, Kim Kardashian, but are you aware of its other co-founder? On this episode of Mission Critical, SKIMS CEO and co-founder Jens Grede joins Lance to talk about his fascinating entrepreneurial journey, his experience working with Kim, and the evolution of the celebrity-driven brand. Here's what you can …
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GLORY Features: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Cybersecurity with Leigh Tynan
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40:16In GLORY Features, we're expanding our podcast to bring you more guests and their expert advice on what small business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders should know, today. In this episode, host Lance Chung sits down with Leigh Tynan, Director of Online Security at TELUS. Tynan brings her wealth of experience to the table, offering a comprehensive…
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Coco Rocha (Model): Lessons from the Catwalk on Success, Self-Advocacy, and Mentorship
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41:36Over the years, society has had to reckon with much-needed change in order to build a more equitable future. Like many other cultural institutions, the fashion industry has not been quick to change. Thankfully, there are those within the ecosystem who have pushed for progress by empowering others and embracing innovation. At the forefront of this c…
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