Shows
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 39: Leading with Heart: Jill De Chavez on Building a People-First Business in Social Impact
In this episode of the podcast, host Shane Jeremy James, known as S1H, sits down with Jill De Chavez, the dynamic owner of Briteweb. This digital agency manages the online presence of mission-driven organizations, such as the David Suzuki Foundation. After years of overseeing large corporate projects, Jill took the bold step of becoming an owner by purchasing the very agency where she once worked. Now leading a 15-person team, she quickly realized that running a company presents its unique challenges. From making difficult decisions, such as letting go of underperforming employees, to fostering a culture of psychological...
2025-07-0146 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 38: Virtual Healing Revolution: Nick Vassev on Building the Future of VR Therapeutics
In this episode of The People-Driven CEO Podcast, host Shane Jeremy James, also known as S1H, speaks with Nik Vassev, the founder of NovoBeing. This VR therapeutics company integrates meditation, breathwork, and mental wellness into the healthcare system through the use of immersive technology.
Nik discusses how he raised over $1 million in funding, overcame more than 300 investor rejections, and built a company supported by clinical trials that demonstrate real results, including a reduction in pain by over 50% with just 10 minutes of daily practice.
Shane and Nik explore what it takes to lead a people-first...
2025-07-011h 03
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 37: From Corporate to Craft: Zahir Rajani on Reviving Family Legacy in Luxury TailoringIn this episode, Shane Jeremy James, known simply as S1H, sits down with Zahir Rajani, the brilliant mind behind The Sartorial Shop, one of Vancouver’s most refined custom suit boutiques. Zahir didn't start in fashion; he originally came from the world of commercial real estate, where he held a stable job focused on buildings and contracts. However, he felt a deep desire to revive something more meaningful: his family’s legacy.
His parents opened their tailoring shop back in 1984, following in the footsteps of Zahir’s grandfather, a master clothier in East Africa. Trading predictability for pa...
2025-07-0143 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 36: Beauty with Purpose: Missy MacKintosh on Redefining the Industry
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Missy MacKintosh, founder of MisMacK Clean Cosmetics, who is leading a powerful shift in the beauty industry. From working behind the scenes as a professional makeup artist to building her own inclusive, cruelty-free brand, Missy shares how her values, experiences, and vision for change have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. She opens up about the challenges of disrupting a saturated market—and the passion that keeps her mission-driven.
We dive into the realities of ethical entrepreneurship, what true representation means in the world of beauty, and how clean pr...
2025-06-2651 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 35: Building Better Systems: Marc Wandler on Purpose, People & Innovation
In this episode, we sit down with Marc Wandler, a founder and forward-thinking entrepreneur, to explore what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up. Marc shares his journey of creating systems and solutions that serve people first, drawing from his experiences in leadership, social impact, and business innovation. From early lessons to scaling strategies, Marc opens up about the mindset needed to grow something that lasts.
We delve into the importance of values-driven leadership, how to remain mission-focused in a fast-paced world, and why community and empathy are just as crucial as...
2025-06-261h 00
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 34: Owning Your Voice: The Creative Journey of Mia Fiona Kut
Since Mia Fiona Kut’s name was mispronounced at the beginning of the interview, we would like to offer our sincere apologies and gratitude for her gracious understanding.
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Mia Fiona Kut, CEO of Luna Nectar, a multi-talented creative, actor, and entrepreneur who shares her journey of self-expression, resilience, and redefining success on her terms. From navigating the entertainment industry to launching her ventures, Mia opens up about the challenges she faced and the moments that shaped her both personally and professionally.
We discuss the im...
2025-06-2650 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 33: Lessons in Resilience: The Leadership Journey of Cathline James
In this powerful episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Cathline James, founder of Wise Bites, a bold leader, visionary entrepreneur, and woman of deep faith. Cathline opens up about the real story behind her success, one filled with perseverance, tough decisions, and moments of divine clarity. From navigating the early days of her business to leading with purpose in high-pressure environments, she shares how resilience, belief, and a relentless commitment to growth have shaped her path.
We dive into the values that drive her, the challenges she faced as a woman in leadership, and...
2025-06-2553 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 32: The Path of Purpose: Viggy Venkat’s Story of Service and Growth
In this inspiring episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Viggy Venkat, CEO of Tocha Foods, a passionate community leader, and a creative mind dedicated to building spaces that empower others. Viggy shares his personal and professional journey, explaining how curiosity, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose shaped the way he shows up in the world. From early challenges to breakthrough moments, Viggy opens up about what it takes to lead with authenticity and create meaningful impact.
We explore the mindset behind conscious leadership, the importance of nurturing community, and how to stay grounded...
2025-06-251h 07
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 31: From Passion to Impact: How Glyn Lewis Creates Community
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Glyn Lewis, a visionary leader and community builder with a deep passion for creating meaningful change. Glyn shares his journey through advocacy, leadership, and the lessons he’s learned from building organizations that serve people and purpose. From navigating challenges in social impact work to staying grounded in core values, Glyn’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you lead with integrity.
Whether you’re a changemaker, entrepreneur, or someone seeking purpose-driven insights, this conversation offers wisdom, warmth, and real-world takeaways.
Mobile...
2025-06-2531 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 30: Creating Wellness from Within: A Conversation with Maria Porcellato
In this episode, Maria Porcellato opens up about her journey into the wellness space, sharing how her own experiences with stress and burnout led her to pursue a more intentional, healing-centred life. She reflects on the importance of slowing down and becoming more self-aware, especially in a culture that often glorifies hustle and constant productivity. Maria discusses how she recognized the signs of burnout in herself and the steps she took to recover, both emotionally and physically. Through that process, she found a deeper calling to help others do the same.
We also talk about...
2025-06-2542 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 29: Building Trust and Financial Wellness in Business with Antonio Zivanovic of ElektraFi
In this inspiring episode, host Shane Jeremy James welcomes Antonio Zivanovic, founder of ElektraFi, a company dedicated to democratizing financial wellness through innovative employer-based platforms. Antonio shares his entrepreneurial journey from corporate health and wellness consulting to launching a fintech platform designed to support employees with their financial well-being. He discusses how ElektraFi empowers people to understand, manage, and feel secure about their money through confidential, user-friendly tools.
Together, Shane and Antonio explore vital themes like company culture, leadership, trust, and alignment with core values. They explore how businesses can better serve their customers, the...
2025-06-2538 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 28: Fixing Food Waste at Scale: How Jessica Regan is Turning Surplus into Social Impact with FoodMesh
In this episode, Jessica Regan, founder and CEO of FoodMesh, shares her mission to tackle one of Canada’s most pressing issues: food waste. With nearly half of the country's food going to waste while one in four Canadians faces food insecurity, Jessica built FoodMesh as a matchmaking platform that redirects unsellable but still good food to charities, farmers, and upcyclers. What began as a connector service has evolved into a full-scale B Corp, working with major grocers, municipalities, and over 2,500 organizations.
Jessica also opens up about the challenges of building a mission-driven company, including fu...
2025-06-2534 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 27: From Rock Bottom to Rocket Fuel: Brett Bilon on Resilience in Business and Life
In this episode, Brett Bilon, co-founder of Plume Science, shares his journey of building a pioneering beauty brand alongside his wife and business partner. Plume Science began as an R&D project to develop safe, effective, non-toxic beauty products, starting with their now-patented lash and brow serum. Brett shares how they navigated explosive early growth, international expansion, and a pandemic-induced pivot from retail to e-commerce, all while preserving their marriage and raising a family.
This episode explores the unique dynamics of running a company alongside a spouse, the toll of near-failure moments, and the profound...
2025-06-251h 46
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 26: Fueling Ambition Naturally: How Beata Antoninas Turned a Kitchen Fix into Amino Balls Inc.
In this energizing episode, Beata Antoninas, founder of Amino Balls Inc., shares how a personal struggle with sugar cravings, fitness competition pressures, and disordered eating inspired the creation of a better-for-you snack brand. What started as homemade protein balls to stabilize her blood sugar became a fast-growing CPG company now available in thousands of retail stores and soon, Costco.
Beata opens up about the grind of launching a CPG brand without industry experience, her health challenges during the startup phase, and the unique partnership she built with her fiancé to grow the company. With honesty a...
2025-06-251h 08
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 25: Purpose Over Profit: Emma Smith on Building Zimt Chocolates with Compassion and Conscious Leadership
In this heartfelt episode, Emma Smith, founder of Zimt Chocolates, shares the story of building a plant-based, ethical chocolate brand from scratch. Motivated by a deep sense of purpose, Emma set out to create a company rooted in compassion for people, animals, and the planet. What started as a bootstrapped solo venture in her early twenties has grown into a thriving small business with a loyal following across Western Canada.
Emma opens up about the emotional and physical toll of entrepreneurship, the realities of running a values-driven company, and the importance of fostering a strong...
2025-06-251h 12
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 24: From Chef to Startup: Tony Ferreira on Reinventing the Food Hall Model with MOD Kitchen
In this episode, Tony Ferreira, chef, former restaurant group director, and now co-founder of MOD Kitchen, shares his evolution from culinary leader to startup operator. After helping scale a hospitality group from 1 to 40 restaurants in Hong Kong, Tony returned to Vancouver to build something completely new: a modern, delivery-first food hub designed for restaurant entrepreneurs. MOD Kitchen offers 10 private kitchens, a shared infrastructure, and a tech-enabled ordering system, all designed to reimagine how food businesses launch and grow.
Tony opens up about the mindset shift from managing 400 people to running a lean team of five...
2025-06-251h 01
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 23: Reimagining Cannabis: Sameer Padamsey on Building a Wellness-First Brand in a Regulated Industry
In this episode, Sameer Padamsey, co-founder of Ufeelu, shares how he's carving out a new category in cannabis focused entirely on wellness. Rather than intoxicating effects, Sameer’s CBD-based products are designed to improve sleep, mood, and pain relief through non-intoxicating compounds. He walks us through the journey of building a purpose-driven brand in one of Canada’s most highly regulated industries, from early product development and navigating government systems to building a values-based team and earning customer trust.
Sameer also speaks candidly about the challenges of entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and the often-overlooked human side of r...
2025-06-2541 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 22: Leading with Heart: How Paige Abbott is Redefining Therapy Through Culture, Community, and Conscious Growth
In this thoughtful episode, Paige Abbott, registered psychologist and founder of Sana Psychological, shares how she evolved from solo practice to leading a growing team of mental health professionals in Calgary. With a background in outpatient addiction treatment and over 15 years of experience in the field, Paige discusses launching her practice during the pandemic, building a sustainable, people-first business, and the importance of authenticity in leadership. She opens up about the mental, emotional, and operational shifts required to move from clinician to business owner — and how her values continue to guide her every step of the way....
2025-06-2546 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 21: From Farm to Face: How Nancy Wingham is Redefining Skincare with Purpose and Pecans
In this episode, Nancy Wingham, founder of Nuez Acres, shares her inspiring journey of turning a small family pecan farm in Mexico into a sustainable beauty brand sold across North America. What began as a mission to support her hometown farmers during a pecan market collapse has evolved into a vertically integrated skincare company known for its eco-conscious values, zero-waste production, and innovative pecan oil–based formulas.
Nancy opens up about the challenges of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, the realities of building a business with family, and her unique path to securing shelf space at...
2025-06-2546 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 20: From Dermapure to Recess: How Marilyne Gagne is Redefining Wellness & Human Connection
In this powerful episode, Marilyne Gagne, the visionary behind the Dermapure clinic empire and co-founder of Recess, shares her remarkable journey from small-town beginnings to leading one of Canada’s most successful aesthetic clinic networks. Now turning her focus toward mental health and social wellness with Recessa Modern, a social thermal station, Marilyne opens up about the next chapter in her purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
With honest reflections and years of hard-earned experience, Marilyne shares the lessons she has learned from building teams, navigating partnerships, and staying true to her values as she scales. She also dives in...
2025-06-2443 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 19: Building Beauty & Belonging: How Lisa Marie Blair Grew The Skin Girls into a Vancouver Staple
In this inspiring episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Lisa Marie Blair, founder of The Skin Girls, one of Vancouver’s top medical aesthetics clinics. Lisa shares how she transitioned from a one-room setup in Chinatown to a thriving six-room clinic that caters to celebrities and locals alike. With warmth and honesty, she delves into the challenges of leadership, building a culture of trust, and staying grounded as she scales a beauty business. Lisa also discusses launching her skincare line, Skin Edition, a vegan, cruelty-free brand that gives back to women’s charities.
Beyond the...
2025-06-2451 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 18: Bleeding-Edge Innovation: How Linda Biggs and Joni Are Disrupting Period Care with Purpose
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Linda Biggs, co-founder and CEO of Joni, a modern period care company that’s redefining a stagnant industry with innovation, impact, and integrity. Linda shares how Joni built a devoted community, scaled through word-of-mouth and social purpose, and became B Corp certified—all while staying bootstrapped and values-driven. From building team culture to reshaping workplace norms, this is a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship and human-centred leadership.
This episode is packed with insight for purpose-driven entrepreneurs, people-first leaders, and anyone redefining what it means to build a bett...
2025-06-2444 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 17: Engineering Impact: How Leigh Christie is Building the Future Through Radical Culture and Deep Tech
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Leigh Christie, co-founder of MistyWest, a Vancouver-based engineering firm that designs intelligent and connected devices, ranging from rugged IoT sensors to AI-powered vision systems, for companies like Meta, Google, and Intel.
With a background in fuel cells and electric vehicles, Leigh shares how his passion for invention and systems thinking evolved into building a purpose-driven engineering studio. He opens up about the early challenges of convincing companies to work with outside consultants, the painful transition from startup vibes to structured leadership, and how distributed authority, values-driven...
2025-06-241h 25
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 16: Rviita’s Rise: How Karly Jacobsen Built a Better Energy Drink and a Purpose-Driven Team
In this energizing episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Karly Jacobsen, co-founder of Rviita, the first non-carbonated, better-for-you energy drink delivered in innovative pouch packaging. Inspired by a close friend’s energy drink-related heart scare, Karly and her brother, Mitch, set out to create a healthier, more mindful alternative and ended up building one of Canada’s most exciting beverage startups.
Karly shares her journey from night-shift nurse to entrepreneur, how they overcame early manufacturing nightmares, and the lessons learned in building a team-first culture. She opens up about raising capital, scaling through Sobeys and...
2025-06-2451 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 15: From Banana Brownies to a National Brand: Joao Ribeiro’s Journey with Elements Brazil
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Joao (John) Ribeiro, founder of Elements Brazil, to hear the remarkable story of how he went from importing a failed shipment of banana-based snacks to building a thriving food distribution company with four businesses under his belt. Joao shares how his early struggles, including a disastrous first container, quitting his job at HSBC, and knocking on doors at Safeway stores, laid the foundation for his success.
He opens up about the importance of resilience, faith, and relationships in business, and how his people-first leadership approach has...
2025-06-2444 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 14: Beyond Elon: Jerry Kroll on Electric Cars, Longevity, and Changing the Future
What do electric cars and human longevity have in common? Jerry Kroll, founder of Jevity Life Science and pioneer in electric vehicles, explains how both are part of a bold mission to create a cleaner, healthier future. In this inspiring episode, Jerry shares how his one-person EV, the Solo, is helping reshape urban transportation, and how advances in AI, gene therapy, and personalized medicine are making it possible to live well past 100.
He delves into the parallels between the early skepticism surrounding electric cars and today’s doubts about longevity science, offering powerful insights into be...
2025-06-2454 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 13: Rewiring the Mind: Doron Meir on Mental Wellness, Focus, and the Future of VR with Float
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Doron Meir, CEO and founder of FloatVR, a mental wellness platform using generative virtual reality to help users reset, refocus, and recharge. Inspired by his challenges with ADHD and emotional regulation, Doron created FloatVR to make the benefits of meditation more accessible, especially for those who struggle with overstimulation or anxiety.
We explore the science of attention restoration, the role of emotional regulation in work and life, and how FloatVR is helping companies support their teams. Doron also shares insights on leadership, trust, and building a...
2025-06-2453 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 12: Compassion Is Always in Style: Building a Luxury Vegan Brand with Desiree Dupuis
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Desiree Dupuis, founder of Voes & Co., a pioneering vegan luxury footwear brand that redefines fashion with compassion and sustainability. Desiree shares how a personal need for stylish, animal-free, and plastic-free footwear inspired her to create Voes & Co. She discusses the development of her high-end designer shoes made from next-generation plant-based materials like cactus and corn leather, and why creating a brand rooted in values was non-negotiable.
We dive into the realities of bootstrapping a mission-driven business in an oversaturated digital market, the struggle to build brand...
2025-06-2451 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 11: From Blender to Empire: Dan Crosby on Scaling Canadian Protein, Leadership & Relentless Execution
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Dan Crosby, founder of CanadianProtein.com and BioSteel! Dan shares his no-BS journey from blending supplements in his kitchen to running two large-scale manufacturing facilities and managing a 250-person operation. He dives into the lessons learned from real estate investing during the 2008 crash, scaling through e-commerce, and the relentless work ethic required to build a powerhouse health brand. This conversation is packed with raw insights on leadership, focus, team building, and making fast and fearless decisions in business.
Dan also shares why every day still feels...
2025-06-2453 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 10: Innovating Women's Health: Claire Dixon on PCOS, Impactful Leadership & Startup
In this episode, Claire Dixon, co-founder of Neuraura, shares her journey from brain-machine interface tech to launching an innovative biowearable solution for PCOS. Claire delves into the challenges of building a mission-driven health tech company, covering everything from navigating funding and team-building to tackling one of the most overlooked chronic conditions affecting one in five women.
This episode is filled with honest insights and practical wisdom for anyone building a company at the intersection of tech, health, and impact.
Mobile viewers: tap the link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/LlND2WxHXlA ...
2025-06-241h 01
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 9: From Sponsorships to Purpose: Christine Monahan’s Entrepreneurial Pivot
In this episode, Christine Monahan, founder of Hubs Collective, shares how she’s transforming business through collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven strategy. With decades of experience in sales, sponsorships, and event production, Christine explains how a life-altering moment led her to reimagine how entrepreneurs connect, grow, and build sustainable success.
She delves into how Hubs Collective helps niche leaders generate consistent revenue, the importance of doing “less, way better,” and why trust, alignment, and genuine connection are the future of business. Whether you're a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights that challenge the no...
2025-06-2457 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 8: Fixing Fashion: How Calley Dawson is Disrupting Waste One Stitch at a Time
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James chats with Calley Dawson, founder of FXRY, a fashion repair startup on a mission to keep clothes in rotation and out of landfills. After 25 years in apparel design with brands like Urban Outfitters and Brooks Running, Calley left mass production to build a business focused on sustainability and circularity.
She shares how FXRY is reshaping consumer habits through expert repairs, local pickup and drop-off services in Seattle, and plans for national growth. We also discuss bootstrapping, building brand loyalty, and using AI and live content to scale.
...
2025-06-2455 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 7: Building Vitality: From Ballerina Dreams to a Wellness Empire with Ariel Jarvis
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Ariel Jarvis, founder of Vitality Wellness World, as she shares her extraordinary journey from a homeschooled ballerina to a thriving wellness entrepreneur. After a career-ending injury, Ariel pivoted into natural health, grinding through nine years of university while juggling multiple jobs. Today, she runs a 3,000 sq. ft. clinic with 13 practitioners, blending health care, wealth care, and retreats.
Whether you're a business owner, practitioner, or someone seeking inspiration, Ariel’s story will remind you why alignment and people matter most.
Mobile viewers: tap the link to...
2025-06-2453 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 6: Minting Success: The Story of Plant-Based Cleaning Revolutionaries
In this episode, meet Monica and Robin, the dynamic founders of Minta, a groundbreaking plant-based cleaning products brand. Learn how their journey began at a small-town mom's meetup, evolved into a thriving cleaning business, and led to the creation of a product line that’s reshaping the eco-conscious cleaning industry.
Discover their candid insights on overcoming challenges like scaling production, navigating entrepreneurship in a small town, and learning the ropes of business without formal training. From their appearance on Dragon's Den to managing company culture, Monica and Robin share valuable lessons and advice for aspiring en...
2025-06-241h 02
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 5: From Vision to Victory: Jenn Harper's Cheekbone Beauty Journey
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Jennifer Harper, the trailblazing founder of Cheekbone Beauty, to explore her incredible journey from a transformative dream to building a groundbreaking beauty brand. Jenn opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including generational trauma and addiction, and how her Indigenous heritage shaped her mission to create eco-friendly, sustainable products that honor the environment.
We delve into the realities of entrepreneurship, from securing funding and navigating inventory challenges to crafting a brand that authentically represents Indigenous culture. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a sustainability advocate, or someone se...
2025-06-2448 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 4: Food as Medicine: Elizabeth Fisher’s Mission with Lavva Cultured Superfood
In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Elizabeth Fisher, founder of Lavva, a plant-based cultured superfood brand born from her journey through cancer recovery. Elizabeth opens up about launching Lavva with whole, functional ingredients like green plantains and pili nuts, facing near-collapse during the pandemic, and reclaiming her company when all seemed lost.
Whether you're a founder, a food lover, or someone navigating your health journey, this conversation will move and motivate you.
Mobile viewers: tap the link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/XpisMEHdPvg
2025-06-2445 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 3: From Boxers to Breakthroughs: How Tyler McCombs Built Devin & Lang from Scratch
In this powerful conversation, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Tyler McCombs, CEO and founder of Devin & Lang, to explore how a frustration with ripped boxers evolved into a multi-million dollar brand. From launching just months before the pandemic, to pivoting into face masks and eventually becoming a women-led company, Tyler shares the real stories behind the brand's growth.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, team leader, or love great business stories, this episode is for you.
Mobile viewers: tap the link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/Wphr40Q5xFM
🌐Devin & Lang...
2025-06-2459 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 2: From Lululemon to Launching a Sustainable Brand with Alexandra Dean
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Alexandra Dean, founder of Adhere to Studios, a sustainable outerwear brand redefining fashion with purpose. Alexandra shares her journey from studying fashion design in Vancouver to working at Lululemon, where she honed her skills in technical garment development and design. Discover how she transitioned into entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a brand solo, and her mission to create high-performance outerwear using excess materials and lower-impact methods. We delve into the realities of sustainable fashion, content overload, marketing fatigue, and why authenticity and adaptability are more important now than...
2025-06-2450 min
The People-Driven CEO PodcastEpisode 1: From Frustration to a 30-Person Team: The Story Behind CAYA
What started as two friends venting about the broken state of healthcare in British Columbia turned into one of Vancouver's most inclusive and fast-growing clinics.
Stephanie, a registered dietician, and Veronica, a psychologist, were both running private practices when they kept hearing the same thing from their clients:
"I don't feel heard. My doctor isn't taking my symptoms seriously. I don't know where to go for safe, trauma-informed care."
They realized something was missing in a space centred on women, trans, and non-binary people, where healthcare felt human again.
In this...
2025-06-2453 min