Yesterday was International Women's Day, and today we're continuing that celebration by spotlighting an incredible woman who is building businesses, creating impact, and empowering communities. In this special Entrepreneur Spotlight episode of Control and Compound, Christina sits down with Harleen Laroia.

Harleen, a visionary CEO, spearheads a renowned childcare and Montessori brand with twelve facilities in Ontario. Driven by her children's needs, she transitioned from the corporate world to founding her own childcare brand with a unique offering of Montessori and play-based under one roof. SimplySmart Childcares provide employment for over 235 people in Ontario, with 99.9% being women.

Inspired by her daughter's birth, Harleen ventured personally into taking care of her health and finally is the Director of the two OsteoStrong facilities in Oakville & Toronto. Here, she empowers individuals of all ages and fitness levels to enhance their bone health and overall well-being, aiming to defy age-related limitations.

Harleen's leadership embodies a deep commitment to promoting well-being and empowering individuals. Her journey reflects a passion for creating positive change personally and within communities.

Under Harleen's leadership, the Childcare & Montessori establishment sets a high standard for nurturing children and providing a robust educational foundation. Meanwhile, the Osteostrong facility serves as a symbol of prioritizing health and revolutionizing fitness ideologies. Harleen's vision transcends conventional norms, emphasizing inner strength and resilience. This facility accommodates individuals aiming to enhance bone health and physical capabilities, reflecting Harleen's holistic approach to well-being. Now she is embarking on an adventure in 2026 launching the Mura CircleTM which will enable us to become more conscious parents and aware of how we show up to raise the next generation and in our relationships.

In essence, Harleen's entrepreneurial journey, fueled by her children's needs and personal experiences, encompasses childcare, education, relationships and a dedication to holistic health, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities.

This episode dives into entrepreneurship, leadership, wellness, parenting, and legacy — and what real strength actually looks like in business and life. If you've ever faced self-doubt, struggled to balance career and family, or wondered what it takes to build something meaningful, this conversation will resonate.

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

00:22 - Meet Harleen Laroia and the story behind SimplySmart

01:16 - From corporate telecom career to entrepreneurship

02:03 - Building businesses from personal need

03:16 - The impact SimplySmart had on families and children

04:54- Leadership lessons from scaling multiple businesses

06:23 - Why empowerment and trust matter more than control

07:16 - Working on the business vs in the business

08:26 - The leadership structure that helped her scale

10:31 - Entrepreneurship, stress, and women's health

13:40 - Longevity vs healthspan and the importance of wellness

16:31 - Barriers women face in business

18:30 - Why successful leaders don't take things personally

20:02 - Overcoming self-doubt and investing in personal growth

26:56 - Mirror Circle and conscious parenting

31:43 - Lightning round + final leadership insights

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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

Canada's economic future is becoming one of the most important conversations happening today. Rising government spending, persistent deficits, and growing debt are raising serious questions about long-term economic growth, investment, and tax policy.

On today's episode, Darren sits down with returning guest Jake Fuss, Director of Fiscal Studies at the Fraser Institute, to break down the big picture of Canada's economic trajectory. They discuss the real impact of affordability programs, government spending, deficits, and what Canada's rising debt could mean for businesses, investors, and everyday Canadians.

The conversation dives into topics like inflation pressures, business investment leaving Canada, regulatory barriers, and the potential tax implications if current fiscal trends continue.

Whether you're a business owner, investor, or simply someone trying to understand where Canada's economy may be headed, this episode provides critical context to help you make better financial decisions.

Show notes:

0:00 - Why Canada's Economic Future Should Worry You

1:28 - The New GST Credit: Will It Actually Help Canadians?

3:15 - Why Government Cash Payments Don't Fix Affordability

5:09 - Can Government Spending Cause Inflation?

6:26 - The Budget Trick: Operating vs Capital Spending

8:48 - Canada Is Running Massive Deficits… Outside a Recession

10:42 - What Happens When Deficits Become "Normal"

13:55 - Countries That Fixed Their Economies (Ireland & Estonia)

15:49 - Why Economists Measure Debt Per Person

17:12 - The Fiscal Turnaround Canada Pulled Off in the 1990s

19:22 - Why Businesses Are Investing Less in Canada

21:49 - The Biggest Economic Risks Facing Businesses Today

24:27 - Canada's Real Problem: Spending, Taxes, or Growth?

26:22 - The Biggest Economic Risk Facing Canada Right Now

27:04 - The Fiscal Myth Most Policymakers Believe

FIND US ON:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

On the surface, things look stable. Inflation is near target. Rates are holding. The dollar isn't moving much. Markets aren't melting down.

But underneath? There are some real shifts happening.

On the March update, Darren and Christina talk about Canada's productivity problem, the growing imbalance between government and private sector jobs, real estate entering what we'd call a "pressure phase," and why Bitcoin's drop may not mean what people think it means.

They also dive into why Canada's market is outperforming the U.S. right now — and it has less to do with the economy than most people assume.

If you care about where the country is heading financially, this is an important one. Tune in now!

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

1:05 - Bank of Canada update

2:50 - Inflation news

3:45 - Canadian dollar update

5:10 - Stock market update

8:00 - Bitcoin update

11:10 - Real estate update

13:20 - Economic news

17:35 - Life insurance industry news

22:30 - Control and Compound news

24:20 - Podcast news

FIND US ON:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

Most entrepreneurs believe working harder is the answer. More hours. More hustle. More grind. But what if the real breakthrough isn't doing more — it's doing less of the wrong things?

On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell and explain how Canadian entrepreneurs can scale faster by delegating low-value tasks, focusing on $1,000–$10,000 activities, and building systems that create leverage. This one could change how you structure your entire week.

If you're an entrepreneur, this is a must watch!

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

00:40 - Who is Dan Martell

03:40 - Hustle vs systems

04:19 - The buyback principle explained

05:00 - CEO hourly rate formula

06:32 - 80% is good enough

07:53 - The buyback loop (Audit, Transfer, Fill)

08:10 - 15-minute time tracking

12:02 - Anything you track gets better

12:22 - Time value ladder breakdown

14:16 - The pain line and burnout

16:07 - Camcorder method

17:28 - 10-80-10 delegation model

19:01 - Building your buyback team

22:30 - Designing your perfect week

25:57 - Final action step: Track your week

FIND US ON:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

Canada doesn't have a formal death tax — but that doesn't mean death is simple or inexpensive. When someone passes away, taxes can be triggered immediately through deemed disposition, and on top of that, probate fees may apply depending on the province. Many Canadians confuse these two costs, and that confusion can lead to serious planning gaps.

On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down what probate actually is, how probate fees vary across Canada, what assets flow through probate, and what strategies can reduce delays and unnecessary costs. More importantly, they explain why probate isn't just about fees — it's about timing, privacy, executor stress, and making life easier for your family when they're already dealing with loss.

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction: Why probate matters

00:23 - Canada doesn't have a formal death tax

02:41 - Deemed disposition explained

04:04 - What probate actually is

04:45 - What assets trigger probate

05:30 - What bypasses probate

06:12 - Why life insurance is different

06:31 - The real impact of probate delays

09:43 - Probate fees by province

13:06 - Simple probate reduction strategies

16:05 - Joint ownership risks

18:22 - Advanced planning strategies

21:27 - Real-world example

24:47 - Probate planning checklist

FIND US ON:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

Should incorporated Canadian business owners contribute to an RRSP — or is it quietly working against them?

On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down what an RRSP actually is (a tax deferral, not a wealth strategy), why the "you'll be in a lower tax bracket in retirement" assumption often fails for successful business owners, and how forced RRIF withdrawals + OAS clawbacks can create a much higher effective tax rate later.

They also dig into the control problem: how locking money into RRSPs can limit liquidity, reduce flexibility, and increase opportunity cost for entrepreneurs who typically earn their highest returns in their business. Finally, they address the estate planning reality — how large RRSP balances can make CRA a major beneficiary.

If you're a business owner, this is the episode to listen to before you follow the herd.

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

02:36 - RRSP basics: tax deferral today, taxed as income later

03:22 - The "lower tax bracket in retirement" assumption falls apart

05:19 - Why business owners often retire in the same or higher tax bracket

06:21 - Real Ontario examples: income drops, tax rate barely changes

07:20 - OAS clawback explained (effective extra tax)

10:05 - The shocker: deferring ~45% to later pay ~58% effective tax

15:55 - The control problem: RRSPs lock up entrepreneur liquidity

19:20 - Corporate opportunity cost: $0.88 in a corp vs $0.50 later

23:59 - Estate planning: why CRA can become your biggest beneficiary

FIND US ON:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

We're flipping the script for this month's entrepreneurial spotlight series and Darren is taking his turn in the hot seat!

Entrepreneurship isn't built on highlight reels — it's built on hard decisions, uncomfortable moments, and learning how to survive uncertainty.

From walking away from a secure corporate career, to $0 months, near-business-ending moments, and learning how to pivot under pressure — Darren shares the lessons most entrepreneurs only learn the hard way.

They break down:

• Why early success is often misleading

• The reality of financial stress in entrepreneurship

• How systems and people changed everything

• Why control of cash is non-negotiable

• What truly keeps entrepreneurs going long term

This episode is for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone considering the leap — or already in the middle of it!

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

01:45 - Why Darren chose business and the financial industry

03:30 - Leaving a secure corporate career for entrepreneurship

05:40 - Starting with zero clients and the harsh reality of business

06:40 - The Disney trip that almost broke the business

08:30 - Learning to handle uncertainty and build a pivot muscle

10:30 - Why sharing struggles with the team matters

13:20 - Scaling through people and systems

16:20 - Key decisions that fueled growth and going online early

18:55 - Lessons for entrepreneurs: control your money or lose control

FIND US ON:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

Canada's economy feels uncertain heading into 2026 — but are the headlines telling the full story? On today's episode it's the February update and Darren and Christina break down what's really happening with the Bank of Canada, inflation, interest rates, real estate, stock markets, and Bitcoin.

They cover why markets can rise even when the economy feels weak, what Canadian investors should actually be paying attention to, and how smart investors are positioning themselves right now. If you're worried about inflation, housing affordability, or where to invest in 2026, this episode brings clarity without hype. Tune in now!

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

2:50 - Bank of Canada update

4:25 - Inflation news

5:40 - Canadian dollar update

7:05 - Stock market update

7:45 - Bitcoin update

10:30 - Real estate update

13:35 - Economic news

17:50 - Life insurance industry news

21:20 - Control and Compound news

FIND US ON:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

Choosing the right advisor is the most overlooked — and most important — part of implementing an Infinite Banking or high cash value life insurance strategy.

On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down the 8 critical questions you must ask any advisor before committing to Infinite Banking, corporate-owned life insurance, or the Rockefeller Method.

They explain why infinite banking is a long-term strategy, not a product, how poor advisor selection leads to costly mistakes, and how the right advisor helps you use policies for business growth, real estate, retirement planning, and estate preservation.

If you're a business owner, investor, or high-income professional exploring infinite banking, this episode will help you avoid red flags and choose an advisor who can actually implement the strategy properly.

Show notes:

00:00 – Introduction

01:00 – Common Infinite Banking mistakes people make early

02:13 – Real example: unused policies and missed opportunities

03:13 – Question #1: Is Infinite Banking their core focus?

04:45 – Red flags: advisors wearing too many hats

05:10 – Question #2: Do they personally use these strategies?

06:33 – Question #3: How are they using their own policies?

08:12 – Question #4: How does the strategy evolve over decades?

11:15 – Question #5: Personal vs corporate ownership explained

13:29 – Question #6: Advisor compensation and transparency

15:17 – Question #7: What happens after the policy is issued?

17:01 – Question #8: Coordination with accountants and lawyers

18:25 – Why Infinite Banking is only as good as the strategy behind it

19:18 – Final takeaway: intentional, uninterrupted compounding

FIND US ON:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.

BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

Most Canadians think retirement is about hitting a number but on today's episode, Darren and Christina break down why that mindset can quietly destroy your plan. They expose the biggest retirement lies in Canada: "I'll be in a lower tax bracket," "CPP/OAS will cover me," "inflation won't be that bad," and why the 4% rule can lead to underspending (or worse). You'll learn the five retirement risks that can cut retirement income in half — and what a "volatility buffer" can do to protect your withdrawals in down markets.

Most retirement plans ignore the exact risks that show up when it matters most. If you want a plan that's built for real Canadian retirement math — start here.

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

01:19 – Key question: If your retirement beliefs weren't true, when would you want to know?

01:46 – The real driver: retirement success is withdrawal strategy, not just the number

02:33 – The retirement illusion: why "hit $1M" and "pick the right investments" fails

03:18 – 4 misconceptions: lower tax bracket, CPP/OAS/RRSP will cover you, inflation won't hurt

05:07 – The 5 retirement risks that cut income in half

05:36 – Sequence of returns risk (market volatility): why selling in a down year is deadly

08:15 – Inflation math: what 2% vs 5% inflation does to buying power

11:07 – The tax trap: RRIF minimums, future tax brackets, and OAS clawbacks

12:15 – Longevity risk: why planning to 85 isn't enough

13:53 – Health & lifestyle costs: the "unknown expenses" problem

16:06 – The safe withdrawal rate problem: why the 4% rule is under pressure

18:36 – The spending lie: retirement spending isn't flat — "every day is Saturday"

19:59 – Go-go / Slow-go / No-go years: how spending actually changes

23:45 – The cash wedge strategy: good idea, questionable product choices

25:45 – Proposed solution: adding an uncorrelated "volatility buffer" bucket

32:24 – Wrap: reduce stress, increase retirement income, protect against risks

FIND US ON:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.

The views expressed here are those of each participant and guests, and not necessarily those of or endorsed by Control and Compound Financial, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective directors, shareholders, officers, or employees. For full disclosure, visit controland compound.com/podcast-media.