Rocket Fuel Ep #10 – Building Your Dream Team: Hiring for Startup Success

In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau explores one of the most crucial aspects of startup growth: assembling your dream team. Joining him is Farial Karbasi, founder and CEO of HRXconnect, a seasoned expert in hiring and team-building for startups. Together, they dive into the strategies, challenges, and frameworks that can help founders hire their first employees, attract top talent, and retain them to scale their ventures.

With insights drawn from over a decade of experience, Farial shares actionable advice for startups navigating the early stages of hiring, from defining roles to ensuring cultural alignment. They discuss key considerations like when to hire generalists vs. specialists, how to leverage contractors, and the importance of building an environment where employees thrive.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Early-Stage Hiring Tips: How to define roles, avoid misalignment, and set the foundation for a strong team.

• Generalists vs. Specialists: Deciding which type of hire is best for your startup’s current needs.

• Attracting Top Talent: Practical strategies for standing out as a startup and competing for the best candidates.

• Employee vs. Contractor: When to hire full-time employees, work with contractors, or outsource.

• Retention Done Right: How to onboard and keep employees motivated, even in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

Chapters

00:00 - Assembling the Dream Team

02:30 - Defining Roles and Expectations

04:17 - Qualities to Look for in Hires

07:35 - Avoiding Unrealistic Expectations

11:31 - Hiring Employees vs. Contractors

15:12 - Clarity and Communication in the Hiring Process

18:58 - Transitioning from Founder-led Hiring

21:30 - Choosing Between Employees, Contractors, and Outsourcing

26:08 - Attracting and Retaining Talent

29:02 - Avoiding Pitfalls in Retention

33:00 - Taking Care of Mental Health

35:42 - Continuous Iteration for Success

More About Farial Karbasi

Farial has always been passionate about helping businesses thrive by creating stronger, higher-performing and more engaged teams and cultures.  She has spent the past 8 years building the proven frameworks and strategies to achieve this and decided to launch her own business, HRXconnect, to really help more businesses who are looking to significantly improve their HR strategies, grow their business, and improve overall company culture but don't have this expertise internally. 

More About HRXconnect

HRXconnect works with owner-operated businesses that have grown to the point where building a solid HR foundation is essential to attract and keep top talent, strengthen their team and culture, and achieve long-term success. Relying on finance or other departments to manage HR is no longer practical. Many of these businesses don’t have the time or expertise to create a proper HR function, so they hire us to not only design and manage an HR strategy that fits their needs but also to act as their HR team.

Whether it’s navigating complex employment issues, developing workplace policies, or fostering inclusive environments, HRXconnect provides hands-on support and strategic guidance. Our goal is to empower organizations with the tools and expertise needed to build a thriving workforce while focusing on long-term, sustainable growth.

Want to Connect?

Farial: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farial-k/

HRXconnect: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrxc/

Want to Learn More?

Struggling to build your dream team? HRXconnect offers personalized hiring and HR solutions to help startups navigate early-stage growth. From defining roles to implementing retention strategies, their team works with you to create the foundation for long-term success. Visit HRXconnect to learn more about their startup-focused services.

In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau sits down with Paige and Julie, co-founders of Benny, a health-driven brand reimagining energy drinks. Unlike conventional options, Benny’s products combine yerba mate and adaptogens to deliver a steady, jitter-free boost. Paige and Julie share how they transformed their passion for wellness into a purpose-led brand, creating a product that not only energizes but also supports focus and overall health.

Rocket Fuel Ep #9 – Unlocking Non-Dilutive Funding with SR&ED Credits

In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau dives into the world of non-dilutive funding with Kevin, co-founder and CEO of Humi, and Ali, an expert in SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) credits. For Canadian entrepreneurs, SR&ED credits are a game-changer—allowing companies to unlock cash flow, extend their runway, and reinvest in innovation without sacrificing equity. Kevin and Ali break down how founders can leverage SR&ED and other non-dilutive funding options, which have fueled thousands of businesses across diverse industries.

With insights drawn from years of experience, they cover everything from funding through customer dollars to SR&ED eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. They discuss common mistakes, how to streamline the SR&ED process, and why proactive planning can maximize funding and minimize operational strain.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Types of Non-Dilutive Funding: Why customer-funded revenue and SR&ED credits are often better alternatives than equity or debt financing.

• SR&ED Eligibility Explained: What qualifies as eligible R&D activities and why companies from diverse sectors—tech, food and beverage, manufacturing, and more—can benefit.

• The Documentation Process: Essential steps for successful SR&ED claims, including employee tracking and expenditure documentation.

• Working with SR&ED Experts: Tips for selecting the right partner to streamline the process and maximize your refund.

• Customer Funding vs. SR&ED Credits: Kevin and Ali explain how customer dollars and SR&ED refunds work as non-dilutive funding sources to drive growth without diluting ownership.

Chapters

00:00 - Unlocking Cash Flow: The Essence of Startup Funding

02:46 - Understanding Non-Dilutive Funding and Customer Outcomes

05:56 - The SR&ED Program: A Canadian Advantage

08:55 - Eligibility and Scope of SR&ED for Businesses

14:54 - Navigating the Application Process

23:35 - The Importance of Trust in Consultancy

26:51 - Essential Documentation

30:51 - Proactive Strategies for Funding

33:02 - Navigating the SR&ED Landscape as an Entrepreneur

35:54 - Understanding Refund Timing and Budgeting

38:39 - What Expenses are Covered?

43:05 - Final Thoughts and Resources

More About Ali

Ali Afshar is Humi's SR&ED director with extensive experience in navigating Canada’s SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) tax incentive program. With a solid engineering background, Ali brings a unique technical perspective to the field, helping companies in various industries maximize their tax credits and funding opportunities. Throughout his career, Ali has successfully guided hundreds of companies and projects from initial assessment to claim submission, ensuring compliance while optimizing benefits.

More About Humi 

Humi is the leading employment platform for Canadian businesses. We know running a business is more than just paperwork and tasks – we make it easy to care for businesses and those who bring them to life. We’re the best choice for supporting Canadian businesses in being better employers with payroll, HR, benefits and SR&ED. To learn more about Humi, visit humi.ca 

Want to Connect?

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/humi-hr/⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.humi.ca/

Ali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alireza-afshar-1401a514a/

Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkliman/

Want to Learn More?
Looking to maximize your SR&ED tax credits? Humi offers a comprehensive SR&ED solution to help Canadian businesses unlock up to 64% of their R&D spend. From technical reports to audit protection, Humi’s team of SR&ED experts ensures every claim is accurate and optimized for the best possible return. Visit Humi’s SR&ED page to learn how they can streamline your SR&ED process, integrate seamlessly with your payroll and HR, and support your growth with non-dilutive funding.

In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau sits down with Nadia Ladak, co-founder of Marlow, the innovative menstrual care brand known for launching the world’s first lubricated tampon. Nadia shares the journey of taking Marlow from a university capstone project to a Health Canada-approved product now available in Whole Foods, Healthy Planet, and on Amazon. Born out of a need for more comfortable, accessible period care, Marlow is setting a new standard in women’s health.

This episode covers everything from breaking into the femtech space to navigating regulatory challenges and scaling a product-based startup in a market traditionally dominated by legacy brands. Nadia dives into how Marlow is building a supportive community around menstrual health through their TMI Club and social media presence, providing a platform to discuss reproductive health openly.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Innovating in Women’s Health: How Marlow's lubricated tampon addresses gaps in comfort and accessibility.

• Navigating Health Regulations: Nadia shares insights on working with Health Canada to bring a medical-grade product to market.

• Community-Building in Femtech: The importance of creating authentic conversations around menstrual health through initiatives like the TMI Club.

• Lessons in Physical Product Development: Nadia’s key takeaways from developing a consumer product from scratch and securing retail partnerships.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Marlowe and Its Mission

03:01 - The Journey from Capstone Project to Startup

06:01 - Identifying the Problem in Menstrual Health

09:11 - The Role of Innovation in Women's Health Products

12:01 - Navigating Regulatory Challenges

15:13 - Building a Brand in a Competitive Market

18:02 - The Importance of Community and Networking

20:57 - Growth Strategies: From D2C to Amazon and Retail

24:00 - Leveraging Social Media for Brand Awareness

27:02 - Future Plans and Expansion Strategies

29:55 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

About Nadia

Nadia Ladak is the co-founder and CEO of Marlow, a FemTech and women’s health startup offering the first lubricated tampon for smoother and more comfortable insertion. Nadia has raised $1.2 million in funding to fuel the brand’s growth and $700,000 in non-dilutive grants, including from the Entrepreneurship World Cup, the Visa She’s Next Grant Program, and Pepsi Co Stacy's Rise Program.

She is a member of the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance where she works with government leaders to advocate for policy related to youth entrepreneurship. She is also the program marketing officer at Startup Canada, Canada’s national ecosystem organization supporting early stage entrepreneurs. As a public speaker with the Canadian Youth Speakers Bureau, she has delivered over 100 keynote presentations globally across different universities, high schools, and business conferences.

In 2023, Nadia appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, season 18 of CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and was awarded the YWCA Young Woman of Distinction.

Outside of her work at Marlow, Nadia is the co-chair of the Catalyst Council, the junior board at Holland Bloorview Children’s Hospital and an entrepreneur in residence at her alma mater, the Ivey Business School at Western University.

About Marlow

Marlow is a FemTech brand leading the next wave of menstrual wellness through innovative, sustainable, and comfortable period care, starting with the first lubricated tampon for smoother and more comfortable insertion. The product is sold on Amazon and in over 200 retail locations including Whole Foods. Beyond the product, the team has built a viral following of over 80,000 individuals through their educational social media content called "The TMI Club".

Want to Connect?

⁠https://www.wearemarlow.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/marlow/⁠

⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wearemarlow⁠

⁠Shop Marlow on Amazon⁠

Follow the behind the scenes by subscribing to her weekly newsletter, A Founder's Diary: ⁠https://beacons.ai/nadialadak⁠

In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau teams up with Will Greenblatt, co-founder of OutLoud Speaker School, to unpack the art of pitching that takes founders from an elevator pitch to a successful exit. Will, with a background in acting and coaching startup founders, has helped companies raise millions by honing their storytelling and delivery skills. In this episode, he shares insider tips on how to captivate investors, build confidence, and avoid common pitching pitfalls. 

Will’s insights come from years of experience working with entrepreneurs in top accelerators like Techstars and Founder Institute, where he's helped founders raise over $350 million in funding. This episode breaks down the elements of a perfect pitch and how to develop stage presence that gets results.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Creating a Compelling Founder Story: How to craft a personal story that resonates with investors and creates emotional buy-in.

• The Perfect Pitch Structure: What information you should include in your elevator pitch, and how to expand it for longer investor presentations.

• Body Language and Vocal Tone: How your physical presence and vocal delivery can influence an investor’s decision.

• Answering Investor Questions: Strategies to handle tough questions and maintain control during the Q&A session.

Takeaways

• Not all pitches are crafted equal; understanding this is crucial.

• A pitch should be a conversation, not a monologue.

• Your voice, face, and body must tell the same story.

• Investors are often investing in the founder, not just the idea.

• Simplicity is key; avoid overwhelming your audience with information.

• Your unique story is your greatest asset in pitching.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Crafting Successful Pitches

03:05 - Will's Unique Journey to Entrepreneurship

06:43 - The Art of Pitching: Teaching vs. Acting

08:32 - Key Components of a Powerful Pitch

10:23 - The Importance of Delivery in Pitching

12:10 - Engaging Your Audience: The Role of Energy

13:28 - Building Connection Through Storytelling

16:29 - The Founder Story: Why It Matters

19:43 - Investors and the Human Element

23:31 - Common Pitfalls in Pitching

27:30 - Preparation and Presentation: The Day of the Pitch

34:19 - Overcoming Stage Fright and Building Confidence

39:51 - Audience Engagement Techniques

42:36 - Handling Q&A: The Importance of Authenticity

53:58 - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

About Will

Will Greenblatt started acting in film and TV at the age of seven, starring in The Homecoming with Oscar® winner Anne Bancroft. He graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada in 2010, but the toxic environment of the program left him jaded, so he quit acting. He moved to Spain where he discovered his love for teaching English, and then dived into the world of entrepreneurship, co-founding a startup in China. He founded OutLoud Speakers School in 2017, teaching public speaking & communication skills to entrepreneurs and executives. He has repeatedly spoken and coached at Google, Wayfair, Boston Dynamics, TechStars, Founder Institute and Ericsson, as well as providing coaching to over 4500 individuals virtually worldwide. 

Will’s clients have won numerous pitch competitions, got deals on Dragon’s Den, and raised over $350 million USD in investment. He’s also a nominee for both “Newcomer of The Year” by the Speaker Awards & “Highest Rated Mentor” (Global Startup Mentor Awards) and he was called “Canada’s best pitch coach” (Jordan Jocius, Founder Institute Waterloo).

About Speaking Heroes (OutLoud)

Speaking Heroes (formerly OutLoud) is a community for solopreneurs to develop their storytelling & communication skills with expert coaching, homework assignments, & peer feedback.

Want to Get Involved?

Speaking Heroes community: https://www.skool.com/speakingheroes/aboutWill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willgreenblatt/Will's newsletter The Greenblast: https://greenblast.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau sits down with Michelle Choi, founder of Bov Active, to discuss her inspiring journey of launching a women's golf athleisure brand from scratch. With no prior experience in fashion, Michelle turned her passion for golf and fashion into a business that’s empowering women to embrace the sport and feel confident on the golf course.

Michelle shares the unique challenges of building a physical product in a tech-dominated startup world, how she discovered gaps in the market for women’s golf wear, and the community-first approach that sets Bov Active apart. From pop-up events to the creation of Sip and Swing, Michelle dives into the strategy behind her brand’s growth, her mission to make golf more inclusive, and how she’s working to expand her reach through wholesale.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• From IT to Athleisure: How Michelle transitioned from IT project management to building a fashion brand.

• Identifying Market Gaps: The lack of stylish and functional golf wear for women in North America and how Bov Active fills this void.

• Community and Empowerment: The role of events like Sip and Swing in fostering a supportive community for women in golf.

• Fashion as a Business: The challenges and successes Michelle faced in navigating supply chains, manufacturing, and marketing for a physical product.

Takeaways

• Michelle always aspired to be an entrepreneur, influenced by her parents.

• The pandemic highlighted a gap in the golf fashion market for women.

• Bov Active aims to empower women to participate in golf.

• Community building is essential for the brand's success.

• Michelle had no prior experience in fashion or marketing.

• The first batch of products was overproduced, leading to challenges.

• Finding the right manufacturer was crucial for product development.

• Versatile and timeless fashion is key to sustainability.

• Lower minimum order quantities (MOQ) can help test products effectively.

• Storytelling and personal connection are vital for brand growth.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Bov Active and Its Mission

03:02 - Michelle's Journey from IT to Entrepreneurship

06:02 - Identifying Market Gaps in Golf Fashion

08:57 - Building a Community Around Golf for Women

11:53 - The Challenges of Starting an Athleisure Brand

15:11 - Navigating the Fashion Industry Without Experience

17:51 - The Importance of Versatile and Timeless Fashion

21:11 - Future Plans for Bov Active

24:13 - Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

About Michelle

Michelle Choi is the founder of Bov Active, a women’s golf athleisure brand redefining golf and tennis wear for the modern, active woman. After a career in IT project management at one of Canada’s Big 5 banks, she turned her side hustle into a full-time passion. Featured in the media as a golf fashion expert, Michelle has experience running storefronts and hosting pop-up, while fostering a community of women through events and collaborations. Bov Active’s mission is to make golf more approachable and enjoyable, offering versatile, confidence-boosting designs that empower women on and off the course, while building a supportive and inclusive community around the sport.

About Bov Active

Bov Active is a women’s golf athleisure brand offering versatile, fashion-forward pieces that effortlessly transition from the golf course and tennis court to everyday wear. Our mission is to empower women by providing stylish, functional apparel that boosts confidence in a traditionally male-dominated sport. We aim to inspire more women to take up golf, embrace an active lifestyle, and feel confident in their game, on and off the course.

Want to Connect?

Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellechoi-bovactive/

Bov Active: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bovactive/

Website: https://bovactive.com/

Want to get Involved?

Follow along our journey on Instagram, TikTok @bovactive

Shop with the code "PITCHPLEASE" to get 15% off your order

In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau speaks with Ellyn Winters, co-founder of AskEllyn.ai, about her incredible journey from facing a breast cancer diagnosis to creating a groundbreaking AI companion for others going through the same experience. After undergoing treatment, Ellyn turned her personal experience into something positive by developing a platform that provides emotional and practical support for breast cancer patients. AskEllyn.ai offers real-time advice and empathy, making it easier for patients and caregivers to navigate their journey.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Accidental Foundership: How Ellyn’s personal cancer battle inspired her to build a life-changing AI companion without any technical background.

• Bridging the Emotional Support Gap: Why the emotional trauma of breast cancer goes largely unaddressed and how AskEllyn.ai provides much-needed emotional care.

• Non-Medical, Lived Experience: Ellyn explains how AskEllyn.ai gives users a sense of real companionship, blending AI technology with the nuances of her personal cancer journey.

• Scaling the Impossible: The challenges of scaling a nonprofit healthcare solution while keeping it free for users and balancing compassion with business growth.

Episode Takeaways

• Ellyn's journey from cancer diagnosis to creating AskEllyn was unexpected.

• The emotional support aspect of cancer care is often overlooked.

• AskEllyn provides a unique blend of AI technology and personal experience.

• The AI companion is designed to be a safe space for users.

• Ellyn emphasizes the importance of lived experience in healthcare solutions.

• The project aims to remain free for users to ensure accessibility.

• Feedback from users highlights the impact of AskEllyn on their journeys.

• Ellyn's story reflects resilience and the power of community support.

• The future of AskEllyn includes potential partnerships with healthcare providers.

• Ellyn encourages others to share their stories and support the initiative.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to AskEllyn and Its Creator

02:04 - The Journey of Writing a Book

05:52 - The Emotional Impact of Breast Cancer

10:02 - The Birth of AskEllyn

12:42 - The Role of AskEllyn in Patient Support

19:53 - The Unique Features of AskEllyn

23:39 - Future Aspirations for AskEllyn

25:29 - Challenges of Foundership

35:34 - Memorable Experiences and Feedback

38:29 - Looking Ahead: What's Next for AskEllyn

About Ellyn

Ellyn Winters-Robinson is an in-demand speaker, women’s health advocate, professional communicator and a globally recognized health rebel. She is the author of the best-selling book "Flat Please Hold the Shame," a girlfriend’s companion guide for those on the breast cancer journey. She is also the co-creator of AskEllyn.ai, the world’s first conversational AI companion for those on the breast cancer journey. With Dense Breasts Canada and award-winning photographer Hilary Gauld, Ellyn also co-produced I WANT YOU TO KNOW, a celebrated photo essay showing the diverse faces and stories of 31 individuals on the breast cancer journey. Ellyn’s story and AskEllyn.ai have been featured in People Magazine, Chatelaine Magazine, the Globe and Mail, CTV National News and Your Morning, and Fast Company. 

About AskEllyn.ai

AskEllyn.ai is the world’s first AI companion for those on the breast cancer journey. Blending the power of OpenAI’s knowledge of the world with the lived experience of a breast cancer survivor, AskEllyn is there at 2 am in the morning, and in any language to offer support. She is non-medical, completely private, and will always be free forever to those who need her.  

Want to Connect?

Visit and chat with AskEllyn at http://www.askellyn.ai

Follow Ellyn on Instagram @flatplease

Partner with us to bring AskEllyn to the world https://askellyn.ai/partner-to-keep-askellyn-free/

Connect with Ellyn directly [email protected]

From Burnout to Balance: Mental Health Tips for Entrepreneurs and Startup Teams – In this special episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau sits down with Mike Stroh, founder of Starts With Me, to tackle the critical issue of managing mental health in high-pressure, fast-paced environments like startups. With World Mental Health Day approaching on Thursday, October 10, 2024, this conversation offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals working in demanding roles.

Mike Stroh, who has overcome personal struggles with addiction and mental illness, shares his journey from battling his own challenges to founding a company that helps organizations support employee mental well-being. He discusses the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life, recognizing burnout, and how leaders can foster a culture of compassion and responsibility.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Understanding Burnout and Balance: Mike explains what burnout is, how it manifests, and the importance of finding your baseline for mental well-being.

• Signs of Burnout: Learn how to identify physical, emotional, and behavioral signs of burnout, both in yourself and your colleagues.

• Practical Mental Health Strategies: From sleep and exercise to managing internal dialogue, Mike shares actionable steps for improving mental health and preventing burnout.

• Company Culture and Mental Health: Hear Mike’s advice on how companies and leaders can create a supportive environment for employees while balancing business demands.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Compassion and Honesty: Mike emphasizes the importance of being honest with yourself about your limits and practicing self-compassion to avoid burnout.

• Finding Your Baseline: The idea of establishing a personal baseline for stress, sleep, and well-being is central to maintaining mental health.

• Creating a Culture of Support: Leaders and founders can set the tone by fostering a culture that values both compassion and responsibility.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Mental Health in Fast-Paced Environments

07:20 - Understanding Burnout and Balance

15:22 - Identifying Signs of Burnout

19:04 - Strategies for Maintaining Mental Health

30:59 - Implementing Change for Better Mental Health

49:13 - First Steps Towards Mental Wellness

More About Mike

Over the last 10+ years Mike has presented to over 100,000 people in live audiences discussing workplace mental health, k-12 education, and how to create mentally healthy teams that are connected, effective and purpose driven.

He is regularly featured on Canadian National News discussing a variety of mental health and addiction related topics. In 2019 Mike received the innovative Exemplary Practice Award in Student Leadership and Mental Health from the Toronto Catholic District School Board and was chosen by Arc'teryx as one of their distinguished Global Problem Solvers for his use of design thinking in k-12 education and workplace mental health.

Over the years Starts With Me has worked with some of the world's biggest brands like Amazon, Hyundai, McKesson, the City of Toronto, and Canada's largest school boards.

Mike has a masters in counselling psychology, is a registered psychotherapist and works as a therapist in private practice.

Want to Connect?

Website: startswithme.ca

Personal Website: mikestroh.com

Email: [email protected]

Resources for Founders

• Compassion vs Responsibility at Amazon Toronto HQ

• Why Empathy is Bad for Workplace Mental Health

Want to get involved?

Learn more about Starts With Me and their mental health solutions for organizations. Watch Mike’s insightful discussions on mental health and burnout on YouTube and follow him on LinkedIn for more tips on balancing mental health in the workplace.

Scaling Healthcare Technology: Lessons from Mike Wessinger’s Journey with PointClickCare – In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau sits down with Mike Wessinger, co-founder and executive chair of the board at PointClickCare, Canada's leading cloud-based healthcare software provider and one of the country's most valuable HealthTech companies. Mike Wessinger shares his journey from starting a company in the highly regulated long-term care sector to scaling PointClickCare to over 2,000 employees, serving more than 27,000 customers. He dives into the challenges of navigating healthcare tech, the importance of culture, and how focusing on customer satisfaction helped PointClickCare achieve sustainable growth.

Wessinger also discusses how the company’s product market fit strategy evolved, the importance of understanding regulatory landscapes, and how PointClickCare has maintained its strong culture through various growth stages.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Mike’s Entrepreneurial Background: How Mike and his brother started PointClickCare and scaled it to become a healthcare tech leader.

• The Importance of Customer Satisfaction: Why customer delight has always been central to PointClickCare’s growth strategy.

• Regulatory Challenges in Healthcare: How navigating regulations across provinces and states shaped PointClickCare’s product market fit.

• The Role of Culture in Scaling a Business: Insights on maintaining company culture while growing from a small startup to over 2,000 employees.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to PointClickCare and Mike Wessinger

02:52 - The Journey into Long-Term Care Technology

06:12 - Identifying Market Opportunities and Challenges

08:59 - Building a Technical Foundation with Family

12:04 - Navigating Product Market Fit

14:56 - The Importance of Customer Delight

18:11 - The Role of Culture in Scaling a Company

21:03 - Bootstrapping vs. Fundraising Strategies

24:00 - Challenges and Opportunities in Health Tech

26:51 - The Canadian Tech Ecosystem and C100

30:01 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

32:50 - Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

More About Mike Wessinger

Mike Wessinger is PointClickCare’s Co-Founder and Executive Chair of the Board. Prior to taking on the role of Executive Chair, Mike served as PointClickCare’s Chief Executive Officer from 1995 to 2021. 

Mike’s vision and leadership established PointClickCare as the first cloud-based health information system for the senior care industry. Relentless in his pursuit to disrupt the healthcare status quo, Mike’s forward-thinking vision drove the organization to break silos across the healthcare ecosystem, creating North America’s largest care collaboration network. 

In his role as Executive Chair, Mike continues to champion corporate culture, enhance governance, recruit diverse talent, and partner both internally and externally to solve critical healthcare challenges and propel PointClickCare forward as a world-class organization. 

Outside of PointClickCare, Mike serves on the Ontario Health Data Council and is also Co-Chair of the C100 board of directors, where he actively leverages his years of experience to coach and mentor leaders at the helm of rapidly scaling tech companies.

In 2024, Mike received the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa from York University. 

More About PointClickCare

PointClickCare is a leading healthcare technology platform enabling meaningful care collaboration and real‐time patient insights. More than 27,000 long‐term and post‐acute care providers, 3,600 ambulatory clinics, 2,800 hospitals, 350 risk-bearing providers, 70 state and government agencies, and every major U.S. health plan use PointClickCare for care collaboration and value‐based care delivery for millions across North America. 

Want to Connect?

Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewessinger/

Website: https://pointclickcare.com/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/pointclickcare

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeatpointclickcare/

Revolutionizing Employee Management: Kevin's Vision for Canadian SMBs with Humi – In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau sits down with Kevin, founder of Humi, to explore the all-in-one platform transforming employee management for Canadian businesses. Kevin shares his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings, running side hustles in high school to leading a venture-backed, YC-graduated startup. Humi simplifies employment management for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), covering payroll, HR, onboarding, offboarding, and performance management—all in one. Kevin dives into the problem-solving mentality that led to Humi’s creation and why focusing on Canadian businesses has been the key to their growth.

Kevin explains why the employee experience matters more than ever, and how Humi’s features—from automated payroll to benefits integration—are designed to save companies time and mitigate risk. 

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone looking to hear a great Canadian founder story, this episode provides valuable insights and solutions for building a business that is simplifying payroll, HR, and employee management.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Kevin’s Entrepreneurial Background: How his early hustle and entrepreneurial spirit shaped his journey to building Humi.

• The Importance of Employee Management: Kevin breaks down why effective payroll, onboarding, and HR are crucial for company success.

• How Humi Solves SMB Challenges: Discover how Humi’s all-in-one platform tackles everything from payroll compliance to employee performance tracking.

• Why Focus on Canadian SMBs: Kevin explains why Humi’s platform is built specifically for the nuances of the Canadian market.

Key Takeaways:

• The Employee Management Solution: Kevin discusses how Humi integrates payroll, HR, benefits, and more to create a seamless experience for businesses.

• Tailored to Canadian Businesses: With a focus on Canadian companies, Humi’s platform provides solutions designed specifically for Canada’s employment landscape.

• Innovative Solutions: Features like the newly launched SR&ED automation for R&D tax credit claims further streamline operations for growing businesses.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Kevin and Humi

02:54 - Kevin's Entrepreneurial Journey

05:45 - The Birth of Humi

09:04 - Understanding the Employee Management Landscape

12:00 - Humi's Unique Value Proposition

14:47 - Navigating the Canadian Market

18:07 - Challenges and Triumphs in Building Humi

20:59 - The Importance of Trust in Business

24:10 - AI's Role in Employee Management

26:59 - Future Innovations and Product Development

29:49 - Closing Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs

More About Kevin

Kevin Kliman is the CEO and a cofounder of Humi, the leading best-in-one employment solution for Canadian businesses. He’s passionate about enriching Canada’s tech talent pool, reinvesting back into the community, and helping Canadian companies take better care of their people. Kevin has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, using it to continue driving Humi’s journey of building the infrastructure of Canada’s economy alongside 140+ Humigos 

More About Humi 

Humi is the leading employment platform for Canadian businesses. We know running a business is more than just paperwork and tasks – we make it easy to care for businesses and those who bring them to life. We’re the best choice for supporting Canadian businesses in being better employers with payroll, HR, benefits and SR&ED. To learn more about Humi, visit humi.ca 

Want to Connect?

Looking to streamline your employee management processes? Visit Humi to see how they can help with payroll, HR, and compliance needs for Canadian businesses. Stay updated on Kevin’s journey and the latest innovations by following Humi through their website and LinkedIn.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humi-hr/

Website: https://www.humi.ca/