ReleVant by Ventum Financial

What does it take to build a business from the ground up, and how does your approach to leadership change as that business grows? In this special episode of The ReleVant Podcast, the tables are turned as Miles Nadal of Peerage Capital Group interviews Ventum Financial CEO David Cusson at the Porsche Experience Centre Toronto, home to Ventum Black partner Porsche. Drawing on more than a decade of friendship and business partnership, they discuss the challenges of scaling a business, learning to empower others, and why David believes serving Advisors is fundamental to delivering an exceptional client experience. The conversation also explores the thinking behind Ventum Black, David’s ambitions for the firm’s next chapter, and his perspective on Canadian entrepreneurship. Along the way, David also shares lessons about betting on yourself, surrounding yourself with great people, and why small personal gestures can have a lasting impact.

Mike Scarola’s career has taken him from the Olympics to investment banking and private equity, to, eventually, leading Butterfield & Robinson.In this episode of ReleVant, Mike joins Ventum CEO, David Cusson, to talk about his career path and what he’s carried with him in his role as CEO of the luxury travel company.They talk about being a new leader of a company with 60 years of history, and his relationship with George Butterfield and what he’s learned from him over the years.Mike also shares the importance of client loyalty and team culture.

They also talk about the number one question they ask at B&R before considering any type of change: is this better for the traveller?

Butterfield & Robinson started with a group of students travelling through Europe and grew into a business that has now been around for 60 years.

In this episode, George Butterfield looks back on the early days of building the company, the risks that came with it, and the idea that changed the business: taking travellers through Europe by bike. He also talks about knowing when it was time to hand over leadership, sticking with what the business does well, and why the client experience has always mattered to him.

Tune in to also hear George share the advice he always gives young people: be yourself, look for your own opportunities, and keep your friendships along the way.

Butterfield & Robinson is a Ventum Black partner.

A great guest experience often starts long before the guest arrives.

In this episode of ReleVant Minute, Debbie McGrath steps into the kitchen at Grace Anne II Lodge for a conversation with the lodge’s chef about the preparation, timing and details that go into every stay.

While making crispy wild rice, they talk about everything from mise en place and choosing the right kitchen tools to planning meals on an island and getting to know guests before they arrive.

After 17 years in the kitchen, the chef also shares something that has stayed with him throughout his career: enjoy what you do.

It’s a look at the work that happens behind the scenes and the small details that can make an experience memorable.

A great experience can feel effortless. But usually, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make it feel that way.

In this ReleVant Minute, Debbie McGrath sits down with Colton Chia, General Manager of Grace Anne II Lodge, as they spend some time on the water and talk about what goes into the guest experience. Colton shares how they plan well before guests arrive, personalize each stay and pay attention to the small details along the way.

A lot of it comes down to being prepared, paying attention and making things feel easy for the guest.

What makes a luxury experience feel truly exceptional? On this episode of The ReleVant Podcast, Debbie McGrath joins Colton Chia, General Manager of Grace Anne II Lodge, on Lake of the Woods in Ontario. Colton shares how a property with deep roots in fishing and wilderness adventure is evolving for a new generation of guests, and why he believes the best hospitality comes down to people, personalization and creating experiences that feel genuinely considered.

From building an international team and preserving the character of a storied property to balancing technology with the opportunity to disconnect, Colton offers a thoughtful perspective on what it takes to create experiences people will remember. He also shares his philosophy of focusing on what’s important so the urgent doesn’t take over, and how that mindset shapes the way he leads, thinks about luxury and creates exceptional experiences for his guests.

They were ready to start construction when their lender pulled out. Three weeks later, Melanie Derwin and her business partner had found another way forward.

In this Ventum Minute, Debbie McGrath sits down with Melanie, co-founder of the Rosé Beach Hotel, to talk about the realities of turning an idea into a business. From building a seven-suite expansion from the ground up to finding partners whose strengths complement your own, Melanie shares what the experience taught her about resilience, resourcefulness, and surrounding yourself with people who are genuinely invested in helping you succeed.

It’s a reminder that ambitious ideas rarely follow a road map, and the right people can make all the difference.

A suggestion from her daughter. A motel listing on Kijiji. Four weeks later, Liz Crawford was the owner of a hotel on Winnipeg Beach.

In this episode of The ReleVant Podcast, Debbie McGrath joins Liz in Winnipeg Beach to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, from navigating barriers to capital as a woman and pushing past self-doubt, to building a brand people really want to be part of. They also explore Liz’s belief that great experiences come down to how you make people feel, and why the smallest details can create the strongest connections.

It’s a conversation about betting on yourself, building with intention, and having the confidence to pursue an idea before you have every answer.

Andrea Linger didn’t set out to build a career in financial services. It started with a list of successful women she admired, a lunch with one of them, and a phone call later that night that changed the direction of her career.

In this episode, Debbie McGrath sits down with Ventum Financial’s SVP and Head of Private Client Services to talk about the mentors who shaped her, how the industry has evolved and why being a good advisor today is about much more than the numbers.

Andrea also shares one lesson that has stayed with her: start with where you want to go, then work backwards to figure out how to get there.

This is a conversation about mentorship, believing in yourself and the people and lessons that shape a career along the way.

Clients have never had more access to information. But when life changes, they still want someone they trust. 

Technology has made managing money faster and more convenient than ever. But as wealth management becomes increasingly digital, one question matters more: how do you protect the relationships clients rely on most? 

In this Ventum Minute, Debbie McGrath sits down with Mark Bennett, Vice President of Finance at Ventum Financial, on why the future will be about isn't about choosing between technology and personal advice. It's about using digital tools to strengthen the trust and human relationships at the heart of the client experience.