16 law school rejections. One yes. That one yes built a 30-year career.

Winston Sayson, KC went from immigrant teen in Surrey to one of British Columbia's most decorated Crown prosecutors — and the first Filipino-Chinese Canadian ever appointed King's Counsel. But the title is only half the story.

In this episode of Starborn Labs, Winston sits down with us to talk about the part that doesn't make the résumé: imposter syndrome, the invisible weight of secondary trauma, and what three decades of prosecuting violent crime actually costs a person.

He opens up about the mask of invincibility most lawyers wear, the moment it cracked, and what he found on the other side — humility, service, and a re-defined idea of success that has nothing to do with awards or status.

If you're a young lawyer, a first-generation immigrant, or anyone who's been told no and is trying to figure out whether to keep going — this conversation is for you.

⏱ CHAPTERS

00:00 — Introduction to Winston Sayson

01:06 — First Filipino-Chinese Queen's Counsel

01:44 — Wisdom from mistakes

02:49 — Rejected by 16 law schools

05:55 — Battling imposter syndrome

06:43 — Preparing for racism

09:16 — The cost of fitting in

10:51 — Caring beyond the law

13:37 — Beyond material wealth

14:53 — Awards have shelf value

16:25 — Pride vs. healthy ego

19:17 — Motivated by service

21:09 — Arrogance on a cruise

22:34 — The price of service

24:41 — The invincible mask cracks

26:47 — Remembering what's normal

28:43 — Work defined my world

29:52 — Retirement: a new purpose

31:01 — Joy in serving others

32:23 — Courage to share truth

33:28 — The core belief: love

35:02 — The power of humility

36:26 — Uncle's humility and impact

38:26 — Advice for young generations

41:06 — Advice for legal professionals

41:51 — Advice to younger Winston

42:53 — Host's reflection on service

🎙 ABOUT WINSTON SAYSON, KC

Winston Sayson is a retired senior trial Crown Counsel with the BC Prosecution Service, where he served for over 30 years prosecuting violent and sexual crimes against children and vulnerable victims. He is the first Filipino-Chinese Canadian appointed King's Counsel in British Columbia, a 2023 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant honoree, and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

🎧 ABOUT STARBORN LABS

Starborn Labs is a podcast about the conversations that build people — entrepreneurs, immigrants, athletes, and operators talking honestly about what success actually costs and what it actually gives back. Hosted by Ignacio Guerrero and Javier Cantillana.

#WinstonSayson #KingsCounsel #ImposterSyndrome #StarbornLabs #FilipinoCanadian #CrownCounsel #ImmigrantStory #LawCareer #SecondaryTrauma #FirstGenerationImmigrant

Manuel Pizarro was a law enforcement officer when 9/11 reshaped his life. Four years later, he became the first Canadian to summit Everest solo without support from Camp 6 — then did it again two years later.

In this episode, Manuel opens up about what the mountain actually demands of you, surviving 12 hours near the summit when things went wrong, the emotions climbers bury on the way up, and how September 11th gave him a reason to climb in the first place.

Starborn Labs Podcast

#Everest #MountEverest #911 #LawEnforcement #ManuelPizarro #Survival #Mountaineering #FirstResponder

What happens when a patient is told by doctors they'll never walk or talk again — and then they do?

In this episode, Ignacio sits down with Claudia Dagnino, a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Vancouver with over 18 years of experience and a Master's in Counselling Psychology. Claudia is the only practitioner in Canada certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), a Certified SP Hypnosis Practitioner, and a Yoga Therapist who has worked with Vancouver Coastal Health, Battered Women Support Services, and first responders across BC.

She shares the story of a client doctors had written off — and how he walked and talked again. We unpack why traditional counselling often fails trauma survivors, what Rapid Resolution Therapy actually does, and why mind-body healing isn't mysticism but measurable change.

In this conversation: — The case that defied medical consensus — Why most therapy is too slow to work — Rapid Resolution Therapy, explained — Trauma, PTSD, and the first-responder epidemic — How to find a real counsellor, not a credential collector

Learn more about Claudia: claudiadagnino.com

Follow Starborn Labs for weekly conversations with people who operate outside the default.

What does it really mean to serve your community through real estate? In this episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Darcy Schlechtleitner—founder and team lead of Rethink Real Estate Group at Stonehaus Realty—to explore the mindset, business philosophy, and family values behind building a real estate practice that puts people first.

Darcy leads a dynamic, multilingual team fluent in nine languages, serving clients across Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and the Lower Mainland. With a reputation for investing 99% more into each listing than the average realtor, she's redefining what client service looks like in an industry full of noise.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why community service is the foundation of a lasting real estate business.

- The mindset shifts required to lead a high-performing team

- Balancing family, business, and personal growth as an entrepreneur

- How to build trust and long-term relationships with clients

- Why Darcy and her team call themselves the "un-Realtor Realtors"

-Whether you're in real estate, entrepreneurship, or just figuring out how to build something meaningful while staying grounded in what matters—this conversation delivers real, unfiltered insights.

About Darcy Schlechtleitner:

Darcy is the founder and team lead of Rethink Real Estate Group at Stonehaus Realty. She leads a multilingual team across the Lower Mainland, known for exceptional staging, marketing investment, and a client-first approach that has earned her a reputation as one of the most trusted realtors in the Greater Vancouver area.

Connect with Darcy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcy-schlechtleitner-9480b426/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@darcysdoesrealestate

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rethinkrealestategroup6342

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rethinkrealestategroup/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamrethink/

🎙️ Subscribe to Starborn Labs for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders building extraordinary lives.

#StarbornLabs #DarcySchlechtleitner #RealEstate #RethinkRealEstate #VancouverRealEstate #BCRealEstate #CommunityFirst #Entrepreneurship #BusinessMindset #RealEstateAgent #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #FamilyAndBusiness #ClientService #Realtor #LowerMainland #NewWestminster #Coquitlam #Podcast #NewEpisode #RealEstateInvesting #MindsetMatters #ServantLeadership #BuildingCommunity #Starborn #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #RealEstateLife #StonehausRealty #TeamRethink

The body keeps the score of every hour you sit.

In this episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Carolyn Dalton, Stretch Therapist, Breathwork Facilitator, and Co-Founder & CEO of The Stretch Space in Vancouver, to explore the intersection of desk work, fascia, and the nervous system. While long hours at the computer are now the norm for entrepreneurs, founders, and knowledge workers, the physical and mental toll is often ignored until injury strikes.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The most common physical patterns Carolyn sees in people who work long hours at the computer.

- Why fascia, posture, and breath matter more than you think.

- How to use short movement and breath "snacks" during the workday.

- A simple daily reset routine for your spine, hips, and shoulders.

- The nervous system connection — how stress and sitting compound each other.

- How to notice early red flags before they become chronic injuries.

Whether you're a founder, creative, developer, or professional spending most of your day at a desk, this conversation offers actionable insights on how to take care of your body without sacrificing your productivity.

About Carolyn Dalton: Carolyn Dalton is a Stretch Therapist, Breathwork Facilitator, and Movement Educator, and the Co-Founder & CEO of The Stretch Space, a stretch therapy and breathwork studio and training hub based in Vancouver, Canada. She works with dancers, athletes, and the general public to improve mobility, recover from injuries, and build healthier, more embodied relationships with their bodies.

https://www.thestretchspace.com/

#DeskWellness #StretchTherapy #MovementForLife #FasciaHealth #WorkFromHomeWellness #Vancouver #StarbornLabs #Wellness #Mobility #Breathwork #CarolynDalton

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Starborn, I sit down with filmmaker and creative strategist Jasim Haider to talk about what happens when you get close to fame – and then watch your life spiral down. We dive into ego, identity, and the quiet crash that can come after the highs of recognition, and how Jasim rebuilt his path through film, music, and service to others.

We also get into the craft side of filmmaking – from how he thinks about shot composition and documentary-style storytelling to building campaigns that actually convert for brands, artists, and political figures. With over a decade of experience shooting for clients like MTV, Microsoft, UN Women, PepsiCo, jazz clubs, and mayoral campaigns, Jasim breaks down the real process behind high-performing video: scripting, pre-production, on-set decisions, and post-production choices that make a story land.

We talk about:

- Touching fame and the illusion that “making it” will fix everything

- Losing direction, mental health struggles, and feeling like your life is going downhill

- Turning rock-bottom moments into creative fuel and new opportunities

- The technical side of filmmaking: framing, pacing, scroll-stopping hooks, and editing for emotion and conversion

- Lessons from building Stooners and working across brands, artists, and political campaigns

If you’re a creator, founder, or filmmaker chasing both meaning and mastery, this conversation blends the inner journey with the practical tools to tell better stories on camera.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/syedjasimhaider/

https://www.stooners.com/

What does it truly take to go from homeless to millionaire? In this episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Sir Darren Jacklin (ROC)—a corporate trainer, investor, and global philanthropist—to explore the remarkable journey, business principles, and mindset shifts that enabled extraordinary success.

Darren's path spans homelessness, personal reinvention, and building a portfolio of world-class companies, giving him a rare and grounded perspective on what it really takes to transform your life. As a NASDAQ-affiliated entrepreneur (EXPI) and sought-after speaker, he understands how to turn adversity into advantage.

In this episode, we discuss:

The complete journey from homelessness to millionaire status

Core business principles that transformed his life and career

How to overcome adversity and build unshakable personal resilience

Creating multiple streams of income with intention and strategy

Lessons learned and the mistakes that led to his biggest breakthroughs

Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and serious business builders

Whether you're in real estate, entrepreneurship, personal development, or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers actionable wisdom from someone who has truly lived it—not just studied it.

About Sir Darren Jacklin:

Sir Darren is a corporate trainer, global investor, and philanthropist who transformed his life from homelessness into building a portfolio of world-class companies. Recognized with the title of Knight (ROC), Darren has spoken to audiences in over 100 countries and is known for his relentless commitment to human potential, entrepreneurship, and giving back.

Connect with Sir Darren:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenleejacklin/

• Website: https://www.darrenjacklin.com

Subscribe to Starborn Labs for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders building extraordinary lives.

HASHTAGS

#StarbornLabs #DarrenJacklin #Entrepreneurship #SuccessMindset #HomelessToMillionaire #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #Wealth #MultipleStreamsOfIncome #RealEstate #Mindset #Motivation #StartupLife #BusinessPrinciples #Leadership #Podcast #NewEpisode #InspirationalStory #WealthCreation #eXpRealty #EXPI #Investor #PublicSpeaker #Philanthropy #LifeTransformation #HustleAndGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #BuildYourEmpire #Starborn

What separates exceptional customer service from the ordinary? In this episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Tory Wiwchar—an educator, consultant, and experience designer—to explore the art and science of creating memorable customer experiences.

Tory's diverse background spans luxury hospitality, marketing management, entrepreneurship, and education, giving him unique insights into what makes experiences truly stick. As Co-Founder of Workplace Evolutions and former TED Speaker Support, he understands how to craft moments that resonate.

In this episode, we discuss:

The psychology behind memorable customer experiences

How to design experiences that create lasting emotional connections

Why experience design matters more than ever in competitive markets

Practical strategies for implementing customer-centric design

The role of empathy and human connection in service excellence

Bridging hospitality principles with modern business needs

Whether you're in hospitality, retail, SaaS, or any customer-facing industry, this conversation offers actionable insights on how to elevate your customer experience from transactional to transformational.

About Tory Wiwchar: Tory is an enthusiastic educator and consultant, designing memorable experiences that encourage human flourishing. With backgrounds in international relations, luxury hospitality, marketing management, and entrepreneurship, he brings diverse perspectives to experience design. As Co-Founder of Workplace Evolutions and author of "The Audacious Ask," Tory specializes in helping organizations develop their people and create experiences that matter.

As AI transforms the business landscape, one question remains: Are soft skills becoming obsolete, or more critical than ever?

In this inaugural episode of Starborn Labs, we sit down with Andrew Woods to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and human connection in modern business. While AI automates tasks and processes data at unprecedented speeds, the ability to communicate, empathize, and build relationships may be the ultimate competitive advantage.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why soft skills are more valuable in an AI-driven world
• The skills AI can't replicate (and probably never will)
• How to develop essential human capabilities in your team
• Real-world examples of soft skills driving business success
• The future of work: humans and AI collaboration

Whether you're a founder, executive, or professional navigating the AI revolution, this conversation offers actionable insights on staying irreplaceable in an automated world.

About Andrew Woods: DMgt. Andrew Woods is an Assistant Professor at University Canada West, Founder of Ask Us Consulting, and author of "Soft Skills in the Age of AI." Recognized as one of Canada's leading soft skills trainers, Andrew has delivered workshops in 22 countries across four continents.