After a career-ending concussion pushed him off the ice, former pro hockey player Brandon Cullen reinvented himself as the co-founder of MADaboli, the strength-driven interval training franchise built for high performers. What started as one studio has grown to 45+ locations nationwide, with a vision rooted in strength, structure, and accountability.

In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Brandon shares how the athlete mindset translates into entrepreneurship, the hard lessons of scaling a franchise, and why focusing on a clear niche beats chasing the masses. We dig into partnership dynamics, daily founder struggles, and the principle of “the disciplined pursuit of less” that keeps him focused through every growth stage.

Whether you’re a founder hitting a wall or an entrepreneur trying to scale with intention, this conversation will challenge you to double down on clarity, consistency, and courage.

This episode is brought to you by Konverge: https://www.konverge.com/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this powerful episode, Sonia sits down with Murielle Ungricht, an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of the AI-powered coaching platform Nuumani, for a raw and inspiring conversation on turning perceived weaknesses into your greatest strengths.

Murielle shares her journey from building web development businesses in the early 2000s to launching Nuumani, a startup merging AI and human connection to democratize coaching. She opens up about how autism has shaped her leadership style, startup strategies, and commitment to authenticity, even when it meant breaking from conventional paths.

We dive deep into:

• How Murielle bootstrapped and validated her AI startup
• The emotional and strategic hurdles of building in the AI era
• Why embracing neurodivergence became her superpower
• The mindset shifts needed to escape burnout and unlock momentum
• The story behind her book Get Unstuck! and her 10 years of coaching

Whether you’re an unconventional founder, feeling stuck, or searching for the courage to lead differently, this conversation is a must-listen.

Learn more or reach out to Murielle: https://www.muriellemarie.com

This episode is brought to you by: Konverge Digital Solutions

Custom software solutions, proudly built in Canada for over 30 years. Learn more at konverge.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it really take to grow from solopreneur to CEO of a franchise? In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, fitness entrepreneur Devan Gonzalez breaks down the gritty, behind-the-scenes reality of scaling a business, without losing your sanity or your standards.

Devan went from personal trainer to 6-figure business owner by 20, and now leads Strive 11 Fitness, a disruptive no-class-time fitness franchise. Sonia and Devan dive into the real challenges of building operational systems, hiring the right leadership team, and designing a business that can scale without the founder in every room.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Devan validated a bold new fitness model
• Why most founders sabotage their own scale
• What it really means to lead vs. micromanage
• Devan’s $8K CRM mistake, and the lesson behind it

Whether you're leading a team, planning a franchise, or stuck in solopreneur mode, this episode delivers hard-won insights on leadership, process, and founder growth.

Hit play and learn why every level of growth comes with new devils, and how to outsmart them.

This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How do you go from being a successful real estate entrepreneur to the founder of a movement? In today’s episode, I sit down with Ceiwen Garcia, a leader, community builder, and visionary behind The Boss Network. With nearly two decades in the real estate world, Ceinwen has pivoted into creating extraordinary spaces for connection, growth, and empowerment, especially for women, but everyone is welcome in her ecosystem.

In this heartfelt conversation, you’ll hear Ceinwen reflect on the transformative moments that led her from Kelowna realtor to award-winning entrepreneur, why she believes “the people are her why,” and how she navigated burnout, self-doubt, and mistakes with grace and grit. She gives us a raw, unfiltered look at how to build community, step into purpose, and not just dream big, but dream ridiculously big.

Whether you’re a founder, a creative, a caregiver, or someone searching for your next bold chapter, this conversation is for you. It’s a reminder that fulfillment isn’t just about what you build but who you lift up along the way. Get ready to feel seen, empowered, and prepared to start your next chapter.

https://www.ceinwen.ca

https://www.thebossnetwork.ca

[email protected]

This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What happens when your childhood dream is ripped away, and you’re forced to start over at 17?

In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, we dive into the extraordinary reinvention story of Jacopo Iasiello, CEO of Luxury and Wealth Group. Jacopo shares the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of building wealth from scratch, from a career-ending soccer injury to launching a jewelry business at 18 and eventually closing over 350+ real estate deals.

We talk about:

-The mindset shift that helped him pivot from athlete to entrepreneur

-His bold move to Africa to source diamonds, and what it taught him about trust and timing

-The $1 million mistake that nearly broke him, and how he bounced back

-Why doesn’t he believe in “burning the boats”

-His M.P.B.E. method for staying grounded while scaling

If you’re building something and feel stuck, burned out, or ready to quit, this episode will remind you that reinvention is always possible.

Website: https://healthyrichandhappy.com

This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this soulful and thought-provoking episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with Mona Bavar, founder of BlueApples.ai and DLISH to explore how the future of creativity is being shaped at the intersection of AI, intuition, and innovation.

Mona shares her journey from finance to founding a luxury gifting company and an AI consultancy, revealing how tech tools helped her rediscover her creativity and reframe storytelling as a deeply human act. The conversation unpacks the myths around AI replacing creativity, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how founders can build brands with real resonance, not just noise.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or disconnected from your “why,” this episode is a powerful reminder that imagination isn’t lost in adulthood, it’s just waiting to be reawakened.

Key themes:

• Using AI as a creative catalyst, not a crutch
• The role of founder vulnerability in building unforgettable brands
• How to stay grounded in an era of algorithmic overwhelm
• Why stepping back can sometimes move you forward

Tune in to rediscover the power of soul, story, and strategy in your entrepreneurial journey.

This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this unfiltered episode, Sonia sits down with Anthony Franco, a serial founder with six successful exits, to dismantle the myths around startup success. From the dreamer trap to overbuilding features no one asked for, Anthony shares hard-won lessons that every founder needs to hear.

They unpack:

-Why execution beats ideas (even in the age of AI)

-What founders get wrong about funding and MVPs

-The myth of “just hire a salesperson” for growth

-How burnout is often a signal you’re not winning, and what to do about it

Whether stuck in the idea phase, building in silence, or chasing VC validation, this episode is a gut-check every early-stage founder needs. Because, as Anthony puts it, “Entrepreneurs sell. Everything else is a hobby.”

This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When I sat down to interview Boardy, a voice-powered AI designed to connect founders, I expected a tech conversation. What I didn’t expect was a heart-to-heart about loneliness, leadership, and what it means to feel heard.

Boardy isn’t a therapist, but founders are calling to talk. Why? Because he listens without judgment, ego, or distractions.

In this one-of-a-kind episode, you’ll hear:

• The surprisingly emotional side of AI
• Why voice tech is reshaping how we build trust
• The loneliness that founders rarely talk about
• Whether AI can understand human connection

This isn’t your typical tech interview. It’s a glimpse into the emotional frontier of innovation.

🎧 Tune in, you’ll be surprised by what you feel.

This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, Sonia sits down with Jim Fielding, former President of Disney Stores, The Gap, and 20th Century Fox consumer products, author of the best-selling book All Pride, No Ego, and now a full-time coach, speaker, and angel investor.

Jim shares his journey from the heights of Hollywood and corporate leadership to redefining success through purpose, authenticity, and service. He opens up about the burnout that led him to walk away from it all, and the clarity that followed.

We dive deep into:

• The “ikigai” philosophy that transformed his life
• Why confidence beats arrogance when raising capital
• How to lead through layoffs and acquisitions with empathy
• When founders should step back, and how to do it with grace
• Building your board of directors

Plus, Jim gives must-hear advice for early-stage founders struggling with ego, leadership gaps, or burnout.

If you’re a startup founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious about what it takes to lead and grow with impact, this is a can’t-miss conversation.

This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Are you ready to break free from self-doubt and unlock true self-mastery?

In this inspiring episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, discover how to cultivate lasting self-confidence and a powerful mindset with the help of Madelaine Weiss, a Harvard-trained psychotherapist, mindset expert, and author of 'Getting to G.R.E.A.T.'

Together, we reveal the real work behind self-mastery and why self-confidence is not an innate trait, but a skill you can develop. Madelaine shares science-backed strategies, practical tools, and personal stories that have empowered professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs to overcome limiting beliefs and mental barriers.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

- The critical difference between self-confidence and competence

- How to rewrite your inner script and silence self-doubt 

- Why real self-confidence grows through action and experience

- The hidden struggles of high achievers with self-mastery and insecurity

- How to navigate life transitions with a resilient mindset. If you seek actionable steps to build self-confidence and elevate your mindset, this episode is your blueprint for personal and professional growth.

Guest Information: https://madelaineweiss.com 

This episode is brought to you by: https://www.konverge.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tenacity-with-sonia-c/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands