Our discussion today centres on mentorship, storytelling, and what it actually means to lead. I had the distinct privilege of conversing with Sam Thiara, Adjunct Professor at SFU's Beedie School of Business and founder of Ignite the Dream Coaching and Consulting, whose career began with 86 rejection letters and a job as a hospital janitor before spanning ICBC, the Vancouver Olympic Bid, and 22 years at Simon Fraser University.

Throughout our dialogue, we examined why leadership is determined not by title or position but by whether others choose to follow, and why Sam draws a firm distinction between transactional networking and genuine relationship building. We further explored the frameworks he has developed over roughly 5,500 one-on-one conversations, including his CARE model, the practice of intentional pausing, and the anchor points that guide his decisions.

Sam's insights offer a grounded counterpoint to conventional career advice, reminding us that the journey itself, rather than the destination, is where the meaningful work occurs.

Takeaways:

• Sam Thiara has mentored thousands of students and professionals over 26 years with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Leaders of Tomorrow program.
• Leadership is a lifestyle rather than a position, and it is the people around you who determine whether you have earned the title.
• Being overlooked early in his career shaped a lasting commitment to giving anyone, from high school students to CEOs, his time and attention.
• Understanding who you are must precede deciding what you want to do, as the latter tends to materialize once the former is clear.
• Intentional pausing and non-negotiable anchor points provide direction when opportunities and setbacks arrive unexpectedly.
• Organizations frequently falter by treating people as secondary to process, overlooking the strengths individuals naturally bring.
• A single blank puzzle piece, given to more than 5,000 people worldwide, serves as a reminder that no one is meant to navigate the journey alone.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Sam's coaching: https://www.sam-thiara.com/coaching/

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade: https://www.boardoftrade.com/

Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sthiara/

Our discussion today centres on the profound transformations occurring within the realm of product management, propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence. I had the distinct privilege of conversing with Brian Yan Muk, a product manager at Apply Digital, whose extensive experience encompasses leadership roles at renowned organizations such as AT&T, PGE, Moderna, and the NFL.

Throughout our dialogue, we delved into the intricacies of leadership in both small and large organizational contexts, emphasizing the importance of empathy in decision-making processes. Furthermore, we explored the implications of AI on product development and the evolving expectations of leadership in today's digital landscape.

Brian's insights not only illuminate the path forward for aspiring leaders but also underscore the necessity of adaptability and continuous learning in an ever-changing environment.

Note: The views shared in this episode are Brian's own and don't represent the views of Apply Digital.

Takeaways:

• Brian Yan Muk has led product teams in prestigious organizations, demonstrating significant leadership skills.
• The essence of effective leadership lies in empathy and understanding team dynamics and individual contributions.
• AI is reshaping business processes by automating tasks, thus requiring leaders to adapt their methods accordingly.
• Successful product development hinges on clear communication and stakeholder involvement throughout the process.
• Effective leadership necessitates decisiveness, even if it involves making unpopular decisions for the greater good.
• Continuous curiosity and experimentation are crucial for adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.applydigital.com
• www.sfu.ca
• www.enactus.org
• www.linkedin.com/in/brianyanmuk

Episode Description

In this episode, we sit down with Aaren Terrett, a Vancouver-based business leader, to talk about the lessons he picked up building Traction on Demand and taking it through its acquisition by Salesforce. Aaron walks us through that growth story, from a small team to nearly 1,900 employees and $190 million in revenue, and what it actually took to get there.

He shares why culture was never an afterthought for him but a driving force, one that pushed innovation while still putting the people behind it first. Aaron also talks about what he's building now with Vistera, a platform aimed at making professional services more efficient and accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. By combining technology with a network of vetted experts, Vistera is looking to give businesses tailored, cost-effective support and change how professional services work in Canada.

Key Takeaways:

• Culture was central to Traction on Demand's growth, especially through its acquisition by Salesforce.
• Scaling from a small business to a large enterprise brings its own set of leadership challenges.
• Professional services are shifting, and technology plus new delivery models are key to keeping up.
• Vistera gives small and medium-sized businesses faster, more affordable access to expert help.
• Building a strong culture means understanding what different employees actually need.
• Outcome-based pricing creates more sustainable, value-driven client relationships.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.vistera.ai
• Vistera

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Parr to discuss what it takes to build and lead a successful boutique law firm. Drawing from his years of experience, Steve shares insights on the importance of proactive estate planning and why having key legal documents in place before they’re needed can provide peace of mind for clients and their families.

Steve also reflects on his own career journey, from environmental initiatives to entrepreneurship and eventually founding his own corporate law practice. Along the way, he discusses the lessons he’s learned about leadership, personal growth, and building a business centered around strong relationships.

The conversation explores the role of team culture in professional services, highlighting how empathy, trust, and high ethical standards can strengthen both internal collaboration and client experiences. Through Steve’s experiences, we examine how intentional leadership, strategic planning, and meaningful connections can contribute to long-term success for both professionals and the people they serve.

Key Takeaways

• Proactive estate planning helps clients and their families avoid unnecessary stress and uncertainty in the future.
• Entrepreneurship challenged Steve to grow both personally and professionally, reinforcing the importance of adaptability.
• Strong teams are built on trust, collaboration, and shared values, which ultimately lead to better client outcomes.
• Self-awareness and personal development play an important role in making sound decisions, especially during challenging situations.
• Building a trusted network of professionals creates more value for clients and improves overall service delivery.
• Responsiveness, attentiveness, and genuine relationship-building are key factors in creating exceptional client experiences.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Parr Business Law
• linkedin.com/in/steveaparr

This discussion explores Sanaz Lafuente's journey as an engineering leader within Vancouver’s tech community. She reflects on her early ambition to pursue physics and how her path ultimately evolved toward engineering and leadership. Throughout the conversation, she underscores the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining an effective network, both of which have played a key role in her career development.

The episode also examines how management styles in the tech industry are evolving alongside rapid technological change, with a growing emphasis on communication and adaptability. Overall, it offers a thoughtful perspective on professional growth, leadership, and the importance of interpersonal connections in shaping a successful career in tech.

Takeaways:

• In the dynamic landscape of technology, the shift from hardware to software engineering reflects the relevance of software across diverse industries, demonstrating its expansive applicability beyond traditional boundaries.
• Building relationships and networking are indispensable skills that significantly influence career progression, as evidenced by personal experiences shared during the episode.
• Effective leadership in engineering requires a shift from technical oversight to fostering an environment that encourages team autonomy and proactive ownership among team members.
• Navigating the complexities of larger organizations necessitates a keen understanding of influence and decision-making dynamics, highlighting the importance of collaboration across various levels of expertise.
• Emphasizing communication skills over purely technical abilities when hiring engineers can enhance team cohesion and project outcomes, reflecting a changing landscape in technical recruitment.
• Parenting not only cultivates empathy but also fosters a heightened sense of responsibility, shaping leadership approaches in the workplace and influencing team dynamics.

The conversation focuses on the experiences of George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville, and his journey into public service at a young age. From studying law to working across different roles in government, he shares how those experiences have shaped his perspective on leadership and community.

We explore the challenges and opportunities he sees in today’s landscape, along with his belief that strong communities are built when diverse voices are included and heard.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that leadership and progress depend on people being engaged, stepping up, and playing an active role in shaping the future.

Takeaways:

• George Anderson began his political career at the young age of 20, reflecting a remarkable achievement in local governance.
• With a background in law and public service, Anderson has advocated for community representation and environmental considerations in his political decisions.
• He emphasizes the importance of transportation infrastructure as a means of ensuring equal opportunities for citizens across British Columbia.
• The discussion highlights the need for government policies that prioritize the welfare of citizens, particularly in areas such as healthcare and housing affordability.
• Anderson's experiences in both the private and public sectors allow him to approach governance with a comprehensive understanding of economic and social dynamics.
• The podcast concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage actively in their communities, reinforcing that change begins with individual involvement.

This episode of the podcast focuses on the journey of Bedad Jamshidi, a marketing connector who left a secure engineering role at Telus to pursue entrepreneurship. In our conversation, we explore how his combination of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills has helped him build meaningful relationships and support business growth. Bedad shares the moment he realized his strength in connecting with people, which ultimately led him to shift his career toward collaboration and relationship-building. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of launching his own marketing venture while still maintaining a corporate role. Overall, Bedad’s story highlights the importance of self-awareness and the impact that genuine relationships can have in both personal and professional life.

Takeaways:

1. The discussion illustrates the intriguing transition from a secure engineering career to the entrepreneurial landscape, highlighting the significance of personal growth and adaptability.
2. Bedad's unique blend of technical acumen and interpersonal skills underscores the value of connecting deeply with others in a business context.
3. The podcast emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear and embracing uncertainty as fundamental components of the entrepreneurial journey.
4. A central theme involves the necessity of introspection and self-awareness, which Bedad credits for his ongoing personal and professional development.
5. The conversation reveals how cultivating a robust network can yield unexpected opportunities and support throughout one's career endeavors.
6. Leadership is framed as an opportunity to coach and empower others, highlighting the shift towards empathy and understanding in modern business dynamics.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. cjammarketing.com

Throughout the conversation, Pastor Kyle Yumang shares his perspective on servant leadership. For him, leadership is not about authority or titles. It is about serving others, building genuine connections, and creating spaces where people can grow. This mindset shows up in both his ministry and his work as an artist, allowing him to reach people in meaningful and relatable ways.

We also talk about the challenge of staying grounded in purpose, especially in uncertain seasons. Kyle emphasizes the importance of knowing your intrinsic value, separate from achievements or recognition. He encourages leaders to pursue authenticity, to balance personal fulfillment with responsibility, and to remain committed to serving their communities.

Ultimately, this episode is about more than faith or creativity alone. It is about leading with empathy, living with intention, and building communities where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow.

Takeaways:

1. The journey of leadership is profoundly influenced by one's upbringing and community.
2. Success is not solely determined by one's location or background but rather by individual effort and creativity.
3. Understanding and integrating faith into modern contexts can significantly impact community engagement.
4. A healthy balance between personal fulfillment and professional responsibility is essential for effective leadership.

References mentioned in this episode:

1. Not Klyde
2. Rock Generation Church

Angela Robertson, a distinguished executive and current CEO of Acetech, shares her profound insights on navigating the complexities of leadership in the technology sector. With a unique academic background in both business and biochemistry from Queen’s University, she reflects on her journey from her formative years to her pivotal role at Vorum, where she witnessed firsthand the tumultuous shifts during the 2008 financial crisis.

This experience not only shaped her understanding of the importance of diverse perspectives in leadership but also instilled in her the value of openness and curiosity.

Angela emphasizes the necessity for leaders to cultivate a culture of curiosity within their organizations, particularly in light of the rapid advancements in technology and the challenges they present.

Through her work at Acetech, she seeks to empower tech founders and CEOs by fostering connections and encouraging resilience, thereby preparing them to navigate the complexities of their entrepreneurial journeys.

Takeaways:

1. Angela Robertson illustrates how a diverse educational background can catalyze innovative leadership in technology.
2. Her experiences highlight the significance of resilience and adaptability during complex business transitions.
3. The importance of fostering a culture of curiosity within organizations is essential for innovation and growth.
4. Leadership is not solely about authority but also about listening and valuing team contributions.
5. Angela emphasizes that leaders must be open to learning from failures as a pathway to success.
6. Community connections among entrepreneurs can provide invaluable support during challenging times.

Learn More About Acetech:

1. Acetech is a membership society for technology founders and CEOs that exists to ensure no founder or CEO has to grow their business alone. Learn more about joining their community here.
2. The Acetech Leadership Retreat is their flagship event happening April 13-15, 2026 in beautiful Whistler, BC. Tickets here.

This podcast episode features a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Jivi Saran, a respected leadership advisor, professor, and executive coach. At the heart of the discussion is the need to rethink what leadership looks like in today’s fast-moving, digital-first world, especially as many traditional models fall short by overlooking the human side of work. Jivi draws from her experience working with over 300 leaders to show how clarity, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness can drive not only stronger performance, but healthier, more sustainable cultures.

Throughout the episode, we explore her unique approach to leadership, which centers on authenticity, connection, and conscious decision-making. She challenges leaders to move beyond command-and-control styles and instead create environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to do their best work. As Jivi shares her journey and insights, it becomes clear that the future of leadership isn’t just about strategy or execution. It’s about presence, purpose, and leading in a way that allows both individuals and organizations to grow together.

Takeaways:

1. Jivi Saran emphasizes the necessity for leaders to cultivate emotional intelligence for authentic connections within organizations.
2. An exploration of leadership reveals that traditional models often overlook the importance of self-awareness and personal identity.
3. The concept of conscious capitalism is presented as essential for sustainable business practices that benefit both people and the planet.
4. Jivi advocates for the integration of personal values in the workplace to foster a positive organizational culture and enhance employee satisfaction.
5. The importance of self-reflection and personal growth is highlighted as a pathway to effective leadership and organizational transformation.
6. Through experiential learning techniques, leaders can create environments that encourage open dialogue and foster innovative thinking in their teams.

Material referenced in this episode:

1. quantumbusinessgrowth.ca
2. Put the Moose on the Table
3. Permission To Be YOU