The Wealth Exchange

In this special episode recorded live at the Canada Private Markets Meeting in Toronto, Nicola Wealth's Founder, Chairman, CEO and CIO, John Nicola joins Michael Kaumeyer, Vice Chair, Nicola Family, for an insightful conversation on leadership, legacy, and navigating uncertainty.

John reflects on the unexpected path that led him into financial services and the deliberate decisions that shaped Nicola Wealth's unique model, one built on integrated planning, long-term thinking, and shared ownership. From early lessons in sales to building a multi-generational firm, John shares what he's learned about scaling with purpose and preparing for succession.

The discussion also explores today's shifting economic and geopolitical landscape, with John offering a candid perspective on risk, cash flow, and how thoughtful portfolio construction can offer stability in volatile times.

In this episode of In the Ring with Rob, host Rob Olsen is joined by Nicola Wealth's Matt Choi and guest Rahman Vahabzadeh, Managing Director at Audax Private Debt, one of the most established firms in the space with over $24 billion in assets under management.

Together, they explore how private debt has evolved into a key component of today's investment portfolios, why it's gaining traction with both institutional and individual investors, and how firms like Audax are navigating an increasingly complex and competitive market. From the rise of unitranche financing to what makes a deal resilient in uncertain times, this episode offers a clear, inside look at how private lenders approach risk, return, and long-term opportunity in the U.S. middle market.

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In this timely episode, Gary Mar, President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation and former Alberta Cabinet Minister, joins Ben Jang, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Nicola Wealth, to discuss the recent Canadian federal election and what the results could mean for the economy, energy, and national unity.

The conversation explores the potential for cross-party cooperation, the evolving relationship with the United States, and how Canada can strengthen its position through productivity, infrastructure, and Arctic strategy. Together, they offer a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion on the decisions that could shape Canada's economic future.

What does it take to build a firm that lasts—and a culture that grows with it? In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 Private Wealth Canada West Forum, Nicola Wealth Chairman and CEO John Nicola joins board member and Rethink Founder Tom Shepansky for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, growth, and the value of sharing success.

From the early influences that shaped his thinking to Nicola Wealth's "Share the Pie" philosophy, John offers insights on building a resilient business, investing in people, and staying focused on the long game. For entrepreneurs, executives, and investors alike, it's a valuable perspective on what sustainable success really looks like.

2:04 - The importance of a strong network

7:03 - Authors of significance

8:51 - Where Share the Pie originated

14:00 - Growing your company, by sharing it

18:24 - How to play the long game

22:47 - The importance of giving back to your community

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Ben Jang, Portfolio Manager at Nicola Wealth, joins host Jasmine Maricic to discuss key developments from the first quarter of 2025 and the potential implications for the global economy.

They review market reactions to U.S. tariffs and their broader impact on trade dynamics, including Canada's positioning in a shifting global landscape. Ben also shares perspectives on Canadian and U.S. equity valuations, diverging labour market trends, and the return of terms like "stagflation" to economic discourse.

The conversation touches on European equity performance, inflation and interest rate expectations, and the evolving role of fiscal and monetary policy. Ben also outlines how Nicola Wealth's multi-asset portfolios are managed to stay diversified and respond to changing conditions across public and private markets.

Highlights

1:02 - How much has Trump shaken up the Global Economic landscape with the recent tariff threats?

6:35 - European Union x Canadian Trade

11:04 - U.S Exceptionalism

12:51 - Trade tensions and how they are impacting the Canadian interest rate

15:10 - Why have European stocks outperformed US stocks this last quarter?

18:00 - The importance of a diversified portfolio

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Secondaries have emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments within private capital, offering investors potential access to liquidity and flexibility in an asset class traditionally known for long holding periods. In this episode, Rob Olsen is joined by Nicola Wealth's Tori Buffrey and Adrian Millan, Partner at PJT Park Hill in New York, to explore how this market is evolving and what it means for today's investors.

Together, they explain the fundamentals of LP- and GP-led secondaries, discuss the increase in transaction volume, and examine the structural and market trends shaping the space. Tori shares how Nicola Wealth approaches GP-led secondaries, while Adrian offers a global view informed by years of experience advising institutional clients.

They also discuss the role of innovation in deal execution, recent shifts in capital flows, including interest from retail and insurance investors, and the unique position Canadian investors hold in the broader market.

Host Ethan Astaneh speaks with Dan Wurtele and Ryan Dash, partners at The Vancouver Life Real Estate Group. Dan and Ryan lead a team of award-winning real estate advisors helping clients navigate the evolving Greater Vancouver market—and beyond.

In this episode, they offer a timely and comprehensive overview of the Canadian residential real estate landscape, from buyer, balanced, and seller market dynamics to the ripple effects of the mortgage maturity wall. They discuss how major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Victoria are faring, and why condo markets in particular are facing headwinds. The conversation also explores Vancouver's landmark multiplex rezoning changes and how they're creating a new sub-asset class—and new opportunities—for homeowners, developers, and investors alike.

Dan and Ryan also share strategic advice for buyers navigating the presale market and offer perspective on what to expect as interest rates and economic uncertainty continue to shape activity in 2025.

Highlights

2:20 – Are we in a buyers, sellers, or balanced market?

7:56 – Price dynamics in real estate markets across Canada

14:03 – Spring market forecast

20:41 – Mortgage renewal situation in Canada

28:07 – Bill 44 multiplex rezoning

35:33 – Thoughts on the pre-sale marketplace

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In this episode, host Robert Olsen and co-host Sunny Lee from Nicola Wealth speak with Aly Champsi, Managing Director at DW Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm focused on healthcare investments with offices in Toronto and Park City, Utah.

The conversation explores healthcare-focused private equity, highlighting how sector specialization and operational expertise create a competitive edge in a crowded market. Aly explains why healthcare, comprising 17% of U.S. GDP, presents attractive investment opportunities across multiple subsectors. They also discuss challenges like tariffs and protectionist policies, offering insights on how healthcare investments may be partially insulated from these pressures.

Highlights

4:44 - Early career beginnings and personal background

10:22 – The journey from investment banking at BMO to strategy consulting at Oliver Wyman

17:25 – DW Healthcare Partners and their offices in Toronto & Utah

20:00 - Aly explains why healthcare is an attractive sector

27:31 – Deal at DW Healthcare that stands out

31:30 – USA, Trump and Tariffs

41:52 - Outlook for private equity over the next 24 months

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You've worked hard to build your business and accumulate wealth, so how do you ensure your legacy is protected for future generations? Jasmine Marichic, Wealth Advisor | Client Relationship Manager, outlines key estate planning strategies for business owners, including trusts, direct distributions, and Letters of Wishes. Learn how to safeguard your assets, prepare your heirs for financial responsibility, and leverage tools like private giving foundations to create a lasting philanthropic impact.

Highlights

1:40 - How and when to distribute wealth

1:55 - The use of trusts

4:20 - The importance of a Letter of Wishes

6:00 - A will can be equal but not fair, and fair but not equal

7:00 - Are your heirs prepared to manage their inheritance?

7:55 - Charitable giving and leaving a philanthropic legacy

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Women are increasingly taking the lead in managing their families' finances, but many still face challenges in feeling confident about their financial decisions. In this episode, Wealth Advisors Cassandra Cross and Dami Gittens explore the crucial role of financial literacy and empowerment, and why it's so important for women to take control of their financial futures.

Drawing from their own experiences growing up in households with traditional financial roles, Cassandra and Dami share practical tools and strategies for women to feel more confident in their financial decisions. They also discuss the impact of financial literacy, managing stress, and the unique approach to legacy planning that they find resonate with many women.