How I Became...

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Discover the remarkable stories behind successful startups on 'How I Became...'. Join me, Kelly Yefet, as we dive into the journeys of extraordinary founders, marketers, investors, and industry experts. Uncover the breakthrough moments, challenges, and strategies that propelled their ventures to greatness. Each episode delivers inspiring narratives and practical insights for entrepreneurs of all stages. Get ready to be captivated by the untold tales of innovation, resilience, and triumph in the world of startups. Tune in now to fuel your own entrepreneurial journey. Interested in marketing and growth support for your business? https://www.kellyyefetconsulting.com/ read less
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#30 - Suzanne Mason [Confident], Co-Founder & COO, Sprout Family
11-09-2024
#30 - Suzanne Mason [Confident], Co-Founder & COO, Sprout Family
Ready for a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurship, fertility, and breaking barriers? On this episode, we’re joined by Suze Mason, co-founder and COO of Sprout Family, as she takes us through her inspiring journey of launching a company with a mission to make fertility, surrogacy, and adoption care accessible to all Canadians through employer benefits.Suze saw a glaring gap in fertility care coverage in Canada and set out to tackle the financial barriers that hold so many people back from starting or growing their families. She shares the pivotal lessons she’s learned about building meaningful relationships, the power of open communication, and why it’s time to bring reproductive health into the spotlight.But we’re not sugar-coating it. This episode touches on some vulnerable and real stories about fertility struggles, so please be mindful of the trigger warnings.Key Takeaways:Sprout's Mission: Making fertility, surrogacy, and adoption care accessible across Canada through innovative employer benefits packages.Canada vs. The World: Fertility coverage in Canada lags behind, with only 2% of employers offering it—compared to 50% in the US.Entrepreneurship Lessons: Building relationships and effective communication are key to validating demand and aligning stakeholders in any business.Breaking the Silence: Open conversations about reproductive health are essential to break stigma and support those on their fertility journeys.Men in Fertility: Men play an active role, and male factor infertility needs more attention in the conversation.Changing the Landscape: More companies are waking up to the importance of fertility coverage, recognizing that reproductive health is critical for employee wellbeing.Founder's Mindset: Being a founder doesn’t mean being a rebel—it’s about leveraging skills from your past roles to create meaningful change.This conversation will leave you empowered, informed, and ready to reframe how we think about reproductive health and entrepreneurship. Tune in!
#28 - Jaimie Harris [20 year, over night success], Founder and CEO of This Is J
29-08-2024
#28 - Jaimie Harris [20 year, over night success], Founder and CEO of This Is J
Jaimie Harris, the brilliant mind behind This Is J, a female-founded, made-in-Canada pajama and loungewear brand. If you’re not familiar, This Is J specializes in crafting ultra-soft bamboo pajamas, robes, loungewear, and cozy accessories that redefine comfort and style. The brand recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and was proudly recognized as one of Canada's Fastest Growing brands in 2022. This Is J is a favourite of everyone from Emily Blunt to our very own Meredith Shaw – the latter of whom declared just last month on Breakfast Television that This Is J is her “absolute favourite pajama brand.” Given the remarkable journey and impact of This Is J, I believe it's high time to shine the spotlight on the visionary behind the brand. Jaimie Harris's story is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation, and I'm eager to share her story with you!  TakeawaysFamily support and influence can play a significant role in an entrepreneur's journey.Learning from both wins and losses is crucial for personal and business growth.Networking and mentorship are valuable resources for entrepreneurs.Celebrity endorsements and securing deals with renowned stores can be exciting milestones in a business.Pivoting and adapting during challenging times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to growth and success. Pivoting a business to e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic requires being already set up for online initiatives and having a strong team in place.Balancing work and family life as a CEO and mother requires support at home and at work.Launching a business doesn't require everything to be perfectly planned; learning and growth come from interacting with customers and adapting to their needs.Success is often the result of years of hard work and continuous growth.
#26 - Laura Gabor [Canada vs USA Investing], Co-founder & COO, Ecologicca; Founder, What in the Tech
08-08-2024
#26 - Laura Gabor [Canada vs USA Investing], Co-founder & COO, Ecologicca; Founder, What in the Tech
In this episode of How I Became, I spoke to Laura Gabor. She is the co-founder & COO at ecologicca, the founder of What in the Tech, and avid investor and loves community building. We discuss her fundraising experiences in the US and how it compares in Canada, noting differences in risk tolerance and capital availability. She shares her journey with ecologicca, a company focused on improving indoor air quality and predictive health modeling, inspired by her co-founder's struggles with poor air quality. We also explore her side project, What in the Tech, which provides resources and support for tech founders. Being a founder is not easy, nevermind spending time trying to understand resources, tools, and the lingo. This is what she's working to unlock.Take AwaysFundraising in the US is often easier and faster compared to Canada, where investors are more risk-averse and have less capital available.The Canadian tech ecosystem tends to focus on B2B SaaS companies, while the US is more open to different industries and hardware startups.Ecologicca is a company that focuses on indoor air quality and uses IoT technology to monitor and improve air quality in buildings.The company's products produce hydroxyls, which are responsible for fresh air outdoors, and have been used by NASA.Ecologicca aims to provide clean air for everyone, regardless of their location or financial means. Ecologicca creates hydroxyls to improve indoor air quality and reduce the spread of diseases like COVID-19.What in the Tech is a side project that provides resources and support for founders in the tech industry.Data and technology play a crucial role in both Ecologica and What in the Tech.Laura is passionate about advocating for underrepresented founders and creating a more inclusive and diverse innovation ecosystem.
#25 - Anjali Dhaliwal [Shroomz & Business Planning], Co-founder & CEO @ Avo.
25-07-2024
#25 - Anjali Dhaliwal [Shroomz & Business Planning], Co-founder & CEO @ Avo.
"You determine what your life is. Everyone is going to be dealt bad cards. It's your choice on how you handle those."Anjali, co-founder of AVO, shares her journey in entrepreneurship and the founding of AVO, a copy trading platform for cryptocurrencies. She discusses the importance of financial literacy and how her upbringing and parents' emphasis on financial education influenced her. Anjali also talks about the challenges of coming from a tough high school and how she overcame them to succeed. She emphasizes the importance of networking and cold outreach in getting opportunities and shares tips for founders in navigating the VC space. Anjali also discusses the importance of falling in love with the problem, not the solution, and the role of customer discovery in shaping the direction of the company. She dispels the myth that founders make money quickly and highlights the need for passion and commitment to the problem. Finally, she shares her perspective on being a delusional CEO and the importance of conviction in building something impactfulTakeawaysFinancial literacy is crucial for personal and professional success.Networking and cold outreach can open doors and create opportunities.Customer discovery is essential for understanding the needs and pain points of your target audience.Fall in love with the problem, not the solution, and be open to pivoting.Building a successful company requires passion, commitment, and conviction.
#24 - Kaaveh Shoamanesh [Democratizing Privilege for the 99%], Founder & CEO @ Plaiced.
04-07-2024
#24 - Kaaveh Shoamanesh [Democratizing Privilege for the 99%], Founder & CEO @ Plaiced.
Being the dumbest person in the room can drive success; Feeling Dumb and facing failures; How growing up with a mom with schizophrenia shapes your world; Taking Action and Tying Value to Purpose; Bootstrapping vs VC and staying true to your north star; These are just a few themes of this episode. Kaaveh shares his journey from Canada to LA and his transition from aspiring actor to producer. He discusses the challenges he faced, including rejection and procrastination, and how he found his passion for product placement. Kaaveh also talks about his experiences in the entertainment industry, including his work on the TV show Love It or List It. He then delves into his role as a tech founder and the lessons he has learned in building a business. Additionally, Kaaveh opens up about the personal experiences and values that have influenced his success, including his mother's struggle with schizophrenia and his passion for helping immigrants integrate into their new countries. Kaaveh discusses the challenges and benefits of bootstrapping his business instead of seeking venture capital funding. He emphasizes the value he places on purpose, time, and freedom, and how these factors have influenced the growth and trajectory of his company. Kaaveh also shares his experience pitching at Startup Montreal and how it led to a pivotal decision to pivot the business. He highlights the importance of aligning with one's ethos and making a real difference, rather than solely focusing on financial success. Kaaveh dispels the myths that every company needs to be a billion-dollar valuation and that chasing success is necessary, instead advocating for attracting success through gratitude, positivity, and taking consistent action.TakeawaysTransitioning from one career path to another can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.Rejection and failure can be valuable learning experiences that shape your journey.Being naive and willing to ask questions can lead to success as a founder.Personal experiences and values can drive your passion and purpose in business.Helping immigrants integrate into their new countries can have a profound impact on their success and well-being. Bootstrapping a business allows for more control and freedom, but may result in slower growth compared to venture capital funding.Aligning with one's purpose and values is more important than chasing financial success.Pivoting the business based on feedback and aligning with one's ethos can lead to more meaningful and impactful work.Not every company needs to be a billion-dollar valuation to be successful.Attracting success through gratitude, positivity, and consistent action can lead to positive outcomes.
#20 - Naman Budhdeo, 4x Founder, General Partner @ Antler. [Fully Bootstrapped Turned VC]
06-05-2024
#20 - Naman Budhdeo, 4x Founder, General Partner @ Antler. [Fully Bootstrapped Turned VC]
Naman Budhdeo, General Partner at Antler, shares his entrepreneurial journey and startup success. Growing up around two entrepreneurs, Naman was inspired to become an entrepreneur himself. His first four businesses were in the travel space, where he identified gaps in the market and built innovative solutions. He has had a fascinating journey, from founding and exiting 3 travel technology businesses, including Flight Network and TripStack. FlightNetwork.com is one of Canada's largest online travel agencies with teams of over 600 people in 7 offices using technology and a superior online user experience to generate over $1B in sales a year to millions of customers. His business was named one of Canada's Fastest Growing Companies by PROFIT Magazine 6 consecutive years from 2009 to 2015.TripStack, just as impressive, a growing B2B Travel Technology company whose vision is to change the way millions of people travel. In 2019, TripStack and FlightNetwork were acquired by Swedish based Etraveli (owned by CVC Capital Equity Partners). And Naman then took a leap to Antler.  Naman has been a member of YPO for 9 years, a finalist for EYs Entrepreneur of the year in 2009 and 2010, one of Canada's top leaders in the Top 40 under 40, and the impressive accolades go on. But, instead, I want to jump into our conversation Naman, let’s start at the beginning. What made you interested in entrepreneurship. In this episode, Naman reflects on the challenges and proud moments of building and growing his businesses, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team and surrounding himself with people who knew more than he did. He also discusses the decision to bootstrap his companies and the considerations for founders when deciding whether to seek venture capital funding. We discusses the challenges of scaling a business, making difficult decisions, and the importance of education. Naman also talks about his involvement in a family foundation and the impact of AI on the startup ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of people-first investing and dispels the myths of founder market fit and the need for a technical founder.Please subscribe, like, comment and share!
#19 - Megan Rafuse, Co-Founder Shift Collab. [Therapist turned CEO]
10-04-2024
#19 - Megan Rafuse, Co-Founder Shift Collab. [Therapist turned CEO]
Megan Rafuse, the CEO and Co-Founder of Shift Collab, is growing Canada’s largest online mental health practice that prides itself on being female and clinician-owned. Megan is an innovator in the mental health space and a winner of the 2023 Top 100 Most powerful women in the women’s executive network. With over 13 years of experience as a registered social worker and psychotherapist, Megan has leveraged her expertise to address a critical gap in the mental health sector, creating a platform that is clinician-first and committed to providing accessible, relatable, and ethical mental health care.Megan is not just a business leader; she is a vocal advocate who has co-created several high-profile mental health education programs, reaching over half a million people worldwide. Her work as a speaker and advisor has made significant impacts in the Canadian mental health and startup communities.In this episode, she discusses her personal experience with grief and loss, which led her to create a platform that provides accessible and relatable mental health care. Megan emphasizes the importance of addressing mental wellness and mental illness on a continuum, and highlights the need for strong therapeutic rapport between therapists and clients. ShiftCollab handpicks therapists and focuses on their development to ensure quality care for clients. The platform also offers a fit guarantee, allowing clients to find the best therapist for their needs. Megan Rafuse discusses the importance of ethical duties in therapy and the responsibility to refer clients to the best fit therapist. She shares her transition from therapist to CEO and the challenges and learning curves that come with it. Megan also talks about her co-founder and husband, and how they navigate their roles in the business and their personal relationship. She debunks myths about being a founder and emphasizes the importance of community and asking for help. Megan's journey is titled 'How I Became a Therapist Turned CEO.'TakeawaysMental health and mental illness should be viewed on a continuum, with a focus on mental wellness and self-care.Therapy is like dating, and finding the right therapist is crucial for a strong therapeutic rapport.ShiftCollab handpicks therapists and invests in their development to ensure quality care for clients.The platform offers a fit guarantee, allowing clients to find the best therapist for their needs. Therapists have ethical duties to refer clients to the best fit therapist if they don't have the appropriate training or modality.Transitioning from therapist to CEO requires learning and adapting to new roles and responsibilities.Having a co-founder and partner in business can bring unique challenges and opportunities for growth.Debunking myths about being a founder, such as the idea of being self-made, and emphasizing the importance of community and asking for help.The journey of becoming a therapist turned CEO is a continuous learning process and requires embracing new roles and responsibilities.
#16 - Fatima Zaidi, Founder & CEO | Co-Chair #tech4sickkids. Well Rounded
13-03-2024
#16 - Fatima Zaidi, Founder & CEO | Co-Chair #tech4sickkids. Well Rounded
Meet the powerhouse, Fatima Zaidi, the founder and CEO of Quill Inc a full-service podcasting hosting platform and production agency that helps brands launch and amplify their voices through the power of podcasting. Fatima's vision and leadership have not only propelled her company to the forefront of the industry but have also earned her a spot in the limelight as a respected speaker and media commentator.With accolades such as being named in the Top 30 Under 30, receiving the Veuve Bold Future Award, and being recognized as Young Professional of the Year, Fatima's trailblazing journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her insights on media trends and the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive culture have led her to keynote on world stages alongside legends like Gary Vaynerchuk and Richard Branson.A dedicated philanthropist, serving as the Co-Chair of the #Tech4SickKids council for SickKids Hospital, and an academic, imparting her knowledge as a professor at the University of Toronto. Her multifaceted career even includes a highlight of sharing a panel with Beyonce’s father!In this episode we discuss the importance of video distribution for podcasts and the challenges of reaching a wider audience. She shares her journey of becoming a podcasting expert and the gap she identified in the market that led her to start Quill. Fatima emphasizes the need for data-driven approaches to podcasting and how it can provide measurable ROI for brands. She also highlights the balance between creativity and business management as a CEO. Additionally, Fatima discusses the significance of philanthropy in her company's culture and the impact it has on employee retention. Lastly, she reflects on her experiences sharing the stage with industry icons like Gary Vee and Richard Branson and the lessons she has learned from the five regrets of the dying. In this conversation, Fatima Zaidi shares her insights and experiences as the CEO of Quill, a podcast production company. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing joy and work-life balance, and how it has contributed to her success. Fatima also discusses the challenges of starting a business in a challenging space and how she overcame them through bootstrapping and strategic decision-making. She highlights the value of investing in team development and creating a culture of growth. Additionally, Fatima dispels the myth that online tactics can replace offline connections, emphasizing the power of building genuine relationships. Overall, her journey showcases the importance of being a well-rounded CEO.
#15 - Chris Carder, ThinData | Schulich Startups. Master Networker
21-02-2024
#15 - Chris Carder, ThinData | Schulich Startups. Master Networker
"I am your creator" Chris Carter, the executive director of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Schulich School of Business, shares his journey and the growth of Schulich Startup. He emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and the myth that entrepreneurs need to dispel. Chris also discusses the impact of selling a business and the need for founders to reflect on their identity and purpose. He highlights the significance of listening and the role it plays in the success of entrepreneurs. Overall, Chris's story showcases the power of building a supportive community and the value of continuous learning and growth. In this conversation, the guest emphasizes the importance of sales skills for founders and how it can make or break a business. They discuss the misconception of hiding in the background and delegating sales responsibilities, highlighting the need for founders to become the greatest salesperson in the company. The conversation also touches on the role of founders as the face of the company and the need for effective communication and storytelling. Lastly, the guest shares their journey of evolution and becoming a master networker and community builder.TakeawaysEmbrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth and learning.Reflect on your identity and purpose as a founder, especially after selling a business.Develop strong listening skills and actively seek different perspectives.Build a supportive community and prioritize the well-being of your team.Continuously learn and adapt to new situations and environments. Founders need to develop strong sales skills to ensure the success of their business.Even if founders have co-founders or team members with sales expertise, they still need to be actively involved in selling and communicating the company's vision.Founders play a crucial role as the face of the company, interacting with stakeholders and effectively telling the company's story.Continuous personal growth and development, including becoming a master networker, are essential for founders.
#14 - Allen Lau, Wattpad | Two Small Fish Ventures. Learning Machine
16-02-2024
#14 - Allen Lau, Wattpad | Two Small Fish Ventures. Learning Machine
Alan Lau, the co-founder of Wattpad, lead one of Canada's largest tech exits to Naver at $660M. She shares his journey as a recovering CEO and his transition to post-CEO life. He discusses the challenges and stress of being a CEO and the need for recovery. Alan also reflects on his decision to start his new venture, Too Small Fish Ventures, and the focus on investing in the next frontier of computing and its applications. He dispels the myth of glamour in entrepreneurship and emphasizes the struggles and perseverance required for success. In this conversation, Allen Lau discusses the challenges of scaling a startup and the importance of learning and growth in entrepreneurship.TakeawaysBeing a CEO is a stressful job that requires recovery.Transitioning to post-CEO life can provide new challenges and opportunities for growth.The decision to become an entrepreneur is influenced by personal experiences and family expectations.Scaling a company requires different skills and the ability to adapt as a leader.Building a successful business involves perseverance and the ability to navigate challenges.Monetization models can evolve over time and require balancing user experience with revenue generation.Integrating AI into a business can provide valuable insights and drive growth.Investing in the next frontier of computing and its applications can lead to innovative opportunities.Entrepreneurship is not glamorous and requires hard work and resilience.Dispelling myths for entrepreneurs can help set realistic expectations and provide guidance for success. Scaling a startup requires juggling multiple responsibilities and challenges.Entrepreneurship is not as glamorous as it may seem, and it involves hard work and difficult days.Continuous learning and growth are essential for success in entrepreneurship.
#13 - Erica Pearson, Vacation Fund. Founder
10-02-2024
#13 - Erica Pearson, Vacation Fund. Founder
🎙️ Empowering Entrepreneurs: Erica Pearson, Founder of Vacation Fund 🌍✈️Erica Pearson, the visionary behind Vacation Fund, shared her journey - her entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and the pursuit of a balanced life.Originally from the world of Capital Markets, Erica transitioned into the competitive arena of entrepreneurship, founding Vacation Fund—a fintech startup aimed at revolutionizing employee benefits through employer-matched vacation savings. Despite facing challenges along the way, including navigating the complexities of raising $500K in investment and balancing the demands of motherhood, Erica remained steadfast in her mission to empower individuals to prioritize travel and holistic well-being. When she decided to sunset the business in a post covid world, she found new meaning in work-life balance and passion in her work.Tune in as Erica shares her insights on the importance of focus, the pitfalls of splitting attention, and the honest assessment of pain tolerance in entrepreneurship. From her experience as a startup founder to her current role as a Growth Account Executive at Sprout Social, Erica's journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and working parents alike.✨🌟 Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Erica Pearson—click the link below to listen now! 🌟🎧After listening, be sure to leave a ⭐️5-star rating and a glowing review on your preferred listening platform. Your support helps us attract incredible guests like Vitalii, ensuring each episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Don't forget to like, comment, and share—your engagement fuels our growth and enables us to continue bringing you top-notch content!Stay tuned for more stories of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of passion!