Business

Andrew Gordon Discusses the Cannabis Industry and His Retail Cannabis Chain Kiaro

Andrew Gordon is a shareholder of Kiaro, which is a cannabis retail brand, and derives from the Italian “Chiaroscuro”, meaning to emerge from darkness into the light. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Retail Operations and Community. He specializes in organizational development, public affairs, community partnerships and industry performance. Andrew has a degree in Political Science from UVIC, and is a graduate of BCIT’s Non-Profit Management Program. Andrew has successfully led the community integration efforts for a number of private retailers across Canada, and has worked with a diverse array of patients, consumers and regulators to build accountable, community-responsive and financially sustainable cannabis retail models. Galvanized by the prospects of cannabis legalization in Canada, Andrew is passionate about working with community stakeholders across the country to help reduce social stigma, and abate pharmaceutical drug dependence within communities.

Shrad Rao Discusses Wagepoint & Building Business in Tough Times Like the COVID-19 Pandemic

Shrad Rao is CEO at Wagepoint – Simple Payroll Software backed by the World’s Friendliest Team. He is focused on “building the kind of company I’ve always wanted to work at.” In fact Shrad has always known he would be an entrepreneur. And he has been really successful — building a startup in Canada into an international operation, He has some great insights — especially regarding positive approaches to building businesses in tough times like the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Jordan Lewis

Jordan Lewis is the co-founder and CEO of Stable.work, an online marketplace for Sales Professionals. Prior to Stable.work, Jordan was the co-founder and CEO at Biddwell, an end-to-end property rental platform. Prior to Biddwell Jordan was the interim CEO at Spacelist, Canada’s leading Commercial Real Estate platform, where he oversaw the redevelopment of the company’s short and long-term strategy. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Network and Security Application Development and Administration, as well as a Computer Systems Technology Diploma in Data Communication and Internet working from The British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Grant Lawrence

Grant Lawrence has participated in an IPO, experienced a buyout and the integration challenges that go with this; he is an active Angel investor is a Founder of Valhalla Private Capital and as President of Valhalla Angels Kelowna and Co-President of Valhalla Angels Vancouver Grant contributes to building the tech community. He also mentors and guides startups through business operations and sales.

Grant has over 22+ successful years in the software industry both in startups and establish companies; holding a number of different senior positions in sales and marketing and proven track record in building and managing teams in the areas of strategic alliances, indirect and direct sales channels in complex B2B environments domestically and internationally throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Dan Kelly

Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) talks about the impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on Canadian entrepreneurs, the government response and what still needs to be done.

Chau Lui

Chau Lui is co-owner of Paris Jewellers, which began as a small location in St. Albert, Alberta and today has stores across Canada. Lui talks about the company’s humble roots and how it has become a national retail success story.

Dan Pontefract

Dan Pontefract is the Chief Envisioner of the TELUS Transformation Office, where he helps organizations and leaders improve all facets of the ‘future of work’ including employee engagement, leadership development, collaborative behaviours and organizational purpose. He is an international keynote speaker, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business and the author of three books, including his latest, Open to Think: Slow Down, Think Creatively, and Make Better Decisions.

Tracey Bissett

Tracey Bissett’s on a mission to redefine the economic future of the world by addressing financial literacy of young adults and entrepreneurs. She does this through her weekly podcast, Young Money – the advice show for millionaires in the making, teaching and delivery of financial courses, coaching and consulting. A native of Nova Scotia, she holds a BCOMM, MBA and is a CFA Charterholder. She LOVES her golden retriever (Rosie), roller coasters and music, especially live concerts! Download your money meeting agenda from www.bizmoneycoach.ca.

Andrea Sesum

Andrea Sesum is a founder of Ontario College of Business & Law, co-founder of Technology Factory, founder of Women’s Paralegal Association of Ontario, passionate & innovative entrepreneur, educator, board member, author, keynote speaker and winner of 2015 City of Toronto Access, Equity & Human Rights Constance E. Focusing on the advancement of women in the legal profession & career advancement of immigrants in Toronto, Andrea was noted as the CSPN’s Leader in Diversity & Inclusion.

Chris Simair

Chris Simair is managing director of Harvest Builders in Calgary. The venture builder’s objective is to elevate innovation across the Canadian Prairies. Simair is the former co-founder of SkipTheDishes.