Latest Episodes
All Episode Summaries
Episode 87: Building and Buying E-Commerce Businesses with Neil Twa
Episode 87. Neil Twa has built the type of business that can be repeated again and again. He’s in the world of e-commerce and has lots to share after trying again and again, failing and finding the way.
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Neil Twa, CEO of Voltage Holdings. Neil shares his unconventional career journey, from learning about the internet to having to file for personal bankruptcy for a failed venture to working his way up in the corporate tech world at Sprint and IBM.
Following a personal tragedy, Neil made the leap to entrepreneurship, building a successful e-commerce business through innovative product strategy rather than invention. They discuss the evolution of e-commerce, the importance of automation, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the need for a purpose-driven approach and strategic thinking in building a sustainable and profitable business.
Episode 86: Don’t Waste Time, Work That’s Worth It with Georgina Enthoven
Episode 86. If we each have 90,000 hours to work, what’s the best use of this time? What is the best way to balance the “feel good” part of your work with the “making money” park?
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin welcomes Georgina Enthoven, a venture capitalist and author of 'Work That's Worth It'. They discuss Georgina's global career experience, the struggle of balancing income with meaningful impact, and the importance of finding a job that aligns with personal values.
Key topics include the effective altruism movement, the societal pressures young professionals face, and strategies for finding fulfilling career paths that combine income and impact. Georgina also shares insights from her book and personal journey, highlighting the need for rewarding career choices that align with both financial and altruistic goals.
The conversation touches on the influence of having children, the role of role models, and provides practical advice for young professionals aiming to make a positive difference in the world through their careers.
Episode 85: Going to Work at a “Rocket Ship” Startup to Make it Rich with Nahed Khairallah
Episode 85. Finding a fast growing business that is ready to grow like a rocket is tough, but we’ve all heard the stories of employees who join early and cash-in big with stock options on an exit. The nuances behind finding, nurturing and growing those companies is hard. Sometimes the great ideas with lots of momentum go to zero.
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Nahed Khairallah, an HR expert and former founder who has worked with over 100 companies. Karela shares his unique journey from IT to HR, driven by curiosity about why successful companies fail.
They discuss the common pitfalls of scaling startups, particularly issues with founders hoarding work and rapid, unmanaged hiring. Karela offers insights into identifying when to hire, fixing internal processes first, and engaging employees in the company’s vision. Learn valuable lessons on building strong organizational infrastructure and the importance of effective communication from an HR professional who emphasizes process improvement over immediate hiring.
Episode 84: Mastering the Future of M&A and Deals with DealRoom Founder Kison Patel
Episode 84. M&A is an ever evolving world that we can always keep learning from. It’s a world based on relationships, but technology is creeping in more and more leaving lots to discuss with two M&A junkies.
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host and M&A advisor himself Greg Martin interviews Kison Patel, founder and CEO of the M&A software tool, DealRoom, and host of the podcast M&A Science.
Patel shares his journey from working as an M&A advisor to transitioning into technology. They discuss the inception of DealRoom and the challenges faced in its early days, the trends and future of the M&A industry, and the benefits of integrating software tools in M&A processes. The conversation also touches on Patel's philosophies on entrepreneurship, the importance of customer feedback, and the strategic use of AI in improving efficiency.
This episode provides valuable insights for M&A professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and business.
Episode 83: The Myth and Reality of Passion at Work with Drew Ingle
Episode 83. Pursuing a passion is common career advice we all hear, but is it good advice we should be preaching?
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Drew Ingle, author of 'Pride Over Passion: Five Rules to Career Satisfaction.' The conversation delves into Drew's journey of finding a satisfying and enjoyable career, which he subsequently chronicled in his book.
They discuss the impact of upbringing on career drive, the importance of balancing passion and skill, and the role of failure and relationships in professional development. Drew also shares his experiences moving through different career phases, including his insights on the significance of continuous learning and emotional intelligence. This episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone navigating their career path, especially those entering the workforce.
Episode 82: Relationships as the Most Important Part of the Job with Casey Jacox
Episode 82. Some of the most important things to us are relationships and family. Winning at both can mean the difference between success or struggle.
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Casey Jacox, a keynote speaker, consultant for sales leaders, and host of the podcast Quarterback Dadcast.
Jacox discusses his career transition from a successful sales executive at Kforce to writing "Win the Relationship, Not the Deal," and becoming an executive coach. The conversation delves into the dual themes of balancing fatherhood with professional life and building meaningful relationships in sales.
Casey shares insights on embracing vulnerability, the importance of emotional intelligence in career growth, and practical tips for being present as a dad. He also offers anecdotes from his own experiences and highlights the value of curiosity and patience in fostering both personal and professional relationships.
Episode 81: What We’re All Missing to Be Successful at Sales and Like It with Gui Costin
Episode 81. Sales is the engine of any successful business, yet many professionals are afraid of sales, struggle to do it well without a proper system. What separates top-performing organizations and people from everyone else?
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Gui Costin, founder of Dakota, a firm specializing in investment sales and distribution. Costin shares his journey in sales, the lessons he’s learned about respecting the sales process, and how a structured approach can transform results.
They discuss the fundamentals of winning deals, the power of persistence, and why having a repeatable sales system is crucial for long-term success. Costin also shares insights on finding the right role, aligning your strengths with the right job, and building a career where you can thrive.
The episode provides valuable takeaways for sales professionals, business leaders, and anyone looking to refine their sales strategy and create a career that’s both fulfilling and built for success.
Episode 80: Comparing Life as an Operator vs. Investor vs. Advisor with Robert Levin
Episode 80. The professional careers of many impressive people have spanned some combination of investing (or private equity), operating (and/or founding a business) and advising. But when and how do we consider the right balance and the right time for each?
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Robert Levin, an M&A expert and founder of CIS Ventures. Levin shares his journey from working in various industries and founding companies to transitioning into private equity.
They discuss Levin's extensive experience, covering topics like the evolution of private equity, the opportunities in lower middle market businesses, raising capital, advisory roles, and the key differences between being an operator and investor. Levin also gives advice on how to navigate the intricacies of raising capital, the importance of having the right team, and strategic thinking, particularly in leveraging emerging technologies like AI.
The episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and business operators looking to understand the complexities and opportunities within the private equity landscape.
Episode 79: Embracing or Fighting the Big Changes from AI with Matt Leta
Episode 79. AI is transforming the workplace at a rapid pace—some see it as a threat, while others embrace it as a tool for unprecedented productivity. But what does it really mean for knowledge workers like us?
In this episode of Lifetime at Work, host Greg Martin sits down with Matt Leta, founder of Future Works, an AI-native professional services firm. Matt is also the author of LEAP, a book about how organizations can embrace innovation and AI, and the founder of Future Horizon, a non-profit supporting innovators. Through Future Works, he has collaborated with major companies like Apple, Google, Blueplanet Energy, and GNC.
Matt shares his unique perspective on AI’s impact on the workplace and how he found himself at the forefront of this transformation. His journey began when he launched a remote agency, unknowingly setting the stage for an AI-driven future by digitizing everything his company did. When AI’s potential became clear, he leaned in—and hasn’t looked back.
This conversation explores how we can understand and work with AI, the challenges humans will face as automation accelerates, and the deeper search for meaning we may all undergo as technology reshapes our roles. Matt believes the future is coming fast, and there’s a lot to unpack.
Episode 78: How to Win When AI is Coming for Your Job with Greg Shove
Episode 78. AI can be both a scary development and a great advancement to improve productivity - but what does it mean for us as workers in the knowledge economy?
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Greg Shove, a serial entrepreneur and AI expert. Shove discusses his journey from Canada to Silicon Valley, his various startups, and his current ventures - Section and Machine & Partners.
The conversation centers on AI's role in transforming the workspace and education. Shove emphasizes the importance of adopting AI to stay competitive, highlighting the rapid advancements in AI technology and its potential impact on various industries. He also provides insights into how individuals and companies can leverage AI to enhance productivity, optimize operations, and prepare for the future. The discussion extends to the evolving value of traditional education in an AI-driven world and the need for both employers and educational institutions to adapt to these changes.
Episode 77: A Career Investing and Making an Impact with Mike Winterfield of Active Impact Investments
Episode 77. We’re all driven to have an impact of some sort or another at work. Likewise, when we invest, having an impact is a very nice bonus as well. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Mike Winterfield, founder of Active Impact Investments, Canada’s largest climate tech seed fund.
They discuss Mike's journey from recruitment to founding a clean technology venture capital fund, the types of companies he invests in, and how these companies are addressing climate change while generating financial returns. Mike shares his strategies for evaluating potential investments and the importance of having a high-functioning board.
He also offers career advice for those looking to make an impact and resources for learning more about climate tech.
Episode 76: Starting a Venture Capital Career with a Founder and CTO Mindset with Mistral’s Raif Barbaros
Episode 76. Those with careers in Venture Capital live an exciting life, trying to discover young founders who can create the next great product and company to drive incredible returns. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, Greg Martin interviews Rafe Barbaros, a venture capital partner at Mistral Venture Partners.
Rafe shares his journey from being a CTO and founder of various startups to becoming a venture capitalist. The conversation covers strategies for success in venture capital, the Canadian venture capital landscape compared to the US, and the importance of understanding market size and having founder empathy.
Rafe also offers advice for young founders and aspiring tech professionals. The episode provides valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in the VC world and the tech industry.
Episode 75: The Farmers and Brands Behind Your Cup of Coffee with Martin Mayorga
Episode 75. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Martin Mayorga, the founder of Mayorga Coffee. They discuss Martin's journey from growing up in Latin America to discovering the coffee disconnect between its origin and its sale in North America.
The conversation delves into Martin's challenges and achievements in building his company, his commitment to supporting small farmers, the complexities of the coffee industry, and his perspectives on the responsibilities of businesses and consumers. Martin also shares personal insights, anecdotes about his family, and travel tips. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the coffee trade and the importance of sustainable practices.
Episode 74: Where to Start in Building a Billion Dollar Real Estate Portfolio with Ivan Barratt
Episode 74. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Ivan Barratt, founder and CEO of BAM Companies, which has acquired approximately $1.3 billion in real estate transactions.
Ivan shares his journey from property management to owning large multi-residential apartments, offering advice on making money in real estate, discussing his biggest investment successes and challenges, and emphasizing the importance of building a strong company culture.
They also explore the pros and cons of being a hands-on real estate investor versus investing through professionals, highlighting important lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Episode 73: A Comedian, A Salon Business and A Software Geek with Erika Wasser
Episode 73. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Erika Wasser, co-founder of Prospr, a software tool designed to manage frontline employees across multiple locations.
Erica shares her journey from starting a salon chain to co-founding a software company, discussing the challenges faced by non-technical founders, the social importance of salons and barbershops, and the common issues in managing deskless workforces. The conversation delves into the significance of well-informed teams for customer experience, the power of culture-building tools, and strategies for overcoming communication barriers in large-scale businesses.
Erika also provides insights on the role of AI in frontline operations, the importance of inclusivity and flexibility for employees, and her personal experiences with failure and resilience in entrepreneurship.
Episode 72: Move Over Startups, Working in Government is Even Cooler with Molly Magarik
Episode 72. In this episode of the 'Lifetime at Work' podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Molly Magarik, a seasoned professional in government and political consultancy. The conversation explores Molly's career journey from a political science major with healthcare interests to a deputy cabinet secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Molly shares insights on the interplay between campaigns and government service, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health policies, and the intricacies of working in a politically charged environment. They also discuss the personal and societal dynamics of political careers, the importance of internships, and advice for those looking to enter the political arena.
Molly's reflections on the recent presidential election, change management, and the future of political dialogue in the U.S. offer valuable food for thought.
Episode 71: A Wild Ride on Venture Capital and Mushrooms with Adam DeMartino
Episode 71. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Adam DeMartino, co-founder of the once very hot venture capital backed mushroom startup called Smallhold.
DeMartino shares his entrepreneurial journey to get him to starting Smallhold, from discovering his love for early stage business, to the highs of raising significant venture capital and facing the challenges that led to the company's bankruptcy and restructuring.
They discuss the intricacies of mushroom farming, the impact of venture capital, and the values that drive DeMartino's work. This candid conversation offers insights and lessons for current and aspiring entrepreneurs as they question what it means to be successful and to fail.
Episode 70: From Toronto Private Equity to Launching His Own Fund with Eugene Polevoy
Episode 70. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Eugene Polovy, co-founder of Blue C Capital, a private equity firm focused on investing in service-based businesses.
Eugene shares his career journey from being an automotive mechanic to starting his own private equity fund. They discuss Eugene’s early days in investment banking at BMO, his extensive experience in private equity at ONCAP and Imperial Capital, and his strategic approach to investing in service-based businesses.
Eugene highlights the importance of having a unique angle, leveraging digital marketing skills, and making data-driven decisions. He also talks about the challenges he faced and the factors that led him to establish his own firm.
Episode 69: Competing with Beverage Goliaths Through Family Power with Matt McLean
Episode 69. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Matt McLean, founder of Uncle Matt's Organics. Celebrating its 25th year, Uncle Matt's is America's leading organic juice brand.
Matt shares his family's deep roots in Florida's citrus farming, transitioning from conventional to organic agriculture, and the journey of building a national brand. The conversation explores topics such as selling the business to Dean Foods, buying it back after their bankruptcy, competing against industry giants like Coke and Pepsi, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Matt emphasizes the importance of leadership, sales skills, and financial literacy in building a successful business.
Episode 68: Mastering Startup Fundraising with Annie Bergevin
Episode 68. In this episode of The Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Annie Bergevin, a fractional CFO and advisor for tech startups based in Montreal.
As the founder of On Point Business Plans and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School, Annie shares her career journey from investment banking at Credit Suisse and CIBC World Markets to entrepreneurship. The conversation dives into her role in helping startups raise capital from VCs, tips for creating the perfect pitch, and the importance of a solid financial foundation.
Annie also discusses the evolving landscape of startup funding and educational changes for MBA students aspiring to enter the entrepreneurial world.