Latest Episodes
All Episode Summaries
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 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 65: Selling Well and an 80 Location Cookie Franchise with Bennett Maxwell
Episode 65. In this Lifetime at Work podcast episode, Greg Martin interviews Bennett Maxwell, the founder and chairman of Dirty Dough, a booming gourmet cookie franchise.
Bennett recounts his transformative journey from being a Mormon missionary in Mexico to excelling in door-to-door solar energy sales, eventually leading to the creation and rapid expansion of Dirty Dough.
Listeners will gain insights into Bennett’s philosophies on living well, financial success, brand creation, and the profound impact of effective sales techniques. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a scalable business in the food industry, raising substantial capital, and working with seasoned industry leaders.
It highlights Bennett's strategic approaches to franchising, the importance of organizational structure, and the emotional and financial ramifications of success. The episode also provides practical advice on connecting with advisors and emphasizes the pursuit of joy and fulfillment in business and life, over merely chasing financial goals.
Episode 64: Making Public Relations Work with Zachary Bernard
Episode 64. How do you get your message into the press? Well, there’s a whole engine of people working hard to help, forming the public relations industry.
This episode features guest Zachary Bernard, the Founder and CEO of We Feature You. His company is a PR firm focused on building industry professionals as leaders and authorities in their space.
There’s something a lot of people don’t realize about public relations: It’s less about gaining exposure and more about what you do with the exposure you get. This episode covers the modern media and public relations world and how all of us can thrive and understand the industry for the better.
Episode 61: How She Built a Food Business to Do Good with Richa Gupta
Episode 61. How do you know you should start a business, and how do you put the pieces of your life together to do it and be successful?
Richa Gupta is a food entrepreneur who founded Good Food for Good, a fantastic lineup of sauces, condiments and related food products sold in grocery stores across North America. Richa’s experience in becoming a mom combined with her desire to do something meaningful influenced her journey in bringing Good Food for Good into the world. In this episode, she shares the story of her journey into entrepreneurship and shares her tips for other people who are looking to build a meaningful career for themselves too.
On top of all that, Richa has now transitioned into an advising role for similar businesses and is the Vice President of Partnerships and Development at the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) and discusses how this next step will help her make an even bigger impact.
Episode 58: How to Help Everyone Enjoy Their Job More with Chris Dyer
Episode 58. We all complain about our jobs sometimes, its a part of the world of work. But much of our enjoyment comes from the culture within the organization we work for and can make a huge different in our personal job happiness and satisfaction.
This episode guest is Chris Dyer, an entrepreneur who started his business and found himself leading a culture that wasn’t perfect. After selling his business he realized that many of the things that make a great company is a great culture and he was determined to understand the ingredients for this success. Chris took everything he learned and put it in his book “The Power of Company Culture: How Any Business Can Build a Culture that Improves Productivity, Performance and Profits.”
He uses his knowledge to teach the fundamental things companies can do to improve their company culture to not only impact their bottom line, but to also become a business where people are happy to work.
Episode 52: The HR Ladder and When You Know You Need a Completely Different Career with Nick Goblirsch
Episode 52. Nick Goblirsch started his career in the HR (Human Resources) industry. He was in charge of hiring people and building organizations. Over time he became more successful by doing the jobs other people didn’t want to do, like driving efficiencies and layoffs. Then one day he decided he needed to do something completely different and quit.
Today Nick is the owner of I Heart Painting LLC, a house painting company. If that sounds like a big switch, well it is, and the full story is even better. Today, Nick inspires others as a speaker and coach of change, guiding others towards happiness and fulfillment through career transformation. Nick emphasizes that changing careers isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it to find your purpose and become happier in your everyday life.
Episode 46: Beware and Avoid Getting “Trapped” in a Career with Karthik Suresh
Episode 46. We all get stuck in our careers and in our jobs sometimes. Part of getting through it is attitude, another part is awareness, and another part is just making decisions that match with your age and experience.
In this episode, host Greg Martin discusses career paths across Wall Street, Silicon Valley and everything in between with Karthik Suresh. Karthik is the Co-Founder & CPTO of Ignition, an AI-powered platform for end-to-end planning, execution, and measurement for marketing and sales teams. He has had quite the career journey which included witnessing his company lose $400 million in 30 minutes on the trading floor, working as a PM at Facebook and of course the life of a career in tech.
Karthik shares the details of his experiences leading up to starting his own business, including his time working in finance in New York and through the startup ecosystem. He also highlights how these experiences helped him build skills that came together to help him be successful in his business today along with lots of takeaways for young people with aspiring career ambitions.
Episode 45: The World of Technology Leadership with Benjamin Johnson
Episode 45. What does it take to build the technology behind the leading software companies of today? The simple answer is a good CTO (Chief Technology Officer), which is the expertise and experience of Benjamin Johnson.
Ben is the CEO and Founder of Particle41, a global software consultancy that offers end-to-end product development services. If you’re a business looking to develop technology, they are the engine behind it, whether that be across software/app development or building the tech stack for your operation.
Ben is skilled at taking complicated technology and simplifying it for people who aren’t as well-versed in the nuances of software. Not only does he know the industry well, but he’s also connected with some of the most talented individuals within it. This has allowed him to navigate and find success in the tech space by focusing on finding great matches first. In this conversation with host Greg Martin, they dive into the world of technology.
Episode 44: How Work Has Changed Over the Decades with Jose Palomino
Episode 44. The world of work has changed materially over the last several decades, morphed by everything from technology, to culture to big events like the pandemic. Jose Palomino is a veteran with lots of experience across the board in corporate worlds and in entreprenership.
In this episode Jose discusses with host Greg Martin all about his history through the working world and how he’s come to love and embrace the concept of process and systems in a business, to where he focuses on that today. As the Founder & CEO of Value Prop where he helps business owners get unstuck and start growing again by developing their strategy, plans, and processes to reach their full potentia
During the episode, Jose shares his mission and how it drives the work he does with business owners. He also talks about the way he’s seen the work environment change throughout his career, including the good and the bad, and reveals his top tips for people starting in the world of work and new business owners alike
Episode 41: Investment Banking, to Tech, to Community with Zachary Novak
Episode 41. It’s hard to know what you want to do in your career long-term. Often times you start somewhere and see where it takes you. If you ask Zachary Novak, he says you have to find your thing, and it just takes time.
With host Greg Martin, Zachary shares his beginnings in investment banking to how he discovered the idea of getting into the field of technology. Before jumping into the tech world, Zachary was hesitant to go into a field he wasn’t an expert in. That is, until he realized that you don’t need to understand technology on an expert level to understand what it does for people.
Today he runs an organization called Careers in Technology and Innovation which helps diverse professionals find and grow fulfilling careers in tech. The application of technology across various industries is disruptive and innovative, making it an exciting place to be for professionals today.
Episode 40: Traveling the Land of Startups with Sharekh Shaikh
Episode 40. Sharekh started his career studying computer engineer and living/working in the Middle East. But over time he realized he wasn’t a coder, and he didn’t want to work for someone else in the middle east anymore. So he came to North America and began the journey starting a company of his own.
He’s still in the middle of this journey, but has founded and built a great company called CleverX, an audience discovery platform designed to help research teams conduct online surveys and interviews with professionals in the workspace. He’s filled with advice on the differences between being a founder in Silicon Valley and one elsewhere in the world. He also has lots to say on building an expertise in the corporate world and translating that to becoming a founder, and then of course on building a company.
In this episode with host Greg Martin, he covers plenty on the world of work, the founder world and where he’s found his place in the corporate landscape.