The Business Leadership Podcast

In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo sits down with John MacRitchie, Assistant Vice President of Zone Learning and Strategic Initiatives at Toronto Metropolitan University, to reflect on five years of the Brampton Venture Zone and what it has unlocked for founders, researchers, and the broader community.John was instrumental in bringing the Brampton Venture Zone to life and shares why Brampton was the right place to build a founder-first incubator — one grounded in community, persistence, and long-term investment.We explore:Why Brampton emerged as a key innovation hub in CanadaHow BVZ differs from traditional incubators by focusing on place-based innovationThe role of community in multiplying entrepreneurial impactWhat the Brampton Venture Expo reveals about ecosystem momentumHow BVZ connects researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs as the School of Medicine launchesWhat the City of Brampton’s renewed investment signals for the next five yearsThis episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation ecosystems are intentionally designed — and sustained — over time.This episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global and the Brampton Venture Zone by Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary.🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/LDx9ASzzWmEGuest:John MacRitchieAssistant Vice President, Zone Learning & Strategic InitiativesToronto Metropolitan University

In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo sat down with Sakeena Mihyar, Founder and CEO of SAVIN, as part of BVZ: Five Years Bold — a founder story series celebrating five years of the Brampton Venture Zone.Sakeena is a refugee-led founder building a digital, neuroscience-based mental health platform delivering trauma care in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Inspired by her lived experience as a survivor of war, SAVIN uses evidence-based EMDR therapy principles to make trauma treatment accessible, culturally appropriate, and scalable across languages and regions.We explore:How lived experience became the foundation for a global mental health platformWhy neuroscience-based trauma care can outperform traditional talk therapiesThe challenges of building a HealthTech company as a refugee and Muslim woman founderHow empathy and inclusion can be operationalized at scaleHow BVZ supported SAVIN in identifying blind spots, refining its pitch, and scaling impact globallyToday, SAVIN operates across Canada and internationally, including in post-conflict regions such as Syria, supporting communities affected by trauma with dignity and care.This episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global and the Brampton Venture Zone by Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary.🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/Gxhz-q0NRWQGuest:Sakeena MihyarFounder & CEO, SAVINBVZ Launch Program Alum

In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo sits down with Latchmi Raghunanan, Founder and CEO of Maman Biomedical, as part of BVZ: Five Years Bold — a founder story series celebrating five years of the Brampton Venture Zone.Latchmi shares how her personal IVF journey became the catalyst for founding Maman Biomedical, a MedTech startup developing technologies to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial burden of fertility treatments. Drawing from her background as a materials scientist, she reflects on the journey from kitchen-countertop prototyping to building a company focused on real-world patient care.We explore:How lived experience can shape meaningful healthcare innovationThe leadership challenges of building a biomedical startup from an academic backgroundTranslating scientific research into something investors and partners can understandHow BVZ provided visibility, credibility, and community at an early stageThis episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global, the F1 Circuit of the Startup Ecosystem, and the Brampton Venture Zone by Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary and the founders' bridging science, entrepreneurship, and patient impact.🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/zJc86VLVI5YGuest:Latchmi RaghunananFounder & CEO, Maman BiomedicalBVZ Launch Program Alum

In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo sits down with Saumik Biswas, Co-Founder and CEO of Tenomix, as part of BVZ: Five Years Bold — a founder story series celebrating five years of the Brampton Venture Zone.Saumik shares how Tenomix is using AI, robotics, and ultrasound imaging to transform one of the most manual and error-prone workflows in cancer care: lymph node detection during pathology and cancer staging. By automating this process, Tenomix aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce lab backlogs, and support better treatment decisions for patients worldwide.We explore:The clinical problem Tenomix set out to solve in cancer stagingHow AI-powered robotics can standardize and improve pathology workflowsThe challenges of building and funding deep MedTech in CanadaHow BVZ supported Tenomix through mentorship, strategy, and fundraising fundamentalsThis episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global, spotlighting startups and the Brampton Venture Zone at Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary and the founders' push to advance healthcare innovation.🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/weNRr3H4HxUGuest:Saumik BiswasCo-Founder & CEO, TenomixBVZ Launch Program Alum

In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo sits down with Shreyansh Anand, Founder and CEO of Wave Medical, as part of BVZ: Five Years Bold — a founder story series celebrating five years of the Brampton Venture Zone.Shreyansh shares how Wave Medical was launched during the pandemic to help clinics manage overwhelming volumes of medical data and documentation. Today, Wave’s platform supports hundreds of clinics across Canada, helping healthcare teams act faster on urgent patient information while reducing administrative burden.We explore:What it was like to start a HealthTech company during the pandemicWhy trust is the most critical currency in healthcare innovationHow automation can improve patient outcomes without disrupting clinical workflowsHow BVZ helped Wave build credibility, secure early customers, and scale responsiblyThis episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global and the Brampton Venture Zone by Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary and the founders building practical, high-impact healthcare solutions.🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/oNt0Z5dOYZUGuest:Shreyansh AnandFounder & CEO, Wave MedicalBVZ Launch Program Alum

In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Usha Srinivasan, Founder and CEO of BReady.ai and the former Executive Director who helped launch and lead the Brampton Venture Zone.Recorded as part of BVZ: Five Years Bold, this conversation explores how BVZ was built from the ground up during the early days of the pandemic, and how a community-first approach helped shape what is now a cornerstone of the Brampton Innovation District.Usha shares:How BVZ came to life through collaboration between the City of Brampton and Toronto Metropolitan UniversityWhy listening deeply to the community shaped BVZ’s strategy, sectors, and programsLessons in leadership, resilience, and confidence gained from building without a playbookHow her journey at BVZ led to the creation of BReady.ai, supporting newcomers and underrepresented talent into meaningful employmentThis episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global and the Brampton Venture Zone by Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary and the people who helped shape its legacy.🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/9CXfdm83JpUGuest:Usha SrinivasanFounder & CEO, BReady.aiFormer Executive Director, Brampton Venture Zone

In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Neelam Bance, CEO and Co-Founder of MedGeneius, as part of BVZ: Five Years Bold — a founder story series celebrating five years of the Brampton Venture Zone.Neelam shares her journey building MedGeneius, a HealthTech startup delivering customizable and evidence-based pharmacogenomics (PGx) solutions that help patients, providers, labs, and hospitals turn complex genetic data into clear, actionable clinical insights.We explore:The promise and challenges of precision medicineBuilding trust in data-driven healthcare innovationHow BVZ supported her journey through mentorship, community, and founder connectionThis episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global and the Brampton Venture Zone by Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary and the founders shaping the Brampton innovation ecosystem.🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHLxqlIPpwEGuest:Neelam BanceCEO & Co-Founder, MedGeneiusBVZ Launch Program Alum (2025)

In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Neelam Bance, CEO and Co-Founder of MedGeneius, as part of BVZ: Five Years Bold — a founder story series celebrating five years of the Brampton Venture Zone.Neelam shares her journey building MedGeneius, a HealthTech startup delivering customizable and evidence-based pharmacogenomics (PGx) solutions that help patients, providers, labs, and hospitals turn complex genetic data into clear, actionable clinical insights.We explore:The promise and challenges of precision medicineBuilding trust in data-driven healthcare innovationHow BVZ supported her journey through mentorship, community, and founder connectionThis episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global and the Brampton Venture Zone by Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary and the founders shaping the Brampton innovation ecosystem.🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHLxqlIPpwEGuest: Neelam Bance CEO & Co-Founder, MedGeneius BVZ Launch Program Alum (2025)

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, host Edwin Frondozo interviews Tamara Steffens, managing director of Thomson Reuters Ventures, live from Web Summit Vancouver 2025. Steffens discusses her role in leading a $100 million strategic fund investing in early-stage companies, her extensive experience with successful tech startups, and her approach to venture investing. The conversation highlights Thomson Reuters' investment strategies, her personal insights on startup success, and advice for founders on simplifying their message to attract investors. Steffens also touches on the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise tech and the importance of clear storytelling in driving innovation.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:38 Meet Tamara Steffens: A Powerhouse in Venture Capital03:32 Tamara's Journey and Insights on Startups05:56 The Art of Investing and Decision Making14:13 Advice for Founders and Business Leaders15:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast with Edwin, renowned digital marketing expert Neil Patel shares insights on how businesses can thrive in an era where attention is divided across multiple online platforms. Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver, the episode delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies like AI and the importance of being found in various search engines. Neil discusses the exponential growth in searches across platforms like Google, Instagram, Snapchat, and even the Apple App Store, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt their strategies to remain visible and relevant. Note: This is a partial interview due to technical issues.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:11 Controversy and Branding in Qatar00:40 Travel Preferences and Conference Attendance01:39 Introduction to Neil Patel02:49 Challenges in Digital Marketing

Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast hosted by Edwin Frondozo features Paul Newton, creative producer of the Future Narrator miniseries, interviewing Parag Parekh, the Chief Digital Officer at IKEA Retail. Parag discusses IKEA's ambitious and human-centered digital transformation journey. He outlines the company’s three-tier transformation process: shifting from physical to omni retailing, moving from large store formats to smaller, city-center locations, and expanding services to meet broader customer needs like second-hand furniture and financial services, while also preparing for future AI advancements. Parag shares insights from his extensive 20 years of global experience and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, responsibility, and adaptability in leadership. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19, the significance of sustainability, and the critical role of corporate responsibility in the digital age.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:36 Meet Parag Parekh: IKEA's Chief Digital Officer02:12 IKEA's Digital Transformation Journey06:37 Personal Insights and Leadership Journey14:11 Future of Retail and Digital Innovation19:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Leaders20:43 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo talks with Fred Zdan, co-founder of Ruby Loans, about revolutionizing the small business lending process with AI. Fred discusses the inefficiencies of the current lending system and how Ruby Loans aims to provide a borrower-driven digital experience. With over 30 years in the financial services industry, Fred shares insights on transforming a paper-heavy, labor-intensive system into a streamlined and customer-friendly process. He also touches on the future impact of open banking and the importance of making loan access easier for small business owners. Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:52 Meet Fred Zdan and Ruby Loans01:15 Challenges in Small Business Lending03:23 Fred Zdan's Background and Vision04:35 The Concept of Open Banking06:03 How Ruby Loans is Revolutionizing Lending12:05 The Future of Small Business Lending17:38 Advice for Startups and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, guest host Paul Newton interviews Lu Zhang, founder and managing partner of Fusion Fund. Lu shares her journey from an immigrant and tech entrepreneur to a venture capitalist supporting deep tech founders. She emphasizes the critical role of diversity and understanding in driving innovation and the importance of being adaptable in uncertain times. Additionally, Lu discusses the current and future landscape of AI-powered healthcare and offers valuable advice for early-stage founders navigating today's market.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:40 Meet Lu Zhang: Investor and Entrepreneur01:53 Lu Zhang's Experience at Web Summit Vancouver03:18 Fusion Fund's Mission and Achievements04:59 Challenges and Solutions in Early Stage Investment07:34 Lu Zhang's Unique Perspective on Diversity and Innovation13:27 The Future of Tech and AI Innovation18:02 Advice for Founders and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast with Edwin Frondozo, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, host Paul Newton speaks with Carina Kom, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Simply Suite Games. Carina discusses the mission of Simply Suite Games to create inclusive and emotionally resonant games that focus on positive language development and non-exploitative monetization. She also highlights the challenges faced by women in the gaming industry and the importance of creating psychologically safe and equitable working environments. The conversation touches on the significance of community support, resilience, and collaborative efforts in fostering innovation and inclusivity in the gaming sector.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:40 Meet Carina Kom: Championing Inclusive Game Design02:33 Challenges in the Gaming Industry04:47 Unique Perspectives and Leadership in Game Development07:16 Creating Joyful and Meaningful Gaming Experiences11:50 The Future of Inclusive Game Design18:51 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, host Edwin Frondozo is joined by Casey Lau, co-host of Web Summit. Casey shares his journey from co-hosting in Hong Kong to expanding Web Summit's reach to various global locations including Portugal, Qatar, Brazil, and now Vancouver. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of bringing Web Summit to new cities, the potential for economic and ecosystem development, and the importance of startups looking globally. Highlighting Vancouver's vibrant tech and startup scene, Casey emphasizes the city's rise on the global stage and its potential impact on fostering innovation and growth.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:36 Meet Casey Lau: The Connector of Global Tech01:33 Casey's Journey with Web Summit03:09 Vancouver's Growing Tech Ecosystem04:48 The Global Impact of Vancouver's Tech Scene07:01 Challenges and Opportunities for Canadian Tech09:27 The Unique Appeal of Vancouver11:39 Reflecting on the Impact of Major Tech Conferences12:08 The Unique Role of Web Summit in the Tech Ecosystem12:40 The Importance of Promoting Tech Events12:52 Supporting Young Entrepreneurs and Startups13:16 The Global Influence of Tech Conferences13:32 Economic Impact of Tech Events on Cities15:30 The Growth of Tech Ecosystems in Canada19:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo chats with Tom Biegala, co-founder of Bison Ventures. Tom discusses the firm's focus on investing in groundbreaking deep technology and advanced science innovations designed to solve significant global challenges. With a robust $135 million fund, Bison Ventures targets sectors like AI, synthetic biology, climate tech, and more. Tom shares his insights from over 20 years of experience in engineering and venture capital, highlighting the importance of pattern recognition and practical approaches to big audacious goals in startup growth. He emphasizes partnering with visionary entrepreneurs to create impactful technological solutions that benefit both humanity and investors. Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:17 Meet Tom Biegala: Co-Founder of Bison Ventures01:32 The Vision and Mission of Bison Ventures03:15 Challenges and Opportunities in Deep Tech Investing04:52 The Future of Human Health and Technology06:02 Partnering with Bison Ventures11:25 Advice for Founders and Investors12:24 Closing Thoughts and Web Summit Insights

Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast features Edwin Frondozo interviewing Maxime Guilbot, founder and CEO of Ekohe. He is a global consulting agency specializing in AI-powered digital solutions. With over 20 years of experience in AI and digital transformation, Maxime shares his insights on how businesses can navigate and thrive in the AI era. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the future of digital transformation, and the importance of continual adaptation and innovation. Maxim also highlights the significance of a multidisciplinary approach and maintaining optimism in the ever-evolving tech landscape.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:38 Meet Maxime Guilbot: AI Pioneer02:14 Maxime's Insights on AI and Business Transformation03:25 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption05:01 The Future of AI and Business06:27 Maxime's Vision and Optimism for the Future08:17 Adapting to Exponential Growth12:28 Maxime's Personal Journey and Business Philosophy22:34 Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Leaders

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, host Edwin Frondozo is live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025 to explore how today's leaders shape the future, not just through strategy but through storytelling. Edwin interviews Jack Newton, founder and CEO of Clio, the pioneering company in cloud-based legal technology. Jack shares insights on Clio's journey from its inception in 2008 to becoming a global leader in legal practice management. He discusses the transformative impact of cloud and AI technologies on the legal industry, as well as his role in investing in and supporting diverse founders. Jack emphasizes the importance of AI in amplifying human productivity and reshaping work across industries. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:35 Guest Introduction: Jack Newton of Clio02:11 The Impact of Web Summit in Vancouver03:39 Clio's Journey and Vision05:10 Challenges and Convictions in Legal Tech09:11 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Early Ventures10:45 Investing in the Future of Legal Tech12:22 AI's Transformative Role in Business15:34 Leadership in the Age of AI19:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, creative producer Paul Newton and host Ed Frondozo sit down with serial entrepreneur and tech founder Tanis Jorge at the Web Summit in Vancouver 2025. Tanis, co-founder of multiple successful tech businesses and author of 'The Co-Founder's Handbook,' delves into the dynamics of co-founder partnerships. She shares insights from her two-decade-long career, emphasizing the importance of transparency, communication, and strategic alignment. The discussion touches on Tanis's experiences in building businesses with the same co-founder, the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, and practical advice for maintaining healthy co-founder relationships. Recorded live at a vibrant tech event, the episode provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs on the significance of strong partnerships in driving business success.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:40 Meet T George: Serial Entrepreneur and Tech Founder01:08 The Co-Founder's Handbook and Hub01:37 Insights on Co-Founder Relationships02:14 Web Summit Vancouver Highlights03:15 The Co-Founders Hub: Solving Startup Challenges05:58 Navigating Co-Founder Partnerships09:31 Personal Stories and Challenges17:20 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo chats with Mohan Gulati, CEO and co-founder of Thinker AI, a company on a mission to make AI sound more human. Mohan discusses his journey, from a personal experience with home repairs to creating natural-sounding voice AI that helps businesses connect with customers anytime, anywhere. He shares insights on the tech ecosystem in Vancouver, the significance of voice AI in modern business, and the future of human-AI interaction. Mohan also gives advice for entrepreneurs and highlights Thinker AI's unique approach to making technology intuitive and accessible.00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast00:11 Meet Mohan Gulati: CEO of Thinker AI00:35 Mohan's Journey and Vision for Thinker AI01:14 Life in Vancouver and the Tech Community01:59 The Birth of Thinker AI: A Personal Story04:20 Building the Future of Voice AI06:51 The Unique Value Proposition of Thinker AI08:26 The Human Element in AI17:34 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Final Thoughts19:32 Conclusion and Takeaways from Web Summit Vancouver