Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about confidence, vulnerability, and the willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth.

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, Robin and Al sit down with Laurie Fainer, founder and CEO of Dynamic Alchemy Advisors, for a powerful conversation on leadership and personal growth. Laurie shares why true leaders prioritize collaboration over competition, build trust through authenticity, and use curiosity as a tool for continuous learning. She also highlights the importance of mentorship and meaningful relationships in shaping leadership success.

"Trust is the foundation of collaboration." ~ Laurie Fainer

Key takeaways:

✨ Confidence and bravery are essential for strong leadership

✨ Embracing failure leads to growth and valuable learning experiences

✨ Authenticity and trust create stronger team dynamics

✨ Mentorship and meaningful relationships are the foundation of success

Laurie’s insights will challenge you to rethink leadership and the role of vulnerability in building high-performing teams. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! 🎙️

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Building a successful startup takes more than just a great idea—it requires resilience, the right team, and a strong network of mentors and supporters. In this episode, Robin and Al sit down with Neil Grunberg, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, to explore the highs and lows of startup growth and investment. Neil shares insights from his journey, from taking bold career risks to shaping team culture and leadership. He also discusses his passion for mentorship, the importance of giving back, and how supporting young athletes aligns with his philosophy of building strong communities. Tune in for a dynamic conversation on leadership, learning from setbacks, and the power of connections in the entrepreneurial world.

"I love meeting founders." ~ Neil Grunberg

Takeaways:

1. Entrepreneurial Drive & Early Experiences – Neil’s undiagnosed ADHD and early work experiences fueled his passion for startups and shaped his approach to risk and resilience.
2. The Power of Team Culture – Strong team culture is more tangible in smaller teams, and successful founders often share core characteristics that drive their ventures forward.
3. Leadership & Community Impact – Leadership is about empowering others, learning from them, and giving back—whether through business, mentorship, or creating inclusive spaces.
4. Passion for Founders & Connections – Neil thrives on meeting founders, building meaningful connections, and leveraging his work to foster innovation and opportunity.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

What separates good leaders from truly great ones? The answer often lies in psychological safety—the foundation of high-performing, innovative teams. In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Fahd Alhattab, keynote speaker and founder of Unicorn Labs, to explore how leaders can cultivate environments where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and thrive.

Fahd shares his journey into leadership and unpacks some of the most common pitfalls founders face—especially around ego and control—and how these challenges can make or break a team. He discusses why empowerment, trust, and communication are essential for building a collaborative culture and how leaders can create long-term impact for future generations.

"Confidence without humility is a problem." ~ Fahd Alhattab

Key takeaways:

1. Building High-Performing Teams – Strong teams thrive on psychological safety, effective communication, and shared purpose. Founders must foster trust and encourage open dialogue to enable growth and learning.
2. Leadership as Leverage – Great leaders identify critical leverage points that drive success or failure. Delegation isn’t about letting go entirely—it’s about focusing on strengths while empowering teams to take ownership.
3. Overcoming Common Pitfalls – Ego, lack of systems, and resistance to change can hinder leadership. Successful founders embrace adaptability, develop scalable systems, and encourage exploration in their businesses.
4. Empowering Teams for Growth – Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about creating an environment where teams can take risks, make decisions, and evolve. A supportive network and strong group norms enhance team performance and long-term success.

If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or someone who wants to bring out the best in your team, this conversation is filled with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

Success in the tech startup world is rarely an overnight phenomenon. On this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, Robin and Al sit down with James Wu, CEO of InnerSpace, to uncover the realities of building a thriving business. James shares his journey of growth, the pivotal lessons learned through entrepreneurship, and the role of Canadian values in shaping his company’s culture. He highlights the power of personal relationships in fostering a strong work environment—whether in person or remote—through meaningful initiatives like the ‘Question of the Week.’ From navigating challenges to redefining leadership, James offers insights on creating impact, embracing pivots, and leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.

"Challenges should be energizing." ~ James Wu

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. Success takes time – It’s rarely an overnight journey; real success is built through years of hard work and evolution.
2. More than financial gains – The definition of success shifts over time, encompassing purpose, impact, and growth.
3. Embracing change – InnerSpace transformed from a sensor-based company to a data-driven platform, highlighting the power of strategic pivots.
4. The role of Canadian values – Community and people-first leadership often outweigh aggressive growth strategies.
5. Connection drives leadership – Strong personal relationships foster engagement, whether through workplace culture, leadership approach, or initiatives like the ‘Question of the Week.’

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

What happens when family wealth meets family dynamics? Estate planning isn’t just about assets—it’s about navigating relationships, responsibilities, and the unexpected challenges that come with managing a legacy. In this episode, hosts Robin and Al welcome Andrea Love, President and CEO at Legacy Private Trust.

The conversation delves into the complexities of estate planning, the role of independent trust companies, and the importance of having professional help in managing estates. Andrea shares insights on the challenges faced by executors, the significance of family dynamics in estate administration, and the need for open communication about financial matters within families. The discussion also highlights the accessibility of trust services for individuals of varying net worth and the importance of instilling values in future generations. Andrea's personal journey into the trust business adds a unique perspective to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of legacy and planning for the future.

"...this idea of a simple estate, it's not a thing." ~ Andrea Love

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of Success Leaves Clues, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Manu Varma, Head of People and Culture at SWTCH Energy, for an inspiring conversation about leveraging business as a force for good. Manu delves into his personal journey, sharing how his upbringing and values shaped his leadership approach. The discussion explores the profound impact of community engagement, the critical role businesses play in supporting newcomers, and the tangible benefits of aligning business practices with ethics, values, and sustainable development goals. Discover how Manu’s initiatives create meaningful change while driving success for his organization.

Key takeaways:

1. Purpose and Impact: The meaning of life is to discover your gift and share it, a principle businesses can apply by supporting community initiatives and empowering others.
2. Community-Centered Strategies: Businesses should align with Sustainable Development Goals, engage all employees in community building, and prioritize ethics and values in decision-making.
3. Empowering Change: Training programs for marginalized groups and collaborations with other businesses amplify community impact and foster inclusivity.
4. Inspiring Leadership: Personal involvement in community efforts can inspire others and lead to meaningful connections and unexpected business benefits.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

For this conversation, hosts Robin and Al welcome Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum.

Caitlin shares her journey of creating Plum, a talent management platform that helps businesses make smarter workforce decisions while helping people build careers that match their unique strengths. Plum democratizes access to predictive data for hiring and employee development. The conversation explores the impact of generative AI on hiring practices, the importance of inclusivity in recruitment, and the future of assessments in talent management. Caitlin emphasizes the need to recognize potential beyond traditional resumes and highlights the success stories of individuals who have thrived in unexpected roles.

Takeaways:

1. Revolutionizing Hiring Practices: Generative AI, behavioural data, and predictive analytics are transforming hiring by improving accuracy and reducing bias.
2. Inclusivity & Employee Empowerment: Inclusive hiring practices enhance retention while empowering employees to take charge of their careers and foster long-term success.
3. Human-Centric Workplaces: The future of work calls for a focus on recognizing potential and adopting human-centred approaches to redefine success.
4. Innovative Talent Solutions: Plum is leading the way with a vision for the next generation of work.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group

In this episode of the Success Leaves Clues podcast, hosts Robin and Al sit down with Melanie Scheepers, SVP of People and Culture at Coconut Software, to explore the dynamic world of HR and leadership. Melanie takes us through her inspiring career journey from psychology to HR, shedding light on the evolving role of HR in driving a people-centric workplace culture.

The conversation dives deep into key topics like the power of mentorship, the importance of aligning company values with actions, and how strong leadership sets the foundation for a thriving organizational culture. Melanie shares valuable insights on dispelling misconceptions about HR, building trust through leadership partnerships, and adapting HR practices in the tech industry amidst the rise of AI.

Passionate about empowering women in the workplace, Melanie also discusses her commitment to supporting working mothers and creating an environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally.

"Values must be lived, not just stated." ~ Melanie Scheepers

Key Takeaways:

1. Mentorship Matters: Mentorship is a key driver of career development.

2. Culture Starts at the Top: Senior leadership plays a critical role in shaping and driving organizational culture.

3. Walking the Talk: Actions must align with stated values to build trust and strengthen culture.

4. HR as a Partner: HR’s role has evolved into a strategic, human-centric partnership that supports both people and business goals.

5. Shared Responsibility for Culture: Building and sustaining a strong workplace culture is a collective effort across the organization.

Brought to you by Aria Benefits and Life & Legacy Advisory Group