In a world that is increasingly becoming defined by technological advancements and endless content scrolling, what role does a symphony orchestra play in the big picture of it all? It’s a question that Mark Williams has had to confront in his role as CEO of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO).
 
The challenge ahead is an interesting one—how do you honour the rich legacy of a century-old cultural institution without being beholden to that same history, to innovate, push boundaries, and charge into the future? 
 
For Williams—the first Black CEO of a major North American orchestra—it’s about community. An orchestra is hardly a relic of the past but rather a dynamic force that has the power to open doors and minds by bringing people together, whether on the stage or in the audience.
 
As the TSO embarks on its 101st year and its next century ahead, Williams envisions an orchestra that listens more than it speaks, touching lives in ways that go beyond the concert hall.
 
On this episode, Lance chats with Mark about the power of music, diversity in the symphony orchestra, and what the orchestra of the future looks like. 
 

Leonard Brody is an award-winning entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and bestselling author. As co-founder of Caravan, a venture with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the two-time Emmy-nominated media visionary shares insights with Lance about the intricacies of building ventures for global icons like Carrie Underwood and Tom Hanks, and what brands should consider before entering into a partnership with celebrity talent.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

Are we in the golden age of celebrity entrepreneurship? Or are we approaching celebrity brand burnout?

How has the landscape of celebrity entrepreneurship evolved over the years?

How does research create the foundation of a successful celebrity partnership?

What is the difference between an endorsement, licensing, and partnership?

What is the profile of the ideal celebrity entrepreneur?

What are some of the safeguards that business owners can build in crisis PR moments where a celebrity has lost the public’s goodwill and trust?

Make sure to subscribe to the Mission Critical podcast for more of today’s greatest entrepreneurs and leaders.

Leonard Brody is an award-winning entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and bestselling author. As co-founder of Caravan, a venture with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the two-time Emmy-nominated media visionary shares insights with Lance about the intricacies of building ventures for global icons like Carrie Underwood and Tom Hanks, and what brands should consider before entering into a partnership with celebrity talent.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

Are we in the golden age of celebrity entrepreneurship? Or are we approaching celebrity brand burnout?

How has the landscape of celebrity entrepreneurship evolved over the years?

How does research create the foundation of a successful celebrity partnership?

What is the difference between an endorsement, licensing, and partnership?

What is the profile of the ideal celebrity entrepreneur?

What are some of the safeguards that business owners can build in crisis PR moments where a celebrity has lost the public’s goodwill and trust?

Make sure to subscribe to the Mission Critical podcast for more of today’s greatest entrepreneurs and leaders.

You may know SKIMS for its celebrity co-founder, Kim Kardashian, but are you aware of its other co-founder? On this episode of Mission Critical, SKIMS CEO and co-founder Jens Grede joins Lance to talk about his fascinating entrepreneurial journey, his experience working with Kim, and the evolution of the celebrity-driven brand.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

What makes a great brand?

How Nike’s Jordan brand influenced his and Kim’s perspective on building SKIMS.

How to harness culture to build your business.

The impact of social media on the culture of fame and commerce.

The evolution of the celebrity-driven brand.

The biggest factor that has contributed to the success of SKIMS.

Make sure to subscribe to the Mission Critical podcast for more of today’s greatest entrepreneurs and leaders.

You may know SKIMS for its celebrity co-founder, Kim Kardashian, but are you aware of its other co-founder? On this episode of Mission Critical, SKIMS CEO and co-founder Jens Grede joins Lance to talk about his fascinating entrepreneurial journey, his experience working with Kim, and the evolution of the celebrity-driven brand.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

What makes a great brand?

How Nike’s Jordan brand influenced his and Kim’s perspective on building SKIMS.

How to harness culture to build your business.

The impact of social media on the culture of fame and commerce.

The evolution of the celebrity-driven brand.

The biggest factor that has contributed to the success of SKIMS.

Make sure to subscribe to the Mission Critical podcast for more of today’s greatest entrepreneurs and leaders.

In GLORY Features, we’re expanding our podcast to bring you more guests and their expert advice on what small business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders should know, today. In this episode, host Lance Chung sits down with Leigh Tynan, Director of Online Security at TELUS. Tynan brings her wealth of experience to the table, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of cybersecurity, discussing the latest trends, emerging challenges, and the proactive measures individuals can take to fortify their digital defenses.

In a world where information is both currency and vulnerability, understanding the truths behind cybersecurity becomes paramount. Here’s what you can expect to learn from this episode:

The state of cybersecurity today.The key misconceptions around online security.What entrepreneurs and small business owners can do to protect themselves against cybersecurity threats. The specific tools and software available for individuals to enhance their cybersecurity.

In GLORY Features, we’re expanding our podcast to bring you more guests and their expert advice on what small business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders should know, today. In this episode, host Lance Chung sits down with Leigh Tynan, Director of Online Security at TELUS. Tynan brings her wealth of experience to the table, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of cybersecurity, discussing the latest trends, emerging challenges, and the proactive measures individuals can take to fortify their digital defenses.

In a world where information is both currency and vulnerability, understanding the truths behind cybersecurity becomes paramount. Here’s what you can expect to learn from this episode:

The state of cybersecurity today.The key misconceptions around online security.What entrepreneurs and small business owners can do to protect themselves against cybersecurity threats. The specific tools and software available for individuals to enhance their cybersecurity.

Over the years, society has had to reckon with much-needed change in order to build a more equitable future. Like many other cultural institutions, the fashion industry has not been quick to change. Thankfully, there are those within the ecosystem who have pushed for progress by empowering others and embracing innovation.

At the forefront of this change stands supermodel Coco Rocha, a name synonymous with the industry’s transformation. One of the first in her generation to recognize the power of social media as a platform for agency and independence, she instilled a turning point for the fashion industry and its ability to advocate for itself. Beyond the catwalk, she’s pioneering the next generation of models through her groundbreaking Coco Rocha Model Camp. 

In this episode, Lance and Coco discuss her entrepreneurial path, advocacy efforts, and what the future holds for fashion.

This episode was sponsored by TELUS SmartWear Security. Learn more here: www.telus.com/en/smartwear-security

Over the years, society has had to reckon with much-needed change in order to build a more equitable future. Like many other cultural institutions, the fashion industry has not been quick to change. Thankfully, there are those within the ecosystem who have pushed for progress by empowering others and embracing innovation.

At the forefront of this change stands supermodel Coco Rocha, a name synonymous with the industry’s transformation. One of the first in her generation to recognize the power of social media as a platform for agency and independence, she instilled a turning point for the fashion industry and its ability to advocate for itself. Beyond the catwalk, she’s pioneering the next generation of models through her groundbreaking Coco Rocha Model Camp. 

In this episode, Lance and Coco discuss her entrepreneurial path, advocacy efforts, and what the future holds for fashion.

This episode was sponsored by TELUS SmartWear Security. Learn more here: www.telus.com/en/smartwear-security

George Soleas is the President and CEO of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), one of the world’s most influential forces in the world of spirits.

In this special live recording of Mission Critical Live: The Bold Conversations (presented by Veuve Clicquot), George chats with Lance and shares his extraordinary journey from a refugee in Cyprus to the C-suite.

Starting as a chef in Ontario, he leveraged his passion for customer service into a diverse career, including steel manufacturing and winemaking, accumulating a diverse set of skills that would prepare him for an incredible career ahead. Driven by a commitment to continuous learning, he earned degrees in chemistry, metallurgy, and a Master’s in Logistics.

In this live episode, Lance and George discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the immense power of allyship, the LCBO’s commitment to inclusivity, and the enduring value of lifelong learning.