In this powerful episode, I sit down with Cheryl McKissack Daniel, CEO of the oldest Black-owned construction and design firm in the nation, to talk about the untold architecture of success. She reveals the incredible journey of a family whose business originated from a skill acquired while in forced labor.
You'll hear the strategic answers to:
The Uncomfortable Truth: How do the McKissacks reconcile their 230-year legacy of success with its origin in enslavement?
The Teacher Who Saved the Firm: How a mother's non-construction skills (and not a single blueprint) fought off a wave of buyout attempts and stabilized the business after a family crisis.
Nashville to New York: Why dissolving a century-old structure and moving the HQ was a necessary, strategic move for survival and growth.
Invisible vs. Overt: Which is strategically harder to defeat: the overt segregation of the past or the systemic bigotry of today?
This is more than a history lesson; it's a guide to fighting for justice without burnout, and a deep look at what it takes to define a multi-generational legacy in a divided world.
In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Lund, CEO of Toronto Global, to talk about why the world’s top tech companies are turning their eyes north. With shifting U.S. visa policies and a global race for AI talent, Canada and especially the Toronto Region is one of the most attractive destinations for innovation.
Stephen shares how his team helps both startups and global enterprises navigate expansion into Canada, explains how Toronto Global is capitalizing on new immigration trends like the H-1B visa changes, and gives a behind the scenes look at what makes Toronto a true AI powerhouse.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, or simply curious about how Canada is reshaping the global tech map, this episode connects the dots between policy, talent, and attracting tech companies!
Forget traditional software interfaces. A new paradigm is emerging where AI agents form a layer that interacts directly with your tools and data, and users primarily interact via natural language prompts.
In this episode I seat down with Amos Bar Joseph, CEO and Co-founder at Get Swan to explore what it really takes to shift Go-To-Market (GTM) from manual tasks to agentic workflows. This isn't just automation; it's about scaling intelligence. We discuss:
* The complexity of moving a GTM idea from concept to a self-executing agent and how Get Swan achieves this in seconds
* How to strategically integrate client data and internal tools to make the AI smart on Day 1.
* Ensuring the "AI GTM engineer" tasks maintain quality and reliability as usage explodes.
* A candid look at how customer feedback forced Swan to change its approach.
Tune in to understand the future of software and how to build scalable intelligence into your business.
#AIAgents #GTMStrategy #FutureofSoftware #AIAutomation #ScalingIntelligence #Swan
In today's market, success for real estate GPs (General Partners) isn't just about market timing, it's about operational excellence. In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Sedloff, Chief Real Estate Officer at Juniper Square, to build a playbook for navigating the current landscape. We talk about the unspoken operational challenges that are quietly holding back growth and investor trust, and discuss how to rethink fund administration from a back-office chore into a powerful strategic advantage.
Brandon shares his unique perspective on how to use technology to deepen investor relationships and offers practical, real-world advice for leaders looking to protect and grow long-term value.
This is a must listen for any real estate leader who wants to survive and thrive over the next three years by mastering their operations.
Ottawa is often seen as a stable, slow growth market. But is that all there is? In this episode, we sit down with Sachin Anand, Vice President of Acquisitions at Regional Group, to unpack what most investors from Toronto and beyond don’t understand about Ottawa real estate.
Sachin walks us through two of his most notable deals, 1600 Carling and Qualicum Centre, and shares how he underwrites planning risk, spots overlooked value, and navigates a market constrained by the Greenbelt, public sector dominance, and long approval timelines.
We also dive into how his background in lending and banking shapes his approach to acquisitions, what changes Ottawa needs to unlock more housing, and why systemic reform, not just private capital, is key to solving the city's housing challenges.
If you're trying to make sense of Ottawa’s potential or its limitations, this episode is for you.
The housing system in Canada is in trouble affordability is getting worse and supply is tight Traditional solutions are not keeping up but there is a promising alternative called missing middle housing
In this episode I talk with Alkarim Devani co-founder of RNDSQR and MDDL He is a Top 40 Under 40 honouree and doctoral candidate who is creating simple and scalable ways to build missing middle housing
We cover what missing middle really means why people misunderstand it how making development simpler can unlock real solutions who is helping to push change and what a better neighborhood could look like
If you care about finding real answers to Canada’s housing problems or want to learn how to build affordable communities this is a great listen
What happens to leadership when AI starts writing our emails and shaping our culture? Join us as Yasar Ahmad, Global VP of People at HelloFresh, reveals the quiet crisis unfolding. As automation grows, authentic human connection shrinks. We dive into why human potential is harder to unlock than ever, how to find your voice against AI, and what leadership truly looks like five years from now.
This isn't just about technology. It's about your career, your influence, and the very essence of human connection in the modern workplace. Tune in to understand the subtle shifts happening now and how to thrive in the automated future.
In this episode of No Safe Mode, I sit down with Galvin Widjaja, CEO of Lauretta, to explore how his company is revolutionizing the way buildings become smarter without costly renovations or disruptions.
We dive into the real-world problems Lauretta is solving: from outdated building systems and rising energy costs to the growing need for actionable, real-time data in commercial real estate. Galvin shares how Lauretta’s AI-powered platform seamlessly retrofits into existing infrastructure, unlocking new efficiencies in building operations, security, and sustainability all without tearing down walls or rewiring entire systems.
Whether you're in property management, real estate development, or just curious about the future of smart buildings, this episode unpacks the critical role intelligence plays in the built environment and how Lauretta is making it accessible.
Back in July 2024, I sat down with Seth Samowitz, COO at BKREA, to explore how AI would transform commercial real estate from the inside out. At that time, “AI agents” weren’t yet a buzzword.
Today, they’re everywhere — and this conversation hits differently.
🎧 We dive into:
Whether you’re in real estate, sales, or simply looking to get more leverage from your time, this episode is worth your attention.
🔁 I’m revisiting this episode because it’s even more relevant now.
🗣️Why do so many cybersecurity awareness programs fail even at the world’s biggest companies?
In this episode, we go deep with Scott Wright, founder of Click Armour, to unpack the truth behind security training that doesn't stick and the real human risks lurking inside your organization.
Scott shares:
The moment he realized the cybersecurity industry was solving the wrong problem
How everything nearly fell apart in the early days of Click Armour
The blind spots that even top security leaders still don't see
A powerful story where human behavior, not technology, saved the day
What needs to radically change in how companies approach “security culture”
Whether you lead a startup or a Fortune 500, this conversation will challenge how you think about training, people, and the future of cybersecurity.
Listen now before your next phishing simulation fools your entire team.
In this episode, we sit down with Akin Olusuyi, Chief Services Officer at Altrio, to explore how the company is transforming real estate investment with its powerful Origin platform. From sourcing to underwriting to capital raising, Altrio is helping investment teams move faster, collaborate better, and make data-driven decisions, all without drowning in spreadsheets.
Akin shares the real frustrations that inspired Origin’s creation, how teams are using it to gain a competitive edge, and what it takes to drive real adoption of new technology in a traditionally conservative industry. We also dig into how AI is reshaping what investment professionals focus on, and the critical skills teams need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
Whether you're leading acquisitions, managing assets, or raising capital, this conversation is packed with insights on where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead of the curve.
Quantum computing is no longer science fiction, it’s advancing rapidly, with the potential to break the encryption that secures everything from personal data to global infrastructure. In this episode, James Nguyen, CEO of Quantropi, joins the podcast to unpack the real risks posed by quantum breakthroughs and what organizations must do to prepare.
Topics include:
- Why current encryption methods are at risk
- What quantum computers are truly capable of
- The urgent race toward quantum-safe cryptography
- The global implications of failing to adapt
A must listen for cybersecurity professionals, technologists, and anyone concerned about the future of digital trust.
“AI is more profound than electricity or fire.” Google CEO.
Manuj Aggarwal dropped this quote on the “No Safe Mode” podcast and meant it!
This isn’t hype. It was a clear eyed warning…
Most businesses aren’t ready for what AI is really going to change.
In this episode, we cut through the buzzwords and get into:
When AI adds real value and when it just adds noise
How to tell if your company is solving problems or chasing tools
How to align AI with actual business goals — not just ambition
If you're leading, building, or investing in tech and want more signal, less noise, this one’s for you.
Listen now!
What do you think: is AI transforming your industry, or just distracting it?
#AI #Leadership #TechStrategy #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #Cybersecurity #Podcast #NoSafeMode #ManujAggarwal
Think cybercrime only happens to big companies or careless people? Think again.
Today’s cybercriminals aren’t just hackers in basements. They’re global operators running billion dollar scams, and you’re already in their sights. From fake investors and crypto traps to ransomware sold like a subscription service, the game has changed. And most people have no idea how exposed they really are.
In this eye-opening conversation with cybersecurity expert Andria, we break down:
Why traditional defenses are failing
How attackers are using your social media against you
The real reason cybercrime is growing faster than most economies
What one small habit could save you from financial or reputational disaster
This episode could save you from making the one mistake they’re counting on.
Listen now before they come for you.
Long before ChatGPT and Gemini made AI a household topic, Deepak Dutt was already building intelligent systems at Zighra. Now that AI is everywhere, is the shift from code to natural language helping more people understand AI or creating a false sense of simplicity?
We dive into the real risks too: voice cloning, deepfakes, and the growing threat of AI-powered scams. Attackers aren’t just catching up, they’re using the same tools defenders are. Is this an arms race?
Deepak also shares how Zighra focuses on behavior, not just credentials, to catch imposters before they strike. Could this signal the end of the password era?
Plus, we talk about the momentum behind the “buy Canadian” movement and what Deepak is seeing in the market.
We are very thrilled to have Sam Brown, President and Head of Commercial at CMLS, to explore the evolving landscape of real estate lending in Canada. Sam shares his insights on how interest rates are impacting lender risk appetites, the growing importance of ESG criteria in lending decisions, and how CMLS is leveraging technology, including AI, to streamline the lending process. We also discuss the role of foreign investment in shaping domestic lending practices, the challenges of financing affordable housing developments, and the strategies lenders are using to assess and support sustainable projects. Finally, Sam offers his perspective on the disruptive trends that are set to transform the real estate lending industry in the coming years. This is a must listen for developers, investors, and industry professionals looking to navigate the complexities of commercial real estate financing in today's market.
In this episode of Efficiency in CRE, we are thrilled to sit down with William Wong, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, to talk about how the real estate market has changed over the years and where it’s headed next. William takes us on a journey, starting with how REITs, introduced in Canada in 1996, have reshaped the way real estate works. He explains why some REITs are selling properties now and what role major investors like Blackstone and Brookfield play in the market. As interest rates adjust, William shares what this means for real estate financing and how capital markets are adapting to the changes. We also dive into the future, looking at how global investments are influencing Canadian real estate and how capital markets can support greener, more sustainable building projects. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in real estate finance. Don’t miss it!
We’re thrilled to have Scott Andison, CEO at Ontario Home builders’ Association, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode we explore the housing crisis and what’s being done to address it. Scott shares practical insights on how higher levels of government can push municipalities to speed up approvals and whether the “growth must pay for growth” model still works. We discuss how developers can stay ahead of long municipal delays, manage rising construction costs while delivering affordable housing, and take advantage of innovations like modular housing to save time and money. The conversation also highlights how developers and governments can work better together and whether private investors should play a bigger role in funding infrastructure for new housing. This episode offers clear, actionable ideas for anyone looking to understand and solve today’s biggest challenges in real estate.
In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we are very thrilled to sit down with Ana Bailao, Head of Affordable Housing and Public Affairs at Dream. Ana shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in affordable housing, what she observed after moving from politics to the private sector, and innovative solutions she’s excited about. We discuss what’s needed to get stalled projects moving again, her vision for the future of housing, and the key components she believes should be included in an emergency package to address the housing crisis. Tune in for a practical and inspiring conversation about making real change in the housing sector!
In this episode of Efficiency in CRE, we’re super excited to have one of the world’s leading urbanists, Richard Florida join us to discuss his vision for a revitalized Toronto waterfront. With his deep expertise in urban studies, Richard shares how waterfronts have transformed from industrial landscapes into thriving community hubs that attract talent and creativity. We’ll compare Toronto’s waterfront to those in other global cities, uncovering its unique strengths and areas ripe for improvement. As downtowns across Canada face revitalization challenges, Richard explains how strategic waterfront development can be a catalyst for urban renewal. He also introduces the concept of the Meta-City and its significance for Toronto’s future, illustrating how a dynamic waterfront can elevate the city’s global status. Finally, we’ll explore actionable strategies for making Toronto’s waterfront a model of sustainable urban development, emphasizing resilience in the face of climate change. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Richard Florida as we dive into the exciting possibilities of a Waterfront Renaissance in Toronto!