IntroCap Interviews: Recent Episodes
Karen Azlen
Introduction Capital is pleased to bring you “IntroCap Interviews”, a series of thoughtful 30–45 minute interviews with experts inside and outside of the alternative investment industry. The interviews will be pre-recorded the day before we send them out to our community of close to 3,000 alternative investment professionals including investors, investment managers, financial service wealth experts and service providers.
Mo Lidsky, a seasoned alternative investment professional and family office advisor, shares his journey from being a refugee to building Prime Quadrant, a leading family office in Canada. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, humility, and adding value to others. Mo defines single-family offices as ultra-affluent families investing principal capital to meet their objectives, while multi-family offices focus on generating fees and providing a range of services beyond investment management. He also discusses the Prime Quadrant Conference, a highly respected event that brings together families and thought leaders in support of pediatric mental health.
In today's episode, Karen sits down with Nicola Wealth’s Danielle Skipp for a conversation that not only explores Danielle's professional journey but also delves into her advocacy for women and her philosophy on happiness and personal growth.
Her story transitions from legal practice to a pivotal role in asset management, highlighting a move fuelled by a letter to a role model that eventually led her to significant opportunities in Toronto and a fulfilling career in wealth management.
Karen and Danielle also discuss the importance of supporting women, with Danielle reflecting on her involvement in initiatives that empower female professionals. This segues into an exploration of Nicola Wealth's growth, where Danielle has played a crucial role. She outlines the company's evolution, its approach to investing, and the challenges and strategies associated with scaling and talent acquisition.
Join us on this insightful episode as we sit down with Stephen Price, CEO of Graywood Developments, with a remarkable 34 years in the real estate industry. Stephen traces his journey from the early '90s real estate downturn through a series of roles that honed his expertise in development, restructuring, and asset management, leading to pivotal roles at GWL Realty Advisors and ultimately to his current position at Graywood. He shares the compelling origin story of Graywood, founded on a handshake between Garnet Watchhorn and Moshi Tamari, and discusses Graywood's conservative yet innovative approach to real estate development and asset management, emphasizing analytics and tempered ambition in their investment strategies. With a portfolio of $6.8 billion and a deep dive into the company's unique operational strategies and new ventures into advisory services, Stephen provides valuable insights into navigating the current market uncertainties and the importance of liquidity and diversification for investors. Tune in for a masterclass in real estate strategy and the future vision of one of the industry's stalwarts.
In this insightful dialogue, Mindy of Richter Family Office illuminates Richter's evolution into a trusted business family office, offering a blend of personalized financial strategies for affluent families in the alternative investment sector. Through captivating anecdotes, she underscores Richter's enduring, trust-centric relationships and client-focused, team-based approach, showcasing their commitment to enhancing clients' investment acumen across generations.
Karen speaks with Fruitman Kates' Jamie Herman about going above and beyond to find solutions for UHNW families, the new requirements of CRA tax reporting, and the importance of excellent service and genuinely caring for the best interests of clients.
Today Karen speaks with Peakhill Capital's Harley Gold about direct capital lending strategies, popular real estate asset classes, the importance of empowering teams and charitable giving.
“Today, Karen speaks with Carbon Cap’s Michael Azlen about his views on the current state of global warming, the growth of global carbon markets and the World Carbon Fund’s investment strategy."
Today, Karen speaks with Brightspark’s Sophie Forest about the venture capital landscape in Canada, why tech businesses are thriving and the importance of entrepreneurial innovation.
Today, Karen speaks with Environics/Lipkin’s Mike Lipkin about the empowerment of self and others, creating a future that you want to live in and the five practises from his new book, “The Potentiator.”
Today, Karen speaks with Major League Baseball’s Josh Donaldson about overcoming challenges as he climbed to the major leagues, tips for success, and sports cards as both a hobby and an investment.
Today, Karen talks with Waratah Capital Advisors’ Jeannine LiChong about the evolution of her career, the Canadian investment landscape and what makes an investment firm successful.
Today, Karen speaks with Northwood Family Office’s Tom McCullough about being pioneers in the family office industry, creating client confidence and navigating complexity.
Today, Karen talks with AGF’s Judy Goldring about being part of an entrepreneurial family, the firm’s history, including its participation in the alternative investment industry, and AGF’s continued focus on innovation.
Today, Karen speaks with CAASA’s James Burron about his core values, career background and what led him to co-found a thriving industry association.
Today, Karen speaks with Forthlane Partners' Ken Grewal about his extensive career history, establishing a Canadian multi-family office and global investment themes.
Today, Karen speaks with Maverix Private Equity’s John Ruffolo about resilience, entrepreneurship and nonconformity.
Today, Karen speaks with AIMA Canada’s Claire Van Wyk-Allan about the association’s history, moving the dial on diversity and inclusion, and being a female leader in the financial industry.
“Today, Karen speaks with Forum Equity Partner’s Richard Abboud about the evolution of his firm, core corporate values and current investment themes.”
RPIA’s founding partner and CEO Richard Pilosof talks with Karen about the evolution of his career, the establishment of RPIA and lessons learned through the growth of the firm.
John Courtliff, Partner, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Calgary-based ICM, talks with Karen about the evolution of ICM, how they are viewing real estate today and current investment opportunities.
Hyatt Family Office Principal and serial entrepreneur Michael Hyatt talks with Karen about investment themes to consider in today's environment, entrepreneurship and the importance of philanthropy.
Picton Mahoney’s CEO and Co-founder Dave Picton joins Karen to talk about the history and objectives of the firm, the current economic climate and innovative investing strategies.
Karen interviews Kent Willmore, President and Founder of AGinvest Farmland Properties Canada and Anthony Faiella, AGinvest’s Head of Business Development who discuss the vision behind the founding the firm as well as farmland as a sustainable, resilient and compelling asset class.
Rob Goodall, CEO and Founder of the Atrium MIC and CMCC, joins Karen to discuss the evolution of both corporations as well as the current commercial, residential and industrial real estate landscape in Canada.
Canadian icon and Executive Chairman of Postmedia Network Paul Godfrey speaks with Karen about the highlights of his 55-year career and his personal views on what is important in today’s environment.
Karen speaks with Westcourt Capital’s CEO David Kaufman about Westcourt’s advice to clients and adapting to the “post-COVID” world.
Richter Family Office advisor Mindy Mayman joins Karen to discuss the embodied characteristics required to be a trusted steward of UHNW families, the management of current client reviews and optimal ways to assist family clients in these fast-changing times.
Noted economist David Rosenberg joins Karen to talk about Rosenberg Research, his newly launched research business, as well as global economic uncertainty and his views on the broad impact of the coronavirus.