Courage Inc.: Recent Episodes
The Walrus Lab
On Courage Incorporated, a new podcast in collaboration with The Walrus Lab, host Duncan Sinclair speaks to top business leaders across Canada, tasked with directing the future of their industries, and in turn, the courage of our nation.
Duncan Sinclair speaks with Ranjay Gulati about the powerful connection between purpose and courage in leadership. Ranjay explores how organizations can embed a deep sense of purpose into their core strategy, while leaders cultivate the everyday courage needed to navigate uncertainty and ethical complexity. He shares practical insights on building resilient, values-driven organizations that can adapt, lead, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duncan Sinclair speaks with Alex Munter about the future of healthcare in Canada. Alex shares insights from his journey in healthcare leadership, unpacking the urgent challenges facing the country’s health system and the innovative solutions emerging to address them. He explores how technology, policy reform, and community engagement can work together to transform care delivery and build a more resilient, accessible healthcare system for all Canadians.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duncan Sinclair speaks with Benjamin Bergen about how Canada can keep its entrepreneurs, capital, and generational wealth growing at home. Ben explores the policy and investment conditions needed to turn Canadian startups into global champions and strengthen long-term economic sovereignty.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duncan Sinclair speaks with Michael Lee-Chin about Canada’s opportunity to lead in clean energy and how that leadership can become a powerful engine for long-term wealth creation. Hear how strategic investment in sectors such as nuclear innovation, clean technology, advanced healthcare and building our indigenous business' can strengthen Canadian sovereignty, build institutional resilience, and create lasting economic value for generations to come.
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Minister Vic Fedeli discovers shares how Ontario is navigating trade, innovation, and economic growth through bold policies and strategic investments. In this episode, Minister Vic Fidele shares lessons with Duncan Sinclair from his leadership journey in government and business, emphasizing resilience, collaboration, and future-proofing Ontario's prosperity.
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From Mark Carney setting Canada's tone at World Economic Forum in Davos to the priorities highlighted in the State of the Union Address, the message is clear: the time for Canada to be strong is now. In this episode of Courage Inc., Duncan Sinclair speaks with former cabinet minister James Moore about how broadband infrastructure, innovation, and fewer internal trade barriers can strengthen Canada’s economic sovereignty. Moore explains how data, technology, and supply chains are redefining national power in an era of rising North American competition.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Duncan Sinclair speaks with Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, about how the Navy actively supports Canadian sovereignty. Vice Admiral Topshee outlines the Navy’s role in asserting presence across Canada’s three oceans, safeguarding Arctic waters, and contributing to continental and global security alongside allies. He discusses operational readiness, fleet modernization, and the importance of sailors, partnerships, and sustained investment in protecting Canada’s maritime interests amid rising geopolitical and climate pressures.
Courage Inc. is a podcast hosted by Duncan Sinclair, Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chile's Board of Directors, and produced by The Walrus Lab.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Host Duncan Sinclair speaks with courageous and powerful voices from the world of business and policy tasked with directing the future of their industries. Subscribe for even more courageous leadership!
Sinclair is the chairman of Deloitte Canada. Courage Inc. is a podcast produced by The Walrus Lab for Deloitte.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Duncan Sinclair speaks with Teresa Resch, a sports management leader and driving force behind Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA team. Teresa shares her journey from a small agricultural town in Minnesota to shaping the future of women’s sports. She reflects on pivotal career moments, the challenges of building a new franchise in a Canadian market, and the importance of storytelling, investment, and community engagement. Teresa also highlights the need for greater exposure and support to grow the fan base, the excitement of building a competitive roster, and the significance of creating a dedicated home for the team.
Courage Inc. is a podcast hosted by Duncan Sinclair, Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chile's Board of Directors, and produced by The Walrus Lab. Available on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more details.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duncan Sinclair is joined by Claudette McGowan, a leading cybersecurity expert and tech executive, who shares her journey into the industry and the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman founder. In this episode, Claudette discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the growing influence of AI and emerging technologies, and the need to balance privacy with protection. She addresses the industry’s talent gap and the shared responsibility of government and private sectors in building a secure digital future. Claudette also emphasizes the importance of investment and education in empowering individuals to take charge of their digital safety.
Courage Inc. is a podcast hosted by Duncan Sinclair, Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chile's Board of Directors, and produced by The Walrus Lab. Available on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more details.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duncan Sinclair is joined by Scott Moore, CEO of the Invictus Games and a seasoned Canadian television executive. With a background as former Director of CBC Sports and Head of Production for Rogers Communications' Sportsnet and NHL properties, Scott shares his vast expertise in sports broadcasting and leadership. In this episode, he discusses the upcoming Invictus Games, emphasizing the importance of resilience, relationship-building, and leadership in the context of supporting veterans. Scott also reflects on the transformative power of service, the lessons of sportsmanship, and the potential role of AI in enhancing sports performance. He highlights the lasting "legacy of gratitude" the Invictus Games bring to both participants and society.
Courage Inc. is a podcast hosted by Duncan Sinclair, Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chile's Board of Directors, and produced by The Walrus Lab. Available on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more details.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duncan Sinclair is joined by Taylor Owen, Professor at McGill University and founding director of the University Center for Media, Technology and Democracy. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of digital technology, media, and international affairs, Taylor discusses his book Disruptive Power and how we must navigate the risks and rewards of the digital age, from privacy concerns to the rise of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). We get an Expert Perspective from Claudette McGowan, CEO of Protexxa who talks about implications of AI in cybersecurity data usage and algorithmic bias , challenges faced by developing countries and AI as a means to empower businesses and stakeholders.Courage Inc. is a podcast series hosted by Duncan Sinclair, Chair of Deloitte Canada and Chile, Board of Directors, and produced by The Walrus Lab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stephen Poloz is the former Governor of the Bank Canada and currently a Special Advisor for Osler. Author of "The Next Age of Uncertainty: How the World Can Adapt to a Riskier Future", Stephen speaks with host Duncan Sinclair about the common tectonic tensions that are embedded in our everyday lives: an aging workforce, mounting debt, rising income inequality, technological advances and climate change. He has some new advice for getting through these challenging times.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr. Eugenia Addy is the CEO of Visions of Science. Her goal is to bring STEM education to low income communities in Toronto and across Canada. She speaks with host Duncan Sinclair about being an “unlikely scientist”, her journey from volunteer to CEO of Visions of Science, some guidance on effective strategies to keep youth engaged and the future of AI.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maayan Ziv is an award-winning photographer, activist and entrepreneur. Her goal is to empower people who are disabled to discover a world of accessible opportunities, make better decisions and remove barriers. She talks to host Duncan Sinclair about her experiences being challenged by and thriving in a world designed for ability, the creation of the AccessNow app and how she’s helped to shape new legislation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andre De Grasse is not only a six-time Olympic medaliist in track and field, he’s a philanthropist, author, brand ambassador, investor and proud father. His commitments, on and off the track, are rooted in his desire to inspire and empower Canadians to reach their potential. With the launch of ADG Ignite Ventures, Andre is leveraging the power of his personal brand to empower Canadian entrepreneurs looking to compete on the world stage. He talks to Duncan about his courage to build a life beyond sport and his journey to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2023, more than 15 million hectares of forest burned in fire in Canada. The world has become combustible in scary ways. Climate change accounts for many of the new and novel ways that humans are confronting fire. Author and journalist John Vaillant sits with Duncan to talk about his recent book “Fire Weather”, oil and the role it plays in the very different fires of today, changes in the atmosphere, Indigenous fire traditions that serve as really effective solutions and how we can each be “good husbands and wives of the earth.”
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The National Ballet of Canada is an innovative art-institution entertaining about 10 million people annually. Known for traditional full-length classics since 1951, today its purposeful in integrating diverse repertoire, enhancing it’s culture and inviting an even richer, more global experience. The person responsible? Hope Muir joins Duncan to talk about the courage to lead in the business of dance.
“Economies can’t succeed without Peace”. Tareq Hadhad, co-founder and CEO of Peace By Chocolate, who is now based in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, is obliged to pay forward the welcoming generosity of Canadians who helped his family restart their lives after seeking refuge in this country from the Syrian War. He talks with Duncan Sinclair about the start of the Syrian refugee crisis, the civil war, settling in this country, his inspiration-his family, the Peace By Chocolate Society and a plethora of other initiatives.
Well known for his contribution to the healthcare system, provincially and nationally, Dr. Kevin Smith started from the small town Prescott to become the President and CEO of the University Health Network (UHN) a role which includes Toronto General, Toronto Western Hospital, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and the Michener Institute of Education. Kevin speaks with Duncan Sinclair about ongoing efforts to change systems and policies, research and innovation and how Covid 19 has forced that health sector to make some technological changes.
Entrepreneurship and creating a more inclusive and equitable Canada define Carol Anne Lee’s leadership. As a Canadian of Chinese descent, multiple generations deep, Carol speaks with Duncan Sinclair about creating the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. She speaks on the cultural, economic, and physical revitalization of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, affordable housing, seniors housing, cultural and economic development.
Entrepreneurship and creating a more inclusive and equitable Canada define Carol Anne Lee’s leadership. As a Canadian of Chinese descent, multiple generations deep, Carol speaks with Duncan Sinclair about creating the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. She speaks on the cultural, economic, and physical revitalization of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, affordable housing, seniors housing, cultural and economic development.
Entrepreneurship and creating a more inclusive and equitable Canada define Carol Anne Lee’s
leadership. As a Canadian of Chinese descent, multiple generations deep, Carol is a successful businesswoman who's passion drives her to honor and preserve the history that Chinese immigrants bring to Canada. Carol talks with Duncan Sinclair about her committment to the cultural, economic, and physical revitalization of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown providing
affordable housing, seniors housing and cultural and economic development. Subscribe to us on iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts to listen to this-courageous leader. Guess what she is up to next?
Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer has a strong spirit, and an even stronger commitment to her position as Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. She talks with Duncan Sinclair about her new responsibilities leading a community with its own municipal support services, education system and its own health care. She talks about defining what Reconciliation means for multiple generations, whether we can reverse the effects of climate change and implementing a renewed self-governance strategy for current and future generations. As a long-time Mohawk council member, an advocate of women, youth and 2SLGBTQ+ rights, reverence for her community elders and her community’s history, it is a great episode of learning-truths and future legacy.
Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer has a strong spirit, and an even stronger commitment to her position as Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. She talks with Duncan Sinclair about her new responsibilities leading a community with its own municipal support services, education system and its own health care. She talks about defining what Reconciliation means for multiple generations, whether we can reverse the effects of climate change and implementing a renewed self-governance strategy for current and future generations. As a long-time Mohawk council member, an advocate of women, youth and 2SLGBTQ+ rights, reverence for her community elders and her community’s history, it is a great episode of learning-truths and future legacy.
Racialized people in leadership are under-represented compared with their presence in the university population. The number of women among full-time academic teaching staff in senior administrative roles at Canadian public universities is growing-but not fast enough. Enter Dean of Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, Dr. Wanda Costen. She is a champion of inclusiveness in business, research, managing diversity, racial inequality, women in leadership, and strategic human resources. Listen as she shares the courage needed to create diverse spaces and integrate community into business.
The oil and gas industry is under pressure to accelerate towards a decarbonized future.The energy transition has quickly become their priority. That means green investments and a hard pivot towards becoming energy companies, which lets them engage in a broader range of technologies. These efforts require bold and courageous leadership. Who better to change an oil and gas company from the inside out than its first Chief Climate Officer-Martha Hall Findlay. Duncan learns about her personal journey, current role at Suncor, work with Indigenous communities, the future of oil sand companies here and around the world.
If you are in need, can you help others? The answer for Dr. Mohamad Fakih is a resounding “yes”. Founder of the Middle Eastern restaurant chain Paramount Fine Foods, which has rapidly expanded across North America and internationally, Mr. Fakih has become well known for his charitable work and community service. Displaced from his home, because of war in his youth, having to pivot and work his way towards a better future, he understands the meaning of sweat equity. So did those who believed in his ambition, positive attitude and courage. Showing commitment to hiring those who are new to Canada is one way he shows gratitude for opportunities in a country that has shown him kindness. Recently, he was named to the Order of Canada for his business and community leadership, as well as his philanthropic contributions. Mohamad says: “if you give more, you get more back”. Duncan Sinclair finds out how.
Our future in Canada includes more courage and action to end racial inequality. The COVID 19 pandemic exposed and intensified pre existing inequities. Founder of Kingsdale Advisors, named one of the nation's most influential power brokers by the Globe and Mail, Wes Hall is well poised to invest in racial equity in organizations. He is leading by example in dismantling anti-black racism and creating a more inclusive economy through his Black North Initiative. Nearly 500 leaders of Canadian organizations have expressed a commitment toward advancing the economic empowerment of black people. Duncan talks to Wes about his journey, inspiration and commitment to a more equitable society.
As the world forages for what the "new normal" might encompass, in Canada, it is incumbent on our vision and courage to build the future we want. On Season 2 of Courage Incorporated, host Duncan Sinclair continues conversations with courageous and powerful voices from the world of business and policy tasked with directing the future of their industries. Subscribe to even more courageous leadership!
Monique Leroux is the Chair of the Industry Strategy Council, the government advisory forum dedicated to studying industry fallout from COVID-19. She speaks with host Duncan Sinclair about the forum’s recommendations, her personal commitment to gender equity, and her optimism that Canada can become a world leader in the ESG movement.
Courage Inc. is a podcast series hosted by Deloitte Canada and produced by The Walrus Lab.
Maryscott Greenwood, better known as Scotty, is a former political appointee in the Clinton Administration who is Partner and Managing Director at Crestview Strategy US LLC as well as the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian-American Business Council. She speaks with host Duncan Sinclair about the state of the Canada - U.S relationship in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and a change in American political direction.
Courage Inc. is a podcast series hosted by Deloitte Canada and produced by The Walrus Lab.
Laura Jones is the Executive Vice-President and Chief Strategic Officer at the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. She speaks with host Duncan Sinclair about the importance of Canada's small and medium-sized businesses, and how the CFIB supports them and advocates on their behalf, as they navigate serious economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Courage Inc. is a podcast series hosted by Deloitte Canada. It is produced by The Walrus Lab.
Andria Barrett is the President of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, and co-founder of The Diversity Agency. She speaks with host Duncan Sinclair about her leadership journey, advocating for members of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce in the midst of a pandemic, and what corporate Canada must do to include and support Black Canadians in business.
Courage Inc. is a podcast series hosted by Deloitte Canada. It is produced by The Walrus Lab.
Tabatha Bull is the President of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Businesses. She speaks with host Duncan Sinclair about advocating for Indigenous businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in her role at CCAB, and the leadership journey that brought her there. They discuss the unique barriers facing Indigenous companies, the value of supporting these businesses through procurement, and why Indigenous economic inclusion means that "...there isn't an indigenous economy, it's all the Canadian economy and indigenous businesses have an equitable place within that economy."
Courage Inc. is a five-part podcast series from Deloitte Canada. It is produced by The Walrus Lab.
When our sightlines on the future are unclear, it is incumbent on our vision and courage to build the future we want. On Courage Incorporated, host Duncan Sinclair will continue the conversations sparked by The Future Belongs to the Bold into the future, with courageous and powerful voices from the world of business and policy tasked with directing the future of their industries.