Uncharted Waters: Recent Episodes
Greg Smyth
Uncharted waters is a Podcast brought to you by GlobalNL. This Podcast series focuses on telling stories of NLer's that have ventured into "uncharted waters" in their lives. We hope that these stories will help encourage and empower others to take on similar risks/challenges in their own life.
Intro
Today's episode features an interview with Mark Dobbin, founder and president of Killick Capital Inc., a private equity investment firm headquartered in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. It was created as a vehicle for Mark’s desire to invest in the aerospace sector as well as work and invest in his hometown. The name "Killick" refers to an anchor made of a long stone and sticks. Its effective and ingenious design has been relied on for centuries to secure boats and nets.
If you're a startup founder in Newfoundland looking to raise money, you're probably knocking on Mark's door. He's more than an investor. He's an important part of the community, connecting and building things in Newfoundland. Let his story inspire you, and I hope you enjoy this episode!
Topics:
1:10 How Mark's upbringing in Newfoundland shaped him
3:33 How his father influenced him to go into business
6:55 His desire to invest in the aerospace sector
9:42 Cultural ties between Newfoundland and Ireland
12:06 NL's balance sheet is a “mess”
15:20 Abundant and consistent supply of oil and gas in NL
18:02 People are the most important resource
24:29 Investing versus operating a business
27:18 His biggest investment failure
30:00 What characteristics does he look for in startup founders?
36:05 Creativity and Innovation
38:59 How can the GlobalNL community support each other?
42:11 Diversity and inclusion
45:58 Advice for Newfoundlanders
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn, Website
Intro
In this episode I talk with Kimberley Mullins, an applied social scientist and the current Director of Talent Development at Shopify. She is from Newfoundland, but she moved to Calgary to work for ExxonMobil Canada. She then joined Imperial Oil, which is also located in Calgary.We discuss a variety of topics, but one of my favorites is Kimberley's discussion of how she stayed connected to her hometown and her advice to people in the community to "look after each other."
Topics covered:
2:07 Developing talent involves motivating others to be their best selves
5:07 Kimberley’s work history
7:01 How Kimberley stayed connected to her “home”
15:12 In Newfoundland, everyone respects those who are just trying to get by
32:05 Work on your strengths, not your weaknesses
35:00 Discover your passion to live a more fulfilling life
39:20 Invest in your legacy
47:07 Culture is customary difference
57:07 Making something valuable to you vulnerable to others is what trust is
1:02:10 Everyone can make a positive difference in the world
1:05:26 To be a leader, you must bring out the best in people
1:08:40 People aspire to grow professionally
1:20:50 Leadership requires humility
1:24:27 Kimberley’s advice to the community: “We look after each other”
Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn
The fourth episode in the NL Tech Spotlight series - a discussion between Jeremy Andrews and Ed J Martin, the CEO of Clockwork Fox Studios. Clockwork is an education technology company that develops a blended learning platform for elementary math called Zorbit’s Math Adventure. Zorbit helps young math learners succeed by integrating the powers of play, pedagogy, and learning analytics.
We talk about a bunch of things in this episode, but one of my favourite parts was Ed describing how Carnegie see's Clockwork as their new Canadian Headquarters, based right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. With a number of exits to US based companies here in recent years, it's part of a growing and exciting trend for the local tech industry.
0:00 - Where ya from?
1:30 - How did you go from Mechanical Engineering to Digital Media to Software?
4:30 - Best Boy Productions and the Transition to Clockwork
8:30 - Making games that aren’t just fun, but also help kids get better at math
11:30 - Becoming a much more powerful platform for Teachers
15:30 - What’s been your “Go to Market” strategy
17:30 - “Sage on the Stage” education to “Student Centered Learning”
20:40 - Were you planning for an Acquisition?
23:35 - “The Canadian Head Office”
25:25 - Where does it go from here?
29:25 - Has doing this in Newfoundland been hard?
This episode of Uncharted Waters’ “Local Tech Spotlight” segment is a discussion between Jeremy Andrews and Leah Murphy from NorthStar Payroll. Leah came up with the idea for a better payroll system after years of operating her own payroll company, Get Payroll. NorthStar plans to provide their customers with a premium payroll software that leverages AI & Machine Learning technology to automate repetitive tasks, catch variances in processing and provide in-depth analyses.
Podcast Outline:
1:20 - Can you tell us a bit about yourself
3:40 - Being a reluctant entrepreneur
5:30 - Deciding to take the leap with support from the community
8:36 - Building a solution to your own problem
11:53 - How does NorthStar work?
13:27 - Target customer
16:58 - Go-to-market strategy and user feedback
20:55 - Support from NL startup ecosystem (NLOWE, SJBOT, Genesis, MPPCC)
23:38 - Advice for other startup founders
26:16 - What’s the future hold?
Tim Powers shares his journey, including some ups and downs, from deep roots in Newfoundland and Labrador to a life and career at the “Centre”. Tim’s vision of the future direction of this country in strategic areas including a post Covid world and Carbon Pricing is very interesting. He is always led by his mother's sage advice, which is to “Never Get Too Big For Your Britches”. Enjoy the listen it will surprise and entertain you and if you ever get a chance to visit with Tim in Ottawa, don’t forget to bring the Black Horse and/or Jockey!
Timeline:
0:20GlobalNL Introduction and Overview
3:27Growing up in Newfoundland, how it shaped you
8:06Lobbyist role - Secret Sauce
10:24Storytelling and how important it is
13:08Covid and Canadian Politics - Mental Health - Money - Family
18:25 Data Management and Politics - Abacus Data
24:10Where is the optimism/pessimism in the future of Newfoundland
30:11Climate Change - Carbon Pricing
35:49Mental Health
42:06Rugby - Outlet - Friendships - Validations - Mental Strength - World Cup game NL
45:35How can the GlobalNL community help the Province
47:22Tim’s Billboard “Stay Strong”
In the second episode of our new segment “Local Tech Spotlight”, Jeremy talks with Prospre, a St. John’s Startup developing a mobile app that allows you to easily build customized meal plans that take your personal preferences and nutritional goals into account.
Jonathan and Colin from Prospre give us a peek inside the early days of starting a technology company in Newfoundland and Labrador. We discuss the success they’ve had to date, and how a growing entrepreneurship mentality at Memorial University is helping aspiring entrepreneurs overcome the fear of getting started.
Podcast Outline:
1:30 - Can you tell us about Prospre in your own words?
3:00 - Where’d you get the idea?
4:35 - What came first? Entrepreneurship or the idea?
5:15 - Entrepreneurship mentality at MUN
9:45 - Product and Traction
15:55 - What’s been your biggest challenge?
19:50 - What’s the next big thing for Prospre?
Aatif Baskanderi, a Global NL award winner for the production of the acclaimed film “Salaam B’y”, provides us with a not often heard overview of the diversity experience growing up in Newfoundland and Labrador. Aatif's film is a profound lense through which one’s understanding of diversity today can be viewed. He gives us a interesting sense of how his life experience in education and work has lead him to now focus the establishment of the North Pine Foundation, an organization which dares to address some of the most difficult social issues in our Country. A core value in the definition and execution of this work can be seen on his Billboard “Be Kind”. Enjoy!
Outline
1:45Aatif describes growing up in Clarenville Newfoundland
2:19 GlobalNL award for “Salaam B’y”. Where did the idea come from?
7:25 Growing up Muslim in NL including Raymonds!
13:40NL cultural diversity exposure/density
14:30An emerging Racist/Right Wing sentiment in Nl - The role social media plays here.
16:30 “Agile Sincerity”
18:50How do you stay connected with the Province and the role of “Radical Kindness”
21:40Establishing Adult friend circles when moving from place to place
26:39Building Community Network
27:52Social Entrepreneurship Why/Why not
32:39The World of Innovation and its challenges and integration of Social Science
40:57Blue Ocean Groups - Elastic Innovation - People at the centre of the table
46:00North Pine Foundation - A Startup Philanthropic Foundation - Focused on foster children, former prisoners, adult refugees, rural Nl and other compelling issues.
49:00Foundation Partners - Private Tech Support
52:00Validation of Value Proposition
53:00Skepticism and Structural Mitigation
55:00Global Nl - an approach to global connectivity a positive conduit
1:13:16Aatif’s Billboard - “Be Kind”
This episode will be a discussion between Jeremy Andrews and Liam, Nick, Darryl and Matt of InspectAR. InspectAR’s technology uses AR to overlay Printed Circuit Board designs directly onto the circuit board, allowing you to inspect, debug, rework, and assemble PCBs in less time, without mistakes or frustration. In 2020, InspectAR was acquired by Cadence Design Systems, the market leader in Electronic Design Automation software and services.
Dr. Timmons leads us through a candid overview of her years growing up in Labrador and describes how this place shaped who she is. The strength of the Labrador community shines through in her discussion. The journey which led her to become Memorial’s president is wrought with this sense of community and early efforts to visit the communities of this Province are impressive. Dr. Timmons’ energy in support of defining and enabling the University’s place in supporting the future of this Province is palpable, while acknowledging the realities of a post Covid world. Vianne’s Billboard will “Lift You UP”. Enjoy the chat, perhap will find your “Tee Shirt”. Thank you Gary Bradshaw!
Timeline:
1:11GlobalNl Introduction and Overview
4:21Growing up in Labrador and its lasting effects
8:19Motivation/Process followed to apply and become MUN President
11:14The importance of Reaching-Out early to all areas of the Province
16:30Memorial’s key asset - It’s People
18:50Memorials’ Biggest challenge going forward (outside of Covid)
20:48The University’s tool box which supports positive growth for the Province
20:25How Memorial nurtures the education experience with a broad array supports
31:50Covid’s lasting impact on Memorial
37:04Vianne’s Billboard “Surround Yourself With People That Lift You Up”
39:46How can GlobalNL be of greater assistance “Stay Engaged”
Andrew leads us through an interesting summary of the impact the current global Covid 19 crisis has had on his personal and professional life. He shares his path to the field of medicine and the role that “Trauma in Baltimore” played in that journey. Discussions of “Dollar a Day” and “Team Broken Earth” provide interesting insights into what makes Andrew tick! Andrew also describes why he sees public life as a very important next step for him and lets us have an early look at his BillBoard “We Have Just Scratched The Surface”.
1:37Covid 19 experience for Andrew and family - Children, Education resources, Professional adjustments, Global Influence
9:20Covid 19 inspired “Reverse Urbanization” with benefit for places like Newfoundland and Labrador
12:08The “Technology Space” potential in Newfoundland and Labrador CoLab - Verifin
15:20Why choose the Medical Field? Helping People
19:20Trauma Fellowship in Baltimore Maryland experience (living with violence and stress)
29:36 “Dollar a Day” Mental Health focus - We all share the experience
37:48“Team Broken Earth” Where is it now? Where is it going?
50:31Public Life - Why? Being part of the solution to a very large problem
53:46Negativity and the “Value” of Twitter!
56:55NL’s - Silent Demographic Crisis! It touches everything.
1:02:31How can Global NL be part of the solution? “The great NL expat resource”
1:04:53Andrew’s BillBoard “We Have Just Scratched the Surface!”
Nathan describes the amazing value of Connections in a person's life. His Connections have taken him through the sporting world with national and international success, including olympic gold. He shares his view of the path forward being led by the principle of “believing in yourself” as the primary component whether it is in respect of sport, education or work. Nathan also gives us a little insight into his early fascination with the investing world and his intention to continue to pursue it. He is focused on a path forward that includes near term and long term sporting goals along with continued interest in the mysteries of the business world. He sees the value of Connections to be critical to success. A very interesting episode with a bright young man, with an even brighter future. Enjoy!
Timeline:
1:11 Covid19 Influences/worries on High School Grads
3:55 What does Online-University look like for the coming year
5:32 Sport - Curling and the 2020 Youth Olympics
8:10 Team Canada “team building” “leadership”
10:56 Olympic Takeaway - “Believe in Yourself”
13:59 Imposter? How did I get here
16:25 The OLympic Donut experience - The value of getting to know the world
20:46 The Olympic Gold Medal win!
22:22 Curling outlook - short term - long term
24:14 The “Gushue Effect”
24:57 Newfoundland’s Potential (Covid - Tech - Diversification)
28:16 How Global NL can contribute - contact - mentorship - storytelling
32:28 Investing interest - 12th birthday present - Buffett - Letters
37:31 Nathan’s Billboard
41:44 Nahtan’s question for Global NL - ambition and patience
Josh Davis provides a wide-ranging discussion of the first 10 years of his working life, which leads the listener to an understanding of what he calls the Transition Generation. He discusses his Mun Eng experience, initial NL work success and family life, leading to an exciting work/life balance in Houston. Josh explains that he has learned a lot about life choices in this period. The discussion touches on a wide range of very interesting topics that inform the Push/Pull of an NL graduate as he moves through the Jungle Gym of work and family life. You will find Josh’s insights intriguing.
Podcast Outline:
1:10 Introduction
2:20 Moving to Houston from Newfoundland
5:23 Dynamics of moving work locations
9:17 MUN Engineering experience and impression
12:35 Railroad tracks and jungle gyms post education
14:41 You can’t be what you can’t see
18:32 Two or three more Verafins - spending problem not a revenue problem
22:12 Josh's optimism about the future of Newfoundland
27:52 How can the GlobalNL Podcast support the agenda?
31:30 The future of GlobalNL
38:12 Josh’s billboard “shorten your planning timeframe”
41:02 The push and pull of life
Florian Villaume is responsible for Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE). Florian completed his Mechanical Engineering education in his native France, following that up with further education in Quebec where he completed a Masters in Fluid Mechanics. He describes his curious early career path working in Africa with Canadian Engineers Without Borders and how that unique experience shaped his thinking with respect to Leadership/ Development and the direction of his working life. The importance of having the courage to trust one’s instincts, coupled with the tools developed from early education, along with being able to sense the “energy in the room” leads this podcast to some very interesting recommendations for young and old entrepreneurs to ponder. The three key messages that he believes drive entrepreneurial growth in NL will intrigue you. Enjoy.
Content:
- Welcome - Podcast focus: 1. Florian Background, 2. MUN MCE, 3. Career Path
- Florian sets the stage with a brief overview of his education both in his Native France and in Quebec, along with a description of a fascinating early career path, which starts with working with Canadian Engineers Without Borders in Africa.
- Working with farmers in Africa leading to the appreciation of the importance of Innovative thinking.
- Florian describes what impact going from a Masters in Fluid Mechanic one minute to a Volunteer in an African village and how that experience has changed his life.
- Key Leadership elements are discussed including head vs heart, drive, trusting instincts and energy in the room.
- Today's “Zoom World” discussed where its features leave the participants with meeting outcomes, the intangibles of not meeting in person are noted, including the feeling which comes with “watching a TV show in black and white.”
- Florian discusses the natural transition for him, from the entrepreneurial drive he developed through his work in Africa to working at MUN. He describes the three key messages that lead his thinking every day.
Florian provides an over of the MCE and the significant growth and support for entrepreneurial thinking at the university and across faculties.
The role of Global NL in support of MUN is discussed.
The need for support from ex-pat NL professionals discussed with energy and emphasis. Florian repeats his strong belief in the potential for Entrepreneurial growth in NL.
- Global NL discussed at length wrt current activity and further support as things develop.
- Career Paths and the Jungle Gym effect discussed.
- Florian’s “BillBoard”
Colin describes his remarkable journey through post secondary education choices and early employment. His current professional focus with respect to the world of “Sustainability/Climate Change '' is fascinating. Colin's discussion of how financial and corporate interests have changed to reflect the new reality is enlightening. His perspective on the merits of Global NL are encouraging. Enjoy!
Podcast Outline:
Min 1 Introduction
Min 2 Why I went away for Post Graduate education choices?
Min 3:53 Current Employer Ernst & Young
Min 5:32 GreenHouse Gas Emissions Regulatory Setting
Min 8:07 Why choose Engineering (Significance of relationships along the way)
Min 15:23Evolution of the “Sustainability Manager” position
Min 17:10 Recommendations as to how to approach entering a “sustainability” career
Min 23:13Carbon Pricing Globally, Nationally, Provincially
Min 28:11 Newfoundland and Labrador “Carbon Tax” approach
Min 31:00Muskrat Falls discussion
Min 37:40The “Energy Efficiency” and the Boomerang Effect
Min 41:19 Why support Global NL?
Min 56:00Summary Podcast message wrt “Sustainability/Climate Change”
Jeremy Andrews (Co-founder at CoLab Software) discusses hardware start-ups in Newfoundland with Zach Green (Co-founder of Mysa Thermostat) and Brett Vokey (Founder of BreatheSuite).
David Stewart currently lives in Palo Alto, California but is originally from Thetford Mines, Quebec. David shares stories from his broad ranging career journey. He began by studying as a Lawyer at McGill and then found himself at an early stage startup just prior to the “.com” crash. He also founded a non-profit immigration clinic as well as worked in the Consulate General of Canada office in San Francisco. David is now an independent consultant that connects Canadian companies, institutions and individuals to Silicon Valley.
In the interview we reference two Bay Area networks, the Digital Moose Lounge (www.digitalmooselounge.org) and the C100 (www.thec100.org); please see the links above for additional details.
Joe Teo is the founder and CEO of HeyOrca!, a software start-up based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Joe shares his story about moving from Malaysia to Newfoundland to study business at Memorial University & eventually starting his company upon graduation.
Podcast Outline:
Min 1- Introduction
Min 2 - Why he decided to start a company
Min 3 - Why did he choose MUN/NL?
Min 6:30 - TIming and why he started HeyOrca!
Min 14 - Biggest challenge starting HeyOrca!
Min 16 - Managing Global teams
MIn 18 - What was easier than you thought about starting a new company?
Min 19:30 - Growing a company (marathon vs sprint)
Min 22:30 - Mission of HeyOrca!
Min 26 - Favorite Podcasts
Min 27:30 - What message would you put on a billboard where would you put it?
Min 29 - How could MUN business and engineering schools work closer together?
Min 34 - Favourite Book?
Min 35 - Why do you track yearly progress?
Min 38 - How can GlobalNL add the most value to members?
Links related to this podcast:
Small empires by Alexis Ohanian:
https://www.theverge.com/small-empires
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuZUAcn5dgM
Podcasts:
This week in startups - https://thisweekinstartups.com
HBR - https://hbr.org/podcasts
Favourite Book:
Crucial Conversations - https://amzn.to/2Eo86wC
Other Links:
HeyOrca!: https://heyorca.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosephTeoLS
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephteols/
Anne Whelan, originally from Jerseyside, is the CEO of Seafair Capital - a St. John’s based company that invests in community and home health, wellness and safety. In this episode, Anne tells us how she applied strategic thinking and global learning to innovate in public service in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Mike Wahl moved to Newfoundland in 2001 and founded Definitions Health and Wellness in St. John's.
Interviewed by Jeremy Andrews
Gill Langor is from St. John’s, NL, currently living in Oakland CA. She has an mechanical engineering degree and is also s a Rhodes scholar. She has worked in consumer product design, at a drone start-up (Lily) and is currently working at the GM owned company Cruise on autonomous driving. In addition to this, she is an avid seamstress and has already made one wedding dress.