The Manjit Minhas Podcast

Pleasure, in all forms, is often spoken about but never really actively pursued. We usually find ourselves too busy and finding smaller joys like our phones or television. But what about the joy and pleasure that can drive your life and promote a positive mental, physical, and intimate atmosphere? Cynthia Loyst is a host on CTV's "The Social," a best-selling author, a sex educator and the creator of Find Your Pleasure. Today she talks with Manjit about how she went from a sheltered child to the face of a national television show. They also discuss the importance of finding and defining the pleasures you may be missing from your life. For more information and to check out her book, visit Find Your Pleasure.

Self-care is tremendously important to keep yourself active and alert in the world of business. Getting a good night's sleep is one of the essential keys to self-care, and Natalie Marshall knows all about that. Natalie is the Founder of the sleepwear brand KIP. In today's episode, Natalie and Manjit talk about sleepwear, the importance of rest and self-care, Natalie's journey of being an entrepreneur and a new mother, and so much more.

Sometimes life can try to take you in many different directions, but who's to say you can't go in as many directions as you can? Drew Green, the President, and CEO of Indochino know all about that. On today's show, Drew speaks with Manjit about the different entrepreneurial opportunities he has taken on all at once, how that led him to start Indochino and so much more.

The world of professional sports has been working hard to create a more inclusive space for everyone. As much as we can see the progress in the game, what about what's happening outside of it? Abby Albino and Shelby Weaver are the co-founders of Makeway, a sports and footwear brand made for and by women. Today, they speak with Manjit about how the world of athletic footwear and how they're building a brand where women won't be seen as an afterthought. You'll also hear about their love for and connection to basketball, what they do in the sports industry, how they make a difference in their communities and the world in general, and so much more.

It may sound like a cliché story to hear of someone going from rags to riches, but that doesn't mean those stories don't happen. Wes Hall is Chairman and Founder of Kingsdale Advisors and one of the Dragons on Dragon's Den alongside Manjit. On today's show, Wes and Manjit talk about the hardships Wes faced in his childhood, how he learned to be an entrepreneur from his grandmother, and how he became a massive success in his industry. Be sure to check out Wes' new book No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot: My rise from a Jamaican plantation shack to the boardrooms of Bay Street in physical, digital or audio format. Click this link to learn more.

Having a brand means you're looking to have a product in the market or to have your name be recognizable. But what does your brand do for everyone else that truly makes it special? Jenn Harper is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty. Today, Jenn talks with Manjit about making a brand that can also give back to communities, how it all came to be, and so much more including the time Jenn stood on the stage of Dragon's Den as an entrepreneur.

When you begin your entrepreneurial journey, you may end up in a position you hadn't even expected. Though Catherine Tait, President and CEO of CBC/Radio Canada might tell you that about herself, her experiences and journey feels like it had only naturally led to her current role. Today, Catherine and Manjit talk about the importance of story telling and communication for people of many different voices to be heard and so much more.

You know about Manjit's story and how she got to be where she is today, but as an interesting twist, we can hear about it from her business partner and younger brother Ravinder Minhas. Ravinder is the co-founder of the Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries. In today's episode, we get to hear Ravinder's perspective on working in the alcohol business alongside Manjit, as well as his own business ventures including becoming a board member of Canada Jetlines. Join the Minhas siblings for some entertaining and insightful conversations, and a little bit of sibling rivalry to top it off!

One of the easiest ways to get ahead in your industry is to think outside the box and innovate in such a way that makes others follow in your footsteps. Shahrzad Rafati is the CEO of BroadbandTV Corp, and she knows all too well the importance of forging the path to stand out. On today's show, Shahrzad and Manjit have some very insightful conversations about how she got to be where she is today, how BBTV has stayed competitive and relevant in a fast-paced industry, and the importance of equality and how it allows the industry to thrive.

*The audio for this podcast was from an interview Manjit did on the podcast Making It with Jon Davids. In this special edition of the Manjit Minhas Podcast, the tables turn as Manjit answers questions regarding the business she runs with her brother, how she got to where she is and where she's going.

Wherever you find yourself in the world of business, you had to have started somewhere. Often these stories get overshadowed by an entrepreneur's current success. Where you start is equally as important as where you end up. Shannon Nocos is a young entrepreneur and is the owner of Kwneto, a small bakery in the heart of Toronto, Ontario. Shannon talks with Manjit about starting as an online business that transitioned over to a brick-and-mortar location during the pandemic, and what her next steps for brand expansion are. As she continues to pursue her goals and dreams, there will be so much more of her story to hear as time goes on.

As you ascend in the world of business, it's important never to forget where you came from. Being a leader comes from many years of overcoming challenges, adversities and obstacles. When you've reached the top, not only should you find ways to continue to grow, but find ways to help those who now stand where you did once. Dr. Rola Dagher is the Global Channel Chief for Dell Technologies and is the embodiment of both leadership and gratitude. Dr. Dagher speaks with Manjit today about her difficult childhood, starting a new life in a new country, being a woman in the tech industry, and how she as a leader is always giving back.

Kendall and Justine Barber are sisters who run Poppy Barley, a clothing and footwear company that has innovated the industry by providing an ethical and sustainable business model within the clothing industry. In this episode the sisters touch on what it's like to run a business together, and how they've been able to achieve their mission of providing a product with a positive message behind it. 

Ryan Holtz is the host of The Ryan Holtz Show and runs Ryan Holtz Marketing. A plethora of knowledge when it comes to honing your brand identity, Ryan Holtz shares some of the best ways you can market yourself and your business online. 

Karina Birch went from being a consumer of a product to owning that very same business. Since taking ownership of Rocky Mountain Soap, she has grown the business to great lengths and continues to strive to create the most sustainable and natural products there is. 

Michele Romanow started her entrepreneur journey with a coffee shop in 2006. This eventually led her to start several other businesses; Evandale Caviar, Buytopia.ca, and SnapSaves. Today Michele Romanow can be seen on Dragons' Den as the youngest Dragon, and she is a co-founder of Clear Banc. 

Andrew Chau is one of the co-founders of Canada's leading food delivery app: SkipTheDishes. He has since moved on from that venture and has started Neo Finacial, a company that is innovating the financial space.

 A serial entrepreneur, Katherine co-founded ShopLocket a company that set out to do what Youtube accomplishes for video makers, but for single item e-commerce (Acquired by PCH International in 2014). She also founded an Angel Investing group under the name ‘Female Funders' which was acquired the same year.

Vikram Vij left his home in India to study Hotel Management which eventually brought him to Canada where he has since opened multiple very successful restaurants. He was a Dragon on Dragons' Den and a judge on Top Chef Canada. 

Tom Keiser has a diverse background - starting in tech, he eventually found himself as the SVP for L Brands, CIO of Gap, and CIO/COO of Zendesk. Today Tom is the CEO of Hootsuite, a company that has innovated the way businesses use social media. 

Nicole Verkindt is the Founder and CEO of OMX, an online platform that manages complex supply chains in the mining, energy, infrastructure, aerospace, and public sector.

Jim Treliving started his career in law enforcement. Eventually, that would lead him to enter the food industry and grow his business from 1 restaurant to a chain of restaurants all across North America. 

Michael Denham is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation. At BDC, he helps startups and businesses through financial guidance and helps direct them onto a path of success.   Sign up for the podcast newsletter at https://manjitminhaspodcast.influicity.com/    

Joanna Griffiths is the Founder and CEO of Knix, and clothing company that works to redefine intimates for women. Knixwear has become more than a product line, and Joanna is going to tell us what it takes to turn your brand into a message.  This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/Manjit to start your free trial today!

Ed Sims is the President and CEO of WestJet Airlines, and has worked within the airline industry for over 2 decades. Ed has had to navigate different types of crises over the years, and in this episode he shares what that experience is like. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/Manjit to start your free trial today!

Zabeen Hirji was the Chief Human Resources Officer of RBC for over 10 years. She now sits on many different boards, and helps businesses manage when it comes to the ever changing environment of office culture. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/Manjit to start your free trial today!

Christiane Germain is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Groupe Germain Hôtels that consists of: Le Germain Hotels, Alt Hotels and Escad Hotels. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/Manjit to start your free trial today!  

Manjit revisits clips from past episodes where she asks the question "what do you wish you knew when you were in your early 20's". This episode features audio from Vincenzo Guzzo, Jim Pattison, and Paul Feig. 

Arati Sharma is the director of Product and Offline Marketing for Shopify, a leading global commerce company, providing trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/Manjit to start your free trial today!

Jim Pattison is a business magnate, investor and philanthropist. He is one of the richest Canadians and the Founder of The Jim Pattison Group. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/Manjit to start your free trial today!

Lisa Lisson is the President of FedEx Express Canada and is the author of the book; Resilience: Navigating Life, Loss and the Road to Success. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Visit Shopify.com/Manjit to start your free trial today!

Listen to the first episode on November 17th.