How to make it in Toronto

In this success story on How to Make it in Toronto, we dive into the fascinating success story of Ozempic, the revolutionary drug developed by Novo Nordisk that has transformed the worlds of diabetes care and weight management.We explore how this once niche pharmaceutical innovation became a global health and business success, reshaping lives, sparking conversations about wellness, and turning into one of the most in-demand medications on the planet.You’ll learn how Ozempic was created, the science behind its effectiveness, the challenges Novo Nordisk faced, and how it became a cultural and commercial powerhouse across Canada and beyond. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, health professional, or someone interested in innovation and global impact—this episode offers valuable insight into how strategy, science, and timing can redefine success.

In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, host Karl sits down with Leandro Cartelli, CEO and Co-Founder of Lana Talent. With 15+ years of experience leading Talent Acquisition at global companies like Accenture, Boehringer Ingelheim, PedidosYa, and DeliveryHero, Leandro has built a career on connecting businesses with top talent.Now, through Lana Talent, he helps growing companies find the right people who not only perform but also align with culture and values.Leandro shares his unique approach to hiring — blending strategy, data, and a human touch — while breaking down what startups and scaling businesses need to know to attract, retain, and empower top-tier talent. If you’re building a team or preparing for growth, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.👉 Follow🔗 LinkedIn: Leandero Cartelli📸 Instagram: Lana Talent💻Connect: lanatalent.com

In this episode, we sit down with Al Zdenek — Founder and Executive Chair of Cake Club, a celebrated financial planning leader, and author of two acclaimed Forbes books. Al shares his remarkable journey from building and exiting a highly successful financial firm to overcoming bankruptcy and emerging stronger than ever.He breaks down practical strategies for wealth management, the essentials of sound financial planning, and his mission to help people live fully in the present while securing their future. Al’s decades of experience and genuine passion for helping others achieve financial freedom make this a must-listen conversation.If you’re ready to learn how to build, protect, and enjoy your wealth — and get inspired by a story of resilience and success — this episode is for you.👉 Follow Cakeclub™:🔗 LinkedIn📸 Instagram📘 Facebook▶️ YouTubeTune in now on all major platforms!

In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, we sit down with Steven Puri — a true renaissance entrepreneur whose journey takes us from software engineering at USC to winning an Academy Award for Independence Day, to overseeing Hollywood blockbusters like Die Hard, The Wolverine, and 24 at major studios like 20th Century FOX and DreamWorks.Steven shares the three core themes we focus on in this podcast:How he got startedHow he overcomes failure and keeps goingThe resources and mindsets that help him thriveWe dive into the creation of his first business, Centropolis Effects, a CGI powerhouse that helped shape modern film and was acquired for $15 million. But Steven’s journey didn’t stop there. After experiencing the highs of executive life in Hollywood, he returned to entrepreneurship — and faced failure head-on. In this episode, he unpacks what those failures taught him, how to take accountability, and the power of persistence.Today, Steven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, a platform that helps remote workers overcome procrastination and distraction, so they can stay focused, energized, and connected. He shares how Sukha is transforming the way we approach work — not just with tools, but with a supportive community.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to turn setbacks into stepping stonesWhat all successful people understand about failureThe habits and tools that high performers use to manage time and energyHow to lead teams with empathy and clarityThe essential entrepreneurial skills: knowing your customer, solving real problems, and listening deeplySteven also shares his go-to productivity tools (his calendar + Google Tasks), tips for building great companies, and leadership insights that every founder and creative should hear.🎧 This is truly one of our best episodes yet — packed with wisdom, actionable advice, and an inspiring story of reinvention. Whether you're building a business, pivoting careers, or just looking for a motivational reset, this episode is for you.Connect with Steven Puri:📧 Email: steven@thesukha.co🔗 LinkedIn: Steven PuriListen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.

This is one of the most powerful and inspiring interviews I’ve ever done! I sit down with Marc Reede—author, speaker, and President of Rave Speakers Bureau—as he shares the game-changing insights from his upcoming book, The Coffee Code (dropping April 16, 2025 ).Marc takes us on his journey from college to law school to building a thriving business, revealing the keys to success through networking, mentorship, and the art of storytelling. Whether you're a student, young professional, or entrepreneur striving to level up, this episode is packed with high-impact strategies to help you build meaningful relationships, inspire others, and stand out in any industry. What you’ll learn:✅ How to build authentic connections that open doors✅ Why mentors are crucial for your success (and how to find the right one!)✅ The power of storytelling to captivate, inspire, and influenceDon’t miss this episode—it’s filled with valuable wisdom, real-life lessons, and powerful takeaways you can apply today. Marc’s book, The Coffee Code, is available for pre-order now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble! 📚 Pick up a copy on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Coffee-Code-Meeting-Introduce-Opportunities-ebook🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: Marc Reede➕ Follow Marc on TikTok & IG: @mentormarcreede💻 Learn more about Marc's work; website: https://coffeecodebook.com/🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms!♻️ Like , Subscribe & Share if you enjoy the content. Take it ease 🙏

In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, I sit down with Jasmin Dennis, a Health and Wellness expert with over 30 years of hands-on experience. Jasmin has been instrumental in building over 20 fitness facilities from the ground up—including three for former Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis, while also serving as a member of his boxing team.She shares her journey, the challenges she faced, and how she overcame them, offering valuable insights into personal training, health education, and the power of resilience in business and life. Now a Certified Herbalist, Jasmin continues to push the boundaries of wellness and fitness.We also dive into a crucial topic—how to overcome emotional burnout. Jasmin provides expert tips on managing stress, maintaining balance, and prioritizing your well-being, especially in high-performance environments.Tune in to hear her incredible story and gain practical advice on success, health, and wellness! 🎧💪📺 Watch now on YouTube & listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share!

In this episode of How to Make It in Toronto, we sit down with Suriel Arellano—an author, speaker, inventor, and executive mentor with over two decades of experience in digital transformation, AI leadership, and organizational development. We dive into Suriel’s journey to success, how he transitioned into executive coaching, and what it takes to be a great CEO in today’s rapidly evolving business world. Then, we explore the impact of AI on organizations and the future of work, uncovering key insights for leaders navigating digital transformation. Finally, we discuss his latest book, Leading in the Age of AI, and how businesses can adapt to the changing landscape. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation on business, leadership, and AI! 📖 Learn more about Suriel and his work at tec4digital.com 🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all streaming platforms!