The Insider's Guide To Finance

What does it take to be an authentic leader? Allison Grafton is the award winning President and Founder of Rockwood Custom Homes. In this episode, she shares the details of her journey, from kicking off a career in the male-dominated investment banking industry in the early 1990s to starting Rockwood Custom Homes after facing obstacles in her own renovation projects.We discuss the personal attributes she considers as fuel for her success, where her confidence comes from, and what she would advise other women in male-dominated fields. Next, we get into the premise and foundational values that she has built her business on and the epic scale of the projects that she has completed. We touch on plenty of different topics, from vulnerability in leadership to mentorship among women, book recommendations, and more. This episode's show notes: https://bit.ly/4kiRo4NCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

What if everyday investors could tap into hedge fund-level strategies without the hefty price tag? In this episode, we sit down with Bob Elliott, co-founder, CEO, and CIO of Unlimited Funds, who is reshaping the world of alternative investments. With a career that kicked off at the renowned Bridgewater Associates, where he worked alongside legendary investor Ray Dalio, Bob is now on a mission to bring sophisticated, low-cost investment strategies to the masses.How does he do it? By harnessing the power of machine learning to challenge the traditional two-and-twenty fee structure. Bob dives deep into "the wisdom of the crowd," the critical role of fee reduction, and how to strike the perfect balance between market humility and bold moves in the venture world.Along the way, Bob shares the entrepreneurial lessons he's learned in building Unlimited and gives us a glimpse into the future of hedge fund replication products.Show notes of this episode here: https://bit.ly/4dzxnCJCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

How does an experienced fund manager evaluate a company before investing in it? In this episode we welcome back Bruce Campbell, President and Portfolio Manager at StoneCastle Investment Management, to share his seasoned insights on how he navigates the investment arena as a fund manager.Investing can be compared to a high-stakes sports game - packed with emotion, strategy, and unexpected twists. Bruce takes us inside his investment philosophy, revealing how he identifies and capitalizes on undiscovered growth companies.Together we dive into the role of Investor Relations and how effective communication can make or break an investment strategy. Bruce shares his motivations to start StoneCastle, the challenges of launching a fund, and advice for investors looking to make smarter decisions.This episode explores all the highs and lows of the investment landscape and how companies and investors can leverage this knowledge, so make sure to tune in!Show notes of this episode here: https://bit.ly/3ZcGNjXCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

Are you overlooking the role analysts play in your company’s success? Many financial professionals do, missing out on opportunities to strengthen these valuable relationships. Today, with the help of Jason Gold, Founder and CEO of Resurge, we are finding ways to improve relationships with sell-side analysts and researchers with a closer look at a company’s banking relationships as well.Jason’s shares insights from his extensive experience, including his time spent at Morgan Stanley, which has influenced his approach to investor relations today. Together, we discover how public companies can strengthen relationships with sell-side analysts and improve banking partnerships to ensure their true value is accurately reflected.Show notes of this episode: https://rb.gy/sd51siCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

You can’t achieve entrepreneurial success without the courage to make bold decisions and the resilience to embrace the unknown. In this latest episode, Cory sits down with Zahir Rajani, the CEO and Co-Founder of Rajani Bespoke. With a track record of managing operations that generated over $200,000,000 in annual revenue, Zahir is renowned for his contract negotiation and systems implementation. However in 2023, Zahir made the unexpected decision to leave his life as a high performing real estate executive, to start a bespoke clothing brand. The success of which speaks to his exceptional leadership and business acumen. Tune in to discover how Zahir navigated his high-stakes shift from real estate to fashion, his approach to risk taking and strategies for tough negotiations. We delve into what ignited his passion for high fashion, explore the nuances of bespoke tailoring and touch on the potential implications of AI in the industry. Don’t miss our captivating discussion on leadership and how to look good doing it. Show notes of this episode: https://bit.ly/3wEso4iCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVfPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

In today’s competitive business landscape, Investor relations plays an increasingly pivotal role in the operations of any strategic investment firm. But with the emergence of new technologies such as AI, how do you stay relevant and indispensable to your clients? Today’s podcast guest is here to explain how sometimes going back to basics could prove more powerful than you realize. Join us as we sit down with Nick Kuzyk, Founding Principal and Owner of Meadowbank Strategic Partners, a company that identified a gap in the market, and expertly filled it with a commitment to exceptional service and integrity. In our conversation, Nick walks us through the ethos behind Meadowbank’s success, shedding light on how his team enhances investor communications to create lasting value for clients. We discuss how AI and new technology has reshaped the industry, and the importance of cultivating honest relationships with research analysts. Nick also shares his toolbox of success, where learning from mistakes is celebrated as a key driver for continuous improvement in the competitive world of strategic investments.Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the importance of integrity and building genuine connections in an increasingly digital and disconnected landscape.Show notes of this episode: https://bit.ly/3Tlh59oCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVfPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

As consumers, we don’t think enough about water. It's a resource we often take for granted, especially in North America where access to fresh water is incorporated into all facets of our daily lives. So when businesses or cities start facing water shortages or a lack of infrastructure - what are you supposed to do? Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginClear joins us for this week’s episode to discuss the many lucrative opportunities within the water industry, and how OriginClear is taking the plunge. Riggs shares his journey to leadership and what he has learned along the way, including the importance of strategic delegation. Gain exclusive insights into global water markets, investment prospects, and OriginClear’s pivotal role in supporting the industry. Join us for a deep dive into culture, the value of celebrating success, leadership strategies and the financial currents shaping the future. And finally, we explore the impact of content creation and marketing, and why it's important to personalize the customer experience. As a final closing, Riggs shares a word of wisdom with listeners, reminding us that opportunity often arises from chaos. Thank you for tuning in!Show notes of this episode: https://bit.ly/3UdkybgCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVfPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

There’s a lot to be learned from working at a global industry-leading firm. These lessons are especially useful when you decide to take on a new challenge, and switch to a smaller, more selective company. This is the experience of today’s guest, Evan Curtis, who shares his decade-long journey from PIMCO, a major real estate firm, to leading multifamily investments as Executive Director at Vanamor.Join us as we learn what it takes to transition from a large corporation to a nimble organization, and the essential lessons learned from an institutional background. We explore the strategic advantage of Vanamor’s size, and how they’re using relationship building, middle-market opportunities, and leveraging technology for a competitive edge.Our conversation navigates key topics including present-day market concerns, investor psychology, and unique opportunities in the current economic landscape.Tune in to learn about Evan’s journey and his understanding of real estate dynamics, finance strategies and navigating professional transitions.Show notes of this episode: https://bit.ly/47G8LVMCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVfPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

Have you ever felt that legal processes are stuck in the past? How pricing for legal counsel can feel like more of a problem than a solution? This week, we are proud to feature the Founder and CEO of Good Lawyer, Brett Colvin to discuss his revolutionary approach to the legal system. Tuning in, you’ll hear about the underlying reasons behind lawyer dissatisfaction, and Good Lawyers’ approach to prioritizing both efficiency and lawyer well-being.Together, we delve into how AI is not just a buzzword, but a catalyst for unlocking productivity. Brett shares his views on strategic PR, and forward thinking marketing strategies to redefine legal services in Canada. Finally, our guest tells us what content inspires him and reminds us about the power of culture and incentives. For anyone looking to learn more about the legal side of business, this is a must-listen episode. Show notes of this episode: https://bit.ly/41L32MUCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVfPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

They’re called precious metals for a reason - they are rare, high in economic value and provide investors with a means of storing wealth. Today's guest is Cam Currie, senior investment advisor at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, and leader of Currie Metals & Mining Group. Cam joins us today to share his experience investing in gold and why everyone should consider it a portfolio staple but only a few understand when the time is right to start looking at equities. Is now the time?In North America, gold, silver and other precious metals are often overlooked in favour of flashier sectors such as cryptocurrencies or tech unicorns.If you are an investor yourself, this episode will provide you with a unique perspective of how to evaluate the mining industry. As a CEO or IR professional of a mining company it will provide you with unique guidance on the type of narrative that a professional investor needs to hear to consider investing in your company.Full show notes: https://bit.ly/3QZMT2GCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVfPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

Have you taken a serious look at how royalties can be an effective vehicle to finance mining projects? If you'd like to learn how a successful gold royalty company is built and how it can support the mining industry, investors and management teams, this episode is for you!Sandstorm Gold Royalties holds a portfolio of 250 royalties on mines worldwide. David Awram, Geologist and Senior Executive Vice President, is at the helm of their leadership. In this episode, he shares his experience of learning essential aspects of the industry from inspiring leaders, and his efforts to popularize the use of royalties as a financing mechanism. Shortly after announcing the public funding at Sandstorm, the gold price plummeted, and David gives listeners a look at how the company managed this challenge. We explore business development at Sandstorm and hear how David’s approach differs from other names in the industry. We discuss the need for speculative capital, inspiration from David Law’s work, and much more before David offers some hard-earned advice for those looking to enter the investment industry, and CEOs aiming to finance their projects.Access the show notes of this episode: https://bit.ly/3MfogMHCheck out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVfPlease note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of registered investment advisors.

Choose your side – debt or equity financing and get ready for battle! Aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking to scale operations, this episode is for you.On this special episode of the Insider’s Guide to Finance, we dive deep into the heart of one of the most contentious topics in the business world.Tom Klausen, President of True Viking Finance, and Scott Sinclair, President of Sinclair Range are back on the show to discuss the nuances of debt and equity.Debt and equity are two common methods of financing a business. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on various factors.Tom and Scott debate the value of equity, the risk associated with debt, and the reasons most businesses fail. We discuss the evaluation game, and using debt to grow an insolvent business.The episode unpacks leveraging debt and equity together, why equity is a last resort for pre-revenue businesses and the cost of capital. You'll also learn about issues about equity and much more.We hope you learn something valuable from this debate – from both sides! Enjoy the show. Check out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVf Please note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of accredited investment advisors.

Are you a business owner at a stage where you need to either raise capital or sell your business but don't know how to evaluate options? You need to listen to this episode!Today’s guest, Arthur Petropoulos is here to help. His career began on Wall Street at an investment banking firm. Today, Arthur is the founder and managing partner at Hill View Partners.Hillview Partners focuses exclusively on the sell side and is there for clients through every phase of a deal. Executives turn to Hill View Partners to secure capital or exit or sell businesses.His company specializes in assisting privately-held companies. He takes clients through a complex process. These processes can be challenging to navigate without a solid understanding of the ecosystem.In this episode, Arthur talks about the concept of many expansions and explains how the “ladder of institutional capital works”.The conversation then delves into the biggest pain points experienced in the M&A space. We learn why Hill View Partners’ approach is to get deals out into the open as soon as possible. Arthur closes by offering advice on managing expectations and key components of a deal.We hope you enjoy this insightful episode!Check out some of our most popular episodes:Chicken S#!it CEOs w. Mogens Smed: https://bit.ly/3M7c4xCLeadership Lessons from Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Now, EVCP Growth Equity: https://bit.ly/3LN5GugCanada’s Best Venture Partner w. Bruce Croxon: https://bit.ly/3ppCAt9Sign up for our free 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0: https://bit.ly/42C0FLWStay in the know and follow along:Connect with our host, Cory Cleveland on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Lti42oVisit The Insider’s Guide to Finance Website: https://bit.ly/3NO9qxQFollow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/42grK7wSubscribe to The Knowledge Bank Letter - a periodic letter of actionable insights, interviews, and quality curations: https://bit.ly/3pgdAVf Please note that the information contained in this interview is not financial advice but for entertainment purposes. I am not a financial advisor and make no warranties or representations concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this interview. I recommend that any and all investment decisions be made with the advice of accredited investment advisors.