Finding Your True North

Legacy, Leverage, and AI: Helping Small Businesses Win Faster with Édouard Vilver, Founder & CEO of Meriaky

In this episode of Follow Your True North, host Paul Gill sits down with Édouard Vilver, a software engineer turned founder, to explore how purpose, legacy, and automation can transform both a life and a business. Édouard shares how COVID became the unexpected catalyst that pushed him from a stable career (including years at the National Bank of Canada) into entrepreneurship—after seeing friends and community businesses struggle without an online presence. What started as pro-bono help (websites, calendars, emails, basic systems) evolved into Meriaky, a company built to help solopreneurs and small businesses save time, scale faster, and create impact through automation and AI. At the heart of Édouard’s “True North” is one word: Legacy—a principle forged at his grandmother’s funeral, where he witnessed firsthand what it looks like to leave an imprint on hundreds of lives. This conversation is a deep reminder that building something meaningful requires both heart and strategy: passion, vision, and measurable execution. 🔑 Key Topics Covered * Édouard’s journey: France → Montreal → founder life * How COVID revealed a gap in small business infrastructure * What Meriaky does: automation that frees up time and increases capacity * Why “time is the entrepreneur’s most valuable asset” * The moment Édouard realized he needed to become “selfish” with his growth * Building confidence: communication, leadership, and personal development * Advice for entrepreneurs: Passion + Vision + Scientist mindset (data + iteration) * The real meaning of balance: daily tradeoffs and intentional sacrifices * Leveraging partnerships and team-building to move faster * Why legacy is built through consistent choices, not luck 📣 Call to Action If this episode encouraged you:✅ Subscribe to Follow Your True North⭐ Leave a review📤 Share it with an entrepreneur who needs clarity, systems, or inspiration Until next time—keep pursuing your True North.

Service as Strategy: Building Purpose-Driven Businesses That Protect Main Street

In this episode of Finding Your True North, host Paul Gill sits down with Dean Jensen, CEO of SoFlo Acquisitions, for a powerful conversation on faith, service, entrepreneurship, and redefining private equity with conscience. Dean shares his personal journey—from growing up sailing through literal storms on the open ocean to navigating the figurative storms of business, family life, and leadership. At the heart of the conversation is a bold mission: protecting Main Street workers from destructive private equity practices by acquiring HVAC companies and transitioning them into employee-owned businesses through ESOPs. This episode explores what it truly means to lead with service, why passion should follow skill (not the other way around), how to manage chaos without losing clarity, and why success is built through consistency, discipline, and long-term vision—not overnight wins. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or leader searching for alignment between profit, purpose, and people, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. 🔑 Key Topics Covered * What “True North” means for entrepreneurs and leaders * Faith, family, and service as foundational principles * Why traditional private equity often fails Main Street * How ESOPs empower employees and preserve legacy * Passion vs. skill: redefining career and business advice * Delegation, leverage, and scaling without burnout * The myth of work-life balance vs. real time management * Staying calm under pressure and making decisions in crisis * Why success requires mastering the “boring” daily work * Raising capital with both returns and social conscience 📣 Call to Action If this episode resonated with you: ✅ Subscribe to Finding Your True North ⭐ Leave a review 📤 Share this episode with someone building a business—or a life—rooted in purpose Until next time, keep pursuing your True North.

Becoming the Dream: Harmony, Hustle, and the Power of Purpose with Rozbeh Sororian

In this powerful episode of Finding Your True North, host Paul Gill sits down with Rozbeh Sororian, Director of Strategic Partnerships at MW Law and a wellness advocate guiding high-achievers toward lasting balance. Rozbeh shares his journey from software sales to private equity law—and how burnout and bold self-awareness shaped his personal philosophy of harmonizing hustle with health. You’ll learn why becoming the dream matters more than chasing it, how systems create sustainable success, and why spiritual grounding and physical wellness are non-negotiable for true leadership. Whether you're building your career or rebuilding your center, this conversation will inspire you to lead from alignment, not ego. Topics Covered: * Merging high-performance with mindful living * Building a life (and network) of value * Daily practices to stay spiritually and physically aligned * Communication and storytelling as entrepreneurial superpowers * Navigating burnout and rediscovering purpose Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Roozbeh Sarurian 00:57 Roozbeh's Journey and Career Path 04:23 Defining True North: Spirituality and Health 08:34 Overcoming Burnout and Finding Balance 11:22 Advice for Entrepreneurs: Spirituality and Execution 15:58 Balancing Long-Term Vision with Short-Term Demands 20:18 Future Aspirations and Merging Wellness with Success 🎧 Listen now—and reconnect with the habits and heart behind your own True North.

From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success

In this episode of Finding Your True North, host Paul Gill interviews Mark Beal, founder and CEO of Second Chance Homes. Mark shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur in real estate. He discusses the importance of mindset, financial literacy, and the transformative power of setting clear goals. Mark emphasizes the significance of legacy and the impact one can have on others, while also providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of balancing personal and professional life, as well as the continuous pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. Takeaways * Mindset is crucial for success in life and business. * Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions. * Real estate can be a low-barrier entry point for wealth building. * Setting specific goals helps in achieving desired outcomes. * Legacy is a driving force behind entrepreneurial efforts. * Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success. * Balancing family and work is a non-negotiable priority. * Delegation is important, but some roles cannot be delegated. * Focus on solutions rather than problems to achieve goals. * Discipline and self-control are vital for personal and professional growth. Chapters 00:00 Mark Beal's Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success 05:54 The Shift to Real Estate: Discovering New Opportunities 11:22 Finding Purpose: Aligning Business with Personal Values 16:48 Vision Mapping: Setting Goals for Success 22:07 True North: Defining Personal and Professional Purpose 27:42 Advice for Entrepreneurs: Embracing Growth and Resilience 29:44 The Importance of Family and Legacy 33:25 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape 37:11 The Journey of Continuous Learning and Growth 42:42 Discipline and Self-Control in Entrepreneurship 45:41 Connecting and Collaborating for Success

The Journey of a Business Mentor

In this episode of Finding Your True North, host Paul Gill interviews Damaris Mejia, founder and CEO of Value Healthcare and DDM Global Holdings. Damaris shares her journey from a young educator to a successful business mentor, emphasizing the importance of finding one's purpose and true north. She discusses the challenges of navigating life and business, the significance of emotional intelligence, and the role of creativity in entrepreneurship. Damaris also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights her commitment to community service and education. Takeaways * Damaris has always had a passion for teaching and mentoring. * Her journey into business was influenced by her family's entrepreneurial background. * Finding purpose is crucial for fulfillment in work and life. * Positive thinking can help navigate difficult situations. * Emotional intelligence is key to effective leadership and teamwork. * Creativity is essential for business success in the age of AI. * Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth. * Understanding different personalities improves communication and teamwork. * Damaris aims to connect mentors with young people to guide them. * Community service and education are central to Damaris' mission. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Damaris Mejia 02:56 Damaris's Journey to Entrepreneurship 07:57 Finding Purpose and Spirituality 12:03 Navigating Life's Challenges 18:11 Advice for Entrepreneurs 25:52 Mastering Emotions and Team Dynamics 30:57 Future Aspirations and Mentorship