The People-Driven CEO Podcast

Episode 39: Leading with Heart: Jill De Chavez on Building a People-First Business in Social Impact

In this episode of the podcast, host Shane Jeremy James, known as S1H, sits down with Jill De Chavez, the dynamic owner of Briteweb. This digital agency manages the online presence of mission-driven organizations, such as the David Suzuki Foundation. After years of overseeing large corporate projects, Jill took the bold step of becoming an owner by purchasing the very agency where she once worked. Now leading a 15-person team, she quickly realized that running a company presents its unique challenges. From making difficult decisions, such as letting go of underperforming employees, to fostering a culture of psychological safety, Jill’s journey is raw, honest, and full of valuable insights. We discuss what it takes to maintain strong values while staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Jill emphasizes that emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and open conversations with your team are not just "nice to have" but essential for business success. We also explore how technology is transforming the creative industry and why listening to your team might be your greatest competitive advantage. Mobile viewers: tap the link to watch the interview: Jill De Chavez Interview [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeyazTCiTr0] 🌐 BRITEWEB: Briteweb [https://briteweb.com/] #ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane Jeremy James 🎧 Listen on: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast/id1821342248 https://player.fm/series/3672406 https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-Oipr8wRY2do/ https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-6130824 https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/133866

Episode 38: Virtual Healing Revolution: Nick Vassev on Building the Future of VR Therapeutics

In this episode of The People-Driven CEO Podcast, host Shane Jeremy James, also known as S1H, speaks with Nik Vassev, the founder of NovoBeing. This VR therapeutics company integrates meditation, breathwork, and mental wellness into the healthcare system through the use of immersive technology. Nik discusses how he raised over $1 million in funding, overcame more than 300 investor rejections, and built a company supported by clinical trials that demonstrate real results, including a reduction in pain by over 50% with just 10 minutes of daily practice. Shane and Nik explore what it takes to lead a people-first startup in an environment that often promotes burnout. They cover important topics such as learning to delegate and trust your team, avoiding hustle culture, and safeguarding your health as a founder. If you are serious about building a purpose-driven business that can scale without compromising the well-being of your team or your sanity, this conversation is for you. Mobile viewers: tap the link to watch the interview: Nik Vassev Interview [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOW0pSFJkQ] 🌐 NICK VASSEV WEBSITE: https://www.nikvassev.com/ [https://www.nikvassev.com/] 🌐 NOVO BEING WEBSITE: novobeing.com [http://novobeing.com/] #ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane Jeremy James 🎧 Listen on: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast/id1821342248    https://player.fm/series/3672406https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-Oipr8wRY2do/ https://player.fm/series/3672406https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-6130824 https://player.fm/series/3672406https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/133866

Episode 37: From Corporate to Craft: Zahir Rajani on Reviving Family Legacy in Luxury Tailoring

In this episode, Shane Jeremy James, known simply as S1H, sits down with Zahir Rajani, the brilliant mind behind The Sartorial Shop, one of Vancouver’s most refined custom suit boutiques. Zahir didn't start in fashion; he originally came from the world of commercial real estate, where he held a stable job focused on buildings and contracts. However, he felt a deep desire to revive something more meaningful: his family’s legacy. His parents opened their tailoring shop back in 1984, following in the footsteps of Zahir’s grandfather, a master clothier in East Africa. Trading predictability for passion, Zahir took the leap into entrepreneurship, modernizing the family business and embracing the challenges that come with it. During their conversation, Zahir and Shane discuss the thrilling journey of being a founder—the steep learning curve, the pressure of leadership, and the continuous decisions regarding what to delegate and what to handle personally. They also explore the intersection of tradition and innovation, as Zahir integrates cutting-edge technology into the centuries-old craft of tailoring. His ambition? To make The Sartorial Shop the premier destination for luxury custom suits in Canada, and eventually, to expand that vision globally. Mobile viewers: tap the link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/quF8LfyDLe4 [https://youtu.be/quF8LfyDLe4]  🌐 THE SARTORIAL SHOP: www.thesartorialshop.com [http://www.thesartorialshop.com/] #ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane Jeremy 🎧 Listen on:   [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast/id1821342248]https://player.fm/series/3672406 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast/id1821342248https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-Oipr8wRY2do/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast/id1821342248https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-6130824 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast/id1821342248https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/133866  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast/id1821342248]

Episode 36: Beauty with Purpose: Missy MacKintosh on Redefining the Industry

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Missy MacKintosh, founder of MisMacK Clean Cosmetics, who is leading a powerful shift in the beauty industry. From working behind the scenes as a professional makeup artist to building her own inclusive, cruelty-free brand, Missy shares how her values, experiences, and vision for change have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. She opens up about the challenges of disrupting a saturated market—and the passion that keeps her mission-driven. We dive into the realities of ethical entrepreneurship, what true representation means in the world of beauty, and how clean products can go hand-in-hand with bold creativity. Missy’s story is a masterclass in leading with integrity, challenging the status quo, and creating a brand that doesn’t just sell—but uplifts. If you're a creator, founder, or someone seeking purpose in your work, this episode will leave you inspired to think differently and act boldly. Mobile viewers: tap the link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/3kKO1f1xVVA [https://youtu.be/3kKO1f1xVVA]  🌐 MisMacK Clean Cosmetics: https://mismack.com/ [https://mismack.com/] #ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane 🎧 Listen on: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast/id1821342248 https://player.fm/series/3672406 https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-Oipr8wRY2do/ https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-6130824 https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/133866

Episode 35: Building Better Systems: Marc Wandler on Purpose, People & Innovation

In this episode, we sit down with Marc Wandler, a founder and forward-thinking entrepreneur, to explore what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up. Marc shares his journey of creating systems and solutions that serve people first, drawing from his experiences in leadership, social impact, and business innovation. From early lessons to scaling strategies, Marc opens up about the mindset needed to grow something that lasts. We delve into the importance of values-driven leadership, how to remain mission-focused in a fast-paced world, and why community and empathy are just as crucial as strategy. Whether you're launching a startup, managing a team, or simply passionate about using business as a force for good, Marc's insights offer clarity, motivation, and a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with both head and heart. Mobile viewers: tap the link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/nLoOgluzl5E [https://youtu.be/nLoOgluzl5E]  🌐 Susgrainable Health Foods Inc.: https://susgrainable.com/pages/b2b-flour/ [https://susgrainable.com/pages/b2b-flour/] #ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane 🎧 Listen on: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast/id1821342248 https://player.fm/series/3672406 https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-Oipr8wRY2do/ https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-people-driven-ceo-podcast-6130824 https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/133866