Wealth Management and Rugby: How Empathy Builds Society and Portfolios, with Russ Lazaruk

Wealth Management and Rugby: How Empathy Builds Society and Portfolios, with Russ Lazaruk

What do wealth management, leadership, and rugby have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Russ Lazaruk, Managing Director at NCP Capital Partners, to explore why the strongest portfolios and the strongest organizations are both built on trust, empathy, and meaningful relationships. With more than 35 years of experience in wealth management, Russ shares why financial success is never just about numbers. It's about understanding people, earning trust, and aligning financial decisions with what matters most. Together, Cory and Russ discuss the importance of listening before advising, leading with empathy, giving people the freedom to grow, and why the best leaders create environments where others can thrive. About Russ Lazaruk  Russ also reflects on the leadership lessons he learned long before entering finance. After serving five years in the British Army, operating a family farm, working in the forest industry, and running a heavy equipment business, he developed the practical leadership style and work ethic that continue to shape both his professional career and extensive nonprofit board service. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations strengthen governance, build capacity, and increase their impact within the communities they serve. Outside the boardroom, Russ remains an active rugby player, competes in triathlons, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Hilary, and their growing family of grandchildren. His unique life experiences offer valuable lessons on resilience, discipline, service, and leading with purpose. Whether you're building wealth, leading a team, or striving to make a lasting impact, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about success, leadership, and the legacy you leave behind. Because the greatest investments aren't always financial. They're the relationships you build, the trust you earn, and the people you empower. Connect with Russ Website: www.ncpdfo.com [http://www.ncpdfo.com]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-lazaruk-11b59b4/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-lazaruk-11b59b4/]Threads: @russlazaruk

Redefining Founder and Family Success, with SaaS Unicorn Founder Robert Imbeault

What if the greatest measure of success isn't the company you build, but the life you create? In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Robert Imbeault, Founder and CEO of Backboard.io, serial entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and former co-founder of Canadian SaaS unicorn Assent Compliance, to explore what happens when you redefine success beyond revenue, titles, and exits. After building and exiting one of Canada's most successful technology companies, Robert realized that true fulfillment isn't found in working longer hours. It's found in being fully present for the people who matter most. Together, Cory and Rob discuss entrepreneurship, fatherhood, leadership, mental health, childhood trauma, personal growth, and why the best leaders intentionally design lives that align with their values. About Robert Imbeault Robert shares lessons from building high-growth companies, investing in AI and emerging technologies, mentoring the next generation of founders, and creating healthy boundaries that allow both business and family to thrive. From his memorable "orange juice" family rule to his commitment to never missing life's most important moments, Rob offers a refreshing perspective on balancing ambition with purpose. As the Founder and CEO of Backboard.io, Rob is building AI infrastructure that provides a stateful memory layer for generative AI systems, helping shape the future of artificial intelligence. His experience as a founder, investor, and community leader provides practical insights for entrepreneurs and leaders navigating today's rapidly changing world. Whether you're building a startup, leading a team, or striving to create a more intentional life, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what lasting success truly means. Because your greatest legacy won't be measured by the business you build. It will be measured by the people whose lives you impact. Connect with Robert Imbeault Substack: https://robimbeault.substack.com/ [https://robimbeault.substack.com/] Medium: https://medium.com/@robimbeault/ [https://medium.com/@robimbeault/]X: https://x.com/RobImbeault [https://x.com/RobImbeault]

Why Soft Skills Win in Leadership: Science vs Art, with Abbas Alimorad

Will AI replace great leaders? Not if leadership remains human. In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Abbas Alimorad, executive leader, board member, AI and strategy advisor, and project management expert, to explore why the future of leadership isn't about choosing between technology and people. It's about mastering both. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience leading complex initiatives across higher education, government, and healthcare, Abbas explains why AI excels at processing information, analyzing data, and improving efficiency, but will never replace the human qualities that define exceptional leadership. Empathy, emotional intelligence, communication, trust, resilience, and integrity remain the competitive advantages every leader must develop. The conversation also explores mentorship, networking, lifelong learning, raising resilient children, overcoming setbacks, and staying grounded in your values when facing pressure. Abbas shares why every challenge is an opportunity to grow and why authentic leadership begins with putting people before performance. About Abbas Alimorad A recognized executive leader and keynote speaker, Abbas specializes in transforming project management and organizational performance through intelligence, innovation, and strategic leadership. He is known for advancing organizational growth through evidence-based planning, inclusive change management, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership. Abbas holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of Guelph, a Master of Professional Education in Educational Leadership from Western University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Whether you're leading a team, implementing AI, managing complex projects, or preparing for the future of work, this episode will help you embrace technology without losing the human connection that great leadership requires. Because technology may transform the way we work. But it's our humanity that determines how we lead. Connect with Abbas Alimorad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbasalimorad/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbasalimorad/]Email: abbas@jhmjconsulting.com [abbas@jhmjconsulting.com]

Building High-Performance Human Teams in the Automotive Industry, with Jill Trotta

What's the secret to building high-performing teams that deliver results without burning people out? In this episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Jill Trotta, Managing Director of One Guard Inspections, a Repairify company, to explore what it really means to lead people instead of simply managing numbers. With more than 30 years in the automotive and mobility industry, Jill shares how trust, empathy, integrity, and authentic relationships create stronger teams, better performance, and lasting success. About Jill Trotta From navigating personal loss while leading a new team to mentoring future leaders and championing women in the automotive industry, Jill offers practical leadership lessons on empowering people, preventing burnout, giving meaningful feedback, and creating cultures where individuals can thrive. She also explains why sustainable business success begins by recognizing that your greatest asset isn't your product or process. It's your people. Known for her high-energy, people-first leadership style, Jill has built a career leading growth across startups and enterprise organizations, overseeing multi-million-dollar P&Ls, driving strategic partnerships, scaling operations, and leading successful business exits. She is respected for combining high standards with low ego, clear accountability, and a commitment to building organizations that honor the people behind the work. Whether you're leading a small team or a global organization, this conversation will inspire you to lead with purpose, humanity, and courage. Because great leaders don't just build successful companies. They build successful people. Connect with Jill Trotta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilltrotta/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilltrotta/]

Serving Nonprofits with Compassion, While Showing God's Grace, with Dr. Kimberly Terry, EdD

In this inspiring episode of Unapologetic Leadership, Cory Dunham sits down with Dr. Kimberly Terry, consultant, nonprofit leader, and humanitarian, to discuss what it means to lead with compassion, humility, and faith. Dr. Terry shares her journey from corporate America to building a mission-driven consulting business and nonprofit organization serving women and children in Sierra Leone. Together, they explore powerful leadership lessons about personal transformation, healing from past wounds, receiving difficult feedback, and allowing faith to shape how we show up in the world. This conversation dives into overcoming adversity, embracing humility, practicing financial stewardship, and discovering how God's grace can guide leaders through both success and challenge. Dr. Terry also shares how servant leadership, compassion, and authentic relationships can create lasting impact in both professional and personal settings. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, nonprofit professional, or person of faith looking to make a greater impact, this episode will encourage you to lead with authenticity, serve others with purpose, and stay focused on your calling. Tune in to learn how faith-driven leadership, resilience, and genuine human connection can transform both your life and the lives of those you serve. About Dr. Kimberly Terry Dr. Kimberly Terry, EdD, is a Consultant, Group Facilitator, and Program Evaluator. She is an experienced leader in health and human services with strong emotional intelligence and compassion. Dr. Terry possesses a unique blend of technological expertise and business acumen and is passionate about travel, writing, and movies. She is always ready for her next adventure. Connect with Dr. Kimberly Terry Website: https://www.drkim-speaks.com/ [https://www.drkim-speaks.com/]Email: kterry@magnifiedigc.com [kterry@magnifiedigc.com]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimspeaks/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimspeaks/]