Episode 5: Craig Dickens, CEO of JD Merit - Buying and Selling businesses, Deal killers and more

Episode 8: James Pearce and Markham Hislop - Energy Transition - Focus on Canada

Energy transition refers to the global energy sector's shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption — including oil, natural gas, and coal — to renewable energy sources like hydrogen, wind, and solar, as well as lithium-ion batteries. The increasing penetration of renewable energy into the energy supply mix, the onset of electrification, and improvements in energy storage are all key drivers of the energy transition. Regulation and commitment to decarbonization have been mixed, but the energy transition will continue to increase in importance as investors prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. They answer these and more: * What are some of the biggest challenges facing the industry right now and what is the outlook near term and long term * What are some of the biggest fears * What are some common misperceptions of the industry? [I mean to share that not all are billionaires and rich and many are small players] * Tell us about Reclamation and what would have been there without it * Are you seeing equity investments and/or debt to smaller projects or have they dried up and solely to bigger players? * What are some green initiatives you have seen as the best in the industry and what can be learned from this? * What would you like to see? Renewables is only part of the energy transition. Mass introduction of electric transportation infrastructure [https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/videos/platts-insight/091316-electric-vehicles-renewables-to-re-order-global-energy-supply-chains] and energy storage, coupled with greater usage of technologies to improve energy efficiency, are also driving this movement. As the average cost of lithium-ion batteries [https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/070518-electric-vehicles-cost-competitive-by-2024-25-oxford-summit] has fallen drastically on a mixture of manufacturing economies of scale and technology improvements, companies and consumers alike are increasingly turning to electrification for power transportation, making the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) one of the largest potential areas for electrification. The global EV adoption rate [https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/metals/102819-global-electric-vehicle-adoption-rate-around-10-125-by-2025-lme-seminar] could reach 10%-12.5% by 2025. What are your thoughts on this and what are some initiatives you are working in in Hydrogen? * * What are some of the biggest challenges you are being faced with specifically to getting to meet carbon goals and even expedite them? * What has went well and what are governments (federal and provincial) doing well and what are some things that can be improved? * What is exciting you these days and tell us about what is happening specifically in Alberta? Renewables/financing? As more investors and companies seek greater clarity and confidence in accounting for long-term climate risks and opportunities [https://www.spglobal.com/en/research-insights/featured/accounting-for-climate-the-next-frontier-in-esg], businesses are adapting to the "energy transition" — a transformation of the global energy sector from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption to renewable energy sources. Switching from nonrenewable energy sources like oil, natural gas, and coal to renewable energy is made possible by technological advancements and a societal push toward sustainability. Spurred by structural, permanent changes to energy supply, demand, and prices, the energy transition also aims to reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions through various forms of decarbonization [https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/52820975]. What do you think is going well and what isn't and what are some possible solutions?

Episode 7: Lane Kawaoka – Private Equity, Family offices, real estate, what does a family office do!

LANE KAWAOKA owns 4,000+ units and where he is responsible for finding investment opportunities, analysis, and marketing. Mr. Kawaoka obtained a BS in Industrial Engineer and MS in Civil Engineering and Construction Management from the University of Washington. In addition to an analytical engineering background, Lane has real world experience in working as a project manager for over $230 million dollars of capital construction projects in both the public and private sector. Working as a high paid professional in Corporate America and frustrated by the traditional wealth building dogma, Lane was compelled to inspire and mentor other working professionals via his top rated podcast at SimplePassiveCashflow.com. Everything that your parents told you about building wealth was wrong... Don't buy your home to live in, don't do retirement accounts, and build real assets like rental real estate!What are your 3 rules of investing? What does a Family office do? What are the high cashflow markets where the numbers make sense? How does one build a portfolio with little time? How to best use your money to invest in what? Best practices for managing properties remotely? What are and how to get Turn Key Rentals? What are and how to involved in a syndication? What are some tricks of the rich: Infinite Banking, HSAs, SDIRA, QRPs, Solo401ks, What is the math behind a rental analysis? How do you raise/syndicate funds? Good books you recommend to listeners.

Episode 6: Dr. John Lawrence Graham, War and Peace - Charlotte's war and incredible insights backed by facts

John Graham is the author of Charlotte's War (May 2023), a sweeping and ambitious historical novel set amidst the geo-politics of Vietnam era international tension. Graham served as an officer in the U.S. Navy UDT/SEAL Teams for nine years (four on active duty). He was a founding director and an advisory board member of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Center for Citizen Peacebuilding during the last two decades. A Berkeley PhD, Graham is an author and Professor Emeritus of International Business at UCI. For four decades he has provided expert advice and training on international negotiations to executive groups at Fortune 500 companies here and abroad, and government organizations including the U.S. Institute of Peace. Graham has published more than sixty articles in journals such as the Harvard Business Review, Harvard Law School's Negotiation Journal, the Journal of Marketing, and Management Science. His several books with partners have all been bestsellers on their respective topics; International Marketing, the most popular book in the world on the topic, has been translated into seven languages. About Charlotte's War This epic novel follows one extraordinary American woman as she grieves and triumphs through the horrific realities of three wars that threaten the men she loves. Charlotte Shipwright is in the fight of her life to save her firstborn son from facing a truth she knows all too well—the dreadful impact of war. As Charlotte weaves through major world events, her remarkable will and intelligence position her to offer key insights to leaders negotiating peace in Vietnam. The formidable connections Charlotte forges over the years—including visionaries such as JFK, two U.S. Secretaries of State, and even Ho Chi Minh—culminate in a surprising and captivating convergence of personalities, power, and politics. Key themes and takeaways of Charlotte's War, and how my first-hand experience in international negotiations informed the rich historical elements of the novel. Discrepancies in how American men and women view firearms, leadership, and peace. The influence and legacy of Henry Kissinger's career and how it connects to war crimes. Why did Kissinger fail so often in his negotiations surrounding Vietnam? What were his strengths and flaws? How diversity plays a key role in peacebuilding, within nations, organizations, and communities. Surprising parallels between Ho Chi Minh and George Washington. Detailed accounts of the Vietnam War, including policy insights and an exploration of the Mi Lai Massacre and other illegal orders. How diversity and egalitarianism promote creativity and peace. What's meant by the phrase, "The primordial persuasion was punishment. The first sophistication was exchange." Are women smarter than men? Are they better leaders? How do trade and "inventive negotiation" lead to peace? What causes war, and what causes peace? Are humans predisposed to war? Is it possible to change the culture surrounding guns, weapons, and power in America, and how Why don't trade sanctions work? What do most Americans misunderstand about creating peace?

Episode 5: Craig Dickens, CEO of JD Merit - Buying and Selling businesses, Deal killers and more

Craig Dickens is a Partner with CDI Global North America in the Seattle-Tacoma office. Craig is a true serial entrepreneur, CEO, Certified M&A advisor, Investment Banker, and Angel Investor. Craig has started or acquired 14 businesses across diverse sectors as well as executed 22 add-on acquisitions within those companies creating over $600mm in enterprise value. Craig graduated from the University of New Hampshire and went on to attend Babson College's top-ranked Entrepreneurial MBA Program. Craig holds series 24, 82 and 63 securities licenses and specializes in Sell-Side M&A, Institutional, private debt and equity placements. As an M&A advisor and investment banker Craig has unlocked the code to finding greater value for many companies and their owners through the Grow Fast & Exit Profitably! methodology as well as pioneering the M&A 2.0 process. Having participated in virtually every kind of business dynamic from start-up to IPO, merger to acquisition, he now serves as CEO and Founder of JD Merit, a boutique M&A, Investment Banking & Advisory firm and Broker-Dealer with offices Nationwide and Western USA CDI Global Office. Craig serves as Management Committee member of CDI Global. - Having sold 13 of your own companies after adding 22 acquisitions to them to make those companies larger and more valuable, share a few life lessons on how to win at M&A? - What should business owners know about what buyers want when buying their company? - What about firm valuations based on EBITDA and multiples? - You talk about reverse engineering your exit or sale – tell our audience about that. - They say to begin with the end in mind; what do folks mean about that in the context of achieving a company sale? - Can you share some of the most frequent “Deal Killers” and how can our audience avoid these? - What's to most powerful mindset shift entrepreneurs need to make to achieve a sale? - You have popularized M&A Axioms to give sellers and buyers poignant truisms about M&A. Can you share a few with us? -How can business owners shift from working in the business to ON the business and what implications to value does that have? -How does rapid growth before sale increase value exponentially? -Why do most deals fail in the M&A process in your opinion? -Talk about building generational wealth through M&As - Any books recommended

Episode 4: Daniel Cotter - Combatting Fake News - Is there such a thing as a Legal framework to combat Fake news?

Dan is an experienced attorney who has served in a variety of legal roles in his career, including as general counsel of a large life insurance company, as well as extensive experience in private practice. Dan's mix of clients includes insurance companies and other financial institutions, IT and consulting companies, and nonprofits. He has been working on privacy and cybersecurity issues since 1996, including development of terms and conditions and disclaimers on Fortune 500 websites in the late 1990s. He has been the chief privacy officer of several companies and law firms, and has extensive experience as in-house counsel. Dan is experienced in dealing with complex insurance regulatory issues and transactions, and substantial reorganizations of holding company systems. Throughout his career, he has negotiated thousands of contracts from simple to complex, including outsourcing. He also has substantial experience with internal investigations and employment-related issues. He is also an author of ‘The Chief Justices: The Seventeen Men at the Center Seat, Their Courts, and Their Times' Is there such a thing as a legal framework to curtail Fake news? Fake news isn't new but technology has amplified it and to be frank, it is now beyond ridiculous but dangerous. What can be done to curtail this or what steps can be taken to not infringe on free speech but help separate facts from nonsense? Are there any current initiatives that may be more effective than another in the US/Canada? Towards a more proactive media policy Apart from setting up a responsible and constructive cooperation with online platforms, a policy strategy to counter online mis- and dis-information (operations) would need to include the development of a more proactive media policy. The reason is that simply advocating more control of disinformation on the side of platforms would not solve the problem of polarization and lack of quality checks of news that are shared online so what can be done? AI is exploding now and the recent comments by Raffensperger about misinformation being a threat to democracy doesn't really give comfort. There is a need to avoid rigid solutions that would amount to censorship as command and control regulation cannot achieve meaningful results in this field but surely more can be done. 1. What is the number one thing you wish all laypeople knew, from a legal standpoint, and why? 2. What is the most common legal issue you encounter in your practice, and what is your advice for our listeners to avoid this issue? Does your practice lend itself to other legal areas? 3. Who needs a regulatory attorney, and when should they be reaching out for help? 4. What are your thoughts on the Writers' Guild strike? When do you think this will be resolved, and what do you predict will be the outcome? Will there be any winners or losers? 5. How do you think new media (NFTs, Chatbots, Metaverse, etc.) have altered the landscape of legalities re Fake news/national security? 6. What does intellectual property and legal issues around such look like in the face of AI? 7. What good book are you reading that you would recommend to our listeners?