AfternoonT - Stories from Successful Canadian Founders

Taufiq Rahim is one of Canada’s global citizens. He is an investor and an international problem solver. Over the last two decades and in over 20 countries, Taufiq has driven investment, convened conversations and brought together public and private partnerships addressing the most pertinent global issues - from disruptive technology to economic development to geopolitics to global health. His current focus is on shifts in the global order and how individuals and institutions can capture opportunity in a time of rising challenge. He is also building 2040 Ventures, a global platform with a strong belief in the transformative power of the technology of decentralization. This was inspired by the venture syndicate he founded with two partners, YVRDXB to help put a global spotlight on Vancouver’s tech start-ups.   Taufiq is a senior fellow in the International Security Program at New America and a fellow at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government. He has previously worked with McKinsey & Company, the Aga Khan Foundation, and the United Nations, and was the founder of Globesight, a global development firm.

Jen Lee Koss is an entrepreneur and investor, passionate about supporting, uplifting, and changing the lives of entrepreneurs and working families. She is a founding partner of Springbank Collective, an investment fund that supports early-stage companies re-imagining work, building the care infrastructure, and developing solutions for working families. Through Springbank, Jen is actively shaping the future of work and family life, by backing startups that leverage technology and community to make life more manageable, fulfilling, and equitable. In 2012, Jen co-founded BRIKA, an innovative retail agency focused on creating curated retail experiences. BRIKA was acquired in 2022 by Salt XC and has been featured in numerous publications, and has won several awards for its mission-driven approach to retail. Before BRIKA, Jen worked in management consulting, investment banking and private equity. She serves as a board member of both public and private companies in North America and Europe. In addition, she is a Juilliard-trained cellist, a mother of 4 young children and a graduate of Harvard University, Oxford University, and Harvard Business School. Join us as we learn from her wisdom, and discover what it takes to build successful and meaningful businesses in today's world.

Anthonia Ogundele is the Founder and Executive Director of the Ethos Lab Educational Society. Ethos Lab is a non-profit STEM and culture-focused Innovation Academy for youth ages 13-18 that provides access to emerging technologies, culture, and a community of innovators.  Antonia’s career has been as a resilience professional. Most recently, she was with VanCity Credit Union. And has held various positions in Emergency Management within the Ontario Government and continues to consult with the World Bank. Antonia has a passion for community. In 2016, she founded the Hogan’s Alley Land Trust, which evolved into the Hogan’s Alley Society and was the former Chair of the Coal Harbour Residents Association. In 2016, she founded the Cheeky Proletariat gallery, an accessible and inclusive space for the free expression of all people.

In episode 80 of the Afternoon T Podcast, Chris sits down for a chat with the Consul General of Canada in San Fransisco, Rana Sarkar. Rana has also held various senior leadership positions in the public and private sectors. He served as the National Director for High Growth Markets at KPMG Canada, where he advised Canadian companies on how to expand into emerging markets. He also worked as the President and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council and had various roles in multiple great organizations in London, UK. He is a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto and has served as an advisor to several Canadian political leaders. Rana holds a Master's degree in Government from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Queen's University.

This week TTT president and co-founder Chris Hobbs sits down with the CEO of Startup Canada, Kayla Isabelle for Episode 79 of the Afternoon "T" Podcast. With over a decade of experience in the startup ecosystem, Kayla is an expert in supporting entrepreneurs and building thriving startup communities across the country. During our conversation, we'll be discussing Kayla's insights on the challenges facing Canadian entrepreneurs, the latest trends and innovations in the startup world, and how Startup Canada is working to support entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. As a special bonus, for a limited time, and in limited quantities listeners can use promo code SCTOUR20 for free tickets to the Startup Canada Tour [https://www.startupcan.ca/explore/startuptour-2023/]