At the Root

YSpace
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Every story has a beginning. This is ours. In our very first episode, we're pulling back the curtain on At the Root. What it is, why it exists, and the people behind it. Joined by David Kwok from YSpace and Agnes Lan from Change Connect, we sit down for a Q&A on how this podcast came to life and what we hope it becomes. At the Root is a podcast celebrating the stories, flavours, and voices behind the table; launching in honour of Asian Heritage Month as a space to honour culture, community, and the roots that shape us. This is just the beginning. Pull up a chair. David Kwok: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkwokk/ Agnes Lan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agneslan/ YSpace: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yspa... Change Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/company/change-connect/ This podcast was filmed with the support of York University Markham Library - https://www.library.yorku.ca/web/mark...

Episodes

  1. Tariffs, Trade Wars, and a Soft Housing Market: What's Actually Coming for Canadian Businesses | Pierre Cleroux

    2d ago

    Tariffs, Trade Wars, and a Soft Housing Market: What's Actually Coming for Canadian Businesses | Pierre Cleroux

    What does the Canadian economy actually look like right now and what does it mean for your business? In this episode, we sat down with Pierre Cléroux, Vice President of Research and Chief Economist at BDC, to get an honest, ground-level read on where Canada stands amid tariffs, trade uncertainty, and rising costs. From pockets of growth in manufacturing and consumer spending to a softening housing market in the GTA, Pierre breaks down the forces shaping the economy for small and mid-sized businesses right now. We also get into the future of free trade agreements, the structural shift happening in the automotive sector with the rise of EVs and new Chinese competitors, and why Canada's weak dollar might actually be an unexpected advantage for attracting foreign investment. Plus: AI, data sovereignty, and the long-term tailwinds in defense, natural resources, and tourism that Canadian entrepreneurs should have on their radar. David Kwok: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkwokk/ Agnes Lan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agneslan/ YSpace: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yspaceyu/?viewAsMember=true Change Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/company/change-connect/ Pierre Cléroux: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcleroux/ BDC: https://www.bdc.ca/en This podcast was filmed with the support of York University Markham Library - https://www.library.yorku.ca/web/markham/

    32 min
  2. She quit her 9-5 after Jose Bautista’s Bat Flip | Lisa Diep

    6d ago

    She quit her 9-5 after Jose Bautista’s Bat Flip | Lisa Diep

    What if a t-shirt worn to a Raptors game became the foundation of one of Canada's most mission-driven brands? In this episode, we sat down with Lisa Diep, co-founder of Peace Collective, to hear how a "Toronto Versus Everybody" shirt sparked a decade-long journey of building a brand rooted in community, purpose, and giving back.From a viral TSN moment to becoming an official licensee for the NFL and FIFA, Lisa shares the pivotal decisions, mindset shifts, and hard lessons; including learning to delegate and trust your team. That shaped Peace Collective into what it is today. We also get into the brand's giving mission, their path to a $1 million donation goal by 2030, and what's next as they set their sights on new markets in Europe and Latin America. Peace Collective has decided to give back and you can use the code YSPACEPC when you shop at Peace Collective to get a special discount ;)

    46 min
  3. What Running a Shop for 16 Years Taught Her About Leadership | Emily Chung

    Jun 10

    What Running a Shop for 16 Years Taught Her About Leadership | Emily Chung

    What if the key to changing an entire industry started with fixing cars in Markham?In this episode, we sat down with Emily Chung, former auto shop owner turned President & CEO of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada to hear how 16 years of building Auto Niche shaped her into one of the most compelling voices in the Canadian automotive industry.From choosing independence over franchise to transitioning from technician to business owner, Emily shares the mindset shifts and pivotal decisions that defined her entrepreneurial journey. We also get into the sale of Auto Niche, the right to repair movement, the rise of EVs, and what it really takes to navigate and change a male-dominated industry.

    1h 1m
  4. Breaking the Immigrant Parent Playbook: Why He Chose Community Over Convention | Clement Chu

    May 28

    Breaking the Immigrant Parent Playbook: Why He Chose Community Over Convention | Clement Chu

    What if your community organization led to becoming best friends with Simu Liu and Jeremy Lin? In this episode, we sit down with Clement, a community builder, connector, and the man behind Asian Roots Collective ARC (formerly CCYAA) to hear how a scrappy basketball league born in 1995 evolved into one of the most dynamic Asian Canadian community platforms around. From co-branding with the Toronto Raptors to producing high-profile events, Clement shares the mindset shifts, unexpected opportunities, and values-driven relationships that shaped his journey. Whether you're trying to build your network, find your cultural footing, or just figure out how to say "yes" more often, this one's for you.

    1h 3m
  5. At the Root: The Origin, Where it All Started | Agnes Lan & David Kwok

    May 28

    At the Root: The Origin, Where it All Started | Agnes Lan & David Kwok

    Every story has a beginning. This is ours. In our very first episode, we're pulling back the curtain on At the Root. What it is, why it exists, and the people behind it. Joined by David Kwok from YSpace and Agnes Lan from Change Connect, we sit down for a Q&A on how this podcast came to life and what we hope it becomes. At the Root is a podcast celebrating the stories, flavours, and voices behind the table; launching in honour of Asian Heritage Month as a space to honour culture, community, and the roots that shape us. This is just the beginning. Pull up a chair!

    22 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Every story has a beginning. This is ours. In our very first episode, we're pulling back the curtain on At the Root. What it is, why it exists, and the people behind it. Joined by David Kwok from YSpace and Agnes Lan from Change Connect, we sit down for a Q&A on how this podcast came to life and what we hope it becomes. At the Root is a podcast celebrating the stories, flavours, and voices behind the table; launching in honour of Asian Heritage Month as a space to honour culture, community, and the roots that shape us. This is just the beginning. Pull up a chair. David Kwok: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkwokk/ Agnes Lan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agneslan/ YSpace: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yspa... Change Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/company/change-connect/ This podcast was filmed with the support of York University Markham Library - https://www.library.yorku.ca/web/mark...

Information

  • Creator
    YSpace
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5