High Agency Podcast

Skyrocket Digital
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Change is the only constant. So, leadership that embraces and drives transformation is essential. High Agency is for visionary leaders at the forefront of innovation, growth, and change. Whether you’re a CMO, CTO, CEO, or emerging leader in brand, technology or operations, this is your source for conversations that drive growth and transformation. We invite leaders from diverse backgrounds and sectors with rich perspectives on how to effectively inspire action and drive results. From brand leaders to technology innovators, our guests will provide insights into shaping your own world.

  1. FEB 4

    Growing to love vertical

    In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with actor, producer, and vertical microdrama consultant Alicia Read to explore the rapidly changing world of storytelling and the personal journey that led her to its cutting edge. From growing up immersed in the arts to navigating careers in entertainment and luxury brand consulting, Alicia reflects on the experiences that shaped her resilience, ambition, and passion for narrative as a force for transformation.   She opens up about childhood adversity, identity, and a life-altering near-death experience that reshaped her understanding of love, purpose, and limitlessness. Together, we dive into the explosive rise of vertical microdramas — a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon rewriting how stories are created and consumed. Alicia shares insider insight into this intimate, data-driven format, its emotional pull on audiences, and what it means for the future of entertainment. This is a conversation about reinvention, agency, entrepreneurship, and why storytelling remains one of humanity’s most powerful tools for connection and change.   Featuring   Alicia Read Actor and Producer Type Eh Media   Alicia Love Read is an actor, producer, and vertical microdrama consultant whose screen work has reached over 200 million viewers across platforms including ReelShort, GoodShort, and DramaWave. With more than two decades of experience scaling luxury and beauty brands in strategy and growth roles, she now serves as executive partner at Type Eh Media and co-founder of the Vertical Film & Short Series Alliance (VFSSA). Praised by Harper's Bazaar for her ability to elevate special brands without sacrificing their identity, Alicia bridges artistry, technology, and strategic storytelling to create emotional resonance.   Hosted by Mo Dhaliwal CEO Skyrocket Digital   Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.    —   High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation⁠   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/highagencypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/high-agency-pod X: https://x.com/highagencypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highagencypod   —   Presented by Skyrocket Digital   Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

    1h 10m

  2. JAN 21

    Leadership in a violent world

    In this episode, we sit down with Moninder Singh, a Canadian-born Sikh activist who has spent his life operating at the intersection of leadership, risk, and conscience. From growing up in a small town in British Columbia shaped by both community and racism, to becoming a global voice for Sikh human rights, Moninder reflects on the experiences that forged his sense of justice and moral clarity. As the director of Sikh Federation Canada, he shares what it means to balance an executive career with unapologetic activism, even in the face of credible assassination threats from a foreign government. This is a grounded conversation about courage, identity, and choosing principle when silence is safer, exploring diaspora politics, transnational repression, and why ethical leadership demands action, regardless of the cost.   Featuring   Moninder Singh Director Sikh Federation Canada   Moninder Singh is a seasoned health and safety leader. He holds a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies from the University of Guelph's Lang School of Business and Economics and an Associate's Degree in Occupational Health & Safety from BCIT. Specializing in workplace safety, conflict resolution, and disability management, he champions organizational culture as the cornerstone of effective wellness strategies. A lifelong Sikh activist, Moninder serves as Director of Sikh Federation Canada, advocating for Sikh rights, justice, and self-determination.     Hosted by Mo Dhaliwal CEO Skyrocket Digital   Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.    —   High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation⁠   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/highagencypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/high-agency-pod X: https://x.com/highagencypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highagencypod   —   Presented by Skyrocket Digital   Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

    1h 25m

  3. JAN 7

    Housing a better future

    In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Amanda Burrows, Executive Director of First United Church Community Ministry Society and a leader working at the intersection of culture, care, and civic power. From her early work in arts and philanthropy to leading one of Vancouver’s oldest frontline institutions, Amanda offers a rare perspective on what happens when fundraising galas meet overdose response, and when culture is treated not as a luxury, but as infrastructure. We explore dignity as a non-negotiable, the difference between placemaking and placekeeping, and what it means to design systems that give communities real power—not just a seat at the table. A wide-ranging conversation on leadership, accountability, and why the future of cities depends on how we care for the people most impacted by our decisions.   Featuring Amanda Burrows Executive Director First United   Amanda Burrows, MA CFRE, is the Executive Director of First United in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, bringing over 15 years of non-profit experience to her role. With credentials from Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Toronto, and the University of Victoria, she specializes in capacity building and creating equitable communities. Amanda co-created DTES Response during the COVID-19 pandemic and serves on the Vancouver Opera Board of Directors and the Ken Lyotier Fund Advisory Committee. Her career includes leadership positions at NYU Langone Medical Center and Asia Society, reflecting her dedication to dignity, belonging, and justice.   Hosted by Mo Dhaliwal CEO Skyrocket Digital   Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.  — High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highagencypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/high-agency-pod/ X: https://x.com/highagencypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highagencypod — Presented by Skyrocket Digital Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

    1h 11m

  4. 2025-12-17

    Ego death and business

    In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Prabh Heer, COO of Mobio Brands, an operator who’s helped scale service businesses in some of the most unforgiving, low-margin environments. From his evolution as an individual contributor to a builder of systems, teams, and communities, Prabh shares how operational discipline, humility, and relentless curiosity became his competitive edge. A candid conversation on ego death, franchise thinking, and why real leadership isn’t about control, but about designing environments where people, and businesses, can compound.   Featuring Prabh Heer Chief Operating Officer  Mobio Brands   Prabh directs day-to-day operations across Mobio's brand companies, ensuring consistent standards, operational efficiency, and superior customer experiences. His expertise in business coaching and leadership development has been instrumental in optimizing operations and supporting franchise growth. Prabh's strategic vision continues to enhance value across the organization while driving sustainable business success.   Hosted by Mo Dhaliwal CEO Skyrocket Digital Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.  — High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation⁠ Instagram:/ highagencypod   LinkedIn:   / high-agency-pod   X: https://x.com/highagencypod TikTok:  / highagencypod   — Presented by Skyrocket Digital Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

    1h 6m

  5. 2025-12-03

    Trust the mad men

    In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Frank Palmer, the legendary Canadian ad man who reshaped the country’s creative landscape. From his humble beginnings in Vancouver to building Palmer Jarvis into Canada’s most creatively acclaimed agency, Frank’s 50-year career is a masterclass in vision, grit, and unapologetic originality. As the architect behind the merger that formed DDB Canada, he transformed a local shop into a national creative powerhouse known for the country’s most talked-about and award-winning campaigns.   Featuring Frank Palmer Former CEO DDB Canada    Frank Palmer is a legendary Canadian advertising pioneer with over 50 years of experience in the industry. He built Palmer Jarvis, Canada's most creatively acclaimed marketing communications agency. As the architect behind the merger with DDB Worldwide, Frank established DDB Canada, creating a powerhouse network renowned for producing the country's most talked-about and award-winning campaigns. A visionary leader who transformed Canadian advertising, Frank continues to shape the industry through innovative brand strategies and his unwavering commitment to creative excellence.   Hosted by Mo Dhaliwal CEO Skyrocket Digital   Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.  — High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highagencypodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/high-agency-pod/X: https://x.com/highagencypodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highagencypod — Presented by Skyrocket Digital   Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

    1h 9m

  6. 2025-11-19

    Death in a better place

    In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Ngaio Davis, founder of KORU Cremation, whose Māori heritage and unconventional path from carpenter to funeral director are reshaping modern deathcare. Ngaio brings compassion, cultural wisdom, and environmental intention to an industry long dominated by sterile convention. We explore natural deathcare, green burial, and the transformative power of facing mortality with clarity, community, and courage.   Featuring Ngaio Davis Founder KORU Cremations    Ngaio Davis is the founder and principal owner of KORU Cremation, a pioneering deathcare practice transforming end-of-life services. Drawing from her Māori heritage and unconventional background as a red seal carpenter, Ngaio has brought authenticity and innovation to the deathcare industry. After years in corporate funeral services, Ngaio established KORU to foster meaningful conversations around death and dying. Her practice combines traditional wisdom with modern approaches, offering compassionate, personalized ceremonies that honour life's final transition. She champions courageous dialogue about mortality while creating space for healing and connection.   Hosted by Mo Dhaliwal CEO Skyrocket Digital   Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.  — High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highagencypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/high-agency-pod/ X: https://x.com/highagencypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highagencypod — Presented by Skyrocket Digital   Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

    52 min

  7. 2025-11-05

    Velocity and the Valley

    In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Chris Neumann, a four-time founder, investor, and global startup mentor, to explore how venture capital is being reshaped from the inside out. After building and selling both venture-backed and bootstrapped companies, Chris transitioned into investing, bringing with him the perspective of someone who has coded into the night, battled runway anxiety, and carried the weight of payroll on his shoulders. That founder-first lens has given him a unique view on what’s broken in startup funding and what’s possible when investors have lived the founder reality. In this conversation, we dig into the shifting VC landscape post-2021, the myth of Silicon Valley gatekeeping, and why knowledge, not just capital, remains the most valuable currency in entrepreneurship.   Featuring Chris NeumannFounder and Venture Capitalist    Chris Neumann is a seasoned venture capitalist and four-time founder who brings a unique multi-dimensional perspective to the startup ecosystem. Having successfully built and sold venture-backed and bootstrapped companies, he leverages his hands-on experience in coding, product development, and delivering returns, to guide entrepreneurs globally. Chris has partnered with founders across Silicon Valley and more than 20 countries, championing accessible venture capital knowledge. He's dedicated to demystifying the VC landscape, helping founders worldwide navigate fundraising challenges while building successful companies, regardless of where they're located.   Hosted by Mo DhaliwalCEOSkyrocket Digital   Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.   —   High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation⁠   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highagencypodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/high-agency-pod/X: https://x.com/highagencypodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highagencypod   —   Presented by Skyrocket Digital   Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

    51 min

  8. 2025-10-22

    Forging neurodivergent leadership

    In this episode of High Agency, we sit down with Shawn Johnston, founder of Forge & Smith and Refoundry, to talk about how neurodivergence can become a superpower in leadership and entrepreneurship. After 13 years running Forge & Smith, Shawn learned the hard way that burning out developers and perpetuating broken processes wasn't sustainable. But the real breakthrough came when he understood why. Uncovering his ADHD and autism diagnoses revealed patterns that had shaped his entire career. In this episode we get into the messy reality of building a business while navigating sensory overload, alexithymia (the inability to identify emotions in real time), and what Shawn calls "high masking," which is the exhausting art of creating personas just to survive. This conversation challenges the corporate culture rooted in what Shawn calls "colonial patriarchal mindsets" and shows why psychological safety isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the foundation of effective teams. If you've ever felt like the world wasn't built for how your brain works, this episode will resonate deeply.   Featuring Shawn JohnstonFounderForge & Smith and Refoundry   Shawn Johnston is the Founder of Refoundry, a revolutionary low-code site builder for WordPress agencies. After 13+ years running Forge and Smith, he transformed hard-won lessons about burnout and broken processes into a game-changing solution. His platform empowers agencies to cut build times by up to 70% while maintaining quality. As a neurodivergent entrepreneur, Shawn champions systems that eliminate bottlenecks and chaos, helping creative teams scale sustainably. He's passionate about revolutionizing how agencies deliver web projects without burning out developers or compromising client expectations.   Hosted by Mo DhaliwalCEOSkyrocket Digital   Software engineer turned marketer, Mo is an entrepreneur, cultural curator and technologist. In his role as founder and CEO of Skyrocket Digital, he helps clients with business, brand and technology to launch new ideas and grow their businesses.   —   High Agency: Conversations that Drive Growth and Transformation⁠   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highagencypodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-agency-pod/X: https://x.com/highagencypodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highagencypod   — Presented by Skyrocket Digital   Skyrocket is the digital agency for ambitious leaders. Our capabilities empower business and marketing leaders with the confidence to launch new initiatives, grow their brands, and undergo the transformation necessary to achieve breakthrough results.

    1h 7m
See All (48)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Change is the only constant. So, leadership that embraces and drives transformation is essential. High Agency is for visionary leaders at the forefront of innovation, growth, and change. Whether you’re a CMO, CTO, CEO, or emerging leader in brand, technology or operations, this is your source for conversations that drive growth and transformation. We invite leaders from diverse backgrounds and sectors with rich perspectives on how to effectively inspire action and drive results. From brand leaders to technology innovators, our guests will provide insights into shaping your own world.

Information

  • Creator
    Skyrocket Digital
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Skyrocket Digital
  • Show Website
    High Agency Podcast