The Convenor

Mark Harrison

Welcome to The Convenor. The Convenor, as a platform and podcast, will be a place where I host conversations that provide inspiration and information for your next major initiative. Whether you are launching a new business, starting a new role, building a movement, writing a book, or simply want to sharpen your skills and acumen, we want to be a resource where you can find someone in our ecosystem who can lend a hand, share data, open a door, and provide a jolt of confidence. It is a place for the types of people who inspire and inform me. Ready to join the conversation worth Convening?

Episodes

  1. 4 hrs ago

    The Ties That Bind: Nithya Ramachandran on Fandom, Culture & Brand Relevance

    In this episode of The Convenor, Mark Harrison sits down with Nithya Ramachandran, President and Chief Strategy Officer at T1, to explore what it takes for brands to move beyond sponsorship visibility and build meaningful connections with the fandoms, communities, and cultures they want to be part of.Drawing on real-world examples from Maple Leaf Foods, Uber Eats, and other leading brands, Nithya shares how the strongest partnerships start with understanding what people genuinely care about, not simply where a brand can place its logo. She breaks down the intersection of high emotion, fandom, and commercial results, and why finding the right balance for a brand is critical to earning relevance.Together, Mark and Nithya discuss how brands can identify the rituals, behaviours, and shared interests that bring communities together. From uncovering the protein opportunity around the Olympics to using data to understand hockey fans' food-ordering rituals, Nithya explains how insights can translate into ideas that feel authentic to fans while delivering measurable business impact. They also explore why broad generational trends—particularly around Gen Z—can only tell you so much, how the right influencer or community can provide a more meaningful route to an audience, and why simplicity can be one of the most powerful tools for reaching new people and building new fandoms. We also talk about:- How a "full-stack" approach can turn partnerships into something worth broadcasting- The importance of an ego-less integrated agency team and getting different partners working toward the same goal- Identifying what’s relevant in fandoms and communities and for those groups- Reviewing macro trends on Gen Z and the better route of the right influencer- Real life example of Uber Eats and leveraging data to build authentic behaviour with hockey rituals and hockey fans- The power of simplicity and the importance of reaching people to build new fandoms- What brand gets Nithya’s vote for being great in the market and understanding its customer best About Nithya Ramachandran Nithya Ramachandran is President and Chief Strategy Officer at T1, an independent, full-stack sponsorship and experiences agency. A strategic marketing leader, Nithya helps brands build stronger connections with people and communities through sponsorship, experiential marketing, culture, and purpose-driven strategy. Her work focuses on understanding how brands can move beyond visibility to create meaningful experiences, earn trust, and build lasting relevance with the audiences they serve. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nithyaramachandran T1: thet1agency.com About The Convenor The Convenor is a podcast hosted by Mark Harrison featuring conversations with leaders, founders, creatives, and changemakers who share the ideas, experiences, and insights that inspire meaningful action. Whether you're launching a business, leading a team, building a movement, or looking to grow as a leader, each episode is designed to provide practical wisdom, fresh perspectives, and the confidence to take your next step. The Convenor is more than a podcast—it's a community built around curiosity, connection, and the belief that great conversations can open doors, challenge thinking, and help shape what's next. Ready to join the conversation worth convening? Subscribe and be part of the community. Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-convenor/ The Convenor Podcast is brought to you by MH3. For more information, visit: http://www.theconvenor.com

  2. Aug 3

    Designing for Humanity: Ryan Hughes on Building Brands That Create Meaningful Change

    In this episode of The Convenor, Mark Harrison sits down with Ryan Hughes, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Client Success at Humanity, to explore why the strongest brands are built around people, not just products, logos, or campaigns. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience helping organizations connect purpose with action, Ryan shares Humanity's well-being framework and explains why successful brand identity begins with understanding the people it serves. He discusses how behavioural science, storytelling, and meaningful participation can transform a brand from something audiences simply recognize into something they genuinely experience. Together, Mark and Ryan explore why keeping the human at the centre of every decision leads to stronger organizations, deeper trust, and more meaningful impact. Ryan also shares the story behind Humanity's work with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, illustrating how a reimagined brand identity and public activations invited people to participate in conversations about human rights rather than simply observe them. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or shaping a brand, this conversation offers practical insights into creating organizations that inspire connection, foster well-being, and leave a lasting impact. About Ryan Hughes Ryan Hughes is Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Client Success at Humanity, a purpose-driven brand agency that helps organizations create meaningful impact through strategy, storytelling, and behavioural science. With nearly 20 years of experience, he works with founders, businesses, nonprofits, and cultural institutions to build brands that inspire trust, deepen human connection, and turn purpose into action. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-hughes-humanity Website: www.humanityagency.com About The Convenor The Convenor is a podcast hosted by Mark Harrison featuring conversations with leaders, founders, creatives, and changemakers who share the ideas, experiences, and insights that inspire meaningful action. Whether you're launching a business, leading a team, building a movement, or looking to grow as a leader, each episode is designed to provide practical wisdom, fresh perspectives, and the confidence to take your next step. The Convenor is more than a podcast—it's a community built around curiosity, connection, and the belief that great conversations can open doors, challenge thinking, and help shape what's next. Ready to join the conversation worth convening? Subscribe and be part of the community. Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-convenor/  The Convenor Podcast is brought to you by MH3. For more information, visit:  http://www.theconvenor.com

  3. Jul 27

    Vantage Points, Purpose & Growth: Building Brands That Matter with Vanessa Toperczer

    In this episode of The Convenor, Mark Harrison sits down with Vanessa Toperczer, Senior Vice President at IMI International, brand strategist, and consumer insights expert, to explore how great leaders expand their perspective to uncover opportunities others miss. Drawing on her experience at IMI International, Coca-Cola, and advising some of the world's leading consumer brands, Vanessa shares how listening deeply to customers has shaped her approach to leadership, strategy, and growth. She reflects on the importance of challenging assumptions, grounding decisions in evidence, and building brands that create genuine value by understanding what matters most to the people they serve. Together, Mark and Vanessa explore why the most successful brands never stop learning, how purpose becomes meaningful when it's reflected in everyday actions, and why trust is earned by consistently delivering experiences that resonate with customers. They also discuss the role of data in understanding human behaviour, lessons from organizations like Airbnb, and how marketing creates lasting emotional connections that people remember long after a campaign ends. Whether you're leading an organization, building a brand, or navigating growth, this conversation offers practical insights into making better decisions by widening your perspective, listening with intention, and putting people at the centre of strategy. We also talk about: Why continuous learning is essential to building enduring brands How customer insights shape stronger businesses and better decisions The difference between having a purpose and living it every day Why trusted brands understand the role they play in people's lives How data helps uncover the human stories behind business decisions Lessons from brands that consistently earn customer loyalty Why the customer's voice should remain at the heart of every growth strategy If you've ever wondered what separates brands that simply attract attention from those that earn lasting trust, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on the importance of listening, learning, and creating experiences that genuinely matter to the people you serve. About Vanessa Toperczer Vanessa Toperczer is a Toronto-based brand strategist and consumer insights leader with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations grow through customer insight, brand strategy, and innovation. As Senior Vice President at IMI International, she advises executives on evidence-based marketing and business strategy, drawing on leadership experience across agency, client-side, research, and not-for-profit sectors. Known for translating consumer insights into practical business decisions, Vanessa is also an active mentor, speaker, and board director dedicated to advancing leadership and organizational impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessatoperczer The Convenor is a podcast hosted by Mark Harrison featuring conversations with leaders, founders, creatives, and changemakers who share the ideas, experiences, and insights that inspire meaningful action. Whether you're launching a business, leading a team, building a movement, or looking to grow as a leader, each episode is designed to provide practical wisdom, fresh perspectives, and the confidence to take your next step. The Convenor is more than a podcast—it's a community built around curiosity, connection, and the belief that great conversations can open doors, challenge thinking, and help shape what's next. Ready to join the conversation worth convening? Subscribe and be part of the community. Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-convenor/  The Convenor Podcast is brought to you by MH3. For more information, visit:  http://www.theconvenor.com https://www.consultimi.com/About The Convenor

  4. Jul 20

    Demore Barnes: Being Called Up, Empowered Reframing and Creating a Future that Produces Passion

    In this episode of The Convenor, Mark Harrison sits down with Demore Barnes, Associate Partner and Leadership Coach at Novus Global, acclaimed actor, and transformational coach to explore the moments that shape exceptional leadership. Drawing on his experience coaching executives, teams, and organizations, Demore reflects on the pivotal moment a trusted colleague called him forward, revealing a blind spot that became a catalyst for profound personal and professional growth. That experience helped him discover his unique superpower and transformed the way he leads, coaches, and connects with others. Together, Mark and Demore explore why meaningful growth begins with vulnerability, how powerful questions unlock lasting change, and what it takes to build trust with individuals and teams. They also discuss the challenges of coaching groups versus individuals, earning the trust of skeptics, and why authenticity and patience are essential for transformation. Whether you're leading an organization, managing a team, or striving to become a more intentional leader, this conversation offers practical insights into helping people unlock their potential and create a vision that Demore calls “a future that produces passion”. We also talk about: How discovering and harnessing your unique superpower transforms the way you lead. Why courageous, vulnerable questions create the biggest breakthroughs. The differences between coaching individuals and coaching teams. How to work with skeptics through authenticity, curiosity, and patience. Why lasting transformation can't be forced—it must be invited. Practical ways leaders can build trust and create environments where people feel safe to grow. How coaching moves people beyond performance to purpose, connection, and impact If you've ever wondered what separates transformational leaders from transactional ones, this episode offers a powerful perspective on how self-awareness, courageous conversations, and genuine human connection unlock extraordinary potential. About Demore Barnes Demore Barnes is an Associate Partner and Leadership Coach at Novus Global, where he coaches executives, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams to unlock their highest potential. Before joining Novus, Demore built an acclaimed career as an award-winning actor, appearing in The Unit, Hemlock Grove, American Gods, and Law & Order: Toronto – Criminal Intent. Today, he combines the presence, curiosity, and emotional intelligence developed through acting with transformational coaching to help leaders navigate complexity, strengthen relationships, and lead with greater authenticity and impact. Contact Demore by Email: demorebarnes@novus.global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demore-barnes-cpcc-acc-84954627 Learn more about Novus Global Coaching: https://novus.global/ About The Convenor: The Convenor is a podcast hosted by Mark Harrison featuring conversations with leaders, founders, creatives, and changemakers who share the ideas, experiences, and insights that inspire meaningful action. Whether you're launching a business, leading a team, building a movement, or looking to grow as a leader, each episode is designed to provide practical wisdom, fresh perspectives, and the confidence to take your next step. The Convenor is more than a podcast—it's a community built around curiosity, connection, and the belief that great conversations can open doors, challenge thinking, and help shape what's next. Ready to join the conversation worth convening? Subscribe and be part of the community. Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-convenor/ The Convenor Podcast is brought to you by MH3. For more information, visit: http://www.theconvenor.com

  5. Jul 13

    Leading with Purpose: Samantha Yarwood on Vision, Alignment & High Performance

    In this episode of The Convenor, Mark Harrison sits down with Samantha Yarwood—a leadership facilitator, executive coach, and organizational change expert—to explore one of the most important questions every leader, team, and organization should ask: What is your purpose? Drawing on her work as a facilitator with THNK School of Leadership, Samantha shares why purpose must be more than just words and aligning teams takes serious practice.  Together, Mark and Samantha unpack how individuals can define their own purpose, how organizations can align around a shared vision, and why the strongest cultures are built on values that are actively lived. Samantha's work focuses on the intersection of leadership, organizational strategy, and human behaviour, helping leaders and teams navigate complexity while creating meaningful, lasting change. Whether you're leading a startup, a global organization, or simply looking to become a more intentional leader, this conversation offers practical insights into creating cultures where people and performance thrive together. Why purpose becomes even more important during times of uncertainty and change How personal purpose shapes stronger leadership The connection between values, culture, and sustained high performance Why defining company values is only the beginning—and how organizations must change behaviours, decision-making, and accountability to truly bring those values to life Lessons from companies like Patagonia and Unilever, who have demonstrated that prioritizing people, purpose, and the planet can also create resilient, high-performing businesses Why healthy, successful teams shouldn't wait for a crisis before investing in leadership and culture How organizations without obvious challenges can continue growing by intentionally stretching themselves, challenging assumptions, and raising the bar for performance Practical ways leaders can create alignment across teams while maintaining trust, innovation, and accountability If you've ever wondered how great organizations consistently outperform others—not just financially, but culturally—this episode offers a roadmap for leading with greater intention. About Samantha Yarwood Samantha Yarwood is a facilitator, coach, consultant, and speaker specializing in leadership development, organizational strategy, and human behaviour. Through her work with THNK School of Leadership, she helps leaders and organizations navigate complexity, build stronger cultures, and create positive impact through purpose-driven leadership. Follow Samantha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthayarwood Learn more about THNK School of Leadership:  https://www.thnk.org/community/people/samantha-yarwood/  About The Convenor The Convenor is a podcast hosted by Mark Harrison featuring conversations with leaders, founders, creatives, and changemakers who share the ideas, experiences, and insights that inspire meaningful action. Whether you're launching a business, leading a team, building a movement, or looking to grow as a leader, each episode is designed to provide practical wisdom, fresh perspectives, and the confidence to take your next step. The Convenor is more than a podcast—it's a community built around curiosity, connection, and the belief that great conversations can open doors, challenge thinking, and help shape what's next. Ready to join the conversation worth convening? Subscribe and be part of the community. Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-convenor/  The Convenor Podcast is brought to you by MH3. For more information, visit:  http://www.theconvenor.com

  6. Jul 7

    Welcome to The Convenor

    I should entitle this "Welcome to The Convenor Podcast," because this is only one part of a new platform I am creating. The Convenor, as a platform and podcast, will be a place where I host conversations that provide inspiration and information for your next major initiative. Whether you are launching a new business, starting a new role, building a movement, writing a book, or simply want to sharpen your skills and acumen, we want to be a resource where you can find someone in our ecosystem who can lend a hand, share data, open a door, and provide a jolt of confidence. I am designing it to be as much a place I help support as one I leverage. It is a place for the types of people who inspire and inform me. A place for sharing. The Convenor will also be a place for people I like, admire, and respect. I hope it will be a place where I get to know more people who possess those qualities. I hope it will be a place that does the same for you. Consider this first episode of The Convenor as an extended play trailer. It is longer than a preview, but not an episode in itself. It is a provocation to get you to become part of the discussion as a listener, a contributor, and a genuine stakeholder. This first episode is also a request for feedback to feed the response loop and help curate a better experience for you. Ready to join the conversation worth Convening?

  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Convenor. The Convenor, as a platform and podcast, will be a place where I host conversations that provide inspiration and information for your next major initiative. Whether you are launching a new business, starting a new role, building a movement, writing a book, or simply want to sharpen your skills and acumen, we want to be a resource where you can find someone in our ecosystem who can lend a hand, share data, open a door, and provide a jolt of confidence. It is a place for the types of people who inspire and inform me. Ready to join the conversation worth Convening?

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Harrison
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mark Harrison
  • Show Website
    The Convenor