Mission Critical with Lance Chung

GLORY Podcast Network
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Behind every great company, every groundbreaking idea, and every game-changing innovation, there’s a leader on a mission. Welcome to Mission Critical with Lance Chung—the show where we break down the blueprints, the bold moves, and the battle-tested playbooks of today’s most impactful leaders. From CEOs and founders to artists, designers, and athletes, we’re talking to the visionaries who build, innovate, and lead.

  1. How to Build a Global Sports Nation

    1 DAY AGO

    How to Build a Global Sports Nation

    In recent years, Toronto has made bold moves that signal its evolution into a true global sports capital — from the launch of the PWHL and AFC Toronto, to the announcement of a WNBA expansion team and the NHL’s renewed focus on international competition through the Four Nations Face-Off. And in the next two years, that momentum will reach a new peak as the city prepares to host World Cup matches in 2026 — arguably the most significant international sporting event in our city and Canada’s history. Recorded live at the 2025 GLORY Sports Summit (powered by GE Appliances) in Toronto, this conversation brings together leaders building Toronto’s sports future from every angle: major league expansion, global partnerships, grassroots development, and equity-driven advocacy. Teresa Resch (Toronto Tempo), Kyle McMann (NHL), Saroya Tinker (PWHL), and Diana Matheson (Northern Super League) joined moderator Alyson Walker (Wasserman) on stage to explore what it means to turn a city into a global sports hub — not just by hosting the world, but by ensuring that storytelling, access, investment, and community are at the heart of its growth. This is about how Toronto can create a legacy that lasts well beyond the final whistle.

    49 min
  2. Is Canada Ready to Host the 2026 World Cup?

    24 SEPT

    Is Canada Ready to Host the 2026 World Cup?

    From grassroots leagues to the global pitch, Canadian soccer has come a long way—but the journey is far from over. As Toronto prepares to become a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the spotlight is not only on the players but on the systems, the people, and the communities that have shaped the game here at home. Recorded live at the 2025 GLORY Sports Summit (powered by GE Appliances) in Toronto, this episode of The GLORY Sports Podcast features soccer legend Dwayne De Rosario, FIFA World Cup 2026 executive director Sharon Bollenbach, and First Touch Football CEO Marcus Hanson. Moderated by The Gist's Ellen Hyslop, this discussion explores the evolution of soccer in Canada, the unique challenges and opportunities facing the sport, and what it will take to ensure that the momentum doesn’t end when the final whistle blows. The big question? How do we turn this moment into a legacy that lasts?

    46 min
  3. Diana Matheson & Anastasia Bucsis: Canada's Power Couple Redefining Women's Soccer

    15 SEPT

    Diana Matheson & Anastasia Bucsis: Canada's Power Couple Redefining Women's Soccer

    Diana Matheson is one of the most decorated athletes in Canadian soccer history — an Olympian, a World Cup veteran, and the player responsible for one of the most iconic moments in Canadian sport: that 92nd-minute goal at London 2012 that secured Canada’s first medal in a traditional team sport in over 70 years. But what might be even more historic is what she’s doing now. As the co-founder of Project 8 and the visionary behind the newly announced Northern Super League, Diana is quite literally building the future of women’s professional soccer in Canada from the ground up. Alongside her is Anastasia Bucsis — an Olympian in long track speed skating and one of the most respected voices in Canadian sports media today. You’ve seen her on CBC Sports, heard her on Player’s Own Voice, and felt her impact far beyond the broadcast booth. But her influence goes deeper than sport. In the lead-up to the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Anastasia came out publicly in opposition to Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws — becoming the only out athlete from North America to compete at those Games. It was a bold, deeply personal act of protest that continues to ripple across sport and society to this day. Together, they’ve carved out a life that is both deeply public and intentional, advocating for inclusion, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Canadian sport, and supporting one another every step of the way. Recorded live at the 2025 GLORY Sports Summit (powered by GE Appliances) in Toronto.

    34 min
  4. Jesse Marsch (Head Coach, Canadian Men's National Soccer Team): Shaping Canada's World Cup Legacy

    27 AUG

    Jesse Marsch (Head Coach, Canadian Men's National Soccer Team): Shaping Canada's World Cup Legacy

    Recorded live at the 2025 GLORY Sports Summit (powered by GE Appliances) in Toronto, this specia episode features Jesse Marsch, Head Coach of the Canadian Men’s National Soccer Team. In less than a year, Toronto will serve as one of the key host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, welcoming fans and teams from around the globe. Sure, this opportunity is about roaring stadiums and matchdays. But it’s also about building a lasting legacy of excellence, representation, and pride in Canadian soccer. On this episode, Marsch shares how Canada Soccer is preparing for this pivotal moment — from building a competitive national team to activating major partnerships that connect with communities coast to coast. Joined by CBC Sports host Andi Petrillo and Bob Park (GE Appliances), the panel explores building a winning culture, connecting with fans across the country, and creating a lasting legacy for Canadian soccer.

    57 min
  5. Jenn Harper (Founder, Cheekbone Beauty): "Why CAN'T We Build a Billion-Dollar [Beauty] Brand?"

    6 AUG

    Jenn Harper (Founder, Cheekbone Beauty): "Why CAN'T We Build a Billion-Dollar [Beauty] Brand?"

    What happens when you blend Indigenous values, entrepreneurial grit, and a mission to do business differently? You get Cheekbone Beauty, one of Canada’s most purpose-driven beauty brands—and the brainchild of Jenn Harper. In this live episode of Mission Critical recorded in Toronto at Waterworks Food Hall, Lance sits down with Jenn to unpack her incredible journey—from overcoming addiction and selling fish (quite literally) to discovering her purpose in a dream and pioneering what she calls Indigenous Beauty, a category rooted in authentic sustainability. Jenn gets candid about the highs and lows of building a brand from scratch, how close she came to shutting down, and why community—especially her customers—has always been the foundation of her success. This episode is presented by Mastercard Canada as part of a special series spotlighting small business owners who are shaping the future of Canadian entrepreneurship. Listen now to hear how Jenn is rewriting the narrative—and what she wants the world to know about Indigenous excellence, sustainability, and the future of beauty. Key Highlights & Takeaways💄 Origin Story with Purpose: Cheekbone Beauty was born from a dream—and Jenn’s mission to give back to her Indigenous community and rewrite the narrative around Indigenous success.📚 Scholarship Fund Impact: With the support of partners like Mastercard, Cheekbone Beauty launched a scholarship fund that has awarded 30+ scholarships to Indigenous youth since 2021.🌱 Indigenous Beauty as a Category: Jenn is working to define Indigenous Beauty as a global category—anchored in authentic sustainability, community values, and cultural leadership.🔥 Billion-Dollar Vision: She’s unapologetically building a brand with the goal of reaching a $1B valuation—and doing it with only six full-time staff and a lot of heart.🤝 The Power of Community: Jenn credits her survival in business to loyal customers and movements like Buy Canadian, proving that small business success is community-driven.💬 Leadership Through Love and Humility: Drawing from her Anishinaabe culture, Jenn built Cheekbone’s core values on love, humility, and integrity—redefining what business leadership can look like.🎤 Being Vulnerable Online: Jenn opens up about sharing her story publicly, navigating social media as a founder, and why transparency helps build stronger customer relationships.

    45 min
  6. Lesley Hampton (Fashion Designer): Building an Indigenous Fashion Brand with Purpose

    30 JUL

    Lesley Hampton (Fashion Designer): Building an Indigenous Fashion Brand with Purpose

    What does it take to thrive as both a designer and an entrepreneur? In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Lesley Hampton—Indigenous artist, acclaimed fashion designer, and founder of her namesake brand—for a conversation about creativity, community, and self-preservation. From dressing icons like Lizzo, Lily Gladstone, and Sandra Oh, to challenging colonial norms in fashion, Lesley has carved out a space that’s inclusive and deeply intentional. But behind the red carpet moments is a commitment to mental health and setting boundaries. As Lesley puts it, “My business isn’t thriving unless I’m thriving.” Presented by Mastercard Canada, this episode is part of a series celebrating Canadian small business owners and the stories behind the brands. We talk about the power of mentorship, what it means to lead with your values, and why asking for help (even through a DM) can change the trajectory of your career. Listen now to learn how Lesley built her brand from scratch, why fashion can be a form of activism, and how she’s creating space for the next generation of Indigenous talent.

    45 min
  7. Andrea Grand (Co-founder, Barbet): Leading a Purpose-Driven Beverage Brand With Impact

    23 JUL

    Andrea Grand (Co-founder, Barbet): Leading a Purpose-Driven Beverage Brand With Impact

    This episode is presented in partnership with Mastercard Canada. Listen now and join the Mastercard Small Business Community—a network built to help entrepreneurs learn, grow, and connect. Sign up at mastercard.ca/smallbusiness. What if a beverage could change how we gather, how we connect, and how we feel seen? In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Andrea Grand, co-founder of Barbet, the stylish and intentional Canadian non-alcoholic beverage brand that's become a mainstay on menus and in fridges across the country. But beyond the buzz and the branding is a story rooted in personal experience, cultural disruption, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Andrea shares how her sister’s health journey was the catalyst behind Barbet’s creation, and how they set out to challenge the norms of an alcohol-centric beverage industry. From battling the assumption that non-alcoholic drinks are “less than” to creating a beverage that fits into social moments without compromising experience, Andrea built Barbet to be, yes, a great drink. But also, a brand with a point of view. A design-forward invitation to inclusivity and a challenger to industry conventions. In this episode, Andrea reflects on: The emotional rollercoaster of building a brand from scratch—without a roadmapWhy perfection is a myth, and launching before you're ready might be the best move you can makeThe importance of support systems (financial and emotional) in surviving entrepreneurshipHow small businesses are not just economic contributors, but cultural catalystsWhat modern leadership looks like when you’re building in public, balancing vulnerability with visionWhy visibility and community are essential to long-term impact, especially for women-led brands Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores that Barbet isn’t a sobriety brand, but rather an inclusive lifestyle brand for anyone looking to drink differently, without compromising taste, aesthetic, or ritual.

    50 min
  8. Rachel Wong (Co-founder, Monday Girl): Rewriting the Networking Playbook for Women

    16 JUL

    Rachel Wong (Co-founder, Monday Girl): Rewriting the Networking Playbook for Women

    This episode is presented in partnership with Mastercard Canada. Listen now and join the Mastercard Small Business Community—a network built to help entrepreneurs learn, grow, and connect. Sign up at mastercard.ca/smallbusiness. What if networking wasn’t transactional, intimidating, or exclusive—but reimagined as a safe, empowering, and welcoming experience for ambitious women? That’s the mission behind Monday Girl, a community-driven platform co-founded by Rachel Wong that’s reshaping how the next generation of women professionals connect, grow, and succeed. In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Rachel to explore the personal story and social experiment that launched Monday Girl, the challenges of unlearning outdated rules in entrepreneurship, and the powerful role of community in business. From bootstrapping the business as a side hustle to scaling a membership of over 350,000 across North America, Rachel offers candid reflections on vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and what real support for women founders looks like in today’s ecosystem. Whether you’re building your own business or searching for your people, Rachel’s insights on building with heart, purpose, and momentum will leave you inspired to take your next bold step. Key Takeaways: The gendered dynamics of networking and how Monday Girl is rewriting the script.Why Rachel believes you should “hate your first version”—and keep building anyway.The power of community as a product—and why vulnerability can be a superpower.How the idea of success is shifting from unicorns and venture capital to slow, sustainable growth.The underestimated importance of peer mentorship and seeing role models who reflect your story.

    54 min
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About

Behind every great company, every groundbreaking idea, and every game-changing innovation, there’s a leader on a mission. Welcome to Mission Critical with Lance Chung—the show where we break down the blueprints, the bold moves, and the battle-tested playbooks of today’s most impactful leaders. From CEOs and founders to artists, designers, and athletes, we’re talking to the visionaries who build, innovate, and lead.

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