Mission Critical

GLORY Media
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Mission Critical

Mission Critical is a podcast hosted by GLORY Media Editor-in-Chief Lance Chung about the purpose and values that drive today's most inspiring leaders. From innovative entrepreneurs to cultural game-changers, each episode will introduce you to someone new who is defining their community and redefining the status quo.

  1. Omar Gandhi (Founder, Omar Gandhi Architects): Can Architecture Shape Who We Are?

    DEC 5

    Omar Gandhi (Founder, Omar Gandhi Architects): Can Architecture Shape Who We Are?

    In this episode, Lance sits down with award-winning architect Omar Gandhi of Omar Gandhi Architects to explore the artistry, philosophy, and impact behind his work. Omar delves into what defines a great design experience, how architecture can foster meaningful relationships, and what our buildings reveal about us as a society. He shares pivotal moments from his journey, the influence of his East Coast roots, and his approach to navigating diverse landscapes like Halifax and Toronto. From balancing modern aesthetics with environmental and cultural contexts to pushing boundaries through innovation, Omar offers insights into creating designs that are both timeless and transformative. We also discuss the role of architecture in sustainability, community building, and social change, and how Omar views his legacy in shaping Canada’s architectural identity.

    47 min
  2. Evelyn Chick (Founder, Evelyn Chick Projects): Turning a Pandemic Pivot Into a $1 Million Hospitality Empire

    NOV 26

    Evelyn Chick (Founder, Evelyn Chick Projects): Turning a Pandemic Pivot Into a $1 Million Hospitality Empire

    In this episode, serial entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and beverage consultant Evelyn Chick shares how she turned a pandemic layoff into an opportunity to build her thriving business empire. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to advocating for diversity and inclusion in hospitality, Evelyn opens up about her journey and the best advice she has to offer others navigating a similar path in Toronto's vibrant food and drink community. This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.

    35 min
  3. Sasha Plavsic (Founder, ILIA Beauty): How a Clear Vision Led to Clean Beauty Success

    NOV 19

    Sasha Plavsic (Founder, ILIA Beauty): How a Clear Vision Led to Clean Beauty Success

    In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Plavsic, the visionary founder of ILIA Beauty, to explore how she revolutionized the clean beauty industry. Sasha shares the personal story that inspired ILIA, her approach to blending sustainability with high-performance formulas, and the challenges of balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. From a humble start to becoming a global powerhouse, ILIA is redefining beauty standards, proving you don’t have to compromise on quality or values.

    32 min
  4. Janet Zuccarini (CEO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group): How to Preserve Culture Through Food

    NOV 7

    Janet Zuccarini (CEO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group): How to Preserve Culture Through Food

    As the driving force behind Toronto’s acclaimed Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini is a rare blend of visionary and architect, crafting a culinary empire that pays homage to her Italian heritage while pushing the boundaries of what hospitality can be. Her restaurants, including the beloved Gusto 101 and the pasta-centric Felix Trattoria in Los Angeles, are more than dining destinations; they are community anchors, each designed to deliver a dining experience that balances warmth and precision, artistry, and authenticity.   For Janet, food has always been a universal language, a bridge connecting diverse backgrounds around a shared table. Rooted in her Italian upbringing, where meals were occasions for connection, she’s made it her life’s work to recreate that sense of gathering and nourishment for her guests. It’s this deeply personal ethos that informs each of her ventures. From hiring top-tier culinary talent to preserving traditional food craftsmanship, she’s not just feeding patrons—she’s honouring culture and tradition, making her restaurants feel like living museums that celebrate the artistry of handmade dishes.    In this episode, Lance sits down with Janet over a shared meal at her restaurant, Gusto 501, to talk about her entrepreneurial journey and business strategy, preserving culinary culture, and her most memorable meal at one of her restaurants (hint: Al Pacino may have been present).

    41 min
  5. Emily O'Brien (Founder, Comeback Snacks): How a Stint in Jail Led to an Entrepreneurial Success Story

    OCT 30

    Emily O'Brien (Founder, Comeback Snacks): How a Stint in Jail Led to an Entrepreneurial Success Story

    In this episode, Lance sits down with Emily O’Brien, the inspiring founder of Comeback Snacks, whose entrepreneurial journey took root in an unexpected place: behind bars. From crafting gourmet popcorn flavours to driving meaningful change, Emily has turned a rocky past into a powerful platform for advocacy and second chances. Throughout their chat, Lance and Emily delve into her story of resilience and transformation, exploring how Comeback Snacks is not only breaking barriers in the snack industry but also leading efforts toward prison reform and reducing stigma around formerly incarcerated individuals. Listen as Emily shares insights on building a business with purpose, the challenges of navigating reentry, and her mission to create pathways for redemption and empowerment.

    44 min
  6. Connie Lo (Co-founder, Three Ships): Building a Beauty Empire from a $4,000 Bootstrap

    OCT 23

    Connie Lo (Co-founder, Three Ships): Building a Beauty Empire from a $4,000 Bootstrap

    In this episode, Connie Lo, co-founder of Three Ships, joins Lance to discuss her journey in building a clean skincare brand with a mission to make beauty accessible for all. Connie shares her entrepreneurial story, from bootstrapping the company with just $4,000 to achieving significant growth and recognition in the industry. Throughout the conversation, she opens up about the challenges facing women in business, her experience as a young entrepreneur, and the importance of maintaining transparency and authenticity in the beauty world. Connie also dives into the evolving consumer demand for clean beauty, why sustainability matters, and the future of Three Ships. Tune in for an inspiring and honest look at entrepreneurship in the beauty space. This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.

    50 min
  7. Piper Gilles (Olympic Figure Skater): An Olympian's Guide to Overcoming Adversity

    OCT 8

    Piper Gilles (Olympic Figure Skater): An Olympian's Guide to Overcoming Adversity

    In the high-pressure world of competitive figure skating, Canadian Olympian Piper Gilles has carved out a name for herself, not only through her artistry and athleticism but also through her resilience and advocacy.    Beyond the rink, Piper is a vocal advocate for women’s health and has turned her personal battle into a mission to inspire and educate. While being an elite athlete comes with its own share of personal sacrifice and struggle, it was her diagnosis with Stage 1 ovarian cancer in the spring of 2023 that tested the resilience and fortitude that she had built up for herself throughout the course of her career.    In this episode, the two-time Canadian Olympian and three-time World Figure Skating Championship Medalist sits with Lance and discusses her artistry through sport, advocacy, and celebrating her accomplishments in life.

    45 min
  8. Madelyn Chung (Founder, The RepresentASIAN Project): Amplifying Asian North American Voices

    SEP 26

    Madelyn Chung (Founder, The RepresentASIAN Project): Amplifying Asian North American Voices

    In this episode, presented by Monogram Appliances Canada, Lance sits down with Madelyn Chung, founder of The RepresentASIAN Project, to discuss the complexities of cultural identity, Asian representation in media, and the ongoing work of breaking down systemic barriers within and outside the Asian community. Madelyn shares candid insights into her personal journey of embracing her roots, the impact of pivotal moments like Crazy Rich Asians, and how her platform has evolved to showcase not just success stories, but the nuanced experiences that make up the Asian diaspora. From navigating colorism and internal racism to advocating for solidarity between BIPOC communities, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of amplifying Asian voices in media and beyond. This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.

    42 min
See All (85)

About

Mission Critical is a podcast hosted by GLORY Media Editor-in-Chief Lance Chung about the purpose and values that drive today's most inspiring leaders. From innovative entrepreneurs to cultural game-changers, each episode will introduce you to someone new who is defining their community and redefining the status quo.

Information

  • Creator
    GLORY Media
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021
  • Show Website
    Mission Critical

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada