Mission Critical with Lance Chung

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Mission Critical with Lance Chung

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. Sebastian Picardo (CEO, President; Holt Renfrew): Are Department Stores Still Relevant?

    3H AGO

    Sebastian Picardo (CEO, President; Holt Renfrew): Are Department Stores Still Relevant?

    Department stores are disappearing—Nordstrom pulled out of Canada, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman were swallowed up into Saks Global, Hudson's Bay is liquidating, and direct-to-consumer brands are reshaping the retail landscape. But Holt Renfrew (you know them, that Canadian luxury destination with the iconic magenta shopping bags) continues to stand strong. It's an impressive feat considering the brand's almost 200-year history. So, what does it take to not just survive, but thrive in today’s evolving luxury market? In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Sebastian Picardo, President and CEO of Holt Renfrew, to explore the evolving definition of luxury and the future of multi-brand retail. From his first brush with luxury in Argentina to navigating Holt Renfrew through a rapidly changing landscape, Sebastian shares personal insights, leadership philosophies, and the strategic vision that keeps Holt Renfrew at the forefront of the industry. They discuss: The emotional and experiential aspects of luxury in 2025.How Holt Renfrew stays relevant in an era where brands are going direct-to-consumer.The crucial role of relationships in luxury retail.Balancing heritage with innovation. Key Takeaways: Luxury is more than price—it’s about emotion, purpose, and connection.Multi-brand retailers must define their own identity beyond the brands they carry.Personal service and relationships are the true product in luxury retail.Sustainability and heritage can coexist with innovation.Navigating uncertainty requires a long-term vision and a strong company culture. If you’re curious about the future of fashion, retail, and what it takes to lead a legacy brand in a rapidly changing industry, this is the episode for you. Let's get into it.

    52 min
  2. Samantha Reusch (Executive Director, Apathy is Boring): Why Aren't Young People Voting?

    MAR 26

    Samantha Reusch (Executive Director, Apathy is Boring): Why Aren't Young People Voting?

    With a snap election just called for April, the pressure is on to get young Canadians to the polls. But will they show up? Youth voter turnout has historically lagged behind older demographics, and trust in political institutions is at an all-time low. In an era of misinformation, democratic backsliding, and global instability, is democracy failing young people—or have young people lost faith in democracy? To help unpack these questions, Lance chats with Samantha Reusch, Executive Director of Apathy is Boring—a national, non-partisan organization that has spent 20 years working to increase youth engagement in Canadian democracy. A leading voice on democratic reform and voter participation, Samantha has dedicated her career to ensuring young people feel heard in the political process. Under her leadership, Apathy is Boring has helped mobilize thousands of first-time voters. In this episode, we explore: ✅ Why youth voter turnout remains low—and what’s keeping young Canadians from the polls. ✅ How global politics is shaping youth perceptions of democracy. ✅ The role of misinformation, social media, and tech algorithms in political disengagement. ✅ What needs to change in Canada’s electoral system to better serve young voters. ✅ Apathy is Boring’s innovative strategies to mobilize youth, including Count Us In and Table Topics. ✅ Samantha’s call to action for young Canadians ahead of the 2024 Canadian federal election. This election could define a generation. But what will it take to get young Canadians to the polls? Let's get into it. 🔗 Resources & Links: 📌 Apathy is Boring: apathyisboring.com 📌 Take the vote pledge: https://www.apathyisboring.com/votepledge 📌 The Feed newsletter: https://www.apathyisboring.com/feed

    53 min

  3. MAR 19

    Laura McGee (CEO, Diversio): Here's Why DEI Programs Are Here to Stay

    DEI has become one of the most polarizing conversations in the corporate world, especially in the 2025 Trump era. Is it a critical business strategy, or just corporate virtue signaling? On this episode of Mission Critical with Lance Chung, Lance sits down with Laura McGee, CEO of Diversio, to cut through the noise and uncover what’s really happening behind the headlines. McGee shares how Diversio is using AI and data analytics to make workplaces more productive—and why the backlash against DEI is based more on perception than reality. She breaks down the myths surrounding diversity efforts, reveals the surprising truth about which companies are actually pulling back, and explains why leaders should embrace uncomfortable conversations instead of avoiding them. Key Takeaways: The media’s portrayal of DEI is misleading—most companies aren’t canceling it, they’re rebranding it.Why fear, not facts, is the biggest barrier to progress.The global differences in how companies approach inclusion—and what North America gets wrong.How to shift the DEI conversation from divisive to productive. It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Listen now.

    45 min
  4. Joanna Griffiths (Founder, Knix): Why Building a Brand Isn’t Enough—You Need to Start a Movement

    MAR 12

    Joanna Griffiths (Founder, Knix): Why Building a Brand Isn’t Enough—You Need to Start a Movement

    Building an incredible brand is one thing—leading it through an industry shift is another. Joanna Griffiths created Knix to disrupt the intimates industry, making inclusivity and body positivity the foundation of a global movement. In this episode, Lance chats with Joanna about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts—and why simply selling a product isn’t enough anymore. Joanna opens up about navigating the challenges of scaling a business, staying independent in an era of multi-million-dollar acquisitions, and why she believes the body positivity movement is at risk of disappearing. Plus, we dive into the impact of the current Canada-U.S. trade tensions on entrepreneurs and what it means for the future of consumer brands. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Disruption vs. Innovation: Why the most successful brands aren’t just filling a market gap—they’re changing consumer behavior. 🔹 The Truth About Body Positivity: Has the fashion industry quietly abandoned the movement in favour of Ozempic-fueled ideals? 🔹 The Reality of Leading Through Uncertainty: How global trade wars and shifting economic policies are making it harder than ever for Canadian entrepreneurs. 🔹 Fundraising With Integrity: Joanna’s unapologetic approach to weeding out bad investors—and why she refused to compromise on her vision. 🔹 The Future of Brand Loyalty: What today’s consumers really care about, and how businesses can stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. This is a conversation about power, influence, and the new rules of leadership in an era of disruption. 🎧 Listen now! Subscribe to Mission Critical with Lance Chung for more takeaways from today's greatest disruptors.

    51 min
  5. Lily Li (Investment Counsellor): How Philanthropy is a State of Mind and A Daily Practice

    FEB 27

    Lily Li (Investment Counsellor): How Philanthropy is a State of Mind and A Daily Practice

    In this episode of Mission Critical, we sit down with Lily Li—investment counsellor, socialite, and philanthropist—who shares her remarkable journey from immigrating to Canada to making a name for herself in the male-dominated world of finance. Lily opens up about the challenges she faced breaking into the industry, how she built a powerful network, and why giving back is at the heart of her success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to be a leader.

    41 min
  6. Jake Karls (Co-Founder, Mid-Day Squares) - How Being An Entrepreneur Is Like Being A Professional Athlete

    FEB 12

    Jake Karls (Co-Founder, Mid-Day Squares) - How Being An Entrepreneur Is Like Being A Professional Athlete

    In this episode of Mission Critical, we sit down with Jake Karls, co-founder and "Chief Rainmaker" of Mid-Day Squares, the Canadian chocolate company that's redefining snacking—and business culture. Jake shares his unfiltered insights on what it takes to build not just a successful brand, but a powerhouse team that believes in your mission. From cultivating habits that help you step into your leadership persona to fostering a company culture rooted in authenticity and transparency, Jake gets real about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Whether you're launching a startup or leading a team, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to lead with purpose and build a business that stands out.

    55 min
  7. Eric Chong (Chef): The Realities Of Running A Fine-Dining Restaurant

    FEB 6

    Eric Chong (Chef): The Realities Of Running A Fine-Dining Restaurant

    In this episode, we dive into MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong's unique journey from the lab to the kitchen, but more importantly, the realities of life as a restaurateur—the sacrifices, the endless grind, and the unwavering commitment it takes to succeed. The owner of the newly-opened aKin Toronto, Eric gets real about the highs and lows of the industry and what keeps him pushing forward, even when the pressure feels overwhelming. Tune in to Lance and Eric’s conversation for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant world, the personal toll of chasing your dreams, and what it really means to dedicate your life to the craft. This episode is part of our MOMENTUM series, presented in partnership with Monogram Appliances Canada, celebrating Asian-Canadian stories that inspire and lead the way forward.

    49 min
  8. Eva Chin (Chef): Reshaping the Future of Chinese Cuisine

    JAN 29

    Eva Chin (Chef): Reshaping the Future of Chinese Cuisine

    Chef Eva Chin is redefining what it means to be a steward of culinary culture. As the Culinary Director of Hong Shing and owner of Yan Dining Room in Toronto, she masterfully blends tradition with innovation, proving that Chinese cuisine isn’t static—it’s dynamic, seasonal, and deeply personal. In this episode, we explore her journey from growing up on a farm to working in global culinary hotspots like New York and Hong Kong, and how those experiences fuel her bold vision for the future of food. Listen to Lance and Eva's discussion for an insightful, thought-provoking conversation that will challenge how you think about Chinese cuisine, leadership in the food industry, and the power of food to drive meaningful change. This episode is part of a larger series called MOMENTUM, presented in partnership with Monogram Appliances Canada, which celebrates Asian-Canadian stories.

    43 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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