Chatter that Matters

This is the extraordinary true story of Tier One Special Forces soldier, adventurer, and world-record breaker Dean Stott. In a gripping retelling of his story, Dean shares insight into his esteemed military career in the British Army, where he conducted deployments to hostile environments, worked within counterterrorism operations in some of the most dangerous places in the world, and survived a horrific parachute accident.

Stott discloses how he continued to fuel his journey of excellence by starting a high-risk security company and becoming the first man to cycle the Pan American Highway in under one hundred days, and raising over a million dollars to support his friend Prince Harry's efforts with mental health awareness charities.

Dean Stott offers an inspiring reminder that we all have the capability to use our inner voices, drive, and instincts to become relentless in our pursuits in life.

A fantastic episode to share with 16+ as Dean’s lessons resonate with all:

You can’t control the uncontrollable—but you can choose how you react to life’s challenges.

Failure is just experience—as long as you learn and grow, there’s no such thing as losing.

Actions speak louder than words—if you believe in something, let your actions be the proof.

To buy Dean's book, Relentless, https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Special-Operations-Record-Breaker/dp/1665725176

Guy Kawasaki is a bestselling author, accomplished executive, and outspoken entrepreneur. In this episode, Guy shares his powerful approach to business which will help entrepreneurs who are searching for ways to elevate their game.

How do you say no to a job offer from Steve Jobs? Guy Kawasaki is one of the most respected minds in Silicon Valley, an evangelist for Canva, a prolific author (of 15 books), speaker and a newly minted podcaster. This episode is a masterclass for entrepreneurs and ambition. Guy Kawasaki was one of Apple's first brand evangelists, and over his career, he worked there twice and turned Steve Jobs down a third time. That career move and turning down the role of CEO of Yahoo probably cost him about $3 billion. Guy Kawasaki has no regrets; he is one of the most positive people I have ever met, and his focus is to make the world a better place. Guy Kawasaki shares some incredible stories of what it was like to work for Steve Jobs, including a heated exchange between the two that stopped a meeting – and Kawasaki's career – in its tracks. A firm believer that business should have a higher purpose beyond profit, Kawasaki shares his top lessons in business, including the difference between enchantment and persuasion. Kawasaki's advice to start-ups is to create something that matters. And for those entrepreneurs seeking to become the next unicorn, he offers this two-step process. Step one: Dent the universe. Step two: Become a unicorn-not vice-versa. And for a bonus feature, Shadi McIsaac, the passionate and brilliant co-founder of OWNR, joins the show. OWNR is an all-in-one platform from RBC Ventures to start, manage, and grow your business. Sixty-five thousand companies have already used their services. If you contemplate starting a business or are overwhelmed by admin and bureaucracy, you should check them out. To reach Tony Chapman. Web: https://chatterthatmatters.ca Twitter – @TonyChapman – https://twitter.com/tonychapman Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonychapmanreactions/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/chatterthatmatters/ Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcGvzmw9MFkUcGylrFA2xC Ownr - https://www.ownr.co Shadi McIsaac Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadikargosha/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/SKargosha

If you believe that Canada can't compete in the design and creation of wonderful garments, then I encourage you to listen to this episode. And if you ever question the value of immigration, then I suggest you listen to it twice. For everyone else, get ready for some goosebumps, and some incredible advice from one of the worlds thought leaders on fashion, Jeanne Beker, as well as David Kincaid, a business and branding strategist who has guided the positioning of some of the world’s top companies and Lori Darlington from RBC.

Kathy Cheng emigrated from Hong Kong to Canada in the 1970s with her parents. To make ends meet, her Dad worked three jobs, sewing in a factory, delivering pizza at night, and waiting on tables, and her Mom wasn't far behind. There was no money for child care. Kathy was a latch-key kid who grew up watching her parents work. Over time Kathy's father and two siblings saved enough to start their own sewing shop, and within a decade, they employed 500 Canadians. Fast-forward to today, and Kathy is now the CEO, her Dad is her partner and they still sew everything in Canada.

Is it easy? No, but it's never been easy for Kathy and her family. Is it possible to defy the odds and keep Canadians employed in designing and manufacturing in the garment trade? Absolutely if Canadians support theirs and others, Canadian Dreams.

Presented by RBC.

Coming to Canada (01:03) Having emigrated from China at the age of 4 with her parents, Kathy, learnt to be independent and resourceful, in a new country, learning a new language. After working multiple jobs Kathy’s parents decide to open up their own business with 10 sewing machines and 5 staff. It’s a small start but they grow quickly.

From boom to almost bust (04:13) Their business grows to over 500 people, manufacturing for some of Canada’s most iconic brands as well as expanding into the US. When China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, competition increased putting pressure on their business and after the 2008 crash, things got worse. However, to her surprise, Kathy’s father asks her to be his business partner.

The revival (07:22) Together, they restructure the business around 40 people, focus on quality versus fast fashion and leverage the Made in Canada “label”. The strategy pays off and the business flourishes once again, now they have their own brand, Redwood Classics. As the business continues to grow what should focus on? Our experts step in.

Sound advice (11:15) Lori Darlington, VP, Small Business & Strategic Partnerships, RBC, compliments Kathy’s focus and commitment to “Made in Canada” - it’s a significant differentiator. David Kincaid, Founder & Managing Partner, Level5 Strategy, challenges Kathy to step up to that next level and declare her vision and answer that question: What business do I want my business to be? Jeanne Beker, Style Editor at TSC & Creative Director gives Kathy a big idea: team up with a local fashion school and invite students to design a garment, injection a little edge into the design.

My closing thoughts (29:07) There is so much more inside of Kathy Cheng - that’s her North Star. “ ...stop focusing on what you make and instead focus on the moments that fashion will be.” Own the moment, as it's not about what you sell but instead, the feeling people experience when they wear your garmets, that's your quest.

Links & References

Kathy Cheng, President & Founder, Redwood Classics Apparel LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-cheng-2510a815/ Website - https://redwoodclassics.net

Jeanne Beker, Style Editor at TSC , Author, Keynote Speaker, Host, Freelance Journalist, Creative Director LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-beker-109a501b/

David Kincaid, Founder & Managing Partner, Level5 Strategy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kincaid-125b851/

Lori Darlington, VP, Small Business & Strategic Partnerships, RBC LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-darlington/

RBC Business page – https://www.rbcro...

We have a surprise twist in this week’s Chatter That Matters. Mark Ferrier steps in as guest host and interviews Tony Chapman on his journey. Mark is a natural; the banter between them is like listening to two close friends, and you will uncover many parallels between their lives and I am guessing yours.

Tony shares a childhood where their family had to deal with emotional uncertainty and dire financial insecurities resulting from his father's failing mental health.

Tony promised himself that he would never put his family in a similar situation and that motivation propelled him into an entrepreneurial journey that has extended over decades.

Tony opens up about his successes and failures, the lessons he learned along the way, and how an unchecked ego cost people their jobs. Tony also expresses his gratitude for everyone who has helped him along the way with a special shout-out to RBC for investing in Chatter that Matters and sharing stories of positivity and possibility.

Tony closes the show talking about why Chatter that Matters, is his labour of love, and his passion for Canada and what must be done to reclaim our dream.

Time Code:

02:02 Why family matters

03:09 Tony's journey, achievements, and lessons summarized.

06:37 Father's spending nearly bankrupts us, sparks change.

10:08 Grade 7 party, $20 payment, discovering radio.

14:35 Radio-inspired purpose: consumer insights, connecting, dreams.

16:48 Tony’s first agency - Communique

19:35 Help others is the best reward of all.

24:31 Letting people go is the worst failure of all.

28:36 More change and transformation

30:50 Innovative ideas presented, uncertainty about the future.

34:02 Mentor, moderate, lead, market, sell for attention.

36:57 Overcoming circumstances, changing lives, powerful lessons.

40:29 Tony talks about the Canadian Dream

42:20 Tony talks about Education

45:41 Mark shares the three takeaways

Have you ever wondered what it was like to raise Beyoncé as a father and be her manager? Or how Destiny's Child came to be one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. The role brands like L’Oréal and Pepsi played in Beyoncé's early success as a solo artist.

Mathew Knowles, the father of Beyoncé and Solange, joins Chatter that Matters to share his remarkable journey from a Father of Beyoncé and Solange to a Music Industry Manager, then a Mogul to a Civil Rights Crusader, a Survivor of Male Breast Cancer, and Keynote Speaker.

Mathew Knowles will deliver a keynote at the After Breast Cancer Gala on September 29, 2024, from 12 to 6 pm, at the Bellvu Manor in Vaughan, Ontario. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.afterbreastcancer.ca/pink-diamond-gala-2024

10 Moments That Matter:

1. [02:09] Matthew Knowles discusses being a child when schools were being desegregated 2. [05:09] The classroom incident that taught Knowles the importance of being prepared 3. [08:30] How Knowles got his job at Xerox through a chance encounter 4. [11:05] Beyoncé as a young child 5. [13:19] Sharing Destiny's Child's successes and failures and why both matter 6. [15:06] The decision to transition from corporate America to music management 7. [16:46] Navigating the challenges of being both a parent and manager 8. [18:41] Practicing failure as part of artist development for Destiny's Child 9. [19:18] Approaching the music industry from a worldwide perspective 10. [20:48] Knowles' battle with male breast cancer

To learn more about Mathew Knowles, https://www.mathewknowles.com/