Steal From the Best

In this episode of Steal From the Best, we sit down with Steven E. Orr, the Founder and CEO of Quasar Markets and one of the most distinctive voices in fintech, trading, and digital assets. With more than 34 years of experience in finance, media, government, and sports, Steven brings a uniquely broad perspective to the future of markets and technology. Steven shares the story of his career, from his early days in finance to leadership roles at Money.Net and Benzinga, and how these experiences shaped the vision behind Quasar Markets. He explains how Quasar is built on Google's Web3 backend and how the platform integrates a massive range of data sources, more than 18 AI models, and personalized tools to create a unified hub for traders, investors, and institutions. The conversation covers trading psychology, cryptocurrency strategies, collective intelligence, and the growing role of machine learning in predicting market behavior. Steven also talks about his long-term mission to use technology to improve global education, financial literacy, and access to opportunity. If you are interested in fintech, artificial intelligence, global markets, entrepreneurship, or the future of digital assets, this episode is packed with insights worth stealing.

In this episode of Steal From the Best, we sit down with Adam Olenn, Founder of Rustle & Spark and a leading expert in story-driven branding, communication, and human connection. Adam brings over 25 years of experience helping organizations around the world craft powerful narratives that inspire action, build trust, and elevate brands. Adam shares the early influences that shaped his storytelling lens — from his mother's anti-smoking campaign to his father's courtroom narrative strategies — and walks us through his journey into branding, education, entrepreneurship, and keynote speaking. We dig into the science behind why stories move people, the art and rigor of naming a brand, and how organizations can use story to differentiate in crowded markets. We also explore the evolving role of AI in creative work, including where it helps, where it falls short, and why human connection and emotional resonance still sit at the centre of great communication. If you're interested in branding, leadership, communication, creativity, or simply becoming a better storyteller, this conversation is packed with insights worth borrowing.

Katie Duarte is the founder of Action Potential Solutions and is a leading expert on feedback dynamics and organizational psychology.  She's on a mission to revolutionize how feedback is handled in the workplace. Leveraging an MSc in Organizational Psychology, where she conducted her own research on feedback dynamics, and professional certifications in both training and development and organizational development.  Katie brings a fresh and insightful approach to critical organizational challenges.  Her work focuses on fostering greater connection and trust within teams, ultimately enhancing organizational effectiveness and success. In our conversation, Katie shares her unique journey, from working with wildlife in Australia to leading sales teams and how these experiences have shaped her understanding of what makes feedback truly effective.  She also dives deep into the complexities of feedback, the importance of trust and clarity, and why it's essential to view feedback as a two-way street.  

Mark Brender is National Director of Partners in Health Canada, a global health and social justice NGO relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized.  Starting from a one-room clinic in Haiti more than 30 years ago, Partners in Health today serves millions of patients each year across 11 countries, working to deliver high quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train service providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change.  Mark opened the PIH Canada office in 2011 and is passionate about raising awareness and funds for this effort, and empowering Canadians to join the movement for global health equity.  He previously held leadership positions with national and international charitable organizations.  Prior to his career in the non-profit sector, he spent more than a decade as an award-winning hockey journalist, writing about those who practice a different kind of justice. We discuss how Mark left his previous career and lifestyle behind to enter the world of NGOs.  Mark talks about the transition and how it filled his life with more purpose.  You'll be inspired by the numerous success stories shared by Mark. 

Coach Joey Greany has over two decades of experience working with elite professional athletes.  He's currently one of the Major League Strength and Conditioning Coaches with the Tampa Bay Rays where he's been for almost 7 years.  Outside of the Rays, he provides performance coaching for athletes and teams, executive fitness coaching, and corporate fitness consulting services.  With the Tampa Bay Rays, he trains the elite of the elite MLB baseball players.   When it comes to strength and conditioning coaching, Joey is as good as it gets.  We talk about the importance of having a strong mindset and remaining focused.  In order to get the best results from those that he's coaching, he develops personal relationships and builds trust.  It's a necessary step in the quest to achieve peak performance.  Joey offers some workout advice for those who aren't professional athletes and stresses the importance of getting a good night's sleep and staying hydrated. 

Tim Bakker, a former professional football player discusses his transition from a competitive athletic career to the corporate world.  The Discussion touches on the specialization of sports in youth, the challenges of balancing multiple sports, the pressure on young athletes, the CFL draft experience, the business aspect of professional sports, and the adjustment period from Canadian collegiate to professional football. Tim discusses the lessons learned from football and how they have helped him in the corporate world.  He emphasizes the importance of honesty, constantly seeking new wins, learning from failures, and being accountable.  He also mentions the mental aspect of football and the ability to quickly adapt and make decisions on the field.  He shares his journey from working at RBC to becoming an equity partner at Lloyd Sadd.   "Always be the hammer, not the nail." - Tim Bakker

Raymond, a multi-talented individual, embraces the roles of an entrepreneur, musician, and co-founder of Podcast Connection.  When the COVID pandemic led to the indefinite suspension of live music shows, Raymond faced the necessity to shift away from the music entertainment industry. Undeterred by his lack of prior experience and capital, he embarked on a bootstrapped journey to establish a company from scratch.  Through his relentless efforts, Podcast Connection not only achieved profitability each year but also created employment opportunities for numerous South Africans.   This enabled Raymond to overcome the burden of personal debt amounting to $35k within a year.  Since inception, Podcast Connection has served close to 100 clients and Raymond and his team of agents have successfully booked a number of guest speakers on over 900 podcasts.   Raymond offers some candid advice to podcast guests on what it takes to be successful and we also dive a bit into politics discussing the current landscape in South Africa.

We chat with Eric Saumure, Principal at Zenbooks, an online accounting firm.  He's not your traditional accountant.  While he's formally trained as an accountant (CPA, CA), he has experience advising C-Suite executives and business owners on all areas of business finance, including succession planning, restructuring, building processes, and managing remote teams.  Eric was tired of the big firm feel and decided to change the way people see their accountant and started Zenbooks which is an online Canadian accounting firm that is 100% remote and leveraging the latest cloud-based tools to advise small business owners across Canada Eric offers some sage advice in our podcast including, setting up a recurring money date in your calendar.  We also talk about the importance of getting the right people on your team while hiring slowly and firing fast.  Eric addresses making good long-term business decisions and building a profitable business and then growing it out.

Matt Haycox's story is one of a mistake-maker turned hugely successful entrepreneur.  From starting in business at age 16 to becoming the UK's biggest strip club owner by 27, with businesses in leisure, property, retail, and finance, then bankrupt by 28!  Matt went on to rebuild his life and business as a lender and investor using lessons learned from his failures and now provides funding to SME businesses across the UK.   Matt shares a bunch of nuggets from his wild ride.  We touch on the balancing of profitability with sustainability and avoiding the sexiness of growth.  We also look at the importance of partnerships.  It's better to have a smaller piece of a huge pie versus having a large piece of a small pie.

Christopher is the President and CEO of Storewise, Inc., a technology company that builds automation software for food retailers.  Christopher authored the book, "8 Steps to Overcoming Everyday Adversity," which was endorsed by several leaders including the former Vice Chairman of the US Join Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Bill Owens.  In 2022, Christopher's book received The Maxy Award's runner-up in the inspirational/self-help category.   He holds an MBA from Florida International University (Miami) and has completed 4 triathlons including a 70.3 Ironman, and lives in the Kansas City area with his wife, two kids, and a rescue dog. Chris shares some of his tips for overcoming adversity.  We also dive deeper into what makes a successful leader and also look at what it takes to develop a strong team culture.   "Culture eats strategy for breakfast."