Good Talks

#45: Embark on an extraordinary journey with Jonathan Meads, VP at Streetside Development, a cornerstone of the venerable Qualico legacy. From the charm of English pub gatherings to the corridors of boarding schools, we trace Jonathan's path, exploring his childhood dreams of aviation and the unexpected twist that led him to Vancouver's vibrant real estate scene. As we unravel the layers of Qualico's 73-year-old history and its affiliated vertical companies like Foxridge Homes, Streetside, and more, Jonathan unveils the strategic brilliance behind the vertical integration approach. Discover how Streetside stands out with its commitment to end-user satisfaction, sustainability initiatives, and the groundbreaking 10% deposit offer that's revolutionizing home ownership in Surrey. Join us in exploring Streetside's visionary outlook, featuring Net Zero townhomes, innovative carbon-consuming concrete, and a dedicated focus on community-centric development. Jonathan Meads takes us on a captivating journey through the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, offering a deep dive into the industry's past, present, and Streetside's pioneering role in shaping its future.• 00:00:13 Start time• 00:01:14 Jonathan's life in England• 00:02:54 Private pub parties in England• 00:03:51 Boarding Schools• 00:04:24 A banker for a father• 00:05:13 Are the schools in England like Harry Potter?• 00:07:04 Jonathan was blazing the trail for his siblings growing up• 00:07:15 The wooden spoon method• 00:09:48 Jonathan's current family• 00:11:01 Jonathan's journey to real estate• 00:11:12 Started the journey wanting to be a pilot• 00:11:42 Building Surveying• 00:14:50 UK infrastructure planning • 00:18:04 The rat race• 00:19:46 London lifestyle: Going anywhere at any time and always finding something to do in London• 00:20:39 The first career opportunity for Jonathan when he landed in Canada• 00:21:19 The power of coffee and connects• 00:22:27 Jonathan's first project in Osoyoos• 00:24:06 Old school recruiting• 00:25:43 Union pension funds at Concert Income Properties• 00:27:54 Culture within the Union side• 00:31:15 Commuting• 00:31:58 Working on lifes distractions• 00:32:50 The importance of being face-to-face with your peers & manager• 00:33:31 Streetsides in office policy• 00:35:43 Qualico is amazing• 00:36:02 History of Qualico• 00:37:41 Verticle companies attached to Qualico: Foxridge Homes, Streetside, etc.• 00:38:53 Journeying across Canada• 00:40:56 Functions of Qualico: Star, Rancho, Qualico Properties• 00:44:32 Pros of the verticals approach• 00:48:23 Pros to a buyer using this approach• 00:52:14 Learning from the mistakes• 00:53:22 Using reviews to improve• 00:58:58 The Family Home Dream• 01:00:17 Competitor scores• 01:02:15 Choosing Surrey• 01:03:43 Sustainability in the real estate industry• 01:04:11 KEY’s Google review• 01:05:25 Rancho's involvement• 01:10:41 Juno amenities• 01:10:57 360 views in Surrey• 01:11:56 The Boroughs• 01:13:10 The benefits of truly focusing on the end user• 01:15:29 Junos offerings• 01:16:29 Offering 10% vs 15% vs 20% and what it does for the end user• 01:20:52 10% gives a chance for people to get on the property ladder• 01:21:20 How could Streetside get the 10%?• 01:23:08 Construction lender's role and what they need to consider• 01:26:34 Juno is not just a cliche deal• 01:28:45 Vision for Streetside• 01:30:44 First Net Zero townhomes• 01:31:35 Addressing carbon• 01:34:17 Carbon-consuming concrete• 01:37:27 Selling induction• 01:42:56 Level 5 leader

#44: Dive into Rocky Sethi's 25 years of real estate, development, and construction expertise in this immersive podcast. With a rich background spanning land acquisition, construction, and sales—ranging from high-end custom homes to master-planned projects across Western Canada—Rocky shares a vibrant tapestry of insights.Rocky's stories transcend the traditional real estate narrative, delving into the intricacies of rental affordability, policies, and the allure of Penticton. His enthusiasm for Penticton's potential and the Stryke and Tien Sher masterplan community offers a glimpse into a burgeoning real estate phenomenon. Exploring Masstimber's potential to transform construction and design, Rocky envisions BC's role as a leader in this space.From fractionalizing real estate to fostering digital neighborhoods, Rocky's discussions paint a holistic picture of community building within real estate projects. His insights encompass technological advancements, family anecdotes, and a forward-thinking approach that bridges innovation with the essence of creating thriving spaces.In this podcast episode, Rocky Sethi's journey unfolds as a testament to the power of industry relationships, multifaceted experiences, and a forward-thinking approach. Listeners gain insights into the evolving realms of real estate, technology, and community-building, leaving inspired to navigate change and create vibrant, innovative spaces, with a special focus on the promise held in Penticton's real estate landscape.• 00:00:50 Family• 00:01:24 Growing boys and their deeper voices and mustaches• 00:02:21 First cars & jobs• 00:04:15 Rocky’s first time in the Okanagan• 00:05:18 Born in England, but grew up with an immigrant mentality• 00:06:12 Rocky's first career in Real Estate: Bad coffee, mustard-colored suit jackets, and typewriters in a Centry 21 office• 00:07:06 How Rocky got his license• 00:07:33 Building his first house realizing he liked building much more than selling• 00:12:54 Rental affordability & policies• 00:13:39 Policies across the country• 00:14:36 Calgary & Edmonton market• 00:16:34 The vibe in Alberta vs Vancouver• 00:17:44 Why love Penticton?• 00:18:56 The beast of real estate that's coming to Penticton• 00:20:36 The ethos for the Penticton site• 00:20:56 What exactly is Stryke bringing to the masterplan site• 00:22:42 Kelowna has the highest crime rate in Canada• 00:25:02 Starting Stryke, connecting the dots• 00:25:46 Leaving a CEO job for a new company• 00:27:04 Getting into mass timber• 00:27:43 Dimensional framing to TGI• 00:28:56 Building better buildings (decrafting the business)• 00:29:38 Wins when working with Masstimber• 00:30:08 Is CLT the same as Masstimber• 00:31:43 Designing with Masstimber, the right way• 00:32:26 Benefits of Masstimber to a Buyer• 00:33:24 What the spread with Masstimber in a woodframe project• 00:34:43 Will BC be a leader in Masstimer building• 00:35:15 Seagate Construction• 00:35:29 Current leaders in the Masstimber space• 00:36:58 Loving the opportunity in Real Estate• 00:37:56 KEYprize• 00:39:24 Fractionalizing Real Estate• 00:41:54 Enginuity of young people• 00:44:44 Logo tournament• 00:45:32 Building custom ChatGPT• 00:46:27 Gemini AI system• 00:50:55 Plugging a brain into an AI system• 00:51:15 Blue Zones documentary on Netflix• 00:53:17 Fear of the future in technology• 00:56:31 Creating a Digital Neighbourhood/Community• 00:57:26 Embedding community• 01:00:39 How to create a great community with a presale project• 01:03:38 Balancing work and family• 01:06:04 “Never shy about telling the why” Sahil Bloom

#43: Join Cory Wright, the driving force behind William Wright Commercial, as he explores the evolving landscape of Commercial Real Estate. From his daring start in Yaletown to leading 7 BC offices, Cory's journey underscores the power of people as the ultimate business asset. He delves into office models, client priorities, and the reasons behind his brand, emphasizing the importance of hiring for passion and attributes while fostering a culture of success without traditional titles. Discover Cory's insights into organic growth, AI's impact on Real Estate, and the client-first approach that defines William Wright Commercial, offering listeners a wealth of leadership and strategic innovation lessons.• 00:00:13 Start• 00:00:22 Cory’s start in the biz• 00:01:25 Working at Prompton• 00:02:20 Getting a lease with no credit in Yaletown in 2013 to 7 offices in BC• 00:03:19 People are your biggest asset• 00:03:42 KEY’s first office space• 00:04:34 What does the future office model look like in 2023 and onward• 00:05:24 Do clients care about a good-looking office?• 00:05:54 Why start your own brand?• 00:07:04 Entitlement in the Commercial Real Estate space• 00:08:30 Hiring on passion and attributes upon hire• 00:09:29 Communication is KEY in business and personal relationships• 00:10:54 Looking at the next market and increasing boots on the ground• 00:12:12 Not playing catching up with COVID• 00:14:44 Highlighting mentorship• 00:15:12 Smother people with leadership• 00:16:07 The people at William Wright Commercial• 00:17:19 Cam’s family within Lee & Associates• 00:19:11 Only being as good as your last transaction• 00:19:30 Growing organically• 00:20:10 Is Alberta next for William Wright?• 00:21:09 Generational wealth exchange• 00:22:35 Getting to know the Commercial Real Estate industry better (multinational, regional, local, resimercial)• 00:25:09 What are multinational companies offering to brokers?• 00:27:08 Opportunities in the office vs. not• 00:28:19 Why leave multinational• 00:28:38 Creating a broker's first brokerage• 00:30:41 Becoming complacent• 00:32:26 Creating a culture of winnings• 00:33:47 Why so many VPs??• 00:34:10 Creating a level playing field, William Wright doesn't do titles• 00:36:26 Looking at the long game• 00:39:06 People buy what they know• 00:40:46 Revenue sharing model within William Wright• 00:45:04 50% of a watermelon is better than 100% of a grape• 00:45:35 How did the revenue model come about• 00:47:45 Cory's family• 00:49:39 People who make shit happen vs the people that have shit happen to them• 00:50:02 Who does Cory admire• 00:50:28 The book Execution• 00:52:26 Company values• 00:53:01 How to choose the right people• 00:54:01 A lot of people do not know how to be successful• 00:57:53 Innovating• 00:58:17 AI• 00:58:31 AI in commercial real estate• 00:58:58 What AI can do• 01:00:15 Development Land Sales• 01:01:32 Getting the list back• 01:04:26 Presale experience• 01:07:10 Current presale projects• 01:08:55 Putting the client ahead• 01:12:53 Is there a conflict of interest?• 01:13:25 End

#42: Embark on a captivating journey with Simon Bray, President of REW, as he navigates the intricate tapestry of global real estate trends.Simon's wealth of expertise, from South African software ventures to spearheading REW's expansive growth, encapsulates the realms of listings, vertical marketplaces, and the evolving landscape of global real estate portals. From delving into the pulse of British Columbia's market trends to dissecting transaction intricacies, this exploration goes beyond the surface, offering profound insights into housing affordability, strategic investments, and real estate's pivotal role in achieving financial freedom.0:28 The marketplace dynamic within real estate1:08 The importance of balance between home seekers & agents3:36 The home seeker process/experience from start to finish4:00 The Connect program6:22 What it’s like being the middle guy in the real estate marketplace7:40 The importance of thinking outside the numbers7:50 Why REW “fires and forgets”8:12 Being profile driven9:11 REW’s switch from platform to brand11:44 Simons start in software back in South Africa12:37 How simons dad’s career exposed him to real estate development and the software power within it13:31 A love for web-based software16:20 The sauce of listings17:30 Journey within the property portal19:03 The property portal worldwide community19:00 Moving to Spain21:10 Who owns REW? Glacier Media Group23:44 Simon's timeline at REW26:03 BC Buyers focusing in on the lower mainland and Alberta26:50 What are the stats to watch to see what city is doing well28:00 BC stock in comparison to Alberta & Toronto30:29 Transaction is evidence of a healthy real estate environment31:00 The Home Seeker37:06 The killer feature of these kinds of sites is an email follower/reminder39:00 The power of Verticle Marketplaces40:27 How does REW track its consumers42:00 Helping home seekers work through the discovery stage43:00 Discovery to transaction45:50 Vancouvers disregard of yield for investors48:20 Investment-minded individuals49:15 Gatekeepers in our real estate ecosystem50:00 Vancouver housing affordability50:20 Viewing real estate as an asset vs. a need51:12 Housing vs. medical and Canada approach52:39 Achieving financial freedom through real estate53:37 Spain's healthcare system54:20 South Africa’s healthcare system54:56 Democratizing wealth55:22 Social utility of housing57:00 Looking through an Opportunity Lens57:48 Why did Simon choose Canada1:00:26 Bank of Canada1:02:17 What happens with 0 inflation1:06:11 What inflation and rates do to developers and their supply1:10:43 Reframing zoning1:12:00 Different gatekeeper groups1:20:51 Market testing concepts1:23:00 Will there ever be an open-book developer1:26:44 Being held at arm's length1:29:10 UDI1:32:10 The bureaucracy that developers stumble over1:33:20 Between permit application to DS - what can be done in between1:34:59 KEY Marketing: Pushing into the grey1:36:05 Advertising or Advocacy1:37:31 Lack of vision of what housing could be1:42:05 The low risk of pre-sold development projects1:47:10 Developers + direct potential buyer’s money = Grey area1:48:10 Federal and Provincial Measures Around Airbnb1:50:15 A House: A financial instrument or a social utility1:55:20 Real estate portals aren’t very successful in the country. REW is the difference

#41: Uncover the enigmatic world of property management with the remarkable Michelle Farina, the driving force behind Advent and VADA Property Management. With over 20 years of expertise, Michelle takes us on a journey from her early days as a receptionist to becoming a licensed Rental Property Manager and leading her two successful companies.In this episode, Michelle shares her invaluable insights into property management, from the importance of robust systems to maintaining a leveled perspective in leadership. She also delves into the fiercely competitive property management industry, finding the right staffing solutions, navigating rental rates, and the challenges landlords face in today's ever-evolving market.But that's not all – Michelle's entrepreneurial spirit extends to VADA Property Management, a company dedicated to enhancing livability and functionality in investment properties creating vibrant communities.Join us for a rollercoaster of property management wisdom, future trends, and shocking success stories that will leave you inspired and eager to connect with Michelle and her dedicated teams at Advent and VADA for all your property management needs.00:28 Rental Management right now00:50 Advent1:23 What is VADA1:40 Who is VADA’s target market3:00 Tenants who take advantage3:44 Finding equipt staffing in the rental management industry5:30 Starting Advent5:56 Dealing with micromanagement6:59 The timing of starting Advent and its instant success in the development space8:49 Outperforming expectations9:04 What does it take to be a property manager9:59 Property management is crisis management10:29 Michelles systems on how to find good property managers11:30 Having really good systems in property management is key to success12:29 Approaching management from a leveled perspective vs a boss14:30 Ways Advent has gotten good brand recognition15:00 Has Advent considered selling15:23 Cam’s journey selling KEY Property Management to Tribe16:08 Working with family18:10 What does competition look like in the property management industry18:36 How to not have negative competition within the staff19:00 Salary vs contract employees20:00 How Advent services their clients better22:48 Today's vacancy rates23:30 Does the holiday season affect vacancy rates24:09 Where is the best place to get rental data25:51 Things and markets change very quickly. Data from the last quarter will not be applicable to today27:50 Do people really want long-term tenants30:10 Can you negotiate rental rates33:54 What does a property management company usually charge to landlords35:33 Bill 44 & short-term rentals36:43 Do you like the short-term rental industry37:00 What is considered a short-term rental?37:46 Affordable housing in the condo market38:45 The average rent in Canada39:00 How to find filtered data39:23 What is a premium a tenant would pay new vs used? All things equal40:14 Where do you think rents are going41:35 The US rental culture42:16 Is Vancouver’s rental culture slowly headed toward the US’s rental culture43:00 Deciding if landlords should be advertising square footage or not44:00 Do tenants care about amenities, and will they pay more45:30 It’s hard being a landlord in 202349:30 The idea of being young and never being able to own a property in today's market51:00 The mindsets of different generations in 2023 in a quick-to-reward society54:00 The long game reward56:49 Twitter or X57:02 WeChat58:15 What is Michelle reading these days59:45 KEY’s Bookclub1:04:33 How to get ahold of Advent

#40: In this episode, we delve into the incredible quarter-century partnership between Bart and Jason, a dynamic duo whose journey has been marked by adventure and business growth, notably within their company, Bucketlist. From beer shotgunning and invigorating ice baths to their shared passion for bucket list adventures, their camaraderie has been at the heart of their story. These two "work husbands" have come a long way, transitioning from weed-picking for the Coquitlam School District to building thriving businesses such as Tidal Multimedia, Advisor Websites, and Bucktlist, an innovative approach to employee recognition. This engaging conversation celebrates the power of enduring partnerships and the pursuit of business successes and life's remarkable adventures.• 00:00:13 Start• 00:00:51 Shot gunning beers to ice baths and electro lights• 00:01:15 Sauna and Ice baths routines• 00:02:19 Deep sleeps with aid sleep, the water bed 2.0!• 00:05:06 Bucketlist• 00:05:29 Testing bucketlist• 00:06:20 Cam’s experience testing Bucketlist and how it led to Skydiving with a colleague• 00:07:10 Bart & Jason have been “work husbands” for 25 years (since 1997)• 00:07:29 Picking weeds after school to starting a business together• 00:09:25 Creating videos together at Tidal Multimedia• 00:10:54 Advisor Websites• 00:11:45 Advisor Website first website gig• 00:12:08 ABS• 00:13:50 What’s it like implementing monthly fees into your business• 00:14:11 Moving to the SaaS model• 00:23:47 Navigating with Bucketlist during COVID• 00:25:19 Implementing the rewards and recognition platform within Bucketlist• 00:26:00 Peer-to-peer recognition within the Bucketlist program• 00:26:59 Interesting requests that have been asked for within the program, such as the CEO calling your mom, days off, skydiving• 00:27:52 Creating an Employer Brand• 00:29:10 Bart's first run-in with employee recognition and how his idea of celebrating was not the same as his teams• 00:30:39 KEY x Veritree• 00:31:51 Looking back on bumps in the road• 00:32:21 How to make partnerships work• 00:33:05 The importance of defining core values between partners• 00:34:09 Weekly partnership meetings• 00:34:41 Speaking your truth and speaking your truth with compassion• 00:36:40 Growing old together: Business partners & friends• 00:37:33 Funny stories• 00:42:37 Bart’s originating story• 00:42:50 Immigrating from Poland to Canada• 00:45:00 Bucklists future plans• 00:47:07 How to capture value• 00:50:11 End

#39: Hear the life journey of Penticton's Mayor, Julius Bloomfield. From his unconventional upbringing amidst the chaos of a British psychiatric hospital to his transformative role in shaping the future of a city nestled between two lakes, Julius's story is nothing short of extraordinary. From his roots in England, his journey to Canada, and his rise from running British pubs to becoming a prominent figure in Penticton's real estate and political scene. Through insightful conversations, we delve into Julius's unique perspectives on social issues, economic development, and his passion for sustainability, all while gaining a deeper understanding of his vision for Penticton's future. • 00:00:13 Start• 00:02:27 Okanagan wine! Two different wines to recognize the two different personalities/demographics in the biz• 00:07:10 Hard year for the Okanagan wine industry• 00:08:00 August rock slide• 00:08:35 Julius from England• 00:08:51 Moving around Britain from a young age• 00:09:07 Growing up with parents in the mental health industry• 00:10:05 1988, exploring Canada• 00:11:34 Julius’s protective babysitter• 00:12:44 Living with bohemian/gypsy-style parents• 00:14:11 32 Running British pubs• 00:14:41 Cams Adopting Journey• 00:16:01 Cam’s people are from the Isle of Muck• 00:17:28 Julius’s family tree• 00:18:47 Why Canada• 00:19:12 Starting with nothing to something by 19• 00:19:52 British Society standards• 00:21:02 Choosing Canada• 00:22:41 “The Okanagan is the place to go!”• 00:24:16 Buying the Naramata Pub• 00:27:26 Introducing the log cabin• 00:28:51 Selling the pub and getting into Real Estate• 00:29:02 Why Real Estate• 00:29:50 Working in a job that pays for results and not for time• 00:30:34 The difference between his son, the Serif vs. RCMP vs. City Police• 00:31:39 Junior partner second, mayor first!• 00:32:25 Needing purpose in your life• 00:32:43 Getting into politics• 00:32:54 Running for the Green Party• 00:33:55 Social issues taking a toll on his mayorship• 00:35:02 The level of drugs in different city centers• 00:35:27 Recovery models, the four-pillar approach• 00:37:19 Safe Places bylaw in Penticton• 00:37:37 The argument of the people for change vs. the people who favour sameness• 00:38:48 Fuzzy lines between productive services• 00:39:34 2023 crime rates in Penticton, the traction is in the numbers• 00:42:19 Car 40• 00:44:06 The demand for housing in city centres• 00:45:30 Social housing needs within Penticton and major city centres• 00:45:56 Penticton bike path• 00:49:51 Economic development• 00:51:27 Pentictions natural amenities• 00:51:50 Electric Mobility / EV Revolution• 00:52:35 Rivian’s• 00:54:46 Julius’s Solar Panel Ranch• 01:00:42 Becoming a Horse Enthusiast• 01:01:29 Endurance horse racing• 01:04:34 The Iron Man Horse Race• 01:06:03 Vision for Penticton• 01:08:09 Critical on new development companies entering Penticton’s Real Estate scene• 01:10:26 Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle• 01:12:28 Feeling failure• 01:13:00 Being in service to the city you love• 01:13:22 End

#38: In this episode, Cam dives into the extraordinary life of Craig Stanghetta, a visionary entrepreneur raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Sault Ste. Marie. From experiencing the city’s rich Italian culture to finding his passion in the arts community, Craig's upbringing played a pivotal role in creating some of the world's most beautiful places, such as Kissa Tanto, St. Lawrence, Ask For Luigi, Jaybird, and Gilmore Place. Discover how Craig weaves unique narratives into his ventures, the essence of Ste Marie's success, and why embracing fear is key to achieving greatness. We also explore his approach to business development, navigating challenges during COVID, and his unique philosophy of incorporating all aspects of life into his ventures.• 00:00:13 Start Time• 00:04:02 Small talk growing up in Kelowna Cam• 00:04:25 Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie• 00:06:44 Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie and how it’s translated to creating the most beautiful places in the world• 00:07:45 Experiencing the rich Italian culture in Sault Ste. Marie• 00:09:28 Sports available in the city• 00:09:47 Getting into the small arts community within the city• 00:11:11 Friend group from the Sault Ste. Marie• 00:12:30 Kelowna culture vs Sault Ste. Marie when growing up• 00:14:27 Picking up where you left off with old friends• 00:15:23 Being a late bloom can help you reinvent yourself• 00:15:41 Idiocracy• 00:16:41 Coming to Vancouver• 00:17:57 Early on, career crisis within his acting career• 00:19:22 How Vancouver gave him the guts to open a new business• 00:20:32 First design gig in Vancouver• 00:20:46 Chambar to loft creations to Bao Bai, Meat & Bread, Ask for Luigi• 00:26:19 Building off of a lens of the narrative, the story, and the dream• 00:26:42 How do you decide on a story• 00:28:41 Building memories into a restaurant, with the example of Pepinos• 00:32:51 Savior Volpe, pepinos, Etc.• 00:34:12 Working with Earls by unchaining the chain• 00:35:06 Unstilling a brands persona• 00:36:44 Working in the States, Laurel• 00:37:33 Started in restaurants and now quite active in the real estate and hospitality space• 00:38:50 Connecting with people is needed more now than ever before• 00:41:25 Boring blows• 00:42:07 Don't bend the narrative. Get down to what you can actualize• 00:43:30 The Hedgehog Concept• 00:44:50 The good, the bad, and finding an equal measure• 00:45:45 Where most restaurants fail• 00:47:24 Being distilled and purposeful in all that you do• 00:47:55 Ste Marie focuses on the inside out• 00:50:38 Ste Marie staff and offices• 00:52:36 The reason why Ste Marie has been so successful in scaling up• 00:54:30 Why you should focus on your superpower vs working on your weaknesses• 00:55:29 Why having fear within a first business move is the key to success• 00:57:56 Business Development• 00:59:28 Working with businesses in COVID• 01:00:09 Focusing on the brand and gaining inbound leads• 01:00:24 Ste Maries differentiators• 01:01:58 Engineering livability and experiences within rental and retail• 01:04:51 Toronto projects• 01:06:53 Why Toronto?• 01:09:50 Toronto talent pool• 01:10:33 Hiring abroad• 01:11:28 Workplace structure• 01:15:43 191 Alexander opportunities• 01:19:12 Incorporating all aspects of life into one• 01:22:46 End Time

#37: Explore the fascinating world of AI in this podcast episode with Mike as your knowledgeable guide. From understanding the basics of AI and machine learning to practical applications and terminology, Mike shares insights from his 22-year entrepreneurial journey. Discover Myzone's upcoming AI tool launch, the connection between blockchain and the metaverse, and the potential of AI in customer care and content creation. Gain valuable perspectives on the risks and governance of AI, the future of AGI, and the interplay between AI and religion. With Mike's passion and expertise, this episode offers a concise yet enlightening exploration of AI's transformative power and its profound implications for the future.• 00:00:13 Start• 00:01:06 When ChatGPT 3-3.5 came out in November• 00:03:27 Mike's 22 years in entrepreneurship to now with AI• 00:04:21 The book Abundance. It’s time for the future• 00:05:03 What is the difference between AI and machine learning• 00:06:04 Terminology in the AI• 00:07:59 Asking the most challenging questions and documents into AI• 00:08:38 How to copy, paste, and download into AI• 00:09:32 First-party data• 00:10:19 What is the best platform to use in AI• 00:11:00 Myzone’s upcoming launch of a new free AI tool• 00:13:45 OpenAI vs. API• 00:14:29 App vs. desktop• 00:17:46 The overwhelming component of ChatGPT• 00:18:27 Comparing AI’s journey to the firsts of the internet• 00:19:49 What should beginners do?• 00:23:27 Having two visions and what those visions should look like (the wake-up call, the alignment)• 00:25:04 AI mindset coaching• 00:27:09 The Fear of AI in Employees• 00:28:20 Including AI in your resume• 00:28:35 The global benefit of AI in the workforce• 00:29:11 Blockchain• 00:29:53 Will AI be the new Blockchain and fade out?• 00:30:41 What is the use case for Blockchain?• 00:31:26 How are blockchain and the metaverse interconnected• 00:31:55 The biggest shock to people in Mike's speeches/talks• 00:34:13 “We are only at the tip of AI”• 00:34:45 Myzones version 0.1 (data, memory)• 00:36:47 Myzones AI applications roadmap: Advisory, assistance, clones• 00:39:51 Myzones version 1.0 (CRM-based, no longer chat interface)• 00:42:45 Myzones version 2.0 (string AI’s together)• 00:43:26 Roundtable AI conversions• 00:43:50 Using AI for newsletters, videos, avatars, etc.• 00:47:26 $15,000 incentive the Canadian government is currently offering for businesses to find out if AI is right for their company• 00:49:49 What to do if you are getting serious about AI• 00:52:37 AI for accounting• 00:53:36 MVP plan• 00:55:41 How is Myzone going to sell AI consulting services• 00:57:21 Can companies create their own process with how they can use AI?• 00:59:20 Mike will help companies brainstorm• 01:00:42 Could AI go wrong?• 01:01:26 Short-term risks with AI (fishing scams, political leaks/rumors/misinformation)• 01:03:30 3 Governing Rules of AI• 01:04:57 An information explosion (AGI)• 01:05:28 AGI• 01:07:10 Figuring out Religion vs figuring out AI• 01:08:08 AI/AGI is a religion• 01:08:27 If AI gets human rights, is it right?• 01:10:54 AI building other AI like GitHub• 01:12:38 It's an amazing time to be alive!• 01:13:17 A world of demonization• 01:14:42 Periods of disruption• 01:15:39 AI in the tech space to Adoss Prompt• 01:17:25 Introversion• 01:20:08 Different level waves of AI are coming. It’s time to wake up!• 01:20:40 UBI• 01:22:00 Will companies develop characters through AI?• 01:25:04 AI is not a fad• 01:26:14 People need help• 01:27:42 Positives of AI• 01:30:16 End

#36: Join Mike Mackay on an inspiring podcast episode as he navigates the responsibilities and legacy he's building at Strand Development. From childhood challenges and rugby experiences to encounters with influential figures like Bill Clinton and attending Nelson Mandela's birthday party, Mike's journey is filled with remarkable moments. With a clear vision for Strand, he emphasizes attracting top talent, creating an enjoyable work environment, and practicing servant leadership guided by strong company values. Mike shares insights on contrarian thinking, securing new sites, and expanding into the supply chain and private equity. Discover his commitment to employee growth, the benefits of team sports, and the importance of cultivating compassion in children. This episode explores Mike's impactful experiences and his passion for leaving a positive imprint at Strand Development.• 00:04:04 Being in the shadow• 00:05:20 Little brother fighting• 00:06:52 John Mackay• 00:09:34 Rugby at St Georges• 00:10:50 Met wife through rugby• 00:12:02 Meeting Bill Clinton• 00:13:21 Going to Nelson Mandela's birthday party• 00:15:00 Vision for strand• 00:15:48 Leaving something positive when he is gone• 00:17:14 Getting the best people to work at Strand• 00:17:55 Provide a work environment people want to go to• 00:20:11 Servant leadership• 00:21:01 Company values (integrity, involved, our word is our bond)• 00:21:08 Shemtov “A good name”• 00:22:53 When to be a contrarian• 00:23:35 Buying new St Pauls site• 00:28:27 Looking to do more outside of real estate - dipping toes• 00:28:55 Entering the supply chain - concrete - private equity• 00:30:53 The permanence of development• 00:35:35 Raising capital will come if you have a good deal• 00:37:29 Deliver on your promise or do everything possible to• 00:38:51 Lend employees money to invest in Strand projects• 00:40:23 Getting a job at Onni• 00:42:20 Onni lets you learn but has good guardrails• 00:43:57 Gaining a foundational understanding of development at Onni• 00:45:54 Benefits of team sports• 00:49:33 Getting perspective from learning other cultures• 00:52:03 Developing a sense of compassion in children• 00:53:25 Leading with a compassionate perspective• 00:57:23 Cam giving a job to tagger of 195• 01:46:27 Eswatini• 01:48:07 UNICEF• 01:07:15 Failed adoption of a child from Swaziland• 01:09:29 People want Cam to help fund a study to see what can change• 01:14:13 Adoption gone bad• 01:18:10 Human nature - we want to see crazy things• 01:20:05 End