Charles Khabouth (Founder, Ink Entertainment Group): Why Hospitality Is Really About People, Not Places

What happens when influence isn’t just about followers—but about power, ownership, and rewriting the rules of an entire industry?In this re-released episode of Mission Critical, Lance chats with Susan Yara—content creator turned beauty entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Naturium, one of the fastest-growing skincare brands in the business.She started in front of the camera. Built trust. Built community. And then she flipped the script, turning her influence into infrastructure. Naturium scaled fast, stood out in a crowded market, and was acquired by e.l.f. Beauty for a reported $355 million. But behind the success story is a woman who’s navigated every tension: between personal brand and product brand, between representation and responsibility, between being taken seriously and staying true to where she came from.In this conversation, Lance and Susan talk about what it really means to have influence that lasts—not just in beauty, but in business.Episode highlights and takeaways:Why legacy brands are watching: Susan shares how indie beauty brands like Naturium are driving innovation and forcing legacy players to catch up.Representation done right: Susan talks about the responsibility (and strategy) of creating an inclusive brand without tokenism — and how her multicultural background shaped her vision.From startup to acquisition: What it really takes to scale fast, keep your soul, and partner with a company like e.l.f. to go global without losing your original mission.The power of analytics: She reveals how understanding her audience through content data gave her a roadmap for product development, retail strategy, and growth.Creating vs. scaling: The difference between building a personal brand and building a business—and why separating the two is essential if you want to exit.

Filmmaker Maggie Kang has captured the world’s imagination with Kpop Demon Hunters, the animated blockbuster that has topped Netflix’s most-watched list and redefined what global audiences expect from K-pop storytelling. Blending the spectacle of superhero cinema with the infectious energy of Korean pop culture, Kang’s film has inspired entirely new audiences and generations to a story that is universal in its themes.In this re-released episode of Mission Critical, Maggie opens up about her journey from growing up without many Korean friends to becoming one of the most powerful voices shaping Asian representation in Hollywood. She shares what it means to break generational cycles, embrace cultural inheritance, and build worlds where young women can own their power — flaws and all.Together, Lance and Maggie talk about the universality of K-pop, how the film’s soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, and what the future of Korean storytelling looks like in a world where “niche” no longer applies.Key TakeawaysHow Kpop Demon Hunters broke barriers in representation and global storytelling.The creative risks behind blending K-pop and the superhero genre.Maggie’s reflections on intergenerational identity, cultural inheritance, and belonging.Why authenticity (not translation) is the future of cultural storytelling.The lessons she’s taking forward into her next projects.HighlightsThe story behind Kpop Demon Hunters and who it was really made for.Why the characters’ flaws were essential to their power.The influence of her father’s filmmaking legacy.The future of Asian and diaspora narratives in mainstream media.Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a rating.

In this special live episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Charles Khabouth, founder and CEO of INK Entertainment Group, for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and building brands that endure.From immigrating to Canada at 15 to becoming one of the most influential figures in Toronto’s hospitality and cultural landscape, Khabouth reflects on the early risks that shaped his career, the losses behind every win, and why respect (not money) has always been his greatest driver. He shares how nightclubs once served as cultural incubators for fashion, music, and design, and why hospitality today is less about product and more about trust, people, and experience.The episode also dives into INK’s newest evolution: 30 Hazelton, the group’s expansion into the medispa and wellness space. Khabouth explains why health and wellness is a natural extension of hospitality, the importance of choosing the right partners, and how trust transfers from brand to experience—whether in dining, nightlife, or skincare.KEY TAKEAWAYS & HIGHLIGHTSEntrepreneurship is built on loss: There is no winning without losing—failure is a prerequisite for success.Hospitality is about trust, not product: People return because they feel cared for, not because they need another steak or cocktail.Culture beats everything: A strong internal culture is the foundation of any scalable hospitality brand.Leadership at scale is about people: With thousands of employees, every interaction matters—and every person represents the brand.Consistency is harder than growth: Maintaining status quo is more difficult than getting there.Hospitality is bigger than food and nightlife: Wellness, skincare, art, and design all fall under the umbrella of caring for people.Legacy is built through others: True success comes from helping people grow and creating opportunities beyond yourself.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Kim Chi (the drag superstar and beauty entrepreneur behind KimChi Chic Beauty) for a candid conversation on creativity, cultural identity, and building one of the most inclusive beauty brands today.From the rise of drag as a global culture to the realities of growing a business through COVID, TikTok, and an unpredictable beauty landscape, Kim Chi shares how she stays resilient, innovative, and unapologetically herself. She opens up about navigating Korean and Western beauty standards, the pressure of representation, and the role drag continues to play as both art and protest.With humour and unfiltered honesty, Kim Chi offers a rare look at the mindset, mission, and cultural impact behind her work — and what the future of beauty, visibility, and creative entrepreneurship might look like.Key Highlights & TakeawaysRepresentation that matters: How growing up between cultures shaped her voice, vision, and leadership.Drag as cultural power: Why drag remains a vital artistic and political force.Inside KimChi Chic Beauty: Building an inclusive, community-led brand through creativity and resilience.The new beauty economy: TikTok reviews, indie brands, shifting consumer habits, and the rise of AI.Entrepreneurship in uncertainty: Lessons from launching a brand before COVID and navigating global volatility.Joy as strategy: How food, beauty, and community continue to inspire her craft.

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 to this re-released episode with Laura from March, 2025.

In this episode of Mission Critical (presented by Ryde:), CEO Richard Schmidt joins Lance to explore what modern wellbeing really looks like. Richard shares how his background leading major CPG brands shaped his approach to building Ryde, a fast-growing company focused on functional shots designed for the real rhythms of daily life.During their discussion, Richard breaks down his leadership philosophy (“team awesomeness-making”), the rise of wellness as a catchall buzzword, and how Ryde: aims to bring science, simplicity, and levity back into the conversation. From energy and focus to calm and clarity, Richard reveals why the smallest products can have the biggest impact on how we move through our day.Key TakeawaysLeadership with clarity: Why Richard believes a CEO’s job is to empower people, not micromanage.The wellness paradox: How “wellness” lost meaning—and how consumers are redefining what they actually need.Inside Ryde: Why ENERGIZE, FOCUS, and RELAX were chosen as the brand’s core mood states.Science made simple: A look at Ryplenish™ and the idea behind fast-acting, functional mood support.The modern professional: Why today’s busy, always-on lifestyle demands practical, pocket-sized solutions.Learn more about Ryde: https://ca-en.ryde.com/

What does it really take to become an owner in professional sports? For Brenda Ha, the answer is surprisingly simple: conviction, community, and the courage to raise your hand. In this inspiring episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with AFC Toronto co-owner and investor Brenda Ha to explore how a first-generation Korean Canadian, lifelong Torontonian, and self-described “soccer mom” stepped into the world of women’s sports ownership—without a billionaire’s bank account or a traditional sports background.Brenda opens up about the grassroots origins of AFC Toronto, the pivotal moment when her husband challenged her to see herself in the ownership conversation, and what it means to build a franchise rooted in gender equity, community impact, and opportunity for future generations of athletes. From the rise of the Northern Super League to the league-wide sisterhood forming between the PWHL, WNBA, and AFC Toronto, Brenda offers an intimate look at the movement reshaping professional women’s sports in Canada.She also shares powerful stories from AFC Toronto’s inaugural season—from the behind-the-scenes reality of match-day operations to the emotional impact of hosting Korea Night and rallying Toronto’s multicultural communities around the team.Whether you're a sports fan, entrepreneur, or someone curious about how everyday people can participate in shaping the future of women’s sports, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Key Highlights & Takeaways:How a “soccer mom” became a professional sports team owner—and why you don’t need to be a billionaire to invest in women’s sportsThe grassroots origins of AFC Toronto and the mission behind Project 8 and the Northern Super LeagueThe role of community, collaboration, and women supporting women across leagues like the PWHL and WNBABehind-the-scenes insights into game-day operations, volunteer culture, and what it takes to build a team from scratchThe impact of multicultural storytelling, including the success of AFC Toronto’s Korea NightBrenda’s personal journey through imposter syndrome, leadership, and learning to see herself in spaces traditionally reserved for “other people”The economic and cultural momentum behind women’s sports in Canada—and why this movement is just getting started

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Teresa Resch (President of the Toronto Tempo) on set of her GLORY 2025 Women of the Year cover shoot. Teresa walks us through her journey—from shaping the franchise’s identity to designing a brand that captures the heartbeat of Canada's basketball community. She shares how she’s navigating challenges in launching a major-league women’s sports team, establishing community infrastructure, and building a legacy that goes far beyond basketball.Key takeaways:How Teresa’s leadership is shaping the Tempo as Canada’s WNBA team, not just Toronto’s.The strategy and significance behind the “Tempo” name—balance, rhythm, control. The power of public engagement.Lessons in building from scratch: hiring, infrastructure, and cultivating a national fan base.The long game: why Teresa is focused on legacy, community, and a championship cadence.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Andre De Grasse (Canada’s most decorated Olympian) to explore what it really takes to sustain greatness, both on and off the track. From his journey of resilience and reinvention to building a legacy that goes far beyond medals, De Grasse opens up about the mindset, discipline, and purpose that continue to fuel his success.Fresh off voicing Team Canada’s “Brave Is Unbeatable” campaign, De Grasse shares how courage and perseverance shape not only his athletic career but also his ventures as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and father. Key Highlights & Takeaways:The Power of Resilience: How De Grasse learned to turn setbacks into motivation and longevity in a sport that tests both body and mind.Redefining Success: Why his definition of winning has evolved from chasing podiums to creating impact through his foundation and mentorship programs.Canada on the Global Stage: De Grasse’s perspective on Canada’s growing influence in sports and culture — from the World Cup to the WNBA.Peak Performance, Redefined: What goes into maintaining elite performance?Beyond the Finish Line: His next chapters — from a biopic and book launch to new ventures in film, wine, and voice acting.“Brave Is Unbeatable”: The meaning behind Team Canada’s campaign and how bravery fuels his evolution as an athlete and human being.

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Jennifer Meyer, the Los Angeles–based jewelry designer whose eponymous brand has redefined celebrity-driven luxury for nearly two decades.Long before influencer marketing became an industry, Meyer understood the power of emotional connection, storytelling, and authenticity. Her designs—delicate gold charms and signature modern heirlooms—first caught the attention of stylists and Hollywood icons like Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, but what followed was more than a red carpet moment. Meyer built a company on a foundation of heart, heritage, and human connection.Nearly twenty years later, Meyer reflects on what it takes to sustain influence in an era when the meaning of “celebrity” is constantly evolving. She shares insights on:Navigating fame and influence — how she’s maintained creative integrity while operating in a world obsessed with visibility.Authentic brand-building — why lasting success in fashion comes from relationships, not algorithms.The evolution of luxury — from Hollywood’s golden age to today’s digital marketplace, and what it means to stay timeless amid constant change.Leadership in the creative industry — how to build trust, nurture teams, and lead with empathy in a culture that often rewards ego.The next 20 years — what inspires her now, and how she’s evolving as both designer and entrepreneur in an increasingly competitive landscape.For anyone fascinated by the intersection of fashion, celebrity culture, and entrepreneurship, this chat offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how one designer turned personal artistry into an enduring symbol of modern luxury.Smithe House: smithehouse.comKeefer House: keeferhouse.com Limited-time Glory-exclusive offer: 20% off plus priority early check-in (based on availability) with code GLORY. Book by December 31st, 2025 to claim. Black-out dates apply.