Episode 79. AI is transforming the workplace at a rapid pace—some see it as a threat, while others embrace it as a tool for unprecedented productivity. But what does it really mean for knowledge workers like us?

In this episode of Lifetime at Work, host Greg Martin sits down with Matt Leta, founder of Future Works, an AI-native professional services firm. Matt is also the author of LEAP, a book about how organizations can embrace innovation and AI, and the founder of Future Horizon, a non-profit supporting innovators. Through Future Works, he has collaborated with major companies like Apple, Google, Blueplanet Energy, and GNC.

Matt shares his unique perspective on AI’s impact on the workplace and how he found himself at the forefront of this transformation. His journey began when he launched a remote agency, unknowingly setting the stage for an AI-driven future by digitizing everything his company did. When AI’s potential became clear, he leaned in—and hasn’t looked back.

This conversation explores how we can understand and work with AI, the challenges humans will face as automation accelerates, and the deeper search for meaning we may all undergo as technology reshapes our roles. Matt believes the future is coming fast, and there’s a lot to unpack.

Episode 78. AI can be both a scary development and a great advancement to improve productivity - but what does it mean for us as workers in the knowledge economy?

In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Greg Shove, a serial entrepreneur and AI expert. Shove discusses his journey from Canada to Silicon Valley, his various startups, and his current ventures - Section and Machine & Partners.

The conversation centers on AI's role in transforming the workspace and education. Shove emphasizes the importance of adopting AI to stay competitive, highlighting the rapid advancements in AI technology and its potential impact on various industries. He also provides insights into how individuals and companies can leverage AI to enhance productivity, optimize operations, and prepare for the future. The discussion extends to the evolving value of traditional education in an AI-driven world and the need for both employers and educational institutions to adapt to these changes.

• 00:00 Introduction to Lifetime at Work Podcast
• 00:23 Meet Greg Shove: A Journey from Canada to Silicon Valley
• 01:45 Early Career and First Startup Success
• 03:41 The Move to Silicon Valley and Business School
• 06:18 Venturing into AI: Founding Section and Machine & Partners
• 08:43 Navigating Challenges and Pivots in Business
• 12:21 The Impact of AI on the Workforce
• 27:02 Optimizing with AI: The Next Step
• 27:44 Transforming Products and Services with AI
• 28:31 The Impact of AI on Incumbents
• 29:23 Big Tech's AI Ambitions
• 37:00 The Future of Education in an AI World
• 46:09 The Role of AI in Upskilling
• 52:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 77. We’re all driven to have an impact of some sort or another at work. Likewise, when we invest, having an impact is a very nice bonus as well. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Mike Winterfield, founder of Active Impact Investments, Canada’s largest climate tech seed fund.

They discuss Mike's journey from recruitment to founding a clean technology venture capital fund, the types of companies he invests in, and how these companies are addressing climate change while generating financial returns. Mike shares his strategies for evaluating potential investments and the importance of having a high-functioning board.

He also offers career advice for those looking to make an impact and resources for learning more about climate tech.

• 00:00 Introduction to Lifetime at Work Podcast
• 00:23 Meet Mike Winterfield: Founder of Active Impact Investments
• 01:18 Mike's Career Journey and Investment Philosophy
• 03:43 Building and Supporting Climate Tech Startups
• 17:34 The Importance of Board Roles and Governance
• 30:56 Recruiting Top Talent for Startups
• 35:44 Balancing Social Impact with Financial Returns
• 37:35 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Final Thoughts
• 42:21 Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected

Episode 76. Those with careers in Venture Capital live an exciting life, trying to discover young founders who can create the next great product and company to drive incredible returns. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, Greg Martin interviews Raif Barbaros, a venture capital partner at Mistral Venture Partners.

Raif shares his journey from being a CTO and founder of various startups to becoming a venture capitalist. The conversation covers strategies for success in venture capital, the Canadian venture capital landscape compared to the US, and the importance of understanding market size and having founder empathy.

Raif also offers advice for young founders and aspiring tech professionals. The episode provides valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in the VC world and the tech industry.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:17 Guest Introduction: Raif Barbaros
• 01:37 Raif's Early Life and Career Beginnings
• 02:04 Transition to Canada and Early Career
• 05:02 Defining the Role of a CTO
• 08:51 Journey into Venture Capital
• 13:34 Mistral Venture Partners: Strategy and Differentiation
• 18:52 Investment Approach and Competition
• 24:38 Unexpected Funding Connections
• 25:28 Strategies for New VCs
• 26:20 Investment Focus and Background
• 28:18 The Long-Term Game of VC Compensation
• 34:07 The Role of a VC in a Startup
• 41:26 Advice for Aspiring Founders
• 44:26 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Episode 75. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Martin Mayorga, the founder of Mayorga Coffee. They discuss Martin's journey from growing up in Latin America to discovering the coffee disconnect between its origin and its sale in North America.

The conversation delves into Martin's challenges and achievements in building his company, his commitment to supporting small farmers, the complexities of the coffee industry, and his perspectives on the responsibilities of businesses and consumers. Martin also shares personal insights, anecdotes about his family, and travel tips. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the coffee trade and the importance of sustainable practices.

Listeners can use the code MARTIN15 to get 15% off orders from the Mayorga Coffee website.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:17 Meet Martin Mayorga: Founder of Mayorga Coffee
• 02:13 Martin's Early Life and Journey to the US
• 06:49 Discovering Coffee and Starting a Business
• 09:17 Challenges and Ethics in the Coffee Industry
• 12:34 Consumer Responsibility and Industry Practices
• 16:03 The Reality of Coffee Pricing and Market Dynamics
• 20:49 The Role of Retailers and Consumer Trust
• 27:34 Overcoming Business Failures
• 28:31 Financial Struggles and Resilience
• 31:08 Current Focus and Future Goals
• 37:49 Life Philosophy and Advice
• 40:49 Exploring Latin America
• 45:14 Consumer Responsibility and Brand Integrity
• 47:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

Episode 74. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Ivan Barratt, founder and CEO of BAM Companies, which has acquired approximately $1.3 billion in real estate transactions.

Ivan shares his journey from property management to owning large multi-residential apartments, offering advice on making money in real estate, discussing his biggest investment successes and challenges, and emphasizing the importance of building a strong company culture.

They also explore the pros and cons of being a hands-on real estate investor versus investing through professionals, highlighting important lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 00:56 Ivan Barrett's Business Overview
• 02:13 Journey into Real Estate
• 04:48 Early Challenges and Learning Experiences
• 09:32 Raising Capital and Scaling Up
• 18:16 Personal Insights and Company Vision
• 19:35 Childhood and Entrepreneurial Roots
• 21:12 Family Business Background
• 21:27 Real Estate Investment Strategies
• 22:11 Owner Operator vs. Passive Investor
• 24:00 Challenges of Real Estate Management
• 26:47 Vacation Properties and Market Risks
• 28:44 Private Equity and Apartment Investments
• 30:53 Navigating Market Volatility
• 35:51 Career Advice for Aspiring Investors
• 39:58 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode 73. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Erika Wasser, co-founder of Prospr, a software tool designed to manage frontline employees across multiple locations.

Erica shares her journey from starting a salon chain to co-founding a software company, discussing the challenges faced by non-technical founders, the social importance of salons and barbershops, and the common issues in managing deskless workforces. The conversation delves into the significance of well-informed teams for customer experience, the power of culture-building tools, and strategies for overcoming communication barriers in large-scale businesses.

Erika also provides insights on the role of AI in frontline operations, the importance of inclusivity and flexibility for employees, and her personal experiences with failure and resilience in entrepreneurship.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:16 Meet Erica Wasser: From Standup Comedian to Entrepreneur
• 01:09 The Birth of Prosper: Solving Frontline Communication Challenges
• 02:19 Real-World Examples of Communication Breakdowns
• 05:23 Building Prosper: A Non-Technical Founder’s Journey
• 07:49 Erica’s Career Journey: From Entertainment to Salons
• 12:12 The Role of AI and Technology in Frontline Work
• 17:51 Engaging Frontline Employees: Strategies and Insights
• 22:58 The Chipotle Effect
• 23:38 Challenges in Building a Business
• 25:15 The Software Industry Transition
• 26:53 The Unique Salon Experience
• 29:47 Navigating Growth and Marketing
• 32:29 The Future of Venture Capital
• 36:30 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• 38:34 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 72. In this episode of the 'Lifetime at Work' podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Molly Magarik, a seasoned professional in government and political consultancy. The conversation explores Molly's career journey from a political science major with healthcare interests to a deputy cabinet secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Molly shares insights on the interplay between campaigns and government service, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health policies, and the intricacies of working in a politically charged environment. They also discuss the personal and societal dynamics of political careers, the importance of internships, and advice for those looking to enter the political arena.

Molly's reflections on the recent presidential election, change management, and the future of political dialogue in the U.S. offer valuable food for thought.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:17 Meet Molly McGarrick
• 00:21 Molly's Early Career and Political Beginnings
• 01:12 Career Path and Personal Insights
• 06:23 The Impact of Internships
• 07:37 Fast-Paced World of Political Campaigns
• 13:01 Navigating Government and Public Health
• 15:23 Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• 21:44 Political Philosophy and Career Motivation
• 26:46 Making Tough Decisions in Leadership
• 27:52 Reflections on the Recent Election
• 28:20 Understanding Disaffection in America
• 29:37 Challenges of Change Management
• 30:17 Fear and Change in Society
• 31:22 The Role of Conversations in Society
• 32:58 The Impact of the Pandemic on Social Dynamics
• 34:06 The Entrenched Political System
• 39:11 Advice for Aspiring Politicians
• 39:59 The Value of Internships and Networking
• 45:05 Personal Reflections on Career and Mentorship
• 48:29 Future Goals and Career Aspirations
• 52:05 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information