Mission Critical with Lance Chung

Mission Critical with Lance Chung

by GLORY Podcast Network
Entrepreneurship
Season 16

Eric Chong (Chef): The Realities Of Running A Fine-Dining Restaurant

In this episode, we dive into MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong's unique journey from the lab to the kitchen, but more importantly, the realities of life as a restaurateur—the sacrifices, the endless grind, and the unwavering commitment it takes to succeed. The owner of the newly-opened aKin Toronto, Eric gets real about the highs and lows of the industry and what keeps him pushing forward, even when the pressure feels overwhelming. Tune in to Lance and Eric’s conversation for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant world, the personal toll of chasing your dreams, and what it really means to dedicate your life to the craft. This episode is part of our MOMENTUM series, presented in partnership with Monogram Appliances Canada, celebrating Asian-Canadian stories that inspire and lead the way forward.
S16 · E82
Feb 6, 2025
48:34

Eva Chin (Chef): Reshaping the Future of Chinese Cuisine

Chef Eva Chin is redefining what it means to be a steward of culinary culture. As the Culinary Director of Hong Shing and owner of Yan Dining Room in Toronto, she masterfully blends tradition with innovation, proving that Chinese cuisine isn’t static—it’s dynamic, seasonal, and deeply personal. In this episode, we explore her journey from growing up on a farm to working in global culinary hotspots like New York and Hong Kong, and how those experiences fuel her bold vision for the future of food. Listen to Lance and Eva's discussion for an insightful, thought-provoking conversation that will challenge how you think about Chinese cuisine, leadership in the food industry, and the power of food to drive meaningful change. This episode is part of a larger series called MOMENTUM, presented in partnership with Monogram Appliances Canada, which celebrates Asian-Canadian stories.
S16 · E81
Jan 29, 2025
43:28

Omar Gandhi (Founder, Omar Gandhi Architects): Can Architecture Shape Who We Are?

In this episode, Lance sits down with award-winning architect Omar Gandhi of Omar Gandhi Architects to explore the artistry, philosophy, and impact behind his work. Omar delves into what defines a great design experience, how architecture can foster meaningful relationships, and what our buildings reveal about us as a society. He shares pivotal moments from his journey, the influence of his East Coast roots, and his approach to navigating diverse landscapes like Halifax and Toronto. From balancing modern aesthetics with environmental and cultural contexts to pushing boundaries through innovation, Omar offers insights into creating designs that are both timeless and transformative. We also discuss the role of architecture in sustainability, community building, and social change, and how Omar views his legacy in shaping Canada’s architectural identity.
S16 · E81
Dec 5, 2024
46:41

Yung Wu (Co-Founder, CILAR): How Embracing Each Other's Differences Is a Strategic Advantage

In this episode, serial entrepreneur Yung Wu shares his unwavering belief that true progress in innovation comes from embracing different perspectives. As the former CEO of MaRS Discovery District (@marsdiscoverydistrict) and co-founder of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (@cilar_canada), Wu has been an instrumental force in driving diversity in the tech and business sectors. By fostering collaboration and confronting biases head-on, Wu is not just advancing business opportunities; he's reshaping the entire framework of Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.
S16 · E80
Jan 27, 2025
46:13

Evelyn Chick (Founder, Evelyn Chick Projects): Turning a Pandemic Pivot Into a $1 Million Hospitality Empire

In this episode, serial entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and beverage consultant Evelyn Chick shares how she turned a pandemic layoff into an opportunity to build her thriving business empire. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to advocating for diversity and inclusion in hospitality, Evelyn opens up about her journey and the best advice she has to offer others navigating a similar path in Toronto's vibrant food and drink community. This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.
S16 · E80
Nov 26, 2024
35:00
Season 15

Sasha Plavsic (Founder, ILIA Beauty): How a Clear Vision Led to Clean Beauty Success

In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Plavsic, the visionary founder of ILIA Beauty, to explore how she revolutionized the clean beauty industry. Sasha shares the personal story that inspired ILIA, her approach to blending sustainability with high-performance formulas, and the challenges of balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. From a humble start to becoming a global powerhouse, ILIA is redefining beauty standards, proving you don’t have to compromise on quality or values.
S15 · E79
Nov 19, 2024
32:12

Janet Zuccarini (CEO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group): How to Preserve Culture Through Food

As the driving force behind Toronto’s acclaimed Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini is a rare blend of visionary and architect, crafting a culinary empire that pays homage to her Italian heritage while pushing the boundaries of what hospitality can be. Her restaurants, including the beloved Gusto 101 and the pasta-centric Felix Trattoria in Los Angeles, are more than dining destinations; they are community anchors, each designed to deliver a dining experience that balances warmth and precision, artistry, and authenticity.   For Janet, food has always been a universal language, a bridge connecting diverse backgrounds around a shared table. Rooted in her Italian upbringing, where meals were occasions for connection, she’s made it her life’s work to recreate that sense of gathering and nourishment for her guests. It’s this deeply personal ethos that informs each of her ventures. From hiring top-tier culinary talent to preserving traditional food craftsmanship, she’s not just feeding patrons—she’s honouring culture and tradition, making her restaurants feel like living museums that celebrate the artistry of handmade dishes.    In this episode, Lance sits down with Janet over a shared meal at her restaurant, Gusto 501, to talk about her entrepreneurial journey and business strategy, preserving culinary culture, and her most memorable meal at one of her restaurants (hint: Al Pacino may have been present).
S15 · E78
Nov 7, 2024
41:22

Emily O'Brien (Founder, Comeback Snacks): How a Stint in Jail Led to an Entrepreneurial Success Story

In this episode, Lance sits down with Emily O’Brien, the inspiring founder of Comeback Snacks, whose entrepreneurial journey took root in an unexpected place: behind bars. From crafting gourmet popcorn flavours to driving meaningful change, Emily has turned a rocky past into a powerful platform for advocacy and second chances. Throughout their chat, Lance and Emily delve into her story of resilience and transformation, exploring how Comeback Snacks is not only breaking barriers in the snack industry but also leading efforts toward prison reform and reducing stigma around formerly incarcerated individuals. Listen as Emily shares insights on building a business with purpose, the challenges of navigating reentry, and her mission to create pathways for redemption and empowerment.
S15 · E77
Oct 30, 2024
43:32

Connie Lo (Co-founder, Three Ships): Building a Beauty Empire from a $4,000 Bootstrap

In this episode, Connie Lo, co-founder of Three Ships, joins Lance to discuss her journey in building a clean skincare brand with a mission to make beauty accessible for all. Connie shares her entrepreneurial story, from bootstrapping the company with just $4,000 to achieving significant growth and recognition in the industry. Throughout the conversation, she opens up about the challenges facing women in business, her experience as a young entrepreneur, and the importance of maintaining transparency and authenticity in the beauty world. Connie also dives into the evolving consumer demand for clean beauty, why sustainability matters, and the future of Three Ships. Tune in for an inspiring and honest look at entrepreneurship in the beauty space. This episode is part of MOMENTUM, a special series in partnership with Monogram Canada that celebrates and explores the journeys of Asian-Canadian leaders.
S15 · E76
Oct 23, 2024
50:27
Season 14

Jake Karls (Co-Founder, Mid-Day Squares) - How Being An Entrepreneur Is Like Being A Professional Athlete

Explicit
In this episode of Mission Critical, we sit down with Jake Karls, co-founder and "Chief Rainmaker" of Mid-Day Squares, the Canadian chocolate company that's redefining snacking—and business culture. Jake shares his unfiltered insights on what it takes to build not just a successful brand, but a powerhouse team that believes in your mission. From cultivating habits that help you step into your leadership persona to fostering a company culture rooted in authenticity and transparency, Jake gets real about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Whether you're launching a startup or leading a team, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to lead with purpose and build a business that stands out.
S14 · E83
Feb 12, 2025
55:00
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