From $77K to $90M: What Scaling Really Looks Like (Boards, Capital & Medicinal Cannabis)

What does scaling really look like behind the numbers?Boards, capital, governance — and a rare, grounded discussion on medicinal cannabis with Brett Schwarz.In this episode of Unicorn Ventures, host Sean Scoffield sits down with Brett Schwarz — a rare operator who has worked across the full spectrum of business: founder, CFO, CEO, board director, and capital strategist.Brett has helped raise more than $75 million, guided companies through IPOs, scaled businesses from early-stage to $90M+ in revenue, and rebuilt organisations facing operational, financial, and governance pressure.This conversation goes well beyond surface-level business advice.IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:• What scaling really looks like behind the numbers• How boards actually function — and where founders get it wrong• The realities of raising capital without losing strategic control• The hidden risks and responsibilities that come with growth• A thoughtful, commercially grounded discussion on medicinal cannabis — including regulation, business models, and long-term viabilityRather than hype or shortcuts, this episode focuses on decision-making under pressure, governance maturity, and building sustainable businesses that last.If you’re a founder, CEO, or executive navigating complexity — or evaluating your next strategic move — this episode is designed to help you think more clearly, not faster.WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERSMost business conversations focus on growth.Very few explore the trade-offs, risks, and decisions that determine whether growth actually creates value.This episode is for leaders who care about:• Commercial outcomes over noise• Clarity before execution• Long-term advantage, not short-term winsLISTEN IF YOU’RE ASKING:• How do boards really influence company outcomes?• What should founders understand before raising capital?• How do experienced operators think about risk and responsibility?• What does sustainable scaling actually require?• How does medicinal cannabis operate as a regulated, commercial industry?🎧 Subscribe to Unicorn Ventures for grounded conversations with founders, operators, and investors who have actually built, scaled, and sustained meaningful businesses.💬 If this episode sparked a thought or challenged your perspective, join the conversation in the comments.