The Polestar Podcast
by VELA Wealth
VELA Wealth is dedicated to the financial well-being of business owners. We believe that wealth can be a catalyst for transforming the world. Join the VELA Wealth Polestar Podcast every month with our respected financial experts as they recap experiences and inspirational insights from successful guest entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
Episodes
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Q2 Market Review & Q3 Outlook
Podcast Highlights ● Q2 in review: a sharp, short-lived sell-off tied to Middle East conflict, followed by a strong rebound through May and June ● Q3 outlook: the Iran/Strait of Hormuz conflict, now six to seven months running, keeps oil elevated and pushes prices as high as $100 a barrel —…
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Market Update Q2 2026: What’s Driving Markets Now
Disclaimer The information provided in the podcast is designed for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product. About the Guest – Keith Allan Keith Allan is a Portfolio...
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Reflecting on 2025: Volatility, Resilience, and Strong Returns
Episode Highlights 2025 felt volatile — yet most major markets finished strongly positive. Canada’s TSX surged, powered by banks, energy, and precious metals. The 2025 April tariff sell-off: what felt alarming vs. what truly mattered. Why disciplined diversification outperformed emotional...
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Q3 2025 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
Episode Highlights Strong YTD for equities: Clients who stayed invested captured the 2025 bull market. Valuations are high, but room remains: Tech/AI leadership and retail flows can still support gains. The market and the economy don’t move in lockstep: Softer labour data and mixed inflation…
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Building Memories: Nicole Smith’s Journey with Flytographer
Discover how a spark of inspiration in Paris led Nicole Smith to launch Flytographer, now connecting travelers with photographers in 350+ cities worldwide. Learn how she made the bold leap from a 13-year career at Microsoft to building a global brand from scratch. Hear Nicole’s candid take on the...
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Q2 2025 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
Episode Highlights Markets rebounded in Q2 despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty VELA client portfolios outperformed major indices Active management and diversification drove stronger returns Investor sentiment often misaligns with market performance Outlook remains optimistic heading…
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The Evolution of Consumerism & Effecting Meaningful Change with Stewart Irvine
Podcast Highlights: Explore the impact of technology on society and consumer interactions. Discover the growing importance of intersecting business and philanthropy in natural ways for consumers to engage. Learn how business practices are evolving in relation to consumer expectations of...
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Q1 2025 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
Key highlights from this episode: Why Q1 2025 wasn’t as negative as it seemed—and what the TSX’s performance tells us How investor biases like recency and confirmation shape market sentiment The real impact of interest rates and what potential cuts could mean ahead Market volatility: separating...
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Small Business Lending Solutions with Nick Drake from BDC
Podcast Highlights: Explore BDC's unique approach to business banking and personalized client support. Discover the range of services offered by BDC, including funding, venture capital, and advisory services. Learn about current lending practices and the challenges faced by Canadian business…
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Leading the Way in Digital Vault Solutions with Ali M. Qureshi, CA, CPA, CFA
Podcast Highlights: Explore the entrepreneurial spirit that drove Ali to start SideDrawer. Discover the challenges and triumphs faced during the company's growth. Learn about the innovative solutions SideDrawer provides for document management. Gain insights into the importance of adaptability in...
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Beyond the Headlines: Market Insights with Keith Allan
Key highlights of this episode: Market Reality vs. Headlines Long-Term Investment Discipline Hedging Against Volatility Political Uncertainty & Markets Investor Psychology Matters About the Guest – Keith Allan Keith Allan is a Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management. Harness has...
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Estate Litigation & Estate Planning Best Practices with Krista Simon
Podcast Highlights: Learn about essential considerations for building your estate plan and gain insights into the key trends that lead to estate litigation. Discover WESA, its significance, and its purpose in BC. You will also hear compelling stories of how this Act has been enforced and the...
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Portfolio Impact: The Price of Protectionism
This episode highlights: Navigating market uncertainty Tariffs, trade & Canada’s economy Bullish opportunities in the U.S. market Strategies to protect your portfolio The importance of common sense over panic About the Guest – Keith Allan Keith Allan is a portfolio manager at Harness Investment...
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Q4 2024 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
Key highlights of this episode: How tech giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft drove explosive market growth in 2024. Debunking myths about speculative growth and highlighting the solid fundamentals behind last year’s success. What interest rates drop mean for your portfolio—and why cash might no…
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The Impact of Empathy and Perseverance in Law with Morgyn Chandler
About the Guest – Morgyn Chandler Morgyn Chandler is the Managing Partner at Hammerco Lawyers and leads the firm's civil sexual assault group. She is a forceful advocate with a successful track record of winning exceptional results for her clients. With over a decade of litigation experience,...
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Q3 2024 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
Kevin Parton and Keith Allan cover the latest in financial markets with some compelling highlights: Q3 Market Trends: How did the typically quiet summer months shape up, and what might that mean for Q4? Interest Rate Shifts: With new cuts in Canada and the U.S., they discuss the potential impact…
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Unpacking credit card rewards with The Prince of Travel: Ricky Zhang
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, we will talk about: Ricky Zhang's Journey: From passionate traveler to founding Prince of Travel, a leading platform for Canadians to maximize credit card rewards for luxurious travel. Practical Tips: Advice on optimizing credit cards and rewards programs…
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Visionary Commitment to Sustainability with Sonia Strobel
Podcast Highlights: Discover Skipper Otto's values on sustainability and the importance of preserving Indigenous finishing practices. Explore how Skipper Otto has reimagined the "farm-to-table" experience to connect customers to the stories of fishing families. Listen to Sonia discuss the role of…
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Unwavering Dedication and a Passion for Business and Marketing with Karen Flavelle
Podcast Highlights: Discover the begining of the Flavelle family's ownership of Purdys Chocolatier in 1963, initiated by Charles Flavelle and Eric Wilson. Karen shares her journey into business, influenced by her father's success from a young age, leading her to pursue her passion for business…
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The Power of Resilience and a Competitive Mindset with Andrew Ladd
Podcast Highlights: · Listen to Andrew Ladd, a former NHL player and current performance coach, talk about his journey from childhood to the NHL. · Discover how his competitive nature and ambition to win played a crucial part in his NHL success and continue to be one of the pillars that drives…
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Q2 2024 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
This episode covers: Market Movements - A deep dive into the S&P 500's performance, Canadian market trends, and the continued dominance of tech stocks. Interest Rates - Insights into Canada's recent rate cut, its impact on fixed income markets, and comparisons with the US Federal Reserve's…
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Finding Purpose and Creating a Positive Impact with Jonny Imerman
Podcast Highlights: · The inspiring journey of Jonny Imerman, fighting and beating cancer and co-founding Imerman Angels to help the cancer community with ongoing support. · The impact of Imerman Angels and how it’s helped approximately 38,000 people through their cancer journeys. · Dive into the...
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Innovative Legal Solutions with Digby R. Leigh
Podcast Highlights: The inspiring journey of tenured Lawyer Digby Leigh and his family. Dive into Digby's remarkable 40+ year legal career and his visionary quest to revolutionize efficiency and pricing structures in the legal industry. The creation of the “Frank Fee” model - a step away from the...
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Q1 2024 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
Podcast Highlights: Explore how market sentiment reacts to speculation about interest rate movements and its influence on investor decision-making. Learn the importance of staying resilient during market pullbacks, maintaining a long-term perspective, and seizing opportunities to acquire…
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Morgan Housel: On Wealth, Wisdom & the Pursuit of Happiness
Key highlights of this episode: Morgan Housel's unique journey to acclaimed financial writer, highlighting the value of hard work and the impact of early life experiences on career choices. The importance of balancing optimism and pessimism in wealth management. Insights into behavioral finance,...
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Alternative Investment Insights with Keith Allan
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, you'll learn: how VELA Wealth, Harness Investment Management, and Purpose Investments collaborate to unlock unique opportunities, why traditional portfolio strategies are being challenged, how alternative investments can revolutionize your portfolio, the...
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Kevin England - A Life Steered by Passion And Community
Key highlights of this podcast: Childhood Lessons: Discover how Kevin's upbringing on a dairy farm instilled in him strong values of work ethic and community involvement, shaping his approach to business and life. Career Evolution: Learn about Kevin's transition from working in construction and…
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VELA Wealth: Navigating Wealth, Legacy, and Financial Innovation
Key highlights of this episode: The VELA Wealth story. The transformative power of mentorship and coaching. VELA Wealth's trailblazing approach. The importance of independence in financial services and curation of platforms and partnerships. Commitment to client fulfillment. Declaration approach...
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Navigating M&A Dynamics in Professional Services: Insights from Faramarz Bogzaran
Key highlights of this episode: Delve into the mechanics of seamless company sales with a focus on the pivotal role of an M&A advisors. Explore the valuation methods for professional service firms, focusing on financial stability and managing working capital. Learn essential post-sale strategies:...
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Market Outlook with Keith Allan from Harness Investment Management
Key highlights of this Polestar Podcast Episode: Taking a Comprehensive Approach: Delve into how Harness Investment Management looks at the bigger financial picture, encompassing planning, insurance, and family goals alongside investments. Tailoring for Individual Needs: Learn about the practice…
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Amar Doman - A Journey of Entrepreneurship, Legacy, and Community Impact
Key highlights of this podcast: - Inspiring family journey to establish a life and business in Canada. - Early exposure to the family business and entrepreneurial beginnings with the independent lumber remanufacturing company. - Insights of Amar's approach to acquiring distressed assets and...
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The Family Farm—What is your 100-year Plan?
In this webinar you will learn the importance of: Acquiring a clear understanding of your business’s present situation and future objectives. Comprehending the motives and aspirations of both the current and future generations. Obtaining insights on essential factors to consider prior to and…
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The Interest Rate Environment and Lending, What’s Next?
This Polestar Podcast episode will cover: How did we get where we are at? What is the current sentiment in the housing market? Refinance and debt repayments: potential risks and benefits Vancouver market overview Importance of seeking a second opinion What to expect from the interest rates in the...
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Not happy with my business valuation: So now what?
In this episode, we’ll discuss: Merger & Acquisition deals in North America Who is out there looking to buy businesses and what they are looking for? How the opportunity to sell is changed by business value and sector? What are the sources of receiving a valuation and how do they differ? Typical...
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From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: Som Seif's Journey to Success and Gratitude
This episode features: The journey to success in the financial services industry. The importance of finding personal fulfilment, joy and purpose in life. The significance of being present. The key factor for happiness. The importance of being grateful. About the Guest – Som Seif CEO of Purpose…
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Positioning, not Predictions
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, you can expect to hear about: What themes are influencing current asset allocation? How interest rates are affecting growth and returns right now? What value and role fixed income assets are playing in portfolios? While interest rates decrease, how does…
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Sticking to the plan with Three Shores Development
In this podcast, we will discuss: The journey of Three Shores Development Important qualities to form a good partnership The discipline to say “No” Defining success at different stages of life Tolerating uncertainty through acceptance and planning Setting goals and having the discipline to…
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Changing the World Through Education, with The Earth Group
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, we will talk about: The Earth Group Story Challenges of the business through Covid and post-pandemic recovery plan for success. Environmental benefits of using aluminium. Setting up partnership with the United Nations WFP and well-known brands around the...
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Key Considerations to Make When Selling a Business
This episode of the Polestar Podcast features: Things to consider before selling your business Assessing personal and business readiness Common misconception about the true value of the business. The importance of involving professionals Smart tips to protect your interests And much more!
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The Importance of a comprehensive viewpoint with Dennis Serre, President and CEO of Serre Financial
This episode of the Polestar Podcast features: · How has the pandemic changed people’s priorities? · What defines a successful in life and in business? · Why should business owners and entrepreneurs consider specialized consulting services? · Individual pension plans for entrepreneurs and...
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Defining success with Jayesh Parmar, Co-CEO/Founder at Gunkii
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, we will talk about: The entrepreneurial journey, and the switch from the tech to a consumer retail space. Gunkii tongue scrapper and its shared responsibility to serve those with lesser means. Jayesh definition of success and what he does in order to…
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Investment update with Keith Allan, Harness Investment Management
This Polestar Podcast Investment Update episode features the following: A market commentary on the second quarter of 2022. How inflation affects economic growth potential? The correlation between the US and Canadian markets? What assets to hold in your portfolio and how to properly allocate them?...
About this show
VELA Wealth is dedicated to the financial well-being of business owners. We believe that wealth can be a catalyst for transforming the world. Join the VELA Wealth Polestar Podcast every month with our respected financial experts as they recap experiences and inspirational insights from successful guest entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
Hosted by
VELA Wealth
Categories