Finding Your True North

In this episode of Follow Your True North, host Paul Gill sits down with Édouard Vilver, a software engineer turned founder, to explore how purpose, legacy, and automation can transform both a life and a business.Édouard shares how COVID became the unexpected catalyst that pushed him from a stable career (including years at the National Bank of Canada) into entrepreneurship—after seeing friends and community businesses struggle without an online presence. What started as pro-bono help (websites, calendars, emails, basic systems) evolved into Meriaky, a company built to help solopreneurs and small businesses save time, scale faster, and create impact through automation and AI.At the heart of Édouard’s “True North” is one word: Legacy—a principle forged at his grandmother’s funeral, where he witnessed firsthand what it looks like to leave an imprint on hundreds of lives. This conversation is a deep reminder that building something meaningful requires both heart and strategy: passion, vision, and measurable execution.🔑 Key Topics CoveredÉdouard’s journey: France → Montreal → founder lifeHow COVID revealed a gap in small business infrastructureWhat Meriaky does: automation that frees up time and increases capacityWhy “time is the entrepreneur’s most valuable asset”The moment Édouard realized he needed to become “selfish” with his growthBuilding confidence: communication, leadership, and personal developmentAdvice for entrepreneurs: Passion + Vision + Scientist mindset (data + iteration)The real meaning of balance: daily tradeoffs and intentional sacrificesLeveraging partnerships and team-building to move fasterWhy legacy is built through consistent choices, not luck📣 Call to ActionIf this episode encouraged you:✅ Subscribe to Follow Your True North⭐ Leave a review📤 Share it with an entrepreneur who needs clarity, systems, or inspirationUntil next time—keep pursuing your True North.

In this episode of Finding Your True North, host Paul Gill sits down with Dean Jensen, CEO of SoFlo Acquisitions, for a powerful conversation on faith, service, entrepreneurship, and redefining private equity with conscience.Dean shares his personal journey—from growing up sailing through literal storms on the open ocean to navigating the figurative storms of business, family life, and leadership. At the heart of the conversation is a bold mission: protecting Main Street workers from destructive private equity practices by acquiring HVAC companies and transitioning them into employee-owned businesses through ESOPs.This episode explores what it truly means to lead with service, why passion should follow skill (not the other way around), how to manage chaos without losing clarity, and why success is built through consistency, discipline, and long-term vision—not overnight wins.If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or leader searching for alignment between profit, purpose, and people, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.🔑 Key Topics CoveredWhat “True North” means for entrepreneurs and leadersFaith, family, and service as foundational principlesWhy traditional private equity often fails Main StreetHow ESOPs empower employees and preserve legacyPassion vs. skill: redefining career and business adviceDelegation, leverage, and scaling without burnoutThe myth of work-life balance vs. real time managementStaying calm under pressure and making decisions in crisisWhy success requires mastering the “boring” daily workRaising capital with both returns and social conscience📣 Call to ActionIf this episode resonated with you: ✅ Subscribe to Finding Your True North ⭐ Leave a review 📤 Share this episode with someone building a business—or a life—rooted in purposeUntil next time, keep pursuing your True North.

In this powerful episode of Finding Your True North, host Paul Gill sits down with Rozbeh Sororian, Director of Strategic Partnerships at MW Law and a wellness advocate guiding high-achievers toward lasting balance. Rozbeh shares his journey from software sales to private equity law—and how burnout and bold self-awareness shaped his personal philosophy of harmonizing hustle with health.You’ll learn why becoming the dream matters more than chasing it, how systems create sustainable success, and why spiritual grounding and physical wellness are non-negotiable for true leadership. Whether you're building your career or rebuilding your center, this conversation will inspire you to lead from alignment, not ego.Topics Covered:Merging high-performance with mindful livingBuilding a life (and network) of valueDaily practices to stay spiritually and physically alignedCommunication and storytelling as entrepreneurial superpowersNavigating burnout and rediscovering purposeChapters00:00 Introduction to Roozbeh Sarurian00:57 Roozbeh's Journey and Career Path04:23 Defining True North: Spirituality and Health08:34 Overcoming Burnout and Finding Balance11:22 Advice for Entrepreneurs: Spirituality and Execution15:58 Balancing Long-Term Vision with Short-Term Demands20:18 Future Aspirations and Merging Wellness with Success🎧 Listen now—and reconnect with the habits and heart behind your own True North.

In this episode of Finding Your True North, host Paul Gill interviews Mark Beal, founder and CEO of Second Chance Homes. Mark shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur in real estate. He discusses the importance of mindset, financial literacy, and the transformative power of setting clear goals. Mark emphasizes the significance of legacy and the impact one can have on others, while also providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of balancing personal and professional life, as well as the continuous pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.TakeawaysMindset is crucial for success in life and business.Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions.Real estate can be a low-barrier entry point for wealth building.Setting specific goals helps in achieving desired outcomes.Legacy is a driving force behind entrepreneurial efforts.Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success.Balancing family and work is a non-negotiable priority.Delegation is important, but some roles cannot be delegated.Focus on solutions rather than problems to achieve goals.Discipline and self-control are vital for personal and professional growth.Chapters00:00 Mark Beal's Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success05:54 The Shift to Real Estate: Discovering New Opportunities11:22 Finding Purpose: Aligning Business with Personal Values16:48 Vision Mapping: Setting Goals for Success22:07 True North: Defining Personal and Professional Purpose27:42 Advice for Entrepreneurs: Embracing Growth and Resilience29:44 The Importance of Family and Legacy33:25 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape37:11 The Journey of Continuous Learning and Growth42:42 Discipline and Self-Control in Entrepreneurship45:41 Connecting and Collaborating for Success

In this episode of Finding Your True North, host Paul Gill interviews Damaris Mejia, founder and CEO of Value Healthcare and DDM Global Holdings. Damaris shares her journey from a young educator to a successful business mentor, emphasizing the importance of finding one's purpose and true north. She discusses the challenges of navigating life and business, the significance of emotional intelligence, and the role of creativity in entrepreneurship. Damaris also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights her commitment to community service and education.TakeawaysDamaris has always had a passion for teaching and mentoring.Her journey into business was influenced by her family's entrepreneurial background.Finding purpose is crucial for fulfillment in work and life.Positive thinking can help navigate difficult situations.Emotional intelligence is key to effective leadership and teamwork.Creativity is essential for business success in the age of AI.Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth.Understanding different personalities improves communication and teamwork.Damaris aims to connect mentors with young people to guide them.Community service and education are central to Damaris' mission. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Damaris Mejia02:56 Damaris's Journey to Entrepreneurship07:57 Finding Purpose and Spirituality12:03 Navigating Life's Challenges18:11 Advice for Entrepreneurs25:52 Mastering Emotions and Team Dynamics30:57 Future Aspirations and Mentorship

In this episode of Finding Your True North, host Paul Gill interviews Anthony Brown, founder and CEO of Griot Water and Synergy Heals. They discuss Anthony's journey from a medical interpreter to a social entrepreneur focused on providing clean water to vulnerable communities. Anthony shares his guiding principles, the challenges he faced, and the importance of aligning business with a greater purpose. He offers advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizes the need for balance in life, and reveals his future plans with Griot Water, a project aimed at making a global impact.TakeawaysAnthony's journey began with a passion for helping others.Synergy Heals aims to provide clean water to vulnerable communities.True north is about serving humanity and raising consciousness.Challenges can lead to new opportunities and missions.Entrepreneurs should focus on what makes them happy, not just money.Balance in life is essential but often elusive for entrepreneurs.ADHD can be managed with the right strategies and support.Future projects like Griot Water aim to impact millions.Investing in social causes can offer tax incentives.Pursuing one's true north is a lifelong journey.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Anthony Brown and His Ventures02:47 The Journey to Synergy Heals05:11 Finding Your True North07:26 Realigning with Purpose09:54 Advice for Entrepreneurs12:25 Balancing Family and Work14:49 Health and Wellness Insights17:06 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the True North Podcast, host Paul Gill interviews Tameka Bryant, CEO of Trade, who shares her inspiring journey from a young grant writer to a successful entrepreneur in the real estate sector. Tameka discusses her guiding principles, the importance of giving back, and the challenges she faces as an entrepreneur. She emphasizes the need for trust in one's hustle and the significance of balancing long-term goals with immediate demands. The conversation also touches on Tameka's future projects, including a hotel development in the Dominican Republic, and concludes with a lightning round of quick insights.TakeawaysFinding your true north is essential for success.Tameka started her journey in the nonprofit sector at a young age.She wrote her first grant application at 16, securing $500,000.Giving back to the community is a core principle for Tameka.Trusting your own hustle is crucial for entrepreneurs.Investors look for confidence in potential partners.Time blocking helps manage distractions and maintain focus.Developing projects overseas presents unique challenges.Balancing long-term vision with short-term demands is key.Personal connections and family support are vital in entrepreneurship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tamika Bryant03:10 Tamika's Journey and Background05:53 The Birth of Trade International08:38 Guiding Principles and True North11:26 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities14:31 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs17:13 Future Plans and Projects19:47 Lightning Round and Personal Insights

In this episode of Funding Your True North, host Paul Gill engages with entrepreneur and creative visionary Mikael Woodward. They explore Mikael's journey through challenges, his entrepreneurial ventures, and the importance of faith and mentorship in guiding business decisions. Mikael shares personal stories of overcoming adversity, the significance of creating rather than consuming, and the spiritual aspects of entrepreneurship. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience, the understanding of money as energy, and the value of connection in both personal and professional realms.TakeawaysObstacles are not in the way; they are the way.Embrace challenges to grow stronger.Faith can guide business decisions and personal life.Creating more than consuming leads to happiness.Positive affirmations can reprogram your mindset.Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth.Balancing long-term vision with short-term demands is key.Communication is vital in both business and personal relationships.Money is energy and can be used for good.Connection with people is the essence of business.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to Funding Your True North00:00:19 Miykael's Entrepreneurial Journey00:00:47 The Philosophy of Obstacles00:01:43 Business Ventures and Vision00:04:29 Defining Moments and True North00:09:03 Guiding Principles and Faith00:12:54 Overcoming Challenges00:21:51 Balancing Vision and Demands00:29:28 Advice for Entrepreneurs