What does it mean for Canada to truly control its economic destiny? Where have we fallen behind, and what would it take to rebuild national competitiveness in a world order that is changing in real time?

In this episode of Forthlane Features, Vanessa Hui and Rob Vanderhooft sit down with John Ruffolo, Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity and a leading Canadian voice shaping the national conversation around innovation, capital formation, and economic policy. Together, they unpack the urgent issue of economic sovereignty.

Drawing on decades spent helping build Canada’s venture ecosystem, John explains why governments must move from neutrality to intentionality, why entrepreneurs need to lead, and why Canadian capital must be mobilized toward domestic growth.

John makes the case that Canada must rebuild its innovation engine—quickly. He outlines the critical sectors where Canada must lead and calls on entrepreneurs and capital allocators to build boldly.

This is a powerful conversation about vision, action, and national ambition.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

:47 What does "economic sovereignty" really mean in a Canadian context?

4:40 What are the low-hanging fruits Canada can act on today?

12:12 What are the key sectors where Canada must lead?

14:23 What can entrepreneurs and business builders actually do to create change?

25:09 What lessons can be learned from Shopify’s global success story?

GUEST: John Ruffolo, Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity

Maverix Website | LinkedIn | X | Substack

CONNECT WITH ROB VANDERHOOFT, PRESIDENT & CO-CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER, FORTHLANE PARTNERS

Website | LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH VANESSA HUI, SENIOR CLIENT ADVISOR, FORTHLANE PARTNERS

Website | LinkedIn

How does a founder ensure their life's work is truly "sale-ready?" What is the differentiator that separates a great acquirer from other bidders?

In this episode of Forthlane Features, Vanessa Hui sits down with Mario Nigro, a Partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Stikeman Elliott and a primary architect of Canada’s search fund ecosystem.

With a career built on representing both sides of the transaction—the buyer and the seller—Mario brings a unique, 360-degree perspective to the mechanics of a successful deal.

Drawing on decades of experience at the center of both domestic and cross-border transactions, Mario provides his perspectives on the evolution of the Canadian deal-making landscape.

Mario dives into the current dynamics of the market, 'entrepreneurship through acquisition', and where the biggest friction points lie today.

Whether you are a seller or an acquirer, Mario’s insights offer a thoughtful look into the preparation and emotional intelligence required to close a deal.

GUEST: Mario Nigro, Partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP

LinkedIn | Stikeman Elliott Website

CONNECT WITH VANESSA HUI

Website | LinkedIn

What happens after a founder steps away from the company they’ve built from the ground up?

Vanessa Hui sits down with Sanjay Malaviya, founder and former CEO of RL Solutions, for a candid conversation about the realities of building, exiting, and reimagining life after nearly two decades of building a company.

Sanjay reflects on RL Solutions’ growth from a small startup to a global leader in patient safety and risk management, and the emotional complexity of deciding it was time to move on.

He discusses the unexpected challenges of stepping back from being a CEO, navigating the transition from operator to investor, and the principles that shaped his approach to wealth preservation, diversification, and philanthropy.

From humility and the value of surrounding yourself with the right people, Sanjay offers thoughtful insights into what life looks like after an entrepreneurial exit — and what he’s learned along the way.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

2:07 What made you realize it was time to step away from RL Solutions?

4:43 What surprised you most about stepping away from your company?

9:11 How did you start investing after selling your business?

21:26 How do you choose where to focus your philanthropy?

27:09 What advice would you give founders preparing to exit?

GUEST: Sanjay Malaviya, Founder and former CEO of RL Solutions (now RLDatix | Board member at SeamlessMD |

Malaviya Foundation | Foundation Instagram | RLDatix Website | SeamlessMD Board of Directors

CONNECT WITH VANESSA HUI

Website | LinkedIn