In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Neelam Bance, CEO and Co-Founder of MedGeneius, as part of BVZ: Five Years Bold — a founder story series celebrating five years of the Brampton Venture Zone.

Neelam shares her journey building MedGeneius, a HealthTech startup delivering customizable and evidence-based pharmacogenomics (PGx) solutions that help patients, providers, labs, and hospitals turn complex genetic data into clear, actionable clinical insights.

We explore:

• The promise and challenges of precision medicine

• Building trust in data-driven healthcare innovation

• How BVZ supported her journey through mentorship, community, and founder connection

This episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global and the Brampton Venture Zone by Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary and the founders shaping the Brampton innovation ecosystem.

🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHLxqlIPpwE

Guest:
Neelam Bance

CEO & Co-Founder, MedGeneius
BVZ Launch Program Alum (2025)

In this special episode of The Business Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Neelam Bance, CEO and Co-Founder of MedGeneius, as part of BVZ: Five Years Bold — a founder story series celebrating five years of the Brampton Venture Zone.

Neelam shares her journey building MedGeneius, a HealthTech startup delivering customizable and evidence-based pharmacogenomics (PGx) solutions that help patients, providers, labs, and hospitals turn complex genetic data into clear, actionable clinical insights.

We explore:

• The promise and challenges of precision medicine
• Building trust in data-driven healthcare innovation
• How BVZ supported her journey through mentorship, community, and founder connection

This episode is a special collaboration with UpNext Global and the Brampton Venture Zone by Toronto Metropolitan University, produced in celebration of BVZ’s fifth anniversary and the founders shaping the Brampton innovation ecosystem.

🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHLxqlIPpwE

Guest:
Neelam Bance
CEO & Co-Founder, MedGeneius
BVZ Launch Program Alum (2025)

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, host Edwin Frondozo interviews Tamara Steffens, managing director of Thomson Reuters Ventures, live from Web Summit Vancouver 2025. Steffens discusses her role in leading a $100 million strategic fund investing in early-stage companies, her extensive experience with successful tech startups, and her approach to venture investing.

The conversation highlights Thomson Reuters' investment strategies, her personal insights on startup success, and advice for founders on simplifying their message to attract investors. Steffens also touches on the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise tech and the importance of clear storytelling in driving innovation.

00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:38 Meet Tamara Steffens: A Powerhouse in Venture Capital
03:32 Tamara's Journey and Insights on Startups
05:56 The Art of Investing and Decision Making
14:13 Advice for Founders and Business Leaders
15:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast with Edwin, renowned digital marketing expert Neil Patel shares insights on how businesses can thrive in an era where attention is divided across multiple online platforms.

Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver, the episode delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies like AI and the importance of being found in various search engines.

Neil discusses the exponential growth in searches across platforms like Google, Instagram, Snapchat, and even the Apple App Store, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt their strategies to remain visible and relevant.

Note: This is a partial interview due to technical issues.

00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:11 Controversy and Branding in Qatar
00:40 Travel Preferences and Conference Attendance
01:39 Introduction to Neil Patel
02:49 Challenges in Digital Marketing

Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast hosted by Edwin Frondozo features Paul Newton, creative producer of the Future Narrator miniseries, interviewing Parag Parekh, the Chief Digital Officer at IKEA Retail.

Parag discusses IKEA's ambitious and human-centered digital transformation journey. He outlines the company’s three-tier transformation process: shifting from physical to omni retailing, moving from large store formats to smaller, city-center locations, and expanding services to meet broader customer needs like second-hand furniture and financial services, while also preparing for future AI advancements.

Parag shares insights from his extensive 20 years of global experience and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, responsibility, and adaptability in leadership. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19, the significance of sustainability, and the critical role of corporate responsibility in the digital age.

00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:36 Meet Parag Parekh: IKEA's Chief Digital Officer
02:12 IKEA's Digital Transformation Journey
06:37 Personal Insights and Leadership Journey
14:11 Future of Retail and Digital Innovation
19:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Leaders
20:43 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, Edwin Frondozo talks with Fred Zdan, co-founder of Ruby Loans, about revolutionizing the small business lending process with AI. Fred discusses the inefficiencies of the current lending system and how Ruby Loans aims to provide a borrower-driven digital experience.

With over 30 years in the financial services industry, Fred shares insights on transforming a paper-heavy, labor-intensive system into a streamlined and customer-friendly process. He also touches on the future impact of open banking and the importance of making loan access easier for small business owners. Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver.

00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:52 Meet Fred Zdan and Ruby Loans
01:15 Challenges in Small Business Lending
03:23 Fred Zdan's Background and Vision
04:35 The Concept of Open Banking
06:03 How Ruby Loans is Revolutionizing Lending
12:05 The Future of Small Business Lending
17:38 Advice for Startups and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, guest host Paul Newton interviews Lu Zhang, founder and managing partner of Fusion Fund. Lu shares her journey from an immigrant and tech entrepreneur to a venture capitalist supporting deep tech founders.

She emphasizes the critical role of diversity and understanding in driving innovation and the importance of being adaptable in uncertain times. Additionally, Lu discusses the current and future landscape of AI-powered healthcare and offers valuable advice for early-stage founders navigating today's market.

00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:40 Meet Lu Zhang: Investor and Entrepreneur
01:53 Lu Zhang's Experience at Web Summit Vancouver
03:18 Fusion Fund's Mission and Achievements
04:59 Challenges and Solutions in Early Stage Investment
07:34 Lu Zhang's Unique Perspective on Diversity and Innovation
13:27 The Future of Tech and AI Innovation
18:02 Advice for Founders and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast with Edwin Frondozo, recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, host Paul Newton speaks with Carina Kom, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Simply Suite Games.

Carina discusses the mission of Simply Suite Games to create inclusive and emotionally resonant games that focus on positive language development and non-exploitative monetization. She also highlights the challenges faced by women in the gaming industry and the importance of creating psychologically safe and equitable working environments.

The conversation touches on the significance of community support, resilience, and collaborative efforts in fostering innovation and inclusivity in the gaming sector.

00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:40 Meet Carina Kom: Championing Inclusive Game Design
02:33 Challenges in the Gaming Industry
04:47 Unique Perspectives and Leadership in Game Development
07:16 Creating Joyful and Meaningful Gaming Experiences
11:50 The Future of Inclusive Game Design
18:51 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders