The People-Driven CEO Podcast

Bleeding-Edge Innovation: How Linda Biggs and Joni Are Disrupting Period Care with Purpose

In this episode, we sit down with Linda Biggs, co-founder and CEO of Joni, a modern period care company that’s redefining a stagnant industry with innovation, impact, and integrity. Linda shares how Joni built a devoted community, scaled through word-of-mouth and social purpose, and became B Corp certified—all while staying bootstrapped and values-driven. From building team culture to reshaping workplace norms, this is a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship and human-centered leadership.
This episode is packed with insight for purpose-driven entrepreneurs, people-first leaders, and anyone redefining what it means to build a better business.
🌐 Joni: [https://getjoni.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane

Engineering Impact: How Leigh Christie is Building the Future Through Radical Culture and Deep Tech

In this episode, we sit down with Leigh Christie, co-founder of MistyWest, a Vancouver-based engineering firm that designs intelligent and connected devices—ranging from rugged IoT sensors to AI-powered vision systems—for companies like Meta, Google, and Intel.
With a background in fuel cells and electric vehicles, Leigh shares how his passion for invention and systems thinking evolved into building a purpose-driven engineering studio. He opens up about the early challenges of convincing companies to work with outside consultants, the painful transition from startup vibes to structured leadership, and how distributed authority, values-driven culture, and constant feedback have become the foundation of MistyWest’s growth.
This conversation is a deep dive into the realities of leadership, the emotional challenges of scaling a team, and the future of entrepreneurship in a city like Vancouver. Leigh also reflects on mental health, meditation, and the mindset shifts that help him lead through chaos with clarity.
🌐 MistyWest Energy and Transport : [https://www.mistywest.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane

Rviita’s Rise: How Karly Jacobsen Built a Better Energy Drink and a Purpose-Driven Team

In this energizing episode, we sit down with Karly Jacobsen, co-founder of Rviita, the first non-carbonated, better-for-you energy drink delivered in innovative pouch packaging. Inspired by a close friend’s energy drink–related heart scare, Karly and her brother Mitch set out to create a healthier, more mindful alternative—and ended up building one of Canada’s most exciting beverage startups.
Karly shares her journey from night-shift nurse to entrepreneur, how they overcame early manufacturing nightmares, and the lessons learned in building a team-first culture. She opens up about raising capital, scaling through Sobeys and Costco, and why relationships—not just great products—are the foundation of long-term success.
Whether you're in CPG, a founder just starting out, or someone passionate about brand building with heart, this episode is packed with real talk, practical advice, and entrepreneurial inspiration.
🌐 Rviita: [https://rviitalize.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane

From Banana Brownies to a National Brand: Joao Ribeiro’s Journey with Elements Brazil

In this episode, we sit down with Joao (John) Ribeiro, founder of Elements Brazil, to hear the remarkable story of how he went from importing a failed shipment of banana-based snacks to building a thriving food distribution company with four businesses under his belt. Joao shares how his early struggles—including a disastrous first container, quitting his job at HSBC, and knocking on doors at Safeway stores—laid the foundation for his success.
He opens up about the importance of resilience, faith, and relationships in business, and how his people-first leadership approach has helped him build not just a company, but a loyal, motivated team. Whether you’re a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or just love a great comeback story, Joao’s journey will inspire and energize you.
🌐 Elements Brazil: [https://www.elementsbrazil.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane

Beyond Elon: Jerry Kroll on Electric Cars, Longevity, and Changing the Future

What do electric cars and human longevity have in common? Jerry Kroll—founder of Jevity Life Science and pioneer in electric vehicles—explains how both are part of a bold mission to create a cleaner, healthier future. In this inspiring episode, Jerry shares how his one-person EV, the Solo, is helping reshape urban transportation, and how advances in AI, gene therapy, and personalized medicine are making it possible to live well past 100.
He dives into the parallels between the early skepticism around electric cars and today’s doubts about longevity science, offering powerful insights on belief, innovation, and the importance of purpose. Whether you're interested in sustainability, health, or future-forward thinking, this conversation will challenge how you see what’s possible.
🌐 Jevitty Life Science Corp.: [https://jevitty.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane

Rewiring the Mind: Doron Meir on Mental Wellness, Focus, and the Future of VR with Float

In this episode, we sit down with Doron Meir, CEO and founder of FloatVR, a mental wellness platform using generative virtual reality to help users reset, refocus, and recharge. Inspired by his own challenges with ADHD and emotional regulation, Doron created FloatVR to make the benefits of meditation more accessible—especially for those who struggle with overstimulation or anxiety.
We explore the science of attention restoration, the role of emotional regulation in work and life, and how FloatVR is helping companies support their teams. Doron also shares insights on leadership, trust, and building a people-first culture.
Whether you're a founder, team leader, or someone seeking better focus and calm, this episode offers practical tools at the intersection of tech and mental wellness.
🌐FloatVR: [https://floatvr.io]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane

Compassion Is Always in Style: Building a Luxury Vegan Brand with Desiree Dupuis

In this episode, we welcome Desiree Dupuis, founder of Voes & Co, a pioneering vegan luxury footwear brand redefining fashion with compassion and sustainability. Desiree shares how a personal need for stylish, animal-free, and plastic-free footwear inspired her to create Voes & Co. She discusses the development of her high-end designer shoes made from next-generation plant-based materials like cactus and corn leather, and why creating a brand rooted in values was non-negotiable.
We dive into the realities of bootstrapping a mission-driven business in an oversaturated digital market, the struggle to build brand awareness without investors, and how technology, including AI, is helping her scale with integrity. This is a conversation about much more than fashion — it's about leadership, innovation, and building a brand that reflects a commitment to the planet, people, and purpose.
🌐Voes & Co: [https://voesandcompany.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane

From Blender to Empire: Dan Crosby on Scaling Canadian Protein, Leadership & Relentless Execution

In this episode, Dan Crosby—founder of CanadianProtein.com and BioSteel—shares his no-BS journey from blending supplements in his kitchen to running two large-scale manufacturing facilities and managing a 250-person operation. He dives into the lessons learned from real estate investing during the 2008 crash, scaling through e-commerce, and the relentless work ethic required to build a powerhouse health brand. This conversation is packed with raw insight on leadership, focus, team building, and making fast, fearless decisions in business.
Dan also shares why every day still feels like “the night before an exam,” and how relentless focus, health, and resourcefulness fuel his edge. A must-listen for founders, operators, and anyone building in the trenches.
🌐BioSteel: [https://biosteel.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane

Innovating Women's Health: Claire Dixon on PCOS, Impactful Leadership & Startup

In this episode, Claire Dixon, co-founder of Neuraura, shares her journey from brain-machine interface tech to launching an innovative biowearable solution for PCOS. Claire dives into the challenges of building a mission-driven healthtech company—covering everything from navigating funding and team-building to tackling one of the most overlooked chronic conditions affecting 1 in 5 women. A must-listen for purpose-driven founders, especially in health and tech.
This episode is filled with honest insights and practical wisdom for anyone building a company at the intersection of tech, health, and impact.
🌐 Neuraura: [https://www.neuraura.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane

From Sponsorships to Purpose: Christine Monahan’s Entrepreneurial Pivot

In this episode, Christine Monahan—founder of Hubs Collective—shares how she’s transforming business through collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven strategy. With decades of experience in sales, sponsorships, and event production, Christine explains how a life-altering moment led her to reimagine how entrepreneurs connect, grow, and build sustainable success.
She dives into how Hubs Collective helps niche leaders create consistent revenue, the importance of doing “less, way better,” and why trust, alignment, and real connection are the future of business. Whether you're a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights that challenge the norm and inspire action.
🌐Christine Monaghan Hub: [https://christinemonaghan.com/collective/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane