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In this episode, we sit down with Mia Francis, the dynamic founder of Chic Celebrations NL, a business focused on event planning, decorating, and creating unforgettable experiences. Mia takes us on a journey through her entrepreneurial path, sharing her background growing up in Birmingham, UK, and transitioning to life in Canada.

She talks about how her family and early experiences sparked her entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges she faced in starting her own business. From running a juice stand at 18 to working in the aviation industry, Mia’s story is filled with valuable lessons on resilience, hard work, and the power of following your passion.

0:00 - Introduction
0:54 - Mia discusses her business at Chic Celebrations NL
1:01 - Mia explains her event planning and decorating services
1:18 - Overview of Chic workshops and events
1:31 - Discussion of the event space and its character
2:00 - Mia talks about her upbringing in Birmingham, UK
2:19 - Transition to life in Goose Bay, Canada
2:43 - Mia’s parents’ background and their influence on her
3:01 - Entrepreneurial inspiration from her grandparents
3:37 - Mia shares her entrepreneurial drive and the moment of starting her business
4:29 - Growing up in the UK and the transition to life in Canada
5:01 - Mia describes life in Birmingham and its combination of city and countryside
6:06 - Adjusting to life in Goose Bay and the impact on Mia’s entrepreneurial mindset
8:02 - Mia’s early entrepreneurial ventures and the juice stand she started
10:00 - Discussing her role in the aviation industry and its impact on her business mindset
13:02 - Mia talks about her experience in the aviation industry and meeting influential people
13:57 - Pivoting during the pandemic and how it shaped her journey
16:04 - Transition to working in Nunavut and the remote work experience
17:10 - Mia shares her return to St. John’s after her time in Nunavut
18:05 - Mia’s move to St. John’s and the start of her business venture
19:06 - Introduction to Chic Socials and its range of services
19:46 - Mia’s unique approach to events and creating memorable experiences
21:30 - Hosting social events, workshops, and collaborations with local businesses
22:45 - The future growth of Chic Socials and upcoming summer events
23:51 - Challenges and the importance of community involvement in business
25:51 - Mia talks about Newfoundland hospitality and its influence on her
27:04 - Mia compares her life in Newfoundland with her time in the UK
28:04 - Future plans for Chic Socials and business aspirations
29:08 - Mia discusses the entrepreneurial leap and overcoming self-doubt
31:13 - The importance of motivation and staying focused on business goals
33:59 - Mia’s advice to others about embracing the entrepreneurial journey
36:03 - Final thoughts from Mia on staying motivated in business

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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Michael Cojocar is a Canadian born Architect and entrepreneur based in Budapest. He has designed countless buildings in and around Hungary. This is a very interesting conversation recorded in the Canadian Embassy in Budapest for which Michael was the architect. This is one of a series of conversations with Canadians living in Budapest that Allan and Gerry recorded in November of 2022. This trip was facilitated by Dr. Judit Lovas who also served as guest host for each interview. We have been holding on to many of these interviews to release over time. To watch the other interviews to which more will be added over the coming months visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_i21kubdZSj6nijDs-tHaW9T1vRHscXS

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us a text

In this episode of we feature two bright young business students, Russell Noseworthy and Nathan Young, who are just beginning their journeys in the business world. They share their experiences, inspirations, and insights into the student-managed investment fund at Memorial University, as well as their participation and two year back to back first place wins in the prestigious Van Burkom case competition.

0:00 – Introduction to Gale Force Wins Season 5
0:11 – Gerry discusses the podcast's origin and how this episode features two guests at the beginning of their journey.
0:35 – Welcome to Russell Noseworthy and Nathan Young
1:22 – Russell introduces himself and his background
2:23 – Nathan introduces himself and shares his background
3:01 – Nathan talks about his inspiration for studying business
3:55 – Russell discusses his inspiration for choosing business over engineering
4:46 – Russell reflects on his personal interests and volunteering experiences
5:32 – Russell and Nathan discuss the student-managed investment fund
6:11 – The growth of the fund from $150,000 to $400,000
7:02 – Russell and Nathan discuss the real-world skills gained through the fund
8:02 – Mentors involved with the fund
8:50 – Russell and Nathan reflect on the fund’s performance during volatile market conditions
9:22 – Russell and Nathan talk about the importance of sticking to long-term strategies
10:16 – The roles of students involved in the fund
11:03 – Nathan shares how the fund has shaped his career
11:37 – Russell explains his role and responsibilities as a co-portfolio manager
12:03 – The role of faculty advisers and the support from Memorial University
12:53 – Russell explains the growth and goals of the student-managed fund
13:42 – Nathan reflects on his experience and the connections made through the fund
14:11 – Russell talks about the plans for growing the fund to $1 million
15:04 – Participation in the Van Berkom case competition
15:53 – The annual industry trip for senior members of the fund
16:05 – Russell and Nathan discuss the preparations for the case competition
17:12 – The experience of preparing for the competition
19:09 – Russell and Nathan talk about their first time competing in the Van Burkham case competition
34:02 – Russell talks about how the team celebrated after the competition
37:00 – Reflecting on their success in representing Newfoundland and Labrador and Memorial University
39:31 – Nathan talks about being awarded the Frank H. Sobey Award for excellence in business
41:07 – Russell shares his future plans after graduation
42:13 – Nathan talks about his job offer in Toronto and plans to stay connected with Newfoundland and Labrador
43:07 – Nathan and Russell reflect on the importance of business in the community
44:23 – Perspectives on the future of business and sustainability in Newfoundland and Labrador

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/