Pitch Please

• Assembling a Dream Team: Hiring Strategies for Startup Founders — Rocket Fuel Ep #10

  Rocket Fuel Ep #10 – Building Your Dream Team: Hiring for Startup Success In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau explores one of the most crucial aspects of startup growth: assembling your dream team. Joining him is Farial Karbasi, founder and CEO of HRXconnect, a seasoned expert in hiring and team-building for startups. Together, they dive into the strategies, challenges, and frameworks that can help founders hire their first employees, attract top talent, and retain them to scale their ventures. With insights drawn from over a decade of experience, Farial shares actionable advice for startups navigating the early stages of hiring, from defining roles to ensuring cultural alignment. They discuss key considerations like when to hire generalists vs. specialists, how to leverage contractors, and the importance of building an environment where employees thrive. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Early-Stage Hiring Tips: How to define roles, avoid misalignment, and set the foundation for a strong team. • Generalists vs. Specialists: Deciding which type of hire is best for your startup’s current needs. • Attracting Top Talent: Practical strategies for standing out as a startup and competing for the best candidates. • Employee vs. Contractor: When to hire full-time employees, work with contractors, or outsource. • Retention Done Right: How to onboard and keep employees motivated, even in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Chapters 00:00 - Assembling the Dream Team 02:30 - Defining Roles and Expectations 04:17 - Qualities to Look for in Hires 07:35 - Avoiding Unrealistic Expectations 11:31 - Hiring Employees vs. Contractors 15:12 - Clarity and Communication in the Hiring Process 18:58 - Transitioning from Founder-led Hiring 21:30 - Choosing Between Employees, Contractors, and Outsourcing 26:08 - Attracting and Retaining Talent 29:02 - Avoiding Pitfalls in Retention 33:00 - Taking Care of Mental Health 35:42 - Continuous Iteration for Success More About Farial Karbasi Farial has always been passionate about helping businesses thrive by creating stronger, higher-performing and more engaged teams and cultures.  She has spent the past 8 years building the proven frameworks and strategies to achieve this and decided to launch her own business, HRXconnect, to really help more businesses who are looking to significantly improve their HR strategies, grow their business, and improve overall company culture but don't have this expertise internally.  More About HRXconnect HRXconnect works with owner-operated businesses that have grown to the point where building a solid HR foundation is essential to attract and keep top talent, strengthen their team and culture, and achieve long-term success. Relying on finance or other departments to manage HR is no longer practical. Many of these businesses don’t have the time or expertise to create a proper HR function, so they hire us to not only design and manage an HR strategy that fits their needs but also to act as their HR team. Whether it’s navigating complex employment issues, developing workplace policies, or fostering inclusive environments, HRXconnect provides hands-on support and strategic guidance. Our goal is to empower organizations with the tools and expertise needed to build a thriving workforce while focusing on long-term, sustainable growth. Want to Connect? Farial: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farial-k/ HRXconnect: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrxc/ Want to Learn More? Struggling to build your dream team? HRXconnect offers personalized hiring and HR solutions to help startups navigate early-stage growth. From defining roles to implementing retention strategies, their team works with you to create the foundation for long-term success. Visit HRXconnect to learn more about their startup-focused services.

  --------  

  36:39

  --------

  36:39
• Nourishing Energy for a Healthier You: The Benny Story — Founder Stories Ep #79

  In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau sits down with Paige and Julie, co-founders of Benny, a health-driven brand reimagining energy drinks. Unlike conventional options, Benny’s products combine yerba mate and adaptogens to deliver a steady, jitter-free boost. Paige and Julie share how they transformed their passion for wellness into a purpose-led brand, creating a product that not only energizes but also supports focus and overall health. They discuss the realities of launching a beverage startup, from navigating ingredient sourcing and Health Canada regulations to developing a strong co-founder relationship and scaling Benny’s retail presence to over 500 stores in Canada within the first year. This episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at CPG innovation, brand-building, and standing out in a competitive market. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: - Health-First Innovation: How Benny’s unique ingredients deliver clean energy without the crash. - Building a Beverage Brand from Scratch: Key lessons on product development, ingredient sourcing, and regulatory compliance. - Strengthening Co-Founder Dynamics: The importance of a balanced partnership and mutual trust as young entrepreneurs. - Retail Success: How Benny quickly secured retail space at stores like Healthy Planet and expanded its footprint. Takeaways - Paige has always been interested in startups and entrepreneurship. - Julie started a plant-based food blog during COVID, which sparked her entrepreneurial journey. - Both founders faced health challenges that influenced their product development. - Benny aims to provide a nourishing alternative to traditional energy drinks. - Yerba mate offers a sustainable energy boost without jitters. - Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress and improve cognitive function. - The founders emphasize the importance of collaboration in entrepreneurship. - They started recipe testing in a home kitchen before scaling up. - Benny's product line focuses on flavor and efficacy. - Continuous improvement is key in product development. Things don't have to be perfect when starting a business. - Jumping head first into challenges can lead to valuable learning. - Navigating food regulations can be simpler than expected. - Asking questions and seeking advice is crucial for founders. - Brand evolution is essential to connect with consumers. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Benny and Founders' Backgrounds 03:04 - Julie’s Journey: From Plant-Based Food Blog to Benny 05:54 - Paige’s Entrepreneurial Spirit and Early Career 08:50 - The Reconnection: How Paige and Julie Became Co-Founders 12:00 - The Birth of Benny: Concept and Development 14:57 - Understanding Yerba Mate and Adaptogens 18:01 - From Kitchen Experiments to Product Launch 20:59 - Benny's Product Line and Future Innovations 27:41 - The Journey of Product Development 30:10 - Navigating Regulations in Food and Beverage 34:35 - Brand Evolution and Market Positioning 38:46 - Highlights of the Founding Journey 41:35 - Where to Find Benny and Future Plans 45:55 - Advice for Aspiring Founders More About Paige and Julie Paige and Julie co-founded Benny with a mission to create a clean energy drink powered by yerba mate and adaptogens. Dedicated to health and wellness, they’re challenging the norms of the energy drink market with a focus on sustainable, plant-based ingredients. About Benny Benny is a health-focused energy brand offering clean, plant-powered drinks made with yerba mate and adaptogens. Designed to provide lasting energy without jitters, Benny products are available online and in over 500 stores across Canada. Discover more at DrinkBenny.com. Want to Connect? Paige: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-cey/ Julie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-letizia-297102150/ Experience a new kind of energy! Visit DrinkBenny.com to find Benny in a store near you or shop online. Follow Benny on Instagram and TikTok for updates and wellness tips.

  --------  

  49:08

  --------

  49:08
• Rocket Fuel Ep #9 — Unlocking Cash Flow: How Canadian Startups Can Thrive with SR&ED Credits

  Rocket Fuel Ep #9 – Unlocking Non-Dilutive Funding with SR&ED Credits In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau dives into the world of non-dilutive funding with Kevin, co-founder and CEO of Humi, and Ali, an expert in SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) credits. For Canadian entrepreneurs, SR&ED credits are a game-changer—allowing companies to unlock cash flow, extend their runway, and reinvest in innovation without sacrificing equity. Kevin and Ali break down how founders can leverage SR&ED and other non-dilutive funding options, which have fueled thousands of businesses across diverse industries. With insights drawn from years of experience, they cover everything from funding through customer dollars to SR&ED eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. They discuss common mistakes, how to streamline the SR&ED process, and why proactive planning can maximize funding and minimize operational strain. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Types of Non-Dilutive Funding: Why customer-funded revenue and SR&ED credits are often better alternatives than equity or debt financing. • SR&ED Eligibility Explained: What qualifies as eligible R&D activities and why companies from diverse sectors—tech, food and beverage, manufacturing, and more—can benefit. • The Documentation Process: Essential steps for successful SR&ED claims, including employee tracking and expenditure documentation. • Working with SR&ED Experts: Tips for selecting the right partner to streamline the process and maximize your refund. • Customer Funding vs. SR&ED Credits: Kevin and Ali explain how customer dollars and SR&ED refunds work as non-dilutive funding sources to drive growth without diluting ownership. Chapters 00:00 - Unlocking Cash Flow: The Essence of Startup Funding 02:46 - Understanding Non-Dilutive Funding and Customer Outcomes 05:56 - The SR&ED Program: A Canadian Advantage 08:55 - Eligibility and Scope of SR&ED for Businesses 14:54 - Navigating the Application Process 23:35 - The Importance of Trust in Consultancy 26:51 - Essential Documentation 30:51 - Proactive Strategies for Funding 33:02 - Navigating the SR&ED Landscape as an Entrepreneur 35:54 - Understanding Refund Timing and Budgeting 38:39 - What Expenses are Covered? 43:05 - Final Thoughts and Resources More About Ali Ali Afshar is Humi's SR&ED director with extensive experience in navigating Canada’s SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) tax incentive program. With a solid engineering background, Ali brings a unique technical perspective to the field, helping companies in various industries maximize their tax credits and funding opportunities. Throughout his career, Ali has successfully guided hundreds of companies and projects from initial assessment to claim submission, ensuring compliance while optimizing benefits. More About Humi  Humi is the leading employment platform for Canadian businesses. We know running a business is more than just paperwork and tasks – we make it easy to care for businesses and those who bring them to life. We’re the best choice for supporting Canadian businesses in being better employers with payroll, HR, benefits and SR&ED. To learn more about Humi, visit humi.ca  Want to Connect? LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/humi-hr/⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.humi.ca/ Ali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alireza-afshar-1401a514a/ Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkliman/ Want to Learn More?Looking to maximize your SR&ED tax credits? Humi offers a comprehensive SR&ED solution to help Canadian businesses unlock up to 64% of their R&D spend. From technical reports to audit protection, Humi’s team of SR&ED experts ensures every claim is accurate and optimized for the best possible return. Visit Humi’s SR&ED page to learn how they can streamline your SR&ED process, integrate seamlessly with your payroll and HR, and support your growth with non-dilutive funding.

  --------  

  47:27

  --------

  47:27
• Breaking Barriers in FemTech and Menstrual Health: Enhancing Care for Women

  In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau sits down with Nadia Ladak, co-founder of Marlow, the innovative menstrual care brand known for launching the world’s first lubricated tampon. Nadia shares the journey of taking Marlow from a university capstone project to a Health Canada-approved product now available in Whole Foods, Healthy Planet, and on Amazon. Born out of a need for more comfortable, accessible period care, Marlow is setting a new standard in women’s health. This episode covers everything from breaking into the femtech space to navigating regulatory challenges and scaling a product-based startup in a market traditionally dominated by legacy brands. Nadia dives into how Marlow is building a supportive community around menstrual health through their TMI Club and social media presence, providing a platform to discuss reproductive health openly. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Innovating in Women’s Health: How Marlow's lubricated tampon addresses gaps in comfort and accessibility. • Navigating Health Regulations: Nadia shares insights on working with Health Canada to bring a medical-grade product to market. • Community-Building in Femtech: The importance of creating authentic conversations around menstrual health through initiatives like the TMI Club. • Lessons in Physical Product Development: Nadia’s key takeaways from developing a consumer product from scratch and securing retail partnerships. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Marlowe and Its Mission 03:01 - The Journey from Capstone Project to Startup 06:01 - Identifying the Problem in Menstrual Health 09:11 - The Role of Innovation in Women's Health Products 12:01 - Navigating Regulatory Challenges 15:13 - Building a Brand in a Competitive Market 18:02 - The Importance of Community and Networking 20:57 - Growth Strategies: From D2C to Amazon and Retail 24:00 - Leveraging Social Media for Brand Awareness 27:02 - Future Plans and Expansion Strategies 29:55 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs About Nadia Nadia Ladak is the co-founder and CEO of Marlow, a FemTech and women’s health startup offering the first lubricated tampon for smoother and more comfortable insertion. Nadia has raised $1.2 million in funding to fuel the brand’s growth and $700,000 in non-dilutive grants, including from the Entrepreneurship World Cup, the Visa She’s Next Grant Program, and Pepsi Co Stacy's Rise Program. She is a member of the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance where she works with government leaders to advocate for policy related to youth entrepreneurship. She is also the program marketing officer at Startup Canada, Canada’s national ecosystem organization supporting early stage entrepreneurs. As a public speaker with the Canadian Youth Speakers Bureau, she has delivered over 100 keynote presentations globally across different universities, high schools, and business conferences. In 2023, Nadia appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, season 18 of CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and was awarded the YWCA Young Woman of Distinction. Outside of her work at Marlow, Nadia is the co-chair of the Catalyst Council, the junior board at Holland Bloorview Children’s Hospital and an entrepreneur in residence at her alma mater, the Ivey Business School at Western University. About Marlow Marlow is a FemTech brand leading the next wave of menstrual wellness through innovative, sustainable, and comfortable period care, starting with the first lubricated tampon for smoother and more comfortable insertion. The product is sold on Amazon and in over 200 retail locations including Whole Foods. Beyond the product, the team has built a viral following of over 80,000 individuals through their educational social media content called "The TMI Club". Want to Connect? ⁠https://www.wearemarlow.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/marlow/⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wearemarlow⁠ ⁠Shop Marlow on Amazon⁠ Follow the behind the scenes by subscribing to her weekly newsletter, A Founder's Diary: ⁠https://beacons.ai/nadialadak⁠

  --------  

  39:12

  --------

  39:12
• Rocket Fuel Ep #8 – Elevator to Exit: Crafting Pitches that Get You Funded

  In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau teams up with Will Greenblatt, co-founder of OutLoud Speaker School, to unpack the art of pitching that takes founders from an elevator pitch to a successful exit. Will, with a background in acting and coaching startup founders, has helped companies raise millions by honing their storytelling and delivery skills. In this episode, he shares insider tips on how to captivate investors, build confidence, and avoid common pitching pitfalls.  Will’s insights come from years of experience working with entrepreneurs in top accelerators like Techstars and Founder Institute, where he's helped founders raise over $350 million in funding. This episode breaks down the elements of a perfect pitch and how to develop stage presence that gets results. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Creating a Compelling Founder Story: How to craft a personal story that resonates with investors and creates emotional buy-in. • The Perfect Pitch Structure: What information you should include in your elevator pitch, and how to expand it for longer investor presentations. • Body Language and Vocal Tone: How your physical presence and vocal delivery can influence an investor’s decision. • Answering Investor Questions: Strategies to handle tough questions and maintain control during the Q&A session. Takeaways • Not all pitches are crafted equal; understanding this is crucial. • A pitch should be a conversation, not a monologue. • Your voice, face, and body must tell the same story. • Investors are often investing in the founder, not just the idea. • Simplicity is key; avoid overwhelming your audience with information. • Your unique story is your greatest asset in pitching. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Crafting Successful Pitches 03:05 - Will's Unique Journey to Entrepreneurship 06:43 - The Art of Pitching: Teaching vs. Acting 08:32 - Key Components of a Powerful Pitch 10:23 - The Importance of Delivery in Pitching 12:10 - Engaging Your Audience: The Role of Energy 13:28 - Building Connection Through Storytelling 16:29 - The Founder Story: Why It Matters 19:43 - Investors and the Human Element 23:31 - Common Pitfalls in Pitching 27:30 - Preparation and Presentation: The Day of the Pitch 34:19 - Overcoming Stage Fright and Building Confidence 39:51 - Audience Engagement Techniques 42:36 - Handling Q&A: The Importance of Authenticity 53:58 - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways About Will Will Greenblatt started acting in film and TV at the age of seven, starring in The Homecoming with Oscar® winner Anne Bancroft. He graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada in 2010, but the toxic environment of the program left him jaded, so he quit acting. He moved to Spain where he discovered his love for teaching English, and then dived into the world of entrepreneurship, co-founding a startup in China. He founded OutLoud Speakers School in 2017, teaching public speaking & communication skills to entrepreneurs and executives. He has repeatedly spoken and coached at Google, Wayfair, Boston Dynamics, TechStars, Founder Institute and Ericsson, as well as providing coaching to over 4500 individuals virtually worldwide.  Will’s clients have won numerous pitch competitions, got deals on Dragon’s Den, and raised over $350 million USD in investment. He’s also a nominee for both “Newcomer of The Year” by the Speaker Awards & “Highest Rated Mentor” (Global Startup Mentor Awards) and he was called “Canada’s best pitch coach” (Jordan Jocius, Founder Institute Waterloo). About Speaking Heroes (OutLoud) Speaking Heroes (formerly OutLoud) is a community for solopreneurs to develop their storytelling & communication skills with expert coaching, homework assignments, & peer feedback. Want to Get Involved? Speaking Heroes community: https://www.skool.com/speakingheroes/aboutWill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willgreenblatt/Will's newsletter The Greenblast: https://greenblast.beehiiv.com/

  --------  

  57:35

  --------

  57:35

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Pitch Please

Pitch Please: Podcasts in Family