Irrepressibles Podcast

e12 - Alberto Aguilar: Why Plantaform CEO Believes Desert Farming Is the Next Big Frontier - The $125M Bet

Dannie & Eric Waev — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:01:17 -0500

In this episode, we sit down with Alberto Aguilar, Founder & CEO of Plantaform. During the conversation, Alberto opens up about the roller coaster year that reshaped the company — from losing his co-founder to entering the U.S. market, winning the CES Best of Innovation Award, and launching Plantafarm, a groundbreaking solution for growing food sustainably in desert climates. Tune in for his inspiring story!

In this conversation, you’ll discover:
- How Plantaform rebuilt after a sudden co-founder departure
- What it takes to launch new markets, secure major grants, and pivot globally
- The top mindset qualities you need to succeed as a founder

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to build an industry from scratch in today’s fast-paced world!

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About the Irrepressibles Podcast

The Irrepressibles Podcast is all about uncovering the mindset qualities that define successful entrepreneurs. Hosted by Dannie, a former Radio-Canada reporter, each episode features in-depth interviews with young entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges and carved out their own path to success. We dive into their personal stories, discussing the habits, mental frameworks, and philosophies that help them stay unstoppable.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned business owner, or just someone looking for motivation, this podcast offers real, actionable insights from people who’ve been where you are. Join us on this journey to discover what it truly means to be irrepressible!

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106206525/admin/dashboard/

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e11 - Emily Péloquin: Why concrete rooftops may hold the key to food security for urban centers

Dannie & Eric Waev — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0400

Welcome to the eleventh episode of the Irrepressibles Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Emily Peloquin, Communications Coordinator at Lufa Farms. For over 15 years, Lufa has been pioneering rooftop greenhouses across Montreal, reshaping how cities grow, consume, and think about food. Emily shares how the team turned a “crazy idea” into a global model for sustainable food systems, why consumer mindsets need to shift, and what resilience in food really looks like.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

How rooftop greenhouses are transforming unused space into thriving farms
Why local food is more resilient to crises like pandemics and supply chain shocks
The mindset shift consumers need to build a better food system

Tune in to get inspired and rethink what’s possible when business and sustainability meet.

You can find more information about this episode here: www.irrepressiblespodcast.com/episodes/lufa-farms

About the Irrepressibles Podcast

The Irrepressibles Podcast is all about uncovering the mindset qualities that define successful entrepreneurs. Hosted by Dannie, a former Radio-Canada reporter, each episode features in-depth interviews with young entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges and carved out their own path to success. We dive into their personal stories, discussing the habits, mental frameworks, and philosophies that help them stay unstoppable.

Follow us on social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irrepressibles.podcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@irrepressibles.podcast?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irrepressibles.podcast
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/irrepressibles.bsky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106206525/admin/dashboard/

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

e10 - Riaz Sidi: Building a Million Dollar Marketing Agency - When Passion Faded, He Did This Instead

Dannie & Eric Waev — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 10:18:53 -0400

Welcome to the tenth episode of the Irrepressibles Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Riaz Sidi, Founder and President of Sidi.io, one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing marketing agencies. During the conversation, Riaz opens up about his early struggles with depression, the unexpected path that led him from call centers to entrepreneurship, and how discipline—not passion—became the foundation of his success. Tune in for his inspiring story!

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

- Why Riaz believes “taking the leap” is a choice you make every day
- The power of building a business by being real, not perfect
- The top mindset qualities you need to succeed as a founder

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to make it as a young entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world!

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About the Irrepressibles Podcast

Follow us on social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irrepressibles.podcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@irrepressibles.podcast?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irrepressibles.podcast
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/irrepressibles.bsky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106206525/admin/dashboard/

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e09 - Nilufer Erdebil: Turning Customer Insights into Actionable Business Innovation

Dannie & Eric Waev — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 16:46:02 -0400

Welcome to the ninth episode of the Irrepressibles Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Nilufer Erdebil, founder of Spring2Innovation and author of Future Proofing by Design. During the conversation, Nilufer shares her journey from software development to leading change through innovation and design thinking, how she built her business while balancing single motherhood, and why understanding the end-user is crucial to true innovation. Tune in for her inspiring story!

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

How to apply design thinking to build better products and services
The reality of growing a business while raising a family
The top mindset qualities you need to succeed as a founder

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to make it as a young entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world!

You can find more information about this episode here:
https://www.irrepressiblespodcast.com/episodes/turning-customer-insights-into-actionable-business-innovation

About the Irrepressibles Podcast

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

#IrrepressiblesPodcast #EntrepreneurJourney #MindsetForSuccess #YoungEntrepreneurs #BusinessSuccess

e08 - Emily Castellani: From Nurse to Movement Coach: Emily's Journey to Entrepreneurship

Dannie & Eric Waev — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:57:07 -0400

Welcome to the eighth episode of the Irrepressibles Podcast! 🎙️ This week, we sit down with Emily Castellani, co-founder of Carlington Movement and Massage, to hear her powerful story of pivoting from nursing to entrepreneurship in the wellness space.

Emily’s path is rooted in personal transformation—from navigating chronic pain to helping others reconnect with their bodies through movement. Her work with seniors, her honest take on entrepreneurship, and her reflections on upcoming motherhood make this episode a deeply human and inspiring listen.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

Why she left nursing for holistic wellness
The mindset shift that turned pain into purpose
What seniors have taught her about aging well
Her honest approach to building a balanced business
Why “just starting” might be the best advice of all

Emily reminds us that growth doesn’t always mean scaling—it can also mean grounding yourself in what matters most.

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to make it as a young entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world!

You can find more information about this episode here:

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About the Irrepressibles Podcast

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

#IrrepressiblesPodcast #EntrepreneurJourney #MindsetForSuccess #YoungEntrepreneurs #BusinessSuccess

e07 - Alexy Lavigne-McPhee: Turning Rejected Fresh Fruit into a Million Dollar Business | Lessons in Innovation & Resilience

Dannie & Eric Waev — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the seventh episode of the Irrepressibles Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Alexy Lavigne-McPhee, founder of Flirt, a fresh fruit beverage company that’s not just serving up delicious drinks—it’s tackling food waste head-on.

Built on a circular economy model, Flirt takes inspiration from the challenge of fresh fruit waste and turns it into an opportunity to upcycle and create something truly sustainable. Tune in for their inspiring story!

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

The journey of building Flirt
The power of upcycling in the beverage industry
How leaning on community can be a game-changer for founders
The top mindset qualities you need to succeed as a founder

Alexy is also a big believer in community-driven problem-solving, using LinkedIn as his personal soundboard—sharing insights, engaging with fellow entrepreneurs, and seeking advice when he hits roadblocks.

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to make it as a young entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world!

You can find more information about this episode here: https://www.irrepressiblespodcast.com/episodes/number-seven-alexy-lavigne-mcphee

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About the Irrepressibles Podcast

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

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e06 - Ed Hansen: Building a Business That Lasts: Lessons in Leadership & Adaptability

Dannie & Eric Waev — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the sixth episode of the Irrepressibles Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Ed Hanson, a seasoned entrepreneur and dynamic business coach. With over 30 years of experience, Ed is now dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs as TEC Canada Coach and Peer Group Chair. Tune in for the chance to listen in on his inspiring advice for founders!

In this conversation, you’ll discover:
- Why the downs and challenges are often where the most valuable lessons are learned.
- How seeking out mentorship and community as an entrepreneur is critical to success and personal well-being
- Game-changing insights that could transform your entrepreneurial journey
- The top mindset qualities you need to succeed as a founder

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to make it as a young entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world!

You can find more information about this episode here:
https://www.irrepressiblespodcast.com/episodes/lessons-in-leadership-adaptability

Books mentioned:
Leaders Eat Last: https://amzn.to/4aPslC2
Man's search for meaning: https://amzn.to/3QbUGJx

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About the Irrepressibles Podcast

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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
2:44 - Ed’s background as an entrepreneur
5:46 - The difference between passion for an innovative idea vs passion for entrepreneurship itself
7:43 - What is an entrepreneurial brain?
9:38 - Building a business then vs now
12:53 - The role of risk
17:00 - The dog Murphy joins the conversation!
17:25 - TEC (The Executive Committee)
18:28 - How being vulnerable is good for business
23:04 - Ed talks about his life’s purpose
24:31 - Ed’s pearls of wisdom for new founders
31:22 - When life gets in the way of business
34:10 - The adaptive mindset
35:42 - When an entrepreneur gets bored: watch out
37:12 - What Ed’s kids teach him about business
44:03 - The importance of creativity
46:15 - Does an entrepreneur need battle scars to succeed?
50:30 - Digging deep for the drive to keep going when things go wrong
52:48 - How entrepreneurs lie to themselves
55:33 - Is the end goal making money?
59:00 - Is the new generation risk averse?
1:00:00 - Who deserves success?
1:03:41 - The influence of friends and family
1:08:10 - Picking your team
1:13:42 - Uncomfortable decisions that affect your team
1:18:10 - Entrepreneurship is lonely
1:21:10 - Ed’s personal account of significant hardship
1:23:48 - The importance of peer groups in business
1:26:22 - Top mindset quality needed to succeed as an entrepreneur
1:29:49 - Advice on setting goals

e05 - Prestige Home Improvement: Coast to coast in just two years: how this startup is going nation-wide

Dannie & Eric Waev — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 07:45:23 -0500

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Irrepressibles Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Louis Lacombe-Denis and Travis Moriarty, co-founders of Prestige Home Improvement. During the conversation, they share their journey from personal trainers to leading an HVAC startup expanding nationwide in just two years. They began with car rides: booking appointments while going to various regions of southern Ontario. They believe in building their business with creativity, conviction, and sheer willpower. Through setbacks, teamwork, and a relentless mindset, they transformed challenges into opportunities, proving that belief and action can drive success. Tune in for their inspiring story!

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

The importance of simply taking action, wether you feel ready or not
How to tackle limiting beliefs
The top mindset qualities you need to succeed as a founder

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to make it as a young entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world!

About the Irrepressibles Podcast

Follow us on social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irrepressibles.podcast/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@irrepressibles.podcast?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irrepressibles.podcast

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/irrepressibles.bsky.social

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

#IrrepressiblesPodcast #EntrepreneurJourney #MindsetForSuccess #YoungEntrepreneurs #BusinessSuccess

e04 - Graeme Barlow: From Startup Success to Guiding the Next Generation

Dannie & Eric Waev — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:06:23 -0500

In this episode of Irrepressibles, we’re thrilled to feature Graeme Barlow, a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience and insights to share with the next generation of founders. In this candid conversation, Graeme takes us back to his early days of entrepreneurship, reflecting on how initial setbacks shaped his resilience and mindset. If you're an aspiring founder or someone who’s already on the entrepreneurial path, this conversation will spark a fire in you.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:
- The difference between mentorship & coaching, and when you'll know you need it
- The importance of curating your circle to keep yourself from feeling discouraged
- Graeme's top mindset quality for success as a founder

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to make it as a young entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world!

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About the Irrepressibles Podcast

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

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Follow us on Instagram: @irrepressibles.podcast
Like us on Facebook: @irrepressibles.podcast
Follow us on Bluesky: @irrepressibles

e03 - Pluvo: Rewiring Careers: Government Workers Turned Innovators

Dannie & Eric Waev — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:33 -0500

Meet Alex and Vanessa, the visionary founders behind Pluvo, a groundbreaking platform transforming how businesses understand the stories behind their numbers. Pluvo leverages financial data to reveal the impact of cultural trends, weather, and global events on business performance—shedding light on the unseen factors driving success or explaining tough times.

In just three years, this Ottawa-based startup has already made waves, earning the prestigious Best Ottawa Business Award for 2024 and securing a coveted spot in a renowned San Francisco business accelerator for 2025.

On this episode of Irrepressibles, we dive into the journey that brought Pluvo to life. From the initial skepticism of the industry due to their young age and government background, to real moments of self-doubt, Alex and Vanessa share how they defied the odds with innovation, grit, and a clear vision. Tune in to discover the mindset and determination that turned their "matrix-like" idea into an award-winning reality.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

- The story of Alex's and Vanessa's transition from government employees to tech founders
- The key mindset principles that helped them overcome all sorts of challenges
- Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on staying resilient and focused

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to make it as a young entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world!

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About the Irrepressibles Podcast

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*Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!*

#IrrepressiblesPodcast #EntrepreneurJourney #MindsetForSuccess #YoungEntrepreneurs #BusinessSuccess

e02 - Apprends et Entreprends: Régler ses propres problèmes et en fonder des entreprises

Dannie & Eric Waev — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:28:20 -0500

Dans ce deuxième épisode du podcast Irrepréssibles 🎙️, nous rencontrons Charles-Antoine Hallé, fondateur d'Apprends et Entreprends: une compagnie d'éducation entrepreneuriale qui aide les jeunes du secondaire à en apprendre plus sur le monde des affaires. Cette compagnie, lancée par frustration en raison du manque d'encadrement au niveau entrepreneurial pour les jeunes, est l'une des trois compagnies dont nous parlons durant cet épisode.

Durant cette conversation, vous découvrirez:

- Le parcours à Charles-Antoine, qui l'a mené à fonder tous ses projets: Apprends et Entreprends, le Défi48 et Legal Sensus
- Le mindset nécessaire pour se lancer en affaires
- La manière dont Charles-Antoine génère ses idées d'entreprises

Cet épisode saura vous inspirer et vous aider à découvrir ce qu’il faut vraiment pour réussir en tant que jeune entrepreneur dans le monde d’aujourd’hui!

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About the Irrepressibles Podcast

The Irrepressibles Podcast is all about uncovering the mindset qualities that define successful entrepreneurs. Hosted by Dannie, a former Radio-Canada reporter, each episode features in-depth interviews with young entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges and carved out their own path to success. We dive into their personal stories, discussing the habits, mental frameworks, and philosophies that help them stay unstoppable.

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**Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!**

#IrrepressiblesPodcast #EntrepreneurJourney #MindsetForSuccess #YoungEntrepreneurs #BusinessSuccess

e01 - Plantaform: From apartment 3D printers to production line

Irrepressibles Podcast — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 09:02:17 -0400

Welcome to the very first episode of the Irrepressibles Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with the 2 co-founders of Plantaform, an innovative indoor garden startup that has, in a short time, gone from an idea to a million-dollar venture that now is expanding from Canada all the way to Africa and the Middle-east. CEO Alberto Aguilar and CPO Kiwa Lang share the mindset shifts that makes them capable of withstanding adversity, overcoming obstacles, living with risk and of simply never giving up.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

- How Alberto and Kiwa navigated the early struggles of entrepreneurship by hearing about their challenges, problems, and bumps in the road
- The key mindset principles that drove their rapid growth
- Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on staying resilient and focused

Tune in to get inspired and learn what it truly takes to make it as a young entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world!

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Get $100 OFF at checkout with code "IRREPRESSIBLES" on plantaform.com

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About the Irrepressibles Podcast

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**Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!**

#IrrepressiblesPodcast #EntrepreneurJourney #MindsetForSuccess #YoungEntrepreneurs #BusinessSuccess