Mission Critical with Lance Chung
Behind every great company, every groundbreaking idea, and every game-changing innovation, there’s a leader on a mission. Welcome to Mission Critical with Lance Chung—the show where we break down the blueprints, the bold moves, and the battle-tested playbooks of today’s most impactful leaders. From CEOs and founders to artists, designers, and athletes, we’re talking to the visionaries who build, innovate, and lead.
- Update frequency
- every 13 days
- Average duration
- 39 minutes
- Episodes
- 109
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Jake Karls (Co-Founder, Mid-Day Squares) - How Being An Entrepreneur Is Like Being A Professional Athlete
In this episode of Mission Critical, we sit down with Jake Karls, co-founder and "Chief Rainmaker" of Mid-Day Squares, the Canadian chocolate company that's redefining snacking—and business culture.
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Eric Chong (Chef): The Realities Of Running A Fine-Dining Restaurant
In this episode, we dive into MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong's unique journey from the lab to the kitchen, but more importantly, the realities of life as a restaurateur—the sacrifices, the endle…
Eva Chin (Chef): Reshaping the Future of Chinese Cuisine
Chef Eva Chin is redefining what it means to be a steward of culinary culture. As the Culinary Director of Hong Shing and owner of Yan Dining Room in Toronto, she masterfully blends tradition with in…
Yung Wu (Co-Founder, CILAR): How Embracing Each Other's Differences Is a Strategic Advantage
In this episode, serial entrepreneur Yung Wu shares his unwavering belief that true progress in innovation comes from embracing different perspectives. As the former CEO of MaRS Discovery District (@…
Omar Gandhi (Founder, Omar Gandhi Architects): Can Architecture Shape Who We Are?
In this episode, Lance sits down with award-winning architect Omar Gandhi of Omar Gandhi Architects to explore the artistry, philosophy, and impact behind his work. Omar delves into what defines a gr…
Evelyn Chick (Founder, Evelyn Chick Projects): Turning a Pandemic Pivot Into a $1 Million Hospitality Empire
In this episode, serial entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and beverage consultant Evelyn Chick shares how she turned a pandemic layoff into an opportunity to build her thriving business empire. From …
Sasha Plavsic (Founder, ILIA Beauty): How a Clear Vision Led to Clean Beauty Success
In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Plavsic, the visionary founder of ILIA Beauty, to explore how she revolutionized the clean beauty industry. Sasha shares the personal story that inspired ILIA,…
Janet Zuccarini (CEO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group): How to Preserve Culture Through Food
As the driving force behind Toronto’s acclaimed Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini is a rare blend of visionary and architect, crafting a culinary empire that pays homage to her Italian herit…
Emily O'Brien (Founder, Comeback Snacks): How a Stint in Jail Led to an Entrepreneurial Success Story
In this episode, Lance sits down with Emily O’Brien, the inspiring founder of Comeback Snacks, whose entrepreneurial journey took root in an unexpected place: behind bars. From crafting gourmet popco…
Connie Lo (Co-founder, Three Ships): Building a Beauty Empire from a $4,000 Bootstrap
In this episode, Connie Lo, co-founder of Three Ships, joins Lance to discuss her journey in building a clean skincare brand with a mission to make beauty accessible for all. Connie shares her entrep…
Piper Gilles (Olympic Figure Skater): An Olympian's Guide to Overcoming Adversity
In the high-pressure world of competitive figure skating, Canadian Olympian Piper Gilles has carved out a name for herself, not only through her artistry and athleticism but also through her resilien…
Madelyn Chung (Founder, The RepresentASIAN Project): Amplifying Asian North American Voices
In this episode, presented by Monogram Appliances Canada, Lance sits down with Madelyn Chung, founder of The RepresentASIAN Project, to discuss the complexities of cultural identity, Asian representa…
Emerance Maschmeyer & Geneviève Lacasse (PWHL): Love, Leadership, and Women's Hockey
In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, Emerance Maschmeyer and Geneviève Lacasse share a story that uniquely sets them apart from their contemporaries. Both elite goaltenders with careers t…
Takashi Murakami (Artist): An Icon's Perspective on Art in the 21st Century
Renowned for his dynamic fusion of pop culture iconography, Takaski Murakami has had a formidable impact on culture and art. From his groundbreaking partnership with Louis Vuitton to his haunting wor…
David Shoemaker (CEO, Canadian Olympic Committee): The Unifying Power of Sport
In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance welcomes David Shoemaker, the dynamic CEO and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee. As the world anticipates the 2024 Summer Olympics in Pari…
Brooke Lynn Hytes (Drag Queen): Why We Need Drag Culture Now, More Than Ever
In the sequined, high-camp world of drag, few names shine as brightly as Brooke Lynn Hytes. From her transformative experience on RuPaul’s Drag Race to her burgeoning media empire as host of Canada’s…
Laurie May (Co-founder, Elevation Pictures): How Do Independent Films Amplify Diverse Stories?
Laurie May has long been a guiding force that continues to shape the narrative voice of the film industry. As co-founder and co-president of Elevation Pictures, a Canadian distribution and production…
Mark Williams (CEO, Toronto Symphony Orchestra): What Does the Orchestra of the Future Look Like?
In a world that is increasingly becoming defined by technological advancements and endless content scrolling, what role does a symphony orchestra play in the big picture of it all? It's a question th…
Leonard Brody (Co-founder, Caravan): Is a Celebrity Partnership Right for Your Brand?
Leonard Brody is an award-winning entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and bestselling author. As co-founder of Caravan, a venture with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the two-time Emmy-nominated media v…
Jens Grede (CEO, SKIMS): How to Build a Celebrity-Driven Legacy Brand
You may know SKIMS for its celebrity co-founder, Kim Kardashian, but are you aware of its other co-founder? On this episode of Mission Critical, SKIMS CEO and co-founder Jens Grede joins Lance to tal…