In this episode, we sit down with Al Zdenek — Founder and Executive Chair of Cake Club, a celebrated financial planning leader, and author of two acclaimed Forbes books. Al shares his remarkable journey from building and exiting a highly successful financial firm to overcoming bankruptcy and emerging stronger than ever.He breaks down practical strategies for wealth management, the essentials of sound financial planning, and his mission to help people live fully in the present while securing their future. Al’s decades of experience and genuine passion for helping others achieve financial freedom make this a must-listen conversation.If you’re ready to learn how to build, protect, and enjoy your wealth — and get inspired by a story of resilience and success — this episode is for you.👉 Follow Cakeclub™:
🔗 LinkedIn
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
▶️ YouTube

Tune in now on all major platforms!

In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, we sit down with John Long, the CEO of Thynk AI, to explore his incredible journey from the HVAC and Real Estate industry to leading one of the most forward-thinking AI platforms in tech.John shares how he made a career change, and what inspired him to launch Thynk AI — a company transforming how hotels and resorts leverage data and artificial intelligence.We dive deep into:His shift from HVAC entrepreneur to tech entrepreneurshipHow to simplify complex technology to solve real business problemsThe leadership lessons that helped him scale across industriesThe role of resilience, optimism, and family in long-term successWhether you're a founder, creative, or professional exploring new paths, John’s story will inspire you to think bigger and take bold steps toward your goals.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere you stream podcasts.

In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, we sit down with Steven Puri — a true renaissance entrepreneur whose journey takes us from software engineering at USC to winning an Academy Award for Independence Day, to overseeing Hollywood blockbusters like Die Hard, The Wolverine, and 24 at major studios like 20th Century FOX and DreamWorks.

Steven shares the three core themes we focus on in this podcast:

1. How he got started

2. How he overcomes failure and keeps going

3. The resources and mindsets that help him thrive

We dive into the creation of his first business, Centropolis Effects, a CGI powerhouse that helped shape modern film and was acquired for $15 million. But Steven’s journey didn’t stop there. After experiencing the highs of executive life in Hollywood, he returned to entrepreneurship — and faced failure head-on. In this episode, he unpacks what those failures taught him, how to take accountability, and the power of persistence.

Today, Steven is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, a platform that helps remote workers overcome procrastination and distraction, so they can stay focused, energized, and connected. He shares how Sukha is transforming the way we approach work — not just with tools, but with a supportive community.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to turn setbacks into stepping stones

• What all successful people understand about failure

• The habits and tools that high performers use to manage time and energy

• How to lead teams with empathy and clarity

• The essential entrepreneurial skills: knowing your customer, solving real problems, and listening deeply

Steven also shares his go-to productivity tools (his calendar + Google Tasks), tips for building great companies, and leadership insights that every founder and creative should hear.

🎧 This is truly one of our best episodes yet — packed with wisdom, actionable advice, and an inspiring story of reinvention. Whether you're building a business, pivoting careers, or just looking for a motivational reset, this episode is for you.

Connect with Steven Puri:
📧 Email: steven@thesukha.co
🔗 LinkedIn: Steven Puri

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.