From Family Hustle to Personal Growth: Redefining Work Ethic, Passion, and Entrepreneurship

From Family Hustle to Personal Growth: Redefining Work Ethic, Passion, and Entrepreneurship

Author: Venture for Canada November 25, 2024 Duration: 16:33

Join host Gina Patterson as she chats with Kevin La, a skilled digital media and marketing professional, a graduate of Venture for Canada’s (VFC) Intrapreneurship Program, and now VFC’s Programs Support Coordinator. Kevin opens up about his journey growing up with immigrant parents who built a successful business in Canada, all while navigating cultural shifts, language barriers, and significant challenges. He reflects on the resilience and work ethic his family instilled in him, the lasting impact of their entrepreneurial spirit, and how their sacrifices shaped his career path.

Kevin also shares his personal journey of career exploration and highlights how the Intrapreneurship Program helped him uncover his professional identity and gain valuable real-world experience.

Whether you’re a student, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone seeking to turn struggles into strengths, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt reflections on growth, family, and finding your path.


Hosted by Venture for Canada, A New Wave of Entrepreneurship moves beyond theory to explore the real, human stories behind building something new. Each conversation focuses on the practical journey, featuring changemakers and young Canadian entrepreneurs who share how they cultivated their specific entrepreneurial mindset and skillset-the actual tools they used to navigate uncertainty and drive innovation. This podcast isn't about abstract success; it's about the tangible lessons learned from setbacks, the evolving strategies for growth, and the personal resilience required to lead. You'll hear firsthand accounts that demystify the process, offering a clearer picture of what it truly takes to contribute to a more prosperous future for Canada. By listening, you gain access to a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, all aimed at helping you recognize and develop your own potential. Tune in for honest discussions that connect the dots between ambition, actionable skill-building, and meaningful impact, all part of a broader movement shaping the country's economic and social landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

A New Wave of Entrepreneurship
Podcast Episodes
Drayton Mulindabigwi: The Power of Dreaming Big   [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:41
Join us for a captivating conversation with visionary entrepreneur Drayton Mulindabigwi. This episode delves into Drayton's unique journey from Rwanda to Canada, inspired by the resilience of his parents, genocide surviv…
Reuven Ashtar: Top Tips for Influencers, Creators & Talent Managers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:44
Meet Reuven Ashtar, CEO of Never Napping. This episode delves into Reuven’s diverse career, transitioning from law to becoming a key player in the YouTube and influencer sphere. Gain insider insights into what it takes t…
Tamara Vrooman: Leading at YVR Airport with a Curious Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:00
Embark on a journey of leadership with Tamara Vrooman, CEO of Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This conversation takes flight into the essence of curiosity-driven leadership, illustrating how Tamara's inquisitive n…
Lourdes Juan: Practical Tips for Serial Entrepreneurship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:46
Dive into the world of serial entrepreneurship with Lourdes Juan, a mastermind behind several successful businesses. In this episode, Lourdes reveals her secrets to juggling multiple ventures, from urban planning to tech…
Karen Greve Young: Championing Inclusive Leadership at Futurpreneur [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:05
Join Karen Greve Young, CEO of Futurpreneur Canada, in a deep dive into the world of inclusive leadership. Karen brings her wealth of experience in fostering economic and social inclusivity to the forefront, offering key…
Ian Brooks: Revolutionizing Meal Kits with HelloFresh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:08
Meet Ian Brooks, CEO of HelloFresh Canada, a pioneer in the meal kit industry. Embarking on an unconventional career path, Ian transitioned from environmental sciences to revolutionize the way we approach meal preparatio…
Geoff Smith: Driving Innovation in Traditional Industries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:50
Meet Geoff Smith, the Chair of EllisDon, a major player in Canada's construction industry with an impressive $5 billion in annual revenue and 4,000 employees. Geoff, who previously served as CEO for nearly 25 years, shar…