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The Polestar Podcast

VELA Wealth

VELA Wealth is dedicated to the financial well-being of business owners. We believe that wealth can be a catalyst for transforming the world. Join the VELA Wealth Polestar Podcast every month with our respected financial experts as they recap experiences and inspirational insights from successful guest entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

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20 episodes
Avg 31 min
English

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#43
September 4 · 26 min
Q2 Market Review & Q3 Outlook
In this Polestar Podcast market update, Kevin Parton and portfolio manager Keith Allan review a resilient Q2 — a sharp sell-off followed by a strong rebound — then use where markets stand today in Q3 to explain what it means for investors going forward. From oil and inflation to index investing versus active management, they break down the headlines and what actually matters for portfolios.
#42
May 14 · 23 min
Market Update Q2 2026: What’s Driving Markets Now
In the latest Polestar Podcast quarterly market update, Kevin Parton and portfolio manager Keith Allan discuss the key forces driving markets in 2026 — including inflation, oil prices, geopolitical tensions, interest rates, and ongoing volatility. The conversation covers: - Why markets continue hitting all-time highs despite uncertainty - How geopolitical events impact inflation and everyday costs - Portfolio strategies in higher inflation environments - The role of real assets, cash p
#41
February 12 · 35 min
Reflecting on 2025: Volatility, Resilience, and Strong Returns
In our Year in Review Polestar podcast, Kevin Parton and Portfolio Manager Keith Allan unpack a remarkable year in the markets — one that felt turbulent but ultimately delivered powerful results for disciplined investors. Despite a year dominated by tariff announcements, geopolitical tensions around the globe, questions around inflation, and U.S. dollar weakness, 2025 ended with strong gains across most major asset classes.
#40
Oct 15, 2025 · 22 min
Q3 2025 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
In our quarterly Polestar Podcast update, Kevin Parton and Portfolio Manager Keith Allan review Q3 2025 and the path ahead. Despite bouts of volatility earlier in the year, staying invested and rebalancing have rewarded clients as the bull market—led by tech and ongoing AI tailwinds—continued. They address today’s big questions: elevated valuations, mixed economic signals (inflation, unemployment), uncertain rate cuts, and the role of gold after a powerful run. The takeaway: avoid market-timing,
#40
Sep 22, 2025 · 53 min
Building Memories: Nicole Smith’s Journey with Flytographer
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast, host Kevin Parton speaks with Nicole Smith, founder and CEO of Flytographer — a global marketplace connecting travelers with local photographers in over 350 cities. Nicole shares how a spark of inspiration in Paris grew into a worldwide business, the lessons she carried from her years at Microsoft, and how resilience and conscious leadership helped her steer Flytographer through challenges like the pandemic. Her story is a masterclass in building with pur
#38
Jul 10, 2025 · 22 min
Q2 2025 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
In this episode of The Polestar Podcast, Kevin Parton sits down with Portfolio Manager Keith Allan to unpack the Q2 market landscape. Despite headlines filled with geopolitical unrest, inflation concerns, and tariff uncertainty, markets have rebounded strongly—rewarding investors who stayed the course. Keith emphasizes the importance of tuning out the noise, understanding the difference between the economy and the markets, and the value of active management.
#37
May 16, 2025 · 27 min
The Evolution of Consumerism & Effecting Meaningful Change with Stewart Irvine
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Jason Boudreau welcomes trailblazing technology entrepreneur, Stewart Irvine. Stewart is the founder and CEO of MerchUX & ESquared Foundation, and his experience spans over thirty years of pioneering visionary business transformations through a myriad of industry sectors with digital media, blockchain and innovative engagement technologies while making a significant impact on society. Stewart’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of
#36
Apr 25, 2025 · 26 min
Q1 2025 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
In this quarter’s episode of the Polestar Podcast, Kevin Parton sits down with Keith Allan from Harness Investment Management to explore market behavior beyond the headlines. Despite ongoing volatility, the Canadian market showed surprising strength, with the TSX posting its best weekly gain in over seven months. Keith emphasizes the importance of staying the course, avoiding emotional decision-making, and recognizing that real adjustments are happening under the hood of client portfolios.
#35
Apr 15, 2025 · 18 min
Small Business Lending Solutions with Nick Drake from BDC
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Rob Wallis welcomes Nick Drake, a Senior Director of Growth and Transaction Capital from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to discuss BDC's mission to support Canadian businesses. Nick explains how BDC differentiates itself by focusing solely on business banking and providing clients with tailored support to help them grow. This includes funding, venture capital, advisory services, and consulting to meet a variety of busine
#34
Mar 25, 2025 · 39 min
Leading the Way in Digital Vault Solutions with Ali M. Qureshi, CA, CPA, CFA
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Kevin Parton interviews Ali M. Qureshi, founder of SideDrawer. They explore Ali's entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his company, which has transformed the way people manage and share important documents. Kevin and Ali discuss the key challenges and milestones in the startup world, highlighting the significance of adaptability and innovation in business growth. Tune in to gain insights into Ali's background and the experience
#33
Mar 13, 2025 · 19 min
Beyond the Headlines: Market Insights with Keith Allan
In this episode, Kevin Parton and Keith Allan, Portfolio Manager with Harness Investment Management, discuss the recent market volatility, media-driven panic, and how client portfolios are actually performing in contrast to alarming headlines. Despite major indices like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ experiencing corrections, most client portfolios remain positive year-to-date due to a disciplined investment strategy.
#32
Feb 18, 2025 · 45 min
Estate Litigation & Estate Planning Best Practices with Krista Simon
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Kevin Parton interviews Krista Simon, an Estate Litigation Lawyer and Partner at Hammerco Lawyers. In this conversation, they discuss the intricacies and challenges within estate litigation and what can be done to avoid complications. Krista outlines some current trends that often lead to litigation, such as blended families, estrangement and stale-dated wills and explains how these complex issues can lead to legal battles. Listen in t
#31
Feb 14, 2025 · 20 min
Portfolio Impact: The Price of Protectionism
In this episode, Rob Wallis sits down with Keith Allan, Portfolio Manager at Harness, to discuss the latest economic shifts, market volatility, and how investors can stay ahead. From the impact of U.S. tariffs and interest rates to the future of Canadian markets, Keith shares insights on asset allocation, inflation risks, and why staying the course matters. Tune in for expert strategies on portfolio resilience and making informed investment decisions in unpredictable times. If you have any que
#30
Jan 17, 2025 · 25 min
Q4 2024 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
In the first Polestar Podcast of 2025, Kevin Parton and portfolio manager Keith Allan recap 2024’s market performance, driven by tech giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft, powered by AI innovation. Unlike past bubbles, this growth was built on strong fundamentals. Looking ahead to 2025, with interest rates and inflation cooling, portfolio strategies may shift from cash to fixed income and alternatives. With Trump’s return to office, U.S. equities are poised for potential gains, while Canadian marke
#29
Nov 21, 2024 · 54 min
The Impact of Empathy and Perseverance in Law with Morgyn Chandler
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Kevin Parton interviews Morgyn Chandler, a distinguished lawyer and Managing Partner at Hammerco Lawyers. They explore Morgyn's legal career from its inception to the present, highlighting pivotal moments that she faced as challenges, which were transformed into opportunities for success. Morgyn emphasizes a human-first approach in her legal practice, fundamentally reshaping her firm's operations by prioritizing empathy and compassion
#28
Nov 1, 2024 · 28 min
Q3 2024 Market Outlook with Keith Allan
In this quarter's Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, Kevin Parton and Keith Allan unpack the highs, lows, and surprises of Q3, setting the stage for what to expect in Q4. From interest rate cuts that could spark a holiday spending spree to the skyrocketing appeal of gold amid inflation worries, they dive into trends that matter. Also, they discuss TD Bank’s $3 billion fine in the U.S. for money laundering—how will this impact one of Canada’s largest banks? Keith also shares valuable insights on m
#27
Oct 17, 2024 · 17 min
Unpacking credit card rewards with The Prince of Travel: Ricky Zhang
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, Rob Wallis sits down with Ricky Zhang, Founder and CEO of Prince of Travel, to dive into the world of credit cards and travel rewards. Ricky, also known as the “Prince of Travel,” shares his journey from a passionate traveler to establishing a leading platform that empowers Canadians to maximize their credit card rewards to unlock premium travel experiences. For those looking to optimize their travel spending and explore the world in comfor
#26
Sep 23, 2024 · 42 min
Visionary Commitment to Sustainability with Sonia Strobel
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Kevin Parton speaks to Sonia Strobel, the CEO and Co-founder of Skipper Otto, a sustainable B-Corp Certified Community Supported Fishery that connects Canadian fishing families with their communities through memberships and innovative, sustainable business structures. Prepare to be invigorated by Sonia's passion for sustainability and get inspired to join the Skipper Otto Community.
#25
Aug 14, 2024 · 43 min
Unwavering Dedication and a Passion for Business and Marketing with Karen Flavelle
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Jason Boudreau speaks with Karen Flavelle, the CEO and Chair of Purdys Chocolatier about how her visionary leadership has been instrumental in steering Purdys toward continued success in the confectionery industry. In this episode, Karen also shares her passion for her philanthropic endeavors, contributing to various charitable causes and community initiatives. Karen's story is one of determination, perseverance, and a passion for busi
#24
Jul 26, 2024 · 41 min
The Power of Resilience and a Competitive Mindset with Andrew Ladd
In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, former NHL player, Andrew Ladd, discusses his transition from professional athlete to performance coach. Andrew shares details about his early introduction to hockey and the challenges he faced on his way to the NHL, and the triumphs, including being part of the team that won a Stanley Cup in his first year. Despite setbacks, Andrew persevered, overcoming serious injuries, and ultimately started the Ladd Foundation which focuses on helping

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