Jake is redefining what it means to lead in public. As the passionate, wildly honest face of Mid-Day Squares — the “first functional chocolate bar” — he’s built more than a brand; he’s built a movement rooted in transparency, self-awareness, and emotional honesty. With accolades like Forbes 30 Under 30 and EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, Jake still talks openly about his mental health and the messy side of scaling a business. He believes the future of entrepreneurship belongs to those who lead from the heart.

Sheena is the founder of Tease Tea, a certified B-Corp that meets the intersection of wellness and beauty with flavor and function filled tea blends and aligned self-care essentials. Having created the world’s first fully biodegradable and refillable tea collection, Sheena is setting a new standard for sustainability in the wellness industry. With products available in over 700 online and retail locations in North America, Tease continues to redefine everyday beauty and wellness rituals one sip at a time.

In 2019, Sheena also created the Founders Fund program, providing mentorship, education, and barrier-free funding to a diverse group of women founders. Through the program, Tease has contributed over $300,000 in small business micro-grants and mentorship programming to over 500 women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

Thomas is a creative visionary and storyteller with a spiritual core. At Godzspeed Communications, he helps brands express their soul — crafting strategies that connect companies to their communities with integrity and intention. As a leader, father, and believer in business as a vessel for love, Thomas brings depth, artistry, and presence to every room he enters. His reflections on identity, legacy, and purpose will help anchor this conversation in meaning.

Sunshine is a trailblazer who uses business as a tool for Indigenous empowerment and systemic change. An Anishinabe woman from Kitigan Zibi and a mother of four, she is the founder of Her Braids — a project advocating for clean water in First Nations communities  and the powerhouse behind Pow Wow Pitch, a national platform elevating Indigenous entrepreneurs. Sunshine leads with fire and empathy, showing what’s possible when entrepreneurship is rooted in community, culture, and courage.

Peter has been at the forefront of the Canadian natural food industry for over 30 years, and today, he’s also a fierce advocate for mental health — especially in the entrepreneurial space. Co-founding Neal Brothers with his brother Chris, he built a beloved national brand rooted in quality, humour, and values. But his greatest impact may be in how openly he shares his personal struggles, making it safer for others to do the same. Peter is generous with both his story and his support — and we’re lucky to have him as our peer moderator.

Summar is an advocate, solo founder, and self-taught creative who transformed a painful personal journey into a purpose-led brand. After years of living with endometriosis and navigating a health care system that dismissed her pain, she launched gldn grl — a jewelry brand that sparks conversation, raises awareness, and builds community around women’s health and invisible illness. Every piece she designs is infused with meaning and named for resilience. Summar’s entrepreneurial path is a testament to the power of storytelling, survival, and self-expression.