On The Brink

Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken over 400 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent people. He is also a frequent podcast guest and can be found on many different platforms. Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective which provides therapy, IQ testing, coaching, and consulting.Learn more at https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/

David McWalter is a retired professional engineer who was born in Dundee, Scotland in 1950.

He met his high school sweetheart, Maggie, in high school and soon afterwards they embarked on an incredible journey that saw them move to Jamaica for four years, followed by a permanent move to Northern British Columbia in Canada.

After high school, David wanted to become a dentist. Instead, he went to university and became a Civil Engineer.

Fast forward several years and David founded L&M Engineering in Prince George, British Columbia.

David’ first major projects in Northern British Columbia included developing the townsite of Tumbler Ridge, as well as Burns Lake (west of Prince George).

L&M Engineering soon grew to be one of the largest civil engineering firms in Northern British Columbia, helping with major projects throughout the region.

Despite being "retired" for 10+ years, David is still active as a consultant, helping clients throughout Northern British Columbia with their property development plans, strategies and implementation.

Dr. Brandy Victory, D.C. is a Quantum Functional Health Specialist, leading the movement of helping people shift from overwhelm, excess weight, fatigue and pain to accessing their vitality and wellbeing. by optimizing their bodies and lives. Once afflicted with bipolar manic depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hypothyroidism, and suicidal, doctors said she'd be on medication the rest of her life. She’s not been on meds for over 25 years and lives a vibrant, turned-on life, excited to share the message of wellbeing for those ready to upgrade their wellbeing. Through Quantum Healing, neuro-emotional clearing, embodiment coaching, nutrition, functional health practices and shamanistic healing modalities, she invites people to their greatness by helping them unlock their potential to truly heal. Everyone has everything they need within. We just need to find the key to unlock it so they can shine!

Rob Schuetz is the President of Industrial Forestry Service (IFS), which is one of the largest natural resource consulting firms operating in British Columbia for the forestry, bioenergy, oil & gas, and mining sectors. Rob is past-president of the Society of Consulting Foresters of British Columbia.

https://bit.ly/RobSchuetzPodcastOTB

Rob specializes in the analysis of fibre supplies throughout BC and Alberta and has spent over 25 years consulting to the natural resource industries. In this regard he has undertaken due-diligence assessments of biomass fuel plans in support of over 50 proposed bioenergy projects; log supplies in support of sawmill acquisitions, economic assessments of the impact of a mountain pine beetle epidemic on timber supplies across Canada; delivered log cost optimization analysis to multiple delivery points and sawmill operating rate forecasts. Rob graduated with a B.Sc. in Forestry from the University of Toronto in 1987. Learn more at www.industrialforestry.ca

Tanis Jorge is a serial, tech entrepreneur, and a leading advisor to startup founders on entrepreneurship and building successful cofounder partnerships. Over the course of her career in startups, spanning the last 20+ years, Tanis has cofounded, scaled, and successfully exited multiple data-driven businesses.
​Her successes culminated with her most recent venture, Trulioo, which she co-founded in 2011 with her long-term business partner, Stephen Ufford. Between 2011 and 2015, Tanis served as Chief Operations Officer of Trulioo, working to lay the groundwork and build the foundation for the trusted, innovative, and disruptive company it has become today. In 2021, Trulioo reached unicorn status (US $1.65B valuation) solidifying its place as the world’s leading identity verification company and Jorge’s track record for founding successful businesses. Following a record-breaking Series D, she stepped down from the Board of Trulioo to focus on her cofounder advisory work. She remains a minority shareholder of Trulioo.​Tanis cofounded her first start-up, iQuiri in 1999. The company was one of the first to make consumer credit reports available online and was acquired by Experian in 2003. In 2004, she cofounded NCB Data Services, which was again acquired by Experian in 2006. In 2005, Tanis cofounded identity management firm Pharos Global Strategies, which was again acquired four years later.​Today, Tanis is one of the go-to voices and experts on the ‘cofounder relationship’, drawing on her experience cofounding and successfully scaling four technology businesses. She is the author of The Cofounder's Handbook (listed in USA Today's Top 10 Business Books To Scale Your Business in 2024) and Founder of The Cofounder's Hub, a platform dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and resources to establish, nurture, and successfully exit business partnerships. Tanis also advises fast-growing start-ups and leading venture capitalists, focusing her work on how cofounders can function in an open, productive, and symbiotic way to ensure continued and long-term business success.​Tanis sits on the Board of Directors at Ally Global, a non-profit that works to prevent human trafficking and supports survivors through safe homes, education, and work opportunities. Tanis lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and two boys. When she isn’t working she enjoys the “foodie” lifestyle with her husband David Jorge, MasterChef Canada Season 2 winner. She loves water sports and is currently working towards turning her brown belt in kickboxing into black, a lifelong item on her bucket list. Tanis also takes time to mentor students at the private school she founded, Live Learn Launch Academy, which focuses on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and life skills.

Dr. Terry Wahls is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa where she conducts clinical trials. She is also a patient with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, which confined her to a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years. Dr. Wahls restored her health using a diet and lifestyle program she designed specifically for her brain and now pedals her bike to work each day. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: How I Beat Progressive MS Using Paleo Principles and Functional Medicine, The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles (paperback), and the cookbook The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life: The Revolutionary Modern Paleo Plan to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions.She conducts clinical trials that test the effect of nutrition and lifestyle interventions to treat MS and other progressive health problems. Learn more about Dr. Wahls’ clinical trials here. She also teaches the public and medical community about the healing power of the Paleo diet and therapeutic lifestyle changes that restore health and vitality to our citizens. She hosts a Wahls Protocol Seminar every August where anyone can learn how to implement the Protocol with ease and success. Follow her on Facebook (Terry Wahls MD) and on Twitter at @TerryWahls.Dr. Wahls is a fifth generation Iowan who grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa and has raised a son and daughter there as well. She has a bachelor’s degree of fine arts from Drake University in Studio Art – Painting and a medical doctorate from the University of Iowa. She completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Iowa and have been on faculty at Iowa since 2000.Learn more about Dr. Wahls at https://terrywahls.com/

Steve is an experienced biotech executive, venture investor, scientist, entrepreneur, and author. He currently advises life science companies on strategy. Previously he was CEO of Gemphire Therapeutics, Inc., a public biotech which he joined after 10 years as a Managing Director at Excel Venture Management (EVM), a firm he co-founded and which invested $225M across more than 40 life science companies. At Excel, Steve served as a Board Director of more than a dozen private and public biotech, medtech, diagnostics, and health IT companies with many successful exits. Prior to Excel, Steve held CEO and CSO positions at two life sciences companies. Steve is currently a Director at Orionis Biosciences, Alexis Bio, iSpecimen, and Navigation Sciences. Steve began his career as a professor at Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Women’s Hospital where he published more than 130 scientific papers and was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the American Heart Association. He was an advisor to the Innovation Groups at the Cleveland Clinic and the Mass General Brigham. He received his Ph.D. from Duke University, post-doctoral training at Yale University, and his B.S. from Union College. Steve loves innovation and has spoken widely, including at TED, TEDMED, and TEDx. With Juan Enriquez he co-authored Evolving Ourselves, a book that provides a sweeping tour of how humans are changing the course of evolution. Throughout his career, he has focused on translating scientific advances into solutions for patients.

Keith Bilous is a remarkable entrepreneur and host of "Live in the Lab with Keith Bilous," a daily talk show where he serves as a committed accountability partner, guiding business leaders and athletes towards their next big achievements. He stands out as a Business Athlete and the go-to expert for those seeking insightful guidance. His valuable insights are available at inside.bapl.ai.A visionary in both business and adventure, Keith founded ICUC. Social, a pioneering company in content moderation and social media management. Under his stewardship, ICUC.Social became a virtual powerhouse, partnering with top-tier brands like Coca-Cola, Disney, Mastercard, Starbucks, REI, IBM, and Novartis. His strategic approach significantly boosted their social media presence, multiplying revenue and enhancing brand recognition. Throughout his tenure at ICUC, the company not only led in revenue and profit among its agency peers but also achieved consistent annual growth.Beyond the boardroom, Keith's adventurous spirit has led him to remarkable feats around the globe. His explorations include:- Diving with Great White sharks in the Neptune Islands- Trekking the rugged terrains of Iceland- Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu- Kayking through the Galapagos- Summiting notable peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro, Volcan Baru, and Mount Pico.His adventures extend to trekking the Mara plains in Africa and sailing the Southern Indian Ocean, showcasing his passion for discovery and photography.On a personal note, Keith is a devoted father to three children and two dogs. He cherishes his family time and maintains a balanced life, dedicating time to personal wellness and photography, capturing the essence of his adventures and the world's diverse beauty. His journey as an entrepreneur, adventurer, and family man paints a picture of a life rich with experiences and achievements.Learn more about Keith and his outstanding company at https://inside.bapl.ai/

Melanie Mark, also known by her Nisga'a name Hli Haykwhl Ẃii Xsgaak, is a difference-maker who believes strongly that the changes we need to inspire and support future generations, require all of us to get on board and paddle together.

Elected in 2016, Melanie Mark, is the first First Nations woman Member of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia's history, representing the riding of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant.

During the 41st Parliament, she was appointed as the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

Today, Melanie remains the only First Nations woman to have served in cabinet and served as Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

Melanie is Nisga'a, Gitxsan, Cree and Ojibway. She was born and raised in East Vancouver and has deep roots in Northern B.C. and Manitoba.

Melanie is unapologetically passionate about social, environmental and economic justice; and she entered politics to disrupt the status quo. Within two months as Minister, she paved a new path by creating the first provincial tuition waiver program for youth from the foster-care system and removed all fees for adults accessing Adult Basic Education.

She is most proud of her work as Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, namely supporting Indigenous teachers and language fluency, and in 2018 launching the world's first Indigenous Law program at the University of Victoria.

Melanie firmly believes that education is the great equalizer and often says, "a rising tide, lifts all canoes."

Melanie's work is inspired by her daughters Maya and Makayla and the desire for them to have greater access to education and opportunities as they grow up. Family is very important to Melanie, and her time with Maya, Makayla, and her extended family keeps her grounded and motivated.

Melanie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Simon Fraser University. She holds a Criminology Diploma from Douglas College/Native Education College and an Advanced Executive Certificate from Queen's School of Business.

As a former Ireland Entrepreneur of the Year recipient, Patrick Noel Daly has designed and invented products that are good for people. This serial entrepreneur just finished writing his first business book, which is a guide for entrepreneurs to help them to navigate the maze of startup.

Patrick also just launched his first Children's Book, which is written to encourage kids to be resourceful and helpful problem-solvers from the youngest age. Patrick loves to write and create and has been an entrepreneur since he was a kid. Patrick's book "Just Start Up - A Guide to Building Startups from a Guy that's Learned the hard way" is available at www.patricknoeldaly-pnd.com or the links below.https://a.co/d/4xVoKzwhttps://a.co/d/7pEl9Il