How to make it in Toronto

Hosted by Karl Shams

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-CA

About the show

Your destination for insightful tips, strategies, and success stories in Toronto & around the world. Join us and obtain important nuggets of information that we can use as we chart our own path to success 💡 Each episode will provide: - 3 Key takeaways that help you overcome obstacles, develop the right mindset as well as work ethic, and finally the skills required to be successful - People struggle with where to start. We'll share the best place/way to start your journey. - The best resources recommended by our guests as well as some sourced by us to help guide you on your path to success.

Listen to episodes

52 recent

May 31, 202643 min

AI, College Planning & Financial Aid: What Every Student and Parent Needs to Know | Howard Freedman

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the future of education and careers faster than ever. So how should students and families prepare?In this episode of How to Make It, returning guest Howard Freedman, financial aid professional and college planning expert, shares powerful insights on how AI is reshaping a student’s academic path, career opportunities, and the college experience.Howard explains why it's never too early to start planning for college, how families can reduce financial stress, and what students can do today to build a strong foundation for the future.We also discuss practical strategies to help students manage the emotional pressure of college planning, navigate uncertainty, and make confident decisions about their education.Whether you're a student, parent, or young professional thinking about higher education, this conversation will give you the tools to plan smarter in a rapidly changing world.In this episode we cover:• How AI will impact future careers and college majors• Why early college planning can save families thousands• Hidden financial aid opportunities many families miss• How students can reduce college stress and pressure• The mindset students need to succeed in an AI-driven future🎧 Subscribe to How to Make It for conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts sharing real strategies for success.

April 1, 202653 min

The #1 Mistake Founders Make in Marketing (And How to Fix It)

In today’s crowded digital world, attention is everywhere — but connection is rare.In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, we sit down with John Elbing, Chief Storybuilder Officer and creator of the Storybuilding methodology, to break down how founders and entrepreneurs can build brands that actually connect, convert, and grow.With experience coaching over 150 startups and companies, John shares why most businesses get storytelling wrong — and how shifting your focus from your story to your customer’s story can completely transform your marketing.We dive into:The 3-step framework every customer goes through before buyingWhy niching down is the fastest way to growThe difference between attention vs. real engagementCommon storytelling mistakes founders makeHow to create messaging that drives emotion, trust, and actionIf you’re an entrepreneur, content creator, or business professional looking to stand out in a competitive market, this episode will give you practical tools to refine your message and grow your brand.🎯 Whether you're building a startup, scaling a business, or growing a personal brand — this conversation will change how you think about marketing.Connect with John:Website: standpoint.chLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/elbing

March 22, 20261 hr 2 min

The Marketing Strategy That Landed Jerry Seinfeld | Institute of Wow Founder John Dwyer

How do you convince Jerry Seinfeld to headline a direct-response marketing campaign for a bank — and then use it to smash sales records?In this episode of How to Make It, we sit down with John Dwyer, founder of the Institute of Wow — a company known for highly creative customer attraction strategies that deliver measurable results.John breaks down:What Direct-Response Marketing really isThe Problem/Solution formula that works across industriesWhy Incentive-Based Marketing outperforms discountingHow he landed Jerry Seinfeld for a record-breaking campaignThe biggest obstacles business owners face — and how to overcome themHow to build confidence, resilience, and long-term successIf you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or marketing professional looking for practical strategies to increase sales and stand out in a crowded marketplace, this episode delivers powerful insights you can apply immediately.🔗 Resources & Links MentionedVacation Promo (Incentive-Based Marketing): https://vacationsincentive.com/Contest Leads Machine: https://contestleadsmachine.com/Main Website: https://theinstituteofwow.com/Jerry Seinfeld Case Study: https://theinstituteofwow.com/seinfield-and-jd/Dreams Can Come True TV Show: https://theinstituteofwow.com/wow-tv-show/Subscribe to How to Make It for more conversations with high performers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders sharing real strategies for success.

March 11, 202651 min

AI, College Planning & Financial Aid: What Every Student and Parent Needs to Know | Howard Freedman

February 10, 20261 min

The Future of Work: How to Stay Relevant and Lead in 2026 and Beyond

The future of work is changing faster than ever — and those who adapt early will lead.In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, we break down what it takes to stay relevant and successful in 2026 and beyond. From working smarter with AI, to building attention through content, networking with intention, and creating habits that drive consistency and execution, this episode is a practical guide for entrepreneurs, professionals, creators, and ambitious individuals.You’ll learn:How to use AI as leverage instead of fearing itWhy attention is the new resumeHow to network authentically in the modern eraThe habits that separate high performers from everyone elseIf you’re serious about building a future-proof career or business, this episode is for you.

January 8, 20264 min

New Year Goal Execution Framework for Entrepreneurs | Stop Setting Goals, Start Winning

Most people set New Year goals.Very few actually execute them.In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, we break down a proven New Year Goal Execution Frameworkdesigned specifically for entrepreneurs, creators, and high performers who want real results—not just motivation.You’ll learn how to:Set fewer, smarter goals that actually move the needleTurn big ideas into daily and weekly executionBuild systems that create consistency (even when motivation fades)Eliminate distractions, overwhelm, and burnoutUse 90-day sprints to stay focused all yearThink and act like a high-performing CEO of your own life and businessWhether you’re building a business, growing your brand, or leveling up personally, this episode will help you start the year with clarity, structure, and confidence.Because success doesn’t come from knowing what to do—It comes from doing it consistently.🎧 Tune in and start executing.For downloadable worksheet DM us on IG @how.tomake.it.in.toronto

December 10, 20253 min

The Rise of Aliko Dangote: How Africa’s Richest Man Built a Global Empire

In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, we break down the extraordinary journey of Aliko Dangote — Africa’s richest man and one of the most influential industrialists in modern history.From starting with a small $3,000 loan to building Dangote Industries, a multi-billion-dollar empire spanning cement, sugar, flour, oil, and infrastructure, Dangote’s story is filled with powerful lessons for entrepreneurs worldwide.We explore:How Dangote’s early life in Kano shaped his entrepreneurial mindsetThe education and knowledge that helped him build generational successThe strategic shift from trading to manufacturing that transformed African industryThe biggest obstacles he faced — and how he overcame themWhat makes Dangote unique, resilient, and globally influentialThe key resources and decisions that fueled his rise to the topThis episode gives entrepreneurs a real blueprint for success: how to think bigger, adapt faster, reinvest smarter, and build something that lasts.If you’re looking for motivation, clarity, and a masterclass in long-term success, this episode will inspire you to build your own empire — starting today.

November 27, 20253 min

Top 3 Habits of Entrepreneurs Who Change the World

Success isn’t built overnight — it’s built through habits.In this episode of How to Make It in Toronto, we break down the Top 3 Habits of Entrepreneurs Who Change the World and explore how small, powerful changes in your routine can transform your business, your mindset, and your life.You’ll learn:🔥 Why ruthless clarity creates unstoppable direction🔥 How consistency becomes a long-term competitive advantage🔥 Why adaptability is the true superpower of high-performing entrepreneursWhether you’re running a business, building a personal brand, or striving to level up in life, these habits will help you stay focused, improve your discipline, and execute your goals with confidence.Tune in, take notes, and start building the habits that shape world-class success.

November 16, 20253 min

3 Tips for Success: How to Build Momentum, Influence, and Long-Term Growth

In this weeks 3 tips for success on How to Make it in Toronto, we break down the top 3 success principles every modern entrepreneur needs to grow their brand, increase visibility, and turn their vision into real results. Whether you’re building a business, scaling your career, or trying to stand out in a noisy world, these three strategies will help you get seen, get trusted, and get ahead.You’ll learn how to:Build a personal brand that attracts opportunitiesStay consistent and disciplined even when things feel hardCreate community and connection that leads to growth, influence, and incomeThis week's 3 tips for success is all about mindset, momentum, and actionable frameworks you can start using today. If you’re committed to becoming the best version of yourself and making an impact, this one is for you.

November 9, 202550 min

The Power of Storytelling with Doug Crowe: How to Build Your Personal Brand and Turn Your Story into a Legacy

In this episode of How to Make it in Toronto, Karl sits down with Doug Crowe — bestselling author, publisher, and media insider whose company Author Your Brand has helped over 500 authors hit #1 on Amazon.Doug shares how he went from Northwestern graduate and Dale Carnegie award winner to working with C-suite executives from Apple, NASA, P&G, Louis Vuitton, and the NFL, helping them turn their experience into bestselling books and personal brands that open doors.They dive deep into the power of storytelling, how Doug overcame personal and professional challenges, and the insider secrets behind building an authentic brand that converts influence into impact.If you’ve ever wondered how to make your story stand out in a crowded world, this episode is your blueprint. Doug also offers a free 20-minute storytelling assessment for our listeners — details inside the episode.🎧 Tune in now to discover how to transform your journey into a story the world can’t forget.📍 Connect with Doug:dougcrowe.comauthoryourbrand.com🎁 BONUS for our listeners:Doug is offering a 20-minute storytelling assessment — email him at Doug@dougcrowe.com and enter "KARL" in the subject line to get started.