Alex Brzostowski is a Boston-based real estate investor, husband, and father of two.  Originally from Canberra, Australia, Alex met his wife while on a university student exchange to Canada.  After graduating from his bachelor’s degrees, Alex moved to Montreal, where he started his career in IT services and consulting.  Following his mother’s sudden passing from cancer, and his father’s decline from several strokes, Alex re-examined his career and life priorities.  This led Alex to redefine what “success” means to him, looking more broadly than the traditional career focus, to include a greater emphasis on his relationships with his family, his physical and mental health, and connections to his friends and community.  Alex has adopted, and continues to refine, a series practices, routines, and mindset tools that have helped him reach his goals, and live with greater satisfaction and fulfillment.

I’m Ashwin Muthiah, an author, wine educator, and documentary host exploring the world through wine and flavor. Born in Chennai, India, and raised in Atlanta, I’ve spent a decade immersing myself in wine and food. From studying wine’s origins in Georgia to exploring Italy’s culinary passion and distilling whisky in Scotland, I’ve pursued flavor across destinations like Tbilisi, Islay, Budapest, and New York.

As the author of In Pursuit of Flavor and host of its documentary, I’ve helped thousands build wine confidence through tastings and events. With a 5-star Google rating, I created unPINNED—a community that demystifies wine and makes it approachable. Wine isn’t complicated—it just needs the right guide. Join unPINNED today!

Links:
unPINNED
In Pursuit of Flavor
unPINNED IG

 Before completing his MBA at Desautels, Craig Buntin was an Olympic athlete and entrepreneur. As a pairs figure skater, he was a three-time Canadian Champion, representing Canada at the 2006 Olympics in Torino. Four years later, he became the first student in McGill's MBA program accepted without an undergraduate degree. That same year, he founded his first company, producing and selling consumer packaged goods, which he built and sold while completing his MBA. After graduating, Mr. Buntin co-founded SportLogiQ, a Montreal-based tech startup using sports footage to generate automated game statistics. The company acquired advanced computer vision technologies developed in McGill's engineering department and began generating player stats for NHL teams ahead of the 2015 NHL Draft. In his final semester, Mr. Buntin completed an independent study titled "I am Going to Change the World" and strives to act on that goal every day. 

Croix Sather is a world-class mindset expert, ultra-endurance athlete, and motivational speaker who redefines what’s possible. 

Known as “The Marathon Man,” Croix ran 100 marathons in 100 days across America while giving 100 inspirational speeches—turning impossible into reality. 

He didn’t stop there: Croix broke records in ultra-cycling and even conquered Death Valley. 

His passion? Helping people break through limits, crush their goals, and live an extraordinary life. 

With high-energy storytelling and real-world wisdom, Croix inspires audiences to dream big and act bigger. When he’s not pushing boundaries, he’s coaching others to conquer their own.

François Coulombe-Giguère is a Montreal-based independent filmmaker and videographer. With 20 years of experience, he has worked on everything from documentary series to corporate films, overseeing every stage of production. His craft is shaped by diverse professional and creative experiences.

With a bachelor's in Journalism, François spent 10 years as a radio newscaster in Greater Montreal. He also had a short but intense music career with Hip-Hop group CEA, recording an album and performing at major Quebec music festivals.

These two passions merged when he created a unique weekly radio segment—rapping the news—on Canada’s biggest French-language radio show, Véronique et les Fantastiques, a role he held for six years.

Beyond his career, François takes pride in being a present father to his two daughters. His greatest challenge—and most rewarding pursuit—is balancing a creative career with a vibrant family life.

JP Michel is the creator of the Challenge mindset and the Challenge Cards, which have been used by more than 100,000 students around the world.

His past consultancy work with leaders led to the creation of SparkPath, an innovative career exploration company spotlighted on the Forbes, TEDx, CBC and BBC. Recognized as the 2022 Outstanding Career Leader by the Career Professionals of Canada, JP holds a degree in psychology from the University of Ottawa and a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology from the University of Manchester. 

TEDx: The Challenge Mindset: Helping Youth Find Purpose and Impact
LinkedIn: JP Michel - SparkPath | LinkedIn

Mason Shell (MCP, RCC) graduated with his Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Adler University after completing his clinical practicum at BCSMSSA. He has also worked with the Actor’s Union and Vancouver Film School. Though he works eclectically and incorporates multiple modalities, he takes a foundationally narrative approach, believing the client is the expert of their own story and that their interpretation of life is essential. He takes a grounded, non-judgmental, compassionate, and open-minded approach while working through problems but believes productive therapy should also address how a client moves forward. Mason has worked with PTSD, depression, anxiety, BPD, OCD, couples, and groups. In 2018, he took on an educational role and now facilitates seminars on male trauma. 

Simon Barrette is a Canadian-born professional who has built a fascinating life and career abroad. After moving to Finland in 2006, Simon embraced major life commitments at a young age, including marriage, fatherhood, and building a career from scratch. He worked for over a decade in PR and communications while simultaneously pursuing his passion for hockey as a scout for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.

Simon’s story reflects a fearless approach to life—making bold decisions, trusting intuition, and balancing professional ambition with personal growth. Now a certified personal trainer and consultant, Simon continues to explore new paths while prioritizing family, health, and purpose.

Stefano Tenneriello, affectionately known as "The Coach," dedicated over 30 years to serving as a youth probation officer, where he worked tirelessly to guide at-risk youth toward brighter futures. A devoted father of five and passionate soccer coach since 1987, Stefano's life has revolved around fostering connections, prioritizing family, and building strong communities. With roots in an immigrant family and a belief in the transformative power of teamwork and resilience, Stefano continues to inspire others through his commitment to kindness and his legacy of shaping lives on and off the field. 

Tina Tenneriello is a bilingual journalist and communications specialist with 15 years of experience in multimedia storytelling, both in front of and behind the camera. She has worked with major media outlets and brands, including CBC, Bell Media, and Rogers Media, bringing stories and campaigns to life through research, writing, production, and reporting. Passionate about media and digital literacy, she is dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages with the skills needed to succeed in today’s digital world. As a mother raising two children, she understands the importance of fostering critical thinking and digital awareness in the next generation.

Like so many practitioners, Ven. Trueman Taylor discovered Zen Buddhism through The Three Pillars of Zen by Roshi Philip Kapleau. After completing his university studies in Canada in 1997, he moved to Rochester, New York, for full-time residential training at the Rochester Zen Center.

A student of Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede, Trueman was ordained a Zen Buddhist priest in August 2008.

After more than six years of serving as Head of Zendo,  devoting most of his time to overseeing training at the Rochester Zen Center, participating and monitoring sesshin, attending to the day-to-day activities of the Center, and working closely with the teachers, Trueman stepped into the role of Head Cook in 2024 — a position he previously served in for nine years. With a passion for cooking, he’s thrilled to be back in the kitchen.

Trueman continues to monitor and lead sesshin and offer  Private Instruction.
In his free time, he enjoys watching movies.