In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly sits down with Alex Blumenstein, co-founder of The Peak and former CEO of Canada’s first cannabis accelerator, Leaf Forward. From politics to print, cannabis to comedy, Alex has never been afraid to pivot—and his approach to business is anything but traditional. Together, they unpack what it really means to build a company with the end in mind and why emotional detachment might be the most underrated tool in an entrepreneur’s arsenal.
Alex shares the behind-the-scenes story of building The Peak into Canada’s fastest-growing business news outlet and how he and his co-founders designed it from day one to be sold. They dive into the truth about exits, navigating partnership dynamics, and how to stay grounded when things get messy. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a company you can walk away from without losing yourself, this conversation is your blueprint.
Key Takeaways:
1. Build your business with an exit in mind from day one so you can make strategic decisions without emotional attachment.
2. Emotional detachment leads to better outcomes—you’ll sell smarter, manage conflict better, and protect your peace.
3. If you’re grinding 24/7, your model might be broken—great businesses flow when the foundation is right.
4. Long-term partnerships work when you align early, share values, and trust each other to lead in different seasons.
5. Entrepreneurship isn’t better than a job—it’s just a different path with higher risks and different freedoms.
6. Treat media like a product—iterate fast, prioritize clarity, and always serve your audience first.
7. The best ad sales come from understanding the buyer’s goals and positioning your platform as the solution.
8. If you can survive failure with your partners, you can build something great with them too.
9. Great partnerships are built on mutual respect and decision-making, not control or ego.
10. Selling your business isn’t the end—it’s a gateway to more freedom, credibility, and new opportunities.
Explore The Catalyst Club and Kelly Kennedy's business development coaching programs at:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- The Peak
- Zoomer Media
- Leaf Forward
- Capital Business Development
- atWork Office Furniture
- Gong
- Bet on Canada
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