In this episode of the Polestar Podcast by VELA Wealth, host Jason Boudreau welcomes trailblazing technology entrepreneur, Stewart Irvine. Stewart is the founder and CEO of MerchUX & ESquared Foundation, and his experience spans over thirty years of pioneering visionary business transformations through a myriad of industry sectors with digital media, blockchain and innovative engagement technologies while making a significant impact on society. Stewart’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of creating positive impacts through inventive solutions, particularly from a consumer-focused perspective. Listen to learn about his insights into consumerism, revealing much about the shifting landscape of buying behaviours, the role of technology in society, and the increasingly important intersection of business and philanthropy.
Podcast Highlights:
About the Guest – Stewart Irvine, MerchUX & ESquared Foundation
Stewart is an accomplished technology entrepreneur and CEO with over 30 years of experience in innovating, founding, and leading groundbreaking companies. His expertise lies at the confluence of technology, media, and engagement, where he has consistently pioneered advancements that redefine industry paradigms. With a rich background in developing startups and steering them toward strategic exits, Stewart's business acumen is matched by his dedication to creating societal value, particularly in enhancing mental health and learning through advanced technologies.
Founding multiple revolutionary ventures, Stewart has demonstrated a unique ability to anticipate market needs and harness technology to deliver compelling solutions. Stewart's approach is holistic, integrating his technical prowess with a deep commitment to corporate social responsibility. His initiatives have not only set new benchmarks in business but also underscored the potential of technology to foster significant societal change. His vision for the future is not confined to commercial success but extends to leveraging technology for a sustainable and inclusive world.
In the realm of business development and leadership, Stewart stands out for his strategic foresight and ability to navigate complex market landscapes. His leadership style embodies agility and a capacity to think outside the box, qualities that have propelled his companies to the forefront of their respective industries.
About the Host – Jason Boudreau
Jason has built VELA Wealth into an established life and estate planning firm, guiding families as they make meaningful choices at the intersection of life and wealth.
More specifically, Jason’s areas of expertise include intergenerational wealth transfer and estate planning with a focus on advanced insurance-based solutions that incorporate philanthropy and legacy planning. Leveraging these specialties, Jason brings a fresh perspective and outside-the-box thinking to the strategic planning process. His satisfaction comes from watching clients fulfill their vision of life and create impact with their wealth, knowing that VELA played a role in bringing that vision to fruition for the benefit of current and future generations.
Jason is a long-standing, active member of CALU (The Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting), the leading advocacy group promoting the financial health of Canadians and influencing sound public policy. He is a sought-after speaker and contributor to a number of regular publications.
A proud family man, outside of the office Jason enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Carissa, their three wonderful children, Benjamin, Noah and Eleana and their Bernese Mountain dog Lucy. Jason is the Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Vancouver and an active member of the Thunderbird Football Alumni. He has a passion for leading an active lifestyle and as an avid golfer, can be found regularly pursuing mastery of the game that always seems to have mastered him.