KA — When I met you, I was not expecting such a down to earth generous person as with the field you are in, most of the guys are not so genuine. How do you keep both feet on the ground?

SH — I started at the bottom and understood every step of the way. It allowed me to understand the value of things and most importantly the value of people, trying very hard in never taking things for granted. I was told at a young age that who ever you meet on the way up will be the ones you meet on the way down so stay true, humble & genuine…part of that lesson came from family. I stay grounded by surrounding myself with real things, spirituality, family, good friends and the basic values of life.

KA — The thing I was struck by was your particular sense of style; part ‘boho’ part retro, part Bond. Have you ever thought of going into fashion from the design perspective?

SH — Its funny you ask…I actually started my career in fashion but more on the retail manage- ment & buying side but quickly got bored and felt isolated. Fortunately my fashion experience led me to special event planning mixing both fashion & event production and giving birth to my first event brand “Don’t tell my booker” in 1998 with now offices in Paris, Miami & Montreal and with more than 10 international events a year. I’m also currently working on developing a premium denim line out of Montreal for worldwide distribution

KA — DTMB (Don’t Tell My Booker) is a phenomenal success, all the events that you do seem to be an immediate success. At the obvious risk of it not being a secret after we print, what is “your secret”?

SH — Secret huh? hahaha! If I tell you I will have to kill you!!(007)…Seriously though…it’s the combination of many things.1.CREATIVITY: I’m always looking for the wow factor in a DTMB event, the fear of doing just a regular thing scares me that’s why I spend a lot of time thinking outside the box. People need to escape and I’m there to give it to them. 2. AMBIANCE: ambiance is extremely important but often underestimated. It’s about understand- ing the flow of a room, knowing what and how to program the evenings entertainment. 3.CREDIBILITY: Make strong contacts and build your credibility, people talk and doors open 4.PERSISTENCE & STRONG WORK ETHIC: I always say, “you’re only good as your last event” That saying is what keeps me working hard, if you aim for the stars and only reach the moon well that is still good ‘cause your still out there.

KA — What new projects are on the burner?

SH — Always new projects on the burner, it’s what keeps me alive? I’m working on developing new hosting cities for DON’T TELL MY BOOKER. DTMB merchandising. A new denim line for early 2011. Also on the horizon restaurants, clubs and hotels…the more projects I have the hap- pier I get

KA — What is it about Montreal that seems to draw us back, even though the rewards are not close to being equal to the massive efforts?

SH — I left this city many times and for long periods of time but coming back always felt like home. Probably because things don’t change much, so you can leave for a while, come back, and always know what to expect…My only two set backs have been the cold weather and the lack of unity between French & English speaking Quebec. If both parties worked on one agenda, this city would be invincible. Montreal needs to start acting like a big city…so once again, blame it on politics.

KA — When do you take a break?

SH — I don’t …I live and breathe this stuff but no ones complaining here.

KA — When KA decided to do Best of Canada, you were an immediate choice. Does this sort of thing really make a difference to the person who receives it?

SH — Of course It does….most people who are passionate of their job never expect rewards , I know I don’t but being acknowledged sure gets appreciated…so thank you KA mag.

KA — Who is Stevie B.?

SH — Happy, passionate, inspired, determined and always ready.

When we first met Maya, we were floored by the amount of energy that she had, plus the magazine that she was publishing (YU) is amazing. Now, Maya has continued to reinvent herself, and coupled with her experience in print media, she has launched her PR and marketing company. Seeing Maya work and her attention to details, we at KA cannot help but agree that she is truly Best of Canada.

KA — When did you decide that becoming your own boss was the thing to do?

MS — I’ve always been on my own…call it the entrepreneur curse!

KA — You were the editor of a beautiful magazine “YU”, what about this expe- rience would you say helped you the most in doing what you are doing now?

MS — Being the Editor in Chief of a high-end lifestyle publication gave me the opportunity to develop a solid and enviable business network. I got to meet a lot of great successful and inspiring Montrealers. Also I developed my leading skills; I had a great team that consisted of editors, designers, sales, photogra- phers, stylists etc…

KA — When you meet people for a living, how do you do this casually when you are no longer working? Or like an artist, are you always painting?

MS — I love developing my network; I am constantly meeting new people. I believe every single person we meet has something to offer, an experience to share, or needs some kind of referral. One unpredictable encounter can change the whole course of your life, on both business and personal levels, so keep your mind and heart open.

KA — Maya: it is the illusion that is pulled over our eyes to believe what we see as the real world. How much of what we see of “Maya” is illusion, and how much is allowed to be real?

MS — There is no illusion, what you see is what you get. That said, sometimes people get the wrong impression based purely on my lifestyle, they build a certain image without really getting to know me. There is much more to every person than just what we see…you would be surprised. I think the least judg- mental people are the ones with the strongest network.

KA — As a woman it is sometimes expected that unlike men, you have to be more open and sensitive. How do you respond to this when sometimes you wish to just get the job done and get past the sensitive stuff?

MS — Men are sensitive… but the difference is they always get the job done. After all, business is business…nothing personal. That’s how women should be also.

KA — You are an avid golfer, how did this come about?

MS — My parents have always been members of a golf club; I spent all my childhood summers on the driving range. After winning at 13 my club’s Presi- dent’s Cup Championship, I fell in love with the game, and with winning! Golf is a great asset for business development; also it is nice being sometimes the only lady playing at an important charity tournament with more than a 100 men!

KA — When you travel to the UAE, what is it about coming back to Canada that you appreciate the most?

MS — Dubai is an amazing source of inspiration, very surreal; but what I ap- preciate in Canada is the professional way business is done. Rules of the game are very different there.

KA — Who is Maya?

MS — Still trying to figure that one out..183

Vanessa Morcom is the PR person’s PR agent, and she is part of the new bread of agents out there: young, ambi- tious, but completely connected to their hearts. KA Magazine is pleased to have Vanessa as Best of Canada, and will definitely do our part to “PR her” as the best in her field.

KA — What is for you, an act of kindness that makes you feel good and warm inside?

VM — There is no substitute for a handwritten letter. A handwritten note is one of the most powerful forms of communication; and the fact that they are becoming increasingly rare makes them even more valuable.

KA — Where are you most at ease?

VM — Someone once said that dancing is the vertical expression of a horizontal desire. The way you dance, it’s not an expression, it is foreplay. There is a rhythm that runs through life, and it affects everyone and lac- es people together with an amoral, prehistoric, sweaty, rain-forest beat: excitable, dangerous, irresistible, and best of all, most attractively, the DANCE of life – it’s free of guilt.

KA — What is a pr agent, and why do we need one?

VM — Somewhere along the way, we as an industry lost our way. We got caught up in hype, spin, hyperbole and buzzwords. We forgot that PR was about Public Relations. A true publicist transcends monologue in order to give way to an exchange versed in dialogue. PR is a dual frame of com- municating the client’s message and listening to the audience in return.

KA — Everything about you seems to be the opposite of what we think the pr. guy agent is; how do you keep so clear in an industry known for being what it is?

VM — I call my family daily. They are wild, spiritual and loving people. My father, Doug, and mother, Irene, are my role models.

KA — What would be your dream event?

VM — The key to being a great host is to make your party a natural exten- sion of you. Imagine, Jasmine and lush pink May roses from the medieval Provencal town of Grasse, creamy yellow ylangylang blossoms from the Comoro Islands off the east coast of Africa, rum-scented tonka beans from South America, vanilla and sandalwood accents. The location would be in a house, or a modern version of a castle with a moat, where you raise the drawbridge every evening. I would invite the neighboring village over for dinner.

KA — When you arrive back to Canada after a long trip abroad what about this country gets your smile on?

VM — Montreal is a weird and wonderful place for weird and wonderful people. Today, there is an emerging set of social leaders under the age of 30 who are making their homes here, succeeding at business, helping in- vigorate the charity scene, it is the rise of a veritable youthquake.

KA — Who is Vanessa?

VM — A quiet and private person who wishes her eulogy to read: ac- claimed Canadian novelist and critic best known for her trilogy, Le Di- vorce, Le Marriage, and L’Affaire.

www.vanessank.com

Teacher, poet, mad scientist, designer, architect…KA Magazine’s Best of Canada 2010 Designer Michael Joannidis is that rare bird that is all of the above. If this interview alone doesn’t fully convince you as to why he is definitely the one to watch, then time will do the job nicely. We invite you to take a look at his website and see for yourself, we had wished to preview some of Michaels’ projects in this issue of KA, but due to time restrictions, we were unable to — so please be our guest visit his site www.studiojoannidis.com

KA — How much does luck influence your career, good or “bad”?

MJ — When I was younger (and much more naive or is that idealistic?), I used to think that it had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with talent and hard work – that I was in total control of what happened to me, my career, any- thing I touched or had a say in. Today, after all those years and countless surreal experiences; I would tell you that at the end of the day, it has nothing-to-do-with- nothing…and everything to do with “something” that for the most part, cannot otherwise be articulated, defined or pinpointed. So if what you mean by ‘luck’ is what I refer to as that ‘something’, then yes, most definitely…luck has had and continues to have absolute influence over my career (and life).

KA — Luck is considered to be “opportunity meets preparedness”… Do you think that this is a good explanation of success, and in the time between that lucky moment, how do you suppose the best way of coping would be?

MJ — Yeah, I’d say that’s about right (coincidently, it’s the same definition that I use)…The best way I found is to never, ever panic…lose hope, blame something or someone – what I do is basically enter into ‘screen-saver’ mode…the lights are off but someone is definitely home, so to speak. I simply conserve my energy in the absence of stimuli. Just like a Nile croc, floating effortlessly, using the water for buoyancy…I lay in patient and calculated-wait, for that next lucky moment to present itself.

KA — There is a saying that if you are the best at what you do, then the rewards are in the doing. Are you rewarded by the creation itself, or is there more to it than the joy of the art?

MJ — For the most part, the reward is most definitely in the creation itself… but, when that feeling of elation and euphoria evaporates (and it usually does after every endeavour) just like an addiction, I find myself searching for that next high. From a pragmatic perspective though, the more mature (both in craft and in years) I become, I find myself trying to find more & more meaning to what it is that I do…including, trying to draw on that ‘perfect’ balance between sacrifice and pay-off…investment vs. return. Because sometimes, ‘the joy of the art’ alone is usually accompanied by a very high personal cost – Often replacing other nec- essary elements, which are otherwise critical to a well-balanced life.

KA — Your work is extremely meticulous, even to the point of genius. How do you let go of your work once it is done?

MJ — When I was sculpting and doing one-offs (furniture & lighting), I found it very difficult to ‘let go’ once I was done. I would work incredibly hard towards a show, invitations would go out, guests would start to trickle into the gallery, people would express interest in buying & I would respond by; ‘sorry, it’s not for sale’. This lasted for quite some time…up until I realized that is, that if I didn’t sell (and soon) I would end up in line at a soup kitchen. I recall this feeling of abso- lute anxiety and sheer primal fear that would always come over me every time I would complete a piece, triggering the question if I would ever be able to do it again or perhaps even surpass that piece. The process was quite consuming and rather insular…it was just me, myself & I (along with the work) – from concep- tion to fabrication, and from installation to photography, it was pretty much all consuming. But with interiors and or architecture, the process takes on more of a collective propulsion…(all the effort is still there, but) my input is but a single stop in an otherwise long series of interventions & exchange with others. Kinda like the making of a pearl, it might start with a grain of sand and a shelled mollusk but it ends with a retailer in the form of a commercial product, intended to be used by others. (However, unlike the fate of a mollusk) I move on…and embark on yet another commission, (like the circle of life) and the whole thing starts all over again.

KA — What was the most satisfying project that you were involved in?

MJ — At the risk of sounding really clichéd (and possibly even lame)…every single project that I have ever undertaken has been incredibly rewarding. Just like relationships (or love affairs) throughout the course of one’s life, despite all the variations, types and turmoil, either we choose to remember the bad and the painful or we consciously opt to contextualize all the ‘ugliness’ and simply to chalk it up to experience, smile, move on and look forward to falling in love all over again. The most satisfying project I suppose is yet to come.

KA — What makes a project “satisfying”?

MJ — A satisfying project is one that tackles and overcomes ridiculously impos- sible constraints and unrealistic expectations. It’s about being able to bring a project in on budget and on time…regardless of mandate and whilst remaining ‘true’ to your (professional) integrity and not compromising either your own vi- sion or that of the client’s. I’m not interested in that easy victory. I love to continu- ously test my limits…to raise the bar every single time. I believe that’s how one grows, discovers and ultimately secures their confidence into trying yet another greater challenge the next time. Since attitude is a product of experience. So I don’t know, either I’m simply a thrill-junkie or just a glutton for absolute pain.

No matter, I love what I do (for the most part) and it gives me tremendous satisfaction and unconditional reward. I’m pretty fortunate however in that I am able to choose my projects and with that, I’m able to tell (or at least for the most part) if the outcome will be satisfying or not. Design for me is not about how many square feet you’ve designed last year or how many hollowed hours you’ve billed for or how much you invoiced in the last quarter – if it were, I’d surely be doing some- thing else.

Dostoevsky once wrote; “Deprived of meaningful work, men lose their rea- son for existence; they go stark, raving mad.”

KA — What would be your dream contract?

MJ — My dream contract…begins with a brilliant client, accompanied by a succulent multi-course mandate, followed by a realistic budget, and capped with an earthly timeline.

KA — When a contract is over, is it hard to release your creation to the client knowing that it is now in their hands and sometimes what you saw in purity of your mind’s eye is not what they see in the context of commerce. How do you let go?

MJ — No not especially, I mean I wouldn’t exactly put it like that, but it is understood from the very beginning, regardless of how I might feel, like a surrogate; I have a contract to conceive and deliver – regardless of the attach- ment, emotion, or intended commercialization. It might sound rather cold and somewhat detached of me…but this is what I do. This neither takes away from the intention or devalues the entity/end-result. In fact, one of the func- tions of design is to exist in the context of commerce. Commercial design is that booster shot to a client’s commerce, intended to render it immune to the competition. But I think what you’re referring to; is more a question of indi- vidual respect rather then anything else, which all the money in the world could never replace or buy.

KA — You created the Excentris, which is still one of the most beautiful spaces in Montreal, and you did this way before its time. How do you reconcile with the fact that your ideas are way before “their time” and as such will suf- fer the ignorance of the unfamiliar only to be later copied by the mass and you the creator to not be recognized as the original?

MJ — Put like that, and imitation all of a sudden, is not exactly a ‘form of flattery’. Lack of recognition on the other hand…now that’s a hard pill to swallow (and nothing to do with ego). Since the only way of securing the next contract/commission is by having gotten the proper credit for your last project. The romantic notion of the ‘unknown soldier’ is not applicable here. The reconciliation part in this instance however, is basically two-pronged – One: being copied (or the fear of being copied) is something that I don’t give much thought to…I’ve come to terms with the fact that that is well beyond my control. And if it will happen, then that’s fine as well because there’s a hundred more ideas from where that came from, just waiting to explode. You see I made a career decision at the very beginning (before I even had my first client) which was to never take the easy way out and to always remain true to myself, no matter what. I knew very well from the onset, that this approach; that of always aiming to create a demand rather then catering to one, would be a very costly one, if not even bring about my own demise – (the good thing about making a rational & well-explored decision, is that you’ll nev- er have any regrets…something about eyes wide open). Twenty something years later, and I still carry the same flag and march to same beat (despite the number of so-called ‘losses’ I’ve taken on). Every project is completely differ- ent from the last and or the one to come. Quite simply, my design/aesthetic is dictated by the mandate. Unless one day I decide to become complacent and copy myself (and become that cookie-cutter), It’s inevitable that two projects (or designs) will ever resemble each other.

Two: is an inherent by-product (of one), the fact that I am continuously ‘re- inventing’ my design, rendering my own work obsolete, is enough to remain ahead of the forgery – by the time that something has been copied, I’ve al- ready moved on and set up camp somewhere else.

Besides, my ultimate appeasement comes from the notion that nothing that is either found in nature or even manmade can’ truly’ be duplicated. Yes anything can be in essence imitated, replicated, or even cloned…but there will always be that ‘first’ and a copy will always be exactly that; just a copy – Regardless of recognition, or not.

KA — What is your favorite thing about Canada and being Canadian?

MJ — The thing I like most about Canada is its size and general disposition. It’s huge, plenty of space, not too many people and no one gets in your way…favorite thing about being Canadian? The comfort in knowing that I can travel anywhere in the world and no one gets in my way.

Anna Liani’s journey began years ago as a teenager who was heading for certain fame and then, the nightmare hap- pened. The manager of her then young group completely “lost it” after he began suffering from depression – locking himself away with all their hopes and dreams held on a string. This caused a chain reaction for Anna and her band mates, resulting in her young careering derailing. Undeterred, Anna continued her career by singing for none other than the Cirque du Soleil. Now, under a new label (KA), Anna is doing her thing once again and is truly proof positive that giving up is not a part of the game. Anna is hands down one of the best voices we have heard in a long time, and she is also a huge role model for women out there. Anyone who thinks that they should stop because they have passed “their time”, well the success of Ms. Liani is testament that there is no “time”. Giving Anna Liani Best of Canada 2010 is that much sweeter, considering her journey to now.

KA —Why do you think that people are afraid of wanting it all?

AL — We are scared to be judged….it’s a sin to want it all. We feel guilty to say yes…..but the confidence that you give to yourself can bring spectacular moments. You can have it all in one piece, then you can decide to take as many bites as you want …it’s yours …you have it ….have fun with it!!!

KA — How did you reconcile with the fact that you are worth it and that it is fine to follow your dream?

AL — I gave up the thought that I was not important. I decided to just be……to take all that was being given to me as a blessing. Today I see that all that surrounds me is for me and that me and my dream are worth it!

KA — Your music, your voice, your style has made a complete 360. What was that process like?

AL — It was goooood….a complete 360 !!!! Have you ever seen that??!!!

I decided to just be… to take everything that was being given to me as a bles”sing.

KA — When you are in the creative vibe of the studio, when do you know that it is the good take?

AL — When I sing my songs, I need to feel like I just had the greatest party in bed!!

KA — How has the last few months of creating your album been?

AL — I did not suffer….I did not cry…..

KA — What feeling does being a Canadian artist bring to your work?

AL — FREEDOM

KA — How important is being sexy to your creative freedom?

AL — Sexiness needs to be present….You need that. There is no compromise. How fade is love without sex…..?

KA — Who is Anna Liani?

AL — Anna Liani needs her music…..it brings her joy…if she doesn’t have it….then she’s not Anna Liani.

www.annalianimusic.com

One night at a JoJo Flores session and you will be hooked. The man is really that good! Playing now for over 25 years, JoJo is from the school of the mixed tapes (remember when DJs used to make mixed tapes?!). That rare brand of DJs that had to make it the hard way: with talent and lots of it. Doing it when the audience had no real idea what “it” was and still was rocking the house. JoJo Flores is KA Magazine’s 2010 Best of Canada (soulful house music) now, that’s cool.

KA — How do you keep fresh with your music and DJing?

JF — I maintain a fresh sound by communicating with other touring djs; asking them what they’re banging at the moment or what tracks they’re feeling. When I play with djs who open or co-headline, I take notes on what and how they play; the crowd’s reaction to certain songs. On nights off I check out club nights, or international djs who are in town playing. I’m also fortunate enough to be on many record label promo lists. And a few A-list producers send me tracks to test out for sound quality and dance floor reaction.

KA — With so many choices in music, do you find it more difficult to choose the good stuff?

JF — Yes, it is a very long process to filter through all the promos. There are tons of bad music being made by djs who try to produce. Out of 10 tracks I’ll probably find 1 I can rock. Online record or MP3 shops should definitely focus on quality not quantity.

KA — With the amount of influence that DJ’s have on the music that people listen to, how do you recon- cile your personal taste with hearing a talented musician that should be out there?

JF — Good music is good music. Most djs, when we hear a song that we like, even if it’s not in our genre or personal taste, we’ll remix it. e.g. Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, and Broken Social Scene. My bias will always be towards good music.

KA — When traveling, does being from Canada create a positive response from the people you meet?

JF — Very positive! People love & respect Canadians. But, it’s also because fans of Deep Soulful House are very passionate. And I’m lucky to be one of the few artists in this niche that gets to travel to as many countries as I do. So yes they like Canadians, but they love House music too. I just happen to cover both areas.

KA — How does it feel to be called out by KA Magazine as the Best of Canada on such a short list?

JF — I appreciate any recognition, especially coming from a hometown magazine. Sometimes people are so familiar with you locally as a person that you don’t get the recognition as an artist until you travel internationally. The real value coming from any award is recognition for the whole Soulful House genre. Even though MY name is on the award, I see it as acknowledgement of the work done by all the pioneers and current artists: Osunlade, Kerri Chandler, Nick Holder, Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega, all the way back to Larry Heard. That’s why I proudly list these awards on my websites and blogs.

KA — What project are you currently working on that is not public yet?

JF — I’m busy working on a Therapy compilation, and in the spring I expect to begin production on my first studio album featuring new original music in collaboration with renowned artists including legends that I have admired all my life. Also, My partner Rom and I just released a Jamsteady remix of Broken Social Scene’s “All To All.” I’m looking forward to possibly completing at least one John Legend remix before the holiday season (fingers crossed). In addition my partners and I are really trying to strengthen the Therapy & Gotsoul brand worldwide through merchandise and really well executed events. Straight up, our goal is to make Gotsoul/Therapy two of the strongest brand in electronic music.

KA — Who is Jojo?

JF — Jojo is: Family man, Music lover, Hockey fan, Workaholic, Very detailed, Somewhat stylish, Lacking sleep..

KA — You have created an incredible name for yourself. When Erica Larva was asked who she felt in Toronto was doing an amazing job to promote new and exciting things, she immediately mentioned your name on the top of her list. How did you manage to create such a name for yourself?

ZF — I’m not afraid to push the envelope. I travel and experience so many wonderful ideas and concepts that my city would enjoy. These moments inspire and motivate me to share these experiences with my friends and our clients. Traveling has had a huge impact on who I am and how our companies operate. By seeing many different cultures and societies, you develop a global perspective that takes you far beyond your own local “bubble”. Having this worldly perspective gives me the courage and drive to try new things and take chances on risky ideas and innovative projects. I believe that if you believe enough you will convince those around you also. So far it’s been working out quite well!

KA — Another thing that was said is that you had impeccable style, how important is styling to you personally, and do you feel this is directly linked to your success?

ZF — I’m a big believer that excellence is in the details. I carry this philosophy in how I present myself, in the décor of my home, the service at my restaurant and the music at our venues. I’m a very detail oriented person so I absolutely take great care and pride in how I present myself. I’m also very passionate about fashion and have to admit that it’s my one big vice. I present myself in a specific way and wear certain clothing to create a distinction and stand out. In a city of over 5 million people it’s absolutely necessary for people to take notice if you’re trying to be recognized, style plays a huge part in this.

KA — How important is charity to you?

ZF — Giving back is something that I now have the ability to do. Thankfully with my connections and resources I am able to help various organizations achieve their goals by donating my time and energy. I strongly believe that when you reach a certain point in your career where you have the money, time or influence to make a difference, that you are morally obligated to help out however you can. In this world we are all one. Living for just yourself is not a life complete. This January I’m joining 20 other Toronto based Canadians on an amazing mission to Kenya where we will build an art school for underprivileged children. The goal of our mission is to help break the cycle of poverty by educating through the arts. The charity is called Artbound and you can learn more about it at www.artbound.ca

KA — The businesses that you operate are similar… in the sense that the spa, restaurant and club have a certain cool aesthetic that still gives off a sense of “welcome”. Is this a reflection of your personal being?

ZF — My partners and I are all very personally involved with all of our businesses. We’ve been able to achieve a real family atmosphere within all of our organizations and I truly believe that our customers can feel this when visiting one of our establishments. We connect with our staff and treat them as equals so that they respect us as people and pass that respect on to our customers. From a design perspective, we know how to create a first impression that allows a guest to feel comfortable and welcome even if it’s their first experience. I understand the intangible elements that together create the right mood and ambiance. This is a skill that’s been developed over 18 years of working in this environment.

KA — What besides ‘not needing much rest’ would you consider the most important quality to have in doing what you do?

ZF — I can’t honestly say there is on defining quality. Here are the three that I feel are the most important:

Time management is crucial. With so much going on every day it would not be possible to balance my professional life, personal life and travel schedule if I wasn’t able to manage my time efficiently.

Equally important is my passion for what I do. After almost 2 decades I still love what I do in every aspect. I truly enjoy meeting new people and entertaining old friends and clients. I thrive on the creative aspect of beginning a new project and I tackle the day-to-day problems like a chess match. I end each day exhausted and I jump out of bed every morning ready for more.

Consistency, I believe in order to develop a solid reputation it’s absolutely critical to be consistent and always straight up with people. I strive to always deliver on what I promise and am committed to making sure I don’t disappoint those I commit to. In the entertainment and nightlife industry many people talk a big game and make them selves out to be much bigger than they are. I would rather stay humble and pleasantly surprise.

KA — What’s next?

ZF — The next project to open will be our second location of Blowfish at the Bay Adelaide Centre. Blowfish on Bay will be a bit larger than the King Street location and is scheduled to open early 2011. After that, I think I’m going to set my sights a bit bigger. I can definitely see myself collaborating on a boutique hotel / condo project. I have a great admiration for hoteliers like Andre Balazs, Jason Pomeranc and Ian Schrager. I feel that with my knowledge of design, hospitality, entertainment as well as spa and wellness it seems like a natural progression to pull all these elements together into a lifestyle focused property.

KA — What music are you listening to?

ZF — I love and listen to a wide variety of music. I’m actually listening to Sade at this very moment. She is amazingly timeless and I can never get tired of listening to her. On my iPod currently is Jay Z, John Legend, Drake, Maxwell, Kaskade, Killers, City and Color, Lenny Kravitz and a variety of deep vocal house.

KA — Who is Z?

ZF — This sounds like such a simple question to answer but I don’t think most people ever stop think about how they would define themselves… It really is an important question everyone should consider thinking about. It’s amazing what you will learn from your own answer.

….So who is Z…?

I am a self made, self-aware individual who is truly enjoying every moment of life in every way possible. I work hard and I play hard, I strive to maintain this healthy balance.

I’m a good brother, son, friend and employer. I’m proud to say that I treat everyone with respect and do not believe that I am better than anyone else regardless of where we are in life.

I am a proud Canadian and am doing my part to help define what it means to be a Canadian with every trip and every country I visit. I am proud of where my parents were born and appreciate the journey and hard ships they went through to allow me to be born in this incredible country.

I am a man of my word and can definitely be counted on. I care with all my heart but will react with the same passion if I’m disrespected. I am someone who is truly blessed to have experienced so many beautiful things in life and am grateful for all of the wonderful things yet to come.

I am focused, honest, hard working and have an open heart. One day I am going to make a great father.

http://www.capturexp.ca

Luo Hong is a man passionate about the environment and Man’s relationship with

 wildlife. Armed with his camera, he travels to Africa capturing images of wildlife

 in the hopes of raising awareness on our connected and shared destinies. He was

 named “Climate Hero” by the United Nations Environment Program.

The story of Luo Hong is the stuff that movies are made of. Born in 1967, Luo Hong

 at the age of 16, dropped out of school to start a photography business, taking

 pictures and selling landscape images of rural Sichuan. This business did not

work out for the young photographer, so he then decided to start a small bakery

shop in 1992.

The interesting part of the story occurs when in 2000, Luo Hong founded a moon

cake factory in Shenyang, but to only 1 year later take it down and build a new

one. He felt that the old factory did not match international sanitary standards,

so he invested 50 million yuan (6.7 million US) to rebuild and meet the international

standards of the pharmaceutical industry. This act of business conscience made

Holiland Bakery the “last man standing” after the scare to follow a short while

after when bakeries across&n bsp;China were shut down after the crack down on

sanitation. In 2006, he established the Luo Hong Environment Foundation with the

aim of training and educating children worldwide on the impact we are having

on the planet’s fragile ecosystem. Holiland now has over 800 stores in more

than 60 cities across China, selling cakes and bread, moon cakes and sweet

dumplings — baking his way to success, this Billionaire has done it from the

ground up.

“I am more of an impulsive type. I have found the real excitement of my life

and know exactly what I want, that’s enough” he says.



KA — Your recent exhibit is entitled “Shared Destiny”, in which you present 
stunning images of wildlife that at once captivates and gives one the sense that 
they (the animals) are very fragile even in their strength. Do you consider, that
we will have to share the destiny of the wildlife we are destroying?

LH — Earth is a complete and balanced ecosystem, and if a link goes missing, 
there will be large and sometimes catastrophic damages.  In this sense, all life
on Earth share the same fate. As we can now see how closely linked we are as 
humans, to other biological species – we cannot help to feel anxiety for our own 
kind when witnessing the accelerated extinction of so many other life beings on Earth.

KA — The patience that is required to create some of these images such as waiting
3 days to get the image of the giraffes behind the setting sun, seems to be a 
patience of joy. What is it like waiting for that sort of magic to occur?

LH — With the image of the giraffes, I had been waiting in the wilderness of Africa 
for three full days – Waiting as the sun would set perfectly near the equator.
(Waiting for this image was not the most comfortable thing!) However, if you believe
deep enough that you will capture the magic, a miracle will happen. Then, the wait 
for this miracle is no longer tiresome, it is a thing of joy.

KA — The fact that you have created such a vast material success creates also a 
duality; on one side you need to consume to keep your businesses going, on the other 
side you need to be aware of the impact Industry has on the planet. How do you reconcile
these two opposites?

LH — By being aware of the impact Industry has on the Earth, and I do my best everyday 
to create in consideration of the planet. This is the key. Not only am I aware, but I 
make it my life’s mission to educate and share my knowledge to as many people as I can.

KA — Charity and especially those involving children, seem to be very close to your 
heart. Why is this?

LH — From my growth and success, I’ve learned that the most important thing to have
 is a good teacher. For me, the teacher was my father. He taught me such good values, 
and has always told me to help others. This has become the beacon of my life. As an 
entrepreneur, I also believe it is my responsibility to give back to my community. My 
most cherished work is the time I devote to teach and nurture the next generation with 
environmental values and habits, which I believe, will have such a&n bsp;large impact on 
the future of this planet.

KA — If you were to have a wish for the planet, what would it be?

LH — That people, nature and animals could live in harmony.

KA — You seem to be very comfortable in the wilds of Africa, what is it about 
this place that to puts you at ease?

LH — I love to be in nature, I simply feel comfortable and relaxed. I love Africa 
because when you are in the vast wilderness, you can feel how animals and nature 
live together as one. I feel at home there.

KA — How important is solitude to you?

LH — Solitude is very important for me. It allows me to quietly reflect on our past, 
and the way of the future.

KA — What single event in your life changed you the most?

LH — Deng Xioping’s power in China’s economical and political structure. He gave me 
the possibility to realize my dreams and ambitions. He not only changed my destiny, 
but also changed the fate of all Chinese people.

KA — What book are you presently reading?

LH — I am currently reading John C. Maxwell “Books on Leadership” (The 21 Irrefutable 
Laws of Leadership). Before this book, I thought that the manager was the essence of 
all leadership. Now, I realize that the real leaders of a mission are all those people 
who are involved to help the institute and influence others. I now fully see the need
to train more people to become leaders, so their positive impact can be even greater.

KA — What is it in Luo Hong that created “Luo Hong the Billionaire”?

LH — The talent God gave me: A dream, a passion, and the ability to think creatively — 
To understand the true meaning of love.

KA — If you had three wishes, what would they be?

LH —

1. That my father was still able to see my success today.
2. To cultivate more leaders; to help more people lead happy lives.
3. That my children learn from my example; how to love and help others.

KA — What’s next?

LH — My goal is to enhance the quality of life of the people in China, and create more
delicious food. I will also develop more inventive ways to instruct our future generations 
on how to protect our planet…this is my mission.

But in this city of Montreal, KA has found for it’s “best of Montreal men” such a lawyer in Jean Francois Briere. JF (as he is called by his clients and friends) was the youngest partner at his previous firm LKD, but felt that he was not able to serve the interest of his clients in a progressive manner. He has recently moved to Spiegel Sohmer, where in a recent interview, he points to the ability to be able to create a more human relationship based on growth and building, rather than the old model of “litigations first, and ask questions later.”

KA has chosen JF as the best in Montreal, for bringing the human side to a practice that was originally designed to actually create a just society. Add to that, his impressive track record of positive outcome for his clients, this makes him a clear choice.

KA — How would you define success?

JFB — At each stage of my life I have defined success differently, but overall I think it is being able to always give your best at anything you do. Success to me means feeling a sense of passion and purpose in what I do. On a professional level, success to me means being able to adapt and understand the human side of each of my clients, to build a community around me and not a network. On a more personal level, I feel most successful when I am spending my time with th e ones closest to me.

KA — How do you reconcile with the fact that in most cases, a lawyer is not looked upon in the same light as a fireman, though ironically in both cases, you put out fires?

JFB — Because firemen save lives and lawyers ruin them! On a more serious note, a lawyer should be seen as a fireman. Firemen put people first before they save the house, just as good lawyers puts the human side of their client first, to better understand their needs and concerns. In order to understand the structure behind the client, the lawyer needs to understand the person behind the structure.

KA — Your personal philosophy is to help your clients. Not just to win their cases, but to create constructive ways of using you, (their lawyer) not only in litigations, but in career and business building. Do you see this as a trend that will continue in your legal profession?

JFB — When it’s time for court, I go to court and fight, but I will often consult with my clients in their business dealings in order to prevent any potential litigation and issues that may arise. At Spiegel Sohmer Inc. we work together to sound proof the client’s business structure, whether it’s in the area of tax, commercial, corporate, real estate or intellectual property law, we build a plan that will prove beneficial and fruitful to them. This is very important to my practice, and it is s omething that I will continue to provide for my clients.

KA — Your job is to solve the issues of your clients and “put out their fires”. How do you make time for yourself, and not get completely lost in the issues of your clients?

JFB — I would lie if I said I didn’t think of my client’s problems at home. My relations with my clients are very important to me so I am always thinking of solutions for them that will deliver results. Despite this, it is just as important to me to have a balanced life, that is why I am constantly working on being most efficient with my time so I can share it with those closest to me.

KA — We have become a society that seems completely detached from the human process of constructive dialogue; ever ready to call the lawyer instead of the person that you are having the issue with in the first place. Do you see a solution for this growing phenomenon?

JFB — I believe we live in a society that lacks communication. I think that contributes to the growing number of law suits. When someone has been wronged, their first impulse is to sue to get justice, but they soon realize that the legal process can be long, very complex and unfortunately, expensive. Statistics show that a small percentage of the law suits filed will ever see their day in court. Often, the parties will settle just days before trial after many years of extensive conflict and e motional turmoil. That is why at the beginning of the process, when a dispute arises, I help my clients assess the situation, address the issues and get to the bottom of a rational result. Once we have a realistic plan, we attend mediation and sit down with the opposing party to resolve the issues. I believe this is a good process as it allows each party to express their position and realize that sometimes through a fair compromise and dialogue, a resolution may not be far from reality. Furthermore , with mediation and open dialogue, one can soon realize the motivation and underlying reasons for the litigation and determine if further legal action will be necessary.

KA — You create relationships with your clients and in many cases, push for the ultimate win. Could this be a trend with your profession, which has been known for it’s dog-eat-dog analogy?

JFB — For me, ruthless competition is not worth the fight. Once I have hit my opponent and the point has been made, I know when to stop punching, and the Judge expects nothing less from me. If I followed the dog-eat-dog analogy in my practice, I think I would only be providing short term success to my clients. I resolve the issues in a way that will prove most beneficial in the long run. I want my client to walk away being a fair fighter with unhindered opportunities. That to me, ;is the ultimate win.

KA — When you speak to a child and they tell you they wish to be a lawyer, it is rarely to squash the competition, but mostly to do good in the world. Where do you think the change or the switch occurs when that child actually becomes what he dreamed; but forgets the reason why… How did you escape this trap?

JFB — When we graduate from law school, we carry with us a sense of ideas of what our contributions will bring to our society and those around us. Not long after we enter the working world, we realize that not only are we lawyers, but we are also expected to be businessmen. This is not easy to juggle. In order to escape this trap we must not forget what we were taught and that it is to provide the best service to our client, to be driven by what we can do for the c lient and not how much this client can bring to us. As a lawyer, you need to continuously work at finding balance in your professional and your personal life. As a partner in my firm, I feel I have an obligation to give time to the younger associates and mentor them through the personal and professional challenges of our profession. In that way, I think we better manage our personal and professional lives which in turn results in better services to our clients.

KA — What is a perfect day for you?

JFB — I consider myself to be a simple guy, so small things go a long way. A perfect day for me is a Saturday morning spent with my girlfriend, walking around old Montreal with a coffee in hand, stopping at a terrace for a drink and finishing it off with a dinner at home with close friends. But I also enjoy those hectic days at the office, when I resolve a dispute, or a new client calls and I am able to bring value to someone else.

KA — Where are you most comfortable?

JFB — In a courtroom, cross-examining a witness who does not want to say what I want them to say.

KA — Which cities in the world are your favorite to visit?

JFB — I recently returned from a trip to Europe that really impressed me. I had the opportunity to visit Poland, Czech Republic, Austria and Holland. In Poland I enjoyed visiting Krakow, a city full of history and life. The stare miasto (old town) and the Jewish quarter were such good insights into the way of life and perseverance of its people. Seeing Oskar Schindler`s factory in Krakow really gave me goose bumps. It seems like there is a piece of history everywhere you walk. In Vienna,&nbs p;I couldn’t believe my eyes when I walked through the city gates and saw the Heldenplatz square at night. The Museum of Fine Arts and City Hall were absolutely stunning. As for the obvious beauty of Prague, the night life, restaurants and shopping were hard to beat. I was in awe with the amount of restoration that continues throughout Europe. I will definitely go back.

KA — What has been the single most significant event that has resulted in the most profound change in your way of being ?

JFB — I cannot contribute one single event to my way of being. I do not think that would be fair. I think as people grow they change. I have had a solid foundation and have been surrounded by great people in my life. If I did have to think of something, it would be when I learned to have confidence in myself. Growing up as a kid, I didn’t always believe in myself, but there came a time when something shifted inside of me and what I thought was impossible became poss ible. Since that day I have never looked back.

KA — Who is Jean-Francois Briere?

JFB — A wolf with a human side who will analyze his options before devouring his prey.

NOBU-Melbourne

For the longest time, I was sure that Kleenex was the name of the tissue. In this sense, the
recognition and consistency of certain brands have made them even more realized than
the original items themselves. What comes to mind when I say for example, “APPLE”? If
you are like most people on this planet, it probably was not the fruit.  What comes to mind
when I say the word “NOBU”…?

NOBU-Dubai

KA — Change, such a small word, but it can create so much fear. It seems the ones who
embrace this word are the ones that create the most in our world —but everyone has their
own way of dealing with change. What is your way?

NM — My way is to adapt and be creative. Japanese food is very traditional and in
order to make the people enjoy more food, I have to create a way. For example, some
American people are afraid of raw fish, and thus I created dishes such as the New
Style Sashimi which is slightly cooked so that they may enjoy. Also, we use sauces
as a dressing to make it easier and comfortable for them to try. I use interesting products
and combine them with Japanese cooking techniques to create the  Nob u Style of Cooking.

KA — Nobu, the name brings a certain energy of respect, even to someone who has
never frequented a NOBU restaurant.  To what do you attribute this mystique?

NM — The level of quality that we preserve here. Be it with food, service or décor. People
can expect great tasting food and service every time they frequent the restaurant. I believe
the main attribution is the whole package that we provide, when everything syncs together,
we can be certain that the customers will have a great experience.

KA — Traveling around the world as you do with this name “Nobu”, how do you stay as
grounded as you are?

NM — To be true to myself and not change my own character. Being a chef is my life. I
am grateful for the compliments but being Nobu is not to let “Nobu” get to my head.
Being humble is a part of my character. Every time I am in the restaurant I am always
smiling and talking to all my customers.

KA — How important is alone time to your sense of being centered?

NM — It is very important to me. When I need to relax and refocus, I don’t want to see
anyone at all. I like to go to the hot spring and be close to nature. No cars, buildings,
or phones. I like to read books and be quiet.

KA — The name NOBU has become so large as an icon, that to think that there is actually
a person with that name, is sort of similar to realizing that there is a family with the name
“Kellogs”. Has the power of the NOBU brand affected your ability to be, Nobu?

NM — I have to be responsible to the name and protect the people working for me. I feel
like a father responsible for taking care of his children. I have to make sure that the quality
and standards are being maintained and I cannot afford to make any mistakes. I am proud
that the name has become so large, but it comes with responsibility to maintain the quality
in order to keep growing, we cannot escape it.

KA — Your reality seems to be based on contradictions, and a sort of “going where no
one has gone before” attitude. Starting with Peruvian influences and love for places
as far removed from the genesis of Sushi, as the idea of ice cream in the Arctic–yet you
seem to make it all work. What is it about a place that inspires you?

NM — My first inspiration to cook is from my mother. I started as a sushi chef in Tokyo
when I was 18. I was there for 7 years before moving to Peru. Peru has opened new doors
in different cooking styles for me. As a professional chef, I am always learning something
new from all my travels.

KA — Which city in the world have you seen the ultimate NOBU challenge and thrill?

NM — At the moment it is our new locations in Moscow, Dubai and Cape Town. In the
Middle East, the main challenge is the religious restriction. We cannot use alcohol or
soy sauce in the cooking there. For Moscow, it is difficult to obtain fresh fish. We have
to order them from London, Italy and France. In Cape Town, Japanese food is not as
popular as in New York, London, LA or Tokyo which are bigger cities that know and
appreciate the quality of the food.

KA — When are you most at home and relaxed?

NM — In Los Angeles at home with my wife, and in our country house in Japan.

KA — What has been the single event that has created the most change in your reality?

NM — The “City Meal on Wheels” which I have been a part of for a few years now.
It is a non-profit charity dinner which involves a lot of work.  People appreciate
this, and it makes me feel good to be able to give back to the community.

KA — How important is giving back to you as a person, and NOBU as an organization?

NM — It is very important to myself and the company to be able to give back to the
community that we are a part of.

KA — What would be the next location(s) for NOBU to conquer?

NM — The new locations will be in Beijing and Doha next year.

KA — How did your relationship with Robert De Niro become what it is, since it
seems like the attraction of opposites? Besides the common love for Sushi, what
has kept your union so strong?

NM — He was a customer at Matsuhisa in Los Angeles. We became friends and
he asked me to be a partner. It has been

almost 20 years now. We have a long standing relation and we talk together
about our new projects.

NOBU MATSUHISA

KA — After the fire that burnt your first restaurant in Alaska, you were determined
to first repay your commitments. Do you feel that this sort of patience and integrity is
part of your success?

NM — Yes. That event was like hitting a brick wall, I completely lost myself. But that
has opened many doors for me, which was hard at that time. I needed patience,
appreciation and support from my family, as well as love and passion. I have never
thought about suicide again. I believe that one cannot do anything without passion.
It is the most important thing. I always trust myself and my philosophy.

KA — If you were able to present a vision of a future here on Earth, what would
that be in 5 words?

NM — Opportunities for all my staff.