What does scaling really look like behind the numbers?

Boards, capital, governance — and a rare, grounded discussion on medicinal cannabis with Brett Schwarz.

In this episode of Unicorn Ventures, host Sean Scoffield sits down with Brett Schwarz — a rare operator who has worked across the full spectrum of business: founder, CFO, CEO, board director, and capital strategist.

Brett has helped raise more than $75 million, guided companies through IPOs, scaled businesses from early-stage to $90M+ in revenue, and rebuilt organisations facing operational, financial, and governance pressure.

This conversation goes well beyond surface-level business advice.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE:

• What scaling really looks like behind the numbers

• How boards actually function — and where founders get it wrong

• The realities of raising capital without losing strategic control

• The hidden risks and responsibilities that come with growth

• A thoughtful, commercially grounded discussion on medicinal cannabis — including regulation, business models, and long-term viability

Rather than hype or shortcuts, this episode focuses on decision-making under pressure, governance maturity, and building sustainable businesses that last.

If you’re a founder, CEO, or executive navigating complexity — or evaluating your next strategic move — this episode is designed to help you think more clearly, not faster.

WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS

Most business conversations focus on growth.

Very few explore the trade-offs, risks, and decisions that determine whether growth actually creates value.

This episode is for leaders who care about:

• Commercial outcomes over noise

• Clarity before execution

• Long-term advantage, not short-term wins

LISTEN IF YOU’RE ASKING:

• How do boards really influence company outcomes?

• What should founders understand before raising capital?

• How do experienced operators think about risk and responsibility?

• What does sustainable scaling actually require?

• How does medicinal cannabis operate as a regulated, commercial industry?

🎧 Subscribe to Unicorn Ventures for grounded conversations with founders, operators, and investors who have actually built, scaled, and sustained meaningful businesses.

💬 If this episode sparked a thought or challenged your perspective, join the conversation in the comments.