Ariel Adams

Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis & Co. say there’s a disconnect between Shopify’s pay and the company’s performance. They cite a stock-option award the company gave chief operating officer Kaz Nejatian that made up nearly all of his US$76-million in total compensation in 2023. The two advisers also decry the lack of any performance measures tied to share awards made to Mr. Nejatian, founder and chief executive officer Tobias Lütke, and other executives. They also say Shopify failed to meaningfully address shareholder concerns after relatively poor results in 2023 in its non-binding advisory vote on the board’s approach to executive compensation, known as “say on pay.” Shopify received support of only 77.5 per cent of votes cast – and just 54.9 per cent when excluding Mr. Lütke’s votes. The proxy advisers consider support levels below 80 per cent to be cause for concern. The average Canadian public company gets about 90 per cent support. In addition to the “no” vote on say-on-pay, the two recommend withholding votes for Gail Goodman, who serves as the chair of the board’s compensation committee. Glass Lewis also recommends withholding votes for the remaining compensation committee members, Robert Ashe (who also serves as Shopify’s lead independent director) and Fidji Simo. (Shareholders are asked to vote “for” a director or to “withhold” their votes. At a majority of Canadian companies, there is no “against.”)

2

Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis & Co. say there’s a disconnect between Shopify’s pay and the company’s performance. They cite a stock-option award the company gave chief operating officer Kaz Nejatian that made up nearly all of his US$76-million in total compensation in 2023. The two advisers also decry the lack of any performance measures tied to share awards made to Mr. Nejatian, founder and chief executive officer Tobias Lütke, and other executives. They also say Shopify failed to meaningfully address shareholder concerns after relatively poor results in 2023 in its non-binding advisory vote on the board’s approach to executive compensation, known as “say on pay.” Shopify received support of only 77.5 per cent of votes cast – and just 54.9 per cent when excluding Mr. Lütke’s votes. The proxy advisers consider support levels below 80 per cent to be cause for concern. The average Canadian public company gets about 90 per cent support.

7

Love these high-level takeaways from my due diligence discussion with Cherub today! So many actionable insights for both founders and investors.

15

2 Comments

🚨 Rant incoming 🚨 Lately, I've been searching for Founder groups to join—specifically ones that could help guide us at Thigh Society as we scale thoughtfully. A recommendation for <𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥> popped up, which claims to focus on scaling 7-figure brands to 8 figures. (Though honestly, their $50M brand claims seem... aspirational at best.) While I do think their mentors have valuable expertise worth bookmarking, one glaring issue stood out: they're almost 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘴. Two women in the whole bunch of 19? Really?! And it’s not just them. I stumbled upon another mentorship program , and, surprise, it’s another bro fest. They proudly tout their stats—160 seven-figure brands! 16 eight-figure brands!—but where are the women founders being spotlighted on their website? I had to scroll through a carousel of video testimonials to find just 2. It’s infuriating to see Ecommerce feel so much like a boys' club. Are we just invisible? Because I know we’re out here, building amazing brands. At Thigh Society, we’re proudly majority women, and I’ve seen firsthand what happens when women lead, test, innovate, and succeed. And before anyone comes at me—this is NOT about hating on men; it’s about demanding equity and representation in spaces that 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 include all of us. So here’s my question for all of you: ✨ Where are the mentorship programs and networks that support 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 going from 7 to 8 to 9 figures? ✨ Who are the experts out there elevating women-led brands? ✨ What communities are you part of that celebrate diverse leadership? Maybe I need to start my own program. 😤 How's that for entrepreneurial spirit?!

52

74 Comments

Cat Polivoda is a fierce founder fueled by purpose and an all around amazing human. Learn about her shop, Cake Plus-Size Resale, and her upcoming Fat Splash pool party in this feature story. #purposedriven #purposedrivenbusiness #resalebusiness

17

6 Comments

In the wake of the NAR Settlement, understanding the changes around compensation and buyer representation is crucial, but amidst the sea of news and misinformation, clarity can be elusive. Enter Commission Chronicles: your one-stop shop for unraveling the complexities and seizing the opportunities arising from recent developments. With Commission Chronicles, Inman looks past the drama and focuses on how agents and brokers can make money and thrive in this new environment. Each issue breaks down the latest news in a conversational tone, cutting straight to the bone to offer fresh analysis and insights. Subscribers will hear from some of the smartest people in the business as they, too, work out how to master this new terrain Starting today, all Inman Select subscribers will gain access to Commission Chronicles as part of their subscription benefits. Hundreds of thousands of real estate professionals turn to Inman for the deepest news in the industry every day and you should too. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g8mPeeey

40

10 Comments

Finding the Perfect Balance at popped.nyc: Where Exclusive Meets Inclusive At popped.nyc, we're all about crafting a unique environment that bridges the gap between exclusivity and inclusivity. We embrace the "IYKYK" mentality, creating a space where insiders and newcomers alike feel valued and engaged. How do we achieve this balance? Open-Access Programming: We host events that are welcoming to all, ensuring that new faces can seamlessly integrate into our community while still offering exclusive experiences that make our regulars feel special. Inclusive Design: Our workshops and events are crafted with everyone in mind. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newcomer, you'll find opportunities to connect and contribute meaningfully. Mentorship and Guidance: Experienced members are encouraged to share their knowledge and guide newcomers. This fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone can grow together. Segmented Access: We offer a range of events, from exclusive gatherings to open-access programs, ensuring that there’s something for everyone while maintaining the special touch of our niche community. Transparent Communication: We believe in clear, open communication about the nature of our events and the reasons behind any exclusivity, helping manage expectations and ensure inclusivity. Interactive Elements: Our events are designed to spark curiosity and engagement, providing newcomers with a glimpse into what makes our community unique. Respectful Boundaries: We balance privacy with openness, ensuring sensitive topics are handled respectfully while still fostering an inclusive dialogue. By focusing on these principles, we create a vibrant, dynamic space where the "IYKYK" mentality enhances our community while ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and involved. Join us at popped.nyc and be part of a community that celebrates both exclusivity and inclusivity. Let’s make connections and build something special together! #CommunityBuilding #InclusiveCulture #Networking #PoppedNYC #Events #ProfessionalGrowth

7

The Brand that redefined intimate apparel for women is now doing the same for Men. Listen to the inside story behind the brand that Kerry O'Brien built! Key Moments in the Podcast: - Kerry O'Brien, CEO, Founder, and Head Designer, shares how her Vermont upbringing and corporate background influenced the creation of commando llc. - The pivotal moment when she decided to leave her corporate job after September 11th to pursue her passion for fashion. - The innovative approach to fabrics that sets Commando apart in the intimate apparel industry. - The challenges of launching a brand in a highly competitive market and how she overcame them. - Kerry’s advice for entrepreneurs: the importance of asking for help and staying true to your vision. Join me and Kerry O’Brien as she shares her entrepreneurial journey, offering lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to turn their passion into a successful business. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation! 👇👇👇 Episode link in comments!👇👇👇 If you enjoy our founder and brand features, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. Your support helps us bring you more content like this! This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures and SARAL - The Influencer OS! #founders #founderstories #brands #entrepreneurship #intimiateapparel

5

6 Comments

Ever wonder where such wildly successful brand names as Swiffer, Pentium, and PowerBook came from? They're from a guy who starts each day by immersing himself in a three-minute ice bath. Meet David Placek, founder of Lexicon Branding. I regularly write Leadership & Success profiles like this for Investor's Business Daily. https://lnkd.in/e2BPpjqf #leadership, #executives #thoughtleadership

5

It’s one thing to go to events in DTC and e-comm, it’s another to fully take advantage of them. Here are my two main takeaways from the conversations I had at Shoptalk in Vegas: 1) Meeting/chatting in person is key to deepening relationships. I had the opportunity to meet customers, partners, and even Prive team members for the first time in person while at the event. Chatting in person helped us bond and understand each other better, which holds a lot of value. It was also cool to see that even in a very competitive market, people are still genuinely kind and friendly. It might seem from the outside that competitors should dislike each other, but I saw first-hand at ShopTalk that we’re all in this together and can still be kind to one another in the process. 2. Strong partnerships are something more brands are looking for. When talking with brand founders, the one big thing a lot of them mentioned was the desire for a strong partnership with every company they work with. Many people shared that they were left unsupported with tools/tech after buying them — this underscored the value of our approach at Prive. We prioritize a partnership mentality, offering whatever help our customers need post-onboarding. For a lot of brands and industry leaders, the emphasis is on the quality of partnership, not just the product features. Overall, ShopTalk was a blast and it was great getting to chat with every single one of you. If you were there — do you feel a similar way?

19

Thrilled to contribute to amNewYork with insights on why digital platforms and targeted advertising are vital for small businesses. It's crucial for policymakers to include entrepreneurs in tech policy discussions. Read more about it. https://lnkd.in/dD8ZMrmk #smallbusiness #TechPolicy #DigitalMarketing

8

1 Comment

Is Vivek Ramaswamy a Charismatic Olympian -- or just an annoying gadfly? Welcome to the fifth installment in our series analyzing the presentation styles of five renowned leaders. Do they inspire -- or merely bore? You might be surprised by the answer. Attorneys and clients who work with me become more resilient, connected, and creative. Igniting their charisma is a big part of why, and developing it is at the core of my signature leadership coaching program. Every leader needs charisma—it’s the spark that energizes people and resources to achieve your goals and drive your firm to success. Without charisma, you'll 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 fall short of your or your firm's true potential. With it, you're almost guaranteed to make a significant impact. Which is best for you? Vivek Ramaswamy , a recent Republican U.S. presidential candidate and U.S. pharma entrepreneur, garnered intense attention during the early stages of the primary season. But does he possess the charisma that elevates a leader to "Olympian" status? In the short video below, I provide the answer -- one that might trigger thoughts about your own speaking style. Do you agree with my analysis? Share your thoughts in the comments! Curious about your own level of charisma and how to enhance it? Watch my TEDx Talk on charisma for insights: https://lnkd.in/ercRBykb. If you find it valuable, please hit the 👍🏼 button and leave a comment. Also: special thanks to an extraordinary member of my TEDxApex cohort, Hirbod Bigvand , who is himself a Charismatic Olympian, and whose conversations with me about Vivek Ramaswamy made me decide to learn more, and film this. I want your future to be epic! ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ Vivek Ramaswamy photo by Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://lnkd.in/eqzUPSAK #management #charisma #creativity #futurism #hr #vivekramaswamy #entrepreneurs

30

31 Comments

What prepares you for becoming an entrepreneur? Mike and Alex Faherty both had job experience that was helpful; Mike designed at Ralph Lauren and Alex had financial experience on Wall Street - but does that prepare you for starting your own business? I asked them how they approached going out on their own and what they learned as their business grew. Whether it's fashion or finance, business is business and the fundamentals hold true, but becoming an entrepreneur is a totally different mindset. The Faherty brothers share what they learned about entrepreneurship. Do you have anything to share to help those who are starting their own business? #CreativeCareers #Faherty #fashiondesign #retail #entrepreneurs #businessstrategy #selfconfidence #lifelessons Faherty Brand Alex Faherty MIKE FAHERTY

2

What prepares you for becoming an entrepreneur? Mike and Alex Faherty both had job experience that was helpful; Mike designed at Ralph Lauren and Alex had financial experience on Wall Street - but does that prepare you for starting your own business? I asked them how they approached going out on their own and what they learned as their business grew. Whether it's fashion or finance, business is business and the fundamentals hold true, but becoming an entrepreneur is a totally different mindset. The Faherty brothers share what they learned about entrepreneurship. Do you have anything to share to help those who are starting their own business? #CreativeCareers #Faherty #fashiondesign #retail #entrepreneurs #businessstrategy #selfconfidence #lifelessons

1

Welcome Nick Lamplough! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts from the communications and investor relations strategies angles on the topic! #communications #investorerelations #publicrelations #crisiscommunications #investors #shareholderactivism #shareholders #proxy #hostiletakeover #privateequity #mergers #mergersandacquisitions #corporatefinance

32

1 Comment

Culture is code. What does it mean to you? Comment below! In my latest #podcast episode with Brian R. Yurachek, CEO of New York Culture Club™ and new addition to the Beyond Form portfolio, we discuss the how fashion IoT and the experiences wrapped around the tech can create a new way of connecting between consumers and brands: 1️⃣ The Power of Authentic Self-Expression: success is rooted in the ability to authentically express passions and ideas, even when facing challenges. By being genuine, Brian has been able to connect with people and build strong relationships within the #fashion industry. Not an easy task as Brian tell us how he left his job in banking on Wall Street to enter this very opaque industry. 2️⃣ The Value of Continuous Learning: Brian emphasises the importance of ongoing learning and research. He actively seeks out new information and trends, which has allowed him to stay ahead of the curve and develop innovative solutions to foster human connection. 3️⃣ The Potential of Technology to Enhance Experiences: NYCC's IoT and #blockchain #technology, can be used to enhance consumer experiences and create new value propositions. This means improving product authentication, storytelling, and customer engagement. 🎧 Listen here https://lnkd.in/eayMQ4V9 or on your fave podcast platform. #FashionTech

9

2 Comments

Today is a great day for the future of digital marketing in the world, as Ibotta, Inc. founded by Bryan Leach raised $577 million in IPO. Every founder has some inspirations. David Vélez had Capital One as one of his inspirations for Nubank. Being a much more mature market for entrepreneurship and innovation, the US has several benchmarks for Brazilian startups. As someone encounters a problem worth solving in our country, it is natural and wise to think someone else might be actively tackling the same problem elsewhere, as the timing of our market is different. Ibotta, Inc.'s IPO represents a bright moment for everyone who believes and foresees that first-party data players are the next generation of digital marketing, consumer insights and loyalty. By the end of 2024, Google is shutting down third-party cookies on Google Chrome to adapt its policies to GDPR. Chrome has 75% of market share and this completely changes the dynamics of the market. Brands have no option: in order to create better audiences for their marketing campaigns, they must partner with players which can access behavioral data in different ways. I have been lucky enough to have had some 1:1 lunches with David Vélez in the early days of Nubank and I never forget some of his words: "when it comes to disruption opportunities, if you ever find a market that could not have access to data at scale because simply there was no technology to make it happen, by the time the technology is ready, you have your window of opportunity". In other words, he was explaining to me the concept of "why now" for a startup thesis. In Brazil, there are QR codes on purchase receipts that made the tech side of our thesis possible, allowing us to extract the data. The cookieless era is the cultural shift in the market we needed in order for brands to push the demand for a product like ours forward. Well done, Ibotta, Inc.! Your resilience and journey inspires us all. Let's get back to work. Link to the news: https://lnkd.in/dnfaMR9b #startups #digitalmarketing #ipo #exits

34

7 Comments