Facing Fear and Finding Purpose

Tell me about your early days before founding KarmaDharma… what experiences most influenced your entrepreneurial mindset?

Peter’s journey toward entrepreneurship was anything but linear. He vividly recalls starting his professional life with an unexpected shift, dropping out of university with just a handful of credits remaining to become a busboy. “It wasn’t exactly the traditional route,” Peter admits. Yet, through a fortunate connection, he landed a job as a radio intern, leading to an unplanned but successful 18-year career in Canadian big media. Over time, however, the corporate grind took its toll. He describes the final days of his corporate tenure as soul-draining, dominated by layoffs and diminishing passion. At age 42, he knew it was time to act: “If I don’t start a business now, I’m going to resent myself later.”

What inspired the name “KarmaDharma”?

When selecting the name KarmaDharma, Peter intentionally chose a term that reflected the essence of his personal philosophy and business approach. “Karma is about what you put out in the world coming back to you,” he explains. It’s about acting with integrity even when nobody’s watching. Dharma complements this concept by emphasizing one’s individual path and purpose. “It’s about helping people discover their own unique journey and guiding them towards putting positive energy into the world,” Peter elaborates. The name symbolizes his commitment to running a business that makes a meaningful difference beyond profits.

What were the initial challenges you faced when launching KarmaDharma?

Launching KarmaDharma came with its share of uncertainty and improvisation. Peter candidly shares that one of his biggest challenges was simply “not knowing how to run a business.” He humorously recounts starting out alone at Starbucks, quickly becoming proficient at “Googling faster than clients” to appear knowledgeable. Without a formal business plan, he relied heavily on personal connections and adaptability. “Those early days were filled with saying yes to everything and figuring things out as I went,” he recalls fondly, illustrating how his resilience turned initial challenges into learning opportunities.

You faced a significant personal challenge when you were diagnosed with cancer in 2021. How did this experience shift your perspective on life, work, and leadership?

Peter’s cancer diagnosis profoundly changed his perspective on life. Facing such a critical health challenge, the reality of mortality became intensely clear. “When you confront the possibility that you might not see your kids grow up, it changes everything,” he says thoughtfully. The experience reinforced the importance of living intentionally—prioritizing meaningful relationships, healthy living, and purposeful work. “I became much more intentional about where and how I spend my time,” Peter reflects, noting how this clarity now deeply influences his approach to leadership and personal life.

How would you describe your leadership style today versus when you first started KarmaDharma?

Peter characterizes his current leadership style as deeply present, curious, compassionate, and mentorship-focused. Reflecting on his early leadership, he openly admits it was rooted more in anxiety and imposter syndrome. “Initially, everything felt urgent and fear-driven,” he remembers. The intense pressure of ensuring financial security for his family heavily influenced his decision-making. Today, having overcome many of these fears, Peter prioritizes creating space for his team to authentically grow and find their own paths. “My leadership today is about empowering others and guiding them with genuine compassion,” he says warmly.

What’s been your most significant personal growth moment since founding KarmaDharma?

Peter identifies confronting imposter syndrome as a transformative personal growth milestone. He recalls attending a pivotal workshop that directly addressed limiting beliefs about wealth and self-worth. “I realized I was carrying a deep-rooted belief that ‘I can’t create wealth,’ which was holding me back,” Peter explains. Inspired by Jen Sincero’s book, You’re a Badass at Making Money, he experienced a powerful shift in perspective. This change not only improved his confidence but also led to significant business decisions, including the acquisition of another business. “Acknowledging and overcoming these beliefs was a turning point,” he emphasizes.

Your firm emphasizes “growing intelligently.” What does intelligent growth mean to you?

For Peter, intelligent growth involves consciously aligning personal and business expansion with meaningful purpose. Rather than pursuing growth for its own sake, he believes it should reflect deeper values and genuine intention. “Intelligent growth is about understanding why, how, and where you want to grow,” he clarifies. Peter illustrates this concept through examples of deepening community impact or pursuing personal fulfillment rather than merely increasing top-line numbers. “Ultimately, intelligent growth is growth that resonates deeply and meaningfully,” he concludes.

What’s the single most impactful piece of advice you’ve received as a founder, and who gave it to you?

Peter warmly recalls impactful advice given by his friend Nick Wayne during a CEO peer group meeting. “Nick told me, ‘Nobody knows what they’re doing; don’t worry about it,’ and that was incredibly freeing,” Peter shares, highlighting how this simple yet profound insight relieved significant personal pressure. Recognizing that uncertainty is common among founders allowed him to embrace challenges more openly and adapt flexibly to changing circumstances. “That advice helped me tremendously to navigate the unknown,” he adds appreciatively.

How do you keep yourself and your team motivated and innovative, when navigating uncertainty or market downturns?

Peter emphasizes transparency and vulnerability as core to motivating his team. He openly shares business performance data, both good and challenging, building trust and collective resilience. “As cliche as it sounds, when facing uncertainty, honesty is crucial for me,” Peter stresses. He encourages adaptability by openly discussing unknown outcomes, focusing instead on shared goals and mutual support. “I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do emphasize our shared vision and adaptability,” he explains.

Finally, what is a source of inspiration that you continually go back to as a founder?

Peter finds enduring inspiration in Joseph Campbell’s profound quote: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” This principle continuously motivates him to face challenges courageously, viewing fear as an invitation to growth rather than an obstacle. “Every time I confront something daunting, this quote reminds me to move forward bravely,” Peter shares, emphasizing its role in driving personal and professional development.