Collisions YYC - podcast cover

Collisions YYC

Tyler Chisholmwww.collisionsyyc.com
Tired of the same old news cycle? Get informed on what’s happening in businesses in Calgary, Alberta and beyond with Collisions YYC. Tyler Chisholm hosts Alberta’s best and brightest minds who are shaping the very landscape of our province with their work in fields like Technology, FinTech, Energy, Healthcare, Education, AI, and more. Tyler’s inherent curiosity and exploratory style fuel candid conversations with the people who are driving change in our city, our province and the world. Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc
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Episodes

Jenna Galloway, Nurturing Young Minds with Fledge

Tyler Chisholm welcomes Jenna Galloway, founder of Fledge, a Calgary-based software company focused on experiential learning and child well-being. With roots in early childhood education and a mission shaped by her own experiences with mental health, Jenna is building a platform that helps educators, caregivers, and kids connect on a deeper level. Fledge isn’t just another edtech tool, it’s a curated space where research, human connection, and mental wellness meet. Tune in to explore: How a pers...

Jul 22, 202552 minEp. 510

Colleen Pound, A Founder's Trip to Silicon Valley

In this episode, our host Tyler Chisholm gets an update from Colleen Pound, Co-Founder of Proxure, as she shares her journey to raise venture capital for her company. Colleen recently returned from an immersive founder experience in San Francisco, where she was part of a curated Canadian female cohort exploring capital, customer acquisition, and the power of community. This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmo...

Jul 15, 202539 minEp. 509

"Bitcoin Dave" Bradley, Bitcoin’s Shift from Fringe to Financial Power

In today’s episode, Tyler sits down with Canadian crypto pioneer Dave “Bitcoin” Bradley to explore how Bitcoin has evolved—and what’s been lost along the way. From selling mining rigs out of a Calgary storefront to co-founding Bitnational and installing early Bitcoin ATMs, Dave has been hands-on with crypto since the early days. Now, with his new project Barebones Bitcoin, he’s aiming to cut through the noise. No leverage. No meme coins. No custodial risk. Just simple, secure, self-custody Bitco...

Jul 08, 20251 hrEp. 508

Haney Cheema & Bill Alston, Empowering Hard Tech Energy Solutions

In today’s episode, Tyler welcomes Bill Allston and Haney Cheema from ASCENT Consulting, a Calgary-based engineering firm with three decades of experience supporting Western Canada’s energy sector. Bill explains how ASCENT’s people-first culture and client longevity have been the foundation of its success, while Haney dives into how they’re now supporting hydrogen, carbon capture, lithium, and other hard tech startups as they move from ideas to real-world deployment. You’ll hear how ASCENT is br...

Jul 02, 202546 minEp. 507

Lasha Glennie, The Startup Surge in Winnipeg

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Lasha Glennie, Business Development Manager at Economic Development Winnipeg, for a conversation about the surprising strength of Winnipeg’s tech and creative industries. Lasha shares how the city is punching above its weight with competitive tax credits, low overhead, and a culture of close-knit collaboration. She also discusses the province’s evolving venture capital landscape, why female founders still face hurdles in the ecosystem, and how Wi...

Jun 24, 202540 minEp. 506

Kindra Howard, From Employee to Empowered: A Female Leadership Journey

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Kindra Howard, Partner at Tricon Solutions, to explore the real story behind taking over a business in the thick of uncertainty. From surviving the COVID downturn to navigating the complexities of succession planning, Kindra shares an unfiltered look at buying into a twenty-year-old consulting firm and leading it into its next chapter. Kindra talks about the evolution of project management, scaling back-office operations, and building a team that...

Jun 17, 202548 minEp. 505

Jeff Munro Parry, Alberta’s Lost Potential in Arts and Creative Growth

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Jeff Parry, founder of Jeff Parry Promotions, to explore the economics of entertainment and the policy gaps holding Alberta’s creative sector back. With more than 45 years in the business, Jeff has produced everything from touring concerts and musicals to the Van Gogh immersive experience that took North America by storm during the pandemic. Jeff offers a candid critique of Alberta’s approach to arts funding and shares why he’s now investing in o...

Jun 10, 202549 minEp. 504

Cherie Bowker, The Future of Digital Education: Preparing Students for Tomorrow's Tech Challenges

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with **Cherie Bowker**, Dean of SAIT’s School for Advanced Digital Technology, to explore rebuilding post-secondary education from the inside out. Cherie shares how SAIT is breaking the mould—from launching Alberta’s first downtown cyber range to creating agile programs that respond directly to workforce demand. She unpacks the tension between tradition and transformation and why institutions that can’t adapt risk becoming irrelevant. Whether you're...

Jun 03, 202548 minEp. 503

Steve Mesler & Jayson Krause, Rising to the C-Suite: Insights, Learning and Networking at Champions Summit 2025

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Steve Mesler (Olympic gold medalist, founder of Mesler Performance Group) and Jayson Krause (Founder of Level 52) to talk about the Champions Summit, a new leadership event happening June 4–5 in Calgary. They explore how the event is designed to support rising leaders—those in director and VP roles—by bridging the gap between middle management and the C-suite. Through curated panels, interactive sessions, and a Mentor Café, attendees will gain ra...

May 26, 202524 minEp. 502

Nick Samain, Inside Calgary’s Global Energy Show: Uniting Innovation, Policy, and World Markets

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with Nick Samain to talk about the evolution of the Global Energy Show, Calgary’s legacy in energy innovation, and the critical role events play in shaping industry narratives. Nick shares how DMG Events has expanded the show’s focus beyond oil and gas to include nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture, and other emerging sectors—all while fostering international collaboration and national pride. Tune in for a transparent look at how Canada can—and must—s...

May 20, 202541 minEp. 501

Deborah Yedlin, Brains, Business, and Belonging: Unpacking the Calgary Advantage

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with Deborah Yedlin for the 500th episode of Collisions YYC. This milestone conversation unpacks Calgary’s growth, challenges, and future. With a career spanning journalism, education, and business leadership, Deborah brings a rare blend of insight and candour to this milestone episode. Together, they explore how Calgary’s past downturns built the foundation for today’s economic resilience, how the city navigates downtown revitalization, and why edu...

May 05, 202557 minEp. 500

Mark Poweska, Powering Alberta: Strategies for a Sustainable and Reliable Energy Future

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Mark Poweska, President and CEO of ENMAX, to discuss Alberta’s evolving energy landscape. Mark brings 30+ years of experience across BC, Ontario, and Alberta’s power systems, offering a candid look at how deregulated markets function and what makes Alberta’s model so distinctive. He explains how ENMAX balances a competitive retail and generation business with regulated infrastructure and why diversification—including operations in Maine—has been ...

May 01, 202551 minEp. 499

Chris Wiersma, Redefining Your Leadership Journey: Purpose, Change, and Personal Fulfillment

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Chris Wiersma, Chair at MacKay CEO Forums, for an introspective and inspiring conversation about leadership, purpose, and the evolution of ambition. Chris brings a unique lens to personal development through his background in executive coaching and goal theory, helping leaders navigate the shift from ego-driven performance to purpose-driven impact. Learn about the psychology of change, the concept of “the work of staying the same,” and how to unc...

Apr 29, 20251 hrEp. 498

Cory Janssen, Harnessing AI to Create Smarter Business Models and Solutions

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Cory Janssen, co-founder and co-CEO of AltaML, to explore the next frontier of artificial intelligence—and what it means for Alberta’s innovation economy. Cory breaks down how AltaML is helping organizations move from pilot projects to production-scale applications, using industry-specific AI agents to automate complex workflows in construction, healthcare, and beyond. The conversation covers the promise and pitfalls of AI, from the risks of mode...

Apr 24, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 497

Jennie Gilbert, The Journey to Better Leadership: Embracing Curiosity and Continuous Improvement

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm reconnects with returning guest Jennie Gilbert, a Calgary-based leadership development specialist and long-time SAIT facilitator, to explore the real meaning of feedback at work. Together, they unpack what makes feedback difficult, how power and ego often get in the way, and why leaders need to move from feedback to feedforward. Jennie shares practical strategies for reframing performance conversations and highlights the importance of building social capital ...

Apr 22, 202552 minEp. 496

Leah Sarich, Exploring the Human Side of Startup Success and Challenges

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with returning guest Leah Sarich. Leah reflects on her five-year anniversary with Thin Air Labs and how her journalism background has helped her uncover the deeper human truths behind startup success. From securing non-dilutive funding to building founder-first support systems, Leah shares how Thin Air Labs has evolved and why its values matter more than ever in today’s ecosystem. She also discusses the realities of founder isolation, the importance...

Apr 17, 202541 minEp. 495

Jeremy McCrea, Mastering Energy Investments: How to Play to Win

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with returning guest, Jeremy McCrea. As Managing Director of Equity Research at BMO Capital Markets, Jeremy brings over two decades of experience in the energy sector—and a refreshingly candid take on what it really means to be a better energy investor right now. Together, they unpack how uncertainty around tariffs, political volatility, and market sentiment is affecting investment decisions, and why many Canadian energy companies are being underval...

Apr 15, 202553 minEp. 494

Arielle Land, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Education and Investment

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm invites Arielle Land, Director of Operations at Movement 51, to discuss empowering women in venture capital. Arielle shares how Movement51, a nonprofit arm of The 51, seeks to tackle the significant gender disparity in venture capital funding, where women, despite representing 51% of the population, receive less than 5% of venture capital. Through focused education and support, Movement51 teaches female founders to pitch to investors effectively and helps asp...

Apr 10, 202549 minEp. 493

Sandra Clarkson, Calgary Drop In Center's Role in Social Impact and Housing

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Sandra Clarkson, the inspiring CEO of the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society. This episode promises to inform and educate and inspire listeners to reflect on their role in shaping a community where everyone has the security of a home. Tune in to discover how you can be part of a movement to transform lives and build a stronger, more equitable Calgary. This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that...

Apr 08, 202549 minEp. 492

Iggy Domagalski, The Canadian Industrial Landscape, Tariffs, Leadership & the Road Ahead

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm welcomes back Iggy Domagalski, marking his fifth appearance on the podcast and earning him a spot in the prestigious five-timers club. This episode revisits their evolving discussions since 2019, highlighting Iggy's journey from his leadership role at Tundra to becoming the CEO of Wajax. With over 160 years of history, Wajax stands as one of Canada's most enduring and diverse industrial products and service companies. Iggy offers an in-depth exploration of Wa...

Apr 03, 202553 minEp. 491

Ryan Coutts, How Bow Valley Is Supporting the Future of Film, Gaming, and Esports in Alberta

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Ryan Coutts, Digital Entertainment Accelerator Lead at Bow Valley College and VP, Alberta South at the Alberta Esports Association (AESA), to explore the cutting-edge world of digital entertainment. As the Digital Entertainment Accelerator Lead at Bow Valley College, Ryan is pivotal in fostering Calgary's burgeoning creative economy, focusing on game development, esports, and film production. This episode unpacks Ryan's fascinating journey from h...

Apr 01, 202551 minEp. 490

Adam Geiger & Chelsea Galloway, Why AlchemistOne Chose Calgary to Start Their Unique Addiction Recovery Model

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with AlchemistOne co-founders Adam Geiger and Chelsea Galloway to explore their decision to move to Calgary. After exiting a successful software business, Adam and Chelsea set out to create AlchemistOne, an innovative mobile app designed to support individuals struggling with addiction, anxiety, and depression. But they needed a city supporting their growth to bring their vision to life. They share how Calgary’s startup ecosystem, including RBCX, Ca...

Mar 27, 202558 minEp. 489

Jim Dunn, Rethinking Construction: How Modular Strategies Are Transforming the Industry

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Jim Dunn, President of Stack Modular, to unpack Jim’s insights and experiences in an industry often overshadowed by misconceptions and traditional barriers. From an unplanned leap from LA beaches to the bustling world of Chinese manufacturing, Jim's path to becoming a leader in modular construction is as fascinating as it is inspiring. You’ll discover what makes Stack Modular a standout in the industry. Known for their innovative approach, they c...

Mar 25, 202555 minEp. 488

Charles St-Arnaud, Tariffs, Trade, and Alberta: What Lies Ahead

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Chief Economist of Connect Alberta, Charles St-Arnaud, for an insightful discussion about the forces shaping Alberta’s economy. Charles breaks down the long-term shifts in the province’s economic landscape, exploring how the oil sector has evolved from boom-and-bust cycles into a more stable yet still dominant industry. He explains why Alberta’s economic diversification is gaining momentum, what sectors are primed for growth, and how Canada’s pro...

Mar 19, 202559 minEp. 488

Shondell Sabad, Discover the Evolution of Farming: Vertical Solutions for Local Food Production

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Shondell Sabad, Co-Founder of Prairie Vertical Farms, to unpack the exciting and transformative world of indoor, vertical farming. From addressing pressing issues like food security and sustainability, especially in the heartland of Alberta, vertical farming can be a long-term solution. Discover why producing locally can reduce pressure on long-distance supply chain while contributing to the local economy. Whether you're interested in agriculture...

Mar 13, 202544 minEp. 486

Philip Calvert, The Mustard Seed: Transforming Lives Through Community and Compassion

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Philip Calvert, past guest and Chief Development Officer at The Mustard Seed, to discuss his inspiring journey and current role as the Chief Development Officer at The Mustard Seed. With a rich history of service and a passion for community betterment, Philip has been instrumental in the Mustard Seed's mission to support Calgary's most vulnerable citizens. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, The Mustard Seed has expanded its reach across seven citi...

Mar 11, 202552 minEp. 485

Hafiz Mitha, Buying vs. Building: How Taking Over a Family Business Changed an Entrepreneur's Life

In this episode, host Tyler Chisholm sits down with Hafiz Mitha to talk about his unexpected journey into business ownership when he stepped in to run his family’s company. Hafiz shares the reality of modernizing an established operation, optimizing processes, and convincing his parents that new ways of doing things could drive massive growth. He opens up about the challenges of generational transitions in business, the importance of systematizing success, and why so many small businesses are ri...

Mar 06, 202546 minEp. 484

Rehan Ahmad, Scaling Without Limits: How RBCx Works for Founders

In today’s episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Rehan Ahmad, Director of Banking at RBCx, to share how RBCx is transforming how startups access capital and support. Rehan explains how RBCx goes beyond traditional banking, offering tailored financial solutions, industry-specific expertise, and deep ecosystem connections to help Canada’s founders grow their businesses. From early-stage funding to Series A and beyond, RBCx is helping companies scale smarter, faster, and with the right strategi...

Mar 04, 202554 minEp. 483

William Richards, Navigating the Tech World: Insights from a 10-Year Entrepreneurial Journey

In today’s episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by William Richards, Founder and CEO of Urllo, who shares his journey of bootstrapping a tech company, navigating a major rebrand, and refining an enterprise sales strategy. He explains why rebranding was a pivotal decision, how Urllo competes in a competitive market and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. William also breaks down the challenges of selling to enterprises, from long buying cycles to procurement roadblocks, and how h...

Feb 26, 202559 minEp. 482

Joshua Weinberger, Adapting to Win: The Hard Truths of Startup Growth and Change

In today’s episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Joshua Weinberger, COO and General Counsel at Goodlawyer, to share the story behind the company’s evolution. From its early days focusing on startups to becoming a broader legal service provider, Joshua breaks down the challenges and strategic pivots that fueled their growth. He explains how customer feedback played a critical role in reshaping Goodlawyer's approach and the biggest lessons learned in navigating product-market fit. Joshua also ...

Feb 19, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 481
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