The concept of cryptocurrencies isn’t new. But for many, it's still misunderstood. As cryptocurrencies continue to rise and be widely adopted as the way of the future, it's important that we don’t fall behind. Luckily for us, my guest Eric Kryski, CEO & Co-Founder of Bidali, is just the guy to clear things up. In this episode, Erik takes us on the journey of cryptocurrencies, how it has gone from a niche concept to being seen by many as the future of money, and what that means for Calgary’s ...
Jul 07, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 59
Securing capital is what makes or breaks innovative start-ups. So, what's the secret to gaining the attention of would-be-investors? Cory believes it's creating a compelling digital experience rather than boasting future projections. As Founder and President of Creative Return, Cory has thrown out the old investor's playbook and has been helping companies hone their unique message that will make investors listen – and it's working. In this episode, Cory lets us in on his secrets of gaining finan...
Jul 07, 2020•47 min•Ep. 58
For the past 20 years, Joanne has been living and breathing the technology ecosystem and the venture capitalist community in Silicon Valley. But before all that, Joanne was born-and-raised right here in Alberta, and she hasn’t forgotten about her roots. Which is why Joanne has been imparting her in-depth knowledge and expertise back to Canadian tech start-ups to elevate our innovators to the same caliber as those in the tech capital of the world. Join me as Joanne compares our start-up culture t...
Jul 03, 2020•56 min•Ep. 57
Alberta is full of innovators, disruptors, and full-fledged entrepreneurs that are transforming our technology sector. Yet, we’re still seen as the Oil and Gas province. How can that possibly be? Koleya Karringten, CEO and Co-Founder of Absolute Combustion, believes it’s from a lack of provincial leadership and support that’s causing our top talent to take their minds elsewhere. Join me as Koleya takes us through the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey and sheds a light on what we need...
Jul 03, 2020•53 min•Ep. 56
Privilege is to learn about racism rather than experience it. That's why I am both privileged and honoured to be joined by Chido Mbavarira. As an Online Business Strategist, Chido helps new and seasoned coaches, consultants and experts sell their services online. But today, she gives me perspective on the prevalence of racism in our society, white privilege, and what it means to be a true ally for the black community. Join me, and most importantly, listen and learn during this heartfelt, deep an...
Jun 26, 2020•46 min•Ep. 55
If this pandemic has proven one thing, it’s that you can buy just about anything online. So, what does this mean for small businesses that are up against big names like Amazon and Walmart? For my guest Jameela Ghann, it means it's time to create genuine user experiences with strategic digital marketing. As Founder of she[EMPOWERS], Jameela imparts her eCommerce and digital marketing expertise to local female entrepreneurs to help elevate their businesses – and she's here to give us a crash cours...
Jun 24, 2020•35 min•Ep. 54
Just about anyone can get their hands on some Bitcoin. Yet a lot of us are still trying to get a grasp on what it even is. Where does it come from? What is its value? Who controls it? Lucky for us, we have Adam O’Brien and his unbridled enthusiasm for Bitcoin to walk us through it. As Founder & CEO of Bitcoin Solutions, an online platform that facilitates the buying and selling of Bitcoin, Adam is working towards bringing Bitcoin into the larger mainstream in Canada and educating everyday pe...
Jun 19, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 53
The future of robotics isn’t some global takeover like you see in the movies. It is, however, a future that sees many people losing their jobs to programmable robots. While this future of robotics won't happen overnight, my guest Dennis Kambeitz, Founder & CEO of robots.education, believes we need to start thinking about it now. In this episode, Dennis explains the evolution of robotics in the workforce and why we need to be ready for, as he puts it, the greatest workforce transition in the ...
Jun 05, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 52
Did a colleague ever ask you to set up a Zoom call last year? If so, not often. But in the face of the global crisis, online platforms have played a key role in the survival of our business operations. Does this mean there is an opportunity to integrate a platform-based economy into Calgary's transformation? My guest Ryan Gill, CEO and Co-Founder of Communo, believes there is. In this episode, Ryan and I discuss the opportunities of a platform-based economy through the lens of his company Commun...
May 29, 2020•44 min•Ep. 51
Many B2C brands and companies had to quickly adapt to this crisis to be there for their customers and keep their businesses alive. But what about B2B marketing and sales? Are new products and services on the minds of business leaders when their main focus is to get through this crisis? This is where my guest Jeff Boyle, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Vintri Technologies Inc., clears the air for us. In this episode, Jeff and I discuss business development in the age of CO...
May 28, 2020•50 min•Ep. 50
When we think of what sparked Calgary’s need for transformation, the economic downturn probably comes to mind. But as Ed Ma will tell us, innovation and transformation have been an integral part of our DNA for much longer than the past five years. In this episode, Ed talks about the ongoing transformation in Alberta's energy sector, renewable technology’s impact on our future, and the importance of embracing a lower carbon footprint as we continue to move forward.
May 27, 2020•53 min•Ep. 49
It’s safe to say that one of the biggest adjustments to working from home is the lack of company culture. But for my guest Shane Wallace, founder and CEO of CultureSmith, company culture is more than Casual Fridays and foosball tables. It’s about how a company operates and engages as a whole. In this episode, Shane and I discuss the importance of creating a strong company culture that exists beyond the office walls using emotional intelligence and keeping fully engaged with clients and employees...
May 25, 2020•52 min•Ep. 48
*Please note, this was recorded in the “Good Old Days” before COVID19 Brian has worked in the film festival circuit for over 15 years, founding the Indianapolis International Film Festival in 2004 and working with the Nashville Film Festival for over a decade. His contributions doubled and quadrupled their respective audiences, which in turn fueled the economy and added to the culture of each city. Brian believes the same can be done here in Calgary. During our conversation, Brain explains why t...
May 22, 2020•50 min•Ep. 47
As President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development, Mary has a distinct and very credible perspective on the transformation of our city. As a passionate and proud Calgarian, she brings a more personal perspective to the table as well. In this episode, Mary and I have an honest discussion about Calgary as we talk about the challenges we currently face and the opportunities we need to jump on to create optimism for the road ahead.
May 19, 2020•59 min•Ep. 46
As a coach and a mentor, Tina helps others that are stuck in a rut transform themselves for a brighter future. So, who better to chat with to get Calgary out of its current rut through a transformation of its own? In this episode, Tina brings a perspective of transformation that starts on a personal level as we discuss the challenges of fixed mindsets, the importance of curiosity, and what needs to be done to transform our city for the better.
May 15, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 45
As we continue to live in the age of COVID-19, it’s safe to say that business as we know it has faced a radical change. But we mustn’t lose sight of the radical change that we, as Albertans, were already working towards before we were working from home – our economic transformation. Today, we shift the focus back to our economic transformation with Chris Doornbos, President, CEO, and Director of E3 Metals Corp. In this episode, Chris shares E3 Metal Corp’s plans to bring lithium production to Al...
May 12, 2020•27 min•Ep. 44
Join me as I chat with Pat Ottmann, Co-Publisher & Owner of Business in Calgary. Back in 1991, Pat founded Business in Calgary, a publication dedicated to the people, trends, and events that drive our city's growth and success. 30 yrs later, he is still co-publisher of the magazine, which means he’s had a first-hand perspective of the evolution of Calgary’s business community from a journalistic lens, back when it was a city of 600,000 to the economic downturn we are facing today. Pat brings...
May 07, 2020•58 min•Ep. 43
When COVID-19 left us working from home back in mid-March, we were blindsided to say the least. Many of us were left making tough decisions to get through this pandemic, and it seems we're still trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel But much like the name of her new innovation agency, my guest Alex Nuth sees this as a now or never opportunity to make sure we aren't blindsided again. In this episode, Alex discusses the future business models that will carry us out of the pandemic, spe...
May 04, 2020•34 min•Ep. 42
We are now past the one-month mark of social distancing and working from home during COVID-19. For many of us, we have been able to adjust. For others, the kinks are still being figured out. Luckily, my guest Jim Donihee can help. For nearly 10 ten years now, Jim has been committed to developing leadership skills in others and unlocking their potential through his coaching. As we continue to adjust to our new normal, Jim has been using his insight to help leaders instill confidence in themselves...
Apr 22, 2020•36 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, Guillermo and I, as per usual, intended to discuss the efforts and innovations being made towards the economic transformation of Calgary. However, in what has since become our new normal, our conversation quickly sparked questions on COVID-19’s effect on our progress. What are we going through? What might we learn? What does the future even look like for us now ? As we circled these rather bleak areas, we quickly pivoted to the positive side of what we are currently facing. In a...
Apr 21, 2020•52 min•Ep. 40
*Please note, this was recorded in the “Good Old Days” before COVID19 Join me as I chat with Nicolas Beique, Founder & CEO of Helcim Inc. Nicolas brings the journey of a start-up to the conversation, comparing the challenges he faced back in 2007 when he founded Helcim Inc. to the challenges innovators and entrepreneurs face today. Helcim Inc. is a Calgary-based company that empowers businesses with their merchant services and business software. At first, it was a company of two with a few c...
Apr 16, 2020•48 min•Ep. 39
As we continue to adjust to this new normal, many of us are still adjusting as we try to balance both our work lives and our personal lives from home. Luckily for my guest Chantal Milloy, co-founder and COO of Levvel Inc., balance is her business. Levvel Inc. offers a range of services focused primarily on staffing, organizational and change management, making Chantal's expertise very relevant today. In this episode, Chantal discusses change management in the face of COVID-19, the importance of ...
Apr 14, 2020•34 min•Ep. 38
It is now week four of working from home, a drastic, unexpected change in our day-to-day lives due to the COVID-19 crisis. Many of us weren’t as prepared as we’ve liked to have been, and are doing our best to keep things productive in this disruptive time. My guest Jan Nighswander and her team at J.Nighswander & Associates Inc., on the other hand, have been hard at work providing their human resources experience to help navigate their clients through this unprecedented situation. For this ep...
Apr 09, 2020•35 min•Ep. 37
When Kevin and I started this podcast, our goal was to create a conversation on the economic transformation of Calgary so that we would all get on the same page in the face of the economic downturn that was impacting us all. Today, we shift our focus to the rapid digital transformation that’s happening to get businesses through COVID-19. As Executive Vice President of Longview Systems, Kevin leads his team to create efficient systems for businesses to operate during these unprecedented times. No...
Apr 08, 2020•26 min•Ep. 36
Join me as I chat with Marc Stachiw, President of the Alberta Wind Energy Corporation (AWEC). Marc brings his expertise in renewable energy to the conversation on change, specifically on the efforts from the AWEC to create lasting sustainability for future generations in our province and across Canada. Before his role as President at AWEC, Marc’s career has always revolved around renewable energy, back when it seemed to be, in his words, a "hippie left wing industry". But today, as more industri...
Apr 03, 2020•57 min•Ep. 35
*Please note, this was recorded in the “Good Old Days” before COVID19 Join me as I chat with two key players at Routeique - Mike Allan, President & CEO, and Sari Waldman, Client Engagement Manager. Usually, on this podcast, my guests and I keep the conversation going on what transformation might look like from an economic perspective. For this episode, however, I discuss the transformation that has already occurred in customer satisfaction with Mike and Sari of Routeique, a cloud-based softw...
Apr 03, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 34
Join me as I chat with Tim Cruz, Co-Founder and Director of AI & ML at Calgary AI Club. Tim brings his wealth of knowledge for artificial intelligence to the conversation around change, explaining its potential to transform our city and help us navigate the COVID-19 crisis. As a co-founder of the Calgary AI Club, Tim brings curious thinkers in our city together to discover how AI can solve human problems, both on a local and global scale. During our conversation, Tim takes us through the wor...
Mar 27, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 33
In this episode, I discuss the importance of connectivity in the time of Covid-19 with Guillermo Salazar, Co-Creator of ICwhatUC, a customer self-service support application that uses smartphones and augmented reality to simplify customer-driven experiences. Up until two weeks ago, Guillermo and his partners had a product that represented a solid idea with huge potential to shift how we work. Now, it’s an essential one as more businesses are looking for ways to continue their workflow during soc...
Mar 24, 2020•28 min•Ep. 32
Join me for another edition of Collisions YYC Current & Critical, a high-intensity series where I sit down with local leaders to discuss current topics affecting Albertans. In this episode, I am joined by Jay Palter, Chief Engagement Officer at Jay Palter Social Advisory, as we discuss the idea of social networking during the COVID-19 crisis. Since 2010, Jay has successfully guided many business leaders and their companies to build their brand and relationships through social networking. So ...
Mar 17, 2020•27 min•Ep. 31
Join me for another edition of Collisions YYC Current & Critical, a high-intensity series where I sit down with local leaders to discuss current topics affecting Albertans. In this episode, I discuss Teck’s decision to abandon the Frontier Project, a $20 billion-dollar mining construction project in Northern Alberta, with Iggy Domalgaski. As CEO of Tundra Process Solutions, an Alberta based distributor of industrial process equipment, Iggy is closely tied to the current and future state of o...
Mar 12, 2020•27 min•Ep. 30
