Mike noticed a problem - there are over 23M managers on LinkedIn all working in the culture space - and all having different conversations and using different methodologies. So, he co-founded Cratic AI to help culture managers use artificial intelligence and conversations to get better data, giving them a clear understanding of their company’s culture through the lens of things like conscientiousness, openness, friendliness and more. Mike also shares how Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit works we...
Feb 02, 2022•53 min•Ep. 209
The future is now. There are so many emerging technologies enhancing our world - from augmented reality to mixed reality and the Metaverse - and it’s all happening right here in Alberta. Hear from Jeff LaFrenz and find out how some of our most forward-thinking entrepreneurs are developing a brighter technological future and leveraging tech to enable positive progression globally.
Jan 25, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 208
Creating a business can be an exciting and thrilling pursuit - but what happens when it grows and you no longer feel important to it? According to John, that means it’s successful. He shares the story of Earthware, his company that is creating a return-for-reuse, zero-waste takeout container to keep things tasty without the wastey. While his team works to build that future, John is focused on the governance and goals of Earthware. Get his insights into setting up your organization to be successf...
Jan 19, 2022•56 min•Ep. 207
Leveraging data collected here in Alberta, Tara’s team at Medlior can develop scientific studies to support positive patient outcomes worldwide. As a graduate of Alberta IoT's Fast Track Program, Medlior leverages technology and data to accomplish its scientific studies. Tara also highlights why Alberta is a phenomenal place to be a business owner - especially in STEM with the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta’s world-class programs, students and faculties to draw on.
Jan 13, 2022•48 min•Ep. 206
Blockchain technology is so much more than cryptocurrencies. Blockchain is a distributed ledger that helps companies verify data and provide users with total privacy. Dan Giurescu, CEO of Credivera, explains how blockchain helps companies reduce risk and protect their bottom lines. He also shares how Credivera’s unique solutions let transparently verify personal information and empower the user to have total control over their data.
Jan 12, 2022•56 min•Ep. 205
Justice reform is a complex, layered and complicated process, but Anu’s exceptional credentials and law background make her a knowledgeable leader in this area. IJM Canada focuses on a straightforward solution: the theory of change. When the justice system protects the poor—and slave owners, traffickers and other criminals can no longer exploit with impunity—millions of vulnerable people will never be abused. You will learn some hard truths about slavery around the world and how IJM Canada is st...
Dec 29, 2021•44 min•Ep. 204
Technological innovations such as the Internet of Things have the power to transform industries. One of the oil and gas industry’s biggest challenges is corrosion in pipes that could endanger the environment, or interfere with other pipes. Larry explains how their unique IoT technology can benefit mining, oil and gas, and more as well as his experience seeking capital investment for Total Containment.
Dec 21, 2021•53 min•Ep. 203
In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are increasingly demanding convenience and speed in every aspect of their lives. They want everything faster than ever. That’s why we like Amazon — we can get pretty much anything we desire within a day or two. But global dependence on Amazon is a double-edged sword. Mid-sized e-commerce companies are trying to compete with Amazon by providing the same level of convenience - but Sam has another idea to make mid-sized e-commerce driven companies successful. ...
Dec 16, 2021•50 min•Ep. 202
Cory knows Alberta is home to some of the best researchers in the world. This is especially true when it comes to health and data, both of which are fundamental to the unique opportunity Alberta has to promote our research in a global market. We have the potential to be the biggest player in the AI industry, but we need to step up our commercialization efforts. The tech industry could be a multi-billion dollar industry here in Alberta and completely reshape the way we - and others - think about ...
Dec 14, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 201
In our 200th episode, Kristina Williams shares the optimistic and encouraging story of venture capital investing in Alberta. Kristina is President and CEO of Alberta Enterprise, a fund-to-fund program focused on money, markets, mentors and management. When Alberta Enterprise was founded in 2006, there was only $37M invested in Alberta companies. In 2020, they saw $455M invested into 51 companies. Alberta Enterprise is helping incredibly innovative Alberta companies stay local to get a VC deal....
Dec 09, 2021•51 min•Ep. 200
Terry’s passion for Calgary is clear. He is bullish about the city, and he understands that Calgarians can benefit from being a world-class city. Terry is a true leader that works with innovative start-ups to help them succeed with Platform Calgary as they solve complex, global problems. Terry knows that Calgary has a bright future ahead of it and shares his thoughts on how we will become an even more innovative, global city in the future.
Dec 07, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 199
Marginalized groups, such as First Nations, Inuit, and Metis youths, don’t always feel safe or supported in mentorship opportunities - and few programs exist to fill the gap of support needed in post-secondary education. Colby Delorme and Influence Mentoring are working to change that. Learn how they’re mentoring the next generation of Indigenous youth, how they raised funds for their vision, and the unique approach to mentor/mentee relationships they’ve created.
Dec 02, 2021•54 min•Ep. 198
Conversations about tough topics like this one with Philip are necessary to bring dark activities into the light. Philip explains the genesis of the International Justice Mission, how technology makes it frighteningly simple for human trafficking to occur, and why getting angry won’t solve anything—but bringing together change-makers, advocates and problem-solvers can.
Dec 01, 2021•43 min•Ep. 197
As a leader, you are the one to decide what is tolerated within the culture you create or foster. How can you effectively show your team the way you want them to engage? Psychological safety is one big component. That means fostering an environment where people can be who and what they are - without fear of judgment or retribution. Learn about the human side of leadership and more with Jennie Gilbert, Facilitator at SAIT.
Nov 30, 2021•31 min•Ep. 196
Peter is passionate - about Calgary, about healthcare, about data privacy, and about our future as a province. With experience in the finance, energy and now healthcare sectors, Peter has lived through a lot of change in Calgary. Numi Health is a representation of Peter’s passion. Learn how his start-up has achieved funding, what they’ve done with it, and what he believes Calgary can become in the future.
Nov 25, 2021•44 min•Ep. 195
In-person shopping is a sensory and interactive brand experience that online shopping can’t match. But barriers to search, view, select and buy from a complete inventory line exist - so the Nobal Technologies team is working to change that. Bill explains the ins and outs of Nobal Technologies along with the ESG benefits to reducing online shopping.
Nov 23, 2021•47 min•Ep. 194
The skills of the future aren’t just technical skills like AI or coding robots, it’s also the essential skills of knowledge like being able to learn and make meaning and sense out of something unknown to you. That’s exactly what Margo Purcell and her team at InceptionU are building. “Through a unique approach of unlearning beliefs, assumptions, mental models, biases that hold us back and learning critical thinking, InceptionU is helping Albertans prepare to successfully greet the future.”
Nov 18, 2021•49 min•Ep. 193
If you’re curious about how new technology is invented and rolled out, this episode is just for you! Trish explains what ARIS is working on at SAIT and some of the incredible innovations to come out of it - including one that recently won the City of Calgary’s Mayor’s Innovation Challenge. Learn how the best Alberta advantage is our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and how technological solutions made here can have an impact in multiple industry verticals.
Nov 16, 2021•49 min•Ep. 192
Don’t know where to start with your idea? Want to know the ins and outs of the startup landscape in Calgary? Jade’s got you covered. He covers why your idea needs to come into the light, how camaraderie among startups helps companies from diverse backgrounds shine, and why sales is crucial for business success.
Nov 11, 2021•46 min•Ep. 191
Alvin is an incredibly optimistic technical thinker who will help you gain a clear understanding of Industrial IoT using his experience as an entrepreneurial engineer. You’ll understand the five pillars of IoT, why the biggest barrier to success is human resources, and how the decrease in tech costs have increased our ability to power more, accomplish more, and produce more.
Nov 09, 2021•52 min•Ep. 190
Everyone wants the billion-dollar unicorn, but Jonathan knows successful companies are the ones who are disciplined to find the first $1,000 (or 1,000 customers). Learn what VC funds look for at the pre-seed and seed levels, why a process mindset is a tech entrepreneur’s best asset, and what key lessons Jonathan learned about the VC ecosystem on the Prairies.
Nov 04, 2021•52 min•Ep. 189
Imagine... A completely smart office tower - where your cell phone guides you to your desk, which is temperature-controlled and lit to your precise preferences, where private conversations cannot be heard because technology is dampening the sound. Peter’s team at PCC Integrate is building offices like this today. Learn how IoT can revolutionize work and why Calgary, Alberta is the place to be an IoT leader.
Nov 02, 2021•46 min•Ep. 188
Sometimes, you need to spend money to make money. Seeking investment into a start-up is no different. Successful companies with simple capital structures that are easy to understand create more value, which creates a snowball effect. Adam breaks this down, along with his insights on being comfortable talking about money, seeking legal advice, and what Calgary needs to do to become the most important tech centre in North America.
Oct 29, 2021•51 min•Ep. 187
Lawrence believes not only in thinking outside the box but that there is no box to constrain our innovations at all. As a neuromuscular neurologist, he is working to drive better health outcomes. Challenges in healthcare are global - which means the impact of new advancements can be far-reaching. Learn more about KASTx and gain a clearer understanding of the digital health ecosystem and how to invest in it.
Oct 26, 2021•47 min•Ep. 186
Murray Rodgers is an astute and successful businessman, and he also understands that not everything should be predicated on endless growth. And psychedelic or shamanic plant medicine is one of those. Murray helps you understand what plant medicine really is and how it creates measurable outcomes for a myriad of mental health illnesses and addictions. He also unpacks the business opportunities and challenges of investing in psychedelic research companies and how Calgary is at the forefront of psy...
Oct 21, 2021•50 min•Ep. 185
If you want to understand what going carbon neutral or decarbonizing a facility actually means, Grant is the perfect guide. Grant is not only passionate about decreasing air pollution and leaving a better province for future generations, but his team at Proton Energy is working to create that future through their innovative approach to hydrogen production. If you’re not sold on what a green Alberta can look like, this episode will give you plenty to consider.
Oct 19, 2021•48 min•Ep. 184
Reva Bond Ramsden knows how to build - whether infrastructure or the future of students. Reva will help you understand how technology is changing what students learn, where and how they learn, and how quickly curriculums have to change to keep up. Her insight into the traditional construction industry complements her forward-thinking approach to construction in the future.
Oct 14, 2021•51 min•Ep. 183
The skills you have today may not be the skills that are required one year from now. But what are the skills of tomorrow? Heidi Brandley will help us understand how job seekers and employers that remain flexible and agile will continue succeeding, the opportunities in a virtual work world, and how Alberta-based companies can continue to attract and develop top talent across the province.
Oct 12, 2021•54 min•Ep. 182
Understanding what innovation really means, or what emerging technology is capable of, doesn’t have to be impossible. Leah Sarich uses her background as a news anchor to tell the incredible stories happening in Alberta through Thin Air Labs. By working with start-ups that are creating massive impact, and helping all Calgarians understand the benefit and value of our innovation ecosystem, Leah and Thin Air Labs can get our city, province, and the world on board for a brighter future.
Oct 08, 2021•41 min•Ep. 181
According to Justin, IoT helps existing skillsets and expertise by amplifying it and making them more powerful. Despite working in a mature industry, Justin and his team knew the Alberta IoT Fast Track Program could help them pivot their business to better serve their customers by eliminating the friction caused by noise pollution. Learn more about the power of IoT and how Alberta is a global leader in the sound and acoustics industry.
Oct 07, 2021•51 min•Ep. 180
