Another buzzword that’s been making the rounds is FinTech; a term that refers to innovations in the financial and technology crossover space that disrupt traditional financial methods and services. As the President & CEO of Alberta Central, an organization that serves Alberta credit unions, Ian has his finger on the innovation pulse to ensure that credit unions and their members always have the right tools to be successful. So, when he looks at FinTech, he doesn’t see a threat to how things ...
Oct 28, 2020•46 min•Ep. 89
Chris is a born-and-bred Calgarian and the CRO of Jolera, a multinational technology hybrid aggregate service provider (HASP) focused on delivering IT solutions for its customers and channel partners. Now, while that sounds like an interesting topic, Chris joins me for a different kind of conversation. Before we went into lockdown, Chris’s work took him to all kinds of international tech hubs, which gives him a unique perspective on the gaps and opportunities that exist around the world from the...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 88
If you live in Calgary, you’ve more than likely seen Justin hanging around town. Not in person, obviously, but on ads for Justin Havre & Associates of RE/MAX First, one of the top and most trusted residential real estate groups in Calgary. For over 15 years, Justin has lived and breathed residential real estate in Calgary. So, naturally, I was excited to meet the guy who is plastered all over town to learn more about the digital transformation in residential real estate and to get his though...
Oct 22, 2020•46 min•Ep. 87
As one of the founders of SkipTheDishes and the co-founder and CMO of Neo Financial, a new digital platform that gives Canadians a more rewarding spending and saving experience, Jeff can teach us a lot about start-ups, innovation and technology. But as a new Calgarian, he brings a fresh perspective on what we can do to make ourselves synonymous with new technology and to create more opportunities for innovation. In this episode, Jeff takes us on this journey from co-founding SkipTheDishes to his...
Oct 19, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 86
For nearly 20 years, Billy worked as a Chemical Engineer using a lot of technologies that originated from the 60s and 70s. Many of them improved over time, but none were innovative game-changers that kept up with the times. So, in 2015, Billy decided to shake things up, quite literally. He founded Exergy Solutions Inc., a disruptive technology-focused consultancy that offers fit-for-purpose lab-scale and pilot-scale equipment for research and innovation, including 3D Printing and Augmented and V...
Oct 14, 2020•44 min•Ep. 85
As the conversation on racism and discrimination continues around the world, I know as both a leader and as a human that it’s time for a long-overdue change. That is why I’m honoured to be joined by Eve Akinyi Aboka-Griess. As the Founder of Capability Career Group, Eve reaches out and helps organizations in Calgary identify discrimination and racism that exists in their ranks and helps them understand, learn, and address it to create equal opportunity for all. So, who better to help us understa...
Oct 14, 2020•52 min•Ep. 84
Scott is the Co-Founder and CEO of Scope AR, a Silicon Valley-based company specializing in using AR to solve some of the toughest problems that many industries face. But before he was making waves in the tech start-up capital of the world, Scott was born and raised right here in Alberta. So, what led to his decision to move to Silicon Valley? What do they have that Alberta doesn’t? Join me as Scott shares some insight into why he moved to California, what Alberta was missing at the time and wha...
Oct 09, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 83
“Digital transformation” may be turning into a buzzword in Alberta, but it’s definitely a complex term with many meanings. And if you know one thing about this series it’s that I want to understand our digital transformation from every possible angle. So, when Lora and Craig reached out wanting to expose people to how they’re helping our organizations plan and implement transformational change, I had to have them on the show. Join me as Lora and Craig take us through their roles at SAIT and walk...
Oct 06, 2020•44 min•Ep. 82
Dan got his entrepreneurial start right here in Calgary making websites during the late 90’s. From there, he took part in the golden age of tech consulting in Calgary before growing an interest in product development. That’s when he and his like-minded partner packed up their laptops and moved to Silicon Valley to immersive themselves in the start-up culture. The result – Rallyteam, a platform that enables companies to better understand and utilize their people. Since being acquired by Workday i...
Oct 05, 2020•58 min•Ep. 81
Back in 2013, Cathy co-founded 42 Technologies, a modern business intelligence platform designed for omnichannel retailers that makes retail data simple, intuitive, and powerful. This was an exciting idea that quickly gained interest from potential investors and customers, but there was a small setback – they were all in the US, and 42 Technologies was based in Canada. So, Cathy and 42 moved to San Francisco to build closer relationships with their investors, gain better access to their key cust...
Sep 28, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 80
Western Canada seems to be polarized lately. It’s either left versus right. Oil and gas or environmentalism. Us against them. Whichever side you’re on, it seems we’ve lost the ability to have a dialogue rather than a debate. So, how can we move forward without a clear consensus and direction? That's where my guests Dave and Robin, two professional facilitators, come in to shine a light on how we can all get back on the same page. In this episode, Robin, Dave and I discuss the importance of build...
Sep 24, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 79
Few have had a journey like Greg has. That is unless they also went from being an entrepreneur to a start-up founder, professor at the University of Calgary, leader of the Alberta Party, investor, and board member. Yet through the many hats Greg has worn during his career, one thing has never swayed – his deep-felt belief in the success of our city. So, who better to talk to about our transformation and what the future has in store for us than Greg? In this episode, Greg and I have a good old fa...
Sep 18, 2020•47 min•Ep. 78
As a leader, business strategy coach, and board director, Lori brings 25+ years of hands-on experience in all aspects of business to the table. Her career as a strategic planner gives her a unique perspective on Calgary and our way forward. So, what’s her take on our transformation? It’s a two-sided coin that presents both opportunities and roadblocks, and we need to keep both in mind as we move forward. In this episode, Lori and I have an honest conversation about the two sides of the coin – th...
Sep 17, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 77
Jennifer is a champion for women and innovation, not only in Calgary but around the world. That’s how as Director of the Global Innovation Coalition for Change of UN Women with a deep network of female innovators, Jennifer was able to make Alberta the first pilot branch for UN Women called the SHEInnovates Alberta Chapter. As a way to showcase his exciting new partnership, SHEInnovates are hosting Women Leading Innovation – a half-day, live-stream event featuring women at the top of their games ...
Sep 14, 2020•31 min•Ep. 76
With a career in oil and gas that spans over 35 years, Ken has worked through many of Calgary’s highs-and-lows. Some of those lows are well-known and not worth reliving. But the highs are what Ken thinks back on the most; when brilliant, talented minds were pumping out countless innovations right here in our city. And it’s those kinds of minds we need to keep here to solve the problems we face today. Join me for a good old fashioned chat as Ken shares 35+ years’ worth of insights in our Oil &...
Sep 09, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 75
They say the secret to success is to surround yourself with the right people. This could not be more true for me by working side-by-side with my partner-in-crime, Chad Kroeker. Not only is he my co-founder at clearmotive, Chad can rally anyone behind him with his authenticity and honesty, or, as he likes to put it, by being a vulnerable leader. Join me for a good old-fashioned chat with Chad as we discuss his unique style of leadership and why being authentic and honest will always empower the p...
Sep 03, 2020•39 min•Ep. 74
From his early days as a cabinet maker to becoming a world leader in digital interior construction, Mogens’ career is founded on keeping up with innovation and, more importantly, with the times. So, did his adaptive instinct kick in back in March when the world practically shut down due to COVID-19? Of course it did, because for Mogens, you need to be a long-term thinker and be ready for anything to succeed in business. Join me as Mogens walks us through how his company Falkbuilt adapted to the ...
Aug 27, 2020•43 min•Ep. 73
As Co-Founder & CEO of AltaML, Cory is always bouncing between his offices in Edmonton and Calgary, working alongside his teams to conceptualize, develop and commercialize machine learning software products. Aside from a to-be-expected rivalry between Flames and Oilers fans, Cory sees a huge commonality between thought leaders, innovators, and shakers in each city. So, why isn't Alberta seen as an international technology hub? Cory thinks it's because our top talent has their eyes set elsewh...
Aug 20, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 72
Marketing has drastically changed because of COVID-19. We are constantly reminded by big brands that they are here for us and that we are, in fact, all in this together. But does that translate into leads and action from consumers? Or do our own biases still call the shots? Mark believes the latter and that marketers shouldn’t lose sight of it. Join me as Mark and I discuss marketing in this new age, the concept of confirmation bias, and what marketers must do to ensure relevancy in a post-COVID...
Aug 18, 2020•44 min•Ep. 71
Joel has a unique perspective. He now lives in Calgary, but his work in technology has taken him around the world, giving him insight into how other countries view us. So, what is everyone saying? Canadian technology is as respected as any place else on Earth. While that’s certainly a reputation to be proud of, Joel believes there is still much to be done for us to prosper in the global marketplace. Join me as Joel talks about our international reputation as technological leaders and why our gov...
Aug 12, 2020•52 min•Ep. 70
When much of the workforce had to set up shop at home, thousands of post-secondary students were forced to replace their hands-on learning experience with virtual classrooms. While that’s certainly a big adjustment for both students and their teachers, Laura believes it’s the beginning of a total transformation in education and how we will continue to learn. Join me as Laura takes us through how the students, faculty, and staff at NAIT quickly adapted to the pandemic and what the world of educat...
Aug 12, 2020•41 min•Ep. 69
There’s a reason people call their big idea their brainchild. They, and they alone, know what’s best for it. Jaeson believes it’s that kind of mentality that causes so many great ideas to never come to life. Because the only way to turn that brainchild into a success story is to share it with the right people and get their take on it – especially if it might sting. In this episode, Jaeson talks about turning a big idea into a successful business and sheds a light on the innovative communities an...
Aug 07, 2020•54 min•Ep. 68
These days, there are many discussions around environmental issues that give our Oil and Gas industry a bad rap. While it’s certainly anyone’s right to be passionate about the causes they support, Rick believes it’s important to scratch beneath the surface and look beyond social media. Because the more we learn about our innovations and international reputation as Oil & Gas leaders, the more we can truly understand our impact on the world and our future. Join me as Rick and I discuss the inn...
Aug 05, 2020•48 min•Ep. 67
There’s a fine line between freelancers and entrepreneurs. One works hard for their money while the other works hard to set up systems that will make them money. While many of us put ourselves on either side of that fine line, Bobbie Racette walks it. Bobbie is the Founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus, an inclusive and diverse Talent as a Service Solution that matches its users with remote assistants and freelancers across North America. In this episode, Bobbie tells us the story of how Virtual Guru...
Jul 29, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 66
Last November, TELUS Spark launched The Roadmap for the 2020s, a complete transformation of the Calgary Science Centre with a focus on unusual experiences. Then a very unusual experience happened – a global pandemic. For Mary Anne Moser, CEO of TELUS Spark, it wasn't time to pump the brakes on their plan. It was time to re-imagine their transformation. Join me as Mary Anne takes us behind the scenes at TELUS Spark, from the lockdown to their re-opening, while also diving into her entrepreneurial...
Jul 23, 2020•56 min•Ep. 65
While many companies had to adapt to the COVID-19 crisis, Phil Alle went in a different direction. Along with a group of Calgary-based innovators, Phil formed Teser Technology and got to work designing the ACT™ (Advanced Cleaning Technology), a small but powerful U-V light sterilization unit that kills traces of COVID-19 on PPE equipment in under one minute. In this episode, Phil tells us how Teser Technology came to be, how they manufactured their innovative solution during a global pandemic an...
Jul 23, 2020•40 min•Ep. 64
With so many conversations revolving around our digital transformation, you may still be curious about the future of our oil and gas industry. My guest Grant Fagerheim, President & CEO of Whitecap Resources, might have the answers you’re looking for. As an industry-leading executive with a 40+ year career, Grant has seen many transformations in the oil and gas sector, making him one of the most credible voices for what's to come. Join me as Grant shares his insights in the industry that Albe...
Jul 17, 2020•49 min•Ep. 63
Connecting innovative technologies with established industries can be a bit like speed dating – neither is given enough time to understand each other. Luckily for them, my guest Kimberley Van Vliet, CEO of WāVv and ConvergX®, is a matchmaker of sorts. For the last 15 years, Kimberley has used her expertise to bridge the gap between multiple industries, from aerospace to oil & gas and even fashion, and innovative technologies to create a cross benefit where both sides win. Join me as Kimberle...
Jul 09, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 62
We can learn a lot from the agriculture industry. For an industry as old as the day is long, agriculture is full of innovation, cutting edge technologies, and an instinct to embrace new ways of thinking. That’s why my guest Wilson Acton, CCO of Verge and EVP of Whipcord, believes it's time for us to think more like AG when it comes to the digital transformation of our province. Join me as Wilson talks about the role technology has played in transforming the agriculture industry and why it’s so i...
Jul 09, 2020•59 min•Ep. 61
Technology has enabled us to remain efficient and transparent as we work from home, with many businesses using technologies they wouldn't have considered using just a few months ago. Is this an opportunity for us to re-evaluate the ways we use new technologies outside the home office? My guest Phil Roberts, CEO of Payload, believes that is our silver lining during this crisis. In this episode, Phil helps us understand the relationship between digitization and transparency in business and why we ...
Jul 08, 2020•54 min•Ep. 60
